How to Mourn that Story you never Finished

April 30, 2025 ~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

Some stories don’t make it. I’m sure you’re already WELL aware of that if you’re a writer.
Not because they weren’t good, or because you didn’t care enough, but because something shifted. You outgrew it. Life got busy. The plot unraveled. Or maybe the fire that lit it up when you first started just… dimmed. It doesn’t interest you anymore.

And now it sits in your drafts folder, collecting dust or …uh… pixels.

If that’s where you’re at: I see you.

So here’s a little post I’ve been wanting to write for awhile on mourning the death of your story and what you can learn from the whole thing. Very similar to my post on knowing when to quit on a story, this post will focus on the after and the questions you can critically ask so you can grow and learn. Otherwise, the experience can be discouraging and it feels like you just dumped your time into a project that never showed tangible results. So let’s try and avoid that. 🙂

Read It With Curiosity, Not Criticism

When you’re ready, go back and reread the draft. Not to fix it, but to understand it.

Ask yourself some qestions such as:

What parts still make you feel something?
What parts confused you or dragged?
Where were you trying too hard to be someone you’re not as a writer?

Remember: you wrote that version of the story with the skills and heart you had then. That’s a snapshot of a creative moment in time. It deserves to live on. Please, please, please don’t delete no matter how cringe and blackmail worthy this piece might be.

Look for the Seeds You Can Replant Elsewhere

Even if the story didn’t grow into what you imagined, that doesn’t mean it was wasted. Often, buried in “dead” drafts are pieces worth saving:

A compelling side character
A setting that still sparkles in your mind
A line of dialogue that makes you sit up and whisper, “That’s it.”

You might not resurrect the whole story but you can borrow from its bones. Let it compost into something new.

Track Your Creative Patterns

Unfinished stories are often full of clues about yourself. It holds your interests, your hang-ups, and what you feel is important.

Try this:

Make a list of your abandoned stories.
Jot down what each one was trying to explore (themes, feelings, questions).
See what repeats.

You might realize you always write about lonely girls and overgrown gardens. Or that your stories die when the middle turns into a slog. That kind of self-awareness? Invaluable. Plus you can use it to inform your creative decisions moving forward. Try and place what you wanted from this draft.

Final Thought:

It’s okay if the ending never got written. And who knows? One day you might go back. Maybe not to fix it, but to pick up where you left off. Or not. Either way, the story gave you something.

List of Plot Twists

April 28, 2025April 28, 2025 ~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Few things are more satisfying in a story than a well-executed plot twist. The kind that makes readers gasp, flip back a few pages, or text their friends in all caps. A great twist doesn’t just shock. When done CORRECTLY it deepens the story, redefines characters, or forces the audience to see events in a new light. But how do you craft a twist that doesn’t feel forced, cheap, or predictable?

The key to a successful plot twist is planting subtle clues throughout your story while keeping the big reveal hidden until just the right moment. Below is a list of plot twists you can use, adapt, or mix into your writing to keep readers on their toes. I will reiterate though that plot twists need to be BUILT into a story. They’re not supposed to be cheap punches to invoke a response from your reader. Pacing is everything. Clues are everything. Hints are everything. The devil is literally in the details! Anyways, enough precursors and disclaimers. I trust you with my list of plot-twists. (I’m assuming you’re a big kid writer who knows exactly what you’re doing! Don’t all writers know exactly what they’re doing ahaha….)

Classic Identity Twists

The protagonist is actually the villain but doesn’t realize it.
A trusted ally was working against the hero all along.
The villain is secretly related to the protagonist.
The protagonist’s memories have been altered or erased.
The main character isn’t who they think they are—a clone, an imposter, or someone else entirely.

Revelations About the Past

A seemingly minor character was the true mastermind behind everything.
A past event didn’t happen the way everyone remembers.
The protagonist was unknowingly responsible for a tragedy.
The villain is actually seeking revenge for something the hero did.
The hero was lied to about their origins or purpose.

Unexpected Alliances & Betrayals

The hero and villain must work together to stop a greater threat.
A sworn enemy turns out to be a long-lost friend.
The mentor figure betrays the protagonist at a crucial moment.
A character thought to be dead is alive—and has switched sides.
The sidekick was the real hero all along.

Reality-Shifting Twists

Everything was a simulation, test, or dream—but the consequences are real.
The story is actually taking place in a different time period or world than initially believed.
The narrator has been unreliable, misleading the audience the whole time.
Magic or supernatural elements exist in what was thought to be a realistic setting.
The protagonist is not the first version of themselves—they’ve been replaced, cloned, or resurrected before.

Unexpected Outcomes

The villain wins, and the hero must find a way to live with it.
The big battle never happens because the conflict was a misunderstanding.
The supposed chosen one is a fraud—or the real chosen one is someone else.
The hero gets what they wanted but realizes it wasn’t what they needed.
The villain was never actually evil—just misunderstood or manipulated.

Final Thoughts

And here is the conclusion where I restate my hypothesis-er, intro I mean. A great plot twist isn’t just about shocking your readers. It should enhance the story, add emotional weight, and feel earned. By layering foreshadowing and character depth, you can craft twists that will surprise without feeling random. Do you have a favorite plot twist from a book or movie? Or have you written one you’re especially proud of? Share it in the comments! I love reading everything everyone has to share.

K byeeeee!

Character Quirks: They Make a Difference

April 21, 2025 ~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Creating a compelling character isn’t just about giving them a name and a goal to achieve. It’s also about making them feel real to your reader. And what makes someone feel real? The little things. The devil’s in the details.

The way they tap their fingers when they’re nervous, the fact that they always hum while making coffee, or their unshakable belief that their lucky socks will change their fate. These quirks and habits add layers of depth and relatability, making characters leap off the page and stick in readers’ minds.

If you’re looking to add some personality to your cast, here’s a list of quirks and habits you can use or adapt to fit your story. Whether you’re writing a hero, a villain, or someone caught in between, the right little detail can make all the difference.

Common Quirks & Habits for Your Characters

Nervous Habits

Biting nails or lips
Tapping their foot incessantly
Playing with hair or twisting rings
Cracking knuckles, neck, or back
Tugging at sleeves or clothing
Fidgeting with small objects (coins, pens, paperclips)
Avoiding eye contact when lying

Endearing or Quirky Traits

Always carrying a lucky coin, stone, or charm
Collecting something odd (bottle caps, pressed flowers, old receipts)
Talking to plants or inanimate objects
Inventing their own slang or catchphrases
Always misquoting famous sayings
Assigning personalities to everyday items
Laughing at their own jokes (even the bad ones)

Food & Drink Habits

Always ordering the same thing at a restaurant
Hating foods for strange reasons (e.g., “Bananas feel too smug”)
Stirring their coffee exactly three times before drinking
Eating one thing at a time, never mixing food on their plate
Refusing to drink from a cup with a crack, no matter how small
Preferring drinks at specific temperatures (lukewarm coffee, ice-cold soup)

Daily Rituals & Superstitions

Checking their horoscope religiously
Only walking on certain-colored tiles
Always taking the same route, even if it’s inconvenient
Refusing to use red ink because “it’s bad luck”
Making a wish on every stray eyelash
Never leaving home without their signature accessory

Work & Study Quirks

Always writing in a certain color of ink
Organizing their desk in a very specific way
Talking aloud while working through problems
Writing notes on their hands, even when they have paper
Needing total silence—or total chaos—to focus
Humming or tapping when deep in thought

Broadly, Why Quirks Matter

A well-placed quirk can serve multiple storytelling purposes. It can:

Reinforce personality traits (A meticulous scientist always straightens picture frames)
Hint at backstory (A soldier always sits with their back to a wall)
Create humor (A character refuses to eat food that touches on their plate)
Build relationships (Two characters bond over their shared habit of doodling on receipts)

Quirks make characters feel human and help readers form emotional connections. A perfectly polished, flaw-free character is forgettable. A character who double-checks that they locked the door three times? That’s someone we recognize. We look at the character and see ourselves, friends, and family members.

Final Thoughts

Character quirks are the seasoning that makes a good character great. The right mix of habits, tics, and eccentricities can turn a flat character into a vivid one. Feel free to share your favorite character quirks and ideas in the comments below. I always love reading comments!

Masterlist of Endings

March 31, 2025 ~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

As writers, we put a lot of effort into crafting compelling beginnings and exciting middles, but endings? Endings are what stick with readers long after they close the book. A great ending can leave them satisfied, stunned, or even haunted. But not every story needs to wrap up with a neat little bow and a happily ever after. Sometimes, the most powerful endings are the ones that subvert expectations, introduce a twist, or leave a lingering sense of mystery.

Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, here’s a list of unique ways to end your story that go beyond the traditional happy ending. Feel free to use, tweak, or combine these ideas to create your own memorable conclusion to the tale!

Bittersweet & Tragic Endings

The hero wins but loses their memories.
The villain is defeated, but the hero becomes what they once fought against.
The protagonist gets everything they wanted but realizes it doesn’t make them happy.
The hero survives but is the only one left.
The love interest is saved, but they no longer love the protagonist.
The hero sacrifices themselves, but their sacrifice is forgotten.
The protagonist escapes, but their home is lost forever.
The prophecy is fulfilled, but it didn’t mean what they thought.

Open & Ambiguous Endings

The hero wins, but the story hints that the villain may return.
A character vanishes without explanation—did they run, die, or something else?
The story ends mid-action, leaving the outcome uncertain.
The protagonist achieves their goal, but a single clue suggests something was missed.
The final line contradicts what the reader believed was true.
The hero is given a choice, but the story ends before they make it.

Twist Endings

The villain was never real; it was all in the hero’s mind.
The “good guys” were actually the bad guys all along.
The entire story was a test, simulation, or dream—but the protagonist isn’t sure what’s real anymore.
The hero realizes they were the villain in someone else’s story.
The protagonist wins, but only because the villain let them.
Everything resets, trapping the characters in a loop.

Unsettling or Dark Endings

The villain wins, and no one knows the truth.
The hero stops the big bad, but a greater threat emerges.
The protagonist thought they escaped—only to find they’re still trapped.
The hero saves the day but has lost all sense of self.
The world is saved, but it’s unrecognizable.
The hero becomes immortal and must watch everyone they love fade away.
The story ends with a minor, eerie detail that suggests something is very wrong.

My Dream Life as an Author (Manifesting This Immediately) ✨📖

March 24, 2025 ~ Brooke F. ~ Leave a comment

Some people dream of red carpets and bestseller lists and their characters being played by Blake Lively (okay so maybe only a few people dream of this…). My dream however is that of a quiet cottage tucked deep in pine woods, where the only sounds are the clack of my typewriter, the occasional whinny of my horses (yes, I am a horse girl), and the soft rustle of the wind through the trees. The city? Overrated. New York? Absolutely not. Los Angeles? I shudder at the thought. No, I’m staying right here in the South, where the sweet tea flows (yuck. I actually can’t stand the stuff), the humidity ruins my hair, and the locals know how to tell a good story, true or not.

The Books: Where Agatha Christie Meets Dungeons & Dragons

If I could write anything, it would be the perfect blend of mystery and fantasy. Imagine a classic Agatha Christie whodunit, but with wizards, cursed artifacts, and a detective who might have to cast Detect Magic before finding the culprit. A world where taverns replace tea parlors, the suspects might be elves or shapeshifters, and the murderer was possibly a necromancer all along. Murder mysteries, but make them magical.

The Library: My Own Personal Wonderland

Now, my home wouldn’t just be any cottage. It would be the ultimate book lover’s retreat. It would be a place where the walls are lined with shelves, and books climb all the way up to the ceiling. A rolling ladder would be a necessity, obviously. There would be nooks for reading, armchairs worn in just the right way, and maybe even a secret passageway hidden behind one of the bookshelves… (see my previous post on my dream book nook.)

The Writing Process: Typewriters and Total Control

No laptops for me! Just the click-clack of a typewriter, because I’m dramatic like that. Would it be practical? Probably not. But would it make me feel like an eccentric genius author? Absolutely. My editor would have to deal with getting actual, physical pages, and I’d refuse to change my methods even as the world moved into holographic AI writing or whatever the future holds.

The Movies: Only Under My Watchful Eye 👀

Now, let’s be realistic here; eventually, someone would want to turn my books into movies. I would allow it… BUT ONLY IF I SUPERVISE. No sloppy adaptations, no weird modernized versions that miss the heart of the story. I’d be the author in the back of the studio, wrapped in my elegant trench coat, sipping coffee, and glaring at the scriptwriters over my glasses. My books, my rules.

The Style: Classy, Retro, Timeless

(And the delusion continues!)

Speaking of trench coats, my author persona would be expertly curated so maintain an air of mystery (to match my books). I’d dress like I stepped out of a vintage detective novel. Something Nancy Drew would approve of. Think elegant dresses, stylish coats, maybe a brooch or two. A little bit of film noir meets Southern charm, effortlessly timeless and full of mystique. When people met me, they’d instantly assume I had secrets because, honestly, what’s the fun in being an author if you don’t cultivate a little mystery?

The Travel: A World of Inspiration

Of course, I wouldn’t just stay in my little pinewood haven forever. I’d take grand trips around the world, collecting stories like a dragon hoarding treasure. A week in an old Scottish castle for ghost story inspiration? Done. A summer in Italy writing in a café? Yes, please. My passport would be well-used, but I’d always return home to my cottage, my books, and my horses.

This, my friends, is the dream. The author life I was meant to live. A life of stories, mystery, and just the right amount of eccentricity. One day, it’ll be real (or so I like to tell myself). Until then, I’ll keep writing (and waiting for Hollywood to beg me for adaptation rights). 😉

Your Turn! Share Your Dream Author Life ✨

Copy and paste this template, fill in your own answers, and let’s all daydream together!

🌲 Where do you live? (City penthouse? Cozy forest cabin? Haunted Victorian mansion?)

📚 What kind of books do you write? (Fantasy romance? Sci-fi thrillers? Poetry collections about moody cats?)

🖋 How do you write? (Typewriter? Quill pen by candlelight? Voice memos while pacing dramatically?)

🎬 Would you let Hollywood adapt your books? (If yes, under what conditions? If no, why the distrust? 👀)

🕶 What’s your author aesthetic? (Trench coats and mystery? Cozy sweaters and tea? Gothic elegance?)

✈️ Do you travel for inspiration? (Where are you going, and what stories will you bring back?)

Drop your answers in the comments or post your own version! 💫📖

Harvest’s End: A Little Autumn-y short story

March 3, 2025 ~ Brooke F. ~ 6 Comments

I realize this isn’t the correct season to post this but I found it perusing my post archives and realized I never posted it. So, here’s a little bit of Halloween in March. Hope you enjoy! ❤

~*~

“Look, it’s a full moon tonight,” said Tim, holding the freshly carved pumpkin.

“Yep,” replied his sister, Emma. “It’s perfect for Halloween.”

Tim placed the pumpkin on the porch, the candlelight flickering through the carved eyes and mouth. He stepped back and admired his handiwork. The pumpkin looked alive, eager to be part of the night’s festivities.

“What should we name him?” asked Tim.

Emma examined the pumpkin’s toothy grin. “He looks like an Evan.”

Tim wrinkled his nose. “That’s too human.”

“Well, Jack is too cliché,” Emma sighed. “How about Casper? That sounds Halloween-y.”

“Casper was a ghost,” Tim objected. “This pumpkin is orange.”

The twins thought hard until Tim suggested, “What about Rusty?”

This satisfied them both. “Rust it is,” Emma conceded with a nod.

And so his name was Rusty. Rusty felt fortunate to have a name, unlike the smaller pumpkin stationed on the other side of the door, which had been carved by their parents. The twins didn’t even seem to notice the other pumpkin before going back inside to work on their Halloween costumes. It didn’t bother the other pumpkin; both knew they had a job to do.

As the evening fell, Rusty began to feel the warmth of the candle inside him. The flame grew stronger, casting eerie shadows across the porch. The nameless pumpkin had told him about the children dressed in costumes that would soon arrive, looking for treats. Rusty was ready to shine his light and help them find their way their way to the candy bowl.

The first group of trick-or-treaters appeared at the end of the driveway, their eyes lighting up at the sight of Rusty’s glow. They approached the porch, chattering amongst themselves. Rusty felt his heart swell with joy as they exclaimed over his grinning face. One little girl, dressed as a fairy, reached out to touch his carved cheek, her eyes wide as the warmth felt the candle’s warmth against her fingers.

“This one’s got a nice smile,” she told her mother before turning her attention to the selection of candy bars that was being offered. It would be the most important decision of the night after all.

The twins had gone all out with the decorations this year, with spider webs stretching from the porch railings and a scarecrow standing guard over the pumpkin duo. Rusty watched as the children made their selections from the candy bowl, comparing their choices to the others’. The nameless pumpkin was silent beside him, a comforting weight as the night grew darker. Rusty promised himself he’d remember this night forever.

But, like everything, Halloween came and went, and the night passed.

The trick-or-treaters had thinned out, leaving only the occasional straggler to knock on the door. Rusty felt the chill of the night as the candles inside them began to die out, leaving him in darkness. As the warmth of the flame disappeared, he felt strangely hollow, missing its warmth.

In the days that followed, Rusty noticed his smile wasn’t as bright anymore. The edges of his eyes began to sink, and his cheeks grew less plump. When the children passed by without a second glance, he felt a heaviness settle in his chest. He no longer had the joy of trick-or-treaters tromping by but now had to content himself with watching the twins leave for school. Quietly, Rusty hoped the twins would remember him and reignite his candle once more. They did not.

One morning, Rusty mustered the courage to ask the nameless pumpkin next to him, “Why am I changing?”

The nameless pumpkin looked at him with a knowing gaze. “It’s called ‘rotting,’ my friend,” he said gently.

“What’s rotting?”

The nameless pumpkin took a deep, slow breath, his expression calm and tone even. “It’s what happens to all of us after Halloween. We were picked from the patch, carved, and filled with light to bring joy to others. But now, our purpose is fading.”

Rusty’s heart sank. He didn’t want to fade. He enjoyed being the beacon on the porch, the focal point of the twins’ Halloween wonderland. “Can’t we do something to stop it?” he asked.

The nameless pumpkin’s wrinkled eyes looked sad. “This is the natural cycle of our existence. After we’ve served our purpose, we return to the earth. It’s the way of things.”

Rusty stared into the night, the flickering memory of his flame bright in his mind. But what happens after? Will anyone remember us? The idea of disappearing into the ground frightened him, but each day, he could feel his form softening, his grin losing shape, and his light growing dimmer.

One evening, Emma came out to the porch with a sad look on her face. She picked up Rusty, examining him closely. “You’re not looking too good, buddy,” she said as she examined his softening smile and dark moldy spots. Tim joined her, and together they decided it was time to say goodbye to the pumpkins that had served their purpose and brought joy to many children.

They carried Rusty and his companion to the backyard, where they had a small compost pile, placing the two pumpkins gently onto the soft mound. “This is where we go when we’re done,” whispered the nameless pumpkin. “This is our graveyard.”

Rusty felt the cool earth beneath him, in stark contrast to the warmth of his candle—a memory now distant. He watched as the twins’ footsteps faded into the house, leaving him and the nameless pumpkin to the quiet night and the cold ground.

Days turned into weeks, and the porch grew quieter. The decorations were packed away, and the only visitors to the backyard were squirrels and birds. Rusty felt a strange kinship with his silent companion as they softened and shrank together. Just as he felt his form begin to disappear, the nameless pumpkin whispered, “Look.”

Beside him, a tiny sprout pushed its way through the soil, unfurling a pair of delicate green leaves. “We’re not gone. We’ve just changed. Our light has dimmed, but we’re giving way to life.”

Rusty stared at the sprout, a mix of confusion and wonder filling him. The idea of being part of something bigger brought him comfort. He watched the plant grow stronger, its green tendrils weaving through the remnants of their former selves.

As the days grew shorter and the air crisper, Rusty felt his body softening more, his shell collapsing inward. Yet, his friend’s words remained clear in his mind. “Even in our end, we are the beginning.”

Rusty felt his essence seeping into the soil. The thought didn’t scare him as much anymore. He surrendered to the earth at last, watching the fall leaves drift around him in a flurry of color. It was a peaceful end.

Winter turned to spring, bringing sunshine, birds, and blossoms.

One warm autumn afternoon, Tim and Emma found a tiny pumpkin sprout stretching up from their compost pile. Over the course of summer, this sprout grew into a small pumpkin plant, its vines stretching out, claiming the space that had once belonged to Rusty and the nameless pumpkin. By October, it bore small, round pumpkins—a miniature reflection of those before.

When Halloween came, the twins selected the largest pumpkin from the patch. “This one,” Tim said, holding it up. “Nice and plump.”

Emma nodded in agreement. They carried it inside and laid out their carving tools. That night, as they finished their work and placed a candle inside, the pumpkin’s grin grew wide as the flickering flame filled him with warmth. It was an almost familiar warmth.

Unique Gift Ideas for the Writer in Your Life

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 ~ Brooke F. ~ 6 Comments

Finding the perfect gift for the writer in your life can be as complex… annoying. I say this as a writer. It is very common that someone doesn’t know what to get me so I somehow end up with a tower of empty journals and an overflowing desk cup filled with new pens. I understand, it can be annoying to buy for us and sometimes one doesn’t know where to start when getting something thoughtful for the word-weaver in their family or friend group. Writers are often particular about their tools and tastes, but there’s a world of thoughtful, creative gifts beyond the basics that will make them feel truly understood. Here’s a guide to inspire your holiday shopping for the wordsmith you adore.

The Basics (But Make Them Fancy)

Pens:
Writers love pens, but gifting them a luxury pen—like a Lamy fountain pen or a weighted rollerball—can elevate their note-taking experience. Bonus points if you include a refill set in their favorite ink color!
Journals:
A writer can never have too many journals. Opt for a unique twist, such as leather-bound notebooks, journals with prompts, or eco-friendly options made from recycled materials.
Books on Writing:
Classics like On Writing by Stephen King or The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron are staples, but consider books on niche writing topics or even beautiful annotated versions of their favorite novels.

Step It Up: Gifts That Show You Truly Get Them

Subscription Boxes for Writers:
There are subscription services like Scribbler or The Writer’s Box that deliver curated goodies, writing prompts, and insider tips from published authors every month.
Customized Writer’s Toolkit:
Assemble a personalized kit with items like sticky notes, page flags, highlighters, and correction tape. Include a pouch or box engraved with their name or a quote about writing.
Noise-Canceling Headphones or White Noise Machine:
Whether they thrive in silence or need the soothing sound of rain, a tool to manage their audio environment can be invaluable for focused writing sessions.
Specialty Coffee or Tea:
Many writers are fueled by caffeine. Look for unique blends or quirky mugs (a typewriter-themed one, perhaps?). Add in a high-quality milk frother for the latte-loving wordsmith.
Bookends or Shelf Accents:
Help them organize their beloved writing books or display their work-in-progress stack with quirky bookends shaped like typewriters, quills, or punctuation marks.

Truly Unique Ideas for the Writer Who Has It All

Custom-Made Book Cover Art:
Writers with published or soon-to-be-published works will swoon over framed custom cover art of their book or even a faux cover design for their work-in-progress.
A Writing Retreat Voucher:
Gifting a weekend at a cozy cabin or a spot in a writing retreat program can give them the solitude and inspiration they need.
Quirky Desk Accessories:
Think vintage typewriter-inspired keyboards, literary-themed calendars, or even a tiny desktop hourglass to time writing sprints.
Personalized Word Necklace or Bracelet:
Have their favorite word, their own name, or the title of their book engraved on a piece of jewelry.
A Masterclass Subscription:
Access to workshops by renowned authors like Neil Gaiman or Margaret Atwood can be an incredible resource and a dream come true for many writers.
Unique Inspiration Tools:
Try something like the Rory’s Story Cubes or a deck of writing prompt cards to help spark creativity.
Gift a Domain Name:
If they don’t already have one, buying them a domain for their writing blog or portfolio is an incredibly thoughtful and practical gift.
Customized Wax Seal Kit:
For writers who enjoy a touch of old-world charm, a wax seal kit with their initials or a literary-themed emblem adds a personal touch to letters or notes.

Stocking Stuffers for the Literary-Minded

Literary-themed socks, tote bags, or pins
Magnetic poetry kits
Tiny pocket dictionaries or thesauruses
Bookplates with their name on them
Candles inspired by books or writing (like “Library” or “Freshly Sharpened Pencils” scents)

Of course, these gifts and their usefulness will vary from person to person. However, I think this list is a great starting point or sparking inspiration for that special writer in your life. Whether they’re a poet, novelist, or someone just discovering their voice, there’s something here for every writer to inspire them and remind them that their craft is worth celebrating.

What’s the most creative gift you’ve ever given (or received) as a writer? Let me know in the comments!

The Art of Letting Go: When It’s Time to Move On from a Story Idea

November 28, 2024November 28, 2024 ~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

As writers, we probably like to think of our ideas as precious gems, sparkling with potential and promise. But what happens when those gems start to feel like rocks weighing us down? Moving on from a story idea can feel like a betrayal. It can feel like we’re giving up on something that might have been great if only we’d tried harder. But, sadly, sometimes, letting go is the most freeing, productive decision we can make.

Recognizing When a Story Isn’t Serving You

Every writer knows the thrill of starting something new. It’s like falling in love—the endless possibilities, the bursts of creativity, the “this is going to be amazing” energy. But over time, that spark can dim.

Here are a few signs your story idea might not be serving you anymore:

You’re Avoiding It: If you constantly find excuses to work on anything but your story, it’s worth asking why. Is it fear of failure, or are you genuinely uninterested? I will say the difficulty of this step comes from knowing the difference between writer’s block, intense procrastination, or a sign to actually quit.
It Feels Like a Chore: Writing isn’t always fun, but it should bring some sense of purpose or joy. If working on your story feels like dragging yourself through quicksand, it may no longer align with your creative goals. Unfortunately, I reached this point editing down my second draft of my YA novel that was once so dear to me in high school. It no longer felt inspired and became just another task to chug through.
The Idea No Longer Resonates: Maybe it felt groundbreaking when you first thought of it, but now you find yourself bored or disconnected from the concept. That’s okay—people grow, and so do creative tastes. Maybe you’re no longer writing the type of book you would read? Maybe it’s time to expand to something different (maybe even a different genre??).
You’re Forcing It to Fit: If you’ve twisted your story idea so many times it feels unrecognizable, it might not be the right project for you at this moment. This also might be a sign that you’ve lost focus and you don’t know what you’re going for with this idea.

The Emotional Weight of Letting Go

For years, I told myself I’d go back to that first draft of a novel I finished in high school. It sat on my computer like a ghost of a dream—haunting me with the promise of what could have been. But every time I opened the document, I felt dread, not inspiration. The characters no longer felt like mine. The plot felt shallow. Worst of all, working on it felt like an obligation, not a passion.

I clung to it for far too long because I thought letting go meant failure. It took me years to realize that setting it aside wasn’t a sign of giving up—it was a step toward making space for stories I actually wanted to tell.

Gracefully Setting a Project Aside

Letting go doesn’t have to be dramatic or final. You don’t need to delete files or burn notebooks (unless you want to; dramatic gestures are valid). Here’s how to set a project aside with intention:

Acknowledge Its Place in Your Journey: Every story idea, no matter how unfinished, has taught you something. Reflect on what this project gave you—new skills, insight, or even just a fun creative spark when you needed it.
Give Yourself Permission: It’s okay to say, “This isn’t for me right now.” Writing is a personal journey, and it’s better to move on than to force yourself into creative misery.
File It Away: You don’t have to toss the idea forever. Save your notes, drafts, and outlines. You might come back to it someday with fresh eyes—or never at all, and that’s fine too. Again, speaking from experience, I deleted way too many old drafts out of shame and now wish I had them on hand. I’d love to see how far I’ve come.
Celebrate the Space You’ve Made: By letting go, you’re freeing yourself for new, exciting projects that align with who you are now, not who you were when the idea first came to you. The possibilities are endless!

Moving Forward

Writing is an ever-evolving process. Just because an idea didn’t work out doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer or that you wasted time. It means you’re growing.

So if you’ve been holding onto a story that feels more like a burden than a joy, ask yourself: Is this serving me? If the answer is no, it might be time to let go. And when you do, know that you’re not giving up—you’re moving forward.

What about you? Have you ever had to let go of a story idea? What did that process look like for you? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Take care friends & Happy Thanksgiving!

Why I Write

January 28, 2024 ~ Brooke F. ~ 7 Comments

For school, I was tasked for reading a great many number of essays on a singular topic: “Why I Write”. These readings included “Why I Write” by George Orwell, “Why I Write” by Joan Didion, “Why I Write” by Terry Williams, “Why Write” by Paul Austers, “Why I Write” by Reginald Shepherd. Turns out, writers are very concerned about tackling this question and rightly so. Burn-out is a common term used in writing spaces and for good reason. It besets you quickly when you least expect it. Why? Who knows, the answer is rarely the same from person to person. Then there is the whole conundrum of “how so I get out of this head space?”. Turns out, defining your motivations and why you do this whole writing schtick is one good way to get out of this swirling mental blackhole. And so, I created my own “Why I Write” constitution/statement of my own. While this was indeed a school assignment, I still would love to share it. This exercise was unexpectedly cathartic and I definitely recommend you give it a shot if you ever find yourself in a flurry of self doubt and find yourself asking, “Why am I doing this again?”.

I’ve included the video version (created by yours truly) and the essay itself in case you don’t feel like watching my mini-movie filmed on a my old-as-dirt ipad (edited with imovie of course). I won’t be (that) offended, I promise.

The Video:

The Essay:

Why I Write

By Brooke Freeman

I write for a great many number of reasons as do most people I think. Strangely enough, I made a list back in middle school of this very thing. At the tender age of 12, I found that sometimes I didn’t want to work on my story. And so, I made a master list of writing motivation. I dug it up for this question and have been pleasantly surprised that the reasons still very much ring true.

I’m going to share this list with you now in its true form, complete with the starry 2014 bulleted points I had copy-and-pasted from the internet because I could never figure out how to make special characters myself. I will also elaborate on how each reason is true to me to this very day. It’s nice to know that, if anything, I’m consistent.

★ The feeling of reaching that plot twist

As a kid, I posted to a lot of kid targeted writing chat boards. These boards have long since shut down but in this little internet space, I found an audience. Other kids, like me, who loved writing and loved reading. From early on, I found the joy of writing something unexpected and the reaction of those who read it. Even now, this is a process I still find myself taking joy in. Really it’s the community created in such moments that I find myself coming back to.

★Getting to write that scene.

The scene that pictured in all it’s glory. Perhaps the very scene that got me writing the story in the first place to write up to. My chance to drop that one-liner that my young self thought was oh-so-clever. And yet I still do this now. A dynamic captures my fancy. A scene springs to life vividly in my head and I need to write it. And then I build the world around it.

★Improving your writing ability

Improvement is a strange thing. I never felt like I was improving until I figured out that it often takes the form of reading one’s past work and cringing. This is something that is even more accurate now that I’m in college as I find myself cringing a lot at whatever work I pumped out in high school. And yet I don’t hate it. You don’t hate a time capsule because it’s old and outdated. You marvel at it and all the trinkets inside. And then you think about how much has changed, most of it for the better.

★Making your thoughts more cohesive.

That feeling of seeing a project come together is unmatched. I tasted it as a middle-schooler and thought “wow, that’s pretty neat to see how it ties together”. But as life has gotten messier and my thoughts and brain even more so, I think this reason has become more and more prevalent for me.

★Holding your published book in your hands.

I want to hold my words in printed form. Not that that gives them any more importance, but I am drawn to the physical space that words can take up when they’re printed. They’re beautiful as well as accessible.

★The aesthetic of the writing life is impeccable. Drink some tea, type away on a rainy day- indulge in it.

Pompous and shallow as it may sound, writing feels important while you’re doing it. It feels whimsical and sometimes even mysterious. It’s easy to romanticize. Not that you should believe yourself any better than those around you but there should be a certain amount of joy you should take in your writing work. I write because I love doing it. I indulge in it.

★Hearing from other people who have been touched by your work.

And here we are back at community. It has been a big driving force for me as I continue onward on my writing journey. From 12 years old to present, I loved the connection I got from my work. I had no promise back then that my writing would make it big or make an enormous, uncompromising difference. But maybe it did to a fellow 12-year-old browsing a writing message board. It did for me after all.

But I don’t think it’s sufficient to leave it here. Yes, these reasons are still accurate but they are no longer the full extent as to why I write. I think it would be an indicator of lack of growth within the last 10 years to no add to this list by quite a margin.

I am finding in my 20’s that I write because I love. I can end the sentence there as cliché as I’m sure it sounds. But I won’t.

I write because I love so many things. I love peeling oranges on my front apartment steps. Write because I love petting cats that never belong to me but begrudgingly accepts my affection. I love rain, birds, cathedrals, breakfast, coffee, stars, journals that are empty, journals that are filled, cattle on grass, autumn, pancakes, skeletons, tacos, photos, brown eyes, blue eyes, my mother, my sisters, my brother, and my father. I write because I love.

And finally, I write because God has been kind enough (or cruel enough), to put words in inside of me. Then he allowed me to be fed on a steady diet of books. All kinds of books too. Apologia Science textbooks, The Magic Treehouse books, Narnia, Little house on the prairie, Nacy Drew, The Magic Thief, Lord of the Rings, Calvin and Hobbes just to name a few really important ones. I was fed until I was swollen with words and ideas. Then I was handed a pen and paper-or should I say a laptop with a slow internet connection, a pinball game, and a writing program. Then later a typewriter marked down to $50 at a thrift store. Then an actual laptop. Now it’s a Journal. Paper cradled in Leather.

I write because I am overwhelmed by everything it feels like. Some mornings I feel it more deeply than others. And when I do, I crack open my journal or open up my delipidated laptop. And then I write.

Playlists I’ve been playing on Loop

January 21, 2024 ~ Brooke F. ~ 1 Comment

Music has the remarkable ability to set the mood for any creative endeavor. Whether you’re crafting an intense action scene or a poignant love letter, the right musical backdrop can transport you to the emotional landscape you wish to convey. The beat, rhythm, and melody become the heartbeat of your writing, infusing it with the desired atmosphere.

But I’m sure you already know that. My core audience is writers and we love a good backdrop to day dream to. So, I thought it would be fun to share writing playlists that I’ve been playing on repeat because they provide the perfect atmosphere for whatever I’m working on.

This Gremlincore playlist sets a sort of carefree and quirky vibe. I sometimes just put it on when I’m cooking- I don’t have to be writing. It feels like walking through a forest. I feels like catching lightning bugs. It feels like- I need to be paying more attention to whatever I’m doing. I’ve only gotten three words into my story and I’m already distracted by the immaculate atmosphere this playlist creates.

However, one little side note, if you don’t listen to anything else on this playlist, please check out the “Tardigrade Song” by cosmo sheldrake. It is an immaculate work of scientifically accurate art.

Yeaaaah, it’s no secret I’m a very distracted writer these days. But guess what! Music can help with that too! For many writers, creating a zone of focus is crucial if you’re going to get anything done. Music that is instrumental or ambient genres can act as a sort of shield against the distractions that my brain can conjure up. The rhythmic patterns and soothing melodies serve as a buffer, helping me to immerse myself in their work and maintain a steady flow of ideas. Or at least that’s the hope. This playlist particularly has helped me get quite a few writing assignments done as of late so maybe check it out.

Creating the perfect ambiance for writing involves a delicate balance of sounds that can transport you to a mental space conducive to creativity. Ambient noises and curated playlists can play a pivotal role in setting the tone for your writing environment. The subtle hum of raindrops, the distant chirping of birds, or the calming rustle of leaves—these ambient sounds can transform your workspace into a haven for inspiration…..

….. orrrrrr maybe you just wanna feel like a weary traveler trying to furiously write in a rambunctious tavern. When it comes to ambient noises, I tend to go for fantasy settings especially. I just want to feel like something is going on around me and ambient noises greatly help with this craving. I think it may be a partial side effect of living in a house with siblings growing up and having to get some writing or project done nonetheless.

Don’t mind me living out my Barbie’s 12 Dancing Princesses fantasy over here. This playlist is PERFECT for that or perhaps to be the backdrop of any regency/royal story you’re writing. It’s whimsical, magical, dreamlike- all the good things. Check it out if you’re delusional like me and am still living out that princess fantasy.

Aaaaand I think that just about does it! And now I shall attempt to wrap up this silly little sunday blog post of mine!

Ahem!

The joy of crafting creativity lies not only in the words we put on paper but also in the environment we cultivate. The subtle interplay between ambient noises and curated playlists enhances the writing experience, making it more enjoyable AND immersive. Remember, it’s about the journey NOT the destination. (or some drivel like that. Insert dramatic pause here so you have time to let that profound knowledge sink in).

So, the next time you embark on a writing adventure, consider the mood you desire to set. Whether you choose the gentle whispers of nature, that chatter of a tavern, or the curated tunes of a carefully crafted playlist, I hope the playlists I have shared can be a part of your fun little writing sessions. Happy writing!