Fall is one of the busiest times of the year. Between prepping for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the rest of the upcoming holidays, it’s easy to let writing take a back seat. But as the days grow shorter and our to-do lists get longer, establishing writing rituals can help you stay consistent, even when life gets hectic. Here are some ideas to keep your writing flowing during the busy fall season:
1. Create a Seasonal Writing Schedule
With so many homemaking tasks filling up your days, setting a seasonal writing schedule can help you prioritize your creative time. Look at your calendar and carve out specific writing blocks that fit around your fall activities, whether it’s in the early mornings before the holiday prep begins or during nap time. The key is to plan ahead and set realistic goals for each session.
Tip: Keep your writing schedule flexible. If your usual routine shifts because of holiday prep, adjust your writing blocks as needed. Even 15-30 minutes of focused writing can help keep your momentum going.
2. Incorporate Fall Treats into Your Writing Routine
Fall is full of cozy comforts, from pumpkin spice lattes to warm apple cider. Why not make these seasonal treats part of your writing ritual? Pair your writing time with your favorite fall drink or snack to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes sitting down to write feel like a treat.
Tip: Light a fall-scented candle or play soft autumn-themed music to set the mood in your writing space. The more enjoyable you make the experience, the more likely you are to look forward to your writing time.
3. Use Fall as Creative Inspiration
Fall’s natural beauty can be a source of inspiration for your writing. Whether it’s the changing colors, the crisp air, or the holiday festivities, let the season fuel your creativity. I definitely took inspiration from the fall holidays for my Seasonally Spellbound Series.
Take a walk through the fallen leaves, visit a pumpkin patch, or sit by the fireplace with a notebook in hand. The more you immerse yourself in the season, the easier it is to channel that energy into your work.
Tip: Consider journaling or freewriting about the sights, smells, and sounds of fall. This can help you get your creative juices flowing, even if you’re not working on your main project.
4. Embrace Micro-Writing Sessions
When life gets busy, sometimes long writing sessions just aren’t possible. Instead of waiting for the perfect block of time, embrace micro-writing sessions—short bursts of 10-15 minutes where you write whatever you can. These small sessions can add up over time, and you’ll be surprised at how much progress you can make.
Tip: Keep a notebook or a writing app handy throughout the day so you can jot down ideas or write a few sentences whenever you have a spare moment, like while waiting for food to cook or between tasks.
5. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Fall can bring an overwhelming number of responsibilities, so it’s important to set realistic writing goals. Break down your larger writing projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Whether it’s finishing a scene, outlining a chapter, or brainstorming character development, checking off small tasks will keep you motivated and prevent burnout.
Tip: Use a planner or habit tracker to keep track of your writing progress. Even if you only write a little each day, seeing your streak grow will keep you inspired.
6. Balance Writing and Homemaking Tasks
Fall cleaning, holiday decorating, and meal planning can quickly fill up your schedule, but you can still find time for writing by balancing these tasks. Set specific time slots for chores and writing, and stick to them. For example, you might spend the morning prepping for Halloween and the afternoon writing. This balance ensures that you’re making progress in both areas without feeling overwhelmed.
Tip: Consider combining tasks, like brainstorming while cleaning or plotting a scene while cooking. Some of the best ideas come when you’re doing something else!
7. Celebrate Your Wins
Fall is full of celebrations, so why not celebrate your writing achievements too? Whether you hit a word count goal, finish a chapter, or simply stick to your writing routine, take a moment to recognize your progress. Reward yourself with something small, like a fall treat or an afternoon spent enjoying the season.
Tip: Share your writing milestones with others—whether it’s in a writing group or on social media. Having accountability and support from fellow writers can help keep you motivated during busy times.
Final Thoughts
Fall may be a busy season, but with a few mindful rituals, you can stay consistent in your writing without sacrificing the joy of the season. By creating a cozy writing environment, setting realistic goals, and making the most of your available time, you can maintain your writing flow while still embracing all the magic fall has to offer.
How do you balance writing and seasonal tasks? Share your tips in the comments below!
Elizabeth Yuen 