What Finishing a Book Teaches You About Showing Up (Write Big, Ep 13)

What Finishing a Book Teaches You About Showing Up (Write Big, Ep 13)

From #AmWriting by KJ

February 13, 2026 · 12 min · Episode 491

About this episode

Sarina Bowen discusses the challenges and mindset shifts associated with finishing a book and the ongoing nature of a writing career.

In this Write Big session, Jennie Nash talks with podcast co-host Sarina Bowen about what it really feels like to finish a book—especially the anxiety and pressure that can come with “finishing energy.” Sarina shares a powerful mindset shift: there is no summit in a writing career. You may reach the end of a draft (or even launch day), but the work doesn’t magically get easier—there’s always another book. The key, she says, is learning to love the hike itself and stay connected to your curiosity so you can keep showing up. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

People in this episode

Host: Sarina Bowen

Guest: Jennie Nash

Topics covered

  • finishing a book
  • writing career
  • mindset shift
  • creativity

Keywords

  • anxiety
  • pressure
  • curiosity
  • showing up

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Write Big

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