top of page
Jo Norland
Writing coach and creator of the Write Now writing program


June Coaching Nugget
Writing invites you to discover that you love spending time alone.
joannanorland
3 days ago1 min read


Write Now! writer development program starts June 30
Do you desire to write? Are you willing to commit to 10 minutes a day, plus a 1-hour weekly session? Then Write Now may be the right fit. Read on!
joannanorland
May 283 min read


Newsletter: June 1, 2026
Welcome to my monthly newsletter, with inspiration-on-tap to help you get your ideas out of your head, onto the page and into the world.
joannanorland
May 273 min read


May Coaching Nugget
How can you support another writer today?
joannanorland
May 151 min read


Newsletter: May 2, 2026
A simple rule for handling tenses in flashbacks, fun with collective nouns, update on my writing workshops and a special offer,
joannanorland
May 22 min read


Newsletter: April 1, 2026
Welcome to my first first-of-the-month newsletter, offering something useful, something fun, and upcoming events and offers.
joannanorland
Mar 302 min read


Write by Zoom - April 8, 7-8:15 p.m. UK time
Join me to Write by Zoom, April 8, leave inspired and confident, with the satisfaction of having written.
joannanorland
Mar 302 min read


Write in Ten: Achieve a Compelling Writing Goal in Ten Weeks!
Write in Ten is a unique 10-week program that empowers you to achieve a compelling writing goal -- whatever your dream project or experience level, and wherever you are in the world, and whether you call yourself a writer or not.
joannanorland
Mar 93 min read


Workshop: Overcome Resistance to Writing
Join me for a welcoming, interactive workshop will get you off the starting blocks and ready to greet the page with confidence, clarity and energy.
joannanorland
Feb 222 min read


Short Takes: Tim Sevenhuysen, Creator of fiftywordstories.com, on Writing Effective Microfiction
“People always ask how do you get ideas,” Tim said. “I say – let the ideas come to you. Ideas come when you aren’t expecting them. The harder part is holding onto an idea. So make sure to write it down or log it to your phone right away, so you can work with it later.”
joannanorland
Feb 214 min read


Writersbridge 2026
Free monthly group for writers of all stages and stripes, providing support, feedback and laughs.
joannanorland
Dec 23, 20252 min read


Plan Your Writing Year!
Put your goals in writing, and cast a spell to make 2026 your best writing year ever!
joannanorland
Nov 22, 20251 min read


Podcast Interview
Podcast interview about the three things you need for a writing life and the Write in Ten writer development program.
joannanorland
Oct 17, 20251 min read


Three Myths That Keep You From Writing
Join me for a 50 minute workshop to learn about the three myths that keep you from writing and one powerful truth to crush them forever.
joannanorland
Oct 14, 20251 min read


It Takes a Village to Build a Story
Writing is a solitary activity, and like most writers, I have a strong reclusive instinct.
But I also thrill at the unexpected directions a project can take when others contribute their ideas, talent and life experience.
So when a local junior school teacher invited me to deliver a workshop on fractured fairy tales, I asked for a few volunteers to help me test drive Kiss!, my take on The Frog Prince.
joannanorland
Sep 20, 20252 min read


Six Tips for a Successful Writing Retreat
As the writing coach for Starcroft Farm Cabins writing retreats, I want guests to get stuck in, surprise themselves with the work they create and leave hungry to keep going. Here are some tips for making the most out of that magical opportunity. Writers of all genres come to Starcroft Farm Cabins because we crave uninterrupted time to immerse ourselves in our craft. From raw beginners to award winners, we sense that if we give our ideas extended, focused attention, we will di
joannanorland
Aug 2, 20254 min read


Sharing the Joy of Animals
How a Picture Book Enriches the World of Fisherwood Farm A few years ago, I was honoured to serve as Nicki Fisher’s writing coach (a.k.a....
joannanorland
Jul 31, 20255 min read


What do Writing Coaches Do?
On a good day, pure magic. Of course, that isn’t exactly true. My students are the magicians. For my part, I serve as catalyst,...
joannanorland
Jul 30, 20252 min read
bottom of page