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Hollie McNish Delays Sequel After Miscarriage

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. llie-mcnish-delays-sequel-after-miscarriage.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 6:55 GMT by The Telegraph
      Locales: Norfolk, Cornwall, UNITED KINGDOM

February 20th, 2026 - Poet and author Hollie McNish, acclaimed for her deeply personal and resonant memoir Salt Path, has announced a delay in the release of her highly anticipated sequel, Flying North. The postponement comes after McNish tragically suffered a miscarriage, a deeply personal loss that has understandably impacted her creative process and emotional wellbeing.

McNish shared the heartbreaking news with her followers on social media today, revealing that she requires more time to process her grief before returning to the completion of Flying North. The sequel, as previously announced, details McNish and her partner Tom's subsequent journey - a walk north - undertaken after the experiences chronicled in Salt Path. The original book, published in 2020, captivated readers with its honest and unflinching portrayal of resilience, love, and the healing power of nature. It detailed the couple's decision to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path following a period of financial hardship and family breakdown, ultimately becoming a bestseller and garnering critical acclaim. A film adaptation, featuring Daisy Ridley and Olivia Colman, further solidified the book's cultural impact.

In a poignant Instagram post, McNish explained, "I was meant to be finishing 'Flying North' - the book following our walk north. But it's not feeling right to do that right now. It needs some time, and so do I." She continued, with raw vulnerability, "Lost a baby a couple of weeks ago. So, the words are stuck. Everything is a bit wobbly."

The announcement underscores the deeply personal nature of McNish's work. Salt Path resonated so powerfully with readers precisely because of its honesty and refusal to shy away from difficult realities. The forthcoming Flying North was expected to continue this tradition, offering further insight into the couple's evolving relationship with each other and the natural world. However, McNish's decision to prioritize her emotional healing demonstrates a commendable self-awareness and a commitment to authenticity.

This delay isn't simply a logistical setback; it's a powerful acknowledgement of the connection between creative output and emotional wellbeing. For many artists, particularly those who draw heavily from personal experience, grief can act as a significant barrier to expression. Forcing creativity in the face of profound loss can often result in work that feels inauthentic or incomplete. McNish's pause suggests a desire to allow grief to run its course, to be fully felt, before attempting to shape it into art.

Experts in the field of grief and creative expression emphasize the importance of allowing space for processing loss. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading psychologist specializing in trauma and creativity, notes, "Creative work often requires a degree of emotional availability. When someone is grappling with a significant loss, that availability can be compromised. It's not about suppressing the grief, but rather acknowledging it and allowing it to inform the creative process when the artist is ready."

The success of Salt Path suggests a large and supportive readership eager to hear the next chapter of McNish and Tom's story. McNish's expression of gratitude for the understanding she has already received - "Thank you for understanding. It's been a lot. And I'm still here." - highlights the power of community and empathy in navigating difficult times. Her willingness to share her vulnerability also demonstrates a courage that is likely to resonate deeply with her audience.

While the release date for Flying North remains uncertain, McNish's dedication to honesty and emotional integrity suggests that the book, when it does arrive, will be a powerful and moving continuation of her already remarkable literary journey. The delay is a reminder that sometimes, the most important thing an artist can do is prioritize their own wellbeing and allow themselves the time and space to heal.