Writing With Heart & Flow Over Brain & Brute Force

It’s always a good day to write.

Over a decade of writing hundreds of blog posts on topics from food to motherhood to lifestyle to creativity to writing.

Two published books, a third in the works, and a mini book.

Almost daily social posts written in the moment.

Regular newsletters.

Writing for 1:1 clients — copywriting, content writing, and editing.

Coaching 1:1 clients and community members on their writing.

Writing is a huge part of my life and my creative expression.

A few times, I pressed pause on social media for a month or two at a time to channel all my focus into book writing or editing.

These days, I can easily work on my book while effortlessly staying consistent with social media (and everything else). My posts may be a little briefer, but I'm still posting regularly — not because I feel I have to but because I want to. I love the variety of writing I get to do every day. 

I have so many ideas and so much inspiration that I'm easily writing constantly.

I can't not do my writing.

This is only my writing life. You don't see my strong gym habit, morning pages, and a family with plenty of sports-related travel — and reading and relaxing, too.

I used to track every minute I spent working on my computer, including the time it took to write articles like this one. A first draft might take about an hour — with at least a handful of interruptions — and then another hour or two to edit and finalize. Rarely does my focused work exceed 30 hours a week, though. This might not sound like a lot, but if you track your focused hours, you'll notice this might be less than you think. I used tracking to keep me focused, but I don’t need to do this today because I’ve built strong habits.

Growing a business and writing regularly is hard work (a beautiful thing!). It often takes more time than people realize, but I’ll never regret a single moment.

I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my work. I love coaching others on intuitive writing, teaching, running courses, and mentoring new copywriters on getting started in their businesses.

People are often shocked when they see how much I create. They often ask:

"How do you make the time?"

"That's a big undertaking."

"How do you do it all?"

"I wish I had the motivation."

Some of these are projections of what others wish they could do. They think they can't. And others are genuinely curious because they want to write more.

Just. Keep. Writing.

My response: “I make the time for things that matter, and my writing matters more than anything.”

Data nerd? Here are some numbers:

Halfway through 2024 (as of June 2024 — I stopped tracking shortly after this):

• 60 hours of blog writing and editing (approx. 2.3 hours/week)

• 22 hours of book writing and editing (0.85 hours/week)

• 206 hours of business building-related activities (7.9 hours/week)

In 2023:

• 99 hours of blogging (approx 1.9 hours/week)

• 103 hours of book-related work (1.98 hours/week)

• 351 hours of business-building activities (6.75 hours/ week)

So far, in 2024, I've spent more time blogging and building a business. When I get to rounds of edits, the book will require more time.

I'm working more in 2024, and it’s more heart and flow than brain and forcing. 

This is the magic of intuitive writing.

I share these numbers in case you're wondering how you can start publishing a blog weekly. Also, please appreciate that I’m writing fast now after a decade of practice. My drafts are very surrendered and littered with typos. I didn't master "proper typing" — my pinkies usually flutter in the air. So you'll probably be faster than me. I'm also fast because I write surrendered — without editing. It helps!

When you see an article like this, know that I'm sharing what's working for ME at the moment. I don't teach proven steps or formulas. I tell you what works for me, my clients, and community members — and it’s not always the same thing.

Use this as inspiration and an invitation to try some of these techniques, and most of all, trust yourself. Experiment with writing strategies that come to you. Ignore suggestions here (and anywhere else) that don't feel right for you.

Look at this article and any article like this not as what you "should" do — but what could work for you. Always always always tailor to your rhythm.

So, I write a lot. Here's how I stay motivated.

1) Read old writing.

Having written so many words, books, and articles over the years, just scanning an old piece inspires me to write something new. This post from 2020 inspired this one. Often, I have ideas for a complete rewrite or something in another direction. I'm not reading my old writing to judge myself. It does show me how far my writing has come, though.

2) Write before scrolling.

People who say they have a love-hate relationship with social media often spend more time scrolling than writing. If you're looking for inspiration to write, don't look at Instagram for ideas. Look at your morning pages, old notes and articles, and brainstorms.

Without the pretty pictures and all the time spent scrolling, liking posts, and thinking about everything I could do, I have so much time and energy to focus on my writing. Julia Cameron recommends a media diet while going through her book, The Artist's Way. I definitely make slower progress on books I read while deep in writing or editing mode.

3) Writing what lights me up.

If there's a topic on my list of blogs I want to write about that jumps out at me, I'll write on it. I won't write about things that don't excite me. No faking it.

4) Tracking my time.

I wasn’t aiming for any kind of time goal, but having the data handy for reviewing to see trends. Because I tracked my focused writing time, I spent more time focusing. I used to use the free version of Toggl. Also, having worked in management consulting, where we billed in 15-minute increments, this habit was ingrained in me for 20 years.

5) Writing with others who are writing from the heart.

In The Intuitive Writing School Community, I host co-writing sessions twice weekly for members to do their writing. I also do my writing right alongside members. 

6) Scheduling writing time.

When working on a book, I schedule the time on my calendar. I'm in the rhythm of blogging regularly, so I don't need to plan it. In book writing season, I put a few 30-60-minute time slots on my weekly calendar, at the same time of day if possible. My writing schedule changes throughout the year depending on what's going on with the kids.

7) Accountability (mostly to myself).

I stay accountable to myself because I’ve consistently worked this muscle. It takes time. And I stay accountable to you. I share regular articles and weekly newsletters where I talk about what's going on in real-time in my writing life with books, blogs, and business. I share behind-the-scenes details about any snags, what’s working, and tips for writing for the coming week.

8) Deadlines (sometimes).

Sometimes, a calendar deadline helps — like having a due date to get your book to an editor. Otherwise, having a made-up deadline for sending newsletters on Sundays works well for me. Sometimes, I miss the date and send it mid-week. No biggie. There's no forcing in the blogging process, either.

9) Finishing.

I'm a finisher. I love using things up, finishing a project, and crossing a finish line. Maybe it's because I get to start a fresh one. I find it deeply satisfying to initiate, create, and complete things.

10) Writing with my cycle and the moon.

Maybe I saved the best for last. This is the energy that's weaved into my writing life every day. Having been working this way for a few years now, writing the book on it (and another one on the way), and teaching it in depth during Finding Flow, I know the magic, ease, and grace that happens when we FLOW — not force our writing and editing. I write about this in detail here.

P.S. If you’re thinking of doing NaNoWriMo this year — here’s why I no longer recommend it.