Creative Magic: Writing and Art as a Spiritual Journey – An Interview with Nicole Washburn

What if the words you’ve been holding back are the very key to your healing, your creativity, and your connection to the divine?

For Nicole Washburn, books were a lifelong passion. Still, it was through decades of teaching, writing, and guiding others that she discovered something deeper—writing isn’t just about putting words on paper—it is a spiritual practice, a way of clarifying truth, expanding consciousness, and manifesting possibility. From her years in Argentina creating an environmental school, to helping thousands of students overcome their fear of expression, to co-founding the Authors Collaborative, Nicole has devoted her life to unlocking the sacred power of storytelling.

In this conversation, Nicole shares how writing dissolves the blocks that keep us small, why self-publishing is a revolutionary act of empowerment, and how creativity—whether through words, art, or imagination—can literally reshape our lives. Continue reading or listen in by subscribing for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or YouTube to discover how Nicole Washburn’s wisdom can help you step into your own voice and claim your role as a conscious creator.

Did you love books and writing as a little kid, or did that come to you later in life?

Nicole Washburn: I’ve loved writing and books for as long as I can remember. My passion began with my parents reading to me, and as soon as I could write, I started creating my own books—illustrating them too, like many kids do. But I never stopped. I wrote through school, through university, and just kept going. Books have always been my passion.

Do you remember your favorite book as a child? Is there one that stands out?

Nicole Washburn: Absolutely—the Wizard of Oz series. Not just the first book, but the whole extended series. The illustrations had such a huge impact on me. They were beautifully developed stories, and The Wizard of Oz was the first full book I ever read. After that, I devoured the entire series. It swept me away into that creative realm.

It’s funny how we all have such different experiences with books. I didn’t really like reading as a child. My parents gave me the Chronicles of Narnia series, and while I managed to read the first book, by the second one, I had started moving my bookmark forward every day without actually reading.

Nicole Washburn: I get that! Honestly, I couldn’t get into that series either. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe felt completely unreadable to me as a kid. The story was fascinating, and it even had illustrations, but it still felt too dense. I think it comes down to finding the right book.

We’re all a little intimidated by reading and writing—it’s natural. The key is discovering the book that sparks your interest, the one that makes you forget everything else. Until then, kids often feel like something’s wrong with them because everyone else seems excited about reading. But really, it’s just about finding that right connection.

Alongside writing, a huge part of your life is consciousness, mindfulness, and spirituality. Was faith or spirituality part of your upbringing, or did that come later?

Nicole Washburn: I was raised without any formal spiritual teaching from my parents, which left me very open. I naturally gravitated toward animals, nature, and trees. Looking back, I realize that what I felt was spiritual—even though I didn’t have that word for it then. To this day, nature still holds that same energy for me.

As I grew up, I explored different traditions with friends. I went to Catholic services, tried Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism—but none of it really fit. Then I discovered Native American spirituality, and I thought, Ah, this is it.

Over time, I’ve come to see that all of these paths are connected. At the heart of it, they’re all talking about the same thing. For me, spirituality has always been interwoven with creativity, self-expression, and consciousness—our direct connection with the divine. What I felt as a child in nature is still the same thing I feel now. It’s all one.

At what point were you introduced to Native American spirituality? Was it through a book or a mentor?

Nicole Washburn: I first started exploring in high school, mostly through books—because that was really the only way back then. Later, when I attended the University of Arizona, everything fell into place. I was studying anthropology and creative writing, which opened doors for me. I began meeting people, traveling, and eventually ended up in Argentina, where I studied with shamans. It all developed organically from that point.

In 1993, you moved to South America. What motivated you to go there? What was it about that location that called you?

Nicole Washburn: I’ve always felt that places call me, and I know I’m not alone in that. There’s a little twinkle inside that says, ‘I want to explore that place.’ South America had that call for me.

After I graduated with my anthropology degree, I went to the North Woods of Minnesota for an internship teaching environmental education. After that, I was invited to teach in Argentina. At first, I had to look at a map—I barely knew where it was. But the mystery of it drew me in, and when the opportunity came, I didn’t hesitate. I was 22 years old, eager to explore, and thought, Why not? What started as a short-term adventure turned into 22 years of living there.

Was this invitation through a nonprofit?

Nicole Washburn: It was through a colleague at the environmental school in Minnesota. I went down to Argentina, and together we started an environmental school. We eventually got married, raised a family there, and built the project into something lasting. It all began with environmental education and a simple invitation: Come on down to Argentina. And I said yes.

Could you tell me more about the environmental education program? Were you teaching Argentine students, or was it international?

Nicole Washburn: We worked with Argentine students, mostly from Buenos Aires. This was the early nineties, before the internet, so things were very different. The only way schools would agree to send their kids away for five days in the woods—something that seemed like a waste of time to many at the time—was if we promised to teach 50% of the program in English. That way, it doubled as language practice.

Our passion was to get the kids into nature, to connect them with their hearts. So we agreed. The students were usually fifth graders—very young, many of whom were leaving home for the first time. For them, it was intimidating: new environment, new language, and being asked to read and write in English. At first, they were terrified.

But I had to make it fun. We turned writing into games. We had them “interview a tree,” asking questions like: What do you see from here? What are you thinking about? Suddenly, creativity flowed. And when it came time to share—never forced, always optional—the same kids who were once too scared to speak would be begging to read their work aloud. The pride they felt, and the recognition from their teachers, was transformative.

By the end of the week, their journals were filled with poems, drawings of birds, scientific observations, and reflections. Those journals became treasured keepsakes they took home to show their amazed families. Years later, those same journals still hold meaning.

That experience taught me something vital: if a fifth grader can overcome the fear of writing in a second language, then any of us can do it. Writing doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be a bridge to creativity, connection with nature, and connection with ourselves.

With students in Thailand

And you continued this work for 22 years?

Nicole Washburn: Yes. In rural Córdoba, central Argentina. My sons were born and raised there, and the school is still running today. In fact, my sons are now teaching at the same school. It’s a beautiful, full-circle experience.

What motivated you to move back to the United States in 2014?

Nicole Washburn: I could have stayed in Argentina forever—I was very happy there. But sometimes life gives you orders, and you sense it’s time for change. Several things happened all at once.

I had health problems, including a cancer scare, that shifted how I was living. Then came the wildfires. We had 100 acres of native woodland, a preserve where we held our classes. It burned once, and years later it burned again—this time destroying our entire school.

At the same time, my sons were 13, needing more educational opportunities than rural Argentina could offer. It felt like the right moment. I thought, Let’s go to the States so they can finish high school. I wanted them to keep their Spanish and still be close enough to fly back to Argentina, so Florida seemed like the best fit. What was supposed to be temporary ended up becoming permanent, and here I am.

What an adventure. Many people would look at your story—22 years in Argentina, building schools, raising a family—and think, “Wow, what an extraordinary life.” But for you, did it just feel normal?

Nicole Washburn: Exactly. It’s funny because to me, that was just my normal life. But I do see it as an adventure, and I love that. That sense of taking leaps and following new paths—that’s what makes life exciting.

You’ve spoken about helping kids overcome their fear of writing, but why are you personally so passionate about writing as the medium for self-expression? Why not another form of creativity?

Nicole Washburn: For me, writing has always been part of who I am. Everything I learned through my own journey, I wanted to share. Working with those fifth graders changed me—watching them shift from fear to pride in their writing.

But I also noticed something else: often, their teachers would say, ‘Oh, I could never do that; I’m not creative.’ That’s when I realized the block isn’t just with children. In fact, kids are closer to their creativity—they play, they experiment, they don’t get stuck for long. Adults, on the other hand, carry deep blocks.

Authentic self-expression is crucial because it allows us to discover what we honestly think and feel. For me, writing was the way I found clarity. Journaling helped me get beneath my first thoughts. Talking things out helped, too, but writing cut straight to the truth.

I’ve worked with everyone—from pre-literate children to Ivy League professors—and every single one of them has insecurities about writing. The truth is, nobody was born knowing how to write. We were born artists. Hand a child a crayon and they know exactly what to do. Writing, on the other hand, is learned, trained, and often tied up with expectations. That’s why the resistance is so universal.

But when we move past the block, something sacred happens. Writing becomes a direct channel into consciousness, creativity, and the mystical. It connects us with the divine. That’s why I’m so passionate about it.

What are the most common beliefs that hold people back from expressing themselves through writing?

Nicole Washburn: The biggest ones are: I can’t say that. I can’t write that. What would they think? I’m not a good writer. I’m not saying it right. Those doubts show up constantly. And here’s the secret—even the most accomplished, published writers we admire feel that same doubt. It’s universal.

The difference is whether or not we let that doubt stop us. Writing is intimidating because it didn’t come naturally—we all had to work hard to learn it. But once we give ourselves permission to write honestly, without worrying about being perfect, that’s when the magic happens.

What is the downside of giving in to resistance and believing those lies about not being good enough to write?

Nicole Washburn: It’s actually really harmful because it stifles us—not only from writing a book, but from communicating honestly with ourselves. When we don’t write authentically, we lose that deeper connection to ourselves, and we also hold back from sharing our full truth with others. What the world needs most is our full, present, conscious truth. If we suppress that, we’re cutting off the most valuable part of ourselves.

Even if no one else ever sees it, writing honestly is powerful. You can write something down and then burn the page—but the act of getting it out, of seeing it in front of you, is transformative. When we give words to our thoughts, our whole being expands. Our energy field—our aura—grows, because we are honoring our truth.

There’s a reason sacred texts begin with “the Word.” Words manifest. They create reality. When we choose not to write, we deny ourselves the use of that creative power.

What you’re proposing is revolutionary. You’re basically saying that if I’m not writing regularly, then I don’t truly know what I believe. I’m not able to clarify my thoughts, and I struggle to communicate them clearly to others. Am I understanding you correctly?

Nicole Washburn: A hundred percent. I love the way you put that, because it’s exactly right. Writing helps us both discover and share the best part of ourselves.

And for those who don’t like writing by hand, we have numerous tools now—such as talk-to-text and dictation apps—there are endless ways to get the words out. The point is to bring those inner stories, visions, and wisdom into form. Once they’re on the page, they stop being scattered thoughts and become a coherent story of who you are, how you got here, and the gifts you have to share with the world.

Many of our listeners are spiritual leaders, healers, or coaches. They know they have a message, but still feel the same doubts and blocks you’ve described. You started something called the Authors Collaborative with your partner, Darlene Turriff, to help people share their stories. Can you tell us about that?

Nicole Washburn: Absolutely. The Authors Collaborative is a community where people write and self-publish together. Darlene and I co-lead it, and we’ve been working side by side for nearly ten years.

We first met in another coaching community. She was the business coach, and I was supporting people with copywriting—helping them with ads, websites, and content. At the same time, we were both working on our own books. I needed her focus and business strategy skills, and she needed my editing and creative support. We realized we made a powerful team, and soon we thought, Why not create something to help everyone who wants to write their book?

That’s how the Authors Collaborative was born. We guide people from the very beginning—Does this idea have wings? Could it become a book?—right from writing, editing, self-publishing, and launching? It’s a huge journey, and we walk through it as a supportive community.

But here’s what really surprised us: the biggest transformation isn’t just in the book itself—it’s in the author. Coaches, therapists, healers—they’ve all told us that writing their book was the most profound spiritual transformation of their life. And it makes sense. The process forces you to face every block: I’m not good enough. I’m not really a writer. I need another class first. Then, step by step, those doubts are dismantled, and what emerges is the pure spiritual message.

It’s extraordinary to witness. At some point, the writing takes flight, and suddenly, the author is not only telling their story but living in a whole new expression of who they are. That’s the beauty of it.

Some people still believe that self-publishing is a form of “vanity” and therefore not credible. How do you respond to that?

Nicole Washburn: It’s a common—and fair—question. The good news is we have options now. Traditional publishing remains a solid path, but finding an agent or publisher can take years, even decades, and securing a spot at a major house is a long shot.

Self-publishing changed the game. Yes, anyone can upload a book tomorrow, which creates real quality concerns and a crowded market. But I’m a huge enthusiast because it democratizes publishing. Much like when the printing press ended the Dark Ages by getting books and learning into people’s hands, self-publishing lets us share our message without waiting.

Where Darlene and I come in is quality. We hold authors to the same standard as traditional houses: a book that connects emotionally, inspires positive change, and reads beautifully—paired with professional cover art and interior design. A “vanity” project is easy to spot; a truly excellent book isn’t. What matters most is what readers—beyond family and friends—say about it.

The industry is already shifting. Many traditional publishers are moving into consulting and coaching because self-publishing isn’t going anywhere. When you hold yourself to high standards, a self-published book can match traditional quality inside and out—and you can go from idea to publication in about a year, collecting five-star reviews from readers who say, ‘This book changed my life.’

If I come to you wanting to self-publish, what step-by-step process do you take me through?

Nicole Washburn: First, we capture the spark without smothering it. We channel your initial inspiration into a clear outline—often by talking it out while we build a mind map. We define your ideal reader and the promise of the book so its “DNA” is set.

Then comes the messy first draft—fast, from the soul. We support that with weekly trainings and live co-writing sessions (body-doubling) so you log steady time. I teach specific techniques that lift writing from “flat” to goosebump-worthy.

Next is editing, which usually takes longer than drafting. We work through multiple drafts, restructuring for flow and clarity. We run four editing passes, so by the end, authors feel genuine pride in the manuscript.

After that, we handle production and platforms. We walk you through uploading—KDP is our simple go-to, with IngramSpark as another option—plus categories and metadata (the small but crucial details that position your book well and, yes, can help you hit #1 in your categories).

Design matters. Hire a professional cover designer—don’t DIY it. It doesn’t have to be a huge investment, and a strong cover and clean interior instantly elevate perceived quality and reach.

Finally, we plan your launch and first year: pre-launch strategy, launch week, and the ongoing season of sharing your book. That part can feel intimidating, but once you find your rhythm, it’s genuinely fun. Our aim is for you to publish a beautiful, reader-transforming book—and feel supported from idea to long-term impact.

So you’re really helping people from concept all the way through—not just to launch but even beyond?

Nicole Washburn: Exactly. It’s truly A to Z. And the beautiful thing is that once you write your first book, you often start thinking, Well, what about the second one? And then the third. Writing doesn’t dry up—the source is infinite. The more we write, the more ideas come. With each book, we grow as writers, making the process easier and more enjoyable.

That’s why so many of our writers stay with us. They finish one book, then move on to their next project, and often their next after that. I sometimes joke that we’ll just grow old together, writing as many books as we can.

What about people who say, “I have a message to share, but I just don’t want to write it down”? Do you still have ways to help them?

Nicole Washburn: Absolutely. In those cases, we make it conversational. We’ll ask questions, record their responses, and then pull the content directly from what they’ve said. Once you take away the questions and edit the answers, you already have the foundation for a book.

It’s actually a really fun process, because most people can talk about their ideas with ease. And here’s a little secret: most of the people who hire us for ghostwriting end up finishing their books themselves. It’s like using training wheels. They start with us shaping their spoken words into text, and then suddenly they realize, I can actually do this.

The key is to write the way you talk. If you can speak it, you can write it. And once people catch on to that, they realize it’s not nearly as intimidating as they thought.

How does the investment work? Is it a one-time cost per book, or is it a membership to participate in the collaborative?

Nicole Washburn: We offer a range of options because every writer comes in with different needs—and, honestly, different levels of intimidation. Writing a book can feel overwhelming, so we meet people where they’re comfortable.

We do have a membership model—month-to-month and very affordable—where people can access weekly trainings, writing circles, workshopping sessions, and a whole library of behind-the-scenes content. Even spending a month with us in that space can be incredibly valuable.

Beyond that, we offer editing support at three levels: you can do it yourself with our guidance, we can do it together, or we can take it off your hands entirely. And then we have VIP options where we manage the entire process from A to Z. Others may prefer a focused “jam session” where we spend a single day working on exactly what they need. So the structure is flexible—designed so each writer gets the right amount of support at the right investment level.

In addition to books, you also provide copywriting services for people who need more marketing support—ads, landing pages, scripts, and so on. How does that work?

Nicole Washburn: Yes, absolutely. Writing a book and launching it is really a business endeavor. It needs marketing support that aligns with your larger project or business. We also assist with copywriting for emails, press releases, video scripts, social media posts, and even text campaigns—because those touchpoints are everywhere.

Within our membership, we run a weekly call focused solely on marketing language and business support. We usually recommend people wait until they’re ready—because it can be too much to handle while you’re still drafting your book—but once the timing is right, that training is powerful.

The key is that it’s all connected. The voice you use in your book is the same authentic voice you want in your marketing. We don’t want you to sound like you’re selling something in a way that feels off from who you are. Instead, we help you write in a way that’s authentic, heartfelt, and aligned, so your marketing simply becomes an extension of your service—inviting the right people to connect and benefit from your work.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere now. People are even publishing entire books written by AI. What are your thoughts on this, and how do you address it with your clients?

Nicole Washburn: I’m so glad you brought this up, because AI is a huge topic—I could talk about it for hours. The truth is, AI is a tool, much like a pen. Used well, it can be incredibly helpful. It can brainstorm ideas, generate outlines, or even tighten up something wordy into a more succinct version. Those are great uses.

But like any tool, it carries risks. And with AI, the danger is significant. I actually dedicate a chapter to this in my book, because over-reliance on AI can lead to a kind of creative atrophy. We are the original creators—the words, stories, and inspiration flow through our consciousness, from our connection with spirit. That spark cannot be outsourced. AI should help us shape or refine, but it should never replace that initial, authentic expression.

The problem arises when people copy what an AI tool generates and publish it as their book. We see it all the time—social posts, emails, even entire manuscripts. And while AI is advancing rapidly, you can often still recognize that lack of soul in the writing.

Research is already confirming the risks. MIT recently released findings showing that heavy reliance on AI weakens the brain’s linguistic and emotional functions. Students using AI to write essays not only underperform, but they can’t even recall what they wrote about. That tells us something vital: if we let AI do the creating for us, our natural creative muscles stop firing.

That’s why I encourage people to embrace what I call organic intelligence. Start with your own voice. Free-write, brainstorm, talk-to-text—whatever feels natural. Then, yes, let AI assist if it helps you refine or polish your work. But always come back to yourself. You are the creator. AI can support you, but it should never take the place of your connection to your own words.

You have a new book coming out in Fall 2025, called Creative Magic: Becoming a Conscious Creator through Art, Writing, and the Imagination. Tell us about this book. Who is it for, and how will it benefit them?

Nicole Washburn: This is my passion project—the book I’ve wanted to write for years. It’s actually the third in a series following Copywriting Magic and Nonfiction Magic. But Creative Magic is different. It’s my heart piece.

The inspiration came during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I was dealing with a cancer scare, wildfires that destroyed our school, and a cascade of changes. At the same time, I happened to be in an art class—a collage workshop. I began pouring everything I was experiencing into those collages, and it became a lifeline.

Around that same time, I watched The Secret. I remember hearing Dr. Joe Vitale talk about writing down your desires as if they were an order to the universe, and Marie Diamond sharing a story of a client whose paintings manifested in her real life. Suddenly, it all clicked. Joe was talking about the written word, Marie about visual art, and together they revealed a powerful truth: creativity is manifestation.

That became my process—combining journaling with visual art. Words and images together became a bridge to transformation. In fact, it was through that process that I found my way back to the U.S. It felt as though the road opened up through the vision I created.

Creative Magic is about helping others tap into that same power. Whether it’s through writing, collage, painting, or even song, creative expression is more than healing—it’s how we consciously shape our lives. Art isn’t just decorative; it’s a manifestation tool. When we intentionally choose our words and visuals, we create the reality we want to live in.

In the book, I share simple, accessible activities—things anyone can try—to begin combining word and image in ways that unlock imagination and transformation. Once you start, you’re hooked. You begin to see how powerful creativity truly is, and how it can change everything—not just for you, but as a gift to the world.

You also host a podcast called Published the Podcast. What can people expect when they listen?

Nicole Washburn: It’s a space where aspiring authors can hear real stories from people who’ve gone through the process. Writing a book can feel isolating—you wonder if you’re crazy even to want to do it. On the podcast, published authors share what their journeys were like, from drafting to editing to launching. Hearing their challenges and triumphs is both inspiring and reassuring. It reminds listeners that yes, you can do this too. And that encouragement is often what helps people finally take the leap into writing.

With one of my fabulous collage instructors, the legendary Bruce Helander.

What’s the best place for people to connect with you and find your resources?

Nicole Washburn: The best place to start is the Authors Collaborative, which can be found at GetContentConfident.com. We have a special initiative called Pocketbook Magic, inspired by the pocket-sized books of the seventies that people actually finished reading—like the little Wizard of Oz volumes I grew up with. Our goal is to help authors create short, powerful, and punchy books that readers not only start but finish—and then feel eager to read the next one.

I love that. I used to think the thicker the book, the more impressive. But now I realize shorter, impactful books are often what readers actually pick up and finish.

Nicole Washburn: Exactly. Most people don’t make it past chapter three of those long, dense books, no matter how brilliant they are. With pocketbooks, the whole message gets read, absorbed, and shared—and that’s the point.

Wonderful. Nicole, thank you so much for sharing your story. What an adventurous life you’ve had, and thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Nicole Washburn: Thank you, David. It’s been a pleasure.