Slow Writing: Create at Your Own Pace

68. Find Your Creative Center 15.06.2026 20мин

In the early 1950s, Anne Morrow Lindbergh—writer, pilot, mother of five, and wife to aviator Charles Lindbergh—spent two weeks alone in a small cottage on Florida’s Captiva Island. During this trip she collected shells, cooked simple meals, and wrote about the trappings of modernity and the search for simplicity. Although this was before cell phones, the internet, and social media, her insights are just as relevant today.Episode HighlightsWhat Anne Morrow Lindbergh considers to be the true enemy of creativityHow distraction “pulls one off center,” and ways to remedy this shiftGentle ways to reduce the noise in your lifeWhat it means to ‘create a container’ around your writing, and ideas for summer (or any season)Simplification as an intentional, inside jobInvitation vs. optimization+ Go to the show notes for links and resources mentioned in the episode+ Sign up for my encouraging newsletter+ Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM

67. Fiction Has Nowhere to Hide with Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay 31.05.2026 53мин

Rajendrani Mukhopadhyay “put away the call of her soul” to become a scientist, earning a PhD. in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology. But after two decades as a science writer, feeling grateful for her career wasn’t enough. Her debut novel, Chitra Demands to Go Home, was drafted in the car during her youngest kid’s tennis practice, and Raj proceeded to encounter the sheer vulnerability of fiction where you can’t hide behind rules, facts, or data. Episode HighlightsUnique ways science storytelling prepared Raj for fictionMoments of generosity that led to writing (and finishing) her novelWhat happened when she accidentally showed up to an open mic night with nothing to readFirst draft strategies: writing in the car and using a distraction-free typewriterNavigating a story through ambiguityHow an ordinary conversation with her mom planted the seed of her novel ideaWriting the realistic yet mythological mother/son relationship in Bengali cultureThe surprising reaction from her LinkedIn community after announcing her bookThe vulnerability of publication after a lifetime of meeting external expectationsLinks + Mentions⁠Chitra Demands to Go Home⁠, out from Modern Artist Press⁠Freewrite travel typewriter⁠Let’s ConnectSign up for my encouraging newsletterCurl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM

66. Creative Flow in Menopause with Vanessa Novissimo Wright 14.05.2026 47мин

For Part 3 of our cycle series, I’m in conversation with Vanessa Novissimo Wright, a creative communications strategist, writer, and certified life coach for midlife creatives. Before she was fully tapped into her midlife joy and authenticity, Vanessa had a pretty rough perimenopause experience. She generously shares the low points in her journey, which led her to develop a self-care method that keeps her connected to herself and her creative well. If you’re struggling to make sense of this life stage and in need of some wisdom from someone who’s been through it, you don’t want to miss this one.Episode HighlightsHow her perimenopause symptoms forced her into deep relationship with herselfThe daily practice of surrender The FLOW method that keeps her groundedVanessa’s “self-care-bag” and how she made her car a creative cocoon when her kids were youngHow a “planting seeds” approach to pave the way for embracing creativity in menopauseEssential practices when you’re experiencing fatigue, brain fog, and can’t string sentences togetherThe creative permission slips she’s giving to midlife folks she coachesReleasing perfectionism around journalingThe necessity of fun, whimsy, and joy on the journeyMeet VanessaVanessa Novissimo Wright is a creative communications strategist, writer, and certified life coach for midlife creatives. She helps them navigate menopause with creativity and joy so they can show up vibrantly for their community. Using her FLOW self-care method, Vanessa guides clients to embrace this age and stage of life with clarity, creativity, and curiosity. Follow her on Instagram and Substack.+ Go to the show notes for links and resources mentioned in the episode+ Sign up for my encouraging newsletter+ Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM

65. Perimenopause Will Change Your Writing Life 01.05.2026 31мин

Perimenopause, over a period of many years, is a radical recalibration of brain and body. As Lisa Mosconi writes in her book THE MENOPAUSE BRAIN, “it’s not just brain energy that changes during menopause but that the brain’s structure, regional connectivity, and overall chemistry are also impacted.” We feel these changes physically, mentally, spiritually, and also creatively. This episode explores the tangible ways perimenopause symptoms require us to reimagine our writing life, and practical suggestions for navigating the sometimes choppy waters. Episode HighlightsPhysical, mental, and spiritual symptoms of perimenopauseReframing this transition as a creative rebirthThe moment Roxane Gay understood writer’s block as a menopause symptom and not a moral failure. Honest reflections from my own perimenopause journeyLearning to move at the pace of fluctuating energy levels 3 perimenopause and menopause books to read+ Go to the show notes for links and resources mentioned in the episode+ Sign up for my encouraging newsletter+ Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM

64. The Wise Cycles of Nature & Our Bodies 17.04.2026 30мин

Welcome to Part 1 of a new 3-part series on cycles. (👀Coming up next? Perimenopause and menopause.) Even though the linear, Gregorian calendar has us celebrating the new year in the darkness of winter, nature and our bodies know the truth: cycles and seasons flow in their own time. But how can we embrace cyclical rhythms in a world designed to suppress or ignore them? It starts with noticing what’s available to us, and making subtle shifts in the direction of our inner knowing. Think of this episode like a buffet—there are myriad ways to engage with the cycles and seasons in our lives and creative practices.Episode HighlightsA grounding ritual to try anytime you drink coffee or teaThe main difference between cycles and seasonsThe history of the Gregorian calendar and understanding “clock time”Why “New Year, New You” energy doesn’t always feel aligned with our bodies6 types of cycles available to usHow to choose which cycles and seasons to engage with More Ways to Connect+ Go to the show notes for links and resources mentioned in the episode+ Sign up for my encouraging newsletter+ Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM

63. Refining Our Raw Material with Allison Mei-Li 01.04.2026 59мин

Every piece of writing starts the same way—as raw material. Fragmented lines in a notebook, messy, typed pages, and printed drafts that need the swipe of a colored pen. And once we have our start, there are so many craft choices to make along the way. Today’s guest, Allison Mei-Li, breaks down how to do it with intention, how to consider your reader’s experience, and above all, ways to care for yourself while working through difficult material.Episode HighlightsHow the process of oysters creating pearls mirrors the writer’s lifeWhy becoming a mother motivated Allison to finally share her writing The family emergency that caused her to question her path to publication, and how Allison wrote her way through a dark season of liminal spaceCreating ceremony around writing sessions, and how the yogic principle of saucha supports her practiceUtilizing hermit crab essay principles in poetry (or anytime you need another way in)Sequencing choices that orient the reader, especially when you’re not writing chronologically The value of including cultural commentary and levity alongside difficult personal momentsEditing and arranging philosophies, including the value of giving it time and the necessity of getting to know your own workPublication fatigue and how adrenaline masks the exhaustion underneathThe visceral reaction Allison had when her poem was torn apart on Reddit, our negativity bias, and how she didn’t let it stop her from publishingMeet AllisonAllison Mei-Li is an author, poet, and mother based in Ventura County, CA. Known for her tender and honest writing style, Allison views poetry as a way to “go first,” offering language for the universal experiences we often carry quietly. She is a poetry reader at The Turning Leaf Journal and hosts creative gatherings for women both on and offline. Her work has been featured in Rust & Moth, Coffee + Crumbs, MER Literary, and others. Allison’s debut collection, A History of Holding, is now available.More Ways to Connect+ Go to the show notes for links and resources mentioned in the episode+ Sign up for my encouraging newsletter+ Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM

62. How to Plan a Writing Retreat (Rerun) 19.03.2026 39мин

In honor of spring break, we're revisiting a popular episode from 2024. If you’re ready to give yourself the gift of space, time, and rest, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the highs and lows of writing retreat I took with a friend, plus lots of takeaways to help you plan your own DIY getaway.Episode HighlightsWhy even one night away is always worth it (and how to make the most of a short trip)Thinking through the when, where, and how—logistics are coveredThe pros and cons of solo vs. group retreatsThe value of meal planning (including my favorite sparkling water and a tip for when you return home)Seeing the momentum before and after a retreat as adding the overall experienceHow to capture retreat magic at homeMore Ways to ConnectVisit my website: nicolemgulotta.comSign up for my encouraging Substack newsletterCurl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM

61. Reading for Pleasure 03.03.2026 32мин

In the words of Anna Quindlen, “books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.” I can’t imagine a life without reading, but reading for pleasure can sometimes be harder than it sounds. Myriad responsibilities, relentless news cycles, and other factors can impact our desire and ability to read the way we’d like to. Consider this episode a gentle refresh. If you have a habit of checking out too many library books at once, struggle to get through the stack of books on your nightstand, or feel like your reading life is in a rut, today’s episode has some ideas to get curious about what you need in this particular season.Episode Highlights4 questions to ask when evaluating your reading habitsUnderstanding your relationship with the libraryBalancing research and pleasure readingFor a more fulfilling reading life, get specific (like, really specific)Discover your book tracking style (with both app and analog options)How to start a commonplace journalMore ways to connect+ Go to the ⁠⁠show notes⁠⁠ for links and resources mentioned in the episode+ Sign up for my ⁠⁠encouraging newsletter⁠⁠+ Curl up with one of my books: ⁠⁠WILD WORDS⁠⁠ and⁠⁠ EAT THIS POEM

60. Fun & Flexibility with Heidi Fiedler 17.02.2026 56мин

Mary Oliver wrote that “joy is not made to be a crumb,” yet it’s often the first thing to go when we’re prioritizing survival as parents, employees, partners, and human beings witnessing the rupture of the world. But joy, delight, and creativity aren't frivolous. They're essential. Today I’m joined by writer and creative coach Heidi Fiedler to talk about daily delights, parenthood, self-publishing, and permission to walk away from our own work.Episode HighlightsThe frustrating (and clarifying) constraints of parenthoodHeidi’s notecard strategy for finding a book's structure The power of expanding our identities as writersRethinking the need to maximize every second of every hourTrusting our creative process and being flexible might be the secret to getting anything doneWhy we can’t future-forecast the breaks we need to take when writing a bookHow Heidi decided to self-publish (and the disappointments and benefits along the way) Self-publishing as a sustainable alternative to traditional publishingReframing play for adults, especially if you don’t love the wordMeet HeidiHeidi Fiedler is a writer, editor, and creative coach. She writes books for kids and essays for grown ups. She’s the author of the new book Quickening: The Art of Being a Creative Mother, which is available at helloheidifiedler.com. You can find her on Instagram and on Substack @heidifiedler. More ways to connect+ Go to the ⁠show notes⁠ for links and resources mentioned in the episode+ Sign up for my ⁠encouraging newsletter⁠+ Curl up with one of my books: ⁠WILD WORDS⁠ and⁠ EAT THIS POEM

59. What is Slow Writing? 01.02.2026 29мин

The dictionary defines slow as a passive, sloth-like existence, but slow isn’t a symptom of falling behind—it’s actually the mechanism by which energy and creativity can return to us and regenerate. The world may want us to think about this differently, but we don’t actually thrive as humans with near-constant output, we thrive on gentle and predictable rhythms. Episode HighlightsA working definition of slow writingInspiration from other industries like food and fashion3 guiding principles of slow writingHow to embrace this philosophy in the everydayMore ways to connect+ Go to the show notes for links and resources mentioned in the episode+ Sign up for my encouraging newsletter+ Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM

58. Same Show, New Name 19.01.2026 21мин

The Wild Words podcast is now… Slow Writing! After a long hiatus, the show returns with new episodes and fresh cover art, but the same support and encouragement you’ve come to expect since the podcast debuted way back in 2019. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes update, what to expect from the upcoming season, and more.Episode HighlightsWhy it took more than a year to return to podcastingHow to recognize if you’re in a creative winterThe Traditional Chinese Medicine theory that led to exploring a name changeAcknowledging when we accidentally cross our own boundaries+ Go to the show notes for links and resources mentioned in the episode+ Sign up for my encouraging newsletter+ Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM

Slow Writing Trailer 21.12.2025 3мин

🎙️🐌 Big news, listeners! Wild Words is now… Slow Writing. After a year and a half hiatus, we're back with a new name, new cover art, and new episodes coming your way in January 2026. This show might be freshened up on the outside, but we’ll still dig into all the same topics—seasonal creative living, separating our worth from productivity culture, untangling from social media, the relationship between writing and our bodies, and more. Tune in for a preview of what’s on the horizon!Sign up my encouraging newsletterOrder WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEMListen to the archives

57. Searching for White Space (Rerun) 10.06.2024 41мин

Closing out this batch of episodes and heading into summer, I'm re-releasing one of my most popular shows from last year: Searching for White Space.Because we’re conditioned to link our productivity to self-worth, we’re not always practiced in the art of releasing and slowing down, so I wanted to share my own experience in an effort to help you find your own white space in whatever season you need it.Episode Highlights: White space on the page vs. the white space in our creative lives Nature isn’t productive 24/7 and we shouldn’t be easier How we can struggle with resistance when taking time to rest A 4-step process you can implement to cultivate white space if you need itLet’s Connect Visit my website: nicolemgulotta.com Sign up for my encouraging Substack newsletter Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM Say hi on Instagram: @nicolegulotta.author

56. The Best Questions I've Been Asked on Book Tour 03.06.2024 22мин

Seven years ago this spring, I was in Brooklyn on book tour for my literary cookbook, Eat This Poem. I was there for a live radio spot and a bookstore event, and had time to find the cutest coffee shop where I parked myself for three hours to write the draft of my proposal for Wild Words, which came out a couple of years later. When starting to work on episodes for this season of the podcast, I came across an old draft called “Notes from the Road.” This document was filled with questions I was asked at events—the kinds of questions that were so good I wanted to share them with everyone who wasn’t there in person. Questions We Discuss If you have 3 kids and 20 minutes of free time, what should you work on first? How do you get back to writing if you haven’t done it in a while? Does your writing process change with each book? What’s the secret of balancing writing with everything else? Have you ever been afraid of success? When you do have a margin, how do you avoid just scrolling through Instagram? How do you reconcile wanting to write for yourself, but also the desire to get affirmation for your work? How do you be content with just being a writer, and not being the next Ann Patchett? Linkable Mentions Episode 45: Preparing Your Nervous System for Publication with Tiffany Clarke Harrison Let’s Connect Visit my website: nicolemgulotta.com Sign up for my encouraging Substack newsletter Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM Say hi on Instagram: @nicolegulotta.author

55. Are We Ever Really Finished? 20.05.2024 23мин

Today I’m answering a listener question: How do you know when you’re done? It seems straightforward on the surface—you’re done when the essay is published, when the book comes out, or when the workshop is over. But not every writing project has defined edges. In fact, this episode argues that when we’re wondering if we’re done with something, we’re actually asking the wrong question. Conversation Starters “When something is finished, it might mean something is true. It could mean someone will read your words. It means you now need to relate to this part of your life differently. You need to tell a new story about what happened to yourself. None of these things are bad, but when we're habituated to the old narratives, change is always hard.” Episode Highlights Understanding completion as a phased experience Questions to ask yourself to gauge where you are in the process Examples of finishing—from blogging to Facebook groups The advice MFK Fisher gave Ruth Reichel that changed the course of her career (and her relationship to finishing) Linkable Mentions Episode 26: Cultivating Trust in the Writer’s Life Episode 50: Make Space, Not Time & Other Insights From the Sacred Pause Julia Gets Real With Ruth Reichel Let’s Connect Visit my website: nicolemgulotta.com Sign up for my encouraging Substack newsletter Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM Say hi on Instagram: @nicolegulotta.author

54. A Cyclical Approach to Social Media 13.05.2024 24мин

Because of social media’s shape-shifting nature (hello, algorithms) it’s useful to check in a few times a year to see if it’s still serving you, and if there’s anything you’d like to change about how you’re using it. This episode is less about whether or not you should be on these platforms in the first place, and more about how to be in relationship to our visibility and the internet at large in ways that are inspired by nature and our bodies. Conversation Starters “It might seem strange to give this much thought to how we’re using apps like Instagram, but I think it’s really important, especially because as Annie Dillard once wrote, “how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Episode Highlights A framework for social media use based on your body’s inner seasons, the lunar calendar, and nature’s shifts Prioritizing our needs within the framework of a larger digital ecosystem 5 suggestions for using social media based on your menstrual cycle 6 ways to play with the cyclical energy of your choosing (and still benefit from Instagram) Linkable Mentions How Embracing the 4 Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle Can Expand Creative Potential Episode 30: A Post-Pandemic Relationship with Social Media Let’s Connect Visit my website: nicolemgulotta.com Sign up for my encouraging Substack newsletter Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM Say hi on Instagram: @nicolegulotta.author

53. Let's Plan a Writing Retreat! 06.05.2024 38мин

If you’re ready to give yourself the gift of space, time, and rest, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the highs and lows of a recent writing retreat I took with a friend, plus lots of takeaways to help you plan your own DIY getaway. Episode Highlights Why even one night away is always worth it (and how to make the most of a short trip) Thinking through the when, where, and how—logistics are covered The pros and cons of solo vs. group retreats The value of meal planning (including my favorite sparkling water and a tip for when you return home) Seeing the momentum before and after a retreat as adding to the overall experience How to capture retreat magic at home Linkable Mentions Substack Newsletter: Diary of a Writing Retreat Episode 52: Micro-Shifts to Prioritize Writing What to bring on a writing retreat (Edan Lepucki) Aura Bora sparkling water Vacation Anticipation Can Boost Happiness (Well+Good) Let’s Connect Visit my website: nicolemgulotta.com Sign up for my encouraging Substack newsletter Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM Say hi on Instagram: @nicolegulotta.author

52. Micro-Shifts to Prioritize Writing 23.04.2024 16мин

Writing in the margins isn’t just the actual time captured, it’s also the belief that these micro-moments add up to something. In Part 1 of our liminal space series, we discussed the “sacred pause,” Part 2 covered how to approach liminal seasons as a vacation from writing, and today we explore re-entry. What happens after we’ve moved through a pause, a break, or liminal season but also find the same schedules and demands waiting for us? Conversation Starters “Big shifts are harder to achieve and make sustainable long-term, so pick one, maybe two things to start with and see what happens when you prioritize your writing again with both your energy AND your time.” Episode Highlights How I moved through creative liminal space in 2023 Experiments to reconnect to your writing practice Why writing magazines can help you feel connected What’s happened since making micro-shifts to prioritize writing Let’s Connect Visit my website: nicolemgulotta.com Sign up for my encouraging Substack newsletter Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM Say hi on Instagram: @nicolegulotta.author

51. How to Take a Vacation from Writing 16.04.2024 20мин

After spending three weeks away from home this winter (more on why in the episode), it got me thinking about how we spend time off from our writing routines, and how to approach it when we do. This episode is full of real-time insights on preparing for a break, including suggestions for mindfully setting expectations and cultivating curiosity along the way. Episode Highlights What *not* to do when you’re preparing for a break or vacation How to set realistic expectations 6 things to try when you’re out of your regular writing routine My biggest takeaways from three weeks away from home Let’s Connect Visit my website: nicolemgulotta.com Sign up for my encouraging Substack newsletter Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM

50. “Make Space, Not Time” and Other Insights from the Sacred Pause 09.04.2024 20мин

In a world driven by doing, pausing can feel lazy, inaccessible, and scary. Most of us know that rest is important, but often find ourselves caught between what our bodies are telling us and the cultural expectations we’re pushing up against. It’s a lot to navigate, and takes time to soften into. In Part 1 of a 3-part series on liminal space and creative pauses, hear the wisdom from three writers who have approached this in different ways, plus a handful of practical suggestions for embracing this energy in daily life. Conversation Starters “I had intentionally brought no distractions: no email, no books, no articles to read, no doing-things, no podcasts, no small or big work tasks, no lists, no organizing intentions, nothing. That was it. It sounds easy. It wasn’t.” —author Molly Caro May on her recent sabbatical Episode Highlights 3 authors on how pausing has impacted their creativity Reflections from book burnout, starting a brand new book, and planned sabbaticals The attachment between worth and productivity Practical suggestions for embracing the pause in daily life Linkable Mentions The Pause and Creating Conditions (Molly Caro May) “Body Full of Stars: Female Rage and the Passage Into Motherhood” by Molly Caro May How I Start a New Book (Katherine May) Episode 34: The Necessity of Winter with Rebecca Magee Episode 40: Searching for White Space Episode 41: The Discomfort of White Space Let’s Connect Visit my website: nicolemgulotta.com Sign up for my encouraging Substack newsletter Curl up with one of my books: WILD WORDS and EAT THIS POEM