Living and Writing True to Oneself

In this intimate conversation, Carrie goes “off grid” to visit editor, book coach, and writing mentor Hilary T. Smith—whose guidance was essential in bringing Awakening Creativity: A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist (out Oct 14) into the world.

Hilary shares life on her remote, hike-in homestead in Hawaiʻi, how nature’s wild abundance mirrors our own creative force, and generous advice for writers: you don’t have to do it alone, you won’t be an expert at the start, and often the most powerful progress comes from narrowing to the one story that’s ready now.

Together they explore “holy encounters,” community as creative nourishment, handwritten drafts, morning rituals, and the Temple of Belonging.

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS HERE or use the link to Spotify below.

Topics Covered

• Life + art on an off-grid jungle homestead

• Creativity as a force to partner with (not a task to master)

• Why most stuck memoirs are actually “ten books in one”

• Longhand writing, seasons of revision, and waiting for the right distance

• The Temple of Renewal: Carrie’s “morning menu” ritual

• The Temple of Belonging: making the community you crave

Key Takeaways

1. Don’t go alone. Mentors, editors, and classes turn a lonely climb into a supported pilgrimage.
2. You won’t be an expert at the start. Treat creativity like learning an instrument or carpentry—practice, guidance, patience.
3. Narrow to one true story. Most stuck projects try to be ten books in one; choose the story that wants to be told now.
4. Ritual renews. A flexible “morning menu” meets the day’s needs and gently keeps you devoted to your creative spirit.
5. Belonging is a creative practice. Don’t wait for a perfect circle—host one. Simple gatherings can become lifelong fuel.
6. Let nature lead. The jungle’s exuberance reminds us: creativity already flows through you. Make space; don’t force.

Call to Action!

• Share one small way you’ll nourish your creative spirit this week; tag @carrieschmitt so we can cheer you on.

• Grab your two free chapters & pre-order Awakening Creativity (Oct 14) HERE

• Join me in Hilary’s Memoir on a Mission next week—come take the class with me. SIGN UP HERE.

Connect with Carrie Schmitt:

• Instagram: @carrieschmitt
• Join Carrie’s online art class + community HERE.
• Subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode.

Connect with Hilary T. Smith:

• Website: hilarytsmith.com
• Instagram: @hilarytsmith

✨ Share your answers! Use @carrieschmitt on Instagram, leave me a voicemail, or email me here.

Reflection Questions:

1. Who has been a holy encounter on your creative path? How have they changed you?
2. If your current project feels unwieldy, what is the one story or thread that is truly alive right now? What belongs to a later book/project?
3. What would a Morning Menu look like for you? List 8–12 options (add “weekend specials”). Which one will you choose tomorrow?
4. Where do you feel out of alignment with the artist you actually are? What small course-correction could you make this week?
5. How might you create the community you long for? Name one simple gathering (poetry night, studio hour, altar-making circle) and set a date.
6. What’s a simple, sensual cue (clothing, color, texture, scent) that lifts your mood and returns you to creative presence?