Next: Get ready for new Case Studies starting next week. If you have ideas for future content, be sure to let me know.
Remember:
If you feel “stuck,” “unqualified,” or “unfocused,” you aren’t alone—and you aren’t a lost cause. These are real stories about real writers who have overcome real struggles.
If you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
Every writer’s journey is unique, but the challenges are universal. From the doubt that creeps in on the very first page to the nail-biting wait after hitting “send” on a query letter, we all face moments of uncertainty. In this series, we’re pulling back the curtain on those moments to share the stories of writers just like you. Discover how they overcame their biggest hurdles, embraced the process, and ultimately found success.
These are not just success stories; they are inspiring narratives of passion, hard work, and the power of a plan.
Viola came to me relatively recently with a complete draft that was close to perfect.
Only she didn’t know it.
The Challenge
In her own words…
“I had been working on this project in short bursts for many years. When I finally finished it, I wasn’t certain that it even made sense as a cohesive story…Since this was my first large-scale project, I was anxious about sharing it with anyone, but knew I needed an honest opinion.”
The Solution
She needed another reader. Someone thrilled she had written a book and compassionate enough to tell her what was working and not without being critical. A cheerleader.
I call them ALPHA READERS. See below for the difference between ALPHA and BETA readers and when you should consult an EDITOR.
The solution was, in this case, to hand it over.
When she was ready, Viola trusted me with her manuscript.
This is what she said:
“Linsey took me seriously, even though I had no prior experience writing a novel. She was a thorough reader and had a lot of wonderful suggestions, which she clearly notated and discussed with me. If there was anything I had a question about, she took the time to clarify and was always eager to discuss options. She seemed genuinely interested in my project.”
Reader Details:
ALPHAS: DO THIS FIRST. These are your cheerleaders. They are so excited that you have written a book and they cannot wait to read it. They cannot wait to tell you how awesome you are and how amazing it is that you have done this unbelievable thing. It’s very important that these people are constructive and not critical.
BETAS: When you can handle a little more constructive criticism, hand your book baby over to betas. Let them rip it apart and tell you all the things that are not working so that you can fix them. Don’t worry you will know which things are BS and which things are true North. When you don’t know the difference anymore, it’s time to hand it to an editor.
EDITORS: When you don’t know what to do anymore, it’s time to hand it to a more experienced reader. Beta readers can tell you all day long what you should and shouldn’t do, but there’s a limit to how much you should listen to them. After you’ve been through 2 or 3 rounds of beta readers, you should be ready for an editor if not before. There is such a thing as perfecting it to death.
The Results
I’ll let her tell you:
“I believe that my book now tells the story I wanted to tell…I am confident enough in the resultsthat I have begun querying agents and publishers.”
Conclusion
Viola’s story is for:
Someone who is afraid to start or to finish.
Someone who has a draft (or pieces of a draft) and no clear plan of action.
Someone with a draft they can’t let go.
Someone who is afraid their idea is not good enough or somehow wrong.
Don’t forget, if you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
Every writer’s journey is unique, but the challenges are universal. From the doubt that creeps in on the very first page to the nail-biting wait after hitting “send” on a query letter, we all face moments of uncertainty. In this series, we’re pulling back the curtain on those moments to share the stories of writers just like you. Discover how they overcame their biggest hurdles, embraced the process, and ultimately found success.
These are not just success stories; they are inspiring narratives of passion, hard work, and the power of a plan.
Joe is one of my oldest clients, and I don’t just mean his age; he also happens to be my dad. He wasn’t a writer as far as I knew growing up, and he didn’t start writing fiction until long after I’d made this my career, but it’s in the blood: his dad and mom both wrote, my cousin, his niece, is also a writer, and so is my sister.
As we have navigated both my writing journey and his, we have learned a lot. Maybe most importantly, how to work together.
The Challenge
Simply put, he’d never done this before. He had a lot of experience, but none of it of the book-writing kind, much less Historical Fiction writing. He didn’t even READ historical fiction much.
The Solution
Still, he had an idea, and after some prodding, he joined NaNoWriMo, the now-defunct global writing competition, and got 54 thousandwords on a first draft. That lit the fire, and he soon wrote out not 1 more draft, not 2, and not 3, but 5 total drafts for a 4-book series and another off-shoot work that may be the beginning of something else entirely.
The solution was, of course, to just write it.
My program, LIVING WRITE, is designed to help you do just that: Get it out of your head and onto the page.
This course is built for writers and creatives who are ready to stop procrastinating and start producing. We’ll give you a clear, actionable framework to overcome resistance and establish a writing routine that fits your life—not the other way around.
Program Details: LIVING WRITE
LIVING WRITE is a 5-week course designed to help you:
Overcome Writer’s Block and get words on the page. All of them. The whole thing.
Establish a Writing Routine that works around your life, not the other way around.
Complete a First Draft with guided prompts to help you think through the who, what, where, when, and why.
Week 1: Morning Pages: We begin with a deep dive into the why and the how of writing with a handwriting practice that is complete magic.
Week 2: Prep: We develop a strategy for the where, when, and how you will write with a look at your space and your calendar.
Week 3: Track: We launch a system to help you figure out what went wrong before, with a strategy for how to move forward when it happens again.
Week 4:Accept/Rest/Reward: We recognize we cannot do all things at all times, and we acknowledge the hard work we have done with a look at rewards and resets.
Week 5: Write: We sit down and do the damn thing.
LIVING WRITE is for any creative who wants to quiet their inner critic and get to the heart of their story. We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of overcoming blocks and establishing a consistent practice.
The program includes a guided journal with practical prompts and exercises to keep you moving forward every day. In just five weeks, you’ll build a sustainable writing habit and have a solid first draft in hand.
The Results
Remember Joe?
Now he’s rounding the finish line for his first novel, a tome that clocks in at over 90 thousand words. He’s working with a Historical Fiction editor as well as me on the final draft, organizing the front and back matter, and planning to publish in 2026.
Conclusion
Joe’s story is for:
Someone who has never written before
Someone who has started but doesn’t know how to finish
Someone who has an idea and no idea how to start
Someone who is afraid their idea is too big
Someone who is afraid that they are too old or too untalented to start.
Don’t forget, if you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
Don’t forget, if you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
Did you miss the webinar? That’s ok! I have a recording! Just message me!
We’re rounding the corner into the final quarter of the year! Do you have big plans? Or are you holding on for dear life?
The year is winding down, but your writing doesn’t have to. You’ve been working hard, putting in the hours, and filling pages. Now is the time to decide what you want to bring to the finish line and what you want to begin in the new year.
I have an idea.
Instead of sitting on that creative project for ANOTHER 3 months, why don’t you commit to finishing the thing this year?
The “Finish your WIP” Accelerator. 🚀 The Sprint to the Finish Line.
4 whole months of completely customized coaching from yours truly to get your butt in the chair (or out of it), get your words on the page, and get that WIP finished once and for all.
I’ve been working on this program for months now, and I’m super excited to launch it. If you have any questions, let me know, but expect to be hearing about it for the next few weeks.
Ready to Start?
Fill Out This Form! It’s got all the questions about your journey and a place for you to describe your issues.
CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS
TDG: RELEASE DATE TBA!
ASD Draft 0: 15,401. Starting again in April 2026 (if all goes as planned).
Don’t forget, if you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to walk you through all I’ve been working on these last few months. This program is designed to help you finish that WIP in just a few months.
Don’t miss it!
Has this series been helpful? Let me know in a comment or Contact Me
CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS
TDG: Release Date TBA!!!
ASD Draft 0: 15,401. Starting this one again in April 2026 (if all goes as planned).
We’re going to hear from a panel of authors about their passion projects, planning styles, processes, and publishing plans. Stay tuned for details.
In Other News
Don’t forget, if you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
Don’t forget, if you have stories regarding any of these tools, we definitely want to hear them. Sharing is caring, and we will absolutely respect your privacy. Think about it.
This week’s concept is: Reading for Inspriation
You will rarely hear me recommend reading craft books, but this is an exception to the rule.
Now is the time to dive deep into all those books you bought when you decided to become a writer. Or when you realized you had no idea what you were doing and bought a zillion books by other writers. Or dive into your To Be Read pile. Or grab something silly or mindless to just enjoy.
Read for fun! Read for joy! Read what you LIKE.
…but as soon as you’re not blocked: Stop Reading and Start Writing.
Be careful that you don’t get wrapped up in how ‘other people do it.’ Craft books can be demoralizing for new authors, so take what you need and ignore the rest. Every writer is different. That includes you.
Reading can be a type of therapy, for sure, but just like all good things, there can be too much. If reading is distracting you from the writing task…if your imagination has been reawakened but you’re ignoring it…then reading can be it’s own form of block.
I said this last week with Prompts, too. So be careful you’re using the tools and not letting them use you.
In this week’s email, I’ll give you some examples of things to read when you’re stuck. If you’re not getting the email, let me know, or hop over to linseyewing.com and sign up under the Free Resources tab.
If you like this series on Writer’s Block, would you Fill Out This Form? It’s new and improved and should be collecting email addresses now.
STRUGGLES & SUCCESSES
Reading has always been like breathing for me. Something I did without realizing. Something vital.
Now that I write as much as I read, I’ve had a hard time balancing my favorite activity with my current occupation. Reading is different, I’ll just say that, than it used to be, but it is no less fulfilling.
Now I can look at reading as a tool, not just a pastime.
Has this series been helpful? Let me know in a comment or Contact Me
CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS
TDG: Release Date TBA!!!
ASD Draft 0: 15,401. To resume in April 2026 (if all goes as planned).
We’re going to hear from a panel of authors about their passion projects, planning styles, processes, and publishing plans. Stay tuned for details.
In Other News
Don’t forget, if you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
Don’t forget, if you have stories regarding any of these tools, we definitely want to hear them. Sharing is caring, and we will absolutely respect your privacy. Think about it.
This week’s concept is: Using Prompts.
This advice, as well as next week’s, when we wrap up the Anti-Block toolkit, should be taken with a grain of salt.
I recommend these last 2 things: Using Prompts and Reading for Inspiration, as last-ditch effort unblockers.
Why?
Because they can easily become distractions that keep you from the real work of writing.
Prompts can send your brain off in a hundred different directions, which is exactly what you want if you’re blocked, but devastating to a Work in Progress.
I recommend doing some soul-searching in your journal with some mindset prompts first:
What would you ask for if you knew the answer was yes?
What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
What would future-you think of what you’re doing now?
If writing is not the problem, but something else is getting in your way, I recommend something like this:
Do a habit or schedule audit. Where is your writing time? Is it still in the best place? What has changed that might affect how you’re working now?
Cultivate Gratitude. Make a list of all the things you are grateful for and scatter them like confetti all over your space (post-its work great for this!).
Celebrate small wins. Whatever, whenever, however; celebrate it!
Finally if writing has you stuck, try these prompts:
What would your main character be like on a first date? Examine before, during, and after the date from their Point of View.
Have your protagonist and antagonist run into each other before either one is ready for the encounter.
Your main character (or a side character) suddenly inherits millions. How? and what will they do with it? How will it change them?
In this week’s email, I’ll give you even more creative prompts, but these should get you started. If you’re not getting the email, let me know, or hop on over to linseyewing.com and sign up under the Free Resources tab.
Prompts have only ever worked for me for short pieces. If given a prompt, I can spin a story, but it usually has a very clear beginning, middle, and end. That’s ok. Most stories do, but if you’ve read my novels, you know there is a fair amount of musing over what others are thinking, and that kind of mystery doesn’t often belong in a short piece either.
So.
I use them with caution. You should, too.
We’ve got one more week to go! Has this series been helpful? Let me know in a comment or Contact Me
CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS
TDG: Release Date TBA!!!
ASD Draft 0: 15,401. Starting this one again in April 2026 if all goes as planned.
We’re going to hear from a panel of authors about their passion projects, planning styles, processes, and publishing plans. Stay tuned for details.
In Other News
Don’t forget, if you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
Don’t forget, if you have stories regarding any of these tools, we definitely want to hear them. Sharing is caring, and we will absolutely respect your privacy. Think about it.
You’ve heard the story, right? The young person asks the wise old person how it’s possible to eat an elephant. The wise old person replies: One bite at a time.
Major projects are overwhelming, especially when you don’t have a team to help. When it’s just you, the burden of completing all these tasks falls to you; how do you know what to do and when?
I have found this method is the best way to attack an overwhelming problem or project.
Break the project into smaller parts so it’s not so scary.
Break those parts into still smaller chunks.
Break those chunks down into actionable steps.
I have a worksheet for this that I’d be happy to share with you. It’s a visual representation (yes, there’s an elephant) of how to break down 1 big task, again and again, to discover smaller action steps.
Want it? Just email me with the subject: “I need the elephant!”
In this week’s email, I’ll give you an example of how I’ve done this for a big project like a novel. If you’re not getting the email, let me know, or hop on over to linseyewing.com and sign up under the Free Resources tab.
If you like this series on Writer’s Block, would you Fill Out This Form? It’s new and improved and should be collecting email addresses now.
STRUGGLES & SUCCESSES
I took my own advice and Changed Scenery. It hasn’t gone as planned, but I have some goals I want to accomplish by the end of the year, and I made space for myself to prepare for those.
I’m using the elephant method to figure out 2026 as well as the rest of 2025.
I’m having to be patient now that TDG is out of my hands and I have nothing more to do with it anymore. It’s been a wild ride, and I’m not sure I’m ready for it to be over, but it’s time to get geared up with something different, too.
So, you see, I am not just preaching from on high. I use these tools every day and share them with you because they work. What’s been your favorite tool so far? The most helpful? The least?
We’re going to hear from a panel of authors about their passion projects, planning styles, processes, and publishing plans. Stay tuned for details.
In Other News
Don’t forget, if you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
Don’t forget, if you have stories regarding Creative Patience, Filling the Well, Documenting, or Freewriting we want to hear them. Sharing is caring, and we will absolutely respect your privacy. Think about it.
We’re halfway through our Anti-Block Toolkit. How does it feel? Let me know
This week’s concept is: Changing Scenery
Yet another trick that sounds easy and is easy, but can be really tricky to start.
Changing scenery can be easy or as hard as you make it. It only takes a little imagination. It can be as simple as turning your chair around or as complicated as going on a cruise. You decide. I’ll give you some of my best tips.
Literally turn your chair, desk, computer, workbench, or whatever around. 360 degrees. Turn your back on your block and start fresh. Too extreme? 90 degrees does wonders too.
Perch somewhere you don’t normally write. I wrote Goodbye at my kitchen table. Every word of it.
Borrow someone else’s space. Crash on your parents’ couch, borrow a friend’s basement, or repurpose a shared space into a writing nook for the weekend. Trade chores for quiet time. Whatever you have to do in your own house or (ask nicely and be a nice guest) someone else’s
Try longhand or word-processor writing, whichever you don’t normally do. If you’ve got an outline on your computer, try writing the first chapter by hand. If you have notes in longhand, try transcribing them into Scrivener or Docs.
Change your screen. I talked about some extreme versions last week, but there are others. Literally look through rose-colored glasses. Turn your screen a soothing blue, green, or purple. With white text, I bet it looks quite pretty. Turn your text to a brilliant shade that matches your (or your character’s) mood.
Go on a Writer’s Retreat. I know one coming up in October in French Camp, MS. You don’t have to have company; you can go it alone. Pick a place and a calendar date and make it happen! Overwhelmed? Ask me about mine, or research your own. Pinterest has a lot of ideas.
STRUGGLES & SUCCESSES
I’ll give you some of my best tips and tricks for building your own writer’s retreat in this week’s email. If you’re not getting the email, let me know, or hop on over to linseyewing.com and sign up under the Get Access tab.
Changing Scenery can involve a few big or little changes. It doesn’t have to be a complete overhaul. Remember, though, this is an emergency, and you want to get writing as soon as possible. Some extreme measures are warranted and don’t have to be permanent.
If you like this series on Writer’s Block, would you Fill Out This Form? It’s all about Writer’s Block and would help us both tremendously.
CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS
TDG: Release Date TBA!!!
ASD Draft 0: 15,401. Starting this one again in April 2026 if all goes as planned.
Project Zero: 0. Starting October 2025 with a new idea.
Authors Interviewed: 3. Still waiting on a couple of Invites. As always, if you’d like to participate, please message me!
We’re going to hear from a panel of authors about their passion projects, planning styles, processes, and publishing plans. Stay tuned for details.
In Other News
Don’t forget, if you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.
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