#creative-writing

[pulpdragonpress]

Why I Write, Part II

Continuing with the history of my journey as to how and why I became a writer, this week’s post picks up at a pivotal time in my life in high school. This time in my life is what I would label as my ‘poetry years’. High school had three important moments, all around the same time for me, which led to me writing and wanting to write beyond the required pages of school. The first was my English…

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[saraswritingsanctuary]

Creating Meaningful Subplots: How to Add Depth Without Distracting From Your Main Story

A great story is rarely just about one problem, one relationship, or one goal. While your main plot gives readers the central conflict they follow, subplots are what make a story feel alive. They reveal hidden layers of your characters, strengthen themes, build emotional connections, and create a richer world. But not every side story belongs in a novel. A subplot should do more than fill…

[saraswritingsanctuary]

Building Confidence as a New Author

Becoming an author is exciting, but it can also feel intimidating. Many new writers struggle with self-doubt, fear of criticism, and the worry that their stories are not “good enough.” Even writers who have published books experience moments where they question their abilities. Confidence is not something every writer is born with. It is something you build through practice, patience, and…

[saraswritingsanctuary]

What to Track in a Writing Journal

A writing journal can be so much more than a place to write random ideas. For many writers, it becomes a creative command center—a place to collect inspiration, track progress, solve story problems, and understand their own writing habits. Whether you write novels, short stories, poetry, or blog posts, keeping a writing journal can help you stay organized while protecting the creative spark that…

[saraswritingsanctuary]

Making Time to Read as a Writer

One of the most common pieces of advice writers hear is, “Read more.” Yet reading is often the first habit to disappear when deadlines, work, family, or writing goals become overwhelming. It can feel almost guilty to spend time reading when your own manuscript is waiting. The truth is that reading isn’t taking time away from your writing—it’s fueling it. Reading Is Part of the Writing…

[saraswritingsanctuary]

How to Reward Yourself for Writing

Writing is rewarding in itself, but let’s be honest—some days, getting words onto the page feels like climbing a mountain. Whether you’re drafting your first novel, editing your fifth, or trying to keep a consistent blogging schedule, celebrating your progress can make a huge difference. The key is to reward yourself for building the habit of writing, not just finishing a book. Why Rewards…

[saraswritingsanctuary]

Writing Forbidden Love Between Rival Species

Some of the most unforgettable fantasy romances begin with two characters who should never fall in love. Whether it’s an elf and a dragon shifter, a vampire and a hunter, or two heirs from species that have been at war for centuries, forbidden love creates instant emotional tension. Readers aren’t just rooting for the romance—they’re wondering whether love can survive hatred, prejudice, and…