CREATE ● CONNECT ● THRIVE
meditative writing
Screenwriting ● TV ● Playwriting ● prose
Pitching ● Outline ● Career GUIDANCE
Pitching ● Outline ● Career GUIDANCE
"Writers are anthropologists of human behavior.
We are athletes of emotion and change."
- Jess Hinds
welcome to meditative writing ©
FOR SCREENWRITING, TV, PLAYWRITING, PROSE, PITCHING, OUTLINES, NETWORKING, CAREER STRATEGIES
Created by award-winning writer and educator Jessica Hinds, Meditative Writing© is a practice that helps dedicated writers develop a process that results in great work, not just average work.
Every workshop or one on one session is built around the specific needs of the writers - be it building stronger writing habits, discovering complex structure, dialogue, active action, eliminating procrastination, dismantling writers block, becoming a badass pitcher, overcoming self-doubt, falling in love with networking, inspiration on demand, universal storytelling, enhancing creativity, eliminating distractions, character psychology etc.
There is no one path or locked-in approach here. Jessica will meet you where you are at, listen to where you want to go, and give you the most effective tools to get there. Every artist is different and you deserve a a process that is built for you rather than prefabricated for the average writer.
If you are looking to connect with and strengthen your artistry you will love our Meditative Writing workshops. If you are looking to develop your storytelling craft skills your brain will get a workout in our Alchemy workshop. Come back each month to discover new unique classes constructed to help you develop and build a writing life that gives you the opportunity to create, connect, and thrive.
Meditative Writing creator Jess Hinds has mentored writers working on dozens of shows including MINDHUNTER, WEST WORLD, MAD MEN, LEVERAGE, CONSTANTINE, BROAD CITY, SNL, THE GOLDBERGS, BLUE BLOODS, GAME OF THRONES, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS, OCTOBER FACTION, WATCHMEN, HIGH MAINTENANCE and more. She has also mentored filmmakers who have seen their work place or win at Sundance, Austin Film Festival, Nicholl's Fellowship, Humanitas, as well as be nominated at the Emmys, the Oscars, and the Tonys.
Every workshop or one on one session is built around the specific needs of the writers - be it building stronger writing habits, discovering complex structure, dialogue, active action, eliminating procrastination, dismantling writers block, becoming a badass pitcher, overcoming self-doubt, falling in love with networking, inspiration on demand, universal storytelling, enhancing creativity, eliminating distractions, character psychology etc.
There is no one path or locked-in approach here. Jessica will meet you where you are at, listen to where you want to go, and give you the most effective tools to get there. Every artist is different and you deserve a a process that is built for you rather than prefabricated for the average writer.
If you are looking to connect with and strengthen your artistry you will love our Meditative Writing workshops. If you are looking to develop your storytelling craft skills your brain will get a workout in our Alchemy workshop. Come back each month to discover new unique classes constructed to help you develop and build a writing life that gives you the opportunity to create, connect, and thrive.
Meditative Writing creator Jess Hinds has mentored writers working on dozens of shows including MINDHUNTER, WEST WORLD, MAD MEN, LEVERAGE, CONSTANTINE, BROAD CITY, SNL, THE GOLDBERGS, BLUE BLOODS, GAME OF THRONES, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS, OCTOBER FACTION, WATCHMEN, HIGH MAINTENANCE and more. She has also mentored filmmakers who have seen their work place or win at Sundance, Austin Film Festival, Nicholl's Fellowship, Humanitas, as well as be nominated at the Emmys, the Oscars, and the Tonys.
Outstanding guidance for writers who want to stand out.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH US?
“Meditative Writing truly is “assisted self-discovery.” For the same reason writers should take acting classes, Meditative Writing helps you get down into your body, to work a scene or character from the inside out. The practice has applications even beyond writing, into directing, pitching, and just being in the world. This class and subsequent practice has been extremely helpful to me in my work.” |
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"Jess's classes and meditations have gotten me through some very severe blocks. These are professional-grade tools that short circuit the fear, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism that stands in the way of you doing your best work. I rely on them regularly! " |
Upcoming Classes
CREATIVE WRITERS WORKSHOP (Novel, Poetry, Memoir, Short Story, Nonfiction) - May SOLD OUT
TV PILOT WORKSHOP - May 2021 - 2 spots left
-- Full Summer Schedule will Be Announced Early June --
MEDITATIVE WRITING Level One (creatives of any kind) - June 2021 - 6 spots left
THE CRAFT 11 Week Workshop - August 2021 - Registration now open
CREATIVE HEALTH WORKSHOP - August 2021 - 8 Spots left
MEDITATIVE WRITING: LEVEL TWO - Rewriting, Structure & Outline - September 2021 - 8 spots left
All Classes are EST
All Classes are Online, Live, Until Further Notice.
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MEDITATIVE WRITING Level One
The Process of Creativity & Story Mining Learn how to use meditation and neuroscience to feel connected every time you write, create never before seen characters, overcome resistance, convert negative voices into positive ones, build stronger habits, conquer self-doubt, and write evocative new stories, that are both universal and unique. In class writing using guided meditation will ensure you leave with pages upon pages of new writing. Cognitive and meditative exercises will be crafted specifically to help you get the most out of every writing session and discover the deepest truth of your unique voice. These tools can also be flipped upside-down to create profound storytelling techniques and build structure in your scripts. 4 Week Workshop Writers of All Genres Welcome |
SCREENWRITING ALCHEMY WORKSHOP
The Art of the Craft for Screenwriters/TV Writers & Playwrights Workshop your script, get immediate feedback crafted specifically to your voice and your needs. Discover how to use meditation, neuroscience, and psychology to write more powerful and evocative scripts. Get clear working definitions of the craft elements that will subconsciously lead to stronger storytelling with great structure. Learn how to give, receive, and ask for feedback that actually helps you! (check your ego at the door.) Limited to only 8 writers this intimate workshop will provide you with dozens of tools, writing exercises, and personal feedback. Great for Screen/TV/Theatre scripts. 4 Week Workshop First, Middle, or Final Drafts Welcome |
MEDITATIVE WRITING © Jessica Hinds 2018. This method is protected under copyright law and cannot be reproduced or taught without permission.
What Writers Are Saying About Jess Hinds & Meditative Writing©
"I learned more in one session with Jess than I did in four years of NYU film school."
- Jenna NYU FILM GRADUATE 2020
“Meditative Writing truly is “assisted self-discovery.” For the same reason writers should take acting classes, Meditative Writing helps you get down into your body, to work a scene or character from the inside out. The practice has applications even beyond writing, into directing, pitching, and just being in the world. This class and subsequent practice has been extremely helpful to me in my work.”
– Christine Boylan, Writer/Producer at MARVEL/NETFLIX
"Jess's classes and meditations have gotten me through some very severe blocks. These are professional-grade tools that short circuit the fear, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism that stands in the way of you doing your best work. I rely on them regularly! "
- Carly Wray, Writer/Producer - MADMEN, MINDHUNTER, WESTWORLD
“With [Jess] I’ve always felt the deep pleasure of collaborating with someone of genuine seriousness and dedication. Actors find her work challenging and emotionally nurturing and her colleagues appreciate her deep commitment to the truth.”
– Christopher Shinn, Pulitzer Prize Nominated Playwright
“Jessica is the real deal… she understands writing and writers and does not mess around. She has the special ability to get to the truth of a character and a scene, and she is brilliant at crafting story. Working with her certainly made me a better writer.”
– Brendan Clifford, Writer/Producer at Comedy Central/E!/BET
"Working with Jess has unlocked so many aspects for me in my life and work. As an accomplished writer Jess is skilled at dissecting any story in any format, but her greatest strength lies in working with the writer's artistic health. She feeds the well from which we expect to drink water. She is astute, kind and an incredible source of trust. I crossed paths with Jess at a very difficult time in my artistic life and she rescued me and continues to be my safe harbor.
You will not regret working with Jess."
– Richa Rudola, Award Winning Filmmaker
“Some writing that came out of Meditative Writing class has landed me a pitch opportunity for an indie feature. I’m excited and grateful to Jess!”
– Mark Grenier, Writer & Filmmaker
“One of Jessica’s greatest strengths is her exceptional understanding of the craft of storytelling; her ability to utilize structure, character, and the word with such grace and ease.”
-Elizabeth Carlson, Artistic Director of Naked Angels Theater Company
“An artist of unusual skill, sensitivity and motivation. In her writing, Jessica has consistently challenged herself to probe the most difficult and complex aspects of the lives of her characters. She is also an excellent collaborator, who holds her fellow artists in high regard – she is both inspired by and inspiring to directors and actors.”
-Pippin Parker, Director of The New School for Drama
“Jessica is a stunningly talented, incredibly driven writer whose work examines a broad range of themes. She is prolific, professional, and proactive in getting her work off the page and into production. She’s an absolute pleasure to work with and learn from, and is, in a word, inspiring.”
– Will Trichon, Writer/Performer
“Jessica is a wonderful colleague: specific in her notes, thoughtful in her assessment, and genuine in her desire to understand what the work is striving to be before offering feedback. Jessica is a truly exciting writer, and great to work with – collaborative, passionate and rigorous.”
– Tamara Fisch, Director
“As a filmmaker, I had the great pleasure to work with Jessica Hinds… for [her] talent not only as a screenwriter, but also as a dialoguist… [and the] imagination and culture which [she] brings out in her work and the project we worked on… I so strongly recommend her for ambitious artistical projects.”
– Morgan Cini, Réalisateur (Film Director)
“Jessica asks a tremendous amount of those around her but never more than she herself offers. Jessica is a complete artist who has never been afraid to work outside her comfort zone.”
-John Hurley, Director
"The Alchemy class has helped me beyond words.
I took it on a whim - and when I say whim, I mean I signed up for it on my phone, through tears, while in the middle of breakdown in the shower about how I’m never going to be a writer - that kind of whim.
Even though it was way out of my comfort zone, Jess never made me feel like I didn’t belong there. Her unique ability to adjust her approach based on where the writer is in their journey shows her passion and dedication to actually helping us move forward.
This class was the first time I ever really felt safe to share. The way Jess handles giving feedback is like therapy for a writer’s soul. It’s empowering, insightful and inspirational.
I’ve taken other classes and I know how Hollywood works. Jess finds a way to lift people up as she teaches instead of putting them down. So, thank you for helping me mend a small piece of my inner child’s heart. She was criticized so much she thought that was the only way. I will always be grateful to Jess for showing me different way."
Elle Waitt, Writer - Dec 2020
Jess helped bring structure to my pilot it was desperately lacking. She’s incredible finding the heart of the story and structuring around it. So thankful!
Lauren, screenwriter - May 2020
Jess’s Meditative Writing class made me feel like I was back in college enjoying a science/psychology class combined with a joint writing lab. And she is that professor who explains concept and theory so well that when it comes time to do her writing exercises, you are able to throw yourself into them entirely because you understand WHY everything works.
Lindsay – June 28, 2019
meditative writing with Jessica Hinds has turned my writing life inside out, upside down, and diagonal! this is the next wave of teaching and writing. with Jess’ innovative approach, i’m now confident to tell the truth, own my voice, and keep on writing! many thanks to you Jess.
Andrea Mays – June 8, 2014
In just 35 minutes Jess did more for my relationship with my artistry and writing than 7 years of therapy.
Hanna - November 2017
This approach has totally changed the way I write – thank god! I feel successful all the time. I am happier. No more depressed writer for me. I’m working on my script every single day and the screenplay is practically writing itself. My writing is better than it has ever been, and I now understand my true value in the industry — so pitching has become easy. I will continue to take this class over and over again, it’s a great practice that keeps you on the right track, the successful one.
Adam – July 14, 2014
Jessica has a transparency and authenticity that is very reassuring. Her advice comes from the heart and really helps me to dig deep within myself as a writer. She helped me to look at things differently, making writing less of a chore and instead turning it into something I can’t wait to do!
Danielle – September 30, 2014
Jess talked about how to connect with our writing via our feelings. She helped us to connect physically/emotionally/spiritually, using her unique style and genuine approach.
Elaine M – September 30, 2014
Jess gave us attainable goals that really took the pressure off. She was very engaging and gave me permission to not be perfect.
Terri B – September 30, 2014
Jessica is amazing! She encouraged me to keep writing, instead of stopping to think in an outline or draft she pushed me to write through it.
Rayna W – September 30, 2014
Jessica opens the gates to limitlessness! She gives such freedom, it’s wonderful to live in a world without bounds, she is the best thing that ever happened to me!
Emma B – September 30, 2014
Jess got me writing! I’m 22 pages into my script now! She helped bring emotional needs into a tangible want which was a big hurdle for me.
Anneke S – September 30, 2014
Thanks to Jess I’m nearly competed my first draft along with my character bios! She teaches how to think in a new way.
Matt B – November 19, 2014
It helped me move past the fear of putting things on the page. Jessica was very helpful in guiding through the exercises and providing insight on how to break through barriers.
Michael Castro – December 11, 2014
First of all, it is SO great to be around writers! I am so tired of living in the world of my corporate day job. It is fun, a great release, worth while.
Sarah Congress – December 11, 2014
It gave me a new perspective-a new place to pull ideas from.
Janell – December 11, 2014
Between the writing itself and the motivational tools, Jessica has made me a better writer by writing in every class!
Robi M – July 23, 2015
I was actually surprised by this as for most of my life I’ve viewed my body as just this thing to carry my brain around, and it was interesting to learn that the captain is the sub-conscious.
Debbie K – July 23, 2015
Thank you for helping me explore another option to help me honestly and constructively connect with my creative self.
Beckley – July 23, 2015
This class helped my writing by allowing me to feel as if the focus were on me. The intimate setting felt as if it were actually one-on-one.
Sheldon M – July 23, 2015
The writing exercises and assignments helped me to get unstuck by finding out what is exciting rather than what is intellectual or ‘right’.
Katie B – July 23, 2015
This class is inspiring! It helped clear up how I write.
Daryl – June 4, 2016
The clarity of presentation and supportiveness of the instructor were evident throughout.
Rumena – June 4, 2016
Jess’ look at life makes writing fun and magical!
Jennifer – June 4, 2016
Jess’s class has made me love writing again! The trips into my imagination inform my writing more each class!
Stephanie V – June 18, 2016
This class will give you tons of ideas that may be new but will definitely help!
Anon – June 18, 2016
Jess has such great energy! I will definitely take more of her classes!
Stephanie P – June 18, 2016
- Jenna NYU FILM GRADUATE 2020
“Meditative Writing truly is “assisted self-discovery.” For the same reason writers should take acting classes, Meditative Writing helps you get down into your body, to work a scene or character from the inside out. The practice has applications even beyond writing, into directing, pitching, and just being in the world. This class and subsequent practice has been extremely helpful to me in my work.”
– Christine Boylan, Writer/Producer at MARVEL/NETFLIX
"Jess's classes and meditations have gotten me through some very severe blocks. These are professional-grade tools that short circuit the fear, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism that stands in the way of you doing your best work. I rely on them regularly! "
- Carly Wray, Writer/Producer - MADMEN, MINDHUNTER, WESTWORLD
“With [Jess] I’ve always felt the deep pleasure of collaborating with someone of genuine seriousness and dedication. Actors find her work challenging and emotionally nurturing and her colleagues appreciate her deep commitment to the truth.”
– Christopher Shinn, Pulitzer Prize Nominated Playwright
“Jessica is the real deal… she understands writing and writers and does not mess around. She has the special ability to get to the truth of a character and a scene, and she is brilliant at crafting story. Working with her certainly made me a better writer.”
– Brendan Clifford, Writer/Producer at Comedy Central/E!/BET
"Working with Jess has unlocked so many aspects for me in my life and work. As an accomplished writer Jess is skilled at dissecting any story in any format, but her greatest strength lies in working with the writer's artistic health. She feeds the well from which we expect to drink water. She is astute, kind and an incredible source of trust. I crossed paths with Jess at a very difficult time in my artistic life and she rescued me and continues to be my safe harbor.
You will not regret working with Jess."
– Richa Rudola, Award Winning Filmmaker
“Some writing that came out of Meditative Writing class has landed me a pitch opportunity for an indie feature. I’m excited and grateful to Jess!”
– Mark Grenier, Writer & Filmmaker
“One of Jessica’s greatest strengths is her exceptional understanding of the craft of storytelling; her ability to utilize structure, character, and the word with such grace and ease.”
-Elizabeth Carlson, Artistic Director of Naked Angels Theater Company
“An artist of unusual skill, sensitivity and motivation. In her writing, Jessica has consistently challenged herself to probe the most difficult and complex aspects of the lives of her characters. She is also an excellent collaborator, who holds her fellow artists in high regard – she is both inspired by and inspiring to directors and actors.”
-Pippin Parker, Director of The New School for Drama
“Jessica is a stunningly talented, incredibly driven writer whose work examines a broad range of themes. She is prolific, professional, and proactive in getting her work off the page and into production. She’s an absolute pleasure to work with and learn from, and is, in a word, inspiring.”
– Will Trichon, Writer/Performer
“Jessica is a wonderful colleague: specific in her notes, thoughtful in her assessment, and genuine in her desire to understand what the work is striving to be before offering feedback. Jessica is a truly exciting writer, and great to work with – collaborative, passionate and rigorous.”
– Tamara Fisch, Director
“As a filmmaker, I had the great pleasure to work with Jessica Hinds… for [her] talent not only as a screenwriter, but also as a dialoguist… [and the] imagination and culture which [she] brings out in her work and the project we worked on… I so strongly recommend her for ambitious artistical projects.”
– Morgan Cini, Réalisateur (Film Director)
“Jessica asks a tremendous amount of those around her but never more than she herself offers. Jessica is a complete artist who has never been afraid to work outside her comfort zone.”
-John Hurley, Director
"The Alchemy class has helped me beyond words.
I took it on a whim - and when I say whim, I mean I signed up for it on my phone, through tears, while in the middle of breakdown in the shower about how I’m never going to be a writer - that kind of whim.
Even though it was way out of my comfort zone, Jess never made me feel like I didn’t belong there. Her unique ability to adjust her approach based on where the writer is in their journey shows her passion and dedication to actually helping us move forward.
This class was the first time I ever really felt safe to share. The way Jess handles giving feedback is like therapy for a writer’s soul. It’s empowering, insightful and inspirational.
I’ve taken other classes and I know how Hollywood works. Jess finds a way to lift people up as she teaches instead of putting them down. So, thank you for helping me mend a small piece of my inner child’s heart. She was criticized so much she thought that was the only way. I will always be grateful to Jess for showing me different way."
Elle Waitt, Writer - Dec 2020
Jess helped bring structure to my pilot it was desperately lacking. She’s incredible finding the heart of the story and structuring around it. So thankful!
Lauren, screenwriter - May 2020
Jess’s Meditative Writing class made me feel like I was back in college enjoying a science/psychology class combined with a joint writing lab. And she is that professor who explains concept and theory so well that when it comes time to do her writing exercises, you are able to throw yourself into them entirely because you understand WHY everything works.
Lindsay – June 28, 2019
meditative writing with Jessica Hinds has turned my writing life inside out, upside down, and diagonal! this is the next wave of teaching and writing. with Jess’ innovative approach, i’m now confident to tell the truth, own my voice, and keep on writing! many thanks to you Jess.
Andrea Mays – June 8, 2014
In just 35 minutes Jess did more for my relationship with my artistry and writing than 7 years of therapy.
Hanna - November 2017
This approach has totally changed the way I write – thank god! I feel successful all the time. I am happier. No more depressed writer for me. I’m working on my script every single day and the screenplay is practically writing itself. My writing is better than it has ever been, and I now understand my true value in the industry — so pitching has become easy. I will continue to take this class over and over again, it’s a great practice that keeps you on the right track, the successful one.
Adam – July 14, 2014
Jessica has a transparency and authenticity that is very reassuring. Her advice comes from the heart and really helps me to dig deep within myself as a writer. She helped me to look at things differently, making writing less of a chore and instead turning it into something I can’t wait to do!
Danielle – September 30, 2014
Jess talked about how to connect with our writing via our feelings. She helped us to connect physically/emotionally/spiritually, using her unique style and genuine approach.
Elaine M – September 30, 2014
Jess gave us attainable goals that really took the pressure off. She was very engaging and gave me permission to not be perfect.
Terri B – September 30, 2014
Jessica is amazing! She encouraged me to keep writing, instead of stopping to think in an outline or draft she pushed me to write through it.
Rayna W – September 30, 2014
Jessica opens the gates to limitlessness! She gives such freedom, it’s wonderful to live in a world without bounds, she is the best thing that ever happened to me!
Emma B – September 30, 2014
Jess got me writing! I’m 22 pages into my script now! She helped bring emotional needs into a tangible want which was a big hurdle for me.
Anneke S – September 30, 2014
Thanks to Jess I’m nearly competed my first draft along with my character bios! She teaches how to think in a new way.
Matt B – November 19, 2014
It helped me move past the fear of putting things on the page. Jessica was very helpful in guiding through the exercises and providing insight on how to break through barriers.
Michael Castro – December 11, 2014
First of all, it is SO great to be around writers! I am so tired of living in the world of my corporate day job. It is fun, a great release, worth while.
Sarah Congress – December 11, 2014
It gave me a new perspective-a new place to pull ideas from.
Janell – December 11, 2014
Between the writing itself and the motivational tools, Jessica has made me a better writer by writing in every class!
Robi M – July 23, 2015
I was actually surprised by this as for most of my life I’ve viewed my body as just this thing to carry my brain around, and it was interesting to learn that the captain is the sub-conscious.
Debbie K – July 23, 2015
Thank you for helping me explore another option to help me honestly and constructively connect with my creative self.
Beckley – July 23, 2015
This class helped my writing by allowing me to feel as if the focus were on me. The intimate setting felt as if it were actually one-on-one.
Sheldon M – July 23, 2015
The writing exercises and assignments helped me to get unstuck by finding out what is exciting rather than what is intellectual or ‘right’.
Katie B – July 23, 2015
This class is inspiring! It helped clear up how I write.
Daryl – June 4, 2016
The clarity of presentation and supportiveness of the instructor were evident throughout.
Rumena – June 4, 2016
Jess’ look at life makes writing fun and magical!
Jennifer – June 4, 2016
Jess’s class has made me love writing again! The trips into my imagination inform my writing more each class!
Stephanie V – June 18, 2016
This class will give you tons of ideas that may be new but will definitely help!
Anon – June 18, 2016
Jess has such great energy! I will definitely take more of her classes!
Stephanie P – June 18, 2016