In my last blog post, I celebrated six months in business. As I shared, this journey hasn’t been easy—and it hasn’t unfolded exactly as I imagined when I first mapped out my vision. But it has been gratifying. I feel aligned with the practices, people, and values that I care about most. This fall, I’m excited to continue honoring my commitments.

Writing and Caregiving: My Path to This Work

When I began meeting with a business coach last year, one thing kept resurfacing: a strong pull to support writers who are also caregivers. That call came directly from my lived experience.

So much of my life has been shaped by trying to manage (a word I prefer over “balance”) what it means to be both a writer and a caregiver. My coach asked thoughtful questions—about what it means to show up for people who are navigating those identities—and I kept returning to stories from my own life.

Two Stories

In graduate school, weekends were for class prep. My partner cared for our toddler while I locked myself in the spare room with piles of books and a laptop. I’d tell myself it was worth it to be “present” during the week—but hearing my daughter laugh in the next room or call for me during Yo Gabba Gabba (which I also wanted to watch) often made it feel like a trade-off I didn’t want to make.

Years later, during my first year on the tenure track, I learned my mom had ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. I was crouched in my Michigan basement the day before classes started, listening in on her first clinic visit via speakerphone when I heard both the doctor’s prognosis and apology for delivering this news. The next day, I walked into a classroom with a smile, teaching two new courses and greeting students and colleagues with as much enthusiasm as I could muster. All while replaying the doctor’s words in my head. I wish I’d given myself permission to move through that day differently.

I share these memories because caregiving has shaped nearly every chapter of my life. So has writing.

Redefining What It Means to Be a Writer

For a long time, I hesitated to call myself a writer. I’ve published a book, articles, and blog posts. However, my writing practice didn’t resemble the “ideal”: I didn’t write every day, I moved more slowly than my colleagues, and I often had to pause between projects.

Why? Because caregiving was woven into every aspect of my schedule. Writing couldn’t always come first.

But through it all, I learned how to figure out what would work for me. I found tools and practices to help me break big writing goals into manageable tasks. I used writing journals to understand my flow. I leaned on coaches, counselors, and community to navigate burnout, grief, and creative blocks.

I’ve also been fortunate enough to mentor and connect with other writers who face similar challenges: complex lives and a desire to continue (or start) writing. Through listening and reflection, we navigate these experiences knowing there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

My training in writing studies, which emphasizes that writing is not just a product, but a lifelong practice, helps me both as a writer and a writing coach. I understand that our writing practice needs care and attention as it evolves. That’s the heart of my work with Full Circle Writing.

Who I Work With

While my journey has made me especially attuned to the needs of caregiver-writers, I work with a diverse range of writers—academics, creatives, professionals, and those who, like I once was, are hesitant to call themselves writers. What connects them all is this: they’re living full lives, and I work to meet writers wherever they are.

What’s Coming This Fall

While I’m enjoying these final summer weeks, I’m also excited to share what’s ahead. Here’s what I’m offering this Fall:

Between the Lines: A Writing Group for Caregivers

This 7-week group is designed for caregivers who also write (or want to). We’ll meet weekly, with four guided sessions on writing practices, reflection, and tools—followed by three open writing sessions. You’re welcome to bring any project you’d like to work on.

 1:1 Coaching for the Fall

I’m currently booking coaching clients for the Fall. If you’re ready for personalized support, guidance, and accountability, I’d be delighted to discuss further. You can read more about coaching with me [here] (insert link). There are many ways to work together.

Fall Into Focus: A 21-Day Writing Practice

This fall-themed program invites reflection and renewal. It includes:

• Weekly emails with prompts and encouragement
• Optional drop-in writing sessions
• New prompts and activities to help you reflect on your writing practice, explore what’s next, and make intentional space for your creative work

Whether you’re returning to a project or starting something new, this is a gentle container to support your writing through seasonal transition.

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I’m excited for the next season, and I hope these offerings and supports are useful to many.