Getting Real about Mental Health and Writing: Tips from a Developmental Editor

Let’s talk about mental health for writers, author support system, and writer self-care. In this week's Story Savvy Series episode, we take a thoughtful detour from structure and craft to focus on mental health in the writing journey. Developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] dive deep into the emotional realities behind the editing process—from creative burnout and perfectionism to PTSD, grief, and more.
Episode 22 of the 52-Week Story Savvy series reminds writers that healing and storytelling often go hand in hand. Together, Rebecca and Agnes share personal stories, editing insights, and tips on how to navigate your writing when life gets hard.
They also explore:
Recognizing when it’s time to pause your project
Writing with depression, ADHD, and trauma
Setting flexible deadlines that support your health
What community support looks like for creative people
Ways to edit painful scenes without re-traumatizing yourself
Whether you're overwhelmed by revisions or just need encouragement to take a break, this episode offers both practical guidance and emotional validation for writers of all stages.
[00:00] Introduction
[01:22] Honest Conversations About Mental Health
[04:15] Navigating Writing During Difficult Times
[07:37] The Connection Between Creativity and Mental Wellness
[11:06] Facing Imposter Syndrome as a Writer
[16:07] Overcoming the Trap of Perfectionism
[25:02] Recognizing and Recovering from Burnout
[27:16] Coping with Everyday Mental Health Challenges
[30:03] How PTSD Impacts the Writing Process
[35:05] Using Deadlines to Stay Focused and Motivated
[43:54] Why Community Matters for Writers