Encouragement for Writers – Janet Eriksson

August 24, 2026August 15, 2026

Treat Your Writing Project Like a Spa, Not Boot Camp

The fall season is approaching. Cooler mornings, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice tea, settling into a routine.

As writers, it’s easy to miss the beautiful atmosphere and push ourselves on our project: I have to get this section done. I really want to knock out one more chapter. I need to push my daily word count higher.

That sounds more like boot camp than a cozy fall morning.

What if you treat your writing project like a soothing spa visit instead?

July 6, 2026August 15, 2026

When You Only Have Five Minutes to Write

When you tell someone you’re writing a book, they might picture you spending hours at your computer, ideally in a comfy chair with a great view. That is certainly the ideal of the writing life.

But it’s not often reality.

June 22, 2026June 19, 2026

15 Minutes Is Enough to Keep Your Book Moving

Summer is a busy season. Different schedules, new activities, vacations, kids home from school. It’s often hard to find time to write, especially if you’re working on a book.

But you can make consistent summer progress by just writing 15 minutes at a time.

April 20, 2026April 19, 2026

Does My Book Really Matter?

At some point, every writer struggles with this question: Does my book really matter? Writing a book is a big thing. It takes time, effort, vulnerability, a willingness to share your voice and insights with others. It’s understandable and very common to suddenly wonder: Why am I doing this? Does it even matter?

First, let me assure you, it does matter. Your book matters. Your story matters. You matter. What you’re writing will make a difference for someone at the time when they need it most.

April 6, 2026March 31, 2026

When You Know What You Want to Write But Can’t Get to It

Has this ever happened to you? You’re working on a writing project, maybe a book or a blog. You know what you want to write next. But you can’t seem to fit it into your schedule. Life keeps happening.

That’s okay. You can still move your project forward: by thinking about what you’re going to write.

March 23, 2026March 16, 2026

Why Questions Are Part of the Writing Process

You sit down to write your book. Instead of words flowing, questions pop up. When did that happen? What led to that event? Where was that located? Who might remember the details? Where can I find answers?

Soon, you might feel that your writing progress has stopped, and the need for Q&A has taken over. But questions are part of the writing process. They don’t signal your project is on hold. Questions let you know your writing is moving ahead.

February 2, 2026February 3, 2026

Your Stories Are Not Too Ordinary to Write

A coaching client told me she wanted to write but wasn’t sure she had much to draw from. She described her life as vanilla. Her friends were writing about struggles they had overcome. Her life had been pretty smooth. What could she write? Who would want to read it?

December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

Like Snowflakes, No Two Stories Are the Same

When you’re shivering out in the snow, it might feel like all snow is the same. But if you look closely at two snowflakes, they are different from each other. Each snowflake is unique, and that’s amazing.

It’s the same with the stories we write. We may feel like we are writing the same story as someone else, like our story has been done before. But that’s not true. Your story is as unique as you are.

November 24, 2025January 13, 2026

Savor the Moment: Thanksgiving Encouragement for Every Writer

Thanksgiving can feel like a busy season. Whether you are going to a family or friend gathering or hanging out in the town square, it may feel like you’re watching a river of people rush by. As writers, we are often curious about observing people, listening to dialogue, paying attention to the setting. Those are all good writing practices, and you can certainly pick up a lot of inspiration.

But this season, try something a little different. Be fully present. Don’t worry about taking notes or trying to notice things. Just live the experience. Feel the inspiration. Don’t try to figure out how to capture it in words. Just be.

November 17, 2025November 16, 2025

Writing Prompt: Thankfulness

It’s that time of year when we’re reminded of things we are thankful for. Thankfulness lasts all year long and is a wonderful habit to cultivate. But the beauty of Thanksgiving is that thankfulness sits in front of us. That makes thankfulness a great writing prompt for this season.