Writing Your Truth Through Grief and Introspection with Diandra Ford-Wing
Season 6 Episode 3
In this episode of Wellspringwords: The Podcast, Nkem speaks with author Diandra Ford-Wing about her debut memoir Red Bird, “a heartfelt exploration of loss and resilience.” Framed by thoughtful questions from the Wellspringwords® community, Nkem and Diandra discuss writing truth from the heart, the complexity of writing about family members and family dynamics, practical tips on long writing projects and self-publishing, and the importance of self-care and self-nurturing.
This episode is a deep dive into the life and mind of a writer-turned-author and contains wisdom for all who resonate on a path of self-discovery. Please enjoy fully and share it with another being who would benefit!
Let us know what this episode brought to mind or heart for you in a podcast review, on Instagram, or via email at bewell@wellspringwords.love. Be well!
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Timestamps:
00:05 - Content disclaimer
00:32 - Introduction to episode and our guest, author Diandra Ford-Wing
04:00 - What was Diandra’s writing life like before publishing her writing?
06:38 - Diandra talks about her novel Red Bird
09:37 - What is the symbolism of the Red Bird in Diandra’s book?
11:40 - Invitation to enjoy sweet and nourishing rituals with SIIKA Herb and Honey
13:35 - How did Diandra handle her emotions of pain and grief while writing Red Bird?
15:59 - Using charts or diagrams to see the vision of your longer writing project
18:29 - Did Diandra ever feel conflicted about how much of her family’s story to include in her book?
22:27 - What is the consequence of bearing a truth and telling a truth?
23:07 - How did Diandra honor the memory of those who have passed while still claiming her own voice?
28:21 - Everything we say and write and publish matters!
29:22 - Invitation to deepen your self-discovery through our Creative Enrichment Studio
31:15 - Diandra speaks about her mental health struggles and healing through introspection
35:08 - What advice does Diandra have for her 24-year-old version, on the verge of suicide?
40:33 - How Diandra’s writing style and approach to writing has changed through the decades
41:15 - Non-writing practices and rituals that can enhance our writing experience
43:42 - How did Diandra navigate the self-publishing process?
48:00 - Self-publishing and creative authority
50:22 - A note on the purpose of each literary project
51:23 - Stay connected & continue the conversation!
References mentioned in the episode:
Wellspringwords® Creative Enrichment Studio
Find Diandra here:
linkedin.com/in/diandrafordwing
Find Wellspringwords® here:
@wellspringwords on Instagram
Find Nkem here:
Nkem's personal newsletter
Nkem's poetry collection - Poetry and the immediate: A collection of sensed spaces
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