You guys, this is not just another writing course. Whether or not you’re already a writer, it’s your chance to have more impact in the world. The methods I teach in this course have made me a better writer, a happier person, and a member of a “light writing” community that’s lit up my whole world.
WRITE INTO LIGHT is my answer to a moment in human history of unprecedented technological, political, and ecological strangeness. Things could go horribly wrong for humanity at this point – or they could go wonderfully right. Everything we do as a species is supported and directed by the way we think, the way we make meaning of our world and the stories we tell each other about it.
In spite of everything, the pen really is still mightier than the sword.
WRITE INTO LIGHT is the most intimate project I’ve ever created. You’ll learn the art of mining your own experience for wisdom that can genuinely help other people and transform yourself.
Let’s do this thing.
With love and bear hugs,
Throughout time, there have been writers… and there have been what I call Light Writers. Writers express ideas. Light Writers go beyond existing ideas into new concepts that can liberate and transform their readers. This course will make you one of them.
WRITE INTO LIGHT is a guided tour of yourself and your own creative power. This course of lectures, Q&A calls and writing exercises is designed to lead you into the undiscovered core truths of your own consciousness. Light Writing isn’t just about wordsmithing. It’s about awakening.
“WIL taught me the magic I never knew I already had, and I surprised myself over and over again.
– Lara O
“Since taking Write Into Light, my writing routine has become what I’ve always wanted: strong, consistent, and fluid. The group of writers I have met have become an integral part of my writing process, and what I feel has been a missing link in the life of a freelance writer and editor.
– Caroline J
Martha Beck, PhD, is a Harvard-trained sociologist, world-renowned coach and New York Times bestselling author. She has published nine non-fiction books, one novel, and more than 200 magazine articles.
“I’m shocked every time someone introduces me as a ‘bestselling author,’ because I’ve never written to sell myself, only to save myself. Writing is my favorite tool for addressing and dissolving my own suffering. At some point I discovered that it could help others, too. Since then I’ve been humbled by the responses I receive to my books and articles. My most recent stint as a monthly contributor for O, The Oprah Magazine, has lasted 17 years.
The method I call Light Writing is what’s earned me all those gigs. But I still do it primarily to wake myself up, to live more authentically and experience more joy. That makes writing my daily bread in every way I can imagine. I would love to share it with you.”
“I’ve been writing my whole life and the only way that I can reach that deep feeling of safety and relaxation is through Light Writing.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
I can hardly believe our privilege in having my beloved friend and co-conspirator, Elizabeth Gilbert, join us in WRITE INTO LIGHT for regular conversations about writing, the writer’s life, and creating a better world.
You will know her from her megacrazy blockbuster bestselling memoir, Eat, Pray, Love and her TED Talk on writing and genius. She is also, of course, a virtuoso Light Writer.
You are a good fit for this program if you:
WRITE INTO LIGHT is divided into three sessions, each lasting five weeks and including a Light Writing conversation between Martha and Elizabeth Gilbert.
The three sessions, which build upon each other, are:
“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”
Roy T. Bennett
“Write into Light took my writing to a new level – richer, fuller, more authentically me. What I didn’t expect was it would also do the same for my life.
– Mary W
“Write into Light opened a path before me, one I barely knew existed. I had been searching for community and direction for both my writing and my life, and found it.
– Betsy K
If you want to immerse yourself in Write Into Light, our IMMERSION program may be for you. The Immersion program is an intensive experience. It’s for those who are ready for a deep dive into the writing that creates awakening.
We are inviting a small group of committed writers to take part in this program. It offers all the personal touches that aren’t possible in a course the size of Write Into Light: professional feedback, support, development and interaction with Martha.
Immersion Includes
You’re right for IMMERSION if you:
For me, light writing means plunging headlong into the weirdest and worst truths of life and myself, and using the magic I have to form them into something GORGEOUS. Something which only I could make.
Session 1: Be The Truth May 7 - June 11, 2019
In this initial five-week session, you will uncover areas in your own life and mind where you lack clarity and purpose. The lectures and Light Writing exercises will help you connect with the truth and use it to illuminate yourself and your readers. In developing your own writing, you’ll learn to calm and comfort yourself in difficult times, and become a source of healing wisdom for your readers.
Session 2: Be The Change June 18 - July 16, 2019
This session is designed to help you begin transforming your life and writing into “the change you wish to see in the world.” The lectures and exercises will help you pinpoint areas where you want change to occur, then make gentle, powerful, lasting transformation in your life while offering inspiration to others.
As your Light Writing practice becomes more ingrained and familiar, you’ll become more and more proficient at making positive changes, then using your experience to lift and inspire readers.
Session 3: Be The Light July 23 - August 20, 2019
In our final session, the culmination of Write Into Light, you’ll learn to write freely from a place deeper than intellect. Light Writing is a way to open your mind to the realm of philosophers, poets and mystics—true world-changers. The realm where your true self belongs.
Participants in the Immersion program receive everything in the Main Program, plus…
Between May 1 and August 20, there will be something new happening in the program each week. You’ll find all the program resources on a website we call The Light Site. When you are given access to the site on May 1, you’ll find four modules of Pre-Work, which you’re invited to complete prior to May 14.
There are four live calls with Martha that occur throughout the program, that will include a period of Q&A. Each week, new content will become available on the Light Site. This material includes:
For more information, see the program schedule below.
Program Schedule
May 1 – Light Sight Opens
May 7 – Live Welcome/Kickoff Call with Martha and others
May 14 – Be the Truth Class 1 opens on Light Site
May 21 – Be the Truth Class 2 opens on Light Site
May 28 – Liz Talks Recording #1 opens on Light Site
June 4 – Be the Truth Class 3 opens on Light Site
June 11 – Be the Truth – Live call with Martha
June 18 – Be the Change Class 1 opens on Light Site
June 25 – Be the Change Class 2 opens on Light Site
July 2 – Liz Talks Recording #2 opens on Light Site
July 9 – Be the Change Class 3 opens on Light Site
July 16 – Be the Change – Live Call with Martha
July 18 – Your Publishing Questions Answered recording opens on Light Site
July 23 – Be the Light Class 1 opens on Light Site
July 30 – Be the Light Class 2 opens on Light Site
August 6 – Liz Talks Recording #3 opens on Light Site
August 13 – Be the Light Class 3 opens on Light Site
August 20 – Be the Light – Wrap-up/Live Call with Martha
February 2020 – Light Site closes for Write Into Light 2019 program
In the Main Program, the Main Lectures are same as last year. Here’s what’s new:
In addition to the Main Program items mentioned above, Immersion Program participants will receive a page of written feedback from Martha on three of their writing exercises. (More info in the feedback FAQ.)
Set aside at least two hours a week for reviewing course materials and for writing. You may need more time to write; everyone’s creative process is different.
The forums will be the place to get assistance from the team, whether it’s help with the writing exercises, follow-up questions from the lectures, technical issues or program logistics. We’ll also provide email addresses if you need additional help.
Yes, if you’d like to. We believe community is an essential part of this program, so we’ve created discussion forums for Light Writers to use within the Light Site. You’ll be able to post your writing for feedback from fellow Light Writers, ask questions about the program, and also ask questions about the writing exercises. Participation in the forums is optional.
Even though we’ll be releasing new material each week, there are no deadlines in the Main Program by which you need to complete your nine writing exercises, watch the videos, and access the rest of the program materials. You choose the pace that suits you best.
If you participate in the Immersion program, you’ll have tight deadlines to submit your work in order to receive feedback from the Reading Elves and Martha.
The Light Site will remain open after the program ends in August. It will officially close in February 2020, so you’ll have at least five additional months to access the 2019 program.
Many Light Writers have told us their writing gained new depth as a result of participating in Write Into Light. Because of the specific nature of our program, we ask that you write new pieces for each Writing Exercise. You might also choose to use your writing from this program in some other format such as a blog post, or as the nucleus for another, longer format.
As part of the program’s pre-work, we teach Light Writers how to give, and receive, constructive and kind feedback. We encourage everyone to seek out feedback from one another by posting their writing exercise pieces in the Light Site’s forums. It’s optional; no one is forced to share their writing with others. The Write Into Light team (including Martha) won’t be able to provide any feedback to Main Program participants.
Immersion Program participants’ writing will be read every week by our Reading Elves, and they will receive written feedback. In addition, all Immersion participants will have the opportunity to submit three pieces of their Write Into Light work to be read by Martha Beck at the end of the course. Martha will give each Immersion participant written feedback on their selected pieces.
Yes! If you’re an alumni of Write Into Light, check your email for alumni discount details. If you’re new to the program, these discounts are available:
Yes. All calls are recorded so you can listen and rewind if needed, there are written transcripts of all videos and audio recordings, and you will have the option to view the course videos with closed captioning.
We believe that you’ll truly enjoy the Write Into Light experience. If, however, you aren’t satisfied with the program, we will provide a full refund as follows:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
