We recently connected with Christy Howitt and have shared our conversation below.

Christy , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned to write a book through trial and error, through studying writing and literature in university and taking every book writing course I could afterwards. And then I just went for it, taking action and putting words down on the page. After publishing two novels, I began teaching others how to write compelling books through a storyline framework I fine-tuned from my own processes. Knowing what I know now, I would have worked with a book writing coach to bring my first novel to life so much quicker, without so many moments of doubt and not knowing the next steps. I thought you just had to be a good writer to write books but there’s so much more to it. There’s the storyline framework, the mindset aspect with taking on a project so large, the energetics of keeping the creativity and motivation flowing. All are important parts and skills I had to develop quickly to succeed at this. The obstacles were very much tied to mindset and cultivating the belief that I could actually write a book and take on a goal so momentous. When you’re doubting if you can do it, it can be hard to seek out more knowledge and sometimes the right knowledge isn’t always easy to find.

Christy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I studied writing and literature in university and then went on to work in the writing and editing world before beginning my own business. I worked primarily as a copywriter for different industries, all while writing and publishing my two fiction novels. As I worked as a copywriter, I had clients ask about my books, curious about my process and how I brought them to life. This led to the creation of my first book coaching offer, where I developed book writing and storyline framework that could work with any genre of book, guiding the writer in the creation on an engaging written book narrative. My business, Calla Creative Studio has become a one-stop-shop studio for all things book writing and publishing. I offer one-on-one book coaching in 12 week and 6 month programs. The 12 week program is all about building that foundation from book idea to fully formed book outline and then the 6 months is the full container to completing your manuscript with my support and guidance. Outside of my coaching, I have a little team that offers book editing, interior formatting, cover design and publishing support for after your book is written. One thing that sets my business apart from others like this is that I use my intuitive gifts to tailor all my guidance directly to you. I have the ability to tune in and channel through ideas and messages that are so key to your project and I use this gift in our work together. I have discovered a beautiful balance in the support I offer. It’s very much writing structure, expertise from the industry and the framework I’ve developed, but also just as much writing energetics, connecting into your own creative drive and tuning in to where your story is flowing from. It’s very much both sides of the coin. And when we focus on both aspects, your book can come to fruition in the most seamless, energized, exciting and aligned way possible. And it is more than possible for you to tell your story too. We all have one that nudges at us and tugs at our heart, wanting to be heard. I’m here as the bridge to help you make it all a reality.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I remember when I was first writing my debut novel, Heartsand, a decade ago, I knew in my heart this was something I wanted to do. I loved creative writing and storytelling. I had mapped out a story I wanted to tell in book form. I had finished my literature degree and I was maybe about a quarter into the first draft of my book. I remember this specific moment where it felt so hard and I didn’t know the next steps. I was sitting in my little reading nook in my bedroom at the time and I said to myself, what if we didn’t do this? No one said we had to. What if we chose another goal, an easier, more obtainable one? I basically asked myself these questions and gave myself permission to be done, to let go of the story and the goal to write a book, because it felt impossible and I was so frustrated, having so much passion and all the ideas and then getting stuck on how to truly create something like this. I cried and felt the wave of emotion crash over me. I was about to let it all go. I looked at the storyboard I’d created across the room – all cut outs from my favorite magazines – and I remember the moment something changed in me. All I wanted was to write this book. I loved it. Loved how it felt to get lost in the story, to channel through pages, surprising myself at what flowed through. It felt so hard in that moment but that just meant I would study more, learn more, be easier on myself and take it one writing session at a time. I was doing this. I had decided. And ever since that moment, I know this is what I’m meant to be doing. I could have very easily walked away. I had given myself full permission to do so. But something rose up in me that overpowered all else. I realized that the very best things can come from a journey that is bumpy and tests you in all the ways. I visualized my published book and held onto that. And I knew, even though it was going to be a marathon, that I could absolutely do it and do it well.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn many lessons in my journey of becoming an author and growing a book coaching business. A lot of that stemmed around the publishing industry, that it’s impossible to be published and only a select few have what it takes to write compelling books. I had to deconstruct a lot of these views to create the belief that I could have successful novels, this can be my full time job and I could help others do the same. Because the publishing industry has evolved and there are more than one way to publish a successful book and it all depends on the specific person, their goals and an excellent marketing plan! I also had to unlearn the belief that hard work and pushing yourself to your breaking point equals success. Let me first say, I am a hard worker and will do what it takes to get things done. But there is so much more to it, especially in the world of entrepreneurship than just hustling away the hours. I learned intuitive flow and leaning into my spiritual gifts as a channeler. Working smarter and not always harder. Leaning into writing energetics, like creating the most sacred writing ritual to create your best work as much as putting in the time. It’s all about balance. The motivation and passion has to be there, yes, but so does flow and tuning in and taking action from your intuition to best guide you forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christyhowitt.com
• Instagram: @christyhowitt @callacreativestudio
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/christyhowitt