Listen to writing instructor and author, Nancy Spiller, and breast oncology nurse Rebecca Crane-Okada, PhD, RN, CNS, AOCN, discuss writing for well-being during and after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Funding for these educational webinars is generously provided by the Ken Johnson Family in memory of Joan Brierton Johnson.

Writing for Well-Being

Recorded: July 9, 2021

What You Will Learn

writing for well-beingFacing a breast cancer diagnosis stirs up many thoughts and emotions. Being able to express those thoughts and emotions through the written, as well as the spoken word, has many potential benefits.

Join Rebecca Crane-Okada, PhD, RN, CNS, AOCN, Professor of Oncology, and Program Manager of Cancer Patient Support & Willow Sage Wellness programs at the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, as she interviews writing instructor and author, Nancy Spiller, about the value of self-expression through writing during and after a breast cancer diagnosis.

They will be discussing:

  • What we mean by writing
  • Why and how writing may be beneficial
  • Forms of writing
  • Suggestions for getting started

Special Guest

Nancy Spiller is a freelance writer and author, with published features and essays in a variety of magazines and newspapers. Her books include Columbia Drive (a novel in progress), Compromise Cake: Lessons Learned From My Mother’s Recipe Box, and Entertaining Disasters: A Novel (with recipes).

Nancy is also a Writers’ Program Instructor for UCLA Extension.

Nancy Spiller

Medical Expert Moderator

Rebecca Crane-Okada, PhD, RN, CNS, AOCN, Professor of Oncology, and Program Manager of Cancer Patient Support & Willow Sage Wellness programs at the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, will hosts our webinar featuring inspirational breast cancer patients.

Prerecorded Webinar

Rebecca Crane-Okada, Ph.D., RN, CNS, AOCN and Nancy Spiller, Freelance Writer and Author, share insights into the benefits of writing and wellness.

Resources and Suggestions

Books:

  • Cameron, J. (2016). The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity (25th anniversary ed.). New York, New York: TarcherPeregree.
  • Didion, J. (2021). Let Me Tell You What I Mean. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. Also available NY Times Book Review, December 5, 1976, https://www.nytimes.com/1976/12/05/archives/why-i-write-why-i-write.html
  • Goldberg, N. (2016). Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within (30th anniversary ed.). Boulder, Colorado: Shambala.
  • Metzger, D. (1992). Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.
  • Pennebaker, J. W., & Smyth, J. M. (2016, 3rd ed.). Opening Up by Writing it Down: How Expressive Writing Improves Health and Eases Emotional Pain. New York: The Guilford Press.

Planning Ahead:

  • 15-30 minutes to focus
  • A pen you like (Nancy suggests the Better Retractable Ball Point Pen from Pilot, fine point, black ink, refillable)
  • Paper or journal
  • Good lighting