53. Becoming an author through journaling w/ Erin Leigh

Ever wondered if journaling can lead to more than dear diary entries?

Joining today’s conversation is Erin Leigh, a writer, author, and mother of four. In this episode, Erin shares how a lifetime of journaling not only strengthened her writing but also lead to her publishing her first nonfiction book and becoming an author.

Bonus: She also shares the positive impact journaling has had on her family, as well as two tips from her award-winning parenting book, Navigating the Newborn Months and Beyond: A Mother’s Guide to Routine, Sleep, Fussiness, and Self-Care.

Topics discussed in this episode
  • A lifetime of journaling
  • The shift in journaling as a new parent
  • Different forms of journaling
  • Journaling tips for parents
  • How journaling helps our creative writing
  • Self-care through journaling
  • Writing a manuscript and referencing old journals
  • The learning curve of self-publishing
  • Two parenting tips from Erin’s book
  • BONUS: Asking for help
About Erin Leigh

Erin Leigh has enjoyed nonfiction writing since she was a child. Her passion for research and writing were the primary reason she pursued a career in law. Finding writing to be rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling, Erin writes nonfiction pieces about parenting, motherhood, self-care, and outdoor adventures, and is also a contributing writer for Her View From Home, Motherly, and Motherzing magazine. She also writes a monthly author newsletter.

Erin is the proud mother of three sons and one daughter. She and her family reside in Northern California. Prior to having children, Erin practiced health care law in the legal department of Stanford University. She enjoys swimming, running, reading, hiking, playing the piano, and spending time outdoors as much as possible.

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Resources discussed during the show
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Looking for a community of passionate writers who understand your goals and struggles? Join my exclusive Facebook group, Parents Who Write, where you can attend weekly group writing sessions and find writing prompts, writing resources, and free weekly tutorials.


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ABOUT ME

Erin P.T. Canning has worked for 20 years as an editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.

She always planned to write a book, but life had a tendency to distract her. After dedicating six years of her life to motherhood and discovering her ADHD, she started writing again, even though she feared her writing skills had atrophied.

After letting go of her perfectionism, Erin finally finished her own shitty first draft and released her fantasy romance novel, Ruins and Redemption, in 2023. Her current role as a podcaster and book coach enables her to help writers pursue their author dreams.