How to Turn Everyday Life into Poetry—and a Creative Calling | With Wendie Donabie
What if poetry wasn’t just for the page—but a path to healing, rediscovery, and purpose?
In this episode of Buildwriting, Wendie Donabie shares exactly how she transformed retirement into a thriving creative life through poetry and painting. Whether you're writing your first poem or wondering if your art truly matters, Wendie’s story will show you how to reconnect with inspiration, write from emotion, and embrace the mess and meaning of creativity.
You’ll learn:
How to use art and nature to spark poetry
What poetry marathons can teach you about writing under pressure
How to balance structure and spontaneity in your writing routine
How poetry helps process grief and deepen self-understanding
Why consistency is more important than perfection
If you’ve ever doubted your voice, felt too late to start, or wanted to find meaning in your words—this episode is your invitation back to the page.
Chapters:
00:00 Meet Wendie Donabie: From Corporate Life to Creative Rebirth
02:00 How to Use Art and Nature as Poetic Prompts
05:00 Inside a Poetry Marathon: What It’s Like and What It Teaches
08:00 Sustaining Creative Energy During Long Writing Sessions
11:00 Writing Through Grief and Emotional Turning Points
14:00 From Poetry to Mystery Novels: Trusting the Evolving Muse
17:00 What Makes Poetry Powerful and Why It Still Matters
20:00 Advice for Beginner Poets and What Wendie Wishes She Knew
23:00 Where to Read More of Wendie’s Work
Connect with Wendie Donabie:
🌿 Website (Poetry & Blog): https://wendiedonabie.ca
🎨 Art Gallery: https://wendiedonabie.com
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