Category: Writing

How to Overcome Creative Fear and Finish Your Passion Projects

Posted on by Jennifer Gregson

Starting a creative project is exciting—but fear, self-doubt, and that relentless inner critic can stop you in your tracks. Whether you’re writing a book, painting a canvas, or launching a new creative venture, fear can make you second-guess everything.

As an indie author, I’ve battled these fears many times, sometimes delaying a project for nearly a year. But through experience, I’ve learned that fear doesn’t have to win. Instead, it can be understood, reframed, and even used as a tool for creative growth.

The Three Types of Creative Fear

  1. Fear of Success – It sounds counterintuitive, but success can be scary. What if people expect more from you? What if you change too much? This fear whispers, What if I can’t keep up?
  2. Fear of Failure – This is the classic What if I’m not good enough? fear. The fear of putting your heart into something and not seeing the results you hoped for.
  3. Fear of Judgment & Imposter Syndrome – Worrying about what others will think or feeling like a fraud can be crippling. Thoughts like What if they find out I’m not as talented as they think? hold so many creatives back.

How to Reframe Fear and Keep Creating

  1. Acknowledge Fear, Don’t Fight It
     Fear isn’t your enemy—it’s trying to protect you, just in a clumsy way. Instead of letting it paralyze you, ask: What is this fear trying to tell me?
  2. Feel It in Your Body
     Take a moment to notice where you feel fear physically—your chest, shoulders, or stomach? This simple awareness can help you move through it.
  3. Journal It Out
     Write about your fear. Ask yourself: Which fear is stopping me? Then go deeper with What am I really afraid of? This exercise brings clarity.
  4. Use Intentional Creativity
    • Tarot – Pull a card representing your inner critic and have a conversation with it.
    • Cosmic SmashBooking – A creative blend of journaling and art that helps reframe limiting beliefs.
  5. Find Accountability
     A friend, a creative community, or an accountability partner can help you push through fear and stay committed to your project.

Fear will always show up in the creative process. The key is learning how to work with it, not against it. So the next time fear tries to stop you, try these strategies and keep going.

Does your inner critic or inner fear hold you back from fully embracing your creative potential?

Whether it’s the voice of self-doubt or the protective whisper urging you to stay in your comfort zone, these inner barriers can make pursuing your creative dreams feel impossible.

But it doesn’t have to be that way!

✨ Introducing the Workshop Bundle: Creating with Your Inner Critic & Inner Fear ✨

Join me and my co-host, Sage Adderley, as we guide you through two transformative workshops designed to help you mend your relationship with your inner critic and inner fear. Through creative and intuitive tools, you’ll learn how to approach these inner voices with curiosity and compassion, empowering yourself to create with ease and confidence.

✨ Ready to transform your inner voices and unleash your creative potential? ✨

Join us HERE!!

The Inspiration Behind Aerial Ambitions: Circus Dreams, Grief, and Harry Styles

Posted on by Jennifer Gregson

Every book has a story behind the story, and today, I want to share what inspired my third young adult novel, Aerial Ambitions. This book was on my heart for years before I had the chance to sit down and write it, and some of the inspiration behind it was expected—while one source completely surprised me!

A Love for the Circus

One of the biggest inspirations for Aerial Ambitions was, of course, the circus. My main character, Roz, comes from a family of traveling performers, but she leaves that small world behind to join a grand three-ring circus in Chicago.

My love for the circus started early. Growing up in St. Louis, my dad had a lot of friends who were Shriners, and every year, we’d go to the Shriners Circus. I was captivated by the spectacle, the daring stunts, and the larger-than-life performances. My brother was even part of a local circus when we were kids, and I still remember my mom helping him put on his clown makeup.

At one point, I auditioned to be the ringmaster at my performing arts elementary school, though I changed schools before I could actually do it. But the idea of commanding the center of the ring stuck with me, and it eventually found its way into Aerial Ambitions.

Personal Loss and Grief

While the circus theme was a fun and exciting part of the story, Aerial Ambitions also has deep emotional layers. From the beginning, I knew that Razi’s older brother would die—a pivotal event that shapes her journey. Originally, I wrote the scene where he dies attempting a dangerous motorcycle stunt, but in the final version, his death happens before the book even begins.

Though I haven’t lost a sibling to a fiery motorcycle accident, I have lost two siblings to cancer. Writing about grief in this novel meant pulling from my own experiences, using those emotions to make Roz’s pain and resilience feel real. She also lost her mother at a young age—something I haven’t experienced personally, but I channeled my own losses into her story.

A Love for the Spotlight

Beyond the circus itself, Roz’s desire to perform and chase the spotlight mirrors my own past. I have a degree in theater and spent years auditioning for Broadway and regional productions. While I never reached the heights of my Broadway dreams, I’ve always loved being on stage, performing, and captivating an audience.

That craving for the spotlight is a major driving force for Roz. She wants to see her name in lights above the circus tent, to be remembered as a legendary performer. To write her character, I pulled from my own memories—learning monologues, dreaming about seeing my name on a marquee, and the thrill of applause.

A Surprise Inspiration: Harry Styles

Now, for the unexpected source of inspiration—Harry’s House, the album by Harry Styles.

For some reason, that album became my writing soundtrack. I played it every single time I sat down to write or edit Aerial Ambitions, and now, whenever I hear a song from it, I immediately feel the urge to write. It’s like Pavlov’s dog, but for creativity!

I even thanked Harry Styles in the acknowledgments of my book because I truly don’t think I would have made it through the writing process without his music. If anyone out there knows him, let him know I’d gladly send him a copy!

Finding Your Own Inspiration

Writing a book isn’t always easy, and sometimes, the inspiration to keep going comes from unexpected places. For Aerial Ambitions, I drew from childhood memories, personal loss, and my theater background—but also from a pop album that just happened to click with my creative brain.

If you want to check out Aerial Ambitions, you can read the first three chapters for free when you join my newsletter or grab a copy on Amazon (available in Kindle Unlimited, ebook, and paperback).

What’s the strangest thing that has ever inspired you? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!

5 Writing Mistakes I Made as an Indie Author (and How to Avoid Them)

Posted on by Jennifer Gregson

Writing your first book is a huge accomplishment, but the journey doesn’t stop there. As an indie author, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. Looking back, I can see where I could have saved time, energy, and frustration if I had approached things differently. In this post, I’m sharing the five biggest writing mistakes I made so that you can learn from them and avoid falling into the same traps.

1. Taking Too Long to Write My First Few Books

One of my biggest mistakes was how long it took me to write my first few books. Life circumstances played a role—I was balancing writing with raising a small child—but looking back, I see that my writing process was inefficient.

Each book took years to complete because I hadn’t yet honed my outlining and drafting skills. In fact, I had to scrap an entire 70,000-word draft of my second book because I realized too late that it wasn’t working. Over time, I’ve learned to streamline my process, plan better, and trust my instincts sooner.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Set realistic writing goals and deadlines.
  • Develop an outlining system that works for you.
  • Be open to adapting your process as you learn what works best.

2. Not Promoting My Books Enough

When I published my first book, I barely talked about it. I thought simply writing and publishing a book was enough—but I quickly learned that’s not how book sales happen. I mentioned it once or twice, assumed people would just find it, and then moved on.

Now, I realize how important marketing is. Publishing a book is a big deal, and it deserves to be celebrated and shared. It wasn’t until my third book that I truly embraced the need for promotion.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Talk about your book often—before, during, and after launch.
  • Use social media, email newsletters, and other platforms to spread the word.
  • Don’t be afraid to celebrate your accomplishment!

3. Ignoring My Gut Feeling About a Story

With my second book, I knew halfway through the first draft that I didn’t like my main character. Instead of stopping to reassess, I pushed through and finished the draft—only for my editor to confirm what I already knew: the character wasn’t working. This led to me scrapping the entire draft and starting over.

I’ve since learned to trust my instincts. If something feels off in my writing, I pause, reassess, and seek outside input before I invest too much time in a direction that doesn’t feel right.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Listen to your gut if something feels off.
  • Get feedback early in the process from beta readers or editors.
  • Be willing to pivot when necessary.

4. Not Taking Myself Seriously as an Author

For a long time, I struggled to call myself an author. I downplayed my accomplishments and didn’t give my writing the time and attention it deserved. I treated it like a hobby instead of a career, and that held me back.

It wasn’t until my second and third books that I fully embraced my identity as a writer. Now, I prioritize my writing, make time for it, and proudly claim my role as an author.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Own your title—if you write, you’re a writer.
  • Prioritize your writing time and treat it like a job.
  • Believe in the value of your work.

5. Not Reading Enough

I used to think that taking writing courses was enough, but I didn’t read as much as I should have—both in my genre and outside of it. I missed out on learning valuable storytelling techniques, understanding market trends, and discovering what readers expect from my genre.

Now, I make reading a priority. I choose books that entertain me and also help me grow as a writer, whether they’re fiction, industry-related non-fiction, or business books about publishing.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Read widely, both inside and outside your genre.
  • Study books that are successful in your niche.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

Final Thoughts

Mistakes are a natural part of the writing journey, but learning from them is what helps us grow. Each book I’ve written has taught me something new, and I’m sure I’ll continue to make (and learn from) mistakes in the future.

If you want to follow along with my writing journey—including the mistakes I’m making as I write my first urban fantasy series—join my email list! I share behind-the-scenes updates, sneak peeks, and insights into my creative process.

The Hardest Parts of Being an Indie Author (And How I’m Tackling Them)

Posted on by Jennifer Gregson

Last week, I shared everything I’ve learned as a self-published author. This week, I want to take it a step further and talk about the hardest parts of being an indie author—because let’s be real, this journey isn’t easy. But just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

1. Marketing Feels… Weird?

For some reason, marketing is the hardest part of being an indie author for me. I always worry:

  • Will people even care?
  • What will people think?
  • Am I annoying people by talking about my books?

And yet, here I am, making videos and writing this blog post because I know the only way to push past fear is through action. Marketing is really just about connection—connecting with readers, fellow authors, and people who love books as much as I do.

To push through, I’ve been:
✔️ Learning new strategies (hello, Pinterest!)
✔️ Asking for advice in writing groups
✔️ Testing different approaches and adjusting when needed
✔️ Taking small weekly action to get me closer to my big goals

2. Talking About My Books is Harder Than Writing Them

I spend years writing a book—building the world, developing the characters, crafting the plot. And then when someone asks, “What’s your book about?” I freeze.

I have an elevator pitch, but it always feels awkward. (Imposter syndrome, anyone?) To get better at this, I’ve been:
✔️ Joining a weekly writer’s group where I introduce my book to new people
✔️ Practicing talking about my book in a casual, natural way
✔️ Reminding myself that readers do want to hear about it

3. Writing Sales Copy is a Struggle

If I have a hard time talking about my books, you can bet that writing about them in an engaging way isn’t much easier. Launch emails, book blurbs, social media captions—it all feels so tricky to get right.

To improve, I’ve started using AI tools as a jumping-off point. I don’t copy and paste—I tweak, rewrite, and make it mine. And with each launch, I feel like I’m getting better.

The Biggest Challenge? Fear & Imposter Syndrome

At the end of the day, all these struggles come back to fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear that no one will care. But I remind myself that fear is just my brain trying to protect me. It’s not real.

I used to perform in musical theater, and right before stepping on stage, I’d get the jitters. But as soon as I was under the spotlight, the nerves disappeared. It’s the same with marketing, pitching, and putting myself out there. The fear fades once I take action.

So, here’s what I’m holding onto:

  • It’s okay to be awkward.
  • It’s okay to not be perfect.
  • It’s okay to mess up.

Because at the end of the day, I love being an indie author. I chose this path, and I’m still so happy I did.

If you like to keep up with my writing journey as I create this new urban fantasy series, then join the waitlist for Book 1 – World Ablaze! I’ll be sending out monthly updates, secret behind the scenes look at characters, and more fun as I spend the next few years on this fun, magical adventure!

6 Things I’ve Learned as a YA Indie Author

Posted on by Jennifer Gregson

I’ve been self-publishing since 2018, and in that time, I’ve worn all the hats—writing, marketing, formatting, working with cover designers, and everything in between. Being an indie author is exciting, challenging, and constantly evolving. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot, and today, I’m sharing six of the most valuable lessons from my journey.

1. Keywords and Categories Matter

When I published my first book, The Art of Lying, I chose keywords and categories that made sense to me—but they weren’t the best for discoverability. Later, I realized how crucial it is to use marketable keywords that readers actually search for. Thankfully, platforms like Amazon allow updates, but knowing the right keywords from the start can make a big difference in your book’s visibility.

2. Always Keep Learning

There’s so much information out there—courses, YouTube videos, books on indie publishing—and they’ve all helped me level up. My first book launch was trial and error, but by my second and third, I had learned strategies that improved my results. The publishing world is always changing, so staying curious and willing to learn is key.

3. Book Promotion Never Stops

One hard truth? Once you stop actively promoting your book, sales slow down (or stop completely). Yes, keywords help people discover your book, but you have to keep talking about it, engaging with readers, and keeping the momentum going. Still, every time I see a new Kindle Unlimited page read or book sale, I get that same thrill—it never gets old!

4. Your Newsletter is Gold

Social media platforms change, algorithms shift, and accounts can disappear (looking at you, TikTok bans). But your newsletter? That’s yours. I wish I had started building my email list before publishing my first book. Having a direct way to reach your readers—without relying on social media—is one of the smartest things you can do as an indie author.

5. Marketing is Trial and Error

What works for one author might not work for another. I’ve experimented with different platforms, strategies, and messaging. Some things flopped, others gained traction, but I’ve learned that marketing is all about testing, adjusting, and figuring out what works for you and your audience.

6. Being in Control is Both Exciting and Overwhelming

As an indie author, I get to make all the decisions—but I have to make all the decisions. From book covers to marketing plans, I have the final say. It’s empowering, but it can also be a lot. The key is to take it step by step, stay open to learning, and keep going.

Being an indie author is a journey, and I love that I get to share it with my readers. If you’re an aspiring author, I hope these lessons help you on your own path.

👉 Want to stay connected? Join my newsletter for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and book news!

A Peek into My Writing Routine: Music, Tarot, and Rewards

Posted on by Jennifer Gregson

Writing a book is both magical and messy, and every author has their own way of bringing words to life. Today, I’m sharing my exact writing routine—from the moment I sit down at my desk to the little rituals that keep me inspired.

1. Setting the Mood

Before I write a single word, I set up my space with a few must-haves:
✔️ A beverage (today, it’s water in my Minnie Mouse cup)
✔️ My outline, writer’s notebook, and a fancy pen
✔️ A tarot deck (more on this later!)

Music is also a huge part of my process. I usually pick a playlist on Amazon Music or Spotify. Sometimes it’s modern pop, and other times, I go straight for my comfort zone—the Harry Styles channel. His album Harry’s House practically carried me through the writing of Aerial Ambitions!

2. Getting into the Story

Once my setup is complete, I open Scrivener, my writing software, and read the last few lines of my manuscript. This helps me reconnect with the scene before diving in. I also scan my writing notes, checking for anything I need to remember—like character name changes or plot tweaks. I never edit while drafting, so if something needs fixing, I simply leave a note for my future self.

3. Using Tarot for Story Inspiration

One of my favorite writing tools? Tarot cards. I shuffle my deck, think about the scene I’m about to write, and pull a card. The symbolism often sparks new ideas or deepens my character’s motivations. For example, I recently pulled the Son of Pentacles (Knight of Pentacles), which is about taking action. Since my main character has earth-based elemental powers, this made me realize she could use her abilities to boost her confidence in a pivotal moment.

4. Choosing a Reward

Writing isn’t always easy, so I motivate myself with small rewards:
⭐ Writing for 10 minutes = A cup of tea and an episode of Gilmore Girls
⭐ Hitting 2,000 words = Time to scroll my favorite social media app or some yummy chocolate
⭐ Finishing a chapter = Telling a friend so she can cheer me on

5. Writing Time!

With my scene planned, my tarot card pulled, and my reward in mind, I dive into the words. Whether I’m writing solo or in a co-writing session, this routine keeps me focused and inspired.

What’s your writing ritual? Do you use tarot or music to spark creativity? Let’s chat in the comments!

Want more behind-the-scenes content about my upcoming urban fantasy series? Sign up for my newsletter below! As a bonus, you’ll get the first three chapters of Aerial Ambitions for free.

The Ultimate Writing Toolbox: My Favorite Analog & Digital Writing Tools

Posted on by Jennifer Gregson

Whether you’re a new or seasoned writer, finding the right tools can help boost creativity and streamline your process. Let’s dive in!

My Go-To Analog Writing Tools

Sometimes, nothing beats the feel of pen and paper. Here are my top three must-haves for brainstorming and planning:

1. Spiral-Bound Notebooks

I stock up on these during back-to-school sales, but Amazon also has great deals. I use them for brainstorming, outlining, and keeping track of ideas. For my current urban fantasy series, I dedicated an entire notebook to jot down initial thoughts, asking myself what if questions to spark creativity, and for keeping track of character names and descriptions.

2. Index Cards

These are a lifesaver for outlining! I love that I can move them around, shuffle ideas, and visualize my story structure. Using different colors helps me track changes during revisions—sometimes I even highlight corners or use washi tape to categorize sections.

3. Tarot Cards

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know tarot is a big part of my writing process. I use it for character creation, conflict development, and even as a daily writing prompt. I’ll be sharing more about this in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!

My Favorite Digital Writing Tools

While I love analog tools, I also rely heavily on digital ones. Here are the writing programs I can’t live without:

1. Scrivener

I’ve been using Scrivener for years, transferring it across multiple laptops. The digital corkboard allows me to move my scenes around effortlessly, which is a game-changer compared to cut-and-paste in Google Docs. While Scrivener can be overwhelming at first, taking a course or reading a tutorial helps unlock its full potential.

2. Google Docs

Though I don’t draft in Google Docs, I am currently using it to create a series bible to track characters, settings, and major plot points across the five books I have planned. It’s free, accessible, and great for collaboration – I can share the file with my editor or beta readers easily and track comments across multiple people.

3. Amazon Music & Spotify

I have to have music to write – at this point, it’s non-negotiable. I love being able to choose playlists, radio stations, or whole albums on various music websites. It allows me to groove to the many genres I adore like 90s hip-hop, Broadway soundtracks, or modern day pop music. 

4. Vellum

This is a Mac-only software that I use to format my books beautifully for both print and digital publishing.  It’s pretty magical, since none of my books have images, I can format my entire novel in 2 days and have files ready for the eBookstores in a flash.

My Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, all I really need to write is my laptop. But my notebooks, index cards, and digital tools make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

I’d love to hear about your favorite writing tools! Share them in the comments or connect with me on Instagram.

How to Balance Writing as an Indie Author: Tips for Productivity and Flexibility

Posted on by Jennifer Gregson

 As an indie author, one of the most common questions I get is, “How do you find the time to write?” Balancing writing with a day job, family responsibilities, and everything else life throws your way can feel overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve developed a system that works for me, and today I’m excited to share my formula for staying productive and consistent as a writer. 

1. Planning Is Key

The foundation of my writing routine is planning. I use two tools to keep my schedule organized:

    • Google Calendar: This helps me schedule everything digitally and sync with other commitments.

    • A Paper Planner: As someone who loves stickers and creativity, this adds a fun, tactile element to my planning.

Each week, I sit down and plan my schedule, including dedicated time for writing. My goal is to write at least three times a week, sometimes more if I can. I also prioritize flexibility, because life is chaotic and unpredictable.  For example, I’ll often plan a Monday writing session, but if Monday doesn’t work out, I move that session immediately to Tuesday in my Google calendar

2. The Power of Accountability

Accountability has been a game-changer in my writing journey. I rely on two consistent co-writing sessions every week:

    • Thursday Co-Writing with a Friend: This is a focused hour where we start by sharing our goals and then spend 50 minutes writing. These sessions are incredibly productive—just last week, I wrote 2,100 words in 50 minutes!

    • Friday Writing Group: This is a 90-minute session with fellow writers. We spend about 30 minutes chatting and problem-solving, followed by an hour of solid writing.

These sessions provide both structure and motivation. Writing alongside others, even virtually, creates a magical sense of focus and accountability.

3. Staying Flexible

Life happens, and flexibility is essential. While I rarely miss my Thursday and Friday writing sessions, I’m ready to adjust if a family member gets sick or a day job project comes up. If I miss my usual times, I’ll carve out time later in the evening or even on a weekend if I’m on a deadline.

When I do need to shift things around, I communicate with my family. For instance, I’ll let my husband and son know that I need an hour to write after dinner. This balance ensures that I meet my goals without sacrificing family time.

4. Setting Goals and Staying Motivated

Another critical piece of the puzzle is setting clear goals. I set yearly goals for my writing, breaking them down into monthly, weekly, and even daily tasks. For example, my current goal is to publish the first book in my urban fantasy series this fall and draft the second book while waiting for edits.

I also keep the bigger picture in mind: my dream is to publish all five books in the series within the next five years. Staying focused on this long-term vision helps me stay motivated and consistent, even on busy days.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Writing and Life as an Indie Author

Balancing writing with everything else requires careful planning, accountability, and flexibility. By scheduling time to write, staying committed to accountability groups, and remaining adaptable when life throws curveballs, I’ve been able to make consistent progress on my books.

If you’re an aspiring writer and struggling to find time, I’d love to help! Drop a comment below, and let me know how I can support you in your writing journey.

And if you’d like to follow my writing progress, subscribe to my newsletter by clicking the image below – bonus, you’ll get the first three chapters of my latest young adult sweet romance novel, Aerial Ambitions, for free!

My Writing Routine: Balancing Creativity and Structure

Posted on by Jennifer Gregson

When it comes to my writing process, I love to embrace the concept of loose structure. For me, it’s all about having a plan, but leaving enough room for inspiration to strike. Whether I’m working on my weekly schedule or crafting a new story, I need that white space to allow my creativity to flow freely.

Outlining with Flexibility

One of my favorite tools for outlining is good old-fashioned index cards and Papermate Flair pens. I outline each scene or chapter on a card, noting the location, the characters, and one or two key points. This gives me a roadmap, but it’s not set in stone. I can easily move the cards around if something new sparks my interest, take out a scene that isn’t working, or add something fresh. It’s a flexible system that lets me adapt as the story evolves.

Color-coding drafts is a little obsession of mine. I start with one color for the first draft—this time, I used pink index cards—and when I move into the second draft and make changes, I grab a new color. For my current work-in-progress, that meant blue cards for the second draft. When I move to the next round of edits, I might add yellow or green. There’s something about using different colors for different drafts that makes the process feel more organized and visually exciting.

Bringing the Outline into Scrivener

Once I’m happy with the order of my cards, I transfer everything into Scrivener, my go-to writing software for over a decade. Scrivener has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a fantastic tool for organizing scenes and keeping track of your progress. After the outline is in place, it’s time to dive into the first draft!

First Drafts and Breaks

First drafts are a whirlwind, and they usually take me anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks to complete, depending on how much time I have outside of writing (because, let’s be honest, being a mom and working doesn’t leave endless writing time). Once the first draft is finished, I always let it sit for a while before diving back in. Usually, I give it 1-2 months so I can return with fresh eyes, but my current work-in-progress sat for almost 8 months while I wrapped up another project and got it published.

When I do come back to that first draft, I read through it in Scrivener, taking notes as I go. These notes are often hilariously random, like, What was I thinking? What is with that name? or Who’s Marjorie? (Seriously, who is Marjorie?) Sometimes, it’s a more specific note like, Where did her dad go? or This chapter is missing something—but what?

Setting the Scene for a Writing Session

I have a few rituals that help me settle into a writing session. First, I make sure I have something yummy to drink—usually flavored water—and I always have a reward in mind for when I’m done. That reward could be food, but sometimes it’s just TikTok scrolling time (because, priorities).

Next, I choose my music for the session. Music helps me set the tone for what I’m writing. I also grab my tarot deck and pull a card for the day. If I’m stuck on a problem in the story, I’ll spend a few minutes journaling about how the tarot card might relate to my characters or plot. Sometimes, I just do this in my head and jot down a quick note on a post-it, then get straight to work.

Writing Sprints and Weekly Goals

I like to work in 25-minute writing sprints with a 5-minute eye break in between, and I usually aim for two sprints per session. Ideally, I write three times a week, but when I’m on a deadline, I’ll either add more writing days or extend my writing sessions to cover more ground.

What I love about this loose structure is that it gives me the freedom to adapt my writing routine to the week I’m having. If I have doctor’s appointments or meetings, I can shift things around rather than feel frustrated by interruptions. It also gives me space to think about the story when I’m not actively writing, which allows my muse to work in the background, sparking new ideas and keeping the story moving forward.

Balancing Creativity and Structure

Using this loose structure allows me to honor both the creative side of writing and the structured side of planning. The flexibility gives my characters room to tell me what they need, while the structure helps me stay on track and meet my deadlines. Plus, it ensures that I’m not just reacting to the pressures of life but incorporating them into my routine, so they work with me, not against me.

At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. Writing requires creativity, but it also demands discipline. By using loose structure, I can find the sweet spot between those two forces and keep my stories—and my writing process—on track.

World-Building 101: Crafting a Unique Setting

Posted on by Jennifer Gregson

World-building is one of the most exciting parts of writing for me, but it’s also a process that evolves with each story I write. My first three books were all set in real places: New York City (and New Jersey), St. Louis, and Chicago. I’m comfortable using real settings because it allows me to draw on real-life experiences and the unique vibes of these cities. But with my next book—the first in a new series—I’m diving into something different. While the story is still set in New York City, I’m adding an element of magic, with time portals and alternate realities, which has pushed me out of my comfort zone and into uncharted territory.

Brainstorming the Basics

The biggest challenge with this new world-building adventure has been figuring out how the magical elements work within a real-world setting. I started by brainstorming what these time portals and alternate realities actually mean. How do they function? Where do they lead? What are the rules of these magical spaces? Even now, as I head into the second draft, I don’t have all the answers. That’s part of the journey. My goal for the second draft is to nail down exactly how these portals work and what to call them, but for now, I’m enjoying the creative freedom of discovery.

Using Real Maps to Ground the Story

Since much of the story is still rooted in the real world, specifically New York City, I rely heavily on Google Maps to get the lay of the land. My main character, Ruby, lives in Queens, but she spends time in Brooklyn for training, and some of the action takes place in Manhattan. By using Google Maps, I can get a close look at the streets, neighborhoods, and subway routes Ruby would travel, which helps me keep the setting realistic even as I blend in the magical elements. I always keep a subway map open while I’m writing, ensuring Ruby’s journey through the city is as accurate as possible.

Filling in the White Space

I tend to be what I call a “white space first drafter,” which means that when I write the first draft, I don’t always focus on describing the setting in detail. The characters are having dialogue, doing things, but the world around them is often left blank in my mind. It’s only when I move on to the second draft that I really dive into the details of the environment.

This is where I start to ask myself all the important questions about the spaces my characters occupy. What do the rooms look like? How do they smell? What items are scattered around? For example, I think about Ruby’s bedroom—what kind of personal touches does she have? How does her room in Queens compare to her best friend’s space, or to the apartment in Manhattan? I jot down all these questions and notes as I plan my edits, and then I refer to them as I go back through each scene, ensuring the settings feel vivid and grounded.

Weaving Magic Into the World

The biggest difference in this current work-in-progress, compared to my previous books, is the use of magic and the battle against evil beings. I had to spend a lot of time journaling to figure out how magic came into play. Where did it come from? How did it travel from its original world to ours? And what about the villain—how did he gain his magical powers?

In the first draft, some of these answers were there, but they weren’t fully fleshed out or didn’t make complete sense. But that’s the beauty of the first draft—it’s a space to explore ideas, even if they’re messy. Now, as I approach the second draft, I’m honing those magical elements so that they’re clearer and more consistent. Since I plan to send this draft to my editor to begin the development process, I want the magic to feel seamless and logical, even within a fantastical world.

Bringing the World to Life

World-building isn’t just about geography or magic; it’s about atmosphere. To help me get into the right mood for different sections of my book, I turn to a few tools: Pinterest, music, and more maps. I love creating Pinterest boards filled with images that reflect the mood and tone I’m aiming for. It’s a great way to get visually inspired, especially when I’m trying to capture the essence of both New York City and the magical elements I’m weaving in.

Music also plays a big role in setting the tone. I create playlists that help me sink into different scenes—whether it’s an intense fight scene, a quiet moment of reflection, or a mysterious encounter in one of the magical portals. The music helps me connect emotionally with the scene and gives me the energy I need to bring it to life on the page.

Google Maps continues to be my trusty sidekick for looking around parts of the city that I can’t always visit in person. For example, I lived on the Upper East Side for years, but now that I’m writing from Queens, it’s not easy to just pop over there whenever I want. Using maps and street views lets me virtually “walk” around those areas, giving me a sense of the neighborhoods that my characters are moving through, without needing to leave my writing desk.

Embracing the Fun of World-Building

For me, world-building is one of the most enjoyable parts of writing. It’s a chance to immerse myself in both the familiar and the unknown, blending real-world settings with magical possibilities. While creating these worlds takes time, it’s always worth the effort when the setting starts to feel like a living, breathing part of the story. Whether I’m writing about real places like New York City or inventing entire alternate realities, my goal is to craft a world that readers can step into and explore, a world that feels as tangible as the characters who inhabit it.

World-building might seem daunting, but it’s an exciting way to stretch your imagination and deepen your story. Whether you’re setting your story in the real world, a fantasy realm, or a mix of both, the details you create will help your readers feel truly immersed in the world you’ve built.