We all have a story to tell yet for many of us we hold back for several reasons. In this episode of the Women Living Well After 50 Podcast, my guest is Carolyn Tate, author of several books, including Brave Women Write and facilitator of her 12-week Brave Women Writers’ Circle. We discuss ‘Finding Freedom through writing your story’.
During the conversation we discussed:
- Carolyn’s background and how she came to write Brave Women Write
- How she overcomes participants hesitancy to share their story
- Stepping out of our comfort zone as freedom can be scary.
- Why our stories matter
- How to get started
- How the Brave Women Write book is a DIY to start you writing your story
- What the Brave Women Writers’ Circle is all about
Finding Freedom through writing your story
Listen to the Podcast
Watch the Video
Meet Carolyn
Carolyn Tate is a six-time author, river swimmer and a recent tree-changer now living between Clifton Hill and Red Hill (Between Two Hills) in Victoria. Her latest book, Brave Women Write, offers 33 practices to help women find their voice and free their inner writer to write their story. She believes women’s stories matter now more than ever if we’re going to put a dent in the man-made universe, particularly the stories of older women. Carolyn has been journaling daily for more than 10 years and is currently writing a novel based on her grandmother Elsie’s life. Her next Brave Women Writers’ Circle begins Friday 24 May. It’s a 12-week program designed to unlock women’s stories in a safe and brave space. More about Carolyn and Brave Women Write here: LINK HERE
Connect with Carolyn
📕Author of Brave Women Write | Inspiring women to find their voice and free the writer within.
⭕️Facilitator of The Brave Women Writers’ Circle | Supporting women to write their story with purpose and impact.
💦 Creator of Love Stories of the Birrarung | Connecting humans and sharing stories of love for the Yarra River.
🌳 Creator of Between Two Hills | Sharing the tales of our tree-change as we live between Clifton Hill & Red Hill.
📖Author of The Purpose Project | Inspiring leaders to bring meaning and purpose to life in workplaces and schools
.Website | Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
25 Comments
This sounds like an interesting discussion Sue. I’ve never felt a compulsion to write anything other than my blog, but I know the majority of women (especially older women) have a story they’d like to tell and this sounds like a great way to be inspired. x
I’m not sure I could write a book, Leanne. I’ve often thought of looking a some of the blog posts I’ve written and compiling them but then I think there are so many similar books out there why bother. It really does take commitment. x
This was fascinating, Sue. I have never really had the desire to write a book, but maybe I do have a story to tell. I love the idea of having a designated space in which to write as well as the “Grand Gesture.” Thank you for this podcast!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the episode, Marsha! Shall we be expecting a book in the future from you???? x
I doubt it, but you never know!
Thank you, Sue and Carolyn for reminding us that we do each have a story to tell!
Thanks as always for your support, Donna. You never fail to leave a thoughtful comment which I greatly appreciate. x
That’s an impressive resume. What a lot of writing achievements.
Carolyn is very talented, Lydia and I would love to do one of her writing courses one day. x
A great listen, Sue. I think everyone has a story to tell … I’d love to get my mother to listen to this episode…
I wish I had time to hear my Mum’s story, Jo but she died almost 40 years ago and in those days we didn’t ask enough questions. I’m sure your Mum would enjoy the podcast and maybe it will encourage her to write her story. x
I’d have to get her onto the whole idea of podcasts first “In my day we didn’t worry about things like that ….” heavy sighs.
Yes I hear you ….
I will definitely listen to this podcast Sue. Ive written many family stories on my family history blog but not my own story in full. I probably won’t write my own story. I would want it to be honest but it could possibly be upsetting to some family members. Some people don’t worry about that but I’m very aware of not causing upset.
I’m sure you would enjoy this podcast episode, Jen. I get where you are coming from not wanting to cause upset. I’m the same. Somethings in my life I want to keep private. x
That is great to know. Sue, you are an amazing scout for sharing people’s stories of interest. Thanks for hosting WWWhimsy for Min for this time. Blogger who care are awesome. Denyse x
Carolyn was so interesting to chat to, Denyse. I’m almost inspired to write my story! I’m happy to help out Min or anyone else where I can and hopefuly she will be back soon.
Interesting discussion, Sue. Writing memoirs can be so cathartic and I’ve done a lot of that on my blog. Publishing a book takes a lot more effort, so it’s good to learn from others who have done it already. Congratulations to Carolyn!
I’m not sure I could write a book, Debbie because as you say it takes quite a lot of effort. Carolyn was so interesting to chat to and I hope you enjoyed the podcast. x
I’ll definitely listen in on this episode, Sue. Thanks for introducing us to Carolyn and sharing her experience with us. #WWWhimsy
I hope you enjoy the episode, Christie, Carolyn was very interesting and inspiring. x
Hi Sue, I really enjoyed listening to your conversation with Carolyn (while I was out walking). I liked the way she talked of her own writing project, the writing circle and agree with her that everyone has a story to tell – if they want to share it this would be a great way of doing so. Thanks again for another inspiring interview!
Thanks, Deb! Carolyn was very interesting to talk to and I’m looking forward to reading her book based around her grandmother. x
I think we all have a story to tell and I guess in some way, we as bloggers are telling our stories, just not in a conventional way. Thanks for introducing us to Carolyn – she sounds very inspiring.
I agree, Sammie blogging is a way of telling our stories although for some they don’t share everything. Carolyn was so interesting to interview and chat with. x