
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
More episodes of #AmWriting
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- The Decision to Keep Writing After Grief, Illness, or Heartbreak · April 10, 2026 · 14 min
- You’re Not Stuck—You’re Holding Back · April 3, 2026 · 8 min
- Live with Jennie Nash · March 23, 2026 · 38 min
- 10 Years of #amwriting: Looking Back and Moving Forward · March 20, 2026 · 22 min
- "I Had the Full Heart of the Question In My Hand." · March 6, 2026 · 24 min
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