About Me

I'm Shavawn M. Berry, a writer, poet, essayist, and longtime teacher of writing. I believe our stories matter—not only the stories we have already lived, but the ones we're still brave enough to imagine.

My work explores the tender, complicated territory of being human: the mysteries of the spirit, the wisdom of the natural world, the transformations that come with age, and the possibility of beginning again.

I'm drawn to the places where beauty and grief meet, where our old stories fall away, and where we begin to find our voices.

I hold a Master of Professional Writing degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and have spent two decades teaching writers how to shape their ideas into meaningful work.

I'm also the author of Evanescent Creature: Poems & Meditations.

Here on shavawnmberry.com, I bring together writing, creativity, spirituality, and the courage to keep becoming.

I especially love encouraging writers and late bloomers who are ready to give their ideas room to grow.

When I'm not writing or teaching, you might find me among the trees, looking at the stars, or enjoying the company of my beloved animal companions.

Praise for Shavawn’s Work:

“When I first stumbled upon Shavawn's writing, I had to take my pulse. I was transported to a world where detail, magic, dreams, and realism played equal, often indistinguishable parts. I knew I was among the great, but I had no idea yet how great, until I got the chance to periodically collaborate with Shavawn and enjoy her writings on Rebelle Society. She has a way of capturing your imagination and turning you from a mere reader or spectator into a lively character or sometimes, even a co-author of her stories -- a way of waking you up and stirring your soul and building a home of words and hope inside it I have rarely experienced. If words were music (and they are) Shavawn would be a genius Word Orchestra Conductor. She writes the symphony and then goes on to play as well as direct all the instruments. I couldn't be more honored and grateful for such an inspiring artistic collaboration, and I can only hope that many other artists, dreamers, thinkers, and change-makers get a chance to taste and enjoy Shavawn's work and art."

Andréa Balt, Co-Founder / Editor-in-Chief Rebelle Society & Creative Rehab

"The Wonderland Files advocate for a life built out of grace and love in Shavawn M. Berry's unwavering and passionate voice. Always honest and sometimes gritty, Shavawn is on a search for the authentic and brings us with her as she explores why this is important and how it’s done. When it’s messy, she unflinchingly reports back. "Let’s stop assuming that the status quo is worth preserving,” she says. And if your life isn’t an authentic construct of love and gratitude, she whispers, get it there, and invites us to drink deeply of the heart's sweet waters. We may be Falling Into Wonderland, but our guide is wise and kind; she never lets us drop."

Melissa I. Hassard, Poet, Writer, Activist, Mother, and Director of Marketing & Partner at Sable Books

"Poignant, often heart-wrenching, Berry's writing draws you in and comforts you, all the while remaining refreshingly raw and 100% authentic."

Lisa Pollman, Art Journalist, Borders, and Bridges

If you want to experience the wonder of my writing workshops, retreats, or creative coaching, reach out via the join my list button on the home page.

Your voice is appreciated and valued. This world needs your gifts.