October, 2026 Newsletter (a few days early)

Dear fellow Writers-at-heart

Welcome to my nearly-October newsletter, with ideas to nourish your writing life, information about my Write Now development program, kicking off September 29 and a shout-out to Starcroft Farm Cabins writing retreats.

Something useful: Write a letter and get unstuck

Last week, a writing student sent me a heartfelt letter, updating me about her ups and downs. She said that it was the vehicle (hah hah) that led her back to her writing practice, after a chaotic stretch.

Writing to a sympathetic reader can help you overcome inertia and remember your words have weight. And just as her letter contained some gems, you, too may unearth some treasures as you go -- an insight or a turn of phrase to develop.

What to write about?

✏️ A shared memory.

✏️ A recent experience or observation.

✏️ A decision or challenge you are navigating.

✏️ Further thoughts on a recent discussion.

✏️ Gratitude - it can make someone's day to know that he/she had an impact.

Do not seek to convince or impress. Instead, write to explore, and aim for authenticity. If you smile while you are writing, or feel the tears at the back of your throat, trust that you are mining a rich seam.

PS: Books written as extended letters include The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë and Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg. So you never know where your letter might lead.

Something fun: Make that scary white space less white (and more friendly)

To quote poet, Brian Bilston, when we feel daunted by the white page, it helps to remember that as a first step, "your only concern should be to make it look a little less white."

At a recent workshop on writing for pleasure, I guided a serious-minded group of city lawyers to warm up by despoiling the white page, with playful intuition as their guide.

So grab some felt tips and colourful pens, set a timer for three minutes and give it a go.

For example, . . .

If you try these exercises, tell me about your experience. I want to cheer you on, and your feedback helps me serve you better.

Coming Up

Write Now kicks off - Tuesday, September 29

Are you finally ready to write that book (or screenplay, or Substack or . . .)?

I designed the Write Now development program to help you progress a dream writing project in just ten weeks -- wherever you are in the world, whatever your commitments, and whether you call yourself a writer or not.

If you are ready to spend 10 minutes a day + one hour a week being-a-writer, Write Now  clears a path to a sustainable writing life.

Click here for info and registration.

"As soon as I joined . . . my "writing life" took off."

Lydia Maier, Leadership coach, therapist and memoirist

More testimonials

Community shout out to Hannah Stuart-Leach, Founder of Starcroft Farm Cabins writing retreat

Hannah Stuart-Leach grows flowers & creative ideas

I am so inspired by the courage and vision with which Hannah launched Starcroft Farm Cabins writing retreats three years ago, intuiting that writers-at-heart crave beautiful, distraction-free space in the middle of nature.

There are still a few spaces left for 2026. I'll be coaching for the November 9-13 retreat and love connecting with members of this community.

Click here for tips for a successful writing retreat.

*****

Do you have writing news you wish to share? Let me know so we can celebrate as a community! We evolve by acknowledging our progress and inspiring one another.

And if you're ready to chat about taking your writing further, reach out for a free discovery call.

Thanks for reading and make it a splendiferous October.

Hugs and scribbles,

Jo