A Day of Writing with Monique Gray Smith on Gabriola Island
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Deb Chaney with author Monique Gray Smith in September 2025.
On a beautiful Sunday this past September, I had the joy of spending a full day in community with author Monique Gray Smith, the current Kasahara Artist in Residence on Gabriola Island.
The workshop, beautifully hosted at the GAC Heritage Hall, was part of Monique’s residency contribution to our community—a requirement of the Kasahara Residency program.
I first discovered the workshop through the Gabriola Arts Council’s newsletter. I attended with the simple intention to meet other creatives, nurture my journaling practice, and spend the day among inspired makers. I had few expectations—and I left feeling deeply grateful, inspired, and recharged.
About Monique Gray Smith
Monique is an award-winning, internationally recognized author, professional consultant, and storyteller. She is Cree, Lakota, and Scottish, and her work often weaves together the themes of resilience, hope, and the beauty of Indigenous cultures.
Some of her books include:
My Heart Fills with Happiness
Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation
Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience
You Hold Me Up
When We Are Kind
I Hope
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
Circle of Love (upcoming)
You can explore all of Monique’s works here.
Her books and teachings carry the important reminder that “Love is Medicine,” a piece of wisdom that she wove into the workshop with generosity and care.
Inside the Workshop
The day was well-organized, engaging, and welcoming. We were invited to explore writing through prompts, personal reflection, and group sharing. Monique’s presence was warm and generous, and each participant contributed wholeheartedly.
Some of the prompts included:
“Lately I have been thinking about…”
“My heart fills with happiness when…”
“The warmth of the fire…”
“When I walk in the forest…”
Write something using the words: escape, penthouse suite, reckless, whiskey
“The most interesting person I’ve ever met is…”
Book recommendations
Participants at the workshop had plenty of great book recommendations, which included Untamed by Glennon Doyle, The Martian by Andy Weir, The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton, Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, and works by Richard Wagamese.
Tips I’m Taking Forward
From Monique and the group, here are some gems for staying inspired and consistent as a writer:
Use your phone’s voice text and email yourself ideas.
Jot ideas on recipe cards.
Keep a daily summary of what you achieved.
Attend author events.
Use prompts (like those listed above).
Write even one sentence a day.
Step outside into the sun and look up.
Join a writer’s group (Gabriola has one: Shut Up & Write).
Chew gum or eat something crunchy while writing.
Try headphones with calming nature sounds.
Carry a rose quartz heart in your pocket.
By the end of the workshop, I left with pages of writing, a heart full of inspiration, and a renewed commitment to my creative practice.
Thank you, Monique, for your presence, wisdom, and generosity.
