This is a newsletter about writing to change my mind . . . and heart.
Joan Didion famously wrote: “I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.”
Yes, yes (!), but also, for me: “I’m writing to change my mind.”
Welcome to Metanoia Road.
‘Metanoia’ literally means ‘changing your mind’.1 In psychotherapy, metanoia is a term used to describe a profound conversion or transformation of character or personality.2
To get a sense of my writing and voice, you may like to start here:
I would love for you to join me here on Metanoia Road, where I will explore — with you — my beliefs and intuitions about a range of topics including life, death, love, sex, marriage, ageing, madness and sanity, music, art and literature and more.
My method of inquiry will be question-asking but also question-formulating—how do we compose beautiful questions to help us get to where we need to go in our writing and understanding?
I will also share invitations for you to write with me here, and I will occasionally host workshops and salons.
I take a lot of care with my writing to you and devote precious time to you in the comments. I want us to be heard and to be challenged, provoked, inspired to turn things around, to expand, to see, to stay curious.
Hi, I’m Kathryn (you can call me ‘KK’) 💙
I’m a writer, educator and creative guide. I currently live in Scotland. I have also lived in Australia, Greece, Spain, China and the US.
A former arts, entertainment and travel journalist and freelance writer, my words have appears in The New York Times, Metro UK, Australian Book Review, Athens News, Odyssey and Fodor’s Greece. My first novel, Palimpsest was published in Australia in 2010. For over a decade, I worked as an academic writing instructor at Charles Sturt University, Australia and also worked as an English professor at Bentley University and MCPHS University in Boston, USA.
I have a Master of Philosophy degree in Creative Writing from the University of Adelaide, and I am currently undertaking an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes at the Metanoia Institute, London.
I am Head of Community at the London Writers’ Salon, as well as a writing coach supporting and nurturing a global community of writers.
I am a board member of Lapidus Scotland and Modern Stoicism and a member of the Society of Authors, the Scottish Book Trust and Lapidus International.
What is exciting for me now
I’m at work on a novel about marriage, midlife, menopause and mathematics.
My MSc research focus is on the role of beauty in creative writing for therapeutic purposes.
I’m teaching myself how to write sonnets.
I’m playing with some beginner book-binding projects.
I’m handwriting letters to friends.
And, as always, enjoying life with Henrietta:
Words from readers
“Kathryn, I'm on board for whatever you do: record a podcast, I'm listening to it, set up a conference, I'm registering for it, teach a class, I'm taking it, write a book, I'm buying it. I'm all in. Thank you.” —Scott Bennet
“I read your Metanoia piece that you sent yesterday and was so deeply moved. It is stunning. Beautifully written, brilliant and steeped in wisdom and contemplation. Loved it. Really beautiful.” —Ranjini George
“I just love everything you've done and everything you will do!” —David MacGregor
“I am excited to read your posts! I always appreciate the depth of your thinking!” —Michelle Mansfield
“I’ve always liked your point of view.” —Scott Bennett
“Thank you my dear Kathryn for shining your light on the world!: —Sofia Koutlaki
“Thank you deeply for this framework and supported invitation to explore the unseen (thoughts, feelings, energy, history, future and more). I'm loving the journey!” —Rachel Castell
From the Greek word μετάνοια: μετά, meaning ‘after’ and νόος, meaning ‘understanding’ or ‘mind’.
From ‘Metanoia: A Process of Transformation’, in Transactional Analysis Journal, by Petrūska Clarkson who founded Metanoia Institute, London, where I am undertaking the MSc Creative Writing in Therapeutic Purposes.
