Writing with Purpose – Inspiring Readers, Writers, and Nature Lovers cover art

Writing with Purpose – Inspiring Readers, Writers, and Nature Lovers

Writing with Purpose – Inspiring Readers, Writers, and Nature Lovers

By: Anna Woolliscroft
Listen for free

About this listen

 Do you dream of a life filled with creativity, calm, and connection? Join me, Anna Woolliscroft, writer, journalling guide, and outdoor enthusiast, as I share my love for putting pen to paper and exploring the great outdoors. Through heartfelt conversations and practical tips, discover how writing and nature connection can help you find clarity, spark creativity, and live a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a curious beginner, or simply someone seeking a deeper connection to life, this podcast is for you. Please tune in and let's explore together.Anna Woolliscroft Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • #65 Finding Your Authentic Voice: From Mental Health Recovery to Publishing Stories That Matter with Gemma Holgate

    #65 Finding Your Authentic Voice: From Mental Health Recovery to Publishing Stories That Matter with Gemma Holgate
    Sep 6 2025
    #65 Finding Your Authentic Voice: From Mental Health Recovery to Publishing Stories That Matter with Gemma HolgateIn this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Gemma Holgate, author, ghostwriter, and founder of Maddison House Press. Gemma's journey from post traumatic stress recovery to building a publishing house dedicated to meaningful stories demonstrates how finding our authentic voice can become a force for positive change in the world.After struggling to readjust to life in the UK following three years in New Zealand, Gemma faced a diagnosis of mild PTSD that became an unexpected catalyst for transformation. Learning to distinguish between her own voice and others' expectations led her to create a business model that helps thought leaders, change makers, and positive impact pioneers share their stories as "beautiful books" that inspire action and connection.From her grandfather's lost stories to her passionate stance that books must have "soul" in an AI-driven world, Gemma reveals how authentic storytelling becomes medicine for both writer and reader."The more I dug into who I am and what do I want that to be,the more me I was able to be. And you know, five years later in 2020, I left employed work and went self-employed."In this episode:How post-traumatic stress recovery revealed the difference between her voice and others' expectationsWhy Gemma's grandfather's untold stories sparked her mission to help othersThe "wraparound publishing" model that supports authors from idea to finished bookHer unique four-stage reader journey frameworkWhy she believes books should have "soul" and herconcerns about AI in publishingThe "Heather Small Journal" technique: asking "What have you done today to make you feel proud?""When you read something or you look at anything that's been created, it's about having that connection with the art itself, but then a connection with the artist as well."Gemma shares practical wisdom for aspiring authors, including:How to distinguish your authentic voice from conditioning and others' expectationsWhy having a clear plan prevents "waffling" and keeps your message on trackThe importance of identifying what you want readers to do after finishing your bookHow to structure non-fiction for maximum transformational impactConnect with GemmaTo learn more about Gemma’s books, publishing and talks, please connect with her by visiting the Maddison House Press website.WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn"At the end of a great book, you should put it down and say, 'now I'm going to...' And as an author, if you want to write a book, what do you want that dot dot dot to be in your reader?"Also mentioned in this podcast:Andrew Michael Hurley ‘Barrowbeck’Gwen Hayes ‘Romancing the Beat’William Nicholson ‘Wind on the Fire’ TrilogyJessica Brody ‘Save the Cat’R.L. Stine Point Horror Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gemma Holgate10:37 The Power of Journalling15:25 Early Influences and the Love for Storytelling23:20 Navigating Mental Health and Finding Your Voice29:11 Transformative Experiences and the Healing Power of Stories29:31 Navigating Personal Boundaries in Storytelling32:17 Breaking Down Misconceptions Through Storytelling34:16 The Healing Power of Sharing Your Story35:28 The Multifaceted World of Publishing37:28 Authenticity in Writing40:03 Finding Inspiration in Nature43:59 Positive Impact in Storytelling51:02 Structuring Your Story for Maximum Impact55:13 Advice for Aspiring Authors_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Please connect with me on your preferred platform Join my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • #64 Land Beneath the Waves: Chronic Illness, Memory, and Finding Home in Nature with Nic Wilson

    #64 Land Beneath the Waves: Chronic Illness, Memory, and Finding Home in Nature with Nic Wilson
    Aug 23 2025
    What if the nature on your doorstep holds more healing power than distant wilderness adventures?In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Nic Wilson, a Guardian country diarist, BBC Gardeners' World magazine writer, and author of the beautiful memoir 'Land Beneath the Waves.' Nic's story reveals how nature became her sanctuary as a child dealing with her mother's chronic illness, and how, decades later, when facing her own health challenges, local wildlife and nearby landscapes offered support and belonging.From her early memories in a Cheshire garden to becoming an insightful nature writer, Nic demonstrates how paying attention to the smallest details of our immediate environment can transform our understanding of home, memory, and resilience. Her work creating the first Peat Free Nurseries list shows how personal nature connection can evolve into meaningful environmental action."I think we hugely underestimate in our society the value of sitting in one place and looking at something for an extended period of time and seeing where that takes you."In this episode:How nature became a refuge during childhood when traditional memories failed to formWhy ‘nearby nature’ can be more powerful than distant wilderness for those with limited mobilityA lifelong affinity with wildlifeHow chronic illness led to discovering a true calling as a nature writerPractical ways to bring nature indoors when you can't get outsideThe creation of the UK's first Peat Free Nurseries list and itsenvironmental impact"If you're in a wild place, whether that's in the middle of a wood or whether that's sat on your front doorstep, which can still be a wild place, and you do slow down, wildlife tends to come more because you're sitting there and you're quiet and you're still."Nic shares practical wisdom for anyone seeking to deepen their nature connection, including:How drawing plants forces you to really see their intricateconstructionUsing the Merlin app to identify birdsong from your bed when mobility is limitedWhy bringing scents like mint or lavender inside can combatsensory overwhelmHow local wildlife groups can provide expert knowledge andcommunity connectionConnect with NicPlease connect with Nic on social media, visit her website or sign up for her newsletter to follow her journey and find out about workshops, talks, and her book. Read her Country Diary column on the Guardian online. WebsiteGuardian Country DiaryGardener’s WorldBlue SkyBookshop.org – order Nic’s book "We need stories ... We need narratives about it that have hooks that people are interested in and they remember."Also mentioned:Tom Cox Ring the HillMichael J. Warren The Cuckoo’s LeaNicola Chester Ghosts of the FarmAlan Garner The Weird Stone of BrisingamenRobert Westall The Wind EyeTerry Pratchett The Wee Free ManTrevor Dines Urban PlantsElizabeth Tova Bailey Wild Snail EatingMerlin Bird AppPodcast Chapters03:58 The Connection Between Place and Identity06:45 The Role of Nature in Writing and Healing09:37 Influences from Literature and Experience12:21 Childhood Memories and Their Impact15:11 The Importance of Sensory Experiences17:51 Breaking Down Boundaries20:53 Journalling and Self-Discovery23:30 Reflections on Nature and Society26:29 The Future of Nature and Wildlife Awareness35:47 Creative Journalling and Personal Expression40:33 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge in Nature Writing43:34 Bringing Nature into Daily Life for Those with ChronicIllness48:39 The Importance of Observation and Connection58:07 Peat-Free Practices_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Please download your free journal planner Please connect with me on your preferred platformJoin my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • #63 Forest Bathing and The Honest Journal: Somatic Healing Through Nature and Writing with Kate Busby

    #63 Forest Bathing and The Honest Journal: Somatic Healing Through Nature and Writing with Kate Busby
    Aug 9 2025
    #63 Forest Bathing and The Honest Journal: Somatic Healing Through Nature and Writing with Kate BusbyWhat if a slow walk through the forest could literally change your body chemistry and heal stored trauma?In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Kate Busby, a trauma-informed somatic practitioner who specialises in forest bathing and aromatherapy. Based in Barcelona, Kate expertly weaves together the science of somatic healing with the transformative power of nature and journalling. From understanding how our bodies store trauma in our muscles and fascia to discovering how pine forests emit healing particles that last for seven days, Kate shares profound insights about the intersection of physical and emotional wellbeing.Kate's journey from corporate marketing to holistic healing illuminates how we can balance high-energy pursuits with practices that help us regulate our nervous systems. Her creation of 'The Honest Journal' and her involvement in the Barcelona Journaling Festival demonstrate how writing becomes a bridge between our inner experiences and outer transformation."We are 70 to 75% water and sound passesthrough water as vibration. How can we not be in some way impacted by the sounds around us?"In this episode:The fascinating science behind forest bathing: howphytoncides and negative ions literally change your body chemistryWhy trauma stores itself in our muscles and fascia, and how practices like yoga and massage can help release itHow Kate's sciatica disappeared when she addressed her fears about career transitionThe powerful story of a relationship crisis resolved through tree meditation and pine cone wisdomHow sound healing works through our water-based bodies to shift our vibrational frequencyThe iterative process of creating 'The Honest Journal' and why honesty with ourselves is revolutionary"When you choose slowness and go to a place where you can really be quiet and ask the important questions and observe life around us, we get answers. Somehow and in some way that we weren't expecting, but we get answers."Kate shares practical guidance for anyone seekingto integrate somatic healing into their lives, including:How to start journalling with prompts that make you "a little bit uncomfortable"Why combining slow forest walks with journalling circles creates powerful transformationHow to create your own mandala in nature as a non-verbal form of expressionWays to use AI as a journalling companion for greater self-awarenessConnect with KatePlease connect with Kate to learn more about her teachings, forest baths, the Do Nadā Club, and her new journal.Instagram"Journalling is such an opportunity to get to know all parts of you and to accept all parts of you and to nourish and in some cases, tone down potentially some parts of you."Also mentioned in this podcast:The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkThe Barcelona Journalling Festival Podcast Chapters00:00 Introduction to Holistic Healing Practices03:31 The Science Behind Sound Healing06:08 Exploring the Impact of Trauma on the Body09:14 The Role of Self-Care in Healing11:54 Understanding the Connection Between Mind and Body14:47 Personal Anecdotes and Insights on Healing17:34 Conclusion and Reflections on Holistic Practices20:06 The Essence of Forest Bathing29:16 The Science Behind Nature's Healing37:38 Journalling as a Tool for Self-Discovery45:01 AI and the Future of Journalling53:19 Connecting with Nature and Community_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links pageJoin my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.