This week after an introductory coaching session with poet, writing tutor and coach Judith 
Marshall, I vowed I would get back to Durham Botanic Gardens, a place which has always provided me with great inspiration.
By chance a friend phoned me this morning to say she was in need of a garden visit and so we headed off together for the said gardens, where in the brilliant October sun we sat outside to enjoy coffee and cake before venturing further. We then had several tranquil hours strolling in the gardens, getting lost (which should be impossible in such a small garden) because we were busy catching up on each others news. Days like today when the sunlight is intense and the trees are turning, remind me how much I love autumn – possibly my favourite season – but also how important our friends are.
But to return to the coaching – this is a great way for writers/artists to get the practical and emotional support they need to complete a project or take their work forward. Properly trained coaches like Judith help you set goals and support you in achieving them. They provide a confidential sounding board and will steer you away from that downward negative spiral of I’m no good, or it’s not going to work etc etc in a more positive direction.
Being a writer can be lonely and without a writing buddy or a like- minded friend it can be hard to overcome the obstacles you meet on your way. Even with such support I think many writers could benefit from the focused approach that Judith offers. She is careful to stress she is not a subject mentor, nor is she a counsellor. As a coach she’s there not give advice but to help you find your own answers.
All aspects of coaching are carefully thought through including the contract you make together at the outset. Coaches like Judith can help you identify funding for your coaching sessions so this need not be an issue. My introductory experience was free, entirely positive and very energising. If you think Judith could help you then do contact her HERE for more information
Can also recommend Judith as a good sounding board for finding your own direction in your field of the arts. Useful to try talking with her.
Pleased you’re back in the garden Avril. Also am appreciating your unique Newsletter even more. Great competition tips, and inspiringspecial extract from your forthcoming book, Everyone should subscribe for their creative health,
Sunny autumn days are a gift. Only the garden I’ve been involved with certainly is not.
Try weeding an allotment plot, days’ of back-breaking work, only to find a week later the buggers are back again !!! Dear me, we’ll be lucky to manage potatoes and onions next year, and I imagined poncing about tidying up rose bushes. A bit like writing really, you imagine your novel at Waterstones in the top ten bestseller list as the first sentence is set down. Oh well, potatoes and onions have their uses too.