We will briefly examine the research behind the benefits of writing to keep our maturing brains healthy. Then we will dive into the good stuff! Discussion topics will include writing for pleasure versus writing to publish, developing a writing practice and where to find inspiration. We will work through in-class writing exercises together, and you will leave this class with activities, exercises and a road map to continue your writing journey or create a new path to a happier, healthier you. Lauren Cassel Brownell is the author of the books "Zen and the Art of Housekeeping" and the cozy mystery novel "Dying to Donate." She has self-published and published traditionally, written for magazines, newspapers and online outlets in the U.S. and Canada. She also has had two short plays produced locally. Brownell is the director of Marketing and Communications for Texas Tech’s College of Education.