Permission to Pause: Writing Through Life’s Seasons

In my last blog post, I talked about writing during times of chaos and grief. This week, I’d like to share tips and support for those times when it’s necessary to pause.

I can look back at almost every major writing project I’ve completed and pinpoint the moments I had to pause. This is especially true for my first book. I wrote that book while navigating my mom’s ALS diagnosis, moving three times for vastly different jobs, parenting two elementary school-aged kids, and so much more. 

Sometimes, these pauses stretched for months—I barely had time to touch the project. Other times, they were shorter. But no matter the length, one thing remained constant: the flood of guilt. I felt guilty for not being productive enough, guilty that my work was taking so long to reach the world, and guilty for even feeling guilty.

Over time, with reflection and support, I learned that pausing didn’t mean I’d never return to the work. It didn’t mean I didn’t care enough. And it certainly didn’t mean I wasn’t good enough. Instead, these pauses reflected my choice to prioritize family and myself. They revealed the lack of support structures for caregivers and the complicated “flexibility” of working in higher education.

There are countless reasons why a pause may be necessary. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is stop, reassess, and take a break, and take care of yourself.  Of course, that’s easier said than done, and often, we need permission—or at least reassurance—that it’s okay.

With so much uncertainty, stepping away to care for yourself or others is valid. At the same time, if writing is your lifeline—something you need to get through everything else—that’s valid, too. What matters most is that you get to decide.

If you find yourself needing to pause, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Acknowledge What’s Most Important

Your well-being—mental, physical, and emotional—comes first. If you need to pause, remind yourself that this is not a marker or predictor of failure.

2. Let Go of Guilt

It’s easy to feel guilty about not writing, especially with deadlines or personal goals looming. But life isn’t linear, and our writing thrives when we give ourselves grace. Trust that your words and flow will return when the time is right.

3. Stay Connected to Creativity in Small Ways

You can still nurture your creativity even if you’re not actively writing: read, journal, or visit a museum. Try to engage with practices that fuel your imagination and bring joy, not pressure.

4. Ease Back In When You’re Ready

When it’s time to return to writing, allow yourself space to find your rhythm. Maybe you start with a writing retreat, sticky notes on the wall to organize ideas, or simply reading to reorient yourself. Start small—a few words, a sentence, a note.

Life has its seasons, and so does writing. If you need to pause, do so with kindness toward yourself. 

If you’d like support easing back into a project, subscribe to my newsletter for resources and offerings, or schedule a consultation to discuss writing coaching and developmental editing, I’d love to help you get back on the page.