Do’s and Don’ts of Maintaining a Writing Practice

June 4, 2025 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

Starting a writing practice can be difficult to start and maintain. There’s always the potential for distractions, like a child or pet wanting you to play with them. But with every milestone achieved, whether it’s finishing 1000 words or completing the first short story or essay, there is a sense of accomplishment.

No matter what type of writer you are–or want to be–having a consistent writing practice is key to making progress. Inspired by this article on Writer’s Digest website recently about the do’s and don’ts of writing, I’ve created my own list based on my own experience on this writing journey. Because while writing is a solo activity, we can all learn from each other.

Do’s:

Do maintain a consistent practice. Whether that’s 500 words per day for six days or only one morning on the weekend for three hours, the schedule is up to you. The important thing is to be consistent about it. It may not seem like you’re not making much progress with your manuscript, but by the end of several months, you’ll have a completed story.
Do read and learn as much as you can about the publishing industry, particularly about the different paths to publication. There are numerous resources, magazines, industry blogs, and workshops that can help you understand what’s at stake. The more you know about the various paths to publication–whether traditional, hybrid or self-publishing–the better prepared you will be to decide which path is right for you.
Do read often and widely. Most writers I know are voracious readers. Reading different genres and authors exposes you to various writing styles. It’s just as important to read in your chosen genre so you know what readers are buying in the current marketplace. Reading widely can help you to develop your own narrative writing voice.
Do learn about story structure (if you’re writing fiction). When I started writing, I didn’t know anything about story structure, character arcs and creating tension. I know a lot more than I used to, but I’m still learning. I probably will always be learning because I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I want to write the best story I can. So do your homework. Once you understand the rules of story structure, you can break them later.
Do develop a professional support system. Surround yourself with people who can provide encouragement and support when you need it, like when you get your first rejection notice or when you feel stuck on your work-in-progress. Other writers can provide insights about your process, and friends who are avid readers can tell you what’s working and what isn’t. You don’t have to go through the writing process alone. Reach out to others when you need a lift.
Do keep writing. This is probably the most important to-do of all. There are times when you will feel like quitting, times when the motivation just isn’t there. That’s when it might be tempting to walk away from the desk or give up altogether. If you need to take a day off to clear your head of storylines and characters, that’s okay. But walking away from your writing will feel like you’ve given up on yourself. So even when you’re having a rough day at your desk, do keep writing.

Don’ts:

Don’t worry about the first draft (or even the second). It will always be garbage, a jumbled mess of ideas. This is a normal part of the story development process. Think of the first draft as the brainstorming phase in which you throw out all your ideas, no matter if they make sense or not. See which ones stick. The real writing begins with the revision phase.
Don’t let the revision process overwhelm you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stopped my own progress because the revision process overwhelmed me. Was I doing it right? Did I really need that scene? (If you have to ask that question, you probably don’t.) It’s okay to take baby steps with revision, and it’s also okay to ask for insights from a critique partner. Take one chapter at a time and review it to see if it aligns with your overall story. Does the scene push the story forward? Does it align with the story arc? Only you can answer those questions. Revision isn’t a race, more like a rough sludge through mud. But with a slow, consistent pace, you will get to the finish line.
Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. If you wait for the lightning bolt of an idea to strike you before writing a word, you may be waiting an awfully long time. Even if you don’t know what to write about, sit down and write anyway. So what if it’s all garbage to start with. Inspiration will come. It usually does. You sort of have to knock on the door of inspiration first. The door will open and let you in.
Don’t deny your creative needs. We go through life taking care of our various needs, such as the physical need for nutrition and proper sleep and the emotional need for connection with others or giving back to the community. Most of us don’t think about the other basic need–the need to express ourselves creatively. Creative needs are as critical to our well-being as proper nutrition and self-care. They’re also as natural as breathing and sleeping. So don’t neglect your creative needs, and find ways to express yourself through your writing or other creative outlet.
Don’t be afraid to share your work with others. While you may prefer to keep your writing to yourself or wait until the story is absolutely perfect (guilty as charged), keeping your writing a secret serves no useful purpose. Some things are better when it’s shared.

You probably have your own list of do’s and don’ts about writing. What’s at the top of your list? Is there anything here you agree or disagree with?

Do You Have the Right Mindset to Be a Writer?

May 21, 2025 ~ The Regal Writer ~ 2 Comments

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

If you’ve ever struggled to write consistently–and what writer hasn’t–the problem may not necessarily be lack of time or lack of motivation. It may be because you lack the proper writer’s mindset.

Yes, there is such a thing as a writer’s mindset. The best description of the writer’s mindset comes from the Derbyshire Writing School:

* A writing mindset is about developing a way of thinking that supports our creativity, productivity and persistence within our written work.

* It’s about reframing our thinking and challenging negative patterns of behavior and automatic thinking.

* It’s about harnessing your attitude and self-belief to power through blocks to write.

In my mind, the writing mindset is about being in the right headspace to write. It’s learning to banish negative thought patterns that might interfere with your creativity and productivity. It’s about refraining from making excuses about why you don’t write.

Whether you’re just starting out on your writing journey or you’ve been writing for some time, there will be periods when you doubt your abilities as writers and wonder if you should keep pursuing your writing dream or give up on it.

Don’t give up on it just yet. To know if you need to adjust your mindset about writing, ask yourself the following questions.

1. Is writing fun or is it a chore?

When you look at writing as one more thing to add to your to-do list or it’s become a chore that you don’t look forward to doing, like washing dishes or cleaning the bathroom, then you’re not in the proper mindset. Writing should be fun. The fun is in finding the right words to convey your thoughts and emotions and seeing your stories come alive on the page. If it stops feeling like fun, think of how it can be fun again.

2. Do you believe in your writing talents?

Try this exercise: On a scale of 1 to 10, how much belief do you have in your abilities? If you have little faith in your talents and abilities, writing will seem harder, storytelling will be like trudging through quicksand. It’s not always easy to block out the voice of the inner critic. The key, I think, is to surround yourself with people who DO believe in your talents. Allow them to buoy you so you can float past the times when self-doubt tries to sink your best efforts.

3. Are you taking care of your creative needs?

We can get so caught up in our everyday responsibilities that we neglect our personal needs–whether that’s emotional, mental, or physical. Our creative needs are just as important, but we tend to forget this aspect of our existence. I believe our need to express ourselves becomes more pronounced as we get older. We need to heed the call to create, whether it’s painting, dancing or writing. Taking care of our creative needs is good for our well-being–and it’s good for our writing.

4. Do you believe in the story you’re currently working on?

If you don’t care about the subject matter or if the story doesn’t feel quite right, that can make you feel that you’re wasting your time. Not everything you write will be quality work. In fact, much of it will be junk. Don’t let that stop you from keeping at it. With practice, comes excellence. Writing is a process of self-discovery, which is never time wasted. So keep writing, and keep discovering. If you’re still not satisfied with the story or don’t believe in it, it may be time to switch things up.

5. Are you constantly comparing yourself to other writers?

Comparing yourself to other writers is a trap. Don’t fall for it. When you compare yourself to others, you will always fall short, which can kill your writing career before it ever starts. The truth is you don’t know how long they’ve been writing, or what obstacles they’ve had to overcome to achieve success. You don’t know what their journey has been like. But you do know about your own journey. It’s okay to learn from the success of others. Just avoid comparisons because it will stop you in your tracks.

6. Do you wait for inspiration to strike before you write?

If you’re always waiting for inspiration, you may be waiting an awfully long time. Inspiration doesn’t come at the snap of the fingers. Since starting my own writing journey, I’ve found that the more I sit down to write, the more stories come to me. Now I have more stories in my head than I have time to write them! That’s never a bad problem to have. So even if you don’t feel like writing, even if you think you have nothing to write about, sit down and put words down on the page. The door to inspiration will open eventually.

7. Are you focused on the process or the outcome?

When you write, are you more concerned about what the end game looks like, such as landing that first contract, or is the writing process more important? Many successful writers say they didn’t set out to be famous but to write their story. The fame and success came later after they had made a commitment to sit down and write. Focus on the process of writing. Tell your story. As a colleague once told me years ago, “Success comes before work only in the dictionary.”

8. What does success mean to you?

Being a successful writer means different things to different people. For some, success means self-publishing their first novel. For others, it’s simply getting through the first draft and getting the words down on the page. Yet others believe success comes with signing a contact with a publishing house. Think about what success means to you. Then take steps to achieve it.

Having the proper writing mindset is no guarantee of success (whatever that means to you). The only true measure of success is sitting down to write. Think of the writing mindset as one more tool in your toolbox.

How to Hook Readers into Your Story

May 13, 2025 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

If you’ve ever gone fishing (I admit I have not), you usually need something to lure your catch, such as a worm. You need to do the same for readers (minus the worm). Author K.M. Weiland describes it best:

“Unless you hook readers into your story from the very first chapter, they won’t swim in deep enough to experience the rest of your rousing adventure, no matter how amazing it is.”

Hooks are used to get reactions from readers and entice them to ask questions about what’s happening on the page. There’s some suspense connected with hooks too because they hint at the action to come, prompting readers to keep reading.

A recent webinar by Contemporary Romance Writers outlined the most common types of hooks. I’ve described a few of them below.

1. Show some action – The easiest way to hook readers is by engaging characters in some type of action. That doesn’t mean it has to be violent or mysterious, like a car chase. But something should be happening on the page. Maybe someone is cleaning out the attic and finds an old diary. Or the character is baking a cake to prepare for a wedding. Or someone else is in the middle of a presentation to their work colleagues. Avoid cliches such as waking up from a dream or a description of the weather because frankly, they’re overused and boring, and do nothing to engage readers. And that’s the ultimate goal of a hook.

2. Introduce a unique character – Introduce a character with unique characteristics. It typically is the protagonist but not always. Show how that person is different. Do they have a unique job or hobby, or unique skills, like seeing dead people? Do they have an odd habit, like being perpetually late for appointments. Or maybe your character is like John Singer, the deaf-mute man featured in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers, who befriends the lonely people in a small town while struggling with his own feelings of loneliness.

3. Form an emotional connection – Try reading the opening pages from several of your favorite books. Do they make you feel any specific emotion, such as sadness, anger or guilt? Does the action make you feel anxious for the character because they might be in danger? Establishing an emotional connection with readers will ensure that readers stay engaged and will follow along on the character’s journey.

4. Pose a question – Sometimes the hook may come in the form of a formally asked question: “Why did I think I could get away from this?” (That’s not a real opening hook; I just made that one up.) Readers will want to know who the narrator is and what they were trying to get away with. The most important question readers will have though is something they ask themselves: “What happens next?” As long as they keep asking that question, they’ll keep reading to get the answer.

5. Share a surprising or shocking dialogue – Opening scenes may feature a conversation between people, but the subject or tone may be shocking. For example, in Nutshell by Ian McEwan, a married pregnant woman and her lover discuss plans to murder her husband, and every word is overheard by the woman’s unborn child, who narrates the story. Who wouldn’t want to keep reading to know more about what happens next?

6. Include humor – Making readers laugh from your opening scene is another great way to hook them into your story. Humor can be found in the way a character behaves or in a witty exchange. In the opening scene of The Love of My Afterlife by Kristy Greenwood, the young protagonist chokes on a piece of bread and is convinced she is about to die. Her mind goes into overdrive with assorted worries and fears, some quite irrational, but Greenwood does it in such a way that makes you laugh out loud. When done well, adding humor can suffuse any tension.

7. Foreshadowing – The hook may hint at some sort of conflict or action that will take place later. For example, in the opening prologue in The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn, a mysterious stranger looks on from a distance as Eleanor Roosevelt welcomes a Russian sniper to the White House. The stranger is clearly angry, and readers sense that a confrontation will occur at some point between him and the sniper, which entices them to keep reading.

8. Describe a surprising situation – One thing all these hooks I’ve discussed have in common is the element of surprise. Something surprising or unexpected occurs in the opening scene from the overheard dialogue to someone choking on a cheap hamburger. Its impact is to jolt readers to attention, and ask the question, “What happens next?”

I’ll add one more hook to this list, courtesy of the experts at Master Class. The title of your story serves is the earliest opportunity to grab readers’ attention. It serves as a “mini-hook” using “emotionally loaded language or surprising combinations of words to hint at the story within its pages.” Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets offers a clear hook. You know right away from the title who the story is about and what they’ll be looking for.

Hooking readers doesn’t end with the opening scene. You need to keep hooking them throughout the novel. Thriller authors are adept at doing this. One technique often used is to introduce a new question every time the previous one is answered. Also try opening each chapter with a teaser – some action, dialogue, an intriguing new character – much like you do to start your story. That keeps readers engaged until the end.

Your story and its genre will dictate what kind of hook will work best. Experiment and see what works. As long as you keep the action moving, readers will ride along on the journey until they get to The End.

Building Your Story From First Line to First Draft

May 1, 2025 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

No doubt you’ve heard about the importance of the firsts in writing—the first line, the first paragraph, the first page, the first scene, the first draft. Each “first” has its own role to perform. It must contain certain elements for the story to work, just like pieces of a giant puzzle. Every element must fit together.

Why are they important? How can you make them as compelling as possible so your manuscript doesn’t end up in the editor’s slush pile? Here’s what you need to know about each of these “firsts” to readers, agents and editors won’t stop reading.

The first line

There is some debate about the importance of the opening sentence. Some say it has to grab the reader from the get-go and hint at the conflict to come. Others say it’s more important to focus on the first paragraph which gives readers more information about what’s to come.

“The first sentence alone doesn’t give readers enough information or the writer enough room. The paragraph gives enough room and direction to write your book,” says John Matthew Fox in a guest post on JaneFriedman.com.

I’m inclined to agree with Fox. I’ve read a few doozies of opening lines for some wonderful stories, but most of the time, opening lines are rather lackluster. I still kept reading anyway, and the stories were just as readable.

I see the first sentence as the first blow of a balloon. You won’t see much result from your effort of blowing, but with sustained effort, that first line serves as the starting point for something bigger.

The first paragraph

The first paragraph should make a strong first impression, stronger even than the first line. It should give readers enough information about the story to decide if they want to keep reading.

John Matthew Fox says opening paragraphs contain four critical elements:

Characterization – Readers need to learn something about the main character. It could be a dilemma they’re grappling with, some deep emotion they’re feeling or some puzzle they’re trying to solve. Readers need to know something about them that makes them relate to the character, or makes them want to root for them in the story.
Energy/tone – The first paragraph should bring a certain energy to the story. A rom-com, for example, will be written with a light-hearted tone, while a horror story might have a darker, creepier tone
Mystery or conflict – The opening paragraph should hint at some question or conflict that needs to be resolved. For example, why a complete stranger is watching someone else from a distance.
Emotion – Finally, the first paragraph should exude some emotion to hook the reader, whether that’s fear, grief or disappointment.

The first page

At an average length of 250 to 300 words, the opening page has to do a lot of things in a short amount of time to kick the story into high gear. It’s the heavy lifter of all the firsts.

In a recent weekly newsletter, Karyn Fischer of Story & Prose outlines the common elements of the first page.

* Character and desire – What does the character want? The first paragraph might have hinted at this, but the opening page goes into more depth.
* Conflict and stakes – What or who opposes the main character in getting what they want? * Voice – Fischer says it’s often difficult to pinpoint voice, but you might detect it through the way they speak or think. Does their voice sound true to life?
*Setting and world-building – The first page should give readers a sense of where they are in the story. Perhaps it’s a birthday party in someone’s home, the site of a car accident or a courtroom. Don’t overload the story with setting details, but sprinkle them throughout to give a sense of time and place.
* Action – Make sure the character is doing something, whether it’s baking a cake or being chased by thieves.
* Genre – Depending on the genre, the opening page should hint at the type of story people are reading. In historical fiction, for example, the first page might have visual cues that show time and place.

First scene/first chapter

I’ve combined the first scene and chapter into one section for a couple of reasons. First, they consist of the same elements and strive to accomplish the same goals. Second, a chapter may consist of a single scene, or several.

While the first page does a lot of work to prepare readers for what’s next in the story, the first scene or chapter ramps up the effort. In addition to doing what the first page does, the first scene or chapter does more, such as:

* Introduce other compelling characters that will either support or antagonize the main character.
* It grounds the reader into the story, providing more details about what the protagonist is dealing with.
* It continues to build on the tone established in the first page.
* It provides the hook that will keep readers turning the page.
* Depending on the story, the first chapter (not necessarily the first scene) should contain the inciting incident, the situation that gets the story moving.

By the end of the first scene or chapter, readers should know enough about the main character and their plight to determine if they like the character and empathize with their situation. If readers don’t find anything to like about the character, it’s likely they’ll give up on the story.

First 50 pages

The first 50 pages are important because it’s those pages that many editors and agents will review to determine if it’s worth reading—and publishing. It’s also a litmus test for readers. If the story loses its steam, readers will lose interest before they get to that 50-page mark. More specifically, the first 50 pages:

* Give readers, agents and editors an impression of your writing style.
* Includes the inciting incident and shows the raising of the stakes
* Shows the initial progress in the protagonist’s character arc. How will they grow or progress as the story moves forward?

First draft

When you finish writing your first draft, you might think your work is done. But it’s only just starting. The editing and rewriting process is where the real creativity begins, experts suggest.

The first draft, in all its messy glory, should contain the spine of the story—namely the who, what, when, where, why and how. It has three main goals:

* Helps you get all your ideas down on paper, from characters and their backstory to setting and dialogue.
* It helps you lay out the major plot points.
* It provides a road map for how to proceed during the revision process.

If all goes well at each of these “first” elements, then it’s only a matter of time before you enjoy the next first in your professional writing life—publishing your first book.

Going Solo: Managing Your Workload

April 22, 2025 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

As much as I like my independence, there are times I wish I had a work colleague, someone to bounce ideas off of or someone to negotiate on my behalf. The office pet doesn’t count.

One of the challenges of being a solopreneur is managing the workload. You are literally on your own to handle the mundane tasks like invoicing, marketing and fixing computer problems. There’s more to being a solo artist than meets the eye.

Managing a solo workload can be challenging for some writers, who would prefer to focus on developing their craft than developing their business. At a webinar presented by the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) I attended recently, a couple of project management experts outlined their tips for managing a solo workload.

1. Plan for the week ahead. Look at your calendar and make a master list of all the projects that need to be done and another list of the tasks that can wait. If possible, do this on Sunday evening when your mind is fresh. It’s important to make time in your schedule for business development to keep the pipeline flowing with work. Figure at least an hour a day for business development if you’re already busy; spend more time for that task if you’re not.

2. Break down tasks into those you do weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually. Assign short term goals for how much time you want to spend on those tasks. Invoicing you might do weekly, while budgeting and reviewing marketing strategy might be done monthly. If you have a business plan (and you probably should have one), experts suggest reviewing it at least once a year or once every six months to make sure you’re on track to meet your business goals.

3. Attach a deadline to open-ended projects to make them more of a priority. If there’s never a deadline to reach them, they’ll likely remain open-ended. Once deadlines are set, either by the client or the calendar, it’s a good idea to work backward setting intermediate goals and deadlines. For example, If you have a feature article due in three weeks, work backward to set mini-deadlines for source reviews, writing the first draft, completing interviews, and doing initial research. Tasks with tighter deadlines tend to be prioritized first. Breaking a bigger project into smaller chunks can make it easier to tackle.

4. Use systems to automate your tasks as much as possible. For example, use templates for routine tasks like sending out email blasts or invoicing so you’re not re-creating documents from scratch each time. Check out project management systems like Asana, Basecamp or Workfront to track your progress on major projects and set mini-deadlines.

Another option is outsourcing, especially the most tedious tasks. If you’re not numbers-oriented person—and most writers I know aren’t—hire a bookkeeper. If you’re not a fast or accurate typist, send transcription projects to places like Rev or Otter.ai. If you’re not a fan of social media, hire someone who can manage your social media accounts for you. If you schedule a lot of meetings, consider using Calendly so guests can view your calendar and set up the appointments themselves.

With so many tools available, it’s much easier to organize your time and your workload so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Once the most tedious tasks are out of the way, you can focus on the things that matter most for your business, like finding new freelance clients or finishing your current work-in-progress.

With a clear plan of action and the right set of tools, managing a solo workload can be a breeze.

Libraries: More Than Just a Place to Find Books

April 9, 2025April 8, 2025 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

This is National Library Week. In honor of this event, I’m reposting this story from several years ago. I’ll be back next week with a fresh story. Enjoy.

Several years ago, I wrote about how libraries have evolved since my childhood. For awhile, many people thought libraries were on the verge of extinction as Amazon dominated the book marketplace. But that may no longer be the case. Just as independent bookstores found ways to survive by offering products and services not offered by Amazon and national chains, the public library has extended its offerings beyond short-term book loans.

According to a recent article on Vox, the library’s main purpose is to help educate the community; Amazon’s purpose is to simply sell books (and a million other things). The library still remains relevant today because it serves the public’s demand for information and resources, especially to underserved populations, at no cost.

With a focus on education and lifelong learning, the neighborhood public library has expanded its services beyond book loans. They’ve become multi-purpose destinations. And libraries are being re-designed to accommodate these expanded offerings.

If you haven’t visited a library lately, you may be surprised to find what’s available there. A Pew Internet survey from 2014 found that while many people think libraries continue to serve a useful purpose in their communities, a significant percentage did not realize the scope and depth of the services offered at libraries. For example, visitors can get income tax advice or job assistance. They can learn a new language, get literacy tutoring, participate in film discussions or research their family history.

Libraries house historic and genealogy records, map collections and other archival documents. For example, a library in Birmingham, Alabama, has preserved records and documents related to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, according the Project for Public Spaces.

Public libraries also have community rooms, ideal for having discussions and debates about zoning changes and new proposed developments, all with the intent to help residents understand their community better.

Today’s libraries are trying to reach younger generations of readers by offering more programs aimed at teens and children. Some offer 3D printing, community access TV and radio stations, language labs and recording studio so they can record their own stories in their own words. Others encourage visitors to relax and linger over their reading materials by providing private reading nooks, creative spaces and even a fireplace.

These types of amenities aim to reach younger adults in their 20s and 30s, who have been largely absent in recent years but are the key to the library’s future viability.

As long as people have the desire to explore the world at large and engage in lifelong learning, and as long as there are family-friendly programs for people of all ages, the public library will continue to serve as a vital resource in our communities.

Don’t Let Doomscrolling Interfere with Your Writing

April 2, 2025 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

These days, it’s a struggle to stay focused on writing. With so much happening in the world, worry and fear can consume our thoughts about what the future will bring – and how it might impact our writing careers and well-being.

While it’s important to know what’s going on, spending time doomscrolling news feeds not only can halt your writing progress, it can affect your mental health.

If you’ve never heard the term, doomscrolling is the act of spending hours reading news sites and social media news feeds that can be negative and make you feel sad, anxious, angry or upset.

Doomscrolling isn’t productive for several reasons:

It’s a waste of time and energy.
It takes you away from your writing and other constructive activities that you enjoy.
Reading other people’s comments can attract negativity into your mindset
With a negative mindset, your emotional state is compromised. When your mental health suffers, you don’t feel like writing.

But how do you balance the need to understand what’s happening in the world with the need to remain sane and positive?

Fortunately, there are things you can do instead of doomscrolling to help you maintain balance and equilibrium and to minimize the negativity.

Author Bryn Donovan offers her list of 100 activities to do instead of doomscrolling. Inspired by her list, I’ve created my own. It’s not nearly as extensive (only 25 activities) but they promise similar results – maintaining balance at a time when life seems rocky and unpredictable.

Use writing as an outlet for escape. Try journaling or bury yourself in your latest work in progress.
Commune with nature. Go for a walk, do some stargazing, sit by a river and watch the water flow, listen to the birds chirping, or watch squirrels chase one another.
Listen to music. Ideally something soft and calming that will take the edge of your emotions.
Get some exercise. Lift weights, go running, play golf or do some yoga. Staying active can give you peace of mind.
Watch a movie. Fictional worlds can be easier to deal with.
Dance. Put on some happy music and let your feet move.
Call a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while.
Watch sports. Go to a baseball game or watch a match on TV.
Work on a puzzle or play a computer game.
Cuddle or play with your favorite furry friend. They’ll appreciate the love and return it in kind.
Spend an hour at the library or bookstore and browse the shelves.
Spend time in the kitchen. Bake cookies or try out a new recipe.
Read a book. Reading is always a good option to escape the stresses of life.
Draft your next story or poem. Exercise those creative juices.
Do some light housekeeping. Sweep the floors, do laundry or wash dishes.
Take a bath or shower. Wash away those blues.
Start a garden. Grow your own herbs.
Sketch or draw. Or if you’re not artistic, color in an adult coloring book.
Work on a crossword puzzle.
Read the dictionary or thesaurus. Yeah, I know it sounds strange, but imagine how you can grow your vocabulary.
Plan your next vacation. Check out different places you’d like to visit, then make plans to see them in person.
Sign up for an online course. You’d be surprised how many low-cost or free courses are available through Udemy or Coursera.
Read about writing. With so many writing blogs, your choices are endless.
Update your music playlists. Add some new music or create a playlist with songs that make you feel good.
Create something beautiful. Indulge in a craft of some sort, like make a floral arrangement, design a spring-themed wreath, make your own scented candle. Bringing beauty into the world, no matter how imperfect, can make you feel better.

The next time you’re tempted to indulge in doomscrolling on social media, take a step back. Consider doing something constructive instead. Your writing life and mental well-being will thank you.

Alternative Pre-Writing Methods to Kickstart Your Novel

March 20, 2025 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

Last week, I wrote about becoming a puzzler, which combines elements of plotting and discovery writing (pantser). It’s a happy medium for those who need some structure in the way they plan their novels, but still want the flexibility of organic story development.

One of the tools puzzlers may use is storyboarding, which helps them visualize key plot points. In fact, there are numerous other methods writers can use to help them structure and visualize their stories before they begin writing, such as mind mapping, collages, tarot cards and Enneagram personality types. I’ll describe each of these below (plus a couple others). Granted, they may not be for everyone, but they might be worth exploring to see how they might work for you.

Collages – Collages are a collection of photos that help writers “see” the details of their story. By cutting out images from magazines and pasting them on poster board, or using a digital platform like Canva or Pinterest, you can compile images representing the characters and settings. You can add other elements, such as a car that a character might drive, a restaurant where two characters meet, or a school where a particular event takes place. Add swatches of fabric to represent a dress a character wears, as well as sketches, drawings, symbols or anything else that might inspire a key plot point. Collages not only provide a visual cue, they can be fun to put together and provide inspiration for those times when you feel stuck.
Mind mapping – Also known as clustering, this method helps writers see the connections between unrelated ideas. It can also help them understand theme, conflict, and character development. Start with your main concept in the center captured with some central image such as a cloud. From that image are branches that represent the main themes of your story. Each branch comprises a key word that’s printed on its associated line. Topics of lesser importance are represented as twigs. Viewed together, the twigs and branches form a structure of interconnectedness. For more information about mind mapping, visit Mindmapping.com.
Storyboarding – Using index cards or post-it notes, or even sketches, jot down each scene as you think of them. One scene per card. Then rearrange them in the order that seems to make the most sense for your narrative. By looking at the cards, you can see whether the sequence of scenes makes logical sense and if there are any scenes that need to be added or changed. It provides a tool for planning your story before you begin writing it so you’re not wasting time on writing scenes that will only be cut later. Learn more about story boarding at Gilliam Writers Group.
Tarot Cards – Tarot cards provide a range of meanings whether they appear upright or reversed. Cards representing the king, queen, prince and page can represent individual characters while the four main elements each have their own meaning: Swords for intellect, Cups for love and emotion, Wands for work and physical activities, and Discs for wealth and resources. Some writers, like Quinn Diacon-Furtado, turn to tarot cards when they feel stuck in their story and seek clarity about their characters, settings or plot.

“As a writer, I’ve learned to use the tarot to explore my characters, intuit plot, and to reflect on my creative process,” she explains in a Writer’s Digest article. “Unlike conventional writing guides, I’ve found that tarot cards offer a dynamic landscape of symbols and archetypes that help me work through the nuances of character development, the intricacies of plot dynamics, and the richness of world-building.”
Enneagram – The Enneagram is a geometric diagram with nine points, each representing a personality type. It shows the interconnectedness of the personalities. Writers have used the Enneagram to understand characters’ personalities, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they might relate to characters of other Enneagram personalities. Some personalities will get along better with other types while other combinations may become rife with conflict. You can find out more about the Enneagram diagram here.
Timelining – This tool is especially helpful if you’re writing a story with multiple timelines. How do you keep those timelines straight so readers don’t get confused? Timelining can be as simple as a straight line across the page with each major plot point marked. Or it can be more complex as a spreadsheet with multiple timelines for multiple plots. Doing a timeline before writing helps writers organize their thoughts and ensure a logical progression of events as well as the character’s arc of development over time.
Zero drafting – Only recently did I learn about zero drafting, which falls somewhere between a basic outline and the first draft of a novel. It can sometimes be used as a brainstorming session. Writers use this method to work out key details of their story, using phrases, slap-dash prose, or bullet points without any consideration for word count, quality of writing or formatting. Zero drafting allows writers to get to the spine of the story without expending time and energy on a first draft. It’s ideal for writers who are still working out the basic framework until they feel ready to start writing.

Though I have never used this zero drafting myself, I can see how it can be useful, not just for creating your story framework, but also for drafting your synopsis.

No matter where you are in your project, these pre-writing methods can help you explore your stories before you begin to put pen to paper.

Neither a Plotter Nor a Pantser? Try Becoming a Puzzler

March 13, 2025 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

Writers usually fall into one of two categories: the plotter or the pantser.

Plotters prefer to plan out every aspect of their stories ahead of time, from the setting, character, theme, structure. They will plot out every scene from the opening paragraph to the final resolution. They have to know every detail in advance before starting to write. Plotting allows writers to view their story from all detailed angles. They know exactly what they want to write before writing it.

I’ve tried this plotting approach once before early in my fiction writing. It was the first story I attempted to write. I quickly gave up on it because I found it limiting. My plotting didn’t allow for new characters to show up, and I struggled to find the right place in the story for new scenes as I thought of them.

Still there are plenty of authors who have plotted their way to success. Fantasy author K.M. Weiland is a big proponent of outlining and story structure, and goes into a deep dive on these subjects on her blog. She’s also written several books about plotting if you want to learn more.

One disadvantage I see is the extra time it takes to get the details “just right.” It can take the wind out of your creative sails too. By the time you’re done plotting, you could lose interest in your story because you feel you’ve already written it in plotting form.

But not every writer works that way.

Then there are the pantsers . . .
I always believed I was a pantser, also known as a discovery writer, because I enjoyed discovering my story as I wrote. With only a vague sense of main characters and a few scene ideas, pantsers tend to begin writing if only to see where the story takes them, or whether there’s a story at all.

The advantage of writing by the “seat of your pants” is that it gives the imagination free rein. The story, without the limits of plotting, can go in a multitude of directions, and it can be fun to discover new characters and settings that you didn’t think of initially. Writers feel free to explore their story world without the limitations of a set of rules or structure.

The downside, however, is that by the end of the drafting phase, what writers have is a ton of material with no cohesiveness between scenes, characters or plot. That only makes the editing phase much harder because there’s so much material to dig through, and much of it will land on the cutting room floor anyway. As I quickly learned, pantsers usually have to do several rewrites to get the story to where you want it to be, which can be a drain on time and energy, not to mention patience.

What if you’re neither a pantser nor a plotter – or you’re a little of both?
While I’ve experimented with both of these approaches, I realized that I don’t fit neatly in either one. While I love exploring plots and characters organically, I also recognize that I need to plot my story to some extent so I know where it’s going. Otherwise, I’m only spinning my wheels, editing and rewriting sections until they feel right.

Enter Puzzling.

The Novel Smithy Lewis Jorstad explains that puzzling works by bringing elements of plotting and pantsing together. For example, perhaps you have a brilliant story concept and can visualize several scenes in your mind, have a rough idea of characters and an inkling of how it will end. Using index cards or post-it notes, jot down each individual scene – one idea per card. You may not think of every scene right off the bat. You may only have three or four scenes to start. But that’s okay. What you are doing is creating a puzzle with various pieces that will eventually fit together. This is the discovery part.

Once you have a collection of scenes on index cards (or post-it notes), spread them all out on a table or tape to the wall so you can see them all at a glance. Then rearrange them in the order you think they should go. This is the plotting aspect.

Once the cards are in some story order, review them again. Note if there are any gaps in the sequence. Wherever there is a gap, insert a card indicating a scene to come.

The advantage to puzzling is that it allows you to generate scenes on the go. You don’t have to think of every scene before writing. You can write the scenes you do know, knowing the rest will come eventually. You don’t have to follow any structural rules.

Even while drafting, you may still come up with new scenes. When that happens, jot them down on a card and insert them where you think they might fit in the story. You can add or delete scenes and change the order of them as you go along. It gives you more control and flexibility than a straight plotting structure, which can be limiting to those who want to give their imagination free rein.

Another benefit is the ability to review your story at a glance scene-by-scene and make adjustments to the timeline. You can also identify which scenes are the key plot points of your novel. I suspect this approach results in fewer rewrites.

Are there any downsides? So far, I haven’t found any, though I just started working with it for my current work in progress. In the short time I’ve been using this puzzler approach, I’ve learned a few things:

It has helped me maintain my interest in the story. With previous approaches, I’ve invariably lost interest in my manuscript and given up on it, or got lost in the muddling middle.
It allows me to assess my scene sequence and rearrange them as I see fit, without having to rewrite anything.
It helps me stay focused on one scene at a time. With one scene per card, I know what I’m writing next and I’m not left staring at a blank screen. The cards give me a clue and keep me on track.

If you’ve tried plotting or pantsing, and they haven’t provided the results you want, give puzzling a try. You may find that being a puzzler makes you a more productive writer.

Dictate Your Way to Publishing Success

March 5, 2025 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

Writers are always looking for ways to work smarter and get more done in less time.

Enter dictation.

When I think of dictation, I think of the old-school way of recording correspondence back in the 1980s. Managers would dictate letters and other correspondence in a recorder with a tiny cassette, then their secretaries would play it back to transcribe them.

Fortunately, as technology evolved, so did dictation and transcription tools, making it easier for writers to draft larger projects, like full-length novels. Several well-known authors routinely used dictation to help them draft their novel, including Dan Brown, Henry James, Barbara Cartland, and Agatha Christie. TV executive Sidney Sheldon reportedly dictated novels for several hours in the morning and then had his secretary transcribe them later.

I must confess I have never used dictation to draft any of my own stories, but I know that option is available. You can’t overlook its value to authors. While writing 1200 words can take a couple of hours, with dictation, it takes roughly 30 minutes.

Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer of FictionCourses.com who writes Native American historical fiction, also teaches courses about dictation. Of her 19 published books, at least 10 have been created by dictation.

Sawyer cites several benefits:

* Improved health – With dictions, there’s less strain on the eyes, back and shoulder.
* Better time management – You can dictate while waiting for appointments or walking the dog.
* Improved speaking skills – With practice, you speak more confidently which helps prepare you for author readings.
* Experiment with character voices – You can test out character voices with accents and dialects, and inject personality into their voices.

Users have noted several blocks to getting started with dictation. Some said the practice just didn’t work for them or they felt their brain didn’t operate that way. Others cited the cost of dictation software, although there are plenty of free options available, or the software was difficult to use. Still others said they drew a blank when they pressed the record button.

There are other downsides, such as messy punctuation. That only means you have to be prepared to review and edit the drafted material more carefully afterwards. The software may not recognize unusual spellings and pronunciations of character and location names, especially those you might find in science fiction and fantasy novels. Like any new skills, there’s a learning curve before you’re able to do it well.

Still if you have the patience and determination to try to produce creative work in less time, dictation might be worth a try. But which software and apps work best? Do you need any special equipment?

Jason Hamilton at Kindlepreneur shared the best dictation tools, giving the pros and cons of each.

Dragon – By far, Dragon software performed the best though the cost may put off many potential users. The Professional Individual version cost $500 while the Home version is $200.
Windows Speech Recognition – free option that comes with most Windows computers
Apple Dictation – a free option for Mac users
Google Docs Voice – a free option with the power of Google
Otter.ai – a free trial is available for new users. I’ve heard mixed reviews on whether this works for long form documents like novels. That said, I have used it for transcribing notes from interviews.

No matter where you are in your writing process or what kind of projects you work on, any tool that can help you produce more words in less time is worth checking out.

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