4 Practical Steps to Restart Your Writing After a Break
Build Momentum, Overcome Procrastination, and Finish Your Manuscript
The festive season is over, and life’s routine has returned. For many of us, that means juggling a busy job, helping the kids adjust to their new school term, managing household chores, and squeezing in self-care.
Suddenly, those magical days spent relaxing feel like a distant memory, and your writing? Well, it’s probably fallen by the wayside.
I get it.
As a busy mom of two boys, I’ve learned to adapt my writing schedule to align with their school calendar. Despite my best intentions, the festive season rarely leaves me with the time or mental space to write.
Instead, I often use that period for brainstorming new book ideas, reading widely, or even attending literary events. But when the break is over, sitting back down to write can feel overwhelming—a mixture of excitement and dread.
So how do you transition back into writing after a break? Whether it’s been weeks or even years, here are four practical steps to help you get back on track.
1) Set Clear Goals and Deadlines
Writing, whether full-time or as a passion project, requires a structured approach. Without it, the freedom to “write whenever” often turns into “not writing at all.” Setting a clear start and end date can help you create a sense of accountability—similar to the structure of a corporate job.
Action Tip: Document your start date for getting back to writing and set an achievable deadline for completing your book or project. For first-time authors, a year is a reasonable timeframe to aim for. Too much time can lead to procrastination, while too little might feel overwhelming.
2) Optimize Your Writing Space
James Clear, in his bestseller Atomic Habits, emphasizes the power of designing environments to support habits. A well-organized, distraction-free space can make all the difference in getting back into a writing groove.
Action Tips:
Automate good decisions: use tools like website blockers to prevent procrastination.
Prepare ahead: set up your workspace the night before, ensuring your laptop, notes, or research materials are ready.
Remove distractions: place your phone in another room or drawer during your writing sessions.
Choose joy: wherever you write, make it a space you enjoy spending time in—add a cozy blanket, inspiring artwork, or your favorite cup of tea.
3) Cultivate a Discipline-First Mindset
One of the biggest misconceptions about writing is that you need to feel inspired to do it. In reality, successful authors often rely on discipline, not inspiration, to create their work.
Action Tip: Commit to writing regularly, even if it’s just ten minutes a day. Building a small, consistent habit will help you ease back into a routine. If you’re struggling with mindset, consider exploring my online course, Kick-Start Your Book With Karen, where I dedicate a full module to overcoming mental blocks.
4) Reconnect with Your WHY
Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. When the initial excitement fades, reconnecting with your deeper purpose can provide the motivation to keep going.
Action Tip: Take time to journal about why writing matters to you. Whether it’s to entertain, inspire, or leave a legacy, write down your reasons and place them somewhere visible. Reflecting on your “why” regularly can reignite your passion and determination.
Final Thoughts
Getting back into writing after a break can feel daunting, but with the right mindset, environment, and structure, it’s absolutely achievable. Remember, even small steps add up over time. The key is to start—and keep going.
What’s your plan for getting back into writing? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out for more tips and support. Let’s make this the year you achieve your writing dreams!
