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The Writing Process for Aspiring Urban Fantasy and Dystopian Authors

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Starting your journey as a writer, especially in the genres of urban fantasy and dystopian fiction, can feel daunting. The world of speculative fiction is vast and intricate, but with the right tools and mindset, you can navigate the writing process and find your unique voice. Here, I’ll break down how I approach writing my novels and offer advice to help you create immersive worlds and compelling narratives.

1. The Seed of an Idea: World-Building

In urban fantasy and dystopian novels, world-building is at the heart of the story. You’re crafting more than just a plot; you’re designing an entire universe that feels rich and believable. At least, that is the goal. Here’s how I approach it:

Urban Fantasy:

In urban fantasy, the world you create often coexists with our own. It’s an alternate version of reality where magic, mythical creatures, or supernatural elements blend seamlessly with modern society. When I begin, I think about the following:

  • What is hidden beneath the surface? Perhaps a secret society of witches exists in the heart of a bustling city or small town, or supernatural beings roam the streets undetected by the humans they interact with. Consider how these elements influence daily life—how does the magical world interact with, or hide from, the mundane world?
  • Setting details matter. You don’t need to describe every brick of a city, but small, evocative details—like a shadowy alley, an underground speakeasy, or a half-lit park—can make your world feel alive. Think about how things look, smell, sound, and feel…

Dystopian Fiction:

Dystopia often presents a future world that has collapsed or become a grim version of what we know. When crafting your dystopian world, ask yourself:

  • What went wrong? What event, ideology, or technology changed the course of human history? It could be climate change, a totalitarian regime, a technological collapse, a medical epidemic, or something else entirely. How does this history affect the everyday lives of your characters?
  • What’s at stake? In dystopian worlds, there’s always something at risk—freedom, survival, or the future itself. The rules of your world should be clearly defined, whether it’s rigid class structures, environmental decay, or the technological surveillance state.
  • Sensory detail is key. In a world on the brink of collapse, smells, sounds, and visuals can intensify the atmosphere—whether it’s the acrid scent of pollution or the eerie silence of a deserted city.

2. Developing Characters: The Heart of the Story

Characters in urban fantasy and dystopian fiction, like in most novels, are not just participants in a story—they’re shaped by the world around them. However, in these genres, I believe characters should also be a reflection of the world they inhabit.

  • The Reluctant Hero. Urban fantasy protagonists often start as ordinary people who are thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The appeal of this character type is that they’re accessible and relatable. They may be confused, overwhelmed, or even cynical about the magical world they are now part of. Developing this character arc, as they grow into their role, provides a satisfying emotional journey for the reader. Alee Moyer, from Awaken (Book 1 in the Blood Angel Series) is a perfect example of this.
  • Flaws and Strengths. In dystopian fiction, characters often face immense challenges. They might rebel against oppressive systems, survive in a harsh world, or try to reclaim something lost. These characters need both deep flaws and strengths. A rebellious protagonist might be stubborn and impulsive, while someone seeking justice might struggle with a sense of hopelessness. These internal conflicts are key to their development and drive the narrative forward. Check out my SECTOR C series!
  • Secondary Characters. Supporting characters, from sidekicks to antagonists, should be just as well-defined. In urban fantasy, these characters might be creatures like vampires or werewolves, or they could be humans caught in the crossfire. In dystopian settings, secondary characters often represent different factions or ideologies. Their relationships with the protagonist—whether they’re allies, enemies, or something in between—will create rich conflict and tension.

3. Plotting and Structure: The Backbone of the Story

Both urban fantasy and dystopian fiction thrive on strong plots that weave together personal struggles with broader societal issues. However, you don’t always have to follow a traditional narrative structure.

  • Outline or No Outline? Some writers swear by detailed outlines, while others dive in and discover the story as they go. For me, a hybrid approach works best. I like to have a rough outline of the major plot points—key events, character arcs, and climaxes—while leaving room for spontaneity and surprises along the way. This balance lets me maintain a sense of direction while still allowing creativity to flow. If you need help with this part of the process, check out So You Want To Write A Book and Just Write. I use both of these tools on a regular basis, especially when I am starting a new story.
  • Pacing is Essential. In urban fantasy, the plot often moves quickly, with twists, action scenes, and moments of discovery. But the key is to maintain tension while giving the reader enough time to absorb the world and connect with the characters. In dystopian fiction, pacing can be slower, building tension as the protagonist uncovers dark truths about the society they live in. But don’t let it drag—interspersing moments of action, tension, and discovery helps keep the reader engaged.
  • The Theme of Resistance. A central theme in both urban fantasy and dystopian novels is resistance—whether it’s resisting a villainous force, oppressive government, or internal fears. The plot should be a vehicle for exploring this resistance, with plenty of obstacles and challenges that force the protagonist to grow, adapt, and change.

4. Finding Your Voice: The Art of Writing

As a writer, developing a unique voice is crucial to standing out in any genre. For me, voice is the combination of writing style, character perspective, and tone. Urban fantasy tends to be fast-paced, sometimes humorous, while dystopian fiction often has a darker, more reflective tone. Here are some tips for finding your own voice:

  • Experiment with Perspectives. First-person narration can create intimacy, allowing the reader to experience the world through the protagonist’s eyes. Third-person omniscient narration allows you to zoom out and show multiple perspectives. Each has its strengths—experiment to find what works best for your story.
  • Play with Tone. Urban fantasy often combines action and humor, while dystopian fiction tends to be darker and more introspective. However, don’t be afraid to mix tones. A lighthearted moment in the midst of a dark world can make the contrast even more powerful.
  • Show, Don’t Tell. This age-old advice is especially true in speculative genres. The world you’re building and the emotions your characters experience should be conveyed through action and sensory detail, not just exposition. Instead of saying, “The city was full of magic,” show it through a character’s interaction with a magical object or an encounter with a supernatural creature.

5. Editing and Revision: Polishing Your World

The first draft is just that… the first draft… the beginning. Once you’ve completed your manuscript, the real work begins. Editing is a chance to refine your world-building, deepen character arcs, and tighten your plot. For urban fantasy and dystopian fiction, this often means ensuring that the world feels cohesive and that the internal logic makes sense.

  • Consistency is Key. Urban fantasy can be tricky because it blends the real and the magical. Ensure the rules of magic or supernatural elements remain consistent throughout. In dystopian fiction, the society you’ve built needs to follow its own logic—if a government controls everything, show us how, and if the environment is collapsing, make sure the signs of decay are present at every turn.
  • Pacing and Tension. Pay attention to pacing during revisions. If a scene feels slow or unnecessary, cut it. If a moment feels rushed, slow down and give the reader time to process what’s happening.

6. Staying Motivated: Overcoming Writer’s Block

Writing can be a long and sometimes lonely process. There will be days… weeks… and sometimes months when you’re not feeling inspired, or when the words don’t come as easily as you’d like. I’ve been there, too. I think every writer has from time to time. Here are a few tips to keep pushing forward:

  • Set Small Goals. Break your writing into manageable chunks. Write a set word count each day or aim to finish a chapter. This keeps you motivated and helps build momentum. If you can’t write every day, that is ok too. Just set yourself a schedule and plan to write when you say you’re going to write.
  • Take Breaks. Sometimes stepping away from your manuscript allows your brain to make connections you might have missed. Go for a walk, read a book, take a bath, or do something else creative to reset your mind.
  • Find Your Writing Community. Whether it’s online or in person, surrounding yourself with other writers can provide support, feedback, and encouragement.

Writing urban fantasy and dystopian fiction requires a unique mix of creativity, structure, and persistence. But above all, it’s about immersing yourself and your readers in a world that feels as real and urgent as our own. Start small, take risks, and most importantly, have fun and keep writing—your world is waiting to be discovered.

5 Things Publishing Taught Me

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5 Things Publishing Taught Me

By Kassandra Flamouri

1. Cover Your Costs!

When I self-published my first book, I was sure there was an audience for a Greek/English bilingual collection of short stories. There are huge Greek-American communities all across the country and thousands of students young and old trooping off to church for Greek School every week. Surely, I thought, some of them would be interested in quality stories to supplement their language learning! I was sort of right. I sold more books than might be expected for such a niche genre debut from an unknown author, but it wasn’t nearly enough to cover the costs I’d incurred by using a professional translator. I don’t regret it—my Greek definitely isn’t up to that level, and it was worth it for my family in Greece to be able to read my work—but I definitely learned from the experience. When the time came to publish my first novel, I ran a pre-order campaign through Kickstarter to make sure that my audience was at least big enough to cover my publishing costs. To my delight, my Kickstarter was successfully funded, and I was able to publish without putting myself further in the red.

2. Know your weaknesses!

I’ve always prided myself on my ability to learn new things, but it pays to be realistic about what you can and can’t do (like, say, learn Photoshop in less than a month). I’m not saying not to try new things, but definitely don’t put all your eggs in a basket that might break. Do your homework and try out new skills far in advance of when you’ll actually need them so that you can decide what’s worth a little educational investment and what’s not. Once those decisions are made, you can save up for the tasks that will require a professional.

3. Know your strengths!

Conversely, it also pays—or maybe saves—to know what you can do yourself. For instance, I could have done my own line editing for my first book and saved myself a pretty penny. I know some of you are probably gasping or rolling your eyes at my arrogance, but it’s true. I know this not only because I’ve been teaching grammar for close to ten years but because the editor I hired ended up bringing me on to her own staff as an editor just a few months after working on my collection. For my novel, I relied on my own skills and that of my eagle-eyed grammar nerd of a mother, and I have zero regrets (and a lot more money in the bank). I’m definitely not saying you shouldn’t hire an editor. I’m saying you shouldn’t hire an editor just because all those articles and tweets and posts say you aren’t a credible author if you don’t. Similarly, if you’re a trained artist, why shouldn’t you do your own cover art? If you know you’re a damned good designer, why shouldn’t you design your own cover? Of course, in an ideal world an experienced professional is almost always going to be preferable to even a highly skilled amateur, but we don’t live in an ideal world where everyone has the money to hire professionals for everything. Most of us will have to make choices about where we spend our money, and by being realistic about both our weaknesses and our strengths, we can make those choices wisely.   

4. Remember that no one can please everyone, but be prepared to grow!

It makes me proud (and relieved) that not a single reviewer has yet tried to diss my writing or editing technique. Many, in fact, make a point of praising the writing itself…which is how I make it through the reviews that critique everything else. Especially hurtful the ones that crap all over my protagonist. Of course I rail internally against those reviews and vent to my CP’s about how a character can’t show any growth if they’re already perfect and how (shocker) teenagers don’t always react like mature adults and how my precious protagonist is UNDER A LOT OF PRESSURE, OKAY?! But then I calm down and remember that, if I’ve done my job, characters are like real people. Just like not everyone is going to like me as a person, not everyone is going to like my characters, and that’s okay. Instead, I pay attention to the reviews that have real critiques to offer. After looking for patterns in reviews across my different books, I have a better understanding of my weaknesses and know what I need to work on in my next book.

5. Come prepared to work, because this sh*t is hard!

Guest post written by Author Kassandra Flamouri

Check out her books by clicking HERE!

The Time Is Write: How Making Time to Write Each Day Helps Keep Me Grounded

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The Time Is Write: How Making Time to Write Each Day Helps Keep Me Grounded (Guest post by Desiree Villena)

Lately, time seems to have lost all its usual meaning. When everything is done at home, the divide between work and leisure becomes hazy — one long, delirious blur without our typical routines to divide the days. This can make it hard to maintain momentum in your writing, especially when you feel a million competing voices in your head telling you all the things you should be doing: working harder, spending time with family, reading more, sleeping more…

I, too, often struggle with how to balance my creative projects with personal and professional demands. But though structure may have vanished, there’s still the same number of hours in a day. I’ve found that carving out dedicated writing time, even if it’s just a little bit every day, helps me regain a sense of meaning — I can’t control what goes on in the world outside, but I can control what happens in my stories.

Whether you’re writing a book that you hope to publish soon or crafting tales purely for your own enjoyment, writing for even a small portion of each day can do wonders for your artistic and emotional health. Here, I outline my approach to balancing writing with my other commitments, and delve into how working on my stories keeps me from feeling overwhelmed in the chaos.

Making use of small moments

Maybe you’ve already got a consistent writing schedule that keeps you on track — but for most of us, that’s a hard thing to establish! Building a reliable writing routine has been something that plagues even the most dedicated of authors. Personally, I’ve never quite been able to commit to a strict writing routine. While sometimes I wish I could make myself write at the same time every day or hit concrete targets, life is too unpredictable, and I’ve come to realize different writing tips work for different people!

Especially when you have a full-time job, a family, or other obligations that require your time and mental energy, dedicating hours of each day simply to write can feel like an unrealistic luxury. So my philosophy is to allow myself flexibility to write when I can, taking advantage of small pockets of time. Morning runs can occasionally serve as great brainstorming sessions, and gaps between meetings can be a great time to start outlining my next chapter. I even find myself jotting down ideas while watching TV or doing chores — inspiration can strike at strange times.

Writing does not have to be a 9-to-5 job or a non-stop marathon. Everyone writes at their own pace, and little chunks of time can quickly add up to great progress. Breaking up your day with short bursts of creativity can also help replenish your energy, giving you something to look forward to throughout the day.

Keeping my vision in sight

Dedicating at least small bits of each day to writing also gives me a sense of purpose as an author. Every day, I’m asking myself to treat writing seriously, and reminding myself why I write in the first place: while it can be challenging, especially when I’m struggling with a difficult passage or trying to edit, it is also an immense joy to bring characters to life on the page.

Keeping in mind my larger vision for each project also gives me something concrete to work toward — thinking about what this short story might look like when it’s complete, or where this character arc goes. Imagining my future readers once my work is published also helps give me a sense of purpose as I try to write stories that resonate. I ask myself questions like How would I describe this book? Why does it matter to me? Keeping sight of what I’m trying to write and why I’m writing serves as a potent reminder of why my work matters, even in confusing times.

Turning each day into a non-zero day

My philosophy of writing is dedicated to the idea of the “non-zero day”: doing something each and every day to advance toward my goal, even if it’s a tiny step forward. Progress is progress, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to tackle a challenge like “finish a story” or “edit a draft” — setting small, achievable, goals is a great way to keep myself motivated.

I aim to do a little something every day to stay grounded in my writing habits. Even if I’m not adding a single sentence to my work in progress, I can find other ways to still develop my craft: doing research, sketching out character backstory, or reading other books for inspiration. If you’re stuck on a book you’re writing, you might spend time looking at comparable titles, thinking about how’ll market your finished work to your audience, or developing your author website — granting each day a sense of purpose.

Giving myself freedom to explore

Even with all my strategies for maintaining inspiration, writer’s block inevitably hits sometimes. When this happens, I often find it helpful to allow myself to use “imperfect words” and freewrite without filtering.

The goal of freewriting is to write unhindered by self-consciousness or the expectation that a story has to be immediately polished. I go wherever my mind takes me. That means, if I feel inspired to take a total detour from my current project by starting a story in a new genre or embodying a silly new character, I let myself go for it! Sometimes using a creative writing prompt or taking part in a writing challenge also helps me regain that spark of imagination.

I never want to lose sight of the passion that urges me to write in the first place. That’s why my approach to my writing is to make it a funhabit — like a daily treat, not a job or chore. When I feel overwhelmed by what today might hold or wonder what tomorrow might look like, writing grounds me in the present moment — harnessing the emotion and noise of the world and making today count.

Lately I have been especially grateful for each sentence I put on the page. Even as we lose our sense of time, we do not lose our sense of purpose: words have immense power, and will always make themselves heard.

Desiree Villena is a writer with Reedsy, a marketplace that connects authors with the world’s best publishing resources. In her spare time, Desiree enjoys reading contemporary fiction and writing short stories — and occasionally giving writerly advice! She looks forward to writing in coffee shops and libraries again soon.

#WritingWednesday #WritingPrompt Challenge

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Today is the 36th Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Today I am writing in the voice of Austin, the main character in my current work in progress, The Beast Within.

Today’s writing prompt:

Write a quick love story. The story must end badly.

“It isn’t love,” I tell myself, mumbling as she walks away. “You don’t love her. Don’t follow her,” I say, as I stand and start toward the door she just disappeared through. “Wait, Sophie, please don’t go.”

I watched as her steps slowed and finally stopped, but she didn’t turn around.

“I… I can’t lose you too,” I said, instead of the words I knew she wanted—needed—to hear.

Her back stiffened. She rounded her shoulders and held her chin up high as she gripped her car keys in her fist. I could imagine the look on her face, strong yet sad—broken yet determined, but she never looked back.

The car beeped twice. She had unlocked the door.

I’m losing her, I thought. I reached out, started to call her again, but she didn’t give me a chance. She took the last few steps toward her car door and climbed in. The door slammed shut with a load echo that reverberated off the building behind me and a shutter shot through my body. I crumpled to my knees as I watched her car drive away.

“I love you.” It was only a whisper, one she would never hear, yet they were the truest words I’d ever spoken.

© 2019 Nina Soden

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

Write a quick love story. The story must end badly.

What books have made your November reading list? Comment below and let me know! Then, click on the links below to check out the December 2019 New York Times Top Ten Lists and see which books you’d like to add to your reading list!

FICTION
YOUNG ADULT

Week 34 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 34th Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE (which is why I’m not stressing that this post is a day late), weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Today I am writing in the voice of Tanja, one of the characters in the novel I’m currently outlining. I’m not sure if this will be a selection in the novel, or just part of my character development journal.

Today’s writing prompt:

Describe one odd item you always carry with you, in your purse, your wallet, or just a pocket.

I was young when my mother died, but before she did, she shared the secrets of our lineage with me. She didn’t want to, but having watched as she and my aunt raised my grandmother’s body from the grave, she kind of had to. When she believed I was ready, or maybe just because she knew her time was coming to an end, she gave me her sacred ritual knife. It was an ivory white, alligator jaw bone boline-athame-knife. It was razor sharper and as strong as any knife I’ve ever seen. The blade is only three inches long, but it doesn’t have to be long when you’re only using it to slice into the palm of your own hand, or that of a relative of the dead you’re trying to raise. Since my mother died, I’ve kept that blade with me without fail. She had used it since she was a child, learning her craft. It felt like a piece of her was always with me, guiding me, and protecting me.

© 2019 Nina Soden

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

Describe one odd item you always carry with you, in your purse, your wallet, or just a pocket.

What books have made your October reading list? Comment below and let me know! Then, click on the links below to check out the October 2019 New York Times Top Ten Lists and see which books you’d like to add to your reading list!

FICTION
YOUNG ADULT

Week 33 – #WritingWednesday #writingprompt Challenge

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Today is the 33rd Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

 Today I am writing in the voice of Phoebe, the main character in PURSUIT (Book 4 in the Blood Angel Series)… BONUS – She also makes an appearance in my upcoming novel The Beast Within!

Today’s writing prompt:

Do you have a tattoo? What is it and why did you get it?

I’m a tracker. I work for the High Council. Unlike most trackers, I wasn’t born with the blood. My sister was; she was naturally talented. I had to learn the skill, through the taking of the blood ritual. To be honest, blood tastes disgusting. The first time I tried it, I nearly vomited. But that isn’t want you want to know about. You asked about my tattoos. Yes, I have them. Many, in fact.

Most are runes. They are mostly along my arms, but I have a few on my back and my upper thighs. They help protect me from the evils I encounter while I’m hunting. They also help remind me of my roots, where I came from and where, someday, I might return.

In my family, I was always the most artistically inclined. That earned me the privilege of branding those that came after me with our family’s mark. I won’t share that with you, but I will tell you this; there is power in my bloodline and those that recognize the mark respect it. It gives me strength and courage. Its my moral compass.

© 2019 Nina Soden

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

Do you have a tattoo? What is it and why did you get it?

What books have made your October reading list? Comment below and let me know! Then, click on the links below to check out the OCTOBER 2019 New York Times Top Ten Lists and see which books you’d like to add to your reading list!

FICTION
YOUNG ADULT

Week 32 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 32nd Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Today I am writing in the voice of Austin the main character in my upcoming novel The Beast Within!

Today’s writing prompt:

Write about something you can’t forget! 

His voice...
Deep.
Commanding.
Angry.
Slurred, from too many glasses of cheap whiskey.

I can hear it, almost as if he were standing right behind me. Yet he's been gone for years. Long since buried 6 feet under.

He used to scream at my mother and I, but his yelling wasn't what scared me. It was when he got quiet... still... that's when I knew he was really angry.

I'd have to strain to hear him. But it was in those moments, trying so hard to hear... to understand... that I knew pain would quickly follow.

© 2019 Nina Soden

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

Write about something you can’t forget!

What books have made your September reading list? Are any of them on the New York Times Best Seller list? Comment below and let me know, then, CLICK HERE to check out the 10 Ten Best Sellers for September and see which ones you’d like to add to your reading list!

Week 31 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 31st Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Today I am writing in the voice of Ava one of the characters in a novel I’m currently outlinging.

Today’s writing prompt:

You look outside: It’s snowing! But look closer. Those aren’t snowflakes falling from the sky! What is it?

I could hear the sirens and smell the smoke before I could muster up the strength to open my eyes. I had been knocked out. Again. It was the second time in just under a month and I was sure my handler at Operation Atlas wasn’t going to be happy about it.

When I finally rolled to my back and opened my eyes, there was ash floating from the sky and landing softly on the ground all around me. There had to be two or three thick inches of ash coating every surface within a one-mile radius.

The fire wasn’t supposed to be that big. They had told me just to take out the warehouse, but they didn’t know about the chemicals being stored in the basement. By the time they exploded, it was too late. I was thrown clear across the parking lot and knocked out cold. The fire department came, but even they couldn’t stop the flames from jumping from building to building. By the time they found me, the fire had consumed the entire block.

Luckily, I was able to stop it before it jumped the road and spread deeper into the city.

Starting, and stopping fire… that’s my superpower. Although, lately, it seems like more of a curse.

© 2019 Nina Soden

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

You look outside: It’s snowing! But look closer. Those aren’t snowflakes falling from the sky! What is it?

What books have made your September reading list? Are any of them on the New York Times Best Seller list? Comment below and let me know, then, CLICK HERE to check out the 10 Ten Best Sellers for September and see which ones you’d like to add to your reading list!

Week 30 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 30th Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

I CHALLENGE YOU – COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR FIVE MINUTE ANSWER TO TODAY’S WRITING PROMPT QUESTION!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Today I am writing in the voice of Phoebe the lead character in my novel Pursuit, book 4 in the Blood Angel Series.

Today’s writing prompt:

What is the best road trip you have ever taken?

Sometimes, you just have to get away. That’s how I felt, every second of every day, after my mom and sister died. Life just wasn’t the same and I knew it never would be. So, I left.

I had been training, learning everything I could about being a tracker. I knew it wasn’t in my blood, not like it was for my sister. She was amazing. Me, I had to work at it, hard. That didn’t mean I wasn’t good, I was… I am.

After just a week on the road, I had managed to get the attention of the High Council. No, that isn’t always a good thing, especially when they send someone like me to find you. In this case, I wanted to get their attention. I wanted them to know who I was and what I was planning.

I made my way from Atlanta, Michigan where I had grown up, all the way out West to California. Along the way, I worked as a High Council tracker. I was taken in on a trial basis, but by the time I landed my fifth capture, they hired me full-time and were giving me the best cases. Having magic on my side didn’t hurt things.

Being out there, on the road, alone was eye opening. I didn’t have a car, so I hitch-hiked and took the bus just about everywhere I went, but it didn’t slow me down. I saw the world with new eyes. My sister and mother had never left Michigan, so I was seeing it for the first time, for all of us. I needed it. Though I was alone, I never felt lonely. I could feel them there with me, in spirit, guiding me… helping me. It was the best time of my life. Why it had to end… that’s another story.

© 2019 Nina Soden

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

What is the best road trip you have ever taken?

What books have made your September reading list? Comment below and let me know!

Week 29 – #WritingWednesday Challenge

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Today is the 29th Edition of #WritingWednesday!!!

Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.

  • Read the writing prompt below,
  • Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
  • DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.

Today, I am writing in my own voice. As a mom, this writing prompt really spoke to me!

Today’s writing prompt:

What do you think is the most important thing for today’s kids to learn in school?

When I was growing up, school was all about projects, research, learning, and even discovering new things. Sure, I was a kid so I thought of it as work… I complained about all the homework and tests and time. Yes, it took time to get everything done. We didn’t have the internet. We didn’t have access to unlimited knowledge at our fingertips. We actually had to go to the library, search the stacks, and often time resort to reading the encyclopedia to find the information we needed.

Today, school seems all about test scores and less about actual learning. Sure, kids do gain knowledge from attending classes, but more importantly I think they gain social skills. Outside of the classroom, kids are often sitting with their noses pointed at either a phone, a computer, or some form of gaming device. Kids don’t interact the same way they did when I was younger. If I wanted to talk to a friend, I had to call them on the phone (which was connected to the wall with a cord) and have a real-life conversation. Today communication is done through sending photos, emojis, and poorly written (often abbreviated) text messages. I fear that kids are losing the social skills that are essential to a successful future. That is why I feel that the most important thing for kids to learn in school is communication!

© 2019 Nina Soden

Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with! 

What do you think is the most important thing for today’s kids to learn in school?

What books have made your August reading list? Check out the New York Times bestsellers for August 2019 by CLICKING HERE!

Are you an author who is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals? Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my writing process!

Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel it isn’t just for indie-authors. I have filled it with all the tools I’ve learned over the years and use on a regular basis with each book I write.

Want help meeting your writing goals? Check out JUST WRITE: The Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal a planner-journal hybrid to help new and experienced writers stay organized while still fostering creativity. Track your progress with daily/monthly word count goals. Plan your writing/publishing goals, manage your to do list, never miss another deadline or appointment again, keep track of writing ideas, schedule/log social sharing and blog post ideas, keep a record of books you’re reading or want to read, maintain a running playlist, etc.