Inspiring Speaker
Award-Winning Author
“Writing Setting
& Sense of Place”
Global Travel & Retreats
Herbal Medicine
Welcome to my world of writing, herbal medicine, and world travel and workshops.
Writing Workshops
I am the author of 6 works of nonfiction in three languages, with my most recent book Once Upon a Place: Forests, Caverns, and Other Places of Transformation in Myths, Fairy Tales and Film (foreword by Dr. Jack Zipes), 2025.
I teach and inspire writers to develop a strong Setting or Sense of Place. My book is the landmark text on Mythic Settings for writers, and I teach fiction and screenplay writers how to develop character and enrich plot by using Essential Settings and Mythic Settings. My goal is to get writers --and their characters -- off the couch and into transformative places.
From geography in my book Women Healers of the World, to my essay "Darkness and the Divine Feminine" in Parabola, my writing reflects how Place and Landscape contribute to fiction and nonfiction. If you are in search of writing craft and writing skills, check out my How to Create Robust Setting and Sense of Place in Fiction page to advance your work.
Herbal Medicine School
My herbal medicine school teaches how herbs support a healthy brain and mental resilience. My online and accredited courses are for beginners through clinicians -- the herb school is proud to support all learners interested in natural health.
As an international speaker, I teach workshops and give keynote lectures for universities, conferences and associations, with popular lectures in England, Costa Rica, Canada, Italy, Greece (2026), and all across the United States. Reach out to book me as a speaker for your event.
World Travel and Retreats
Happy travelers join me every year for organic-farm-to-table experiences, writing retreats, herbal retreats, aromatherapy retreats, and international travel. I've taken groups to Costa Rica, Canada, Martha's Vineyard, Italy, and--this fall--to Greece. Join me to enjoy the food, wine, culture, history, art, and gardens of the world. Our trips are wonderful for solo travelers, retiree travel, couples retreats, and small group travel.
Greece Retreat 2026
(sold out)
Keynotes & Speaking
Holly is a frequent and popular keynote speaker around the world having lectured in Canada, England, Italy, Costa Rica, Greece, and all around the United States. She is a welcome speaker at in-person international events, online events, and on podcasts. She inspires from the stage on a range of topics ideal for conferences, universities, symposia, panels, and women's and writer's groups.
For Writers & Authors
The author of 6 nonfiction books published in 3 languages, Holly teaches writers how to maximize their stories through Setting and Sense of Place. Her landmark book Once Upon a Place is the primary text on Mythic Settings useful for general fiction, YA, literary fiction, historical, or memoir, as well as fantasy, epics, journeys, adventures, and quests. Holly's fresh approach to writing Sense of Place, world-building, and designing an unforgettable setting boosts writers' ability to develop strong character arcs and transformational plots.
Holly also coaches writers in crafting compelling, agent-ready book proposals for fiction and nonfiction.
CEU-approved and Certificate Health Courses
Holly is a world-renowned teacher of herbal medicine, speaking at conferences and events around the globe. Her online courses support all students from beginners to family herbalists to clinicians. Earn 13 CEUs, approved for nurses, herbalists and acupuncturists through the California Acupuncture Board Provider #1840.
