In this episode, we explore the subtle, often-justified reasons writers wait to start or finish their work—and why that waiting carries a significant relational cost. We dive into the difference between true writing resistance and the need to simply honor the work by giving it a proper container, rather than forcing it with pressure and deadlines.

Key Takeaways:

• Waiting is a Decision: The decision to wait, even if it feels like the responsible thing to do, is still a choice that can accumulate a quiet cost over time.

• The Real Cost is Relational: The cost of waiting isn't just fewer pages — it's the fading relationship you have with your own writing.

• Resistance is Often Mislabelled: What's often called "resistance" is frequently grief, fear, or a nervous system signaling that the work cannot be rushed but also cannot be ignored.

• Writers Need a Creative Container, Not Pressure: Pushing through ("Be more disciplined!") often backfires. Instead of deadlines, writers need to honor the work with a container, where a draft can take its time to become what it needs to be with attention and flow.

• Start Something, Anything: I share a quick personal story to illustrate that starting something (a food blog) led to something else (stories about working motherhood and life lessons, then books) that was truly calling.

• Meet Your Draft: The path forward involves greeting your drafts without judgment, asking them, "What do you need from me?" and then listening.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to How Women Write

00:30 The Quiet Cost of Waiting

01:27 Personal Journey and Realizations

03:15 The Subtlety of Waiting

03:46 The Real Cost of Unfinished Work

05:20 Honoring the Writing Process

06:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

Key Links:

• Explore Signature Services for Writing Coaching & Mentoring

Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• LinkedIn

• Instagram