<![CDATA[The Tattooed Governess: Novel Possible]]>https://www.thetattooedgoverness.com/s/novel-possiblehttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!IZHa!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F01303772-2965-4333-bc83-6c62d81af9ca_1000x1000.pngThe Tattooed Governess: Novel Possiblehttps://www.thetattooedgoverness.com/s/novel-possibleSubstackSun, 12 Apr 2026 20:14:18 GMT<![CDATA[A writing pep talk, for anyone who needs it]]>https://www.thetattooedgoverness.com/p/a-writing-pep-talk-for-anyone-whohttps://www.thetattooedgoverness.com/p/a-writing-pep-talk-for-anyone-whoSat, 16 Nov 2024 16:44:30 GMTHi everyone!

Halfway through Novel Possible, I thought we could all use a pick-me-up.

In this live, I discuss the challenges that writers face when their nervous systems are overloaded because of current world events. Highlighting my ongoing writing challenge, Novel Possible, at Book Alchemy, I address the difficulty of staying motivated at the halfway point. We discuss the importance of seeking inspiration from historical writers and using tools like Readwise for quote collection. Authors I reference include Rebecca Solnit, Anne Lamott, Francine Prose, and Flannery O’Connor, with insights into staying grounded and motivated. I also emphasize the value of writing for self-expression and personal growth, rather than monetary gain. In the last few minutes, there’s a q+a with those taking part live, sharing my thoughts on resuming writing after a hiatus and giving oneself permission to write.

Timestamps and Topics:

00:00 Introduction: Overwhelmed Nervous Systems

00:44 The Messy Middle of Writing Challenges

02:30 Finding Inspiration from Historical Writers

03:51 The Comfort of Handwritten Quotes

05:28 Wisdom from Renowned Authors

10:21 Staying Grounded Amidst Chaos

11:57 Engaging with the Writing Community

14:47 Advice for Returning to Writing

18:16 The Value of Writing Beyond Money

21:34 Conclusion and Community Engagement

Hugo, the cat who doesn’t understand that I sometimes do other things:

Thanks for the lovely soundtrack, Hugo.

He is not sorry for yelling in the background, but I am sorry for allowing him to stay in the room.

Join me for my next live video in the app:

Get more from Caroline Donahue in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Novel Possible begins November 1]]>https://www.thetattooedgoverness.com/p/novel-possible-begins-november-1https://www.thetattooedgoverness.com/p/novel-possible-begins-november-1Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:55:56 GMTIt’s almost my favorite time of year: Novel Possible time! Watch the short video above to get the full story, including the secret identity of INTERPOL.

For the past two years, I’ve run a challenge every November with a few simple guidelines:

  • Mission Prompts arrive every day

  • You can choose to accept the mission and write it, or not

  • The Mission Prompt self-destructs after we reach midnight around the world

  • Write as many days as you like

  • No falling behind and no guilt

Writing can be fun!

If you’d like to play around with me this November, join us for Novel Possible.

You can play the daily mission prompts right here in substack, or receive them in a podcast app.

This challenge is available to all paid members of Book Alchemy.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join us1 for the third year of Novel possible here:

Subscribe now

1

Membership is increasing on November 1, so join before then to keep the current rate.

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