Back From Hiatus
With a new writing challenge
Dear Friend
Ah I’ve missed you. How are you? What’s news with you?
After a brief hiatus to celebrate my 50th birthday, I’m back - feeling rejuvenated, inspired and ready to dive into the next chapter of my journey. The celebrations were everything I had hoped for and more, even though I was a little anxious before hand. Days were filled with laughter, love, a few tears and memorable moments with family and friends. After all the celebrations were over and my loved ones had said their farewells, I almost collapsed into a messy, emotional pile on the floor. Weirdly I felt all heavy, overwhelmed and sloth like.
I’ve been in an odd space emotionally, too keen to get back to some sort of normality, but with little or no energy, I decided to retreat with my fabulous TBR book stack. It seems that my body had truly had enough of entertaining, of everything, from talking, to feasting, giggling, crying, and travelling. I had to simply give in for a couple more days, and stare out of my window, while the dogs slept by my feet.
Now that I’ve managed to pull my 50 year young self together, after a much-deserved break, I’m eager to return to my writing, recharged and with fresh ideas.
This hiatus wasn’t just about celebrating a milestone birthday; it was also a necessary pause after a year of daily writing here on Substack - one of those crazy challenges I set for myself on my 49th birthday. In all honesty, I’m not sure I’ll set another daily writing challenge like that again. Even though it pushed me to new creative heights, it also nearly broke me. I did however develop a deeper relationship with my writing and with all of you, friendly connections I will cherish. But I realise writing everyday on Substack was way too much of a challenge for me, all things considered.
So what’s next for “with ease”?
Now that I’ve recharged my batteries, it’s time to embark on a new project, as I always need something big and interesting to focus on and keep me out of trouble.
I’m going to be writing my new book “Journal with Ease”. This book is close my heart, as it will be part memoir, part therapeutic journaling guide, specifically for women who are looking to channel their emotions into something more positive and creative. It’s designed to be a springboard for anyone who wants to embrace journaling as a tool for self discovery.
But here’s the twist… I’ll be writing this book LIVE on Substack. That’s right - if you are one of my paid subscribers, you will get exclusive access to the process behind creating “Journal with Ease” twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. This means you’ll be able to witness the evolution of my book in real time, the good, the bad and the ugly scenes of my writing process. Where you’ll be able to comment, send me feedback, suggest ideas, ask me questions each week, and once a month you’ll be invited to join me on a co-writing session. I’ll continue curating journaling prompts, as I know how many of you have benefited from using these in your journaling practice.
“The only way you can write is by the light of the bridges burning behind you.”
– Alice Munro
Year 50 Writing Challenge
The reason why I’ll endeavour to write my book live on substack, is because, why not?! Seriously though, I need a writing project to get my teeth into during my year of being 50. One that would combine my love for writing, journaling and my commitment to my Substack community. So instead of seeing my book and my newsletter as separate projects, I’m merging them into one seamless (hmmm there might be some hiccups along the way) experience. This approach will help me stay on track (hopefully) with my book deadline, while continuing to deliver valuable content to you, my readers.
Here’s how it will work:
1. Monday & Friday Newsletters - these days will be dedicated to sharing the progress of “Journal with Ease” for my paid subscribers. You’ll get the behind the scenes access to my writing process, including drafts, musings and inevitable ups and downs that come with writing a book. This won’t be about the finished product, but about the journey of creating something meaningful, that takes time, sheer grit and determination, warts n all.
2. Sunday WORD:ship - I shall continue with my gentle journaling newsletter each Sunday, where we gather to explore words, themes, emotions, and ideas that inspire us. These sessions will be a little oasis of creativity and reflection amidst the intense working week and for those that need some encouragement to take a slower pace to the writing practice.
3. Subscriber Gifts - as a paid subscriber you’ll continue to receive the benefits from ‘with ease’. Which include free access to my guided journaling workshops every Thursday at 1pm via zoom (soon via Substack). First refusal onto my writing retreats in collaboration with my favourite writers, plus discounts towards my “Digital Detox” weekend retreats and my “Rage on a Page” programmes. I’ll also be including special feature newsletters once every quarter to welcome a new season in.
The Road Ahead
Kicking off from Monday the 2nd September, the next three to six months are going to be intense, no doubt about it. Writing a book will be a first for me, and I’m fully aware of the challenges ahead. But I’m also incredibly excited about this new chapter - both for me personally and for you my readers. Writing my book LIVE on Substack feels like the perfect way to lean into my 50’s, blending my passion for writing, with my desire to share the transformative power of therapeutic journaling with you all.
So here’s to another crazy writing challenge, to the words yet to be written and to the community here on substack that makes it all worthwhile. I dearly hope we can embrace this new challenge together - with ease, of course.
Until the next time
Take care and stay safe xx
What’s On with Ease
Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat with ease &
. ONLY 1 BEDROOM LEFT - 16th-18th November 2024Rage on a Page - you’re very welcome to join the next series of my therapeutic journaling program. I’m looking to work with another 6 women for the October series.
More Sales Please - a brand new day retreat to blow up the sales in your creative business without the grind, with the gorgeously energetic Sara Dalrymple of
27th September 2024. Almost SOLD OUT!Digital Detox Weekend Retreat - set in a gorgeous beach house near Pembrokeshire. Join me to learn how to take back control on the amount of time you spend on your device, find new ways to entertain yourself, embrace more positive daily activities and generally feel more upbeat and happier. Guaranteed… coastal walks, cold water therapy, feasting on local produce, therapeutic journaling workshops, reading, writing and plenty of resting! ONLY 2 SPACES LEFT. 18th-20th October 2024
Storytelling with ease &
- This day retreat will cover both memoir and fiction. It will concentrate on the emotional journey of being a writer; but also the practical aspects of how to get your ideas on the page; including creating outlines, generating story ideas and understanding story structure and character development. 25th October 2024Doing Hard Things with ease &
New date just launched. Friday 8th November in Oxfordshire.Making Feelings Fashionable with ease &
So exciting! You say that writing everyday was beyond you, but you did it and it was brill. The consistency of it will stand you in good stead for writing the new book x
Can’t wait to follow the next part of your journey. I will be right there with you. Writing a book is something I have found , daunting, terrifying, frustrating, Nigel is permanently on my shoulder but he gets kicked into the corner. More than anything the sense of achievement is amazing, even though mine is exceedingly unlikely to get published and I have a long way to go. Yours will be amazing and inspiring. ❤️❤️❤️