‘Writers Retreat’ the ad said. I envisioned blue skies and crystal-clear waters on some remote island. Sadly, thanks to current requirements for physical distancing, the retreat was taking place online, hosted through Facebook.

I hesitated. Did I need more Facebook? Did I really want to commit to two weeks of having to write – something – every day?

This was one week into ‘lock down’ and I knew I needed something to get me focused, to wrestle me away from the endless scrolling, the hopeless searching for better news as I tried to wrap my head around this new reality.

I joined and found myself writing every day. Sometimes it was free style, ten minutes of a brain dump first thing in the morning, other days it was writing content for blog posts, articles and social media.

Some days I imagined, with practice, I could become a half decent writer; on others I was convinced I was boring my audience and myself into oblivion.

But gradually, I let myself go. I let myself write what I meant. I cut the fluff and cut to the core and to my surprise found my voice.

A more concise voice. Clarity. It was cathartic and strangely therapeutic.

Writing is a fantastic way to express our inner most thoughts, to convey important messages, to share, to discover and uncover.

And we can do it for ourselves – or for others. That is our choice. And at times like this, when our minds are running wild, full of a multitude of thoughts, fears, hopes and concerns it is a way in which we can off load or download and then move on feeling lighter, freer and strangely wiser. After all, where writing is concerned,

‘We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master’

Ernest Hemingway

In this podcast, Jo Parfitt shares her passion and enthusiasm for writing. She talks about:

* How she has built a career and portable business out of writing.* The benefits of writing, even if no-one else ever sees it.* The four reasons for writing content that is worth sharing.* Resources that you can use to inspire your writing.* How you can get started.

Sign up to receive the podcast newsletter and download of full show notes from this series HERE

Download the Show Notes HERE

Resources and Help from Jo Parfitt

* Try Jo’s speed writing event on a Friday afternoon HERE* If you want to write your story, go and take a look at Jo’s Life Story Jar HERE* Also, sign up for Jo’s newsletter HERE.* Go to Summertime publishing HERE for free help on writing,