Write It, Don't Fight It
by Henneke Duistermaat & Kathy Keats
Write it, Don’t Fight it: An In-Depth Review of Henneke Duistermaat & Kathy Keats’ Course
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For many writers, the act of writing can feel like a constant uphill battle—one fraught with procrastination, doubt, and mental resistance. Write it, Don’t Fight it, a course co-created by Henneke Duistermaat and Kathy Keats, provides a refreshing antidote. Rather than urging writers to push harder, this course invites them to write with more ease, joy, and self-compassion. Designed to transform the way you approach writing, it draws from a unique blend of writing know-how, psychology, and performance science. This review dives into the course’s framework, the backgrounds of its creators, and the impact it can have on writers of all levels.
Overview of the Course
At its core, Write it, Don’t Fight it offers a new lens through which to view the writing process. The course combines emotional resilience techniques with practical writing strategies to help writers overcome internal resistance and rediscover the joy in creating. Henneke Duistermaat—renowned for her work through Enchanted Marketing—contributes expertise in engaging communication, while Kathy Keats, a coach with a background in elite sports psychology, brings powerful mindset strategies to the table.
Key Components of the Course
The course is built around several foundational concepts that foster a more sustainable and uplifting writing practice:
- Joyful Productivity: Rather than forcing productivity through sheer will, this course promotes the idea of enjoying the process. It shifts the focus from constant output to a more fulfilling, creative experience—removing pressure and creating space for curiosity and play.
- Psychological Insights: Through tools grounded in psychology, the course helps participants become more aware of their mental patterns. Strategies such as reframing negative self-talk and practicing mindfulness enable writers to silence their inner critic and foster emotional resilience.
- Habit Formation: Recognizing that consistency is vital, the course emphasizes building healthy writing habits. It helps students establish routines that are both motivating and manageable—allowing creativity to flourish without burnout.
The Authors’ Backgrounds
A look into the backgrounds of Duistermaat and Keats reveals why their collaboration is so effective. Henneke is known for her clear, conversational writing style and her ability to demystify marketing for solo business owners. Her empathy for overwhelmed writers shapes the tone of the course. Kathy Keats brings a unique perspective from her coaching career in high-performance environments.
Her understanding of how athletes manage pressure and resistance translates seamlessly into writing instruction, making her guidance especially impactful.
Course Benefits: A Closer Look
The benefits of "Write it, Don't Fight it" are manifold and significantly impact the writing journeys of participants.
Boosting Confidence
One of the course’s most powerful outcomes is an increase in self-trust. Drawing from research in self-efficacy, the program equips writers with techniques to nurture belief in their abilities. Confidence grows not through perfectionism, but through showing up consistently and kindly for the creative process.
Strategies for Overcoming Resistance
Facing resistance is a fundamental challenge for many writers. The course addresses this head-on, offering tangible strategies to mitigate feelings of overwhelm. For example, the practice of breaking tasks into manageable parts can alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of accomplishment. This approach not only applies to writing but can also be extended to other life challenges, echoing the advice given by productivity experts like David Allen and his "Getting Things Done" methodology.
Supporting a Creative Lifestyle
More than a set of writing exercises, the course invites participants to cultivate a creative mindset that extends into everyday life. It encourages journaling, reflective practices, and experimentation—all aimed at strengthening the writer’s inner connection to their craft. This approach nurtures not only productivity but long-term creative well-being.
Course Structure: What to Expect
The course is structured to be accessible, flexible, and community-driven. It includes:
Live Workshops: Sessions where instructors explore key themes and offer group-based insight
Exercises & Reflections: Opportunities to write freely, explore new formats, and unpack mental blocks
Community Access: A safe space to share experiences, struggles, and victories with fellow writers
Downloadable Resources: Workbooks and guides that reinforce the lessons and offer continued support
Evaluating Effectiveness
What sets this course apart is the real-world change it sparks in participants. Many report not just writing more, but writing with greater freedom and authenticity. The gentle yet structured framework allows for meaningful breakthroughs without pressure or performance anxiety.
Feedback and Reviews
Participant feedback reflects the course’s lasting impact. Writers describe significant internal shifts and a renewed sense of purpose. Here are a few representative testimonials:
- “I stopped dreading writing. Now I actually look forward to it—something I never thought I’d say.”
- “I was stuck in a perfectionism loop. This course gave me tools to let go and just write.”
- “The community helped me feel seen. Knowing I wasn’t alone made all the difference.”
These testimonials highlight how Write it, Don’t Fight it transforms writing from a source of stress into a source of connection and growth.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
Write it, Don’t Fight it isn’t just another writing course—it’s a call to reimagine your creative relationship. By merging writing techniques with emotional awareness and performance coaching, Duistermaat and Keats have crafted a program that speaks to the heart of every writer. For anyone who’s ever wrestled with procrastination, fear of judgment, or creative fatigue, this course offers not just tools, but genuine hope. It encourages writers to find their flow, trust their voice, and most of all—enjoy the process. Don’t fight the page. Write your way forward.