Sometimes we must use our axe.  Every life has encounters with real villains. When we worry about being nice, not wanting to offend anyone, we often refuse the soul of our story. Too many writers put down their project because they are afraid to offend. (This silence by the way tends to perpetuate the harm). 

Be kind (to yourself and others) but stay in the fight.
Use your axe, write about evil doers or threats without holding back. 

Who are the villains in your life?  Write about that. 
What are you afraid to write?  Write about that. 
What do you think will happen if you write about "that"?   ​

I have my ways to write a book. Now, working on my 12th and 13th book (oh my!), I rely on what has worked, while staying open to what might newly work. 

Even though No size (or religion) fits all, there are processes that encourage and invite us into an authentic creative process. A process that results in a book, if that is what you wish.  The many paths to fulfilling an intention (like completing a book) are strewn with obstacles. (The least of which is not resistance).  A mindful writer will notice the obstacles and keep writing. Transformational writing includes writing about the obstacles. Thus, transforming obstacles into the path.  In this transformational approach to our writing nothing is exempt from holding a metaphor, or story or meaning for our projects.  

As I walk through Stewart Park, poetic verses stream through my mind. The elegant nature of life reveals itself in images, ideas and words. This poetic lens enthuses me with hope and forward momentum. How life in the woods lets go while it blossoms. How nature gathers itself only to fall apart. This cyclical invitation to gather together the seed with earth, the earth with sun, the sun with bark.  On this cusp of winter into spring, while the world struggles to be habitable, I walk as a poet. And wonder, what in me wants to gather together? I wonder what in my life is asking for release?

What is gathering together in you right now?  Write about that.
What is asking to be released? Write about that
​

I understand but I don’t agree.
I agree but I don’t understand
I hate my job but I need the insurance.
I want to but I can’t.
I want to leave but I'm staying.
I want to stay but I'm leaving. 
I love this but it’s not real.
He was abusive but he loved me.
I like your refrigerator but I would never get one like that.

What might be the fuller more vulnerable story here, in any of these statements?   Write about that. (Borrow from your life or write a fiction piece).

I met Jennifer Parker as a peer therapist about 15 years ago at Harmonia: Madison Center for Psychotherapy. Shortly after meeting Jennifer she joined a spiritual journaling class of mine. “Julie encouraged me to take my writing intention seriously and to ‘follow my calling,’ and to believe I had something to share.” ​

What brings the most serenity and happiness?  How we can discover and follow our truest path? 

​I invite you to explore what is possible with you by showing up for yourself.  Showing up to what you have found of value.