You’ve always wanted to write but don’t know how to start?
Or maybe you’ve started and now you’re stuck? Your creativity has dried up? And there’s just never enough time to write?
Those were some of my excuses.
I’d wanted to be a writer from age eight when I wrote my first short story at my grandmother’s kitchen table. But life just kept getting in the way. Sound familiar?
I’m keen to hear about your writing journey when you sign up.
Here’s the short version of mine (or skip ahead to WHY YOU SHOULD SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER):
Born and bred in Germany, I backpacked around the world before settling in Australia, where I did a PhD in Italian Studies, taught for nearly two decades at leading universities, wrote academic stuff, including a book, though not the kind I’d dreamed of as an eight year-old.
In midlife, grief and heartbreak made me reach for a journal (and red wine). Writing helped me heal and rebuild myself; discovering the healing power of writing was a revelation. I left my career, moved to Vietnam, built a website, created a business, started a writer’s group, became a yoga teacher, ran retreats and online writing courses until I was so busy that I had no time left to actually write.
Then, the world went into lock-down, borders closed and I became separated from my life in Hoi An and from my partner, but unexpectedly reunited with my old journals. The pandemic challenged all of us to discover ourselves anew. My neighbor discovered sourdough and went on to create a flourishing business. I discovered early morning bootcamp and I wrote the book I’ve always wanted to write.
A story about life’s struggles, written from the heart with a pinch of humour.
Loving My Lying, Dying, Cheating Husband out now! Affirm Press, March 2024 in Australia & NZ | Audiobook & Kindle worldwide.
More info at: kerstinpilz.com
Buy my memoir, Loving My Lying, Dying, Cheating Husband here:
Booktopia (Paperback, Australia)
Amazon (Kindle & Audible, worldwide)
Readings (ships worldwide)
Follow my journey on Instagram: @kerstinpilz.author
Join me on retreat in Bali & Vietnam
Why should you subscribe?
In my FREE monthly (for now) newsletter I share:
Writing prompts, to help you release the stories you’re holding so that you can find the spark that will lead you back into your writing!
Insights into the craft of writing & reading inspiration;
Tips on how to stay focused, find your flow and commit to a regular writing practice;
Stories from my journey of becoming an author…
…including how I landed a publishing deal with my first pitch, two weeks before my 60th birthday—which goes to show that it’s never too late to follow your dreams!
Not being an English native speaker and having un-diagnosed ADHD (at 59 I finally understood why I’m a champion procrastinator), were extra obstacles that turned me into a grammar nerd and, to my surprise, an expert at sticking to a morning routine (the only way I get anything done).
So, expect me to send you reminders that it takes discipline, not divine inspiration, to publish a book. Think of me as your cheerleader!
I’m also a passionate photographer and I love sharing beautiful images and dispatches from the road: unfiltered musings on life as a wandering writer and seeker who has recently returned from Hoi An, Vietnam.
*All images you’ll see here are mine unless otherwise stated; headshots are by Donna Larcom.
When you subscribe to my newsletter, you’ll receive a free PDF with my favorite writing prompts to get you started.
Subscribers are also the first to hear about up-coming retreats, special discounts and events.
While I’m finding my way on this new platform, my newsletter will remain free of charge.
Write Your Journey: What’s in a name?
Like most things, the name of my online business, Write Your Journey, came to me in my journal, trying to make sense of the bumpy ride life had thrown me. Writing showed me that to become the hero of my own story, I needed to think of myself as the author of my pot-holed bumble through life. We are in charge of the stories we tell ourselves, and it’s up to us to write new, empowered self narratives.
But sometimes we need a little guidance and a community to help us through. That’s why I created Write Your Journey eight years ago.
This year I’m changing things bit. I am gradually moving across to my new author page and I look forward to explore Substack as a new platform to grow my community and to facilitate meaningful exchange.
I’ve kept the original name, because it captures what I know to be true about writing (and about life):
Writing is a journey, littered with obstacles, frustration and self-doubt. But once you find the flow, it’s an exhilarating adventure.
It’s up to each of us to shape the story arc of our personal stories. We are the authors of our own lives.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint!
The Healing Power of Writing: My TEDx talk
Being invited to give a TEDx talk in the very town where I lost my smile after finding out that my husband was both terminally ill and serially unfaithful, was another unexpected highlight of lockdown (even if I was sh*t-scared). I shared the story of how I discovered the healing power of writing when nothing else helped to quell the pain of heartbreak and loss. Writing down my thoughts and feelings allowed me to process my grief and to make myself whole again. My journal was my lifesaver, best friend and on-call therapist. And it can be yours too. Watch the talk to find out how.
Read here about my last-minute TED dress disaster; click here for useful tips on how to prepare for a TED talk.
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