Fall Reset: Free Up Your Time and Focus for Writing
Ready to clear out the mental clutter and build a writing routine that supports your goals this autumn?
As the fall season sets in, it’s a great time to pause and reflect on what’s cluttering your life—and your mind—so you can make room for what matters most: your writing.
In our recent Writers' Den Mastermind Call, we focused on "Embracing the Fall Writing Season" by letting go of things that don’t serve our writing goals.
Autumn is a season of transition, when nature itself shows us the value of shedding what's no longer needed. Just as trees release their leaves, we can release distractions, habits, or commitments that weigh us down creatively.
The slower pace and reflective energy make it an ideal time to reset, clear out the mental clutter, and set new intentions for our writing. With this fresh start, we can focus on what really matters and make space for creative work that aligns with our goals for the months ahead.
We kicked off with a simple but effective exercise designed to help writers prioritize. Here’s how you can do it, too.
Writing Exercise: Make Space for Your Creativity
Take a few minutes to answer these questions honestly:
What’s one thing you could spend less time on to make more room for writing?
What’s holding you back from writing more?
If you committed one hour a day to write, what would you have to stop doing to make it happen?
Once we had answered these questions, each writer shared a few things they wanted to let go of. I wrote each one down on a scrap of paper. By ‘letting go,’ you might be saying goodbye to this person, habit, distraction, etc. forever, or just for a short time. Either way, identifying it, seeing it on paper, and intentionally letting it go is a clear signal that this should not take up any of your headspace in the days and weeks ahead.
I tossed these scraps in a fire bowl, and one by one, we watched our distractions and excuses burn away. It was a simple yet powerful ritual.
Recommended reading:
Why Rituals Matter in Writing
There’s something profound about turning a mental shift into a physical action. The act of burning our "let-go" items wasn’t just symbolic—it was a way to tell our brains we were serious about making space for writing. Rituals like this one help solidify our intentions and create a sense of closure with what we’re leaving behind.
Even when I’m ghostwriting, I use small rituals to reset my mindset. For example, if I’m switching between writing for different clients or projects, I don’t just shift my attention—I physically get up from my desk, walk out the door, and give myself a few moments to reset.
It’s a clear, intentional break that tells my brain, “We’re starting fresh now.”
Tips for Using Fall to Your Advantage
Fall is a perfect season for this kind of mental clearing. The days are shorter, the air is crisp, and we can harness a natural sense of slowing down. Here are a few ways you can use the changing season to your advantage and carve out more space for writing:
Set seasonal goals. Instead of thinking long-term, ask yourself: what can I realistically write this fall? Maybe it’s a chapter of your novel, or maybe it’s five short stories. Maybe it’s not writing at all, but editing an existing draft. Keep it focused and achievable.
Shift your schedule. As the days get shorter, use this as a chance to change your routine. Could you write early in the morning before the day kicks off? Or take advantage of quiet evenings? Fall is a great time to experiment with new writing rhythms.
Clear mental clutter. Use the change in season as a prompt to let go of mental distractions. Write down your worries, non-writing to-dos, or nagging thoughts—then set them aside for later, or let them go entirely.
Batch non-writing tasks together. Group your errands, housework, or other obligations into designated time slots. This reduces the mental load of juggling multiple tasks and frees up blocks of uninterrupted writing time.
Turn social media into a reward. As fall gets cozy, it’s tempting to spend more time scrolling. Instead, use social media as a reward for writing. Set a goal—write for 30 minutes or finish a scene—then enjoy a short break. Set a time limit and stick to it.
Say "no" more often. As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to overcommit to events and obligations. Practice saying "no" to activities that don’t align with your writing goals. Guard your writing time fiercely.
Create a writing ritual fit for fall. Use the change in season to start a writing ritual that signals it’s time to work. Whether it’s lighting a candle, making a cup of tea, or setting a timer, these small habits create a sense of routine and focus.
Leverage cozy weather for writing retreats. Fall is the perfect time for mini writing retreats, even at home. Dedicate a weekend or a few evenings to immerse yourself in writing. Get comfortable, minimize distractions, and let the fall atmosphere fuel your creativity.