Motherhood, Burnout, and Buried Dreams: Why Midlife Might Be the Best Time to Write Your Book
- Karina Karina
- May 7
- 4 min read
Put your hand up if you’re trying to do all the things: parenting, caring for aging parents, managing a career, keeping a household running. You’re also most likely putting everyone first.
Welcome to the chaos of midlife, one of the busiest and most challenging seasons.
Yet, somewhere in the background, a question begins to whisper: What about me? And perhaps, What about that book I always wanted to write?
If you’re feeling this way for the first time, you’re not alone. A lot of people are rediscovering - and prioritizing - long-buried creative dreams during this period, and one of the most common? Writing a book.
The Myth of "Too Late"
Many women in midlife fear they’ve missed their chance. That they’re too tired, too busy, too far removed from their creative selves. But here’s what the research—and experience—shows:
Midlife can actually be the ideal time to write your first book.
In a 2018 study published in the journal Creativity Research Journal, researchers found that life experience significantly enhances creative writing quality. The study noted that older writers often demonstrate deeper emotional intelligence, more nuanced character development, and a stronger command of story structure.
Additionally, a 2021 report from the American Psychological Association highlighted how many midlife adults experience a shift in priorities toward personal fulfillment and legacy building—two powerful motivators for writing.
And according to a 2020 survey by The BookBaby Self-Publishing Report, nearly 35% of debut authors were over the age of 45—a number that continues to grow as the self-publishing and hybrid publishing industries flourish.
From Burnout to Breakthrough
Of course, even with this encouragement, actually starting can feel impossible. Many midlife women are navigating burnout—from parenting, caregiving, working full time, or simply running on empty for too long.
Burnout isn’t just a mood. It’s a real physiological and emotional state. But it’s also a signal—a call to reassess. And writing, surprisingly, can be a lifeline.
Creative practices like journaling and storytelling have been linked to improved mental health, emotional regulation, and even a reduction in physical symptoms of stress.
A study from the University of Texas at Austin showed that expressive writing can lead to measurable improvements in mood and well-being, particularly for women in midlife.
For many, writing a novel isn’t just about publishing—it’s about reclaiming a voice, a space, and a sense of purpose. It’s about finally prioritizing your own audacious dream.
I’ve lived this journey myself. After years of juggling motherhood and ambition, I hit a wall. My career felt stale. I was exhausted and questioning everything. That’s when I returned to the one thing I had always wanted to do: write a book. That choice changed everything. (You can read my story here.)
Why Midlife Creativity Is Different (and More Powerful)
While there's a lot of focus on the typical midlife crisis, there’s also a quiet strength that comes in midlife.
You’ve seen more.
You know more.
And most importantly—you care less about what others think.
This makes your writing bolder, deeper, and more personal.
You don’t need to prove yourself. You just need to express yourself. That shift—toward authenticity over perfection—is a creative superpower.
Midlife creativity also benefits from clearer priorities. For those of you with older children or work slowing down, there may be pockets of time and space that weren’t available in your 20s and 30s. For those of us still in the thick of it, we're more likely to say 'no' to things that aren't a priority. Either way, the urge to leave a legacy—to tell your story—starts to outweigh the fear of starting.
I wrote more about this in Midlife Reset: Losing Ambition and Finding New Purpose, where I explore how redefining ambition led me back to writing—and ultimately to a more fulfilling career.
Inspiration can come from women writers like Rachel Cusk, Sarah Manguso, Maggie Nelson, and Roxane Gay—authors who’ve taken bold risks and turned their real life into beautiful books.
You might draw a story idea from your own writing life: memories of high school, a first husband, a little house in South Carolina, for example.
These are the raw materials of short stories, short essays, and novels that connect deeply with readers.
How to Start Writing in Midlife (Without Overwhelm)
If you’re wondering how to start writing in midlife, here’s the most important thing to know:
You don’t need to write a book today. You just need a plan.
That’s why I created the 5-Day Book Blueprint, a low-cost, step-by-step guide that helps you:
Clarify your idea and your motivation
Create your main character (if writing fiction)
Map your genre and reader expectations
Understand basic story structure
Put it all together in plug-and-play templates
It’s specifically designed for midlife writers who are short on time but big on dreams.
You can complete it in just 20 minutes a day for five days. It’s not overwhelming—and it works. Check it out here.
Real Talk: What’s Holding You Back?
When I talk to my writing clients, I often hear the same fears over and over again. Here’s what I tell them:
“I don’t have time.” You probably don’t have hours, but do you have 20 minutes a few times a week? That’s all it takes to start.
“It’s too late.” Toni Morrison wrote her first novel at 39. Anna Sewell published Black Beauty at 57. You’re not behind—you’re seasoned.
“I’m not a ‘real’ writer.” Real writers are people who write. Not people with book deals or MFA degrees. Just people who show up on the page.
Where to Go From Here
Writing a novel after 40 doesn’t require perfection. It requires momentum. A little structure. A little courage. And a community that sees you.
Here’s how you can begin:
Read inspiring stories of other midlife writers – including mine, right here.
Commit to five days of focused clarity with the 5-Day Book Blueprint.
Join my Substack to get weekly encouragement, practical tips, and stories from writers just like you.
You don’t have to give up your dreams to be a good mother. You don’t have to abandon your goals because you’re tired. And you definitely don’t have to do it alone.
This is your next act, a second chance, a time for fresh eyes and bold risks.
Midlife might just be your most powerful creative season yet.
Let’s begin.
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