Tag: Writing

  • I Is For… Initiative!

    I Is For… Initiative!

    Contributed by Laura Rios.

    Initiative: the ability to assess and initiate things independently. (Oxford Dictionary)

    Ah, the ongoing struggle of anyone who works alone or pursues any creative endeavor. Make no mistake my friends, the struggle is real. Everyone has heard of writers’ block and the proverbial “dry spell”; they became stereotypical terms for a reason. We’ve all been there! So, how can we stay on track and productive without a supervisor, or assignments, or other external constructs designed to keep us moving forward?

    One thing we can do is to establish that mindset for ourselves.

    • Use a daily or weekly calendar or journal to assign tasks on a regular basis. If that alone is not enough to get you going, add rewards along the way to sweeten the deal. “Finish chapter one” or “start the sweater for Aunt Jane’s birthday” might earn you a chocolate bar, a spa bath, or some television time with your favorite show.
    • Recruit a productivity pal so you can keep one another on task. Midweek, make a point of checking in on one another to see how things are going. Peer pressure is an actual thing, and besides, there is nothing like a gentle nudge from your bestie.
    • Join a group of other creative types and meet weekly or bi-weekly, even if it’s a virtual group. If you can’t find such a group, form one yourself by drawing from your circle of acquaintances, which might include co-workers, neighbors, friends from church, other clubs or societies, and so on. You’ll find encouragement and motivation when you surround yourself with like-minded people who appreciate what you’re doing and who will celebrate one another’s accomplishments.
    • Follow a Facebook group, newsletter, or blog that focuses on your particular creative interest. There are dozens (maybe hundreds!) of such entities. You do have to be a little careful with this one; joining and following too many may backfire when you allow them to occupy too much of your time. Still, there are plenty of benefits to finding a few excellent ones that truly prove to keep you inspired and motivated.
    • Start and maintain an idea list. I used to keep a small pocket notebook nearby for this purpose, but for years now the Notes app in my phone has been the handiest thing for recording those random “aha moments”. When you find yourself coming up empty, choose something from your idea list and get back to creating once again.

    Remember, in any creative pursuit, ultimately it’s up to us to be self-starters. That doesn’t mean we can’t benefit from helpful tips, tricks, and a little help from our friends to maintain our own initiative when the going gets rough. Keep calm and create!

  • A is for… Attention to Practice!

    A is for… Attention to Practice!

    Photo by: Pixabay
    License: Pixabay License (CC0 — free for commercial use, no attribution required)
    Source: https://pixabay.com

    Welcome to Day 1 of the 2026 A to Z Challenge here at Writer Zen Garden!

    This year, our community of writers, artists, and makers is exploring the A to Z of Creative Practice — the habits, rituals, reflections, and small moments that sustain a creative life.

    We’ll be sharing posts throughout April from a variety of WZG authors, each offering their own perspective on what it means to build and nurture a creative practice. Some posts will be reflective, some playful, some deeply practical — all rooted in the shared belief that creativity is something we return to, tend, and grow over time.

    Today’s “A” is for attention: the quiet, intentional noticing that allows ideas to take root. Attention to your energy. Attention to your materials. Attention to the sparks that become stories, paintings, poems, or insights.

    We’re excited to spend the month with you, letter by letter, practice by practice.

    Happy A‑Day, friends.

  • 2026 A to Z Theme Reveal — Writer Zen Garden

    2026 A to Z Theme Reveal — Writer Zen Garden

    A to Z of Creative Practice

    Hello, Gardeners!

    We’re delighted to join the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge again this year. If you’re new to the Garden, welcome — Writer Zen Garden is a community space for writers, makers, and creative souls of all kinds. We believe in gentle practice, shared growth, and the magic that happens when people create together.

    This April, our theme is:

    ✨ A to Z of Creative Practice

    Throughout the month, we’ll explore the many facets of living a creative life — one letter at a time. Expect a mix of:

    • writing prompts
    • creative rituals
    • gentle craft notes
    • reflections on process
    • community wisdom
    • ways to nurture your creative flow

    Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a returning member, or someone dipping a toe into creativity for the first time, this series is meant to support you. Think of it as a month‑long invitation to reconnect with your practice in small, meaningful ways.

    We’re still in the middle of our site redesign (thank you for your patience!), but the heart of the Garden is alive and well — and we’re excited to share this journey with you.

    If you’re participating in A to Z this year, let us know so we can visit your blog and cheer you on. Creativity grows best in community.

    Here’s to a month of exploration, inspiration, and gentle creative practice.

    — Noony and The Writer Zen Garden Team

     

  • L is for… “Love a Lord”

    #AtoZChallenge 2025 letter L

    Contributed by Tina Holland

    I just completed the second book in my Regency series, “How to Love a Lord.” I hope to have it published in May, but I'm not sure when because I still have to hire my editor and my cover artist. We’ll see what the timeline is on edits.

    I’ve grown a lot since my first story, “The Pilot and the Pinup.” I will have the opportunity to fix those glaring errors I now see in my earlier works, as all the rights are being reverted to me, hopefully by the end of the month.

    One thing I had learn while writing my Regency series is titles and entailments. Not an easy thing for an American. I think I finally figured it out. I have a terrific critique group that helped me through that process. Anything they didn’t catch, my editor Sandra will.

    I’ve grown so much as a writer, it’s hard to believe I still occasionally suffer from bouts of impostor syndrome.

    Whatever your creative endeavors are, I encourage you to look back and see how much you’ve grown from your first project to your current one. You might be surprised.

  • F is for Flourishing!!

    #AtoZChallenge 2025 letter F

    Contributed by JaeSage

    F is for Flourishing: Beyond Surviving to Truly Thriving 

    Life, in its intricate tapestry, inevitably weaves in threads of change and loss. While these experiences can be profoundly sad and even devastating, they are an undeniable part of the journey we are fortunate to undertake. Navigating these turbulent waters requires more than simply enduring; it calls for a conscious shift from surviving to truly flourishing. 

    Embracing Growth After Change and Loss

    The immediate aftermath of a significant change or loss often necessitates time for processing and healing. Allow yourself the space and compassion to navigate the complex emotions that arise. Once the initial waves begin to subside, consider embarking on a personal journey toward a growth mindset. As the revered Thich Nhat Hahn wisely said, “Every morning when you wake, notice you are breathing, and smile. Here you are ready to start another day.” This simple yet profound practice reminds us of the present moment and the potential for renewal inherent in each new dawn. 

    During this transformative period, remember the vital importance of seeking support. Lean on the strength and understanding of your loved ones, trusted friends, and even supportive acquaintances. Consider reaching out to professionals such as therapists or spiritual advisors who can offer guidance and perspective. Embrace opportunities to learn, grow, and assimilate new ideas. Ultimately, the goal is to integrate these experiences and discover your own unique path toward flourishing. 

    Cultivating Loving-Kindness and Self-Compassion

    A cornerstone of flourishing is the practice of loving-kindness, both for ourselves and for others. Remember, you are inherently enough. Embrace the understanding that you possess the capacity for growth and can embody a state of true flourishing. Self-care and self-compassion are not luxuries but essential pillars in this journey. Be patient with yourself, acknowledge your progress, and consistently take steps forward, no matter how small. 

    Developing a SMART Action Plan

    To actively cultivate flourishing, consider developing an action plan grounded in SMART goals. This framework provides a clear and structured approach to moving forward: 

    • Specific: Define your goals with clarity and detail. Instead of a vague aspiration, think in concrete terms.
    • Measurable: Establish tangible ways to track your progress. How will you know when you have achieved your goal?
    • Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic and attainable within your current circumstances.
    • Relevant: Align your goals with your core values and what truly brings meaning to your life.
    • Timebound: Set a realistic timeframe for achieving your goals, creating a sense of direction and accountability.

    By thoughtfully crafting and pursuing SMART goals, you can actively shape a life that is more aligned with your deepest values and aspirations, paving the way for genuine flourishing. 

    Springing into a Flourishing Future

    Once you have allowed yourself the necessary time for healing, cultivated self-compassion, and developed a clear action plan, you can begin to allow yourself the space to spring into action. Embrace the opportunities for growth and renewal that lie ahead.  

    May your Spring, and indeed your life, be one of continuous flourishing! 

    As always, 

    JaeSage

    For further reading:

    • Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
    • The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer

     

  • E Is For… Education!

    #AtoZChallenge 2025 letter E

    Contributed by Tina Holland

    E is for…Education

    This particular topic seems to fit well with growth.  As a full-time writer, I often take the time to learn new things about the writing business, genre expectations, and occasionally craft.  Although I’m pretty comfortable with my style so if I do pick something up on craft, I try to do it between stories.

    Continuing Education is for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be in a formal classroom setting. Nowadays, there are also options like MasterClass, Skillshare, and Teachable. If you are on a budget, think of YouTube videos that show you how to cook, crochet, or build a deck. Your local library also likely offers classes on a variety of topics.   A few years ago, I took a FREE class on Female Regency Authors through North Dakota Humanities.  I learned about more than Jane Austen.

    If you missed our Spring Forward, we offered a few classes there as well.  You’d be amazed at where you can learn, and it’s essential to do so.  A new skill or perspective can change your course and hopefully bring you newfound joy.

    I will continue to be a perpetual learner and am always curious where the next thing will take me.  In the next few months, Writer Zen Garden will be putting together a resources page.  I hope you’ll utilize it and continue to grow.

  • D Is For… Decision!

    #AtoZChallenge 2025 letter D

    D Is For… Decision!

    Contributed by A. Catherine Noon

    “Just do it,” Nike famously said in their successful ad campaign that became a catch-phrase for motivational talks everywhere.

    But what happens when you can’t “just” do it? And I don’t mean a physical inability, either. I mean, when your brain just won’t let you?

    Think I’m kidding?

    Our brains are incredibly powerful organs, so much so that we don’t yet understand everything about them. But the field of trauma treatment and recovery, as well as our growing understanding of neuroplasticity, tells us that the brain can literally change itself over time. We can literally change our brains. And what’s more, that unless we believe that change is possible, our brains, literally, won’t let us change.

    Let me explain.

    Say, for example, you want to get a job as an astronaut. You journal about it, cover your home with pictures of space, read everything you can about being an astronaut, even go to astronaut conventions and stalk Neil deGrasse Tyson tickets for every chance to see him speak. (Seriously. There’s a ticket site for that.) But. You’re not a pilot, you’re not in the best physical shape in your life, you don’t know any science or math, and you get woozy on really fast roller coasters.

    Your brain knows that stuff. It knows that you aren’t a pilot, aren’t in the Air Force, don’t know any actual astronauts, have poor vision, and are “over the hill” for being in peak astronautly condition.

    Your brain is no fool. Your brain just will simply refuse to believe this.

    And therefore, it won’t happen.

    Let’s try another example. Let’s say you really, really want a cookie. You love cookies. You have cookies in your kitchen, right there ~points~. Your cookies are waiting, calling your name. All you have to do is to walk into your kitchen, open up the container, and mack down on that luscious, chocolatey morsal…

    Excuse me, I’ll be right back.

    See how easy that was? Your brain knew it was a possibility.

    So what does this have to do with decisions?

    As we work on doing hard things, like getting in shape, writing a book, and overthrowing the patriarchy, we learn to approach the outer edge of what we believe is possible. That’s where decisions come in. That might look like not buying the cookies in the first place. That might include talking to a friend about your cookie (or Neil deGrasse Tyson) obsession. (Sorry, Neil!) That might even include working with affirmations, but adding the words, “I am learning to…” in front of them. One thing about our beautiful brains – they love to learn. So if we give them opportunities to learn, they will work their little brainy hearts out doing it.

    And this brings me back to the astronaut thing. Just because we, ourselves, may not realistically become an astronaut, doesn’t mean we can’t fill our lives with astronaut-y things. What’s wrong with going to see deGrasse Tyson speak? Reading everything you can about math and physics and science and engineering, oh my? Nothing’s wrong, that’s what.

    All we need to do now is, decide.

    So. What do YOU want?

  • Z Is For… ZED!

    Z Is For… ZED!

    We made it.

    The 2023 A to Z Blog Challenge is in the bag. We have two straggler posts, and may get them up; if not, I’m STILL declaring this a win BECAUSE…

    1. One of us got laid off.
    2. One of us had a family memorial to attend.
    3. One of us went to Europe for three weeks.
    4. One of us is dealing with the disposition of the estate of a parent.
    5. The world is crazy right now, and everyone is dealing with Entirely Too Much (TM).

    What did we learn this month?

    1. Don’t let the best be the enemy of the good. (I heard this from Colonel Lawrence R. Stack, and he said it’s “an old army saying.”)
    2. Some writing is better than no writing.
    3. Sometimes rushing gives you an edge. The trick is knowing how much to rush and on what things. Example: I didn’t get this post in on time yesterday, but I have 15 minutes right now and voila. A post.
    4. Sometimes stress makes you have to stop. Like, everything.
    5. Corollary: when you need to nap, do it.
    6. The body keeps the score. (This is from a book by that title, which discusses the impact of trauma on the human body.) But it’s true. If we don’t take measures to mitigate stress’s harmful effects, it will, perforce, HARM us.
    7. Meditation makes you faster.
    8. Slow down to speed up.
    9. Focus on one thing at a time.
    10. Multi-tasking is a myth. (No, really. Look it up. Emerging brain science insights prove it.)

    And so, my friends, my message to you is this:

    Thank you for visiting. You are why we do this.

    Well, that, and chocolate. Will write for chocolate. And friends. And words.

    Oh, hell. I write because it love it.

    And you, Dear Reader. Much love to you. May you find the peace you need, the accomplishments you long for, and the goals you’ve set. Believe in yourself and take regular rest breaks.

    And above all,

    Write on.

  • W Is For… Win!

    Contributed by Tina Holland.

    Are you celebrating your wins?  If not, you need to.  In times of renewal, especially when we are forming positive habits we need to celebrate winning.

    It doesn’t have to be something elaborate, it just needs to be something that motivates you.

    Some wins I have in a week:

    Testing my Blood Sugar Daily, I’m a Type Two diabetic so it’s important that I know where to sit at the beginning of each day.   Writing down the number is sort of its own reward along with the checkmark.

    Writing 1K a week.  I get a sticker if I reach this.

    These are the two main goals that I track and reward myself for.   I’ve started thinking about celebrating the bigger things these goals get me:  A healthier handle on my Blood Sugar and Finishing a project.

    Usually, when I complete a book, I celebrate with a dinner out with my husband or something similar.  Not sure what I’ll do when I finally get my health in order.  Maybe a trip, but I guarantee I will post both events (and have) on my social media platforms.   There’s something great about announcing an achievement and having your virtual friends, family, and fans rally around you.

    So how will you celebrate your next WIN?

  • T Is For… Try!

    I know, I know. Yoda (not Grogu, pictured above), said “Do, or do not. There is no try.”

    With all respect to the Jedi Master, I call bullshit.

    Sometimes, all we can DO is TRY.

    Sometimes, trying is as brave as doing.

    And sometimes, trying IS doing.

    If there’s a thing you want to do, and your mind is stuck and your emotions are high, and your inner monologue is like Cruella D’Ville only meaner, I suggest that instead of “doing,” we try.

    TRY writing for 5 minutes.

    TRY sketching something.

    TRY getting out of the chair and walking around the house.

    TRY giving it a shot.

    TRY calling back the prospect.

    TRY.

    Our culture, and late-stage capitalism, are obsessed with the doing. “Just do it.” Yes, I know I’ve quoted that slogan before, and yes, I know that it works. Sometimes.

    I’m not talking about sometimes.

    I’m talking about those times when we don’t even have the sometimes in our brain, and we’ve forgotten the sometimes we’ve succeeded, we’ve forgotten how to do, we’ve forgotten who we are and that we have skills and experience.

    I’m talking about the times when we feel small, and stuck, and blank, but yearn with desire to feel those times when we have been motivated, and competent, and productive.

    It’s in the interstices of those times that I propose “try” belongs.

    Sometimes, try can get you from that in between place into the doing place.

    Still don’t believe me?

    This blog series, right here, the A to Z for 2023 on Writer Zen Garden, is exactly that: we tried it, and we did it.

    Try.

    Please.

    Just try.