Releasing External Expectations and Staying True to Your Characters’ Authentic Voices with author Kimberly Lee

Taking a Break From the Podcast

Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com [jill@thewritersrefuge.com] Website: https://glowstatecoaching.com/https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ [https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/] Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching [https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching] Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com [jill@thewritersrefuge.com] for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DzMHeC4ssNzaRB9OYowgz?si=972IeA2xSBmEBt7tIDbS_w] for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater [https://open.spotify.com/track/6fpwbO79fJR4RpKT7sQmyJ?si=c9a1778ee3284d47], in the intro and outro of the podcast!

Releasing External Expectations and Staying True to Your Characters’ Authentic Voices with author Kimberly Lee

This week, I had the pleasure of hosting the versatile writer and creative coach, Kimberly Lee. Kimberly, a former lawyer and accomplished author, shared how and why she transitioned her career in law to creative writing and facilitating, emphasizing her passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit within others.  We discussed her latest suspense thriller, 'Have You Seen Him?', and discussed her unique background, including her training at the Therapeutic Writing Institute and the Center of Intentional Creativity. Kimberly elaborated on her roles as a guided autobiography instructor and a soul collage facilitator, shedding light on how these methods help people uncover their own stories and voices. She shared how these processes allow individuals to reflect on their life themes and creatively express themselves through intuitive collages.  Our conversation also explored the challenges writers face with external expectations and the importance of trusting one’s own experiences and perspectives. Kimberly shared her tips for maintaining authenticity in writing, the impact of her legal background on her storytelling, and how she learned which types of feedback to internalize or let go of.  She also discussed her novel’s evolution, which spanned over a decade, and gave a sneak peek into her upcoming projects, including a trilogy continuation of the novel and an immersive soul collage retreat at the Esalen Institute.  Key Topics: * Exploring all of the different creative modalities Kimberly has immersed herself in * How writers can move beyond external expectations and learn to trust their own experience * Knowing how to discern between good and bad feedback as a creative * What has surprised Kimberly the most about how her voice has changed throughout her writing career * What about your voice do you see as a superpower now that you used to view as a weakness? * What inspired the concept of ‘Have You Seen Him?’ * Resisting the pull to mimic the voices of other successful authors in your genre * Staying true to your characters’ authentic voices * The biggest obstacle writers face when trying to express themselves authentically * Turning ‘Have You Seen Him’ into a trilogy * Recapturing a childlike state when trying to connect with your authentic voice Connect with Kimberly online: Website: https://www.kimberlylee.me/ [https://www.kimberlylee.me/] Books: https://www.kimberlylee.me/haveyouseenhim [https://www.kimberlylee.me/haveyouseenhim] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-lee-6a800b230/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-lee-6a800b230/] Instagram: @klcreatrix [https://www.instagram.com/klcreatrix?utm_medium=copy_link] Esalen Institute workshops: https:/ [https://www.esalen.org/workshops/soulcollage-r-an-enchanting-path-to-inner-wisdom-01262026] Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com [jill@thewritersrefuge.com] Website: https://glowstatecoaching.com/https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ [https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/] Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching [https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching] Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com [jill@thewritersrefuge.com] for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DzMHeC4ssNzaRB9OYowgz?si=972IeA2xSBmEBt7tIDbS_w] for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater [https://open.spotify.com/track/6fpwbO79fJR4RpKT7sQmyJ?si=c9a1778ee3284d47], in the intro and outro of the podcast!

“I’m Just Done” — How Letting Go and Embracing Authenticity Can Unlock Your Voice with Fawn Germer

I had the pleasure of speaking with prolific writer Fawn Germer, who has written 10 books (plus one workbook) over her impressive 25-year career. We began by discussing Fawn’s early days as an investigative journalist and how she transitioned into becoming a bestselling author who has also been a keynote speaker for nearly 100 Fortune 500 companies.  Her first book, which was initially rejected by every major publisher, eventually became a number-one nonfiction bestseller, thanks to Oprah's endorsement. This victory set the stage for a career full of books that empower readers to embrace risk and change while maximizing their personal power.  During our discussion, we explored the complexities of the publishing industry, focusing on Fawn's insights regarding self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Fawn candidly shared her experiences with different publishers and agents, and the strategic decisions she made to get each of her books published.  We also explored the evolution of Fawn’s writing topics, from leadership and women’s issues to more recent themes of personal happiness and intentional living. Fawn stressed the importance of authenticity in writing and how her voice has naturally changed with time and experience. She also shared personal anecdotes about the challenges and rewards of her writing process, emphasizing the need for multiple revisions to truly refine one's voice.  Fawn offered valuable advice to listeners: be courageous, authentic, and willing to shake things up to find your true creative voice.  Key Topics: * “You’ll never be more than just a reporter” — words from Fawn’s boss in her first career * Do you need to keep loyalty to the same publisher for every work you publish? * Discovering the power of self-publishing * Awakening to aging and living life to the fullest * Why you should never do a hybrid arrangement with a publisher * Critical questions to ask a publisher before hiring them * How your voice can change over time and still be authentic * Writing about women’s leadership as a survival mechanism in a male-dominated workforce * What are you “done” with? * Sensibility vs. voice * Talking about taboo topics will give younger generations the courage to take risks earlier in life * Do it now, don’t wait, be who you are, and Fawn’s other tips for finding your voice Connect with Fawn online: Website: https://www.fawngermer.com/ [https://www.fawngermer.com/] Books: https://www.fawngermer.com/books-2/ [https://www.fawngermer.com/books-2/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fawngermer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fawngermer/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FawnGermerAuthor [https://www.facebook.com/FawnGermerAuthor] Podcast: https://hardwonwisdom.com/ Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com [jill@thewritersrefuge.com] Website: https://glowstatecoaching.com/https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ [https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/] Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching [https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching] Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com [jill@thewritersrefuge.com] for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DzMHeC4ssNzaRB9OYowgz?si=972IeA2xSBmEBt7tIDbS_w] for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater [https://open.spotify.com/track/6fpwbO79fJR4RpKT7sQmyJ?si=c9a1778ee3284d47], in the intro and outro of the podcast!

Transforming Trauma into Laughter and Healing with Kate Nichols

This week, I’m hosting a guest with whom I have a long history—going all the way back to when she was a child. As my daughter’s close childhood friend, I got to watch her grow up and find her way into the two very different careers she has today. I’m thrilled to welcome the multifaceted Kate Nichols, who not only excels as a trauma therapist but also shines on stage as a comedian. Kate's journey is unconventional and inspiring, where she balances the emotional rigor of therapy with the light-heartedness of comedy. From her early days, Kate had a unique passion for making others laugh, and loved creating parody songs and funny little sketches to share with her family and friends.  She shares how she found her path in social work during her college years, driven by a desire for stability and security, which stemmed from her own experiences of financial insecurity growing up. Her transition from therapy to improv, and later to stand-up comedy, came naturally as someone who loves to connect with people on a deep level while also fostering joy and laughter.  Kate also opens up about some of the toughest moments in her life growing up, touching on her dad's journey as a gay man who struggled to accept his true identity throughout his life, and her mom's creative but tumultuous life, which deeply influenced Kate’s own pursuit of happiness and authenticity.  Kate's therapy practice focuses on trauma, particularly attachment and relational trauma, helping high-functioning individuals navigate their internal struggles. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and living authentically, both in her personal life and in her professional guidance. Kate's insights into maintaining self-esteem and embracing one's true self in the face of public scrutiny are invaluable. Join us as we explore the intersection of therapy and comedy, and how finding your voice in one area can profoundly affect all aspects of your life. Key Topics: * How Kate found her way into both therapy and stand-up comedy as a career * Kate’s very first comedy sketches as a kid * How she found her niche in social work after university * Why Kate found herself working with those with attachment and relational trauma * The darker parts of Kate’s childhood that have informed Kate’s comedy and creative pursuits * The unexpected death that led Kate to pursue a life that was full of joy and aligned with her truest self * Healing generational trauma and the trickle-down effect it can have on others * How laughter can create feelings of safety and ease in our nervous systems * How Kate prepares for a stand-up routine and handles criticism in this type of creative environment * Taking time to slow down and take care of yourself is an important part of the creative process Connect with Kate online: Website: cycle [http://cyclebreakerstherapy.com] Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com [jill@thewritersrefuge.com] Website: https://glowstatecoaching.com/https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ [https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/] Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching [https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching] Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com [jill@thewritersrefuge.com] for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DzMHeC4ssNzaRB9OYowgz?si=972IeA2xSBmEBt7tIDbS_w] for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater [https://open.spotify.com/track/6fpwbO79fJR4RpKT7sQmyJ?si=c9a1778ee3284d47], in the intro and outro of the podcast!

Helping Neurodivergent Students Discover Their Creative Voices with Julia Thomson

In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Julia Thomson, a media artist and art educator residing in West Virginia. Julia, who received her BFA from Pratt Institute, discusses her journey as an artist whose work uniquely blends realism, abstraction, and surrealism. Her art is an exploration of the natural world, often blurring the lines between reality and dreams.  She emphasizes the importance of creativity as a way to slow down and make sense of the world, maintaining curiosity and capturing the magic in overlooked details. As an educator, Julia has a unique approach to teaching art, focusing on neurodivergent individuals, and those who have often felt disconnected from their creative impulses.  Her teaching philosophy is built on creating a gentle, pressure-free space for students to explore their creative voices without striving for perfection. Julia shared that the goal of her lessons is not to create perfect art but to help students better understand what inspires them creatively.  Throughout our conversation, we explore the concept of voice in art, the role of inclusivity in creativity, and the idea that artistic talent is less about innate ability and more about enjoying and investing in the creative process. Julia's insights into overcoming the fear of imperfection and finding joy in the act of creation remind us that art is accessible to everyone, regardless of skill or previous experience. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this episode offers valuable lessons on embracing and nurturing your creative voice.  Key Topics: * Understanding neurodivergence * How Julia got her start teaching adults with disabilities and neurodivergence * How do you begin to find your creative vision if you don’t think you have one? * Working with students who are doubtful of their artistic skills * Defining the difference between talent and success for each individual student * Gaining a deeper understanding of a person and their artistic taste * What gives an artistic work a unique voice? * Being creative is a part of being human — everyone is capable of being creative * Things Julia has learned from her students over the years * Getting the “shitty first draft” out of the way as an artist * Always keep a notebook or sketchbook with you to find artistic threads as you go about life * Navigating different needs from student to student Connect with Julia online: Website: https://www.juliathomson.com/ [https://www.juliathomson.com/] Instagram: @juliathomson.art [https://www.instagram.com/juliathomson.art/] Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com [jill@thewritersrefuge.com] Website: https://glowstatecoaching.com/https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ [https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/] Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching [https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching] Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com [jill@thewritersrefuge.com] for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DzMHeC4ssNzaRB9OYowgz?si=972IeA2xSBmEBt7tIDbS_w] for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater [https://open.spotify.com/track/6fpwbO79fJR4RpKT7sQmyJ?si=c9a1778ee3284d47], in the intro and outro of the podcast!