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It seems ages since I last sat down to write on Substack. Life happens, challenges get in the way. It can be hard to juggle and balance. Almost impossible to jam everything in and not feel the impact in some way.

Somethings have to give … For me, that has been my writing. I LOVE to write, but my book brain hasn’t had the space to breathe recently.

And as space to breathe is vital on a creative journey, I’m going to share about a very special event I’m hosting in Cumbria at the end of April, but first, I want to chat about belief.

The power of belief 😊

I work with a book coach, a wonderful mentor who reads my words and reflects them back to me. She shares what resonates, what she finds touching, or moments where she wants to know more. It’s what I do for my writers too. The wonderful souls who trust me with their words, their hopes and dreams.

At the start of working 1:1 with a writer, I ask a series of questions, and one of those questions is why me? Why do you want me to be your book coach? Recently, an answer came back that it’s because I believe in them.

It was a simple answer and so very true. I do believe in this writer A LOT. I believe that they have a wonderful story and a beautiful, creative soul. And I’m excited to work with them.

The thing is, I believe in all the writers I work with.

Every person in my membership, workshops, or 1:1’s is unique. And the stories they are telling, the books they are writing, are filled with hard work and love.

And although they might not always feel it, they are backing themselves too. They are showing up on group or 1:1 calls. They are writing and sharing their words in a safe and nurturing space. As we walk alongside each other, we learn to call ourselves writers.

I am a certified book coach. I can help people put the nuts and bolts of their books together. I can listen, read, give feedback, and help keep writers on track, but no course can teach me to believe in people. That bit just comes from who I am.

But it’s a two-way experience. I believe in the writers I support, and crucially, they believe in me.

I love my work as a book coach - but I don’t get to show up and be part of another person’s writing journey unless they invite me in.

Recently, I jumped at the chance to work with Cumbria Accelerator ( a small business support organisation). My mentor is older than me, male, and with a background in industries that I have no clue about. I doubt our paths would have crossed any other way. I thoroughly enjoyed my session with him - he listened, he chatted, he ‘got’ me. I felt seen.

But something he said keeps coming back to me

“Many people need you - they just don’t know they need you”

I’ve been pondering this as I’ve gone about my daily life. Sometimes, we don’t realise what we need until something or someone comes along who changes how we feel about ourselves.

So, I’m just going to put it out there. Do you need someone to believe in you? Someone to walk beside you - holding the light so you can concentrate on taking your next creative steps. Whatever and wherever they might be.

I have a variety of services I offer within Writing Inside Out. However, with challenges in my non-writing life, I’ve had little time and energy to promote an event that I believe in wholeheartedly.

Explore Your Story: 25th & 26th April

In just over three weeks, Millie-Dog and I will be in Thirlmere, Cumbria, where I’m hosting a relaxed, creative, and meaningful weekend.

This particular event is women-only and will appeal to nature-loving writers wanting to reconnect with their books or stories.

We’ll be writing, of course, but there will also be arts-based sessions, and (weather permitting) time outdoors too. We’ll also be sharing delicious vegan and vegetarian meals.

I have two dear writing friends already booked in. They believe in me, and I can’t express how much that means. I LOVE the ideas they have for their books, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what new perspectives the weekend will bring for them.

Would YOU like to join us?

If you are reading this and thinking ‘YES’. Then consider this your personal invite.

You can find more details and book HERE

Any questions, feel free to message me at writinginsideout@outlook.com. I’d love to hear from you.

And if you can’t make it this time, but you are interested, do let me know. Perhaps another date has your name on it.

Keep believing in your writing dreams.

Lots of love, Jo (& Millie-Dog) x🐾x

Writing Inside Out News

A cosy corner of Writing Inside Out on Substack to share a final comment, give thanks, & shine a light.

Thank you to everyone who has worked with me over the past SIX years that I have been coaching writers. Each year has been different. Each year has brought its own challenges. Thank you for believing in me, as I believe in you 😊

Workshops and events

It’s certainly been a very busy few months for Writing Inside Out - Alongside, ‘The Creative Writers Cabin’ (my monthly membership group), 1:1 coaching and online workshops, I've hosted three in-person workshops, here in Cumbria and attended the Cumbria Book Festival. And what wonderful writers and readers I have met too 😊.

Thank you for tuning in!