Every writer has their own way of getting into the right—or, rather, write—headspace for writing. They might need a hot cup of coffee or tea to get their ideas brewing, start off with meditation or prayer, light a candle for ambiance and aromatherapy , or spend a few minutes tidying their writing space before sitting down to work. For a lot of writers, that routine also includes music. Even if you prefer writing in silence, creating a playlist inspired by your WIP can give yo

A story passes through many hands before it reaches bookshelves, and among the first are those of beta readers. Beta readers provide feedback on your draft from the perspective of a reader. This gives you a sense of what works within your story and which areas need a little more work before it's ready for publication. A good beta reader's feedback extends beyond generic remarks like "good" or "I don't like this," getting into the specifics of why they feel that way, and they

Disclaimer: this post is not directed towards Audra Winter specifically, nor anyone on or affiliated with her team. via Goodreads The bookish corner of the internet can be a lovely place. Even though it's got its unfavorable areas, it's an asset for writers seeking community, writing advice, or avenues for networking and marketing. The rise of BookTok has made it an especially powerful tool for authors and authors in the making. But with that power can come contention when th

For a lot of writers, writing is a form of self-care unto itself. Ditching the everyday hustle and the mundane idiosyncrasies of reality in favor of swoon-worthy romances, adventure, and intrigue, being able to explore a new place of our own making and become anyone we want with a swipe of the pen—who doesn't love that? But even though writing is an escape, it can still become stressful. A lot of writers sneak their writing into the nooks and crannies of their day, balancing

via Steam Like many writers out there, I'm also a gamer. And like a lot of folks, I got really into Animal Crossing during the pandemic lockdown. Checking on my island was a daily ritual and became my favorite way to unwind once I'd started at a new job after being laid off following a furlough. That said, I'm not what you'd call a cozy gamer. My idea of cozy gaming is putting on my comfiest pajama pants, making some cocoa, curling up under a throw blanket, and listening to

Chances are, if you've seen me on social media or have read posts on this blog, you know I work at an escape room. I've been there for about a year and a half now, and it's been such a wonderful experience. It may not be what I scribbled down on a kindergarten "When I grow up..." project (for the record, my actual answer was zookeeper), but it's a job that feels like it was made for me. In all honesty, it is my dream job. And frankly, I like to think I'm pretty good at it. F