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Diane Schroeder the fire inside her

The Fire inside her

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Diane Schroeder the fire inside her
The Fire inside her

The Table

Pull up a chair and share your story.

Using the Gateless Writing Method

I want to request a seat at the Table
  • The table gateless writing circles

Have you ever sat at a table and felt unwelcome?

Maybe the seats were uncomfortable, or the people were (personally or professionally).

Maybe the table was too small, too crowded, or too empty.

Maybe it had nothing to do with you.

I spent 24 years in the fire service, and what I miss the most is the kitchen table.

The Table is the heart of the fire station; we shared food, told stories, and processed calls.

We laughed, cried, and witnessed each other.

But it wasn’t at every table; sometimes I wasn’t welcomed. I was ignored, dismissed, or teased.

So I created a table where everyone is welcome to pull up a virtual chair, share your stories, and be witnessed.

We use writing as the tool to release thoughts, feelings, stories, fears, goals, and whatever else the fuck you want.

If you have ever felt unseen, unheard, invisible, or have something to say and crave the safe space to release your words, then I invite you to have a seat at the table.

Why Gateless Works

The Gateless Writing Method is grounded in creativity research and neuroscience. When you write inside a container without critique, judgment, or fixing. When you silence your inner critic, you access parts of your brain that talking can’t reach.

You’re not journaling. You’re not processing out loud to a therapist. You’re not crafting for an audience. You’re letting the page do what only the page can do: hold what’s rising from your body.

Benefits of sitting at the Table.

  • Deeper rest and improved sleep
  • Stronger immune response
  • A felt sense of connection and community
  • Stories, memories, and emotions that finally have somewhere to go

Here is more research about Gateless Writing

I want to request a Seat at the table
enso symbol

What happens at the Table

(stays at the Table)

We gather virtually.

I will guide you through a brief meditation and offer a writing prompt.

You write by hand, on a keyboard, whatever you choose for 15-20 minutes.

People are invited to share what they just created, and the rest of us listen.

There is no critique, fixing, or advice. Every piece is treated as fiction.

Request a seat at the table

Why build a Table?


Ten years into my fire service career, my world cracked open, and I found the crawl space of rock bottom.

I climbed out slowly, and writing became the loyal friend who helped me find my voice and confidence, and release the memories and stories my body held on to.

I knew I wasn’t the only one who needed a safe space to process, and I wanted to create a space where others could feel welcome.

But I’m not a Writer


The Table isn’t about craft (but you will learn craft).

It’s about using writing as a tool to process what you’ve been carrying.

You might be thinking:

“I don’t have any stories to share.”

You do. Everyone does. The prompt will find what’s already there.


“I don’t want to write a book.”

You don’t have to. Maybe a story is born here. Maybe it isn’t. Either is fine.


“It feels too personal.”

We treat every piece as fiction. We focus on the writing, not the writer. You are never asked to explain, defend, or disclose.

The container provides the guidelines so you can be reckless and wild within them.

  • gatelss writing circles for helpers, healers, and givers
  • Fire Inside Her Community

What’s Included


A weekly writing salon each week, led by a certified Gateless teacher

Priority access to in-person writing salons and retreats.

Member emails with prompts, reflections, and the occasional fun things.

Request a seat at the Table
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You’re In!

Check your email (and the spam folder)!

Investment

This is an investment in a space that exists solely for you.

Individual writing salons typically run $25–$50 per session.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to pay for the monthly or annual membership.

$59
per month
  • Access to 4 Gateless writing salons every month
  • Price locked in as long as you are a member
  • Cancel at any time
    @restored316
    The Fire Inside Her is a woman-owned, Colorado-based community offering in-person and virtual writing salons. Founded by a former Battalion Chief, TEDx speaker, and certified Gateless teacher, who speaks nationally on leadership, transition, and writing.
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