Category: About Myself

2026, About Myself, August 2026

A Little Update on the Future of Sara’s Writing Sanctuary Shop

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

There’s something I’ve been wanting to share with you about Sara’s Writing Sanctuary and where I hope to take it next.

Some of you may remember that I’ve already had a small shop for my writing-related digital products on Payhip. That shop is still there, and the products I’ve created haven’t disappeared.

I also previously had a Shopify store where I offered the same types of products. However, because my income and circumstances changed, I made the decision to close the Shopify store for the time being.

That doesn’t mean I’ve given up on the idea of having a shop.

If anything, I’m thinking about how I can make it work in a way that makes more sense for me right now.

🛍️ What Could Come Next?

Rather than rushing into another big storefront, I’m thinking about slowly growing what I already have and eventually expanding it.

That could include more digital writing products, such as:

  • Writing prompt packs
  • Character worksheets
  • Plotting guides
  • Writing workbooks
  • Printable planners
  • Story development resources
  • Fantasy-writing resources
  • Writing challenges
  • Journals and journal pages
  • Other resources designed to help writers

Some of these ideas are things I’ve already talked about creating, while others are still being worked out.

And eventually, I’d also love to explore physical products.

Things like:

  • Handmade bookmarks
  • Embroidered bookmarks
  • Bookish items
  • Inspirational canvas pieces
  • Keychains
  • Other small handmade items for writers and readers

But those things will come when I’m able to make them happen, rather than trying to do everything at once.

💌 Email Courses Are Still Happening

I also want to remind everyone that I’m still working on my email courses for writers.

That project hasn’t been forgotten.

I still want to create courses that can help writers work through different parts of the writing process, with lessons and activities delivered through email so you can work through them at your own pace.

This is something I’m excited about because I want the courses to feel useful rather than overwhelming.

Instead of giving you a giant amount of information all at once, I’d like to break things down into smaller, manageable pieces.

🖋️ Writing Coaching Is Still a Goal, Too

Another idea that is still very much on my list is writing coaching.

Eventually, I would love to offer coaching for writers who want some extra support with their stories.

That could include helping with things like:

  • Developing a story idea
  • Character development
  • Plot problems
  • Getting unstuck
  • Figuring out what happens next
  • Strengthening a story
  • Creating writing goals
  • Staying accountable
  • Talking through challenges with a manuscript

Not every writer needs coaching, and not every writer wants it—and that’s completely okay.

But for those who do want someone to help them work through their writing struggles, I’d love to eventually be able to offer that.

🌸 All of This Takes Time

I also want to be honest about something.

I have a lot going on in daily life.

There are days when I have the time and energy to work on Sara’s Writing Sanctuary.

There are other days when I simply don’t.

Sometimes my body doesn’t cooperate. Sometimes life gets busy. Sometimes I have other responsibilities that have to come first.

So I’m trying to give myself grace instead of feeling like I have to accomplish everything immediately.

I work on these projects when I have free time and when my body allows me to.

That means some things may take longer than I originally planned.

And that’s okay.

💜 Nothing Has Been Forgotten

I wanted to make this clear because I know I’ve mentioned a lot of these ideas before.

The Payhip shop is still there.

The writing products are still there.

The email courses are still being worked on.

Writing coaching is still a future goal.

The idea of adding handmade products is still there.

And the possibility of growing Sara’s Writing Sanctuary into something bigger is still there, too.

I haven’t abandoned these plans.

I’m just building them slowly.

I’d rather take my time and create something I’m proud of than rush everything because I feel like I have to meet an imaginary deadline.

💬 I Want Your Input!

As I figure out what comes next, I’d love to hear from you.

What would you like to see in the Sara’s Writing Sanctuary shop?

Would you be interested in:

📖 Writing workbooks
📝 Writing prompt packs
🖋️ Character resources
📚 Bookmarks
🧵 Embroidered bookish items
🌙 Journals
✨ Inspirational artwork
💌 Email courses
🔥 Fantasy-writing resources
💜 Writing coaching

And what would you like to see more of here on the blog?

Leave a comment and let me know!

You can vote for your favorites, suggest something completely different, or tell me about a writing problem you’d like me to cover in a future post.

Your feedback can help me decide what to create next.

🌿 One Step at a Time

Sara’s Writing Sanctuary is still growing.

It just may not always grow as quickly as I’d like.

There will probably be times when I’m incredibly productive and times when I need to slow down.

And that’s okay.

This isn’t a race.

The shop doesn’t have to become huge overnight.

The email courses don’t have to be finished tomorrow.

The coaching doesn’t have to launch immediately.

The handmade products can come later.

These goals are still here.

I’m still dreaming about them, planning them, and working toward them whenever I can.

For now, I’m taking it one project, one idea, one blog post, and one creative day at a time.

Thank you for being here, for supporting Sara’s Writing Sanctuary, and most importantly, for giving me a little grace as I continue building this at a pace that works for me.

There’s still plenty more to come. 💜🌙

Thanks for Following me, Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, July 2026

A Quick Update: Thank You for Your Patience and Support

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Hello everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to apologize for the delay in my blog posts lately. Writing and sharing stories, tips, and creativity with all of you is something I truly enjoy, and I know some of you have been waiting for new posts. Thank you so much for your patience and for continuing to follow my blog even when I haven’t been able to post as consistently as I normally do.

The truth is, I have been dealing with a lot behind the scenes with my health. Over the past several months, managing my chronic health issues has taken more time and energy than I expected. Living with chronic pain is not always easy, especially when you are trying to balance everyday responsibilities, creative goals, and taking care of yourself.

Recently, I had an appointment where I felt like my pain was dismissed. I was told that my chronic pain was mostly “in my head” and that I should see a psychiatrist—even though I already do work with one for my mental health. I was also told that there was no reason I couldn’t “just do your job.”

Hearing something like that when you are already struggling can be incredibly discouraging.

The reality is that chronic health conditions are complicated. They are not something that can simply be ignored or pushed through. I deal with two different pain conditions, mental health challenges, and ongoing gut issues that I have been trying to understand and manage. Recently, I also discovered that I have food allergies to foods I never realized were affecting me. Learning this has meant changing how I eat, figuring out what my body can tolerate, and adjusting to a whole new routine.

All of these things have taken a toll—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.

There are days when writing feels impossible because my energy is spent trying to manage symptoms, appointments, and daily life. As writers, we often talk about discipline and showing up for our craft, but sometimes life requires us to slow down and focus on healing. That does not mean we have given up on our dreams. It simply means we are human.

Writing is still important to me. Creating stories, building worlds, and sharing ideas with all of you is something that brings me joy. I am still working toward my goals as an author and continuing to build my writing journey. I may just need to give myself more grace while navigating everything else happening in my life.

I want to thank everyone who has stayed, read my posts, supported my blog, and continued to follow along even during this slower period. Your support means more than you know.

I am working on getting back into a better rhythm with blog posts, but I also want to be honest about why things have been slower. Behind every missed post is often a person dealing with things that others cannot see.

Thank you for your understanding, kindness, and patience. I appreciate every single person who takes the time to read my words and be part of this writing community.

I look forward to sharing more writing advice, creative inspiration, and stories with you soon.

Thank you for continuing this journey with me.

— Sara
Sara’s Writing Sanctuary

2026, About Myself, May 2026

Thank You for Visiting My Blog (Even During Quiet Seasons)

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who still visits and reads my blog, even when I haven’t been able to post as often lately.

The past months have been difficult at times due to health issues, low energy, and financial stress, which has made it harder to keep up with blogging and some of the goals I’ve been working toward. There are many ideas I want to share, but sometimes life slows things down more than expected.

If you’ve continued visiting this blog during those quieter periods, I’m truly grateful.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for spending a little of your time here.

Thank you for supporting this space, even when updates haven’t been as frequent.

I try to write about different things as inspiration comes — including seasonal topics, moon phases, fiction writing, creativity, fantasy ideas, and whatever else feels meaningful to share. I’m doing my best to continue creating when I can.

I’d also love to hear from you.

What would you like to see more of on the blog?

Are there topics you enjoy most?

Would you like more posts about:

Fiction writing?
Fantasy and worldbuilding?
Moon phases and journaling?
Seasonal inspiration?
Writing prompts?
Poetry?
Creativity and motivation?
Something else entirely?

Feel free to leave a comment with suggestions if there’s something specific you’d like to read more about. I’m always open to ideas, and your input helps me know what readers enjoy seeing here.

Thank you again for visiting my blog and being patient during slower seasons.

I appreciate you more than you know.

— Sara 🌙✨

2026, About Myself, February 2026

A Gentle Update From Me

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Hi friends 🤍

I wanted to take a moment to say something simple:

I’m sorry for being a little behind.

Valentine’s weekend didn’t quite go as planned. Instead of celebrating love stories and cozy writing sessions, I found myself dealing with a cold that completely drained my energy. I’m still recovering, and my body is taking its time — as it tends to do.

On top of that, I’m currently navigating ongoing health challenges while also returning to school for my master’s degree.

It’s a lot.

And if I’m honest, I’ve felt the pressure of falling behind.

Health Comes First (Even When We Have Big Dreams)

I have so many goals for this blog.

So many plans for Sara’s Writing Sanctuary.

More writing prompts.
More digital products.
More coaching resources.
More consistent posting.

The vision hasn’t changed.

But something I’ve learned — especially living with chronic health conditions — is that momentum only matters if your body can sustain it.

Health is not a side note to the dream.

It’s the foundation of it.

If I push through exhaustion or ignore what my body needs, I don’t build something lasting. I build burnout.

And I refuse to build my future on burnout.

Balancing Health and a Master’s Degree

Returning to school for my master’s degree is something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s part of my long-term vision as a writer, coach, and creator.

But balancing academic deadlines, business goals, and chronic illness requires pacing.

Some days that means writing a full blog post and planning three new ideas.

Other days it means resting and answering one email.

Both count.

Both matter.

What This Means for the Blog

If posts are a little slower.
If emails take a bit longer.
If launches feel quieter than planned.

Please know it’s not from lack of passion.

It’s from prioritizing sustainability.

This space — and this business — is something I care deeply about. I’m still building. I’m still dreaming. I’m still creating behind the scenes.

Just at a pace my health allows.

A Reminder (For You, Too)

If you’re also navigating illness, stress, school, work, caregiving, or simply a season of exhaustion — you are not behind in life.

You are adjusting.

You are adapting.

You are surviving and still trying.

And that counts for more than productivity ever will.

Thank you for your patience.
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for growing with me.

I’m still here.
Still writing.
Still building.

Just doing it gently. 🤍

— Sara

2026, About Myself, January 2026, Self Care

A Note for Writers Who Didn’t “Reset”

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

January has a way of pretending there’s a switch.

As if the calendar flipped and suddenly everything—energy, clarity, motivation—was supposed to follow.
As if you were meant to wake up refreshed, reorganized, and ready to begin again.

But maybe you didn’t.

Maybe nothing reset.
Maybe your body carried the same fatigue forward.
Maybe your mind didn’t magically clear.
Maybe your writing didn’t surge back online with the new year.

If that’s you, this note is for you.

You didn’t fail the reset.
You’re not behind.
You didn’t miss some invisible doorway everyone else walked through.

For many writers, especially those living with chronic stress, grief, illness, burnout, or simply a long stretch of survival—like myself—January doesn’t feel like a beginning. It feels like another page turned while the story is still mid-sentence. And that’s okay.

I haven’t reset.

I’ve been dealing with ongoing health issues since October, alongside chronic stress that often leaves me exhausted outside of my 9–5 job. Next month, in February, I’ll be starting my Master’s degree—something I’m genuinely excited about—but it also adds another layer of stress to an already full and complicated life.

At the same time, I’m working on growing my business and this blog. I care deeply about both. But progress is slower right now, and that’s something I’m learning to accept with patience instead of guilt.

So I want to say thank you.

Thank you to everyone who supports this blog.
Thank you to those who’ve stayed with me through a full year of blogging, growth, shifts, and change.
Your presence means more than you know.

As we move into February, I’ll continue doing my best to keep growing—at a pace my health allows. I live with multiple chronic health conditions, and at times acute flare-ups make it hard to show up in the ways I want to for my business or creative work.

That doesn’t mean my inspiration is gone.
It doesn’t mean my goals have faded.

They matter just as much as they did a year ago when I started this blog.

Some seasons don’t reset. They continue.
And continuation isn’t a flaw—it’s a form of honesty.

You’re allowed to move forward without calling it a reset.
You’re allowed to write without branding it a comeback.
You’re allowed to take this year one breath, one paragraph, one small moment at a time.

You’re not late.
You’re not broken.
You’re still becoming.

Write from there. 🌙

Thank you and Happy Writing ^_^

2025 Months, About Myself, August 2025, Self Care

A New Journal: Writing, Survival, and Healing

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

I’ve been reflecting on how to share my writing journey more openly—the messy, beautiful, complicated path of being a writer while also surviving the weight of family abuse trauma and navigating life with chronic illness. Writing has always been my way of making sense of chaos, but now I’m taking a step further.

I’ve created a new journal on Ko-fi: A New Journal: Writing, Survival, and Healing
.

This journal will be a dedicated space for:

✍️ Behind-the-scenes of my writing life—the victories and the struggles.

🌑 Reflections on how living with trauma shapes my creativity and my sense of self.

🌿 The realities of managing chronic illness while still chasing dreams.

Stories are powerful—they hold space for pain, growth, and transformation. My journal is not only about survival, but about showing up anyway, finding light in dark places, and honoring the creative spark that refuses to go out.

The first post is open for everyone to read. After that, the journal will be a subscriber-only feature, so it can remain a safe, supportive space for those who truly want to walk with me on this journey. By subscribing, you’re not only supporting my writing, you’re stepping into a more intimate, honest space with me.

If you’ve ever felt torn between pursuing creativity and wrestling with the weight of your past or your health, I hope this journal resonates with you. Together, we can create space for vulnerability, resilience, and creativity without apology.

💜 Thank you for reading, for supporting, and for being here.

👉 Click here to read the first post

About Myself

Facing Hardships: Navigating Tough Times with Hope

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and right now, I’m navigating one of those difficult times. As many of you know, financial struggles can feel overwhelming. Between mounting bills, everyday expenses, and the looming possibility of losing my car, I’ve found myself in a place where I’m trying to keep my head above water, but it’s been a real struggle.

In the spirit of honesty, I wanted to share where I’m at with all of you—because, as writers, we know how powerful it can be to support each other through shared vulnerability. It’s never easy to admit when we’re struggling, but there’s strength in reaching out and asking for help.

Right now, the stress is real. Losing my car would make it harder to get to appointments and manage everyday tasks. Add to that the general financial stress, and it’s easy to feel like I’m drowning. But I’m determined not to let this moment define me, and I’m leaning into my community for support.

How You Can Help

If you feel moved to help, I’ve created two ways for you to support me during this tough time:

  1. GoFundMe: I’ve started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds. Every little bit counts, and your donation will go directly toward keeping my car and getting back on my feet financially. If you can spare anything, it would mean the world to me.
  2. Buy Me a Coffee: For those who prefer a simpler way to support, I’ve also set up a Buy Me a Coffee page. It’s a great way to send a small donation if you’re able to help, and it’s also a fantastic platform where I can continue connecting with you, my wonderful readers and supporters.

Why I’m Sharing This

This isn’t easy for me to do. Asking for help is never comfortable, but I know that the power of community and connection is real. I’ve always believed in the importance of lifting each other up, and right now, I’m hoping that by sharing my situation, I can give others the opportunity to do just that.

Whether you can donate or simply share my story, your support means more than words can express. I’ll continue to give my all to my writing, my blog, and my community, and I promise that this hardship won’t stop me from doing what I love.

Where to Find Support

If you’re interested in supporting me, you can find both of my support pages below:

And if you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this blog post with others is a tremendous help. Every share, every word of encouragement—it all makes a difference.

Thank you for reading, for supporting me, and for being part of this journey. It’s times like these when I truly feel the strength of the community we’ve built together, and I’m so grateful for every single one of you.

Let’s get through this together. ❤️

About Myself, June 2025, Self Care

Why I Keep Showing Up to the Page, Even When It’s Hard

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

An Honest, Heart-Centered Encouragement for Fellow Writers

There are days when writing feels like breathing—natural, necessary, almost effortless. And then there are the other days. The ones where I stare at the screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard, unsure of what I’m even trying to say. Days when self-doubt creeps in, whispering, “What’s the point?” or “You’re not good enough.”

Still, I show up.

Not because I always feel inspired. Not because I’m bursting with creativity. But because writing is a part of who I am, even when it’s difficult. Especially when it’s difficult.

I live with chronic health issues, and honestly, that makes everything harder—physically, emotionally, even creatively. Some days my energy is low, my body aches, and brain fog makes it tough to focus. Add to that the fact that I don’t always have a lot of support, and it could be easy to stop trying. But I don’t. I keep showing up, purely for the love of writing and reading.

Writing has seen me through grief, anxiety, pain, and loneliness. It’s been my quiet companion in the messiest moments of my life. When everything else felt like too much, writing gave me something to hold onto—a place where I could be fully myself, no filter, no expectations. Just words on a page, slowly helping me breathe again.

I don’t always produce something worth sharing. Sometimes I write a sentence and delete it five times. Sometimes I write pages of things I’ll never read again. But the act of showing up matters. Each word is a promise to myself that I won’t give up on my voice.

If you’re reading this and you’re struggling to write—whether it’s because of stress, illness, burnout, fear, or life just getting in the way—I want you to know this: it’s okay to have hard days. It’s okay to rest. But when you’re ready, come back to the page. Even if all you have is a whisper of an idea. Even if all you write is, “I don’t know what to write.” That still counts.

You are a writer, not because you write every day, but because you keep coming back.

And I’ll keep showing up too—messy, tired, unsure—because writing reminds me that I’m still here, still growing, still creating. I write because I love it. Because I love stories. Because books and words helped shape who I am. That’s reason enough to keep going.

So if today is a hard day, let that be okay. The words will return. The magic will find you again. In the meantime, showing up is enough. You are enough.

Keep writing,
Sara 💛
Founder of Sara’s Writing Sanctuary

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, May 2025, Self Care

What May Taught Me About Writing (and Life)

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

This May didn’t go the way I thought it would. I had plans. Big creative goals. Projects I wanted to finish. But somewhere along the way, I got caught up in other things—life, responsibilities, the unexpected. My writing ended up on the back burner.

At first, I felt guilty about that. Like I had let myself down or fallen behind. But as the month winds down, I’ve realized something important: sometimes we need to step away to see clearly.

When I finally opened my story drafts again, something happened that always surprises me. I felt the story again. I read the words I had written weeks ago and remembered why I loved them. Even better, I saw things I hadn’t seen before—new details, emotions, ideas. It was like my characters had been waiting patiently, knowing I’d come back when I was ready to listen.

This month reminded me that creative blocks aren’t always about being stuck—they’re often about needing space. Space to live, to breathe, to gather new energy. And that’s okay. Writing doesn’t have to be a constant push forward. Sometimes it’s about stepping back and letting the story bloom again when the timing is right.

So what did May teach me?
– That rest is part of the process.
– That creativity doesn’t vanish, it waits.
– That coming back with fresh eyes can open up new paths.

If you’ve been struggling to write lately, I want you to know you’re not alone. Your words will wait for you. Your story will still be there when you’re ready to return.

Here’s to stepping back, starting again, and finding joy in the quiet rediscovery of what we love. 💫

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, March 2025

Writing Through Chaos: Balancing Creativity, Chronic Illness, and Big Life Changes

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Lately, life has felt like one big whirlwind of change. Between moving, managing my chronic pain, juggling work, and finishing my degree, writing—something that once felt like second nature—has become a struggle. My creativity feels buried under the weight of exhaustion, and some days, it’s hard to even find the energy to open my laptop, let alone pour my thoughts onto the page.

I used to believe that writing was my escape, a safe space where I could retreat from the chaos of the world. But what happens when the very thing that brings you comfort starts to feel like another task on an ever-growing to-do list? When pain makes it hard to sit at a desk, when mental fog makes words slip through my fingers, when anxiety whispers that I’m falling behind—how do I find inspiration?

Giving Myself Permission to Pause

I’ve had to remind myself that creativity isn’t something I can force. Writing, like healing, requires patience. Some days, my body demands rest, and instead of fighting against it, I’m learning to listen. I give myself permission to take breaks without guilt. Writing isn’t about churning out words on demand—it’s about honoring the process, even if that process means stepping away for a while. But it is hard sometimes..

Finding Inspiration in Small Moments

When I can’t sit down to write long pieces, I turn to smaller creative outlets. A few scribbled lines in a journal, voice notes on my phone when ideas strike, or even rereading old works remind me that my creativity is still alive. Sometimes, inspiration isn’t about grand ideas—it’s in the quiet moments, in the way the sunlight filters through my window, in the snippets of dialogue I overhear at a coffee shop, in the way my body carries me forward despite everything.

Writing Through the Hard Days

There are days when I feel overwhelmed by everything I have to do—assignments, deadlines, work, doctor’s appointments. On those days, I remind myself that writing doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be good. It just has to be honest. Even if all I write is, “Today was hard,” that’s still something. My words don’t have to carry the weight of the world; sometimes, they just need to exist.

The Power of Community

One thing that has helped me immensely is leaning on others who understand. Connecting with other writers, students, and people who deal with chronic illness reminds me that I’m not alone. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, to talk about my struggles, to share my frustrations. Creativity doesn’t have to be a solitary journey—it thrives in connection.

Redefining Success

I used to think that being a “successful” writer meant producing a certain number of words every day. But life doesn’t always allow for that. Success, for me, is showing up when I can, giving myself grace when I can’t, and recognizing that my worth as a writer isn’t measured by productivity.

Embracing the Journey

This season of life is challenging, but it’s also shaping me. My experiences—both the painful and the beautiful—are all part of my story, and someday, they’ll find their way into my writing. Until then, I’ll keep showing up, in whatever way I can, knowing that every word, every pause, every struggle is part of the process.

If you’re struggling to write through change, pain, or self-doubt, know that you’re not alone. Be gentle with yourself. Your creativity will always be there, waiting for you, even on the hardest days.

How do you find inspiration when life feels overwhelming? Let’s start a conversation.

Where do you find your inspiration during hard times?

Happy Writing ^_^