Adopting a spiral mindset means valuing repetition with a purpose. In practical terms, this could look like returning to a previous scene to see if the protagonist’s growth is reflected properly, or revisiting an abandoned idea to incorporate it in a surprising way. I
Pick at least three old notes or ideas you’ve abandoned. Read them carefully and ask, “What does this reveal about my current project or my evolving style?” Merge at least one fragment into your next scene, giving it a fresh lease on life in your new work.
Adopting a spiral mindset means valuing repetition with a purpose. In practical terms, this could look like returning to a previous scene to see if the protagonist’s growth is reflected properly, or revisiting an abandoned idea to incorporate it in a surprising way.
Stand at the edge of your known world, look to the horizon, and take the first bold step into unexplored territory—your words deserve to be discovered by those waiting beyond the next frontier.
Next time you stumble upon a line—whether in your own writing or someone else’s—that makes you think, I wish I’d said that, pause and analyze it. Discover what makes it shine, then experiment with weaving that magic into your own characters. Who knows which unexpected phrase will revolutionize your next scene?
Identify one of your writing goals that you currently deem too big, too wild, or too ambitious. Write it down. Break it into smaller steps. Then begin the journey. Dare to prove yourself wrong—and watch how your writing soars
Spend a moment reflecting on your current “normal.” How has the writing world changed since you first started? Identify one emerging tool, platform, or storytelling format that intrigues you—and commit to exploring it this month. The new normal waits for no one. Will you choose to step forward?
This week, redefine how you measure success in your writing life. Pick one non-traditional metric—maybe improved dialogue or deeper connection with readers—and track your progress over the next month. Notice how this shift in perspective changes both your writing process and your sense of accomplishment. What will you measure differently today?
Reevaluate how you price—or perceive the price of—your own creative offerings. If you’ve been defaulting to the cost of a “large pizza,” pause. Consider the hours, passion, and craft poured into your work. Experiment with a pricing strategy that honors your efforts. Will you dare to value your writing at more than a quick meal?
A “Unique Story Proposition” refers to the core essence that distinguishes your work from other authors in your genre. It could be your voice, the angle you take on familiar topics, or the way your own life experiences shape your storytelling.
Choose one step—whether it’s clarifying your core values or seeking supportive allies—to help you stand out without losing yourself. How will you find the balance between “you” and “them”?
hen we talk about “brewing your writing with purpose,” we’re exploring the concept of tying a bigger mission or social cause into your creative output. It might be as subtle as weaving themes of environmental stewardship into a novel set in a forest, or as direct as donating a portion of your book proceeds to a literacy program.
Writers often wrestle with a familiar question: How true does this story need to be? Some argue that every detail should align perfectly with reality to maintain credibility. Others believe storytelling is about emotional truth, so bending facts for the sake of a compelling narrative is fair game.
he “selling water” metaphor stands for taking a simple idea—maybe an everyday observation or a universal theme—and showcasing it to readers in a way that feels immediately relevant.
At its core, this dilemma boils down to how you tackle revisions. The “one sweep” approach suggests you can solve every structural flaw, remove extraneous characters, and polish dialogue in one heroic editing pass. The “small tweaks” method encourages you to edit in layers, focusing on one aspect of craft at a time—like pacing—before moving on to another—like character development.
Your next move is simple: pick one writing challenge you’ve conquered—or are in the process of conquering—and craft a step-by-step solution others can follow. Then share it. Not only will you help fellow writers, but you’ll solidify your own methods and stand out as a voice of experience. What how-to guide will you create today?
No matter how you incorporate a “live” element—whether through serialized posts, candid updates, or subtle immediacy in your prose—the result is a deeper connection.
Imagine the first chapter of your novel as an invitation to a grand party—you don’t have to reveal everything at once, but you do want to tease the best parts of what’s to come. You want your readers to stay, mingle, and grow curious about the other rooms in the house.
Writers of every stripe face these evolving rules. Novelists who once relied on brick-and-mortar bookstores might scramble to master online marketing. Essayists might see traditional literary magazines fold and get replaced by digital publications.
Here’s a secret: constraints don’t have to curb your imagination. They can shape it in remarkable ways. When you face limitations—like a word count restriction or limited tech know-how—you’re forced to get creative.
If you’re not sure where to start, pick a specific element of craft to level up. Maybe you’ll focus on creating more vivid sensory details, or building tension more effectively. Then, measure your progress by reviewing your older pieces. Can you see evidence of improvement? Celebrate those mini-victories, and then set a new goal.
