As an author coach, one of my core goals is to ensure that the holistic wellbeing of an author is prioritised throughout the writing and publishing journey. Writing a book is a deeply personal and often arduous endeavour, filled with moments of intense creativity, self-doubt, and vulnerability. Even if you’re crafting fiction, your words are an extension of yourself—your thoughts, your experiences, your soul. This process demands not only your time and energy but also a significant emotional investment. That’s why it’s crucial to focus on your holistic wellbeing as an author.
Why Holistic Author Wellbeing Matters
Writing and publishing a book is more than just putting words on paper. It’s a marathon of creativity and persistence, and like any marathon, it requires careful preparation and ongoing self-care. The journey can be long and demanding, filled with moments of exhilaration and exhaustion. It’s easy to get lost in the drive to produce, to meet deadlines (often self-given), and to perfect your craft. But neglecting your wellbeing during this time can lead to burnout, creative blocks, and a disconnect from the very passion that drives you to write.
At times like that, I often hear of people talking about how their mental health is getting in the way of their writing. It’s a key sign that it’s time for you to remember to look after yourself.
I recently shared a tweet that quickly covers the basics of maintaining your wellbeing during the writing process:
“Writing and publishing a book is a long, hard endeavour. I see lots of posts about people struggling with it.
Make sure to give yourself time for self-care.
✨ Take a walk
✨ Listen to your favourite music
✨ Eat well
✨ Sleep well
✨ See the sun
✨ Speak to someone
✨ Work out
Thrive.”
These simple acts of self-care are not just about taking breaks; they are about sustaining your creativity, your energy, and your mental health.
Here’s why each of these elements is so important.
Physical Wellbeing: The Foundation of Creativity
Taking care of your physical body is fundamental to maintaining your creativity and productivity. Exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep are not just good habits; they are essential tools for an author. Regular physical activity, whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a full workout, keeps your body energised and your mind clear. Movement stimulates creativity, helps you process thoughts, and can even spark new ideas.
If you’ve got writer’s block, try a quick workout or walk.
Eating well nourishes your body and brain, providing the fuel you need to write effectively. It’s easy to go for the quick snacks, but these are often the worst for brain function. Healthy, nutrition-dense foods provide your brain with the fuel it needs. Take a bit more time to think about your diet and what makes you feel most nourished and energised.
And sleep—often underestimated—gives your mind the rest it needs to be sharp and focused. Lack of sleep can lead to a foggy mind, reduced creativity, and increased stress, all of which can hinder your writing process. It’s all too tempting to burn the midnight hours to finally work on our own writing after a day of doing things for other people, but try to make sure you get your recommended 7-8 hours sleep. We all know we’re up again early in the morning to restart the daily slog of work, kids or pets, chores …
It’s also important not to remain seated at your desk for too long. Sitting for extended periods can lead to physical discomfort and mental stagnation. Incorporating movement into your writing routine, even if it’s just standing up to stretch or taking a short walk, can rejuvenate your body and mind, helping you return to your writing with renewed energy.
Try it out and see how much smoother it flows!
Emotional Wellbeing: Staying Grounded and Connected
Writing can be an isolating activity. We often just sit at home on our own, locked in our room or study, or sometimes sitting alone at a cafe. It’s easy to become so absorbed in your work that you lose touch with the world around you or miss opportunities to meet up with people, thinking we need to be constantly productive in writing, creating, marketing, sales, social media. But staying socially connected is vital to your emotional wellbeing. Speaking to others, whether it’s through a quick chat with a friend, a conversation with a fellow writer, or even engaging with your readers, helps keep you grounded. It reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey, and it provides a necessary counterbalance to the solitary nature of writing. Ideally, this would be socialising in person!
Laughter, too, is a powerful tool. It lightens the mood, reduces stress, and can provide a fresh perspective on your work. When writing starts to feel overwhelming, taking a moment to laugh—whether it’s through a funny video, a comedy show, or just a conversation with a friend—can be incredibly refreshing. It’s a great reset.
Mental Wellbeing: The Power of Pause
Meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking time to breathe and relax are essential practices for maintaining mental clarity. These activities help you clear your mind, reduce stress, and often, it’s in these moments of pause that new ideas emerge. The ‘boring time,’ as some might call it, is actually fertile ground for creativity. When you step away from the demands of writing and allow your mind to wander, you create space for inspiration to strike.
One of my biggest recommendations to creatives is to make time for boredom in their day. You only need five minutes. Turn all background noise off. Lie on the floor. Stare at the ceiling. You can go outside and stare at the sky or the trees if you want. Something nicer. But just give yourself time to do nothing. You’ll notice your brain kicks into action and the creativity rises.
That plot hole you’ve been worried about? It’s in those boring moments you’ll fix it.
A problem with a character? Stare at the ceiling until it clicks.
A Shared Belief in Wellbeing
I’m not alone in advocating for the importance of holistic wellbeing for authors. My collaborator, Donika Mishineva, a cover designer and author brand expert, shares this belief wholeheartedly. She’s seen firsthand how authors often neglect their wellbeing in the pursuit of productivity, and it’s something we both strive to change. We work together because we recognise that an author’s success isn’t just about the number of words written or books published; it’s about thriving as a whole person.
“The key thing is for the author to feel confident …”
—Donika Mishineva
Donika’s approach to design is rooted in understanding the author’s vision and bringing it to life in a way that resonates deeply with both the author and their audience. But she also emphasises the importance of authors taking care of themselves during the process. We both believe that when an author is well—physically, emotionally, and mentally—they can create their best work and truly enjoy the journey.
You’ll see us teaming up more on this! It’s something that’s not spoken about nearly enough, and we’re here to really raise it and help authors thrive.
Thriving as an Author
Your wellbeing as an author is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Writing a book is a deeply personal and challenging process, but by taking care of yourself holistically, you can navigate it with greater ease, creativity, and joy. Remember to move, eat well, sleep, connect with others, and give yourself the mental space to breathe and relax. In doing so, you’ll not only enhance your writing but also ensure that you’re thriving as a person, not just as an author.
A book is a legacy. It lasts a lifetime. Don’t burn yourself out to create it. Take care of yourself throughout the process, and you’ll find the entire journey—from writing to publishing to marketing—much smoother and more fulfilling.
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