Writing Blog
Setting the Scene: Exploring Timberline, Wyoming and The Real-World Inspiration for My Story
I’m trying something a little different today! I realized I hadn’t created a full setting profile to reference while I’m writing, so I made a list of traits and inspirations for Timberline, WY in my notes. Then, just for fun, I fed my notes into ChatGPT to see if it could come up with a narrative description for my setting. While the language is a tad flowery for my taste, I love how the AI model managed to capture the essence of a small mountain town in the throes of a transformation into a premier resort destination. Let me know in the comments what you think of this AI generated setting profile!
📖 Creating Character Arcs – K.M. Weiland
Creating Character Arcs is an essential guide to understanding how character transformation fuels great storytelling. Weiland breaks down the psychology of change, showing how internal growth (or decline) intertwines with external plot events.
Simple Outlining Techniques for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Outlining your ideas doesn’t have to be a daunting, detailed process. While I’ve previously shared my in-depth, scene-by-scene plotting method, this post is all about getting started with easy, accessible techniques. Whether you’re a die-hard pantser or just new to outlining, these methods are designed to help you structure your thoughts without feeling overwhelmed.
📖 Plot & Structure – James Scott Bell
If you’ve ever struggled with plotting, pacing, or keeping your story engaging, Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell is a must-read. This book provides a comprehensive breakdown of story structure.
Trope Deep Dive: Grumpy/Sunshine
The Grumpy/Sunshine trope is a delightful narrative device in romance literature that pairs two characters with contrasting dispositions: one is often brooding, cynical, or stoic (the "grump"), while the other exudes optimism, warmth, and cheerfulness (the "sunshine"). This juxtaposition creates a dynamic interplay, leading to compelling character development and heartfelt romantic arcs.
Developing a Daily Writing Habit: Strategies for Setting Aside Dedicated Writing Time
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to write can feel like a daunting task. Yet, whether you’re working on a novel, keeping a journal, or crafting blog posts, establishing a daily writing routine is a powerful way to boost creativity, hone your skills, and even reduce stress. Here, I’ve compiled a list of practical tips and strategies found online to help you create a writing habit that works—even on your busiest days.
Why I Chose to Write Romance
I didn’t always consider myself a romance reader. Growing up, I read widely across different genres, but it wasn’t until about three years ago that I truly fell in love with romance. Since then, I’ve devoured books across the genre—contemporary romance, dark and taboo romance, romantasy, paranormal romance, and the occasional rom-com. Each subgenre brings something unique to the table, but what they all have in common is what keeps me coming back: deep, emotional storytelling centered on characters and connection.
📖 Outlining Your Novel – K.M. Weiland
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of outlining—or if you’re unsure whether outlining is even right for you—this book provides a practical and adaptable approach to planning your novel. Weiland explores different outlining methods, helping writers find a system that works for their unique process.
Categories
Writing Journey – My goals, milestones, reflections on my progress, and lessons learned along the way.
Writing Process – Blog posts about drafting, revising, and my creative habits.
Writing Resources – Tools, research methods, and recommendations.
My Novel – Updates on my current work in progress.
Book Reviews – Reviews of various writing craft books and comparable novels to my work in progress.