Here's the opening to my latest blog post and upcoming schedule for mermaids. Today is our online writing session at 5.30pm. Just wanted to make sure you were in the loop on everything.

Hope you're doing well

Let's catch up properly soon

Warmly,

Polly

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Know Thyself: Writing Helps

There’s broad scientific consensus that expressive writing can reduce stress, support emotional processing, and even boost overall well-being. Researchers have found that translating our inner experience into language helps the mind make meaning, organize emotions, and create a sense of clarity.

As we move into the holiday season, life speeds up. The world gets louder, busier. Sometimes it can feel like there’s no space to breathe. The good news is that even small practices can support your well-being. Try setting aside a little time for writing. Maybe during one of my online writing sessions (there’s one today at 5:30pm PST), or simply in a quiet moment on your own.

There are many ways to engage in this process. The list below isn’t exhaustive, but it might give you some ideas... READ MORE

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The Yoda Fund for 2025 is ALMOST Fully Funded

Thanks to the incredible generosity of this community, we’re now just $895 away from fully funding the 2025 Yoda Fund scholarship. This support truly changes lives, opening the door for writers who might not otherwise have access to retreats, mentorship, or creative community.

We’re so close, but we need to close the gap by the end of the year. If you’re able, this is a moment when your contribution makes a direct, tangible difference. Together, we can make sure all writers get the chance to grow, rest, and be supported in ways that matter.

• $175 sponsors one full retreat spot
  (I personally contribute the final $100 to meet the low-income rate of $275.)

• Monthly contributions help sustain ongoing access and community support.

Named in honor of the brilliant writer Yodassa Williams, the Yoda Fund is a community-powered effort to ensure more voices have the space and resources to write, rest, and grow. Every contribution plants the seeds for new stories that might otherwise never be told.

👉 [Donate here]

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New Year Hot Spring Retreat

January 9–11, 2026, 90-minute drive from Las Vegas

This January, take a whole weekend to immerse yourself in your writing practice. If you want to start the new year with intention and momentum, join us to set your creative goals for the months ahead.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll enjoy daily writing rituals, home-cooked meals, nature walks, optional gentle yoga, and ample time for soaking, writing, or simply resting. The retreat is limited to a small, supportive group of around 10 writers.

Accommodation ranges from shared rooms and glamping to camping by the pools. Simple, vegetarian meals are included.

👉 [Learn More & Register]

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Online Writing Sessions

Our weekly online writing sessions are shifting to a new twice-weekly rhythm:

• Tuesdays at 1:00 PM PST (starting Dec 2)

• Thursdays at 5:30 PM PST

These two-hour sessions are dedicated to supporting your writing practice, deepening your creative flow, and connecting with fellow writers. Each session includes grounding, guided visualization, writing time, and optional sharing in a supportive circle.

Free for Members

👉 [View Schedule & Register]