Author: RG Newhouse

When the Muse Shows Up at the Worst Time (and You Let Her Anyway)

/ RG Newhouse / Leave a comment
Back view of a female writer at night, seated at a cluttered desk under warm lamplight and glowing string lights, surrounded by open books, scattered papers, and a rainy window
When inspiration strikes at 2AM, you light a candle, grab a pen, and let the chaos spill onto the page.

There I am, brushing my teeth, winding down for the night, and suddenly… BOOM. The Muse shows up. Not with a gentle knock, but with a full-blown marching band of inspiration, complete with jazz hands and fully formed plot twists. Of course, it’s late. Of course, I’m half asleep. And of course, when I wake up in the morning? Poof. Gone. Like a dream you swore you’d remember, but now you’re standing in the kitchen yelling “Nooo!” at your coffee because all that’s left is a ghost of an idea and maybe a few jumbled words like “mirror sword” or “cat uprising.”

I’ve tried dictating into my phone. Once, I actually managed to get an idea down that way, only for a system update to sweep in and delete it into the digital abyss. Thanks, technology. Not to mention, I feel absolutely ridiculous whispering fantasy dialogue to my phone like some sort of bedtime bard, and my poor husband really doesn’t appreciate being woken up by my late night monologues.

Curly-haired blonde woman in pink striped pajamas writing in a notebook while sitting cross-legged on a toilet, toothbrush in mouth, as a wide-eyed black cat watches glowing inspiration stars swirl above
When the muse doesn’t care that it’s 3AM and you’re mid-toothbrush… Carmen supervises anyway.

Back in my commuting days, the muse would hijack my brain while I was stuck in traffic or squished between strangers on the bus. At least then I could jot things down into the notes app, one-handed, with a bagel in the other. These days, working from home means I can keep my laptop open and toss ideas into a doc as they hit. But I definitely don’t do it in front of company. I do have some dignity left, thank you very much.

The absolute worst is when I’m watching something brilliant, like a movie or a play, and my story brain lights up while I sit there unable to take notes. I sit there, vibrating with potential, praying I’ll remember it later. (Spoiler: I usually don’t.)

Before smartphones, I was part of the huge-purse crew and always had a notepad and pen with me. I’ve scribbled ideas on the backs of receipts, on envelopes, once even on a clean-ish napkin during lunch. Desperate times. Inspired minds.

And yes, I try to forgive myself when the idea slips through my fingers. It’s hard. I have to believe it’ll come back. Maybe stronger. Maybe clearer. Maybe not at 2AM this time. The more I chase it, the faster it vanishes, like when you’re trying to remember a word that’s just out of reach. So instead, I try to let it go. And trust that if it mattered, it’ll find me again.

Blonde woman in pink striped pajamas asleep at a cluttered writing desk, head resting on folded arms beside a black cat, open books, a laptop, and a pink coffee mug
Sometimes the muse wins, sometimes exhaustion does. Either way, the cat’s judging you.

Honestly, the Muse is a lot like a skittish puppy. One second she’s climbing all over you with chaotic excitement, the next she’s under the couch refusing to come out. Patience, snacks, and the occasional sacrifice of a quiet evening are usually the best ways to coax her back.

So if you’re out there muttering plot lines into your shampoo bottle or scribbling dialogue on old receipts, you’re not alone. Welcome to the club. We meet at 3AM. Snacks are optional but strongly encouraged.

How I Built a Writing Routine That Works (Even with Cats and Tea Breaks)

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Every productivity article says to write at dawn but my muse doesn’t even yawn until after lunch. I don’t rise with the sun; I rise with purpose, caffeine, and a cozy recliner calling my name.

A cozy reading nook at night with a blonde woman in glasses, wearing a pink fuzzy sweater and fluffy slippers, sipping tea while reading in a green armchair. A black cat perches on the chair’s back, and an orange tabby sleeps curled in her lap. The room glows with warm golden light, surrounded by books, plants, and a large window filled with dreamy sparkles.
Comfy clothes, cats, and a good book… just a typical evening in the creative cave. Bonus points if your tea is still warm by the second chapter.

My writing sweet spot hits in the early afternoon. By then, I’ve had enough orange pekoe to revive a Victorian ghost and settled into my fortress: the recliner, a favorite pillow, fan on low, and a cozy quilt wrapped around me like a burrito of ambition. If the weather cooperates, I’m rocking one of my five oversized sweatshirts and fluffy socks. (In summer, it’s more sweat, less shirt. Sorry, vibe.)

Of course, no writing session is complete without feline interference. My black cat, Nyx, usually looms over my shoulder like a gothic editor. The orange menace, Finnegan, curls in my lap and periodically stomps across the keyboard to contribute his own chaotic edits. Nothing like deleting a line of “asdghjklfjzzzz” to really get you back in the flow.

Music is a must. My playlists shift depending on what I’m writing, right now I’m deep into the K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack. I’ve got curated lists for everything: battle scenes, flight scenes, love scenes. Basically, if it could be in a movie montage, I’ve got a playlist for it.

Before I begin, I light a lavender and vanilla candle, not for aesthetics (okay, maybe a little), but to calm my brain and signal it’s writing time. I warn the household that I’m “in the zone,” so if I give them a glazed look while muttering something about magical daggers or dragon politics, they know not to ask follow-up questions.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: move the story forward. Whether it’s building worlds, writing actual prose, or just figuring out why my villain has so many monologues, I count it a win. Words were wrangled. Cats were managed. Sweatshirt was cozy. That’s a good writing day.

Is it ideal? Nope. Is it effective? Most days. But hey, writing routines are as weird and personal as the stories we tell… so let’s talk about yours.

A cozy writing corner bathed in warm light, filled with stacks of books, flickering candles, and a steaming mug of tea. A black cat naps on a pile of notebooks next to a comfy chair draped in a pink blanket. Open journals and handwritten pages sprawl across a cluttered wooden desk.
Every chaotic writing session deserves a peaceful cat, a hot drink, and a few too many notebooks. Bonus points if the candles are scented and the snacks are within arm’s reach.

Not Sure What Your Routine Looks Like Yet?

That’s okay. Every writer’s routine is as weird and personal as their browser history. Here are a few suggestions if you’re still figuring yours out:

  • The Playlist Experiment: Try a different genre for each writing sprint. Medieval lute? Lo-fi beats? Screamo? Who knows, maybe your romantic subplot just needed heavy metal.
  • Designate a Writing Throne: Couch, bed, coffee shop, bathtub tray with a laptop stand, if it feels good and you’re productive, that’s your spot. No judgment.
  • Bribery Works: No words, no snacks. Five hundred words = one cookie. Or a TikTok scroll. Or a sticker. Motivation is motivation.
  • Dress for the Draft You Want: Put on a blazer if you want to feel like a literary genius. Put on pajamas if you want to feel like a gremlin with a dream. Both are valid.
  • Time It Weird: Write at sunrise, write at midnight, write during your lunch break in your car. Find your golden hour and claim it.
  • Create a Ritual: Light a candle. Stir your coffee three times counter clockwise. Pet your dog for exactly 37 seconds. Rituals help trick your brain into writing mode.

Whatever routine you land on, normal, feral, or somewhere in between, if it gets the words down, it’s the right one for you.

A whimsical illustration of a very plump, fluffy bunny lounging next to an open writer’s notebook and a steaming mug of tea in a cozy cottagecore writing nook. The bunny has oversized ears and a cheeky expression, surrounded by scattered notes, pencils, and warm candlelight.
Barnabas, my plot bunny, absolutely stuffed with story ideas and not the least bit sorry about it.

Now It’s Your Turn!

What weird, wonderful, or wildly specific rituals help you summon the Muse? Do you light candles and wear lucky socks? Or do you sneak in five minute sprints while stirring the pasta?

Drop your favorite habits, hacks, or hilarious fails in the comments… I’d love to hear how you write.

July 2025 MSWL Roundup: What Agents Want (and Why I Torture Myself Reading It)

/ RG Newhouse / 1 Comment

If you’ve ever wondered what agents are currently craving in their inboxes, welcome to this beautifully masochistic little corner of the writing world. Because yes, I think it’s important for writers to keep tabs on the Manuscript Wish List. It’s a fantastic way to stay in tune with what’s trending, where your work might fit, and who could be the future champion of your precious book baby.

Also? I have morbid curiosity. Like, the kind that makes me scroll through MSWL tags at 2 AM while asking myself why my current WIP is a sarcastic space‑goat heist instead of the soft queer romantasy agents are swooning over. But I digress.

Whether you’re querying now or hoarding drafts like plot bunnies on espresso, here’s your July 2025 MSWL roundup broken down by category. You’re welcome, fellow gluttons for punishment.

A cozy, cottagecore-style writing nook with a corkboard overflowing with handwritten notes, sketches, pressed flowers, and colorful paper scraps. An orange tabby cat sits on the desk facing the board, surrounded by books, a vintage teacup, glass jars of wildflowers, and warm, natural lighting.
Finnegan contemplates the chaos of my story ideas, offering silent judgment and zero help… as usual.

Middle Grade (MG)

1. Ashlee MacCallum (Howland Literary)
Wants voicey MG with quirky, lovable characters. She’s scouting fantasy, mystery, and magical realism that still makes room for adventure and heart.

2. GiannaMarie Dobson (Neighborhood Literary)
Passionate about MG and YA that centers disabled and queer representation—bonus points for aro/ace narratives and nuanced worldbuilding.

3. Trend Watch
Genre melding MG is on the rise—think fantasy/mystery mashups, cozy horror, or historical tales spiced with magic. Smart, fun, and unexpected.

Young Adult (YA)

1. Meagan Burgad (SBR Media)
Open July 1–15. She’s craving YA-romantasy, paranormal/speculative, and contemporary voice driven fiction. Diversity and emotional honesty are her jam.

2. Matthew Valdez (Megibow Literary)
Soft open to LGBTQ+ creators. Interested in YA fantasy, punchy contemporary, thriller, and genre bending stories that make you feel something fierce.

3. Trend Watch
Romantasy and genre bending YA dominate again. Emotional inclusivity and queerness are front and center—nothing feels too weird if it feels real.

New Adult / Adult

1. Anjanette Barr (Dunham Literary)
Open through July 15. Seeking adult nonfiction (like popular science, lifestyle, or history) and accessible genre fiction full of humor, magic, romance, or wonder.

2. Matthew Valdez (Megibow Literary)
Yes, again—he’s also accepting adult fantasy, thriller, commercial/upmarket fiction. Diversity, big ideas, and cinematic storytelling get bonus points.

3. Trend Watch
Narrative nonfiction is blazing hot. Think creative nonfiction that reads like a novel, deeper memoir thrillers, and emotionally layered pop‑culture insights.

Top 3 Genres Trending This Month

  1. Fantasy / Romantasy – Lovers. Magic. Heartache. This combo is crushing it in both YA and NA.
  2. Speculative & Genre Blended Fiction – Agents want hybrid surprises: cozy sci-fi, urban fantasy, magical realism mystery… all of it.
  3. Narrative Nonfiction – From page turning science exposés to voice‑driven memoirs, nonfiction is finding its novel‑like groove.
A fluffy white plot bunny with round glasses sits solemnly on a pink vintage typewriter surrounded by scattered manuscript pages, stacks of books, leafy plants, and a cozy cup of coffee. Warm lighting and magical sparkles complete the whimsical writing nook.
Barnabas the plot bunny, hard at work deciding which idea gets the honor of living rent free in your brain this month. He’s got thoughts… and a deadline.

Final Thoughts from a Self‑Declared MSWL Lurker

Let’s be honest: half of this is research, the other half is pure dramatica. Reading MSWL updates is like peeking at a dating app for your book… swipe right if you fit the vibe.

I’m not querying yet (short stories don’t exactly storm the gates), but when I am? I hope I can be as brave as the authors out there facing inbox mayhem. In the meantime, I’ll be over here, hoarding info and possibly building a very proud Spreadsheet of Doom.

Because if you can’t be in the trenches yet, at least you can spectate in style.

The Modern Author’s Marketing Maze

/ RG Newhouse / Leave a comment
Frazzled blonde author in messy bun multitasking at cluttered desk with laptop, black cat, coffee mug, and scattered notes, looking overwhelmed while working late.
When your “writing day” turns into a full-time job juggling social media, newsletters, and that cursed algorithm.

These days, writing the book almost feels like the easy part. Typing “The End” isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting gun for a whole new race. Because if you want people to actually read your story instead of letting it collect digital dust, you’re not just an author anymore. You’re a full blown one person marketing department. Congrats! You’re now the writer, publicist, designer, spokesperson, and hype squad. Hope you brought snacks.

Let’s break down what that glorious chaos looks like.

Overwhelmed blonde writer at desk surrounded by flying social media icons, emails, and notifications, symbolizing digital burnout and author marketing pressure.
When your book’s not even out yet but you’ve already lost three hours to hashtags, inbox pings, and dancing TikToks you might have to recreate.

You need a website that doesn’t look like it crawled out of a 2010 WordPress graveyard. You need a newsletter, because apparently we’re back in 2003 and emails are trendy again. You need to exist on multiple social platforms because nobody agrees on where readers live anymore. TikTok? Threads? Bluesky? Instagram? X? You better be witty, wise, and worth following everywhere. Oh, and you also need to be a video editor, a graphic designer, a community manager, and someone who replies to comments like you’ve got unlimited spoons and an eternal serotonin supply.

And let’s not forget in person events. I’ve been to a few. Sometimes they’re lively and inspiring. Other times, you see authors behind tables with piles of their books and hopeful eyes, trying to smile while strangers awkwardly avoid eye contact. It’s like high school lunch tables all over again, only with more bookmarks. Even book launches, once glamorous milestones, are now DIY marathons. You’re expected to plan the whole thing yourself: giveaways, digital countdowns, themed merch, launch parties. Maybe even a dancing reel if you’re brave enough.

Confident blonde female author sitting at a book fair table, surrounded by stacks of books and smiling at the bustling crowd around her.
Fake it till you make it? More like smile till your face hurts and hope someone asks about your book before the coffee wears off.


Then there’s the dreaded algorithm. A fickle deity who doesn’t care how good your book is or how many nights you cried into your tea over it. It only wants to know: Did you post at peak engagement time while reciting a trending audio and juggling hashtags like a circus act? No? Good luck, sweetheart.

Honestly, it’s a lot. It’s so much. Most of us didn’t get into writing to become online personalities or content creators. We just wanted to tell stories. Not become social media strategists.

So to every author out there showing up anyway, learning one post at a time, facing awkward silences at signings, crafting graphics at midnight, or smiling through the fear—I see you. I admire the hell out of you.

Smiling female writer at her laptop in a cozy, warmly lit room with a sleeping orange cat beside her and a sticky note that says “Be brave.”
This is the goal, right? A quiet moment of joy, a brave heart, and just enough cat hair in the keyboard to prove you’re living the writer’s dream.

And when it’s my turn, I hope I can be just as brave. Because up until now, I’ve only put short stories out into the world. The thought of marketing a whole book? Yeah… it scares the absolute hell out of me.

The Writer’s Vault: Where Story Ideas Go to Nap (and Plot Revenge)

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Somewhere in the shadows of every writer’s brain, there’s a vault. Not a shiny, secure one like a bank has. No, this one’s a bit chaotic. Mine’s filled with story ideas in the shape of fuzzy plot bunnies wearing sunglasses, half-baked villains muttering about screen time, and wistful protagonists who never made it past chapter three.

A fluffy white bunny with round glasses sits on top of a pink vintage typewriter. The desk is cluttered with handwritten pages and stacks of books, surrounded by soft candlelight and floating feathers in a cozy, whimsical library setting.
Barnabas, my plot bunny extraordinaire, hard at work writing the next great novel—one fluffy keystroke at a time.


Why? Because I had to make the brutal decision to focus.

You see, chasing every story idea that prances through your imagination is fun, until it isn’t. Until your hard drive looks like a fanfic forum had a caffeine bender. Until you realize you’re six beginnings deep and haven’t finished a single book.

Oof. Guilty.

So, I made a choice. One idea, the idea, got louder. It stopped being “that cool twist on enemies-to-lovers” and started whispering actual scenes while I was trying to sleep. Characters argued in my head. Locations got Pinterest boards. A folder got color-coded. It grew teeth. It demanded love.
So the rest? Into the Vault. With a fond pat and a promise: “Not now, sweetlings. But one day, maybe.”

A fluffy white plot bunny with glasses sits contentedly on a box in a cozy underground library vault, surrounded by stacks of books and scattered pages glowing softly.
Barnabas in the plot vault, keeping all my story ideas warm and whispering encouragement to future novels-in-waiting.

If more ideas arrive after that, they’re added to those threads. No pressure, no rabbit holes, no full worldbuilding spirals, just breadcrumbs for future-me to follow when it’s time to start plotting that novel properly.

It’s a little ritual of hope, really. A way of saying, “Not now, but I see you. I’ll come back when I can give you the attention you deserve.”

Because that one idea, the one with claws and conviction, is getting all of me right now.
And here’s the wild part. It feels like commitment. It’s terrifying. It’s exhilarating. Because now, this isn’t just a scribble in a notebook. It’s the beginning of a real story, with real characters, and a future on the page.

A fluffy white plot bunny wearing round glasses types on a pink vintage typewriter at a cluttered writing desk, surrounded by glowing lanterns and piles of story drafts.
Meet Barnabas, my plot bunny extraordinaire, hard at work and buried in story drafts. He’s got vision, fluff, and more commitment than I’ve had to my outline this week.

The others? They’re not gone. They’re just resting in the writer’s vault, waiting for the right moment. Dreaming. Plotting. Growing teeth of their own.

But for now, I’m staying focused.

And I think that’s worth everything.

Daily Prompt 24 06 2025

/ RG Newhouse / Leave a comment
Daily writing prompt
How important is spirituality in your life?
View all responses

Let’s just say Mother Nature and I are on excellent terms. 🌿 I’m a quiet little pagan bean who follows the rhythm of the seasons and honors the goddess in her many forms. It’s not something I shout from the rooftops (unless it’s Beltane, then all bets are off), but it’s deeply personal and sacred to me. I believe in respecting all things, people, plants, planets, and I expect that same respect in return. My spirituality keeps me grounded, especially when the world feels like a hot mess express. So yes, it’s important. Hugely. Just… whispered, not broadcasted.

Excuse Me, Who Gave This Character Free Will?

/ RG Newhouse / Leave a comment

I’d like to file a complaint with the character department. You know, the one responsible when your fictional characters suddenly develop minds of their own and hijack your carefully plotted outline?

Back view of a blonde haired female writer with her hair in a messy bun, seated at a chaotic desk with coffee mugs, candles, sketches, and scattered notes. Glowing, semi transparent fantasy characters float in midair around her as she writes. A small black cat peers from the corner, adding a hint of whimsy.
POV: You’re trying to write one calm scene and your characters keep staging a dramatic group intervention. Also, yes… there is a cat judging you. Generated by Midjourney

They were supposed to behave. I had charts. I had outlines. I had a playlist that was vibes only. Everything was going great until they started developing opinions. And back stories. And trauma. And suddenly I’m standing in the middle of chapter fourteen yelling, “Excuse me, who gave this character free will?!”

Writers, you know the ones I’m talking about. You start with a nice, manageable story and one delightfully quirky character who’s supposed to fill a very specific supporting role. And then… they go rogue. They hijack emotional arcs. They rewrite their own dialogue. They bring snacks to the plot and refuse to leave.

Take Ailis Larsen and her Ganlani partner, Vaelios. Originally? Vaelios was meant to be the softhearted sidekick, all light and laughter and naive enthusiasm. But then I started writing his scenes. Digging deeper. What started as simple character development quickly turned into something deeper, more layered, more real, more “excuse me, sir, who hurt you?” than I ever planned. And boom! There he was, sharp as obsidian, wittier than I had any right to make him, and carrying a quiet, bone deep grief that made me double take in my own draft. He is still sweet. But now he’s also the type of character who’ll gut you emotionally in one line and then offer you a handkerchief like a gentleman.

Or that short story I thought was going to be a fun little magic meets mystery romp. Surprise! The goddess showed up, uninvited, kicked the narrative off its hinges, and delivered a monologue that hit so hard I just sat there blinking like, “…Oh. So we’re doing depth now? Okay.”

And look, I knew I had a problem when I ran a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test on one of my characters. And it changed everything. Suddenly I wasn’t writing a plot, I was navigating someone’s entire psychological profile like a therapist with deadlines. And yes, I am now slightly obsessed with that character. And no, I will not be taking questions at this time.

Also, to the character who was supposed to be a throwaway NPC but is now demanding their own trilogy: calm down. We’ve talked about this.

Honestly, I think I lost control back in the day when I may or may not have dabbled in fanfiction inspired by a certain velvet wearing, crystal spinning Goblin King. (You know the one.) Ever since, I’ve known deep down that I’m not always the one in charge here.

But let’s be real: that’s the magic of it, isn’t it? Characters come alive when you least expect them to. They surprise you. They talk back. And if you’re really lucky, they change your story into something so much better than what you planned.

Even if no one asked Jared to be hot and emotionally complex.

A cozy illustration of a blonde haired writer slumped asleep at her desk, viewed from behind. Neatly stacked papers and books surround her workspace, lit by soft morning light. A small black cat curls on top of an open book nearby, watching over her.
Sometimes the words win and the writer naps. Don’t worry, the cat’s got this shift. Generated by Midjourney

So, to all the writers out there wrestling your characters back into the box they busted out of three chapters ago… solidarity. May your character arcs be messy, your writing surprises delightful, your plot armor strong, your time lines elastic, and your characters just unhinged enough to be brilliant.

Tell me in the comments: who was your character that went rogue and refused to go back on the shelf?

Mental Health and the Writer’s Block No One Talks About

/ RG Newhouse / Leave a comment

Some days, writing feels like breathing. Other days, it feels like climbing out of a pillow fort lined with existential dread.

A young blonde girl sits curled up in a large pillow fort, clutching a stuffed dog with a tired, distant expression. A black cat lounges nearby on a pillow. The scene feels cozy but emotionally heavy, suggesting overwhelm and the need for comfort.
Some days, the pillow fort is the only place I can breathe. And that’s okay.

I used to be a prolific writer… songs, fanfiction, original fiction, half thought out plot bunnies scribbled in one of the multitude of pretty notebooks I couldn’t (and still can’t) resist buying. If I had an idea, I followed it. If I didn’t, I still wrote. It was how I moved through the world. Until it wasn’t.

One day, my brain decided I wasn’t good enough.

Not in a dramatic, thunder crack epiphany sort of way. More like a slow fade. I still had ideas, but I couldn’t write them. I couldn’t even talk about them. They hurt. Because I didn’t think I deserved them. Because I didn’t think I could do them justice. Because everything in me whispered, “Why bother? You’ll mess it up.”

That was depression talking. That was anxiety wrapping itself in creative block and hurling it like a weighted blanket over everything I loved.

So I stopped. And I stayed stopped for longer than I want to admit.

Eventually, I got therapy. I started learning how to untangle the mental noise. Techniques to quiet the inner critic. To write a sentence without needing it to be perfect. To remind myself that ideas don’t have expiration dates.

I started writing again.

Not like before. Not all at once. But in soft, small ways. A line here. A scene there. A journal entry that accidentally turned into a short story. I came back.

But I still have bad days.

I still have days when the world is too much and the stories feel far away. I still crawl back into my pillow fort, surrounded by fuzzy blankets, stuffed animals, and a very patient cat who purrs like she knows I’m trying. I don’t feel guilty about those days anymore.

Because now I know: rest is part of the process.

Self care is writing adjacent.

Ideas don’t vanish just because you need a break and bad words are still better than no words because editing exists and perfection is a myth anyway.

If you’re in the pillow fort right now, I see you.

You’re not broken. You’re just resting.

A steaming mug of tea rests beside an open notebook on a soft bed. Sunlight pours through sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. A black cat sleeps on a pile of blankets, evoking quiet comfort and the gentle return to creativity.
This is what healing looks like, sunlight, stillness, and the quiet promise that the words will come back.

And when you’re ready, your stories will still be there, waiting.

If this post spoke to you, share it with another writer who might need a little reminder: the stories will still be there. And so will you.

Writing to Trend vs. Writing for Love: Which Path Works?

/ RG Newhouse / Leave a comment

Hey fellow writers and book lovers,

Here’s the question gnawing at my brain lately: Should authors chase the trends, or stay true to their muse?

A writer's hand hovers over a softly glowing orb resting on a stack of books. One cat sleeps beside the books while another watches intently from the desk. The scene is dimly lit with a cozy, contemplative atmosphere, evoking creativity and decision-making.
The writer’s dilemma in one image: do you reach for the glowing idea, or follow the cat’s judgmental stare? Generated by Midjourney

Writing to trend means crafting a story that fits the current market buzz, trying to align with what agents, editors, or even readers on BookTok are asking for. Writing to passion? That means chasing the story that won’t leave you alone. The one whispering in your ear at 3AM. The one you’d write even if no one ever read it.

We’ve all seen it. The hot genre of the moment explodes and suddenly everyone’s writing cozy fantasies, romantasy with morally grey love interests, or spicy alien love triangles. And sure, if you hit that wave just right, you might land a publishing deal, an agent, or go viral on BookTok. Remember when dystopian YA ruled everything? Or when vampires were unavoidable? Trends are real, and they move fast. Writing to market can be tempting when you’re hoping to get traditionally published.

But what if your heart is pounding for a story that doesn’t quite fit the current mold?

I’ve been wrestling with this exact thing. My Wind Riders series is world built, beloved, and fully alive in my head. Floating sky islands, brave aerial scouts riding their bonded companions through dangerous wind currents, strange corrupted storms, found family, sacrifice, grief, hope… I love the characters. I love the setting. I love the vibe.

Floating stone islands connected by rope bridges hang suspended in a glowing sky above the clouds, evoking a sense of magic, distance, and longing.
This is the world that still hums in the back of my mind… untethered, alive, and waiting. Generated by Midjourney

But I can see that it might not be trending right now. So I’ve been wondering… should I shelve it and try to develop something trend friendly? Something that better aligns with current book publishing trends or what’s hot on BookTok?

The thing is, the trend friendly story I’m eyeing? I genuinely love it too. It’s not just a shallow attempt to chase what’s hot, it’s been simmering in my brain for years, just waiting for its moment.

I won’t give away too much (yet), but it involves a woman grappling with a life she didn’t ask for, powers she doesn’t want, and a world that suddenly won’t leave her alone. There’s danger, heartache, and one very sarcastic cat who heckles her with the same intensity my cat Carmen reserves for whatever food I’m currently trying to eat. This one just happens to tick more of the boxes traditional publishing is looking for right now, especially if you’re writing with the market in mind.

A woman with messy blonde hair stands at a fork in a forest path. One side is dark and shadowy, the other glows with warm magical light. A ginger cat walks ahead toward the glowing path.
Standing at the crossroads between heart and hustle. The cat, of course, already knows which way to go. Generated by Midjourney

So what do we do?

Do we write what sells? Do we write to market to improve our chances of getting published? Or do we write what sings?

Is it possible to do both?

Maybe there’s a hybrid path. Maybe we shape a passion project just a little more toward trend. Or we self publish what we love and query the marketable one. Maybe the trick is figuring out which story needs to be told right now, and which one can wait for its moment.

This post isn’t me giving you answers. It’s me asking questions. Honest ones. Because I think a lot of us are stuck here, especially those of us trying to navigate the publishing industry.

I want to know what you think.

Have you ever paused a beloved project because it wasn’t “sellable”? Or shelved something that felt like screaming into the void? Have you followed the market and found success or regret?

Are you team write-what-you-love, team write-to-sell, or somewhere tangled in between?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk about it.

Author Social Media Setup Tips (And Why It’s Harder Than It Looks)

/ RG Newhouse / Leave a comment

Let’s talk about the not so glamorous side of being an author in the digital age: building your online presence.

A warmly lit writer’s desk at twilight with an open journal, a steaming mug of tea, a flickering candle, colored pencils, and a fluffy cat lounging beside a soft blanket. A peaceful, creative atmosphere near a glowing window.
The dream: a cozy desk, a warm drink, and a cat who doesn’t sit on the keyboard. Every author’s happy place. Generated by Midjourney

You’d think setting up social media would be easy, right? Just pick a profile photo, write a snappy bio, toss in a few links… and poof! You’re branded.

Except… not really.

What photo says “writer” without looking like a stock image?

Is your bio too stiff? Too quirky? Is it weird to mention your cats and tea addiction? And don’t even get me started on banner graphics. Designing those things is a minor existential crisis every time.

Still, this stuff matters. Readers want a glimpse of the person behind the page. A warm corner of the internet that says, Hi, I’m real. I write stories. I’d love for you to join the journey.

So if you’re an author wrestling with Canva layouts at 2 AM or rewriting your Twitter bio for the tenth time today… you’re not alone. I’m right there with you.

A woman sits at a cluttered desk with two computer monitors, both displaying colorful graphics and social media content. An open journal, mugs, pens, sticky notes, and scattered books surround her. Warm lighting and cozy chaos fill the space, capturing the feeling of deep creative work.
This girl? This is me in my dreams, back when I was young, optimistic, and still believed I’d pick the perfect author bio photo on the first try. Generated by Midjourney

A Few Quick Tips to Get You Started:

  • Use the same profile photo across platforms so readers recognize you instantly.
  • Keep your bio simple—mention what you write, a little about who you are, and let your personality peek through.
  • Design one banner in Canva and then resize it using platform specific templates. Saves time and sanity.
  • Don’t try to do it all at once. Pick one or two platforms you’ll enjoy using and start there.
  • Pin a post (like your latest release or a short intro) to make your profile welcoming at first glance.

We’ll get it figured out. One awkwardly cropped banner at a time.

Got a favorite trick for picking the perfect profile photo? Share it… I could use the help.