Writing with Purpose Episode 72: Journalling Beyond Words About the Journeys We Never Wanted to Make with Julia D McGuinness
What if the most difficult journey you've ever faced was also the one that finally brought you to the page?
In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Julia D McGuinness, author of six books, poet, ex-teacher, and workshop facilitator who guides people through the transformative power of poetry, journalling, and creative writing.
Julia's latest book, Writing the Journeys We Never Wanted to Make, offers a blend of therapeutic techniques and poetry-based prompts to help readers navigate life's difficult seasons through the written word. Her work draws on her background as a trained therapeutic counsellor, years of running writing for wellbeing workshops, and lived experience of navigating unwanted journeys.
In this conversation, Julia shares how poetry and journalling became a lifeline for her as a teenager, what prompted her to write this latest book, and how she developed her nine-part framework. We talk about the difference between writing down into a pit and writing through something, the role of nature, poetry magic, and how anyone, regardless of experience or confidence, can find their footing on the page.
"Just give yourself permission to write as you can, not as you can't, to write as you are, not as you aren't."
In this episode
- The nine-process framework that gives shape to the journeys we never wanted to make
- Why poetry reaches the places that prose cannot
- The difference between writing down into a pit and writing through something, and how to protect yourself
- The ‘heart of the day’ as a gentle starting point for anyone who feels intimidated by the blank page
- How nature and imagery can open unexpected doors
- Julia's own unwanted journeys, and how writing became an anchor and a creative outlet
Practical Wisdom
Julia shares practical approaches for anyone drawn to writing for wellbeing or navigating a difficult season.
- Identifying one standout moment from the day
- Rereading what you've written, noticing, and reflecting
- Setting a time or page limit if writing feels overwhelming
- Writing with your non-dominant hand or with your finger to bypass the inner critic
- Changing your writing location when you feel blocked
- Holding onto the three maxims: keep it simple, keep it real, keep it up
"Poetry is really helpful language...because it's a different language. It uses images to convey something rather than a diagnostic factual analysis."
Connect with Julia
Please connect with Julia D McGuinness to find out about her workshops and books.
Also Mentioned in This Podcast
- A Morning Walk by Steve Dilworth
- A New Theology by Sheila Bender
- The Art of Slow Writing by Louise DeSalvo
- Dr Megan Hayes
- David Kessler
- Stroebe and Schut
- Joseph Campbell
- Dr Mark Oakley
- The Write for Life conference, Stockholm
- The Millennium Oral History Project
- The Weird Stone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
Podcast Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Julia
04:06 The Role of Poetry and Journalling in Healing
06:42 Exploring Childhood Influences
09:23 The Evolution of Julia's Journalling Practice
11:55 The Power of Writing Through Grief
19:53 The Connection Between Nature and Writing
22:28 The Art of Slow Writing
25:15 Reflections on Early Writing Experiences
35:43 Navigating Career Choices and Creative Paths
40:18 Teaching and Writing
51:43 The Therapeutic Power of Poetry
56:26 Overcoming Writing Intimidation
01:01:26 Nature's Influence
01:09:28 Exploring the Benefits of Journaling Workshops
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