13: Intentional Pauses: The Secret to Writing More

Written By Jacqueline Fisch

Today, we're diving into a topic that might seem counterintuitive — NOT writing.

Yes, you read that right — not writing.

I know you're here to learn how to write more, but trust me, sometimes not writing is the KEY to unlocking more creativity and productivity at the page.

There's a crucial difference between feeling guilty about not writing and intentionally taking a break. 

We've all been there — the angst, the pressure, the feeling that we should be writing every single day. But I'm here to tell you that's not always the case. 

Over the past year, I've taken weeks and even a full month off from my current book project. And everything is fine! 

It's fine because I KNEW I'd come back to my book writing with more energy and excitement than ever. 

Just like we take breaks from a gym routine and your phone battery needs to recharge. Sometimes, you need to unplug to recharge. 

If we're constantly pushing ourselves, we might end up writing only to fill pages, not to add anything of value.

The whole point of NOT writing is to feel good about our writing process and aligned with our lives.

 

✨ 4 Key Takeaways

  • Consistency doesn't mean daily writing — you define your own rhythm

  • Not writing is beneficial when you feel good about the break

  • When you're not writing and feeling guilty about it, there's a realignment that needs to happen

  • Life is going to happen — being fully present will help you get back to writing with renewed energy

✅ Practices to try

  1. Take an intentional break from your writing project.

  2. Put writing times on the calendar so you know you'll get back to your practice.

  3. Be present when you're NOT writing AND when you're writing

🔗 Resources Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

 

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✍️ Check out Jacqueline's personal & business essays on JacquelineFisch.com

 

Jacqueline Fisch

Jacqueline Fisch is an author, ghostwriter, writing coach, and the founder of The Intuitive Writing School. She helps creative business owners create their authentic voice so they can make an impact on the world.

Before launching her writing and coaching business, Jacq spent 13 years working in corporate communications and management-consulting for clients including Fortune 500 companies and the US government. As a ghostwriter and coach, she’s helped thousands of clients — tech startups, life and business coaches, creatives, and more — learn how to communicate more authentically and stand out in a busy online world.

After moving 14 times in 20 years, she’s decided that home is where the people are. She finds home with her husband, two kids, a dog, a cat, and a few houseplants hanging on by a thread.

https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/
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