Mary E. Knippel

Soul Story Mentor

Learn More about Mary

About Mary E. Knippel

Mary E. Knippel is an author, speaker, and Soul Story Mentor devoted to helping women transform their life experiences into powerful stories of hope, healing, wisdom, and legacy. With more than 40 years of experience in journalism, Mary blends professional expertise with intuitive insight to guide women in uncovering the deeper meaning of their lives—so they can rise from where they’ve been and step into what is possible.

Mary’s connection to story began long before her professional career. Since the tender age of 11, she has turned to her journal as a sacred space—a place to have honest, soul-deep conversations on the page. Through this lifelong practice, she discovered that writing is more than expression—it is a pathway to connection, clarity, and inner wisdom. Her journal became a trusted companion, helping her navigate life’s joys and challenges while strengthening her relationship with her own soul.

A profound turning point came after Mary’s second breast cancer diagnosis. What had once been private reflections in her journal began calling to be shared. From that moment, she stepped fully into her role as a writing mentor—guiding others to find meaning in their experiences and courage in their voice. This transformation also led to the publication of her first memoir, The Secret Artist—Give Yourself Permission to Let Your Creativity Shine, a heartfelt invitation for others to embrace their creativity and honor their inner truth.

Mary’s journey with breast cancer has continued to shape her message and mission. Now a three-time thriver, she carries an even deeper understanding of resilience, perspective, and hope. She is currently writing her second memoir, Come Home to Your Soul Story, slated for release in late 2026—a powerful continuation of her work inviting women to return to themselves, their truth, and the wisdom held within their own lives.

At the heart of Mary’s work is a simple, profound truth: your story is not over—it is becoming. Even in life’s most challenging moments, there is a thread of hope waiting to be recognized, honored, and shared. Mary helps women find that thread and weave it into a story that not only heals them, their Soul Story becomes a light for others.

Through her Author Mentorship programs, Mary supports women who feel called to write, speak, or share their story in a bigger way. With compassionate guidance and a clear, supportive process, she helps bring ideas to life—transforming uncertainty into clarity, and self-doubt into confidence. These programs are not just about writing a book; they are about reclaiming voice, purpose, and possibility.

Mary is also the creator of the collaborative book series, Written in Her Own Words-Wise Woman Wisdom, where women come together to share their lived experiences in a collective expression of courage and hope. Each volume is a testament to the power of storytelling—reminding both the writer and the reader that no experience is wasted when it is transformed into wisdom.

For those seeking a deeper connection with themselves and their creativity, Mary hosts the Wise Woman Wisdom Creativity Retreat—an immersive, soul-nourishing experience designed to create space for reflection, renewal, and inspiration. Surrounded by beauty, community, and intention, women rediscover their inner voice and reconnect with the hope that lives within them.

The Soul Story Sanctuary is the ongoing heart of Mary’s work—a supportive community where women gather to write, reflect, and share in a safe and sacred space. Through guided prompts and meaningful connection, participants are reminded that their voice matters, their story has value, and their experiences carry wisdom that can inspire others.

Mary also offers one-on-one mentorship, providing personalized support for women who are ready to go deeper—whether they are navigating life transitions, working through creative blocks, or preparing to share their story with the world. These sessions are grounded in compassion, clarity, and the unwavering belief that every woman’s story holds significance.

As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Mary brings warmth, authenticity, and inspiration to every stage she steps onto. Her message is rooted in hope—encouraging women to trust themselves, honor their journey, and recognize that their story is not something to hide, but something to share. Through her talks, she reminds audiences that when a woman owns her Soul Story, she not only transforms her own life—she becomes a beacon of hope for others.

Mary’s work is an invitation:
To believe that your experiences matter.
To trust that your voice is enough.
And to know, deeply, that your story holds the power to heal, to inspire, and to create a legacy of hope that reaches far beyond you.

To learn more or begin your journey, visit:
https://maryeknippel.com

About Mary E. Knippel

Mary E. Knippel is an author, speaker, and Soul Story Mentor devoted to helping women transform their life experiences into powerful stories of hope, healing, wisdom, and legacy. With more than 40 years of experience in journalism, Mary blends professional expertise with intuitive insight to guide women in uncovering the deeper meaning of their lives—so they can rise from where they’ve been and step into what is possible.

At the heart of Mary’s work is a simple, profound truth: your story is not over—it is becoming. Even in life’s most challenging moments, there is a thread of hope waiting to be recognized, honored, and shared. Mary helps women find that thread and weave it into a story that not only heals them, it lights a spark and becomes a light for others.

Through her Author Mentorship programs, Mary supports women who feel called to write, speak, or share their story in a bigger way. With compassionate guidance and a clear, supportive process, she helps bring ideas to life—transforming uncertainty into clarity, and self-doubt into confidence. These programs are not just about writing a book; they are about reclaiming voice, purpose, and possibility.

Mary is also the creator of the collaborative book series, Written in Her Own Words, where women come together to share their lived experiences in a collective expression of courage and hope. Each volume is a testament to the power of storytelling—reminding both the writer and the reader that no experience is wasted when it is transformed into wisdom.

For those seeking a deeper connection with themselves and their creativity, Mary hosts the Wise Woman Wisdom Creativity Retreat—an immersive, soul-nourishing experience designed to create space for reflection, renewal, and inspiration. Surrounded by beauty, community, and intention, women rediscover their inner voice and reconnect with the hope that lives within them.

The Soul Story Sanctuary is the ongoing heart of Mary’s work—a supportive community where women gather to write, reflect, and share in a safe and sacred space. Through guided prompts and meaningful connection, participants are reminded that their voice matters, their story has value, and their experiences carry wisdom that can inspire others.

Mary also offers one-on-one mentorship, providing personalized support for women who are ready to go deeper—whether they are navigating life transitions, working through creative blocks, or preparing to share their story with the world. These sessions are grounded in compassion, clarity, and the unwavering belief that every woman’s story holds significance.

As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Mary brings warmth, authenticity, and inspiration to every stage she steps onto. Her message is rooted in hope—encouraging women to trust themselves, honor their journey, and recognize that their story is not something to hide, but something to share. Through her talks, she reminds audiences that when a woman owns her Soul Story, she not only transforms her own life—she becomes a beacon of hope for others.

Mary’s work is an invitation:
To believe that your experiences matter.
To trust that your voice is enough.
And to know, deeply, that your story holds the power to heal, to inspire, and to create a legacy of hope that reaches far beyond you.

The Secret Artist

"The Secret Artist-Give Yourself Permission to Let Your Creativity Shine" chronicles how she used writing as a healing tool throughout her first two breast cancer journeys. At the end of each essay, she encourages readers with writing prompts to write their own story.

Publisher

In 2022 Mary stepped into the role of publisher as the compiler of the Amazon bestselling collaborative book "Written In Her Own Words-Wise Woman Wisdom". Previously, she participated in numerous co-author projects as a contributor, editor and ghost writer.

Retreat Leader

In 2023, Mary added Retreat Leader to her offerings. A devoted retreat participant, Mary facilitates the Wise Woman Wisdom Retreat which features many opportunities for those attending these intimate gatherings to be welcomed into a world designed to encourage their creativity and enhance their voice.

Mentor and Journalist

As a writing mentor and journalist for four decades, Mary uses her intuitive skills to ask thought provoking questions to help writers discover and craft the stories longing to be revealed.

Mary is active in the writing communities from Minnesota, Colorado and throughout California in various roles as a contributing columnist, speaker, workshop facilitator and/or independent editor.

Polka Dot Powerhouse is a worldwide community of positive, purpose-driven women in every stage of life who are committed to connection, collaboration and celebration. (Member for the past 8 years, current member of the San Mateo Chapter, has been a program speaker at numerous chapter meetings and has had the privilege of speaking twice at Celebration (Denver 2017 and Minneapolis 2025, the organization's national conference.)

Women’s National Book Assn-San Francisco Chapter (current member, program speaker, and past president)

California Writers Club-Peninsula Branch (club member, program speaker, and past board member)

San Francisco Writers Conference (SFWC) ( has held various roles since the first conference in 2004, Mary’s role at the first in 20 years ago was babysitting the purses in the volunteer lounge. Since then she’s honed her writing and editing skills with the position of Indep Editor Coordinator for the past eight years. Currently she is the Non-Fiction and Memoir Track Coordinator.)

More About Mary

Mary lives in Half Moon Bay, California with her husband. Mary is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism. She earned her degree the same year she and her husband adopted a baby girl. To Mary’s delight, the baby girl has a baby of her own which has blessed Mary with the title of NaNa.

Testimonials

"I had never considered myself a writer, however Mary has taught me we all have a story to tell. Her Writing Room is a safe place for me to go write for an hour every Tuesday. She helps us to relax and hear our inner voice and to get it on the page. I highly recommend that you check out Mary, especially because we all have a story to tell. When will you start yours?"

Tina P.

"Mary E. Knippel’s class at the Cedar Falls Christian Women’s Writers Workshop was my utmost favorite among the many experts in the field of writing who spoke during the 3-day conference. Her excellent message was God-ordained, and God-given making me feel the very presence of the Holy Spirit all over the place. The reflective writing exercises were dynamite. After the class, I only wanted a quiet space to breathe in all Mary had given, to pray, to write, and to be more present in my craft as a writer. I found the whole experience very encouraging. It was a great message for any writer regardless of where one is in their writing life – beginner or seasoned."

Lyn Vande Brake

"I hired Mary to write an article for me which was going to be in Coastviews Magazine. It was a beautiful article and is still linked on my website. Later she wrote my press release when I moved my business. When the need arises I will hire her again."

Antoinette

Online Coaching Resources

Wellness eBook

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The Essentials of Goal Setting

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3 Week Career Workshop

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