Questions 3: Getting Back Into Writing

Posted on February 27, 2026 by Charles Yallowitz

So, I’ve voiced my opinion about getting back into writing.  Today, I want to know what other people think about picking up the pen/pencil/laptop again.  I’m sure many authors have had to take a break and return, but I feel it’s different for everyone.  To be clear, I’m talking about sitting down to write a new book after a long break.

  1. Have you ever had to take a long break from writing and how did that affect you?
  2. What is something you would do to help get back into writing?
  3. What advice would you give to someone who is returning to writing after a long break?
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About Charles Yallowitz

Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn't working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. 'Legends of Windemere' is his first series, but it certainly won't be his last.
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16 Responses to Questions 3: Getting Back Into Writing

  1. L. Marie's avatar L. Marie says:
    February 27, 2026 at 10:41 am
    1. When an editor took a year to reject my novel (though she knew she would reject it within a month of receiving it), I quit writing for three years. Ninety-nine percent of my published books happened after that three-year hiatus.
    2. First, I pray. Then I read books I love that always inspired me. These do not include new books. I read old books that remind me why I wanted to write in the first place. I watch interviews or listen to podcasts featuring creatives: writers, animators, directors, actors—people who love what they do. Hearing their joy counteracts some of the Negative Nancy messages I get from people who don’t write and think no one else should.  
    3. Lower your expectations for output. Don’t think, I’ll write one thousand words a day. If you write a sentence, that’s progress!

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  2. Christina Caron's avatar Christina Caron says:
    February 27, 2026 at 2:07 pm

    Hello, I’m curious how has the traction been so far? I work around ebook visibility and outreach, so I always like seeing how authors position their launch.

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  3. John W. Howell's avatar John W. Howell says:
    February 27, 2026 at 5:18 pm

    Since it takes me about two years to get a final book done, I can’t say I have had a break.

    To get back in to writing, I think I would write short stories and figure out how to get them published.

    My advice would be I would say go easy on onesself and not evaluate the work too harshly

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    1. DebyFredericks's avatar DebyFredericks says:
      February 28, 2026 at 10:52 am

      I can’t speak to this, as I haven’t taken more than a few weeks’ break between projects. And, like you, I blog all the while.

      But perhaps for comparison, my husband has been put on leave that may turn into retirement. I’m encouraging him to take up photography which was his art and profession 30 years ago. Not as a money making thing, but to engage his mind and bring him pleasure and relaxation.

      Whether he will actually do it remains to be seen.

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    2. coldhandboyack's avatar coldhandboyack says:
      March 2, 2026 at 7:50 am

      Any breaks for me have been more forced than elective and they aren’t very long. All I can do here is wish you success and mountains of fun.

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