Albert Flynn DeSilver is such an inspiring soul!  I was blown away by this man’s journey from near death through self-destruction, to being reborn as a writer extraordinaire.  He also has a great wit which makes his wisdom more accessible.  I would highly recommend his book too, whether you aspire to write or simply live a better life with more alignment.

A highly regarded and sought-after speaker and workshop leader, Albert Flynn DeSilver has taught and presented with several luminaries, including Elizabeth Gilbert, Cheryl Strayed, Maxine Hong Kingston, Michael McClure, and U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan among many others. In addition, Albert is an internationally published poet, memoirist, and novelist. His writing has appeared in over 100 literary journals worldwide.

He has published several books of poetry and is the author of Writing as a Path to Awakening and the memoir, Beamish Boy. Albert teaches at the Omega Institute, Esalen, Spirit Rock, and writing conferences nationally. He lives in Northern California.

More info on Albert’s book: Based on the popular workshops of the same name (Cheryl Strayed is a big fan!) that Albert teaches all over the country, Writing as a Path to Awakening is meant to spur creativity and personal awakening. It is broken down into four seasons, with a chapter for each month of the year. The content and exercises are themed for each month (e.g, January-Rebirth, June-Amusement, December-Sanctuary). Each chapter is made up of a story, followed by a meditation and concluding with a writing exercise. Albert is skilled in presenting Eastern wisdom in a secular manner that is conversational and accessible to readers from various backgrounds. Albert’s work – literary and poetry – has appeared in over 100 literary journals worldwide. He is an accomplished speaker having presented with notable authors such as Elizabeth Gilbert and Cheryl Strayed. Dani Shapiro calls WRITING AS A PATH TO AWAKENING “gentle, lucid, erudite and compassionate guide…Albert Flynn DeSilver offers the wisdom and warmth of a true friend who has walked the path.  One who reaches out a capable hand and offers it to the new writer, to the struggling writer, and says here, here, let me show you not only how to write, but how to live.”