Writing is Hard

You don't even know what you don't know until you find a writing community and have your eyes opened.

Below, I'll share tips I've learned over the years, in hopes that it will help other writers grow and find success.

I'll also share news, thoughts, and recommendations for readers of all kinds. Not just the writerly minded.

Helpful Links/Resources:

1. ANWA - An LDS writers association.

2. Storymakers -A writers conference in UT every year.

3. Writers of the Future contest-This is a big deal writing contest. It runs quarterly.

4. Winning Writers -This is a site that has legit writing contests. Usually poetry and short story / essay.

5. Writer's Digest

6. Reedsy - has a lot of great resources. There are free classes in the learning section that it will send in an email series.
7. Search for FB writing groups for your genre, area, BETA readers, editors, critique partners, etc.

8. SCBWI

9. Www.storycon.org

10. www.ldspma.org

11. Writing Advice Websites

12. Lessons from the Screenplay- learn more about story.

13. ProWritingAid - analysis, editing, and feedback help.

14. Inkarnate - fantasy map maker.

15. Character Name Generator

16. Query Tracker- When you're ready to research agents and submit.

17. Some books to read:
"Save the Cat Writes a Novel" by Jessica Brody
"Story Genius" by Lisa Cron
“Write Fearless, Edit Smart, Get Published” by Lisa Mangum

All Posts

How to Find a Writing Community

Every successful writer knows that you need a tribe. You need fellow writers, mentors, critique partners and organizations that will help you excel and achieve your goals. But if you're a new writer, you may have no idea how to find or create that community of support that you need. Here are some helpful tips to guide you: Writing Friends Start by seeing if you know anyone who is a writer and is already part of a writing community or critique group. It is always helpful to ha

Stephanie Kilpatrick

Nov 18, 20253 min read

Top 3 Advice for Writers

Be Brave! Most writers are introverts, so telling them to go to a writing conference or critique meeting where they don’t know anyone and talk to people, is akin to asking them to stick a hot poker in their eye. Do it anyway. Push through the anxiety and discomfort and force yourself to do it. I found some of my best writer friends because I made myself be brave. Be Patient! It can be discouraging once you start learning all the stuff you didn’t realize you didn’t know abo

Stephanie Kilpatrick

Nov 18, 20252 min read

Plot Structure and Outlining Techniques for Writers

Crafting a compelling story starts with a strong plot structure. Writers often struggle to organize their ideas clearly, which can make storytelling feel overwhelming. Understanding different ways to outline your plot helps you build a story that flows naturally and keeps readers engaged. This guide breaks down two popular methods— the three-act structure and the Save the Cat method —to help you plan your story with confidence. How to Use the Three-Act Structure to Outline Y

Stephanie Kilpatrick

Mar 44 min read

Psycho Fonts: How They Toy With Our Emotions

You might think fonts are just letters dressed up in different outfits. But the truth is, fonts have a secret superpower: they can change how you feel about what you’re reading. I recently saw this funny Valentine’s meme. The same words either felt like a love note or a threat from a horror movie. All based on the font. Why is that? How can the font influence our emotions? Fonts Speak Without Words Fonts are like the tone of voice in written form. When you hear someone say “

Stephanie Kilpatrick

Feb 263 min read

The Cozy Charm of Jólabókaflóð: Iceland's Unique Christmas Eve Tradition

Iceland has a Christmas tradition that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter night. It’s called Jólabókaflóð , which means "Christmas Book Flood." Instead of the usual holiday rush, Icelanders slow down on Christmas Eve to enjoy new books gifted to them, wrapped in anticipation and love. This tradition perfectly blends the joy of giving with the comfort of reading, creating a peaceful and cozy atmosphere. The Heart of Jólabókaflóð The tradition started during World War II wh

Stephanie Kilpatrick

Dec 23, 20251 min read

Thankful for Books and our Freedom to Read them

Books have shaped my life in countless ways. This Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting not just on the stories I love but also on the freedom to read and think without fear. Throughout history, there have been dark times when books were banned, censored, or destroyed. Remembering those moments makes me even more grateful for the worlds and ideas that books open up today. A cozy reading nook filled with favorite books and soft lighting When Books Were Silenced There have bee

Stephanie Kilpatrick

Nov 18, 20252 min read

Essential Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors

Writing a book or story can feel overwhelming at first. Many aspiring authors struggle with where to start, how to keep going, and how to improve their craft. The good news is that writing is a skill you can develop with practice and the right approach. This post shares essential tips that will help you build strong writing habits, create engaging stories, and grow as an author. Start with Clear Goals Before you write a single word, think about what you want to achieve. A

Stephanie Kilpatrick

Oct 30, 20253 min read

Engaging Young Readers: Top Book Recommendations

Capturing the attention of young readers can be a challenge in today’s world filled with screens and distractions. Yet, books remain a powerful tool to spark imagination, build vocabulary, and develop critical thinking skills. Choosing the right books can make all the difference in encouraging children to read for pleasure and learning. This post offers a carefully selected list of books that appeal to young readers, along with tips on how to make reading an enjoyable and reg

Stephanie Kilpatrick

Oct 30, 20253 min read

Post List:

How to Find a Writing Community

Nov 18, 2025

Top 3 Advice for Writers

Nov 18, 2025

Plot Structure and Outlining Techniques for Writers

Mar 4

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