Empty Nest Season? 3 Reasons This is the Best Time to Write A Book

Empty Nest Season

Today we’re talking about the empty nester season — and why this might actually be the best time for you to write a book.

If you’re in that season where the house is quieter, your kids are grown, and for the first time in a long time… you have space in your day — but you’re not quite sure what to do with it — this episode is for you.

Maybe you’ve spent years homeschooling, raising your family, serving in your church, showing up for everyone else… and now you’re wondering, what about that dream I’ve been carrying?

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book — even just quietly in the back of your mind — this might be your sign.

Not sure? I’m sharing three reasons this is the best time to write a book.

So grab a cup of coffee, a notebook, and a pen — and let’s dive in

3 Reasons Empty Nest Season Is The Best Time To Write A Book

The empty nest season crept up on me. For years, my day was filled with homeschooling, carting kids to swim team, basketball, play practice, and volunteering for everything. Then one day I woke up, my husband went to work and I was home alone for the first time.

Enter the season of struggle and guilt. I felt as if I had to be doing something for everyone else all the time and if I wasn’t, I should be. Then my body began to break down and refuse to cooperate, I got help with a coach and got back on my feet and decided I didn’t want to do the same things anymore.

That season was over. It was time for a new one. I wanted to write books full time. And that was a huge shift for me because writing is a solitary event you do for readers, sure, but you’re not on a committee or volunteering for clean up somewhere.

Is this you? Are you thinking about writing a book?

Have you woken up and realized you have more time on your hands
You don’t want to spend all your time volunteering
The activities you volunteered for are over because they were tied to your kids’ activities
You’ve been thinking about writing a book

If you have been thinking about writing a book, this could be your sign. Not sure? I’m sharing three tips this is the best time to write a book.

1. You have more time during empty nest season to write a book

The first point is obvious, but maybe you’ve never thought about it. If you are anything like me, the empty nest season crept up on you. One day, you are scrambling to get out the door at what feels like pre-dawn hours for swim team practice (or season’s activity) and the next you’re sitting on your couch sipping coffee asking yourself “what’s next?”

We get so used to the hustle and bustle of raising kiddos that when it ends, we sit scratching our heads and wondering what to do next. When our brain and body are used to volunteering, we might just try to find some other good service organization to help. There’s nothing wrong with volunteering or service. But empty nest season is the best time to catch your breath and consider next steps.

Like I told my nearly empty nester friend, make a batch of cookies, eat them, watch your favorite show, or catch up on reading. Think of the first bit of empty nest season as a rest stop.

You may be tempted to try to recreate the last season of your life. I was. I tried. Instead of moving into a new season and finally writing the book(s), I’d been dreaming of, I put it on the back burner. After volunteering all day, I tried to fit it in after I’d served others. It didn’t work.

Empty Nest season is the best time to…

To catch your breath
Consider your next steps
Evaluate whether what you were doing fits your current season
Move into a new season with new goals in mind

Today is the day to move into a new season with a new goal in mind. You don’t need to recreate your old life. It’s time to start a new one. Instead of walking outside your door, getting in your car and finding something else to do, take the first bit of your more time and start your book. Start with 15 minutes a day, half an hour a day or an hour.

2. You’ve always had a service mentality.

Your whole life has been about serving others and that is a good thing. Maybe you, like me have a difficult time letting your service mindset go. I was raised in a family who served the community. Then I became an adult who did the same. When my empty nest season gave me more time, I struggled with the idea of writing a book, because it felt selfish, as if doing something alone wasn’t helping anyone. Then I had a change of mindset. I’m not sure exactly when it happened, it was more of a slow neural reset. But here it is:

Writing a book is serving someone. Your readers. Your future readers.

If you’ve been dreaming about writing a book but feel guilty about spending the time, it is time to reframe. Writing a book is an act of serving.

My goal is to get as many clean reads out in the world as I can before I leave this earth, and teach others to do the same. That’s a little different than my last season of graduating all of my children with enough life skills under their belt, and a firm christian foundation.

3. You’ve had an idea for a book

It’s time to write a book if you’ve had an idea for a book swimming in your head for years. The idea of writing a book has become a pattern that keeps reappearing. Or an idea you have gets confirmation over and over again. You go to church and the pastor is talking about purpose, and you immediately think about your book idea. You run into a friend at your favorite coffee shop and she asks you what you’re doing next with your life. The first thought that comes up is – I want to write a book – but you don’t say it out loud.

If I had a dollar for everyone who said “I have a book idea” when they find out I’m an author, I wouldn’t need book sales to support me. I could use that money. Maybe you are like the friend I run into at the gym or the coffee place who eagerly shares her amazing book ideas! You guys are so talented and amazing and you don’t even know it. If you have an idea or two or three, that’s your sign it is time to write your book.

Let me finish this with a scripture that has been key for me continuing my author business and podcasting and teaching. You see, I felt too old to write books and start a new business. Maybe that’s you. Maybe your age is stopping you.

If we listen to the culture, we are still a kid in our twenties, hit the sweet spot in our thirties and by forty we are over the hill. Why? we only get ten years of adulthood? That should not be our guideline. Not only are we not be conformed to the cultrue, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Renew your mind with this verse –

Even in old age they shall produce fruit, they will remain vital and green. Ps. 92:14

In this empty nest season, you have exactly what you need to begin.

You have more time and space to finally focus on your writing
You’ve spent years serving others — and writing is another meaningful way to serve
That book idea you’ve carried for years isn’t случай — it’s a calling

If you’ve been wondering when the right time is, this might be it. You don’t have to rush or have it all figured out — just start, one small step at a time.

Your story matters — and it’s worth writing now.

Other Resources:

5 Truths About Writing as a Christian Author — and Why Compromise Isn’t the Answer

How do I know if I’m ready to write a book?

3 Prewriting Steps Every Christian Writer Should Take Before Starting Their Novel