Do you want to connect with readers on a deeper level?

Do you want your books to stand out in a sea of content by being authentic and personal in your writing whatever the genre?

Are you interested in creative self-development?

If yes, Writing the Shadow is for you.

This is a book of my heart and it contains many personal stories — but this book is really about helping you reach readers with your words — and move to the next level in your writing.

We all long to write boldly, without filters or fear.

To spin stories that capture the messy beauty of what it means to be human. Tales that lay bare the truth of living — darkness and all.

But something holds us back.

Whispers of “Who do you think you are?” and “You don’t have permission to write that.” Our own self-censorship and the judgment of others keep us from writing freely — and sometimes, from living fully.

But all great art taps into darkness, and your most compelling work emerges when you embrace your full humanity—both light and Shadow.

In Writing the Shadow, I’ll guide you on an intimate journey to explore the darkness and discover the gold lying hidden in its depths. Gold that may be the source of your best creative work in the years ahead.

The Shadow is calling. It’s time to turn your inner darkness into words.

“I love everything Joanna Penn does, but Writing the Shadow is the icing on the cake. Ms Penn has found the gold within the darkness and has lit a candle to show us the way.” Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art