Health Leadership & Learning Network, York University
healthcare continuing education
"The Stories in Our Pockets"
We carry untold stories, tucked away in the pockets of our scrubs and lab coats. They dwell in our minds and hearts and become part of us, but stay hidden.
We witness moments of tenderness, pain, loss, courage, dread and delight, that quietly change us, but rarely make it into scholarly articles, research, or clinical documentation. We take them home with us but they don’t wash out in the laundry. They linger in our souls. Most of us never tell the stories they
carry. Maybe it’s time we do?​​​​​​​​
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​In this immersive, creative writing masterclass, you are invited to do just that. Join acclaimed nurse-author Tilda Shalof who will guide participants through the process of transforming lived clinical experience into powerful narrative. Participants will learn how to shape moments from practice into moving and powerful stories, whether for publication, personal reflection, advocacy, political change or personal legacy.
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This course blends:
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Creative writing craft
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Ethical storytelling in healthcare
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Reflective practice
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Discussion of the various publication pathways
Whether you hope to eventually publish, share with family, or simply preserve your precious stories, this intimate, small-group course will help you find your voice, craft your story, and honour the human side of care that you have witnessed.
Participants who wish to write about other topics are welcomed to do so
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Any Sci-Fi enthusiasts? Romantasy? TV Screen-writiers? Bring it on!!
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Whether you are new to creative writing, want to write but don’t know how to get started, or even if you are a published author - you can benefit from this class: When it comes to making art, we are all beginners.
ABOUT THIS MASTERCLASS
​Without guidance, writing can be daunting.
How to begin? What to include? How to honour boundaries and privacy concerns? These questions will all be addressed. We will create a safe, non-judgmental space for participants to explore their voices, share their stories, and take emotional risks to overcome fear and resistance – and write their stories.
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Is This Course for You?
Yes…
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if you are serious about your writing and ready to do basic, foundational work.
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if you want to write but are not writing or are writing but struggling to get the words down.
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if you want to develop a writing practice, learn to write fearlessly with joy and ease.
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It is also for you if you are interested in working toward publication, journalism or legacy, including books, articles for newspapers or journals, or to become a healthcare reporter.
However.. this course may not be for you …
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if you are seeking editing or feedback on previously written material. (A private consultation may be available for that.)
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if you wish to write “content” for social media posts. (You don’t need a course for that.)
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If you are looking for shortcuts to publication, you won’t find any here. (There are none.)​
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WHAT YOU WILL LEARN​
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By successfully completing the Program, you learn to:
• Develop a regular writing practice
• Discover their stories and be on their way to finding their unique voice as a writer.
• Understand and apply the key elements of story-telling - scene, structure, narrative, character development, pacing, reflection, and dialogue.
• Discover how clinical experiences can be developed into compelling narratives
• Give themselves permission to express opinions and share their unique perspective.
• Understand that writing, editing, and publishing are distinct stages and that the creative process is optimized by separating them.
• Identify meaningful clinical moments worth writing about.
• Transform memory and “re-imagination” into structured narrative.
• Navigate boundaries and preserve patient and personal privacy while writing authentically.
• Learn a writing method that can be applied to almost any type or genre of writing.
• Learn to write freely without self-censorship or immediate editing.
• Write with greater confidence, joy and ease. ​
PLUS a clearer understanding of how your work might move toward publication
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE​ AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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Nurses and Health Professionals of all specialties, ages, and stages, who are interested in creative writing for self-reflection, or aspiring to write for publication, journalism, or legacy.
All levels of writing experience are welcome.
DURATION/TIME COMMITTMENT
Two sessions per week over four weeks
Fully online and live instructor-led sessions
In addition to class time, one (1) hour of self study time per course day.
Program Dates
Term: Fall 2026
Dates:
Fall 2026: October 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, and 29, 1-4pm ET each day
All sessions are live online with the instructor
Fee:
$1200.00
Plus applicable tax
The fee includes the cost of all instruction, course materials and evaluations.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS​
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The focus of this four-session course will be primarily on the writing process itself - finding voice, writing freely, building confidence and some writing techniques.
Sessions include
• Mini-lecture and discussion at start of each class.
• In-session, unedited timed writing exercises (20-30 minutes)
• Reading of excerpts on submitted work and positive feedback from group.
• Group debrief
Note: subject to change at the discretion of the instructor and CHEN
FACULTY​
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Tilda Shalof, RN, Author of The Nurse’s Story, Lives in the Balance, The Handover: A Nurse’s Last Shift. Learn more at www.nursetilda.com or contact tilda@nursetilda.com