Show notes
One of the things I’ve learned in all my years of writing is that the page is always there for us.Whether you’re scribbling down ideas for your next big story, ranting in your journal after a rough day, or trying to make sense of feelings that won’t leave you alone—the page doesn’t judge. It listens. It helps you sort through problems, emotions, solutions.Writing things down has a special kind of healing power. I remember a few years back being stuck in the middle of a book deadline while navigating a swirl of personal challenges, and the only way I could find my footing was through journaling.Every morning it was me, a pot of coffee, my dogs and that journal. And I wrote A TON. Nothing publishable—but they were a lifeline. They reminded me that I wasn’t just a writer on deadline. I was a human trying to process, heal and keep moving forward while keeping all the balls in the air.I truly believe that if it wasn’t for my years of journaling—of telling the truth on the page, regardless of how it sounded—I wouldn’t be at the place in my life where I am. It saved me creatively, but also as a human.My guest on the podcast this week is another living embodiment of this truth. Cathelina Duvert experienced this too. For her, writing became a way to work through depression, to process complicated family relationships, and to give shape to a novel that would eventually take 25 years to finish. Twenty-five years! Think about that kind of persistence.In our conversation, she shared how her blog evolved from funny dating stories into deeply personal reflections about mental health. She talked about the cocktail of rituals—meditation, therapy, exercise, motivational videos—that supported her alongside the writing. And she let us in on the spark that became her debut novel: a young woman struggling with depression who uncovers a hidden note from her late mother, leading her on an emotional journey of forgiveness, identity and truth.We covered:• How journaling can help you process emotions and shift perspective• Why Cathy turned her blog into a book-in-progress and how it changed her writing journey• The importance of rituals like meditation, exercise, and motivational practices in supporting creativity• The inspiration behind her debut novel and how mother-daughter dynamics and generational trauma informed the story• Lessons learned from self-publishing, working with a mentor, and embracing the identity of being a writerAnd if you’ve been putting off your own writing because you think it’s taking too long, or it doesn’t feel “real” enough, or you’re not sure where it’s going—let Cathelina’s story inspire you. Sometimes the most important part isn’t the finish line. It’s the fact that you keep showing up, page after page, year after year. That’s where the transformation happens.Resources & Links Mentioned:• Cathelina’s website: cathelinaduvert.com• Follow Cathelina on Instagram: @CathelinaDuvert• Women’s Fiction Writers AssociationYour TurnIf Cathelina’s story resonates with you—if you’ve felt like writing is your lifeline too, or if you’ve been carrying around an idea for years but aren’t sure how to bring it to life—I’d love to invite you into The Creativity Lab.It’s my membership for writers who are ready to reclaim their creativity, build sustainable habits, and finally bring their stories to the page. Inside, you’ll find seasonal writing rituals, co-writing sessions, mindset support, and a community of writers who get it.Because here’s the truth: your story matters. And you don’t have to do it alone.✨ Click here to join The Creativity Lab and start writing your next chapter—today.---Chapters03:56 The Lifeline of Storytelling05:55 Journaling as a Healing Tool09:00 The Journey of Blogging and Writing19:08 Discovering Mental Health through Writing24:05 The Premise of the Novel26:20 Navigating Mother-Daughter Relationships34:10 The Journey to Publication37:40 Embracing Self-Validation as a Writer41:55 Future Projects and Personal Growth