Today, I want to take a moment to talk about eight of the lessons I’ve learned over my years of being a writer. Particularly, I want to share some of the the biggerepiphanies and moments that have impacted me in a way that’s changed my life. These are lessons that have been meaningful on a […]


The 5 Gift Rule for Writers at Christmas
Christmas gifts are one of my favorite traditions—and so is this yearly round-up of gifts for writers at Christmas. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to balance the joy of giving with the desire to give mindfully and sustainably. Although I used to love browsing the Internet for fun and silly writer-themed gifts that I […]

How to Trust Yourself as a Writer (Not Relying on Advice Too Much)
Today, I want to talk about learning how to trust yourself as a writer rather than relying too much on other people’s advice. This is a question I receive in one form or another quite frequently from writers, particularly the writers who are just starting out and are trying to find that balance of honoring […]

Juggling Life and Writing: 9 Tips for Maintaining Creative Focus
Balancing the pursuit of creative writing with the demands of daily life is a nuanced challenge. Juggling life and writing isn’t easy without strategies that can help us maintain creative focus amid life’s myriad distractions. Whether you’re dealing with the pressures of work, familial responsibilities, or the never-ending lure of digital devices, writers everywhere face […]

5 Strategies for Writing the Parts You Don’t Like
For all writers, there inevitably comes a time when we encounter aspects of the craft that, for one reason or another, we just don’t like. Whether it’s meticulously constructing a setting, creating the intricacies of dialogue, or grappling with a specific writing style, we all encounter elements that trigger a sense of dislike or resistance. […]

Find a Writing Buddy (Latest Edition!)
Need a writing buddy? A critique partner? A beta reader? Here’s your stop! Writers need feedback. And friends! 🙂 But sometimes it can be difficult to find someone who is willing to read your work and who is also a good fit for you and your writing. There are many different forums and groups online […]

Writers With ADHD: Strategies for Navigating the Writing Process
Note From KMW: Earlier this year, I received an email from Bret Wieseler, requesting, “I would love to see a post about writers with ADHD. If you’ve never struggled with it yourself, maybe you know someone who has and can share their thoughts, methods, management strategies, etc. You offer such great insight into the many […]

Lessons From 2023: 5 Reflections on “Flat Arc” Periods
Welcome to 2024! And welcome to what has become a yearly tradition here at Helping Writers Become Authors. Every January, I write a New Year’s post in which I look back at the year that has passed and reflect on its major themes, lessons, and gifts. When I began this little ritual six years ago, […]

12 of My Favorite Books in 2023
For a few years now, I’ve been lamenting that I wasn’t reading at the pace I was accustomed to in the past. This year, I’m happy to say… I’m baaaaaaaaaacckkk!!! :p It was a good reading year, ya’ll. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and encountered so many new authors and new ideas. Today’s post features some […]

Gift Guide: Digital Christmas Gifts for Writers
Writing is a journey, and every writer deserves tools that turn their literary dreams into reality. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned novelist or an aspiring wordsmith (or yourself!), these digital Christmas gifts for writers will inspire, empower, and elevate their craft to new heights. These are all products I use myself (or created) and […]











