I Walked El Camino for my Mental Health. But I Found My New Romance Novel Along the Way (Exclusive)

Alison Cochrun, an accomplished author acclaimed for her queer love stories, embarked on a transformative journey along the Camino de Santiago. She sought solace from a challenging mental health phase and writer’s block. Little did she know that this adventure would lead her to discover unexpected inspiration and a new love story.

In a candid account, Cochrun shared her motivation for tackling the Camino de Santiago in May 2022. Despite not facing a crisis as formidable as Cheryl Strayed’s, she grappled with the aftermath of pandemic lockdowns, medication adjustments, undiagnosed ADHD, and creative stagnation. The prospect of walking the historic Camino presented itself as a beacon of hope amid her struggles.

As she set foot on the renowned pilgrimage route towards Santiago de Compostela, Cochrun embraced the physical and mental challenges it posed. The Camino, traditionally considered a spiritual journey for many, became a unique healing experience for Cochrun. The picturesque landscapes, encounters with fellow pilgrims, and moments of solitude offered her a renewed sense of purpose and contentment.

Despite facing initial setbacks like overpacking and enduring physical discomfort, Cochrun found joy and liberation in the simplicity of her daily routine on the Camino. The structured yet freeing nature of walking each day at her own pace allowed her to reconnect with herself and the world around her. The profound effect of this introspective journey would later become the foundation for her upcoming novel.

Unfolding her experiences with candor, Cochrun highlighted the significance of solitude and self-discovery during her Camino expedition. The journey not only provided respite from the demands of daily life but also ignited her creative spark. Through journaling and reflecting on her surroundings, she found the inspiration she had been yearning for to breathe life into her writing.

As she navigated the trails spanning from Portugal to Spain, Cochrun delved into the depths of her emotions and thoughts, unearthing a newfound perspective on love and personal growth. Every step she took on the Camino paved the way for a narrative that would encapsulate the essence of her journey – a narrative that would later manifest as her latest novel, blending the emotional odyssey of her trek with themes of romance and self-discovery.

Reflecting on her transformational pilgrimage, Cochrun acknowledged that the Camino did not offer a quick fix for her struggles. However, it gifted her something invaluable – time. Time to introspect, embrace solitude, and replenish her creative spirit. The experiences and insights garnered along the Camino resonated deeply with her, breathing life into her writing and infusing her novel with the essence of her personal growth.

Alison Cochrun’s voyage along the Camino de Santiago transcended beyond a mere physical journey; it became a soul-stirring odyssey of self-realization and inspiration. Through her poignant narrative, she invites readers to embark on a vicarious exploration of love, healing, and the transformative power of embracing one’s innermost desires. Echoing the sentiments of her journey, Cochrun’s upcoming novel promises to encapsulate the essence of her Camino experience, inviting readers on a literary pilgrimage of their own.