Writing Your Book

A young woman sitting at a desk in front of a typewriter next to the text "Why Creative Writing Matters"

Why Creative Writing Matters

There’s something powerful about putting emotions into words. When we write stories or poetry, we aren’t just expressing feelings—we’re transforming them. Whether creating a character who struggles like we do or crafting a metaphor that captures something too difficult to say outright, writing helps us work through emotions that might otherwise stay bottled up.

an image of light glinting behind a planet under the text "Meta Writing"

Meta Writing: How to Layer Self-Referential Writing Within Your Story

Meta writing allows us to layer depth into our narratives and encourage readers to think critically about the text. It draws attention to the fact that a story is, in fact, a construct. Done well, it invites readers to engage with the text in new, profound ways. In this post, we’ll explore how to incorporate meta writing into your work and maintain balance so that your self-awareness enhances the experience, rather than detracting from it!

an image of a hand writing in a notebook next to the text "The Importance of Author Voice"

The Importance of Author Voice

As a writer, it’s essential to have a distinct author voice. It’s what sets you apart from other writers and makes your work unique. Your author voice is your personality and your style that comes through your writing. It’s not just what you say, but how you say it that matters. Developing your author voice can be challenging, but it’s a critical skill to master. Read on to explore the importance of author voice and how to find and develop your unique writing style.

clip art post-it notes surrounding the text "Creating an Editorial Calendar for Your Book"

Crafting a Foolproof Editorial Calendar for Your Book

If you’re a writer, managing your time effectively is crucial to achieving your goals and maintaining a consistent output. One of the most effective tools to help you stay organized and on track is an editorial calendar. An editorial calendar for writers serves as a strategic roadmap, outlining your content creation, revision, and marketing efforts over a set period. By thoughtfully planning your writing projects and associated tasks, you can enhance productivity and ensure a steady flow of work.

a young woman sitting in front of an armchair, drinking tea from a clear mug and looking at a notebook alongside the text "building sustainable writing habits"

Can a Writing Habit Be Too Rigid? How to Stay Flexible and Avoid Burnout

As you work to develop your writing habits, remember that consistency is key—but so is flexibility! Life can be unpredictable, and maintaining a writing routine that adapts to the ebbs and flows of your schedule will help you stay energized and productive without burning out. By finding the right balance between discipline and relaxation, you can continue growing as a writer while preserving your passion for the craft.

line art of a man with his arm around a woman and a heart between them alongside the text "Love across genres: How Romance Fits in Every Story"

Love Across Genres: How Romance Fits in Every Story

Romance doesn’t always need to be the central focus of a novel; it can subtly weave its way into genres like science fiction, fantasy, thriller, or historical fiction, adding depth and emotional resonance. After all, love permeates our everyday lives—it’s a driving force in our relationships, decisions, and even our struggles. So, why shouldn’t romance also be an underlying force in books?

illustrations of heart-shaped balloons and heart-shaped pennants next to the text "30 Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts"

Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, affection, and connection. As a writer, it’s an opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of love through your craft. Whether you’re aiming to pen a heartfelt poem, a short story, or a personal essay, the following prompts are designed to ignite your imagination and deepen your understanding of love in its many forms!

an image of a statue wearing headphones and a stack of books under the text "Adapting Your Book for Audio"

Adapting Your Book for Audio

In recent years, the audiobook market has experienced explosive growth, with millions of listeners turning to audiobooks as a convenient and immersive way to experience stories. For authors, this presents an exciting opportunity to reach a wider audience and enhance the impact of their work. However, adapting your book for audio format requires more than simply turning pages into sound.

A woman with short gray hair and glasses sitting at a computer next to the text "Writing as a Second Act"

Writing as a Second Act: Becoming an Author Later in Life

Starting a writing career and aspiring toward becoming an author later in life might feel intimidating, but it’s a thrilling, rewarding adventure. You don’t have to follow a conventional path to become an author. Whether you’ve spent years honing your craft or you’ve just recently discovered a passion for storytelling, it’s never too late to dive into the writing world!

An image of five children in glasses laying with their heads together next to the text "Writing Child Characters while avoiding stereotypes"

Writing Authentic Children: Avoiding Stereotypes and Precociousness

Creating young characters that feel real is a delicate balance. While it’s tempting to make them stand out by adding unique qualities, it’s important to resist making them overly precocious or stereotypical—doing so can strip them of their genuine, relatable qualities, making them feel more like a plot device than a fully realized character. Writing child characters that resonate requires a careful balance of age-appropriate traits and emotional depth to avoid falling into the trap of making them overly mature or one-dimensional.

hands typing on a laptop next to an open notebook and the text "The Psychology of Rewriting"

The Psychology of Rewriting: Understanding the Challenges

Rewriting is often described as the heart of writing—where the real magic happens—yet it’s also one of the most daunting phases of the creative process. Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern not just in my own rewriting journey but in the struggles other writers share: rewriting feels impossibly hard. But why? Let’s dive into the psychology of rewriting and explore strategies to approach it without losing momentum.

clipart constellations bordering the text "Astrology and Astronomy in Writing"

Stories in the Stars: Using Astrology and Astronomy in Your Writing

Since ancient times, humans have looked to the stars for guidance, inspiration, and a sense of wonder. Astrology and astronomy offer writers a treasure trove of themes, symbols, and settings to enrich their storytelling. So, whether you’re weaving constellations into a fantasy world or using astrological traits to develop characters, exploring the stars can add depth and intrigue to your writing!

clipart of a large family of all ages under the text "Writing Multigenerational Stories"

Writing Multigenerational Stories: Braiding the Past, Present, and Future

Multigenerational stories resonate because they explore universal themes like family, legacy, and connection. They invite readers to journey through time, understanding how decisions made in one era ripple through the lives of future generations. Whether it’s the epic sagas of One Hundred Years of Solitude or the heartfelt connections in The Joy Luck Club, these stories capture the complexities of human relationships over time.