Mindset procrastination writehabit Writer's Block

I Went on a Writing Retreat to Hit 5,000 Words—But What I Found Was Even More Valuable

Have you ever sat at your desk, trying to force the writing?

Today, I’m going to show you why clarity eludes you.

I walked through the gardens of Madingley Hall—a place that’s been a creative sanctuary for me since my Master’s in Creative Writing—I experienced something that shifted everything.

In this week’s podcast episode, I take you on this journey to show you exactly what to do when the writing isn’t flowing.

🎧 Listen here (7min)

And if you are bookmarking this episode to listen later, here’s a simple practice to try right now:

Step 1: 

Step outside and walk without an agenda. No problem-solving, no writing goals. Just walk. 10 minutes is enough.

Step 2:

As you move, notice your surroundings. The sound of the wind, the crunch of gravel, the movement of the trees, a bit of sunshine (as we have recently here in the UK)

Step 3:

Let your thoughts drift. If a writing idea comes, great. If not, trust that clarity is working beneath the surface.

And if you’re ready to make consistent progress without waiting for inspiration to strike, my 7-Day Write Habit Booster (July 7–13) is filling up already. 

This is your chance to reset, build momentum, and develop the habits that will keep you writing—even when you feel stuck.

👉 Book your spot here

You’ll get immediate access to all lessons to kickstart your writing again – and the live round happens in July with a vibrant cohort and co-writing with me!

Your coach, 

Nicole

P.S. Here are 4 more ways I can help you write:

✨ SET BETTER GOALS FOR YOUR WEEKLY WRITING:

The Write Habit Planner is your ultimate roadmap for annual, quarterly, and monthly writing goals. Stick with it for 52 (undated) weeks of intentional progress! 

📚 Available on Amazon in your country (e.g. UK | USA | Germany).

✨ WRITE TO FINISH:

The 90-Day Writing Accelerator is my flagship live coaching program to help you finish a crucial writing project in just 3 months. Build a long-term habit while making big progress.

🎯 Get on the waitlist.

 BUILD YOUR 2025 HABIT:

The 7-Day Write Habit Booster is a quick, energising jumpstart! Get back into your writing groove with 7 video trainings and live co-writing in a supportive community.

📅 Next round: July 7–13

✨ FREE WRITE HABIT LIBRARY

8+ Writer’s Tools, trainings, templates and a free 30-day goal setting masterclass to support your writing journey. Sign-up here.

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