20: The Vulnerable Writer: Orly Levy on Emotional Wellness & Creative Expression
The part of this interview I think you’ll love most is the moment that Orly discovered her love for writing in the most unexpected way.
I had the pleasure of hosting Orly Levy on the How Women Write Podcast. Orly has been in the writing community for a few years now, and it's been amazing to witness her journey as a writer and coach.
Our conversation was insightful, especially if you're struggling with sharing your stories or having trouble finding your unique voice. A good chunk of our conversation covers how emotions are essential not only for our healing but also for our creativity.
Orly shared her personal writing journey, starting from her earliest memory of creating a handmade book in elementary school to realizing her passion for writing in college after getting a B grade on a paper.
She talks about the importance of journaling as a personal outlet and how it eventually led to her coaching practice. Orly discovered early on that vulnerable and authentic storytelling was what truly connected with readers.
We also discussed overcoming the fear of vulnerability and how sharing personal stories isn't as much about the details as the emotions. You'll love a recent experience she shared where her writing deeply touched a reader, leading her to create a piece specifically for his community.
✨ 5 Key Takeaways
Expressing emotions is essential for both healing and creative expression.
Vulnerable storytelling connects with readers on a deeper level than just facts and listacles.
Surrendering to the writing process and allowing the story to evolve takes guts — and it'll be worth it.
Intuition plays a key role in knowing what to write.
Authenticity and sharing your heart creates a genuine bond with your audience.
✅ Practices to try
Start a daily journaling practice to explore your thoughts around where you can be more vulnerable in your writing.
See if you have a personal story you've been hesitant to share. Maybe you'll start writing it.
When writing about your experiences, focus on the emotions more than the details.
🔗 Resources Mentioned
🎧 Related Episodes
12: Beyond Perfectionism: On Writing, Yoga, and Embodiment with Jackie Dominas
05. Mercury Retrograde for Improving Your Writing: Review, Revise, and Repurpose
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Note: None of what you learn is health or mental health advice. For entertainment purposes only.
