One of the things I advocate in the EI book is keeping a journal. For me, writing down things I couldn't say to anyone or sometimes even to myself, was a life saver. I also discovered channeling and have whole pages of text I didn't write with my conscious mind - sometimes I can hardly ready the writing, as I was going so fast.

Writing as therapy isn't new of course, but one book I would urge you to read is Dr Allan G Hunter's 'The Sanity Manual: The Therapeutic Uses of Writing'. I only read it this year but I kept mentally nodding and even talking to the book, so enthralled was I by its truths. In the end I contacted Allan and we have become pen friends. I would urge you to visit his site at http://www.therapeuticwriting.com

I joined Walton Wordsmiths, a local writing group in 2004 and it was with their encouragement that I started writing for a wider audience. Wendy Hughes, the leader of the group, was a particular inspiration for me - and fellow Welsh woman! - and she kept me going when I often felt like giving up and getting a 'proper' job; anyone who can overcome such medical problems, run a national group and still write full time would inspire anyone. I would advise anyone with any writing aspirations to join a writing group, as long as the emphasis is on constructive criticism. To find out more about Walton Wordsmiths or the work and writing of Wendy Hughes, click on http://www.waltonwordsmiths.co.uk and www.wendyhughes.co.uk