Writer, life coach, mentor

I am a fiction and non-fiction writer based in Norfolk, England.As a life coach and mentor, I work with writers, or anyone trying to expand and grow their creative life.I find tarot helpful for my own creative practice and offer readings to help others.I write a substack on the writing process called Living Writing.

Work with me

I have hugely benefitted from coaching and mentoring in my writing practice and other areas of my life including finances. I trained with Relational Dynamics.CoachingCreativity is a gift to ourselves and others. Many of us have creative dreams and desires, but for whatever reason find ourselves unable to realise them.I am here to help you unblock that and find a way towards fulfilling your creative wishes. In our coaching sessions, the emphasis is on supporting you in finding the answers within yourself. I provide a structure in which you can do this. I will listen to you and help you find the courage and motivation to move forward. You will leave our sessions empowered and with a clear plan.You can have a single session or leave it open ended.To find out if you would like to work with me, I offer a free 30 minute call to answer any questions you may have. This is also a good opportunity to see whether we are a good fit for each other.MentoringWorking with a writing mentor has helped me structure my writing life with deadlines and feedback.When mentoring I share my experience as well as utilising coaching techniques. We will work together over an extended period, having regular half hour or hour-long sessions to which you bring questions relating to your ongoing project or artistic practice.All sessions are on zoom or by phone.Tarot
I have used tarot for many years as part of my creative practice, helping me identify and clear blocks, to gain clarity, inspire and support myself. I have trained with Lindsay Mack and several other tarot readers and read tarot for over 15 years. Sessions are 50 minutes.

About

I’ve had an eventful career that has led me from frontline journalism to frontline campaigning, and from deep immersion in another culture (Russia) to passionately defending the UK’s built heritage. I’ve been an advocate for heritage, whether it is buildings, or culture, throughout my career. I believe in the power of good communication, whether it is reporting or talking to unrepresented communities fearful about losing a building, or representing aspects of other cultures to new audiences.I have been Moscow Correspondent for The Times, I was co-founder of The Moscow Architecture Preservation Society in the 2000s, and Director of SAVE Britain's Heritage and Pushkin House. I have always written journalism.Now in my work as a writer I am doing the same thing - interrogating my own inner world about the circumstances in which I haven’t had children, and interviewing other women about it for a book I am writing about Childlessness. I like to challenge taboos and question the status quo. I believe in the healing power of writing our own stories and of the creative act.(photo- Isabel MacCarthy)

Testimonials

'I felt free to talk about what I wanted, always free from judgment. I felt very “heard” and understood.' SC yoga teacher and woodworker.'Breaking down tasks into more manageable blocks is helpful – going step by step for blocks of work that otherwise seem impossible to get done.' HB Director of Charity.'I've learnt to trust myself and believe in myself more. It has been good for my self esteem. I’ve become a better listener to friends and family. Inspired no doubt by the coaching.' SB teacher and writer.

Resources

Here are some of the things that I find helpful:Online writingThe London Writers Salon organise regular writing hours (a choice of three per day, starting with a slot at 8am UK time) when writers get together to write online for 50 minutes. The sessions are well structured. It is amazing how much more I get done when I am writing with other people.Another online writing platform, run by Gemma Seltzer (who also has a great newsletter), Write & Shine is a mixture of early online morning workshops on different themes often run by different writers and poets. There is also an online library of creative courses that you can access for a small monthly fee.BooksThe Artist’s Way When stuck I read the Basic Principles and the Affirmations before I start writing.Aimee McNee, otherwise known as Inspired to Write on Instagram, is a champion advocate of journaling and recent author of the galvanising - We Need Your Art.Write It All Down by Cathy Rentzenbrink is a book I often recommend as is Bird by Bird by Anne Lammot.Also helpful:
How to Write by Anthony Anaxagorou, and
I Didn’t Do the Thing Today by Madeleine Dore
Also, Into Being by Lily Dunn, who has an excellent Substack on memoir writing.