Reignite your creative spark and start writing again A terrific first step to awakening one's creativity is to journal. By journaling, we allow ourselves to write, think, and feel without pressure to be perfect. We do not have to worry about constructing stories that will be published or even seen by others. While journaling, we can create the writing that will allow us to explore and experiment. When a person has not written or been creative in a while, journaling can be just the thing to reignite the creative spark. The act of being creative is extraordinarily therapeutic. Many people feel better about themselves, their situations, and the world around them after they journal about a difficult scenario. And there is research to support that people who engage in creative pursuits enjoy life more.

The purpose for writing this book was two-fold. One, I wanted to offer women a means for reconnecting with their creative inner voices. Not only are women powerful writers, but they can transform their personal experiences into spectacular art. Two, I want to honor the extraordinary Denver artist, Colleen Hennessy, whose paintings, photography, and sculptures have affected thousands of people from Colorado to Honduras. Her works of art are the perfect media to stimulate creativity. In the last few months, several women have reached out to me for advice on how to get started in creative writing. They each felt the need to express themselves in a way that would not interfere with their responsibilities to family, community, and work. Each woman knew intrinsically that if she could add creative writing activities into her days, then her life would be a little bit more fulfilling.

Women are natural artists. Women give completely of themselves in the family, in the home, in the neighborhood, and in the workplace. The burdens of desolation fall upon women as do the joys of the brightest days. Women use their bodies as a means to create new life, so naturally they carry the connection and drive for creativity. The activities in this book are intended to give women of all walks of life-mothers, maidens, single ladies, grandmothers, business powerhouses, and divas-a bit of guidance on the journey to incorporate creative writing into their lives. May these paintings inspire your creative inner voice to speak up and be heard.