Praise
Elemental Writing
“Elemental Writing: Decompose was a sanctuary for the whole, courageous, shining self even as it decays and dismembers. This astounding journey weaves far-reaching topics and tenderness into brilliantly curated experiential themes, where bodies and ghosts, magical rot and curious compost, multispecies mourning and reclaimed seeds can mingle, unravel, reverberate in unexpected, unrehearsed and long-awaited ways. I am immensely grateful to have experienced Jen's generous wisdom, soul-stirring prompts and profoundly nourishing mystery-saturated embodied writing process, with resources and reflections to keep growing/dissolving into for years to come.
EWD was an invitation to turn towards what we have been conditioned to turn away from; to bravely befriend the forces of death and disintegration as holders of wild life-affirming magic within our inner ecosystems and external landscapes. Through this 6-month inquiry, I have become a more expansive and hospitable home.”
—Zara Zimbardo
Oakland/Huchiun
“I was drawn to Elemental Writing with Jen after hiring her to coach me on a book I'm working on where she guided me to more deeply consider the elements and role of nature in my writing. Jen is so beautifully attuned to the changes in season in the world and in the self, the ebb and flow of sensory experience, and playful ways to access these in writing. Her prompts are the best, and her writing programs always encourage confidence in expression and sharing. Plus, they help me connect more fully with what's happening in the natural world of which I'm part.”
—Cheryl
Minnesota
“I love the Elemental Writing sessions. I feel held and inspired, and my writing pours through me. Jen's skillful, humorous, inventive space-holding has sparked a renewal of my creative flow.”
—Emily
Colorado
“Jen Violi is a master teacher and a wonderful word conjurer. What drew me to her writing groups and retreats was initially her ‘Writing the Moon‘ retreat. It was so magical I signed up for many more. When I read her book, Putting Make-up On Dead People, I was also attracted by her talent for unique storytelling. The Elemental workshops, which inspired me the most, are something that have been a focal point of my creative expression, within a beloved community of writers, with Jen and the group members fostering my evolving sense that I’m an artist. The inspirational writing prompts and safe container held with loving kindness by Jen, has blown my mind repeatedly as words and ideas spill out of me.
I highly recommend that you try this space where you can explore and find your voice…. It’s a rare chance to find an inclusive and fun vibe such as this in our critical world.”
—JD-One
Montreal, Canada
“Elemental Writing is not just an intellectual exercise in writing. It is an immersion in the depth of connection with the world within and without! Jen beautifully weaves ceremony, writing exercises, and wisdom about writing, prompting inspiration, insight, and opportunity for novices and experts alike to hone their craft - whether for publication or self-reflection. Each class of the Elemental Writing course on Water was fully engaging, stocked with thoughtful and thought-provoking experiences, and opened me, heart and soul, to a new way of being in relationship with writing and with water, in me and on the Earth.”
—Mary Reaman
Dayton, Ohio
“I have been taking notes and researching for five years on my topic. This class gave me the jump start I needed to actually start writing. And, I so appreciated everyone's openness to the process and the care for each other – which were modeled beautifully by Jen herself.”
—Jen G
Oregon
“Jen Violi is a warm and wise guide, capable of leading you into the wilds of your imagination with wonder, humor, and reverence. In her Elemental Writing course, I not only learned practical, helpful tips about the craft of writing and the writing life, but I also reconnected with my own innate creative wisdom. In each meeting with Jen, I felt inspired to explore and take new risks in my writing and to reclaim my own authentic voice that had for many years fallen silent. Jen helped me reignite my love for writing and my confidence and joy as a creative person.”
—Anne Compton Lambeth
New Orleans, LA
“I wanted a safe and inspiring place to gather with other writers and creatives. In the elemental writing experience, I received that and so much more! The creatures we met each week became our beloved companions and co-conspirators. With their inspiration, we roared and howled, our inner voices raised in a weekly shared ritual of truthtelling, tears and laughter.”
—Jennifer RL Garrison
Oregon
“Elemental Writing is a space where writers can be heartfelt, heartseen, heartloved and heartbroken with their words. Jen's facilitation is kind and curious, open and tender. I left each session feeling inspired and a bit more free. Thank you so much, Jen!”
—Sara Padilla
Oregon
“I signed up for Elemental Writing because I was looking for nurturing accountability (my creative impulses to write are there - if left to my own devices, I don't always act on them). I didn't want a lot of rules - I wanted space and safety - and a touch of magic along with it. I wanted to share my work in a community of writers where we all honored the vulnerability of writing and sharing and being in a container together. What I got was all of that PLUS SO MUCH MORE. I felt seen, heard, held, accountable, inspired - my whole body engaged with the program and it was exactly what I needed to get myself reacquainted with my voice again. This program is for you if you're looking for a whole mind, body, spirit experience with your words, your voice, your life – it is pure magic in a bottle that gets better each week as you feel yourself expanding into the space, onto the page and into the world that surrounds you.”
—Stacey
Baltimore, Maryland
“Elemental Writing: Water turned out to be so much more than I expected it to be--not only did it include time and prompts for generative writing, but also elements of writing craft like voice and narrative arc introduced through water metaphors. Jen is a sensitive facilitator, and she attracted a group of writers who inspired and supported me. I am eager to sign up for the next in the series.”
—Andrée
Portland, Oregon
“Jen's soul is deep, and the work she brings forward to the world matches that depth. Her exercises are engaging and innovative, and the tenderness of her heart is matched by the fierceness of her intellect. If something in her call is speaking to you, don't hesitate.”
—Laraine Herring
Arizona
“Jen, both classes in this series with you have gotten me through the year, as the world opens up from these last few traumatic years. Your instructional style is different than any other class I've been in. You've gathered wise and wonderful material each week and you provide an optimal environment for the kind of free creative expression I've been craving. All three are what I need this year. I look forward to number three starting this month, as my favourite season ushers in the kind of cool, crisp days I wait for all year long. I can't wait to breathe the air with you.”
—Kerry Kijewski
Ontario, Canada
“I was seeking some inspiration and support to boost my creative writing and Elemental Writing was exactly what I needed. Jen combined ritual, community-building, and coaching to create a beautiful writing program and experience. I was able to unlock my creativity to put words to some stories that I’d long needed to write and share.”
—Courtney
Kansas
“At a time when I was (am) struggling to find the time to dedicate to writing, it held me and gave me space and encouragement and inspiration to connect with myself, to connect with the earth, and to write. My classmates were wonderful and supportive and beautiful writers. Your presence is a blessing, and the structure of the class and the materials and prompts presented were well thought out, thought provoking, and helped me generate some writing I was proud of. The class was absolute magic.”
—Vanessa
California
“Jen, I so deeply value the time/care/thought put into the weekly handouts. There’s a pattern to them. The rhythm/ritual within the space of the class as well as the rhythm/ritual to the communications after class have helped me stay grounded in these 6 weeks, and I will miss that.”
—Erin
Colorado
“The 10 week Call of the Wild coincided with my summer recovery and rehab following two total knee replacements in the previous 1 and 5 months. I wanted to balance out my exercise and strengthening with regular time of supported creative writing. It was perfect--the animals that taught us so much about writing, the creative leadership of Jen, the people who gathered each week and weekly times of personal writing. It was a gift.”
—Nancy M. Thurston
Portland, OR
“Jen Violi is an incandescent light in the fertile creative darkness. Her joy, enthusiasm, and creative brilliance invite you into your writing possibilities with ease and grace. Her command of language is a wonder to behold, inspiring me to play with words in a light and airy way. I absolutely loved this course! I highly recommend working with her. Give yourself the gift of joy, laughter, and creative community!”
—Jen Freeman
Montana
“With her Ecosystem grounded prompts, as I finish a timed writing, I realize that Jen and 'my pen made me do it.’ Whether they’re from Patreon or her delicious writers’ circles, where she has mastered space–holding wisdom, she brings us to our uninhibited voice.
“We find each cycle, we have accessed our magical, mystical, poetic self. I so appreciate Jen's creative experience, inspiration, and knowledge, and how she brings out the wild in me. She helps me to express in words, that which I am unable to do on my own, effortlessly.”
—Jennifer RL Garrison
Oregon
Coaching
“I hired Jen because I was ready to make a commitment to my writing. She is a terrific reader and her grace-filled and professional feedback has been inspiring and terrifically helpful. She is gifted at unsticking the stuck, and as stuckness can be a life condition as well as a writing condition, Jen's counsel actually helped me out of a tightly wedged way of seeing my life! She seeks and shares delight. She's fierce. She's a great coach.”
—Kate Redmond
Portland, OR
“I hired Jen because I had a story in my heart and journals that I wanted to tell but had no idea where to begin. Jen gave me courage to start. Her astute questions cause me to dig deeper and carefully guide me to the more authentic version of what I want to say. Her positive comments encourage me to keep going, and I greatly appreciate the flexibility Jen has allowed me. I have loved my interaction with Jen. The only frustration has been that I don’t have more time to work with her!”
—Colette Stasiewich
Edmonton, Alberta
“Two weeks in, and this is already feeling beyond anything I ever knew I hoped for. Thank you!”
—Sheena H.
Writer & adventurer – California
“When I realized that I needed some help to get a draft of my novel completed, and doing it on my own usually ended up with me rubbing the dog's furry belly instead, I started asking some of my other writer friends for a resource, and I kept hearing Jen's name over and over. She truly has been amazing, providing me with advice, suggestions, direction, encouragement, encouragement (yeah, I said it twice), and has helped me bring my sprawling mess of an idea closer to fruition that I had thought possible. Hire her. You won't regret it.”
—Mitchell Sommers
Attorney, Mitchell Sommers, Esq. P.C.; Fiction Editor, Philadelphia Stories – Lancaster, PA
“I was in need of some editorial feedback to jump start revisions on my book and help me through writer's block, but was nervous about finding someone who could give me the useful, in-depth critique I needed while also understanding I need encouragement, too. As soon as I met Jen, I wanted to work with her -- she was fun and friendly and instantly put me at ease. Her critique was extensive and insightful but also gave me the reassurance and courage to take my story apart and rebuild it (something I think I knew I needed to do, but was too overwhelmed to actually tackle). Even though I know her critiques are going to mean I have a lot work ahead of me, instead of being discouraged and overwhelmed, her input makes me feel excited and reinvigorated to dive right back in to my story. Working with Jen has not only helped make my story better, it's helped make my writing better.”
—Brittney Hall
Portland, Oregon
“Jen has a wonderful and patient way of getting me to find out what I need to do to get the words out of me. The words had been stuck inside me for a long time, although I knew I had a book to write. Since coaching with Jen, I have felt a wonderful flow of words. She has supported me to find out what works for me and led me through the creative process of discovering what could come next. One of the best things I’ve done – highly recommended. ”
—Priya George
Technology Start-Up Magician – Melbourne, Australia
“Jen is that rare and precious gem of a coach, cheerleader, butt-kicker, and hand-holder we all long to meet and invite into our writing lives!”
—Meg Van Buren
Portland, OR
“Jen listened deeply and provided me with just the right kind of encouragement and accountability to move my writing forward. Jen is brilliant at tapping into my inner pool of creative potential in ways that are engaging and funny and that always enliven my spirit and inspire me to a fuller expression of my voice as a writer.”
—Delila Olsson
Writer & Content Strategist – Lake Oswego, OR
“Jen Violi is such a great combination of nurturer and pragmatist. She strikes the perfect balance between pushing writing forward and remembering that, most importantly, all writing distinguishes itself through voice. She understands this implicitly, and she digs in to excavate the voice that waits inside each writer. She honors that voice and works with her writers to best draw it out in a way that feels safe. She allowed me to move forward and believe in myself.”
—Arin Black
Writer, Professor – Florida
“I came to Jen with the desire to be a writer, the desire to capture in words the experiences of my life. With her guidance, I learned to explore and write more deeply about emotions and details. Jen was with me, providing encouragement and challenging me to do more to go deeper—doing so would provide my readers with a more compelling story.”
—John Boland
Project Engineer – Baltimore, MD
“Working with Jen Violi was the best investment I made in my business the entire year. She is a Goddess with words, and an amazing writing coach who will get your story out of you. Before we worked together, I felt boring and unoriginal. I didn't know my story could inspire others. After we worked together, I felt like I truly connected with others who share a similar story to mine. This makes my work with smart women entrepreneurs that much more impactful. After spending thousands of dollars elsewhere to try and figure out exactly what made me unique, I credit Jen for helping discover my true brand identity that is authentically me. Jen is worth every single penny and more. Hire this woman...she will bring your story out of you faster than you ever thought possible.”
—Terra Bohlmann
Business Coach – Houston, Texas
“Jen inspires me to put to paper extraordinary thoughts about the most ordinary parts of my life. The heart, not the pen, is now my primary tool.”
—Louise Gussin, J.D., Attorney and Associate VP for Business & Administration – Laurel, MD
Editing
“I'm so happy! I want to print out your feedback all out and roll around on the bed with it like they did with the money in that movie Indecent Proposal! Thank you so much!”
—Kelly Wilson
Comedian and Author of Caskets from Costco – Portland, OR
“The great thing about Jen is that she never tries to hijack your work and make it sound like her—instead she strives to help the writer develop the story into her own vision. She is one of my go-to people with questions about short stories and novel work, and I count on her opinion quite heavily. Jen Violi is a fantastic writer and a fantastic person to boot. We should all be so lucky to have someone like Jen in our creative arsenals.”
—Lish McBride
Author of Hold Me Closer, Necromancer – Seattle, WA
“When I was looking for an editor to put the final polish to my book, I asked several associates for references and every single one said "Jen Violi." I was completely convinced that Jen was the perfect fit when we chatted over Skype. We connected immediately and I knew I could trust her with my book. She had me digging deep and stirred up some deep feeling which made this book so much better. I felt like Jen was as invested in my "Why" for writing this book as I was.”
—Dianna Bowes
Author, Speaker, Foundress of Fabulous@50 – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
“I needed someone to edit my chapter submission to a new book. Jen had edited my friend’s book and when I met her at an event, her energy, confidence and writing style was a match for me. I bought her book and loved her writing style. She took my words and made magic; I’m thrilled with the results. I’m looking forward to Jen helping me with my own book project later this year.”
—Shari Molchan
Business & Personal Money Coach - Nanaimo, BC Canada
“While writing my memoir, I reached a point where I was searching for a story editor. Jen Violi came highly recommended by some close friends. After our first conversation, I knew Jen was the one to help bring my story to life. Before I hired her, my story was "all over the place" and I felt a bit untethered. During our work together, she helped me focus on the story that mattered and needed to be told. Through the entire process Jen was supportive, fun and helped me power through many tough days of writing. I couldn't have finished without her. She nurtured and supported me during emotional times and pushed me when I needed it. I am so proud of my memoir and much of that is due to Jen's direction!”
—Bonita Lehmann
Author, Speaker,“Dream Big” Life Coach, & EQ Certified Trainer - Edmonton, Alberta
“Jen not only saw the value of my story but gave editorial advice on how to round out the story's potential. This was crucial in creating a truly good book that I am now confident in sending to literary agents. I could never have done this without Jen.”
—Mark Rues
Author & Acupuncturist - Philadelphia, PA
“Thank you so much, Jen! The biggest benefit from our work together was the actual written developmental edit report. I just love all your insights, and I can’t wait to read it ten more times. The next biggest benefits were the fact that you were flexible with payment plans, open about communication, and willing to negotiate timelines to ensure that the final product met both our creative needs.”
—Ann Charles Watts
Dayton, Ohio
“I cannot tell you what timely and welcome input this is. I had begun to lose faith in the value of a professional reader/editor/conversation partner. And yet, I feel incredibly blessed by the level of care, specificity, and generosity you brought to my work. I feel energized and hopeful–your comments and suggestions are all resonant and achievable!”
—SF
Portland, OR
“I hired Jen because I valued being in the workshop that she taught plus the weekend retreat I attended. After we worked together, I was more motivated and eager to write. Plus the fact that we always have fun!”
—Pat Rumer
Professor, Activist – Portland, OR
“Jen honored my voice and sent me back to keep diving deeper and get clearer over and over again. Big Topics at Midnight is a stronger, brighter and more beautiful book because Jen’s beautiful hands touched the book and my life. I am forever grateful.”
—Nancy M. Thurston
Big Topics Visionary & Conversation Catalyst - Portland, OR
“Jen Violi is by far the best developmental editor ever. She works magic in helping you create a piece that is so clearly you, your voice and your words. She is professional and on track. She is gifted, talented, dedicated and more—she is concerned with the writer’s work as though it is her own. What more can you ask for? If you are able to work with Jen, make it so. You will be forever grateful, and your success is imminent if you do the work.”
—Jo Dibblee
Author of Frock Off, Sooke, BC Canada
Program: Discover the Book You’re Meant to Write
“DTB with Jen has given me the structure and push that I needed to actually start writing my story. Being accountable each week has been tremendously helpful and I always eagerly look forward to the thoughtful feedback. I would never have gotten here so easily on my own, yet the beauty is that now I feel I have the tools necessary to move forward on my own.”
—Star Ferguson
Acupuncturist, Discover the Book Alum
“Through taking DTB, I got the boost I needed to finish a draft of my first book. She sent me editorial feedback on the draft, and honestly it took me almost a week to look at it. When I screwed up my courage to open the document, I was so grateful and inspired by her insights and comments. I could hardly wait to start revising!”
—Delila Olsson
Content Strategist & Business Storyteller, Discover the Book Alum
“Writing a book had been bouncing around in my head for a long time, but I never seemed to get traction with it&em;until I started DTB. This class was my favorite things I've done in years.”
—Jill Doughtie
Stay-at-Home Mom, Discover the Book Alum
“I first came to Jen because, although I had written many short pieces, I was daunted about stringing them together into something longer. What I thought was a book project became a soul-transforming life project. Or maybe a life-transforming soul project. Discover The Book You're Meant to Write is an investment not only in your creative process, but in all of your life.”
—Jennifer Garrison Brownell
Pastor & Author of Swim, Ride, Run, Breathe: How I Lost a Triathlon and Caught My Breath; Discover the Book Alum
“The hardest part of signing up for a writing class is wondering if your voice will be heard and you’ll come away with your story, not one the teacher wants. So with all my vulnerability, I signed up for Jen’s DTB class, compelled to tell my stepmother story, knowing I couldn’t get there on my own. I came away with the outline and introduction to a kick-ass book with my ideas and stories refined and expanded.
“Since the class, I've completed a full draft of my book and am preparing to share it with test readers, and Jen has been there, answering key questions and supporting me throughout the process.”
—Kim Cottrell
Feldenkrais Practitioner & Author, Discover the Book Alum
Retreats
“Jen Violi has a magical ability to craft a retreat that is both very spacious and very pointed in its intent. I came away from my time at the Story Watch Retreat amazed at how I was able to tap into my inner landscape and then bring forth my own voice &em; sometimes silly, sometimes with an edge. Jen’s guidance is deep and true.”
—Kate Pagliasotti, MS, LAc
Portland, OR
“Jen, I adore you. Plain and simple. You find the words that are lost in space and in my heart when I can't find them. You ask the best questions and I LOVE your writing prompts.
“I came to the Story Watch Retreat because I knew there were some words that needed to be teased out and nourished. That is exactly what I got, plus your undivided attention and love. You make it easy to tell the story or sentences that want to come out because of your playful heart and the generosity that oozes out of you.”
—Rhonda Abdurahman
Creator of Love Your Genius – Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
“I'm an international sales speaker/coach and I write about business constantly but hardly ever make the time to write the personal essays and fiction that are close to my heart. I signed up for Jen’s retreat as it was the perfect opportunity to learn from her gentle yet powerful style and also to make time for my own writing. OMG &em; it was incredible! She really inspired a ton of new thoughts about writing, great exercises and it was absolutely worth the investment. My writing is on fire now!”
—Kim Duke
Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
“I attend retreats with Jen Violi as often as I can because she creates an environment that is the perfect combination of tough and love; focused and structured to please my accountable, fierce adult self who meets her writing goals….and nurturing and nourishing to safely bring my inner creative child out to play. I come out of her retreats with renewed energy and inspiration, and often, new work.”
—Zuli Mallinson
Author of The Dog Lover’s Companion to Oregon – Portland, Oregon
“Jen's retreat gave me the sacred quiet time I've yearned for—to create, to write, to dream. The uplifting group sessions, the beauty of the Oregon Coast, the deep intention for silence and spaciousness gave me the creative inspiration I needed to make real progress on my book all weekend.”
—Carole Anderson
Retired Consultant – The Dalles, Oregon
“I love how Jen combines ritual and writing. She knows how to create the right mood to get the creative juices flowing. I love how she uses her intuitive skills to know exactly what writing prompts to use. What followed next was simply pure magic and flow. It was amazing how easily the words spilled out on paper!”
—Annie Pool
Fabulous @ 50 Regional Director – Victoria, BC
DIY Retreats
“Leonard Cohen’s song, “Anthem,” has been on my mind lately. I mentioned Cohen’s lines to my creative writing class to emphasize that we are, none of us, perfect, nor is our work, but this imperfection should never stop us showing up. So when I saw Jen Violi’s “That’s How The Light Gets In” Solstice retreat, I had to order it as part of my radical self-care during the dark season. This retreat was just what I needed to help work through a big transition in my work life. In a cozy, candlelit hour on my sofa, nestled with a cup of tea and snacks, I found the apt image: Metaphorically, I’ve been gnawing on an empty bone, one that is no longer nourishing. As I wrote, I imagined letting it go, and moving on to what next bright shining work I'm meant to do...a strong visual image as I wrote. Jen’s gentle and supportive framework—and her wonderful opening and closing meditations—helped me make space for this important work. With her welcoming wisdom, she guided me through the darkness. I am so grateful for her offerings. Thank you, Jen!”
—Rebecca Kuder
Writer/Cliff-Jumping-Wing-Truster – Yellow Springs, Ohio
“I've had the pleasure of engaging in both Jen's in-person writing retreats and recently her DIY at-home retreat. Given my positive experience with the former, I wasn't sure how the latter would unfold. But I found a quiet hour for myself to write, wrapped a wool scarf around my neck, listened to Jen's recorded voice purr in my ear, and got to work writing for an hour. Her guided questions led me to reflect, write and discover a healthy helping of grace and gratitude. This retreat was a good way to bring the year to a close.”
—Danielle Dumont
Marketing Manager (and thus Ghostwriter) and Part-Time Journal-er and Postcard Correspondent – Portland, OR
Events
“I truly enjoyed Jen's workshop. It was way out of my comfort zone, I must admit; but really good for me. I realize that I am so focused on getting things done and don't allow myself the time to just dream and contemplate. Note to self: schedule dreaming and creative writing time!”
—Sonja Weissenbacher
Vancouver, BC, Canada
“I've watched Jen Violi work her magic with writing students first hand. She has the unique ability to critique and inspire synchronously, and she's helped to mold manuscripts into auctioned novels with her specific and direct advice. Jen is an incredibly warm person and utterly stellar as a writing guide. I can't recommend her enough!”
—Amanda Boyden
Author of Pretty Little Dirty and Babylon Rolling – New Orleans, LA
“I have attended Jen's group workshops and met with her for one-on-one support. I would recommend her to anyone! No matter what your writing experience or background, you will find Jen to be a fabulous leader on your journey into your own writing and self awareness. Jen combines her authentic sense of encouragement with her incredible skill as writer and editor. Whether you are a confident and practiced writer looking for a critical eye for your work, or someone who writes whimsical lines in their journal for only that cat to read (like me), Jen will make you feel welcome and like you "belong" as an artist, while supporting your creative growth.”
—Esther
Crisis Response Advocate – Portland, OR
“Jen's workshop didn't just jump-start my writing; it jump-started me. Sitting in a room of strangers and opening up my writing, my emotional baggage, and my soul was not something that I was ready to do ... but Jen had such a profoundly welcoming intimacy around her that when I was with her I could not feel that I was with strangers. I felt safe enough to dare anything, and to go far beyond anything I had thought to dare before.”
—Scott Shanks
Banks, OR
“Jen Violi has many talents, and they become immediately obvious when she enters a room. Her presentations are honest, direct, and come from the heart. As a guest panelist in my Seminar in Creative Writing & Publishing, she generously shared her experiences with my students and provided them much to chew on. In other contexts I’ve witnessed her ability to gently command an audience and intuit exactly what the participants need. She has substance, she has presence, and most importantly, she enlivens our shared humanity.”
—John C. Wilson
Artist & Educator – Baltimore, MD