Dear Reader,
Welcome to The Road Unwritten, from me, Carole Budgen.
This is where I write about the messy, beautiful, soulful journey of navigating life — and how creativity helps us express, heal, and make sense of the world. I share reflections from my life as a writer, and the wonder and ache of aspiring to live a life well-lived.
About me
About me
Stories have always been at the centre of my life. My background is in screenwriting, graphic novels, and award-winning work with young people. I’m now writing a dual-timeline novel that weaves together past and present, exploring how long-buried stories can shape our lives today.
The creative process fascinates me — its exhilaration and resistance, its quiet courage. I’m drawn to life’s small moments, the ones we can miss if we’re not paying attention. While I love deep conversations that leave you changed, I’ve never been great at small talk. Writing is how I make sense of the world, and how I connect with others who are also navigating their own unwritten roads.
Alongside my writing, I work as a somatic coach. My focus is on helping people move through the inner challenges that come with creative work — procrastination, perfectionism, imposter feelings, and the vulnerability of putting yourself out there. Coaching offers a way to reconnect with intuition and creativity so you can step into the next chapter of your life or project. If that resonates, you can find out more on my website
Perhaps you’ve been at a crossroads, unsure which way to go next. The Road Unwritten is about that place: about stepping forward without the whole map, and trusting that we can create something meaningful along the way.
Life isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about being open to change, rewriting our stories, and finding the courage to take the next step.
I live by the sea in Suffolk, and love walking my dog along the beach in the mornings — especially when his pawprints are the first ones in the sand. Dark chocolate, meditation and yoga (in that order) help keep my life in balance.
I hope this space offers inspiration and connection. Life is imperfect. Creativity stirs up doubt and vulnerability, but you’re not alone. My hope is that this becomes a place that feels like home, where you are welcomed just as you are.
If that resonates, I’d love you to subscribe and be part of the journey.
To get each new post by email (and enjoy a clean, ad-free reading experience), you can download the Substack app.
Thanks for reading The Road Unwritten. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.


