Hi, I'm Nadia.

We can use the power of literature for transformative, compassionate change—individually and collectively.

Bring the power of meditation and writing together with a 15-minute audio recording that guides you in a practice to center and write. Join 25,000+ mindful writers.

I’m Nadia. My work explores the relationship between voice, body, spirit, and action.

I invite students and readers to use the power of literature for transformative, compassionate change—individually and collectively.

As Seen In

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Boston Review logo
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Yes! Magazine logo
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At last I discovered a writing mentor, Nadia Colburn, who dares to value both the craft of writing and one’s personal journey of body, mind, spirit and voice.

At last I discovered a writing mentor, Nadia Colburn, who dares to value both the craft of writing and one’s personal journey of body, mind, spirit and voice.

Jennie Meyer

Join me for a FREE Poetry of Attention Masterclass. Immerse yourself in poetry and discover the ways poetry can help wake us up and the ways we can wake up our writing to be more vivid and powerful. I offer this class only one week each fall. I'm teaching the class three times the week of October 9th; choose the time that works best for you. See more and sign up below. 


One-on-One Coaching

Write your best work! I work with a handful of select clients for one-on-one coaching. Contact me here if you are interested and see if we are a good fit.

About Me

Nadia Colburn  Writer, Teacher, Yogi, Activist. 

I’m so glad you’re here!

In my own writing, I explore questions of the body, motherhood, trauma, healing, social and environmental justice, and the power of narrative.

My full-length poetry collection, The High Shelf, was published in the fall of 2019. Chase Twichell wrote of the collection: “Spare, brilliant, and open-hearted, these poems do what we most need art to do in this perilous age: they show how the mind invents both itself and its world, and thus where our responsibility lies. This is a book that will reward both readers of poetry and those seeking insight into suffering and resilience. An exhilarating read.”

My second poetry book, I Say the Sky, was selected as the 2022 Poetry selection in the University Press of Kentucky's New Poetry and Prose series and will be published in early 2024.

I also write creative nonfiction, personal essays and lyric memoir, where I explore the intersection of my personal stories with the larger social, historic, environmental stories around us. 

I’m particularly interested in how the literature we read helps orient us to the world. 

My poetry and prose have won awards and been widely published in more than 80 national publications including The New Yorker, The Kenyon Review, LA Review of Books, Lion’s Roar, Spirituality & Health, and Boston Globe Magazine.

I’ve worked with thousands of students and offer in-person creative writing classes in the Boston area, and online writing classes that often bring together meditation, yoga and writing, in-person retreats, and one-on-one coaching.

I've seen again and again that we write our best work when we bring our full selves to our writing and attend to both craft and process, the mind and the body.

I bring together my more traditional academic background with a more holistic, mindful approach. I have a BA from Harvard and a Ph.D. in English from Columbia University and have taught literature and creative writing at MIT, Lesley, Stonehill College, and Grub Street. I've offered lectures and retreats at  Harvard Divinity School, Copper Beech Institute, and Mass Poetry Festival. I’m the writer-in-residence at Northeastern's Center For Spirituality, Dialogue and Service. I'm also a serious student of Thich Nhat Hanh, a certified yoga teacher, an activist for peace, equity and the environment, and mother of two.

I have a wide variety of programs and can develop programs suited to your individual needs. Please reach out to me with any questions!

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Nadia Colburn is truly one of those very great teachers

Nadia Colburn is truly one of those very great teachers

Pam Boll Director of "Who Does She Think She Is"

Mindful, Embodied Writing.

A Holistic Approach To Online Creative Writing Courses

Online Writing Classes For Poetry, Nonfiction, Memoir, Healing & More.

Students can log in here. 

Align Your Story for Women

A unique online writing class for women with yoga, meditation, close readings, and more to integrate mind, body & spirit. Bring your writing to the next level, trust your voice, and write your best work —with more power and more ease.

Write From Your Center Mindfulness Writing Course

This mindfulness writing course is designed for writers and non-writers alike to help you jumpstart your writing, reconnect with your center, and access your deep creativity. Be guided in a transformative writing practice.

Poetry of Attention: Online Poetry Course

Poetry as contemplative Practice. Be more mindful, wake up, read, write, and live more fully. This class will take you deep into the craft and practice of poetry. Learn how to attentively read great poems as a writer and step into your own poetic voice. 

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Taking Nadia’s class changed my life and I do not exaggerate when I say ​it was how I found my true life, my true self.

Taking Nadia’s class changed my life and I do not exaggerate when I say ​it was how I found my true life, my true self.

Joanne Reynolds

My Creative Writing Blog

by Nadia ColburnSeptember 15, 2023

Access your creative voice on a deeper level

Mindful tools for writers: meditations, writing prompts, publishing guides, and more.

Get access to my free resource library and get weekly or bi-weekly emails with reflections, meditation, tips, and more. 

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