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Low-Friction Living

Systems, stories, and honest reflections for late-diagnosed neurodivergent women. Written from the inside out.

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Writing, Healing Sharla Fanous Writing, Healing Sharla Fanous

Writing to Heal: The Power of Creative Flow

When life feels overwhelming, writing can become a lifeline. Creative flow, the state of being so immersed in your craft that time and worry fade, does more than spark inspiration. It soothes the nervous system, releases emotions onto the page, and helps you find clarity in the midst of chaos. Writing isn’t just about words; it’s about healing.

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Writing, Memoir Sharla Fanous Writing, Memoir Sharla Fanous

Why Write a Memoir? 5 Powerful Reasons to Tell Your Story

Writing a memoir isn’t just about retelling what happened. It’s about honoring your story, making meaning of your past, and discovering your voice. Whether you’re hoping to leave a legacy, inspire others, or reclaim your narrative, your lived experience is worth putting on the page. In this post, I share five powerful reasons why now might be the perfect time to begin writing your memoir.

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Writing, Memoir Sharla Fanous Writing, Memoir Sharla Fanous

3 Things a Memoir Is Not

Think memoir is just for celebrities or seasoned writers? Think again. This post clears up three common misconceptions about memoir writing and invites you to claim your story, just as you are.

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Burnout Sharla Fanous Burnout Sharla Fanous

It’s Okay to Rest

I’m tired today. In the middle of recovering from burnout, I’m learning to pay attention when my body says enough. Even when I sit down to write and the words won’t come. Especially then. This is your reminder that rest is not a detour, it’s part of the path.

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Sharla Fanous Sharla Fanous

Yes, You Can Absolutely Call Yourself A Writer

You don’t need permission to claim the title. If you write, published or not, you are a writer. Here’s the story of how I finally believed that, and why I want you to believe it too.

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Poetry Sharla Fanous Poetry Sharla Fanous

The Story Behind the Poem: “Here, in My Words”

People often mistake my stillness for coldness. But being autistic means my emotions live deep beneath the surface—far from the assumptions made at a glance. Here in My Words is a poem about peeling back the armor, expressing what’s too easily overlooked, and showing up fully—on the page, if not always in person.

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Writing Sharla Fanous Writing Sharla Fanous

How to Start Writing When You Don’t Know Where to Begin

Staring at a blank page can feel paralyzing, but you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. In this post, I’m sharing 10 gentle, judgment-free ways to ease into your writing practice. Whether you're free-writing, mind mapping, or simply starting in the middle, there's no wrong way to begin. Writing doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be yours. And if you’re craving deeper support, I’ve created a cozy Writer’s Retreat Kit to help you reconnect with your voice and write from a place of calm.

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Writing, Poetry, Healing Sharla Fanous Writing, Poetry, Healing Sharla Fanous

The Story Behind the Poem: “Unwelcome”

In the quiet aftermath of my divorce, depression crept in like an unwelcome guest, uninvited but relentless. Some days, I couldn’t move. Other days, I wrote through the fog just to remind myself I was still here. In this post, I share the story behind my poem “Unwelcome” - a reflection on what it means to sit with pain, and how writing became my way of surviving it. If you’ve ever felt the darkness arrive unannounced, this is for you.

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Writing Sharla Fanous Writing Sharla Fanous

When the World Stopped, I Wrote: A Memoir, a Missed Train, and a New Beginning

In March of 2020, I was supposed to take a solo writing retreat to Quebec City. A train ride, a quiet room, a notebook—just me and the words. But like so many plans that year, it never happened. What unfolded instead was something unexpected: I found a way to retreat inward, right where I was. This is the story of how a cancelled trip helped me create something even more meaningful.

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