“The best writing makes you feel something – not just think something.”
Discover how to balance emotion, structure, and voice in your Wild Muse submission
In this episode of Wild Muse, I’m joined by literary agent and judge of the 2024 Wild Muse Nature Writing Prize,
. We dive into what she looks for in powerful short-form writing, the difference between good prose and a truly moving piece, and how nature can act as a prism to explore deeper themes – grief, healing, identity, and change.“Shorter pieces demand sharper focus. You don’t have many words to wander.”
Louise shares the emotional story of her MS diagnosis and how daily walks in her local park became a grounding, life-affirming practice. We also discuss how debut writers can move beyond description to evoke genuine feeling, why clarity of purpose is vital in short pieces, and how writing groups and early feedback can help reveal your central question.
This episode is for anyone thinking about entering the Wild Muse Prize – or anyone working on a personal nature-based essay or memoir. It’s also a touching conversation about motherhood, disability, inclusivity in publishing, and how nature sustains us through life’s challenges.
“Voice is about trust – I want to feel like I’m in the hands of a storyteller.”
What it will help with:
Understanding what makes a prize entry stand out
Structuring your writing around an emotional and narrative arc
Identifying your central question
Feeling inspired to trust your voice and share your story
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JULY’S ONLINE WORKSHOPS
This month, we explore ‘TRUSTING YOUR VISION’ through Chakra Yin Yoga, and Nature Healing.
Each session is designed to help you move beyond fear and external noise, so you can create from inner clarity, intuition, and inspired purpose.
1. CHAKRA YOGA – THIRD EYE CHAKRA: INTUITIVE CREATIVITY
Wednesday, 16th July, 6pm–8pm
Awaken the energy centre of insight, imagination, and inner knowing.
Through chakra yin yoga, meditation, and guided inquiry, we’ll explore how to access your intuition as a creative compass – navigating decisions, direction, and your deepest creative potential.
[Find out more and book here.]
2. NATURE HEALING – LIGHT ELEMENT: ILLUMINATING YOUR PATH
Wednesday, 23rd July, 6pm–8pm
Let sunlight, candlelight, or firelight become a mirror for your creative vision.
This session invites you to work with the light element to symbolise inspiration and clarity. Through nature-based practice and reflection, we’ll explore what it means to be lit from within as a creator.
[Find out more and book here.]
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