I'm sharing an interview I originally recorded for the Cracking Open podcast because the conversation feels just as relevant for our Whole Writer community.

We talk about something I believe deeply: creativity isn't reserved for people with endless time, perfect circumstances, or extraordinary talent. It's a practice of returning to yourself—again and again.

In our conversation, we explore:

• How I found my way back to writing after years of raising three children and caring for family.

• Why resistance so often disguises itself as "not enough time," perfectionism, or fear of being judged.

• The small, consistent habits that helped me build a sustainable writing life.

• Why confidence doesn't come before we begin—it grows because we begin.

• How creativity supports not only our writing, but our sense of wholeness.

Whether you're drafting a novel, revising a memoir, or simply trying to reconnect with the creative part of yourself, I hope this conversation encourages you to keep showing up for your work—and for yourself.

If this episode resonates, I'd love to hear from you. You can find more encouragement, craft essays, and thoughtful reflections for novelists and memoirists in my Dear Whole Writer newsletter.

To find Molly Carroll's podcast, Cracking Open, visit here.