Hello friends! ✨ It’s been a little while. Sometimes, we need to step back to breathe… to dream… to wonder. And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I’ve spent the past few months quietly refilling my creative well—taking walks, reading magical stories, and scribbling what ifs in the margins of notebooks. I’ve also been cheering on writer friends, celebrating… Continue reading Introducing: Story Sparks…with a Tiny Spark, Soft Return
Category: Creativity
Sparks of Change
Swirling thoughts. Sparks of Inspiration. Change is good. I’m so glad you’re here because I have fun news! August is a big month for this website and I want to tell you all about it. In a few weeks, Swirl and Spark will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Ten! How is it possible that I… Continue reading Sparks of Change
4 Ways (and Walls) to Combat Writer’s Block
Writer’s block is a real thing. It doesn’t happen to me often, but when it does it’s usually because I’m sitting at my computer, trying too hard. Here’s what I do to combat that: Have a plan. When I have a general idea of what I’m writing about before I sit down at my computer,… Continue reading 4 Ways (and Walls) to Combat Writer’s Block
Name Your Characters with Intention
There’s nothing like getting your character names right. But assigning the right names can be tricky. When done well, they’ll fit each character like a cashmere sweater or a favorite pair of jeans. When done not so well, they’ll feel forced or like an afterthought—and no one wants their brainchild to feel like an afterthought.… Continue reading Name Your Characters with Intention
Foolproof Way to Get your Draft Done
Hey guys! We’re nearing the end of the month and I thought it would be good to check in with those you who are drafting a new manuscript or determined to finish a draft you’ve already started. Because I know what January can be like. For the first few weeks of the month, you’re filled… Continue reading Foolproof Way to Get your Draft Done
When You Get on a Writing Roll
I’m taking a quick break from drafting to check in with you today. Yes, you heard me right. I’m drafting... and I’m on a roll!! I’ve written over 3,000 words since yesterday. It may not sound like much, but after having a hard time getting my head into this story, it’s BIG for me! I’ll… Continue reading When You Get on a Writing Roll
Creative Outlets
Hey guys! I’m so sorry I missed posting last week, but I wasn’t actually that far from swirl and spark anyway. I was really busy getting the latest creation up on the site! For those of you watching closely, you may have seen it. 🙂 For the rest of my curious friends, click here. I’ve been… Continue reading Creative Outlets
4 Signs You May Not Fit the Writer Stereotype
We all have questions and doubts when it comes to our writing life. Am I a good enough writer? Is my story any good at all? How do I know if I’m cut out to be a writer anyway? The list of doubts goes on. We all have moments of reflection too... moments when we… Continue reading 4 Signs You May Not Fit the Writer Stereotype
The Climb
Hello Again!I’m back….and I have to tell you that I’ve really missed this blog! My Blog Break turned out to be a week longer than I had planned. To those of you that stopped by, I’m sorry you were left in the blog darkness. I didn’t mean to leave you there with an empty pit… Continue reading The Climb
Odyssey of the Mind
This week, instead of focusing on my writing, my mind has been preoccupied with something else. As some of you may have read in the Author tab on this site, in some of my free time, I coach an Odyssey of the Mind team. Odyssey of the Mind is an international, educational program that provides… Continue reading Odyssey of the Mind