Writing Through the Side Door w/ Abigail Thomas

Heart of the Story

163 Nadine chats with literary legend Abigail Thomas about the interesting turns her life has taken, how she accesses hard stories, and her unique approach to structure. In this vulnerable interview, Abby shares painful moments and how she's come to embrace acceptance. In this conversation that covers an array of heartfelt topics, Abby also shares the hilarious thing she does when she's blocked. This wisdom-filled episode will resonate with writers and non-writers alike.

Covered in this episode:

• How Abby never had a plan and the interesting twists life has taken
• What prompts she recommends to get people writing
• The word that changed Abby's perspective about guilt
• The hilarious thing Abby does when she's blocked
• How to capture the human experience on the page
• What she's learned with age and what advice she'd give to her younger self

About Abigail Thomas:

Abigail Thomas has four children, twelve grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two dogs, eleven books, and a high school education.

About Nadine:

Learn more about Nadine's Writer Workout membership for women writers here.

Nadine Kenney Johnstone is a holistic writing coach who helps women develop and publish their stories. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal that helps readers tap into their inner wisdom and fall back in love with themselves. Her articles and interviews have appeared in Cosmo, Authority, Good Grit, OnSite Journal, MindBodyGreen, HERE, Urban Wellness, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. Pulling from her vast experience as a writing, meditation, and yoga nidra instructor, Nadine leads women’s workshops and retreats online and around the U.S.

Nadine has helped writers in her community develop and publish countless books and hundreds of essays in places like The New York Times, Vogue, The Sun, The Boston Globe, Longreads, and more.

Follow Nadine on Instagram @nadinekenneyjohnstone

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Mentioned in this episode:

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