Welcome to open conversations about wellness, spirituality, writing, and creative expression between fellow spiritual beings journeying through life. In this space, we explore creative embodiment through the lenses of collective liberation, authentic living, and authentic creative expression.
This podcast is an extension of Wellspringwords® the online platform, a Literary Anthology, Podcast, and Creative Enrichment Studio that supports humans with Sacred inner-world cultivation through the magic and power of words and embodiment. Join the conversation and community!
Welcome to open conversations about wellness, spirituality, writing, and creative expression between fellow spiritual beings journeying through life. In this space, we explore creative embodiment through the lenses of collective liberation, authentic living, and authentic creative expression.
This podcast is an extension of Wellspringwords® the online platform, a Literary Anthology, Podcast, and Creative Enrichment Studio that supports humans with Sacred inner-world cultivation through the magic and power of words and embodiment. Join the conversation and community!
In this episode of Wellspringwords: The Podcast, Nkem speaks with author Diandra Ford-Wing about her debut memoir Red Bird, “a heartfelt exploration of loss and resilience.” Framed by thoughtful questions from the Wellspringwords® community, Nkem and Diandra discuss writing truth from the heart, the complexity of writing about family members and family dynamics, practical tips on long writing projects and self-publishing, and the importance of self-care and self-nurturing.
This episode is a deep dive into the life and mind of a writer-turned-author and contains wisdom for all who resonate on a path of self-discovery. Please enjoy fully and share it with another being who would benefit!
Let us know what this episode brought to mind or heart for you in a podcast review, on Instagram, or via email at bewell@wellspringwords.love. Be well!***
Timestamps:
00:05 - Content disclaimer
00:32 - Introduction to episode and our guest, author Diandra Ford-Wing
04:00 - What was Diandra’s writing life like before publishing her writing?
06:38 - Diandra talks about her novel Red Bird
09:37 - What is the symbolism of the Red Bird in Diandra’s book?
11:40 - Invitation to enjoy sweet and nourishing rituals with SIIKA Herb and Honey
13:35 - How did Diandra handle her emotions of pain and grief while writing Red Bird?
15:59 - Using charts or diagrams to see the vision of your longer writing project
18:29 - Did Diandra ever feel conflicted about how much of her family’s story to include in her book?
22:27 - What is the consequence of bearing a truth and telling a truth?
23:07 - How did Diandra honor the memory of those who have passed while still claiming her own voice?
28:21 - Everything we say and write and publish matters!
29:22 - Invitation to deepen your self-discovery through our Creative Enrichment Studio
31:15 - Diandra speaks about her mental health struggles and healing through introspection
35:08 - What advice does Diandra have for her 24-year-old version, on the verge of suicide?
40:33 - How Diandra’s writing style and approach to writing have changed through the decades
41:15 - Non-writing practices and rituals that can enhance our writing experience
43:42 - How did Diandra navigate the self-publishing process?
48:00 - Self-publishing and creative authority
50:22 - A note on the purpose of each literary project
51:23 - Stay connected & continue the conversation!
***
Interested in diving into your own internal journey of self-discovery? Learn more about our Intuitive Writing for Self-Discovery self-paced course. Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off the course.
And nourish your creative ritual with SIIKA Herb + Honey Co.’s Yaayo Vanilla & Lavender Honey and other self-nourishment products using code WELLSPRINGWORDS for 15% off your purchase.
***
References mentioned in the episode:
Wellspringwords® Creative Enrichment Studio
Find Diandra here:
linkedin.com/in/diandrafordwing
Find Wellspringwords® here:
@wellspringwords on Instagram
Wellspringwords newsletter
Find Nkem here:
Nkem's personal newsletter
Nkem's poetry collection - Poetry and the immediate: A collection of sensed spaces
***
Don't forget to rate, review, share, and subscribe!
Want to show more love? Leave us a tip to support this growing platform. :)
