Late To The Party

Getting to know Helen Garner

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Dear Friend

How are you today?  I hope you’re basking in sunny rays. It’s the start of a mini heatwave here in South Wales, and I couldn’t ask for a better excuse than to spend a few hours reading in the garden. I’ve discovered a brilliant new writer!

For years, her name escaped me - Helen Garner, the acclaimed Australian writer and seasoned diary keeper. That is, until I happened to tune into a recent interview she gave with

sam baker

of The Shift podcast.

As I listened, engrossed, to garner’s insights on writing, feminism, her three marriages and the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with getting divorced more than twice, I found myself frantically searching the internet to learn more about this fascinating woman.

At 80 years old, Garner has had an unbelievable career writing novels, non-fiction, essays and publishing her most intimate diaries that span over 3 decades. And yet, shamefully, I had never read a single one of her books.  

But this is about to change.  After being so inspired by her interview with Sam, I immediately downloaded an audio version on "Yellow Notebook"

the first of three volumes of her diaries.  When a writer has a list as long as your arm of publications to read, it’s both thrilling and frustrating, as you wonder which publication to read first.  Due to my curiosity with other women’s diaries, I had to start with hers, even though her debut novel “Monkey Grip” has had raving reviews.

After reading a variety of articles in The Guardian, what struck me most about Garner, was her combination of raw truth telling and tenderness. Her wisdom and resilience at 80 is simply awe-inspiring.

Here’s the thing, discovering Garner at this stage in my own life and career feels perfectly timed, like being handed a literary torch from one passionate journal lover to another.  I can’t help but fantasise about sharing a coffee and cake with this extraordinary lady.  What fascinating conversations we could have! Helen is certainly on my ‘Writer Wish List” for ease retreats collaborations - imagine spending a whole day immersed in her hard-worn insights on life, love, and tragedy.

For now though, I ‘m looking forward to listening to the audio version of “Yellow Notebook”, better later than never eh?!

In the end, there is little that compares to the joy of discovering a great writer whose voice and perspective expands your own.  Especially by a woman who graces the page with piercing insights and profoundly human storytelling.  What I’m most excited about, is that I have a stack of her books waiting for me, pages upon pages to savour and learn from, all I need now is a month off work to escape to the “house on the beach”.

Inspired from the articles I’ve read about Garner I’ve curated a few journaling prompts, I think I’m going to use them alongside reading her books, would you care to join me?

1.  What hard truths have I been avoiding facing in my own life and work?  What would it mean to confront them with unflinching honesty?

2.  How has feminism shaped my journey as a woman?  Where have I witnessed its strengths and contradictions play out?

3. In what ways does age expose harsh new realities, but also grant vital new perspectives?  How can I learn to age with Helen Garner’s resilience and grace?

4.  What is the power and importance of bearing witness to individual’s lives and stories, no matter how dark or complicated they are?  Why must we resist looking away?

5.  What thoughts were provoked within after reading Yellow Notebook?

So while I go and lose myself within the thrill of my new literary crush, I hope you enjoy a wonderful day and do let me know if you have read any of Helen Garner’s books or if you’re intrigued to read one.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx

What’s On 'with ease'

Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat with ease & Emma Gannon - only 1 bedroom left available - 16th-18th November 2024

Rage on a Page - you’re very welcome to join the next series of my therapeutic journaling program. I’m looking to work with 6 women and there are only 3 spaces left available. Starting from the 9th September 2024

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 The Scoop-27th September 2024

Doing Hard Things with ease & Stacey Heale- there is a waiting list for the next retreat later this year - date tbc. Plus, there is a bursary place for one lucky guest.

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! 18th-20th October 2024