Q&A with Alicky Gravell, author of Wisdom in the Seasons

On writing her debut book, building confidence as an author and living in harmony with nature’s rhythms.

Alicky Gravell is an integrated mind and body practitioner. She runs a clinic in North Wiltshire and online, offering a wide range of balanced wellness therapies, and she regularly speaks on health and wellbeing topics at events. Alicky published her first book, Wisdom in the Seasons, with Whitefox in October 2025.

Q: What made you decide to write Wisdom in the Seasons?

A: During the Covid lockdowns, a friend commented that I had accumulated so much knowledge over the years that it was really time to get it all out of my head and hands and put it in a book! With the additional time that lockdown gifted us, I began to create the magic in words.

Q: Why did you choose Whitefox as a publishing partner and how did you find the process of bringing the book to life?

A: I chose Whitefox because they offer a fairly unique set-up. As a new author without a huge platform or extensive following to sell my book, it was more difficult to get noticed and published. Whitefox gave me the opportunity to expand and shine with their expertise. Bringing this book to life took a lot of courage and effort, but the Whitefox team held my hand, and it was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

Q: Why is it so beneficial to live in harmony with nature’s rhythms?

A: Nature is energy. The earth, moon and stars all have energetic pulls, shifts, changes and rhythms. Each of us is made of the same energy as nature. If we are not aligned with its rhythms, we can become disconnected, off balance and unwell. Living with this awareness and connecting with the rhythms of our environment is fundamental to good health and happiness. As a society we have forgotten this inherent wisdom.

Q: January is traditionally a time for reinvention and resolutions. What would your advice be to thrive during the dark winter months?

A: In winter, our energy naturally turns inwards. Nature does this too. It’s a time to slow down and conserve our energy. Think of trees shedding their leaves to feed the earth or hedgehogs going into hibernation. I view it as an opportunity to come back to oneself and recharge our ‘battery pack’ for the seasons ahead. I avoid making New Year’s resolutions as we are in a slow, recharging period so generally cannot sustain the ‘promise of change’ we make to ourselves on New Year’s Day! I prefer to make a note of what I DON’T need and choose to let go of – habits, emotions, clutter and physical ailments – where possible. My book, Wisdom in the Seasons, is brimming with advice on how to thrive during winter, and, of course, in the other seasons too.

Q: What techniques did you use to manage your own energy levels while writing Wisdom in the Seasons?

A: I struggled sometimes with self-worth whilst writing, which is normal for so many of us. I used techniques such as EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) to clear these doubts and reconnect with motivation and self-belief; I practised Chi Gung to ground myself and shift any stuck energy; and in particular I spent time outdoors walking and foraging to help my brain unravel. When I needed it, a large glass of wine or hedgerow homebrew in the evening did wonders as well!

Q: What advice would you give to other aspiring authors about the creative process of writing a book?

A: Seek advice and guidance from others and start slowly. Once you’ve got the concept in your mind, then think about the chapter headings – either in your head or by jotting some down – and see how you get on. Play with ideas on paper. I find writing by hand helps the ideas flow better and keeps me in a creative headspace for longer. Recording voice notes while walking is also helpful as inspiration can start flowing at inconvenient times when there isn’t a notepad or laptop in sight! And remember to keep going when the self-doubt creeps in, but be kind to yourself and step away from it when you need. Try applying some of the tools I recommend in my book to shift any mental blocks.

Q: How has Wisdom in the Seasons helped you to spread the message about your work to a wider audience?

It has given me much more confidence and a more tangible output to reach a wider audience. My book is like a ‘buddy’ now and is opening space for new opportunities ahead. I can do more talks, presentations and workshops with this new friend I have created! The feedback has been wonderful, and the conversations stimulated about the book have made me so grateful to have written it.

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