Chelene Knight is no stranger to trouble and breaking the rules when it comes to writing and her creative life. She’s comfortable with the seemingly contradictory titles of literary writer and entrepreneur.
Currently the founder of a literary studio, Breathing Space Creative, she hosts The Forever Writers Club, a membership for writers focused on creative sustainability. She also runs the holistic Thrive Coaching Program for creatives. On top of this, she’s finished her certification for mindfulness and breathing techniques. In short, Chelene is in the business of helping writers make writing a forever thing.
All this, of course, is simultaneously happening as she writes three book projects alongside each other. One of them is her upcoming book, Let It Go (HaperCollins Canada) for launch in 2024.
I feel fortunate that Chelene had the time and energy to share insights and writing advice. Here are just some gems that I remember from the chat:
Even daily tasks and obligations can be considered as “writing,” too, and part of your process. “Writing is also about being out in the world.”
Reframing feelings of helplessness and dilemma to get yourself unstuck: thinking of writing as a lifelong things that we need to commit to.
We have a lot of books inside us, still; we don’t need to say anything and everything in one book.
Talking about writing her memoir, Dear Current Occupant, Chelene found her direction by asking three questions: Why do I want to write this book? What do I want this book to do in the world? Am I ready to tell this story?
Writing is difficult because it’s a solitary act. This is where having a community and learning how to manage time, energy, and stress are important in the process.
Use the in-between times when you’re not writing to dream.
Be specific with what kind of success you want with your writing. Research what comes with a book deal and ask others who have experienced it for their insight.
If there’s only one advice for writers that most important, it’s to cultivate and nurture relationships with others: writers, publishers, agents, and others in the industry.
Connect with Chelene or join her community through these links:
Thrive Coaching https://www.breathingspacecreative.com/thrive-coaching-program
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