I hope this finds you in a moment of stillness. Perhaps somewhere cozy, where you don’t feel pressured to match the pace of the world.
If not, take a moment to just breathe.
This week on The Whole Writer podcast, I share thoughts about slow writing in our accelerated world. As I was recording, I kept thinking about you - about us - and how deeply we feel that pressure to produce faster, publish more, and somehow keep up with algorithms that were never designed to honor the natural cadence of creativity.
I want to extend that conversation here, in this quieter space we share.
There's something sacred about taking our time with words. About letting a sentence breathe until it rings true (not perfect, but true). About giving ourselves permission to stare out the window, to let ideas percolate, to trust that our stories will unfold at exactly the right pace.
I've been practicing what I preach lately. I've been writing (and reading!) more slowly. More intentionally. I've been reminding myself: My worth as a writer isn't measured in word count or posting schedules. It’s measured in the depth of my attention, in the authenticity of my voice, in the sustainability of my practice.
What I'm discovering is that slow writing isn't just about the pace of putting words on the page. It's about a way of moving through the world. It's about noticing more. It's about honoring the natural cycles of creativity, the hard parts as much as the fulfilling ones.
So this week, I offer you this gentle invitation: What would change if you gave yourself permission to write at a pace that feels genuinely nourishing? What if, instead of pushing yourself to finish that chapter today, you allowed yourself to linger with a single paragraph, turning it over until it feels just right?
You might discover, as I have, that slowing down isn't giving up. It's tuning in.
I'm holding space for your creative journey, however it unfolds. Your pace is perfect.
Want to hear more about slow writing? Tune into this week’s episode.👇🏻
Every week, The Whole Writer podcast creates space for writers to nurture both their craft and themselves, exploring what it means to write from a place of wholeness rather than depletion. You can find episodes:
📍 Here on my Substack
📍 Apple Podcasts
📍 Spotify
Looking for a sanctuary for your slow writing?
I’m co-hosting a retreat for writers in the fall and would love for you to join us. Imagine waking up in your private cabin room, warm cup of coffee in hand, with nothing but the day's writing ahead of you. The distractions of everyday life fade away as you find yourself surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Oregon and a small, supportive community of fellow writers who understand your journey.
This isn't just another writing event. It's a carefully crafted experience designed for writers who are ready to:
📚Dive deeper into their novel manuscripts
📚Develop their authentic author platform
📚Connect with a small, supportive community of like-minded creatives
📚Return home feeling clear, inspired, and recharged
Curious to learn more? 👇🏻
I have trouble writing without staring out a window. Writing facing a wall just doesn't work for me. And I agree about not chasing perfection or even progress when writing but instead chasing truth. Thanks for sharing.
A great concept!