PROSECCO AND PODCASTS
Emotional healing is intensely personal. People find consolation in countless forms – from bush walking to music, clinical therapy to religion. For many of us, the presence of a pet is better than any anti-depressant.
Coming to terms with loss and trauma is one of life’s great challenges. Recovery may never happen, but I’ve seen many courageous people encompass enormous sadness and evolve through it. One thing’s certain. Healing takes time.
I met Kate Fennessey about three years ago when she started helping me with social media (I hardly knew how to Like something on Facebook back then). A gorgeous-looking, bubbly solo mum, she seemed to have everything going for her. I noticed a fragility about her, though.
As we became friends, Kate told me how she’d ended her marriage after learning of her husband’s serial affairs. Once our trust deepened, she shared details of her mother’s suicide when Kate was just 21.
When Kate confessed she wanted to write a novel, I sensed self- expression would be more than an outlet for her. It could be a precious channel of healing.
In the past, when people asked me to look at their writing projects I’d always run for cover. I’m no teacher. Besides, I’m not even sure writing can be taught. After 45 years scribbling for a living, I don’t consider myself a master. I’m still learning.
Kate and I laugh a lot. Over a glasses of prosecco one lunchtime, we dreamt up the crazy idea of doing a podcast together. As Kate wrangled her book into shape, I’d offer a few warped pearls of wisdom.
Our podcast would be a clinic, not just about an experienced writer helping a newbie through the process of writing her novel, but the possibility of turning everyday life into a conscious work of art. Of healing through creativity. There’d be guests. We’d ask Jonah the cat along, too. He’s the ultimate life expert around here, after all.
Kate came up with a great name for our podcast – NOVEL THERAPY. She ran out and bought a couple of microphones and we were off. After recording our first episode on Phillip Island, we celebrated by diving into a spa pool clutching glasses of champagne.
During Episode Two, Jonah knocked my microphone over. I sounded like Nanook of the North broadcasting from an igloo for a while. Who knows what’s going to happen this week when we explore the topic of fearlessness?
We’d love you to join us on NOVEL THERAPY. It’s fun, heartfelt and a little bit out there. And who knows? If you’d like to invite more creativity into your life, you might just learn something.
