Writing through the Side Door with Abigail Thomas

212 In this encore episode, Nadine chats with literary legend Abigail Thomas about the interesting turns her life has taken, how she accesses hard stories, and her unique approach to structure. In this vulnerable interview, Abby shares painful moments and how she's come to embrace acceptance. In this conversation that covers an array of heartfelt topics, Abby also shares the hilarious thing she does when she's blocked. This wisdom-filled episode will resonate with writers and non-writers alike.

Covered in this episode:

• How Abby never had a plan and the interesting twists life has taken
• What prompts she recommends to get people writing
• The word that changed Abby's perspective about guilt
• The hilarious thing Abby does when she's blocked
• How to capture the human experience on the page
• What she's learned with age and what advice she'd give to her younger self

About Abigail Thomas:

Abigail Thomas has four children, twelve grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two dogs, eleven books, and a high school education.

About Nadine:

Learn more about Nadine's Writer Workout membership for women writers here.

Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today’s top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular newsletter on Substack.