Why Writers Struggle to Find Flow — and the Simple Practices That Bring It Back

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to get into a state of creative flow and what pulls us out of it? In this Editor's Round Table episode, I’m joined by fellow editors Sarah Chauncey and Lynn Shattuck to explore the Law of Increasing Flow: a framework built on presence, strategic rest, and stopping before you hit empty. Together we dig into the problem of tech distraction, the power of the subconscious mind, and why percolation–not pushing–is where so much of the real writing happens. If you've ever wondered why flow feels so elusive, this episode will leave you with both the insight and the practical tools to invite more of it into your life.Resources for this Episode: “The Critic, Cookies and a (Cautionary) Colonoscopy” by Lynn Shattuck“To Write More, Better and Faster, Do This One Thing” by Sarah ChaunceyCreative Intuition: The Skill That Makes Life and Work EasierIt’s not Your Money by Tosha SilverThe Walk for PeaceGet Your Free Human Design ReportDitch Your Inner Critic NowEpisode Highlights4:54 Constricted Writing Stories6:19 Law Of Increasing Flow8:46 Productivity Versus Creativity23:35 Nervous System PracticesConnect with Lynn: Website: www.lossofalifetime.comWebsite: www.lynnlshattuck.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064888772287Instagram: @lynn_shattuckConnect with Sarah: Substack: https://sarahchauncey.substack.com/Counterintuitive Guide: https://counterintuitiveguide.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahkchauncey/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.k.chaunceyLynn Shattuck writes on topics like grief, parenting, and mental health. She was a columnist at Elephant Journal for ten years, where several of her essays on the topic of grief and sibling loss, and parenting went viral. Lynn co-founded the website lossofalifetime.com, a hub of resources and community for those who’ve experienced sibling loss. She co-edited the essay collection, The Loss of a Lifetime: Grieving Siblings Share Stories of Love, Loss, and Hope, which was released in June 2025.Sarah Chauncey is a nonfiction writer, developmental editor, and writing coach. Over her decades of experience, she’s written more than 100 articles for a variety of outlets, including Writer's Digest, Jane Friedman, Tiny Buddha, Lion’s Roar, and Modern Loss. Sarah is the author of P.S. I Love You More Than Tuna, the first gift book for adults grieving the loss of a pet. She also writes the Substacks “Resonant Storytelling” for writers and “The Counterintuitive Guide to Life,” about developing inner skills for a shifting planet. Building Better Memoir Scenes: https://janefriedman.com/building-better-memoir-scenes-with-lisa-cooper-ellison/Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInProduced by Espresso Podcast Production