Writing Through Grief
Workshop with Linda Jones

Grieving is a natural process, but not necessarily an easy one. Dealing with the loss of loved ones and other life challenges, can adversely affect a person's mood and ability to function. The Writing Through Grief workshop explores journaling and other forms of writing as cathartic and creative ways of getting back on track and feeling better.

Linda Jones, owner of ManeLock Communications in Dallas, Texas, is a veteran journalist and writing coach. She conducts creative writing workshops and has taught writing at public schools, colleges and for faith-based organizations.

A former feature writer for the Dallas Morning News, Linda received a first place award for commentary from the Association for Women Journalists for her moving essay about letters she continues to write to her stillborn son. While at the Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel, she received the Florida Medical Association award for reporting and co-writing a story about the survival of a migrant baby who was shot in the head while still in his mother's womb and how the family coped.

In April 2007, Linda was invited to speak about the process of journaling through grief at the appreciation dinner held by the Southwest Transplant Alliance for family members of organ donors.

Linda has served as a writing consultant at the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute at Vanderbilt University. She has also served as writer on the documentary team commissioned by the Random Acts Foundation (Washington, D.C.), to cover a charitable-giving project in South Africa, Swaziland and Senegal.