Writing for wellness

As the author of Writing for Wellness: A Prescription for Healing, I would first like to thank you for having the book on this site. It could help people who may not know they possess a way--their own writing--that can help them cope with major illnesses and losses in their lives. The method I use in the book is called "focused and directed" writing. It is not journaling but can be a companion to journaling. Our book includes the writings of more than 60 contributors as well as my own cancer survivor story and, most importantly, at the end of each chapter a section called "It's Your Turn" for you, the reader, to use writing prompts and suggestions to get you started writing about the challenges in your life as well as the possitive aspects. To learn more and see a video about how my class at City of Hope National Cancer Center uses writing to help patients, caregivers and staff come together and share life-s experiences through the written word. The website www.writingforwellness.com opens with the video Visions of Wellness, a 30-minute documentary film about the class and book. Whenever I sign the Writing for Wellness book for someone, I include the words, "Stay strong; stay positive!" That is the key to a good life. I hope you enjoy and learn from the book. Sincerely, Julie Davey, author and survivor.