In this episode of Wellspringwords: The Podcast, Nkem speaks with author Diandra Ford-Wing about her debut memoir Red Bird, “a heartfelt exploration of loss and resilience.” Framed by thoughtful questions from the Wellspringwords® community, Nkem and Diandra discuss writing truth from the heart, the complexity of writing about family members and family dynamics, practical tips on long writing projects and self-publishing, and the importance of self-care and self-nurturing.

This episode is a deep dive into the life and mind of a writer-turned-author and contains wisdom for all who resonate on a path of self-discovery. Please enjoy fully and share it with another being who would benefit!

Let us know what this episode brought to mind or heart for you in a podcast review, ⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠, or via email at [email protected]. Be well!***

Timestamps:

00:05 - Content disclaimer

00:32 - Introduction to episode and our guest, author Diandra Ford-Wing

04:00 - What was Diandra’s writing life like before publishing her writing? 

06:38 - Diandra talks about her novel Red Bird

09:37 - What is the symbolism of the Red Bird in Diandra’s book?

11:40 - Invitation to enjoy sweet and nourishing rituals with SIIKA Herb and Honey

13:35 - How did Diandra handle her emotions of pain and grief while writing Red Bird?

15:59 - Using charts or diagrams to see the vision of your longer writing project

18:29 - Did Diandra ever feel conflicted about how much of her family’s story to include in her book?

22:27 - What is the consequence of bearing a truth and telling a truth?

23:07 - How did Diandra honor the memory of those who have passed while still claiming her own voice?

28:21 - Everything we say and write and publish matters!

29:22 - Invitation to deepen your self-discovery through our Creative Enrichment Studio

31:15 - Diandra speaks about her mental health struggles and healing through introspection

35:08 - What advice does Diandra have for her 24-year-old version, on the verge of suicide?

40:33 - How Diandra’s writing style and approach to writing have changed through the decades

41:15 - Non-writing practices and rituals that can enhance our writing experience

43:42 - How did Diandra navigate the self-publishing process?

48:00 - Self-publishing and creative authority

50:22 - A note on the purpose of each literary project

51:23 - Stay connected & continue the conversation!

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Interested in diving into your own internal journey of self-discovery? Learn more about our ⁠Intuitive Writing for Self-Discovery self-paced course⁠. Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off the course.

And nourish your creative ritual with SIIKA Herb + Honey Co.’s Yaayo Vanilla & Lavender Honey and other self-nourishment products using code WELLSPRINGWORDS for 15% off your purchase.

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References mentioned in the episode:

⁠Wellspringwords® Creative Enrichment Studio

Find Diandra here:

booksbydiandra.com

@diandrafordwing

linkedin.com/in/diandrafordwing

Find Wellspringwords® here:

⁠⁠www.wellspringwords.love/⁠⁠

⁠⁠@wellspringwords⁠⁠ on Instagram

⁠⁠Wellspringwords newsletter⁠⁠

Find Nkem here:

⁠⁠www.bynkem.co/⁠⁠

⁠⁠@bynkemstudio⁠⁠

@a.more.nuanced.way

⁠@nourishandembody⁠

⁠⁠Nkem's personal newsletter⁠⁠

⁠⁠Nkem's poetry collection - Poetry and the immediate: A collection of sensed spaces

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