Balancing Creativity, Productivity, and Passion Projects

Hello, friend! It’s time for another weekly update from the writing desk. This week has been a whirlwind of self-improvement, creative breakthroughs, and plans for future adventures. Let’s dive into what’s been going on and where things are headed.

Tweaking My Process for Productivity

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that even the best-laid plans can fail if they aren’t adaptable. Recently, I’ve been trying to handle an increased workload—entirely of my own doing, of course. Between writing, editing, managing my site, and preparing for conventions, time management has become more important than ever.

I was already practicing time blocking, but I realized I need to get even more detailed this week. The aim is to stay laser-focused during my blocks, whether it’s writing, admin tasks, or fitness. One big revelation was that by 4 PM, I’m often mentally checked out. Instead of fighting against my natural rhythms, I’m structuring my workday to prioritize the most intensive tasks earlier, leaving simpler tasks or breaks for later.

That said, staying focused hasn’t been perfect. Last week, I caught myself spiraling into distraction by jumping onto YouTube for background music. That’s fine in moderation, but I noticed it sometimes shifted from music to watching random videos, which ate into my productivity. Does anyone else do this? If you have tips to stay on track while still enjoying some background ambiance, drop them in the comments! I’d love to hear your strategies.

Announcing “Wicked Whispers” Anthology

On the creative front, while working on my weekly short story, I had an epiphany. Instead of keeping these stories as standalone pieces, I’ve decided to gather them into an anthology titled Wicked Whispers. This collection will feature all my Faye Black stories for 2025, creating a cohesive world of dark tales and twisted adventures.

I’m thrilled to share that Wicked Whispers is now live on my website! Each week, new stories will be added, and by the end of the year, the anthology will be professionally re-edited and published on Amazon. If you’re a fan of eerie, enchanting narratives, be sure to check it out. I’m excited to hear what you think as the collection grows!

The Launch of Raven of Ruin

Another milestone this week: I posted the first comic page for Raven of Ruin! This is a project close to my heart, and while I know platforms like Webtoons and Tapas are great for comics, I’ve decided to host it exclusively on my website. There’s something satisfying about having complete creative control over where and how my work is showcased.

To everyone who’s stopped by to read it, thank you for your support! If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s a great time to start. The first page sets the tone for a dark, thrilling journey, and I’m excited to hear your thoughts as the story unfolds.

Preparing for MegaCon 2025

MegaCon in Florida is on my horizon, and I’m gearing up for it in a big way. Here’s what’s on my to-do list:

1. Mandalorian Cosplay: I’ve gathered all the pieces I need for my Mandalorian outfit. Now it’s just a matter of assembling everything and adding those final touches to make it convention-ready.
2. Books to Give Away: I’ll be bringing printed copies of Queen of Swords and Silence and Roll D20 for Love to give away at the event. If you’re attending, come say hi and snag a book! I’d love to meet you in person.

Conventions are always such a great way to connect with the community, and I’m looking forward to the energy, creativity, and shared passion that MegaCon offers.

Fitness Updates: Holiday Recovery

Winter is here, and with it, that inevitable post-holiday sluggishness. The cold tends to sap my energy, but I’m determined to push through. I’ve already lost 5 pounds of holiday fluff, which feels like a small victory. My goal is to get to 147 pounds before MegaCon, but I’m also focusing on consistency and feeling strong rather than obsessing over numbers.

If you’re working on fitness goals this season, remember to celebrate the small wins. Progress is progress, and it all adds up!

Writing Projects: Progress and New Beginnings

This week, I’m juggling several exciting writing projects:

• Vidal’s Story: I started writing a story for Vidal’s birthday and plan to finish it this week. Once completed, it will be shared on Wicked Whispers. It’s been a joy to craft something personal, and I hope readers enjoy it as much as Vidal will.
• RPG Lit Story: I’ve hit 15,000 words on my RPG Lit story and am on track to complete it by the end of the month. It’s shaping up to be a fun, immersive adventure. Now I just need to create a cover to match its tone and theme.

Looking Ahead

With so many projects in the works, the weeks ahead promise to be busy but fulfilling. My primary focus is to stick to my updated time-blocking system and stay disciplined with my writing schedule. Sharing these updates with you helps keep me accountable, and I’m always inspired by the feedback and encouragement from this community.

If you’re also navigating a packed creative schedule, what are your go-to strategies for staying on track? Do you find yourself battling distractions like I do? Let me know in the comments, and let’s keep this conversation going. We’re all in this together, building our stories and chasing our dreams one day at a time.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Until next week, keep creating and stay inspired!

Taking Control of My Writing Career

One of my greatest joys is creating stories that immerse readers in other worlds, filled with magic, love, and the trials that come with both. But as any author knows, storytelling is only one part of the equation. Sharing those stories, connecting with readers, and building a sustainable career are just as important—and challenging. Over the years, I’ve tried countless platforms for publishing and promotion, from social media giants to niche creator hubs. Yet, I found myself growing disillusioned with them.

I got this idea while talking to one of my friends about fanfiction and how I used to prowl through the internet to find stories and the people who wrote them. When I found a website for a fanfic writer, it always felt like I had hit the jackpot because all their work was right there for my greedy eyes to consume.

After that conversation, I asked myself why I wasn’t doing something like that. I looked at the various platforms I’d been trying to make work and felt pretty indifferent about the results. The idea of hosting it myself felt so daunting that I pushed it out of my mind for the moment, but the thought didn’t go away. It gnawed at me and picked at my brain until I finally popped the hood on my website to see what I could do—or what could be done.

After five days of fiddling, adjusting, and overhauling (sorry, Amy >.>), I found myself looking at something that made me say, This could work.

At this point, you’re already seeing the results of all that work. So, I want to touch on the big reasons why I made this choice.

Breaking Free From the Algorithm

If you’ve ever used a social media platform or third-party site to promote your work, you know the dance: craft a post, hit publish, and hope the algorithm decides to show it to people. For creators, these platforms often feel like slot machines. Sometimes your content is served up to thousands of people; other times, it vanishes into the void. Why? Because the algorithms aren’t built to help you. They’re built to serve the platform’s bottom line.

Marketing on social media is a pay-to-play game without the sexy payout. Want your post to be seen? Boost it with an ad. Trying to spread the word about a new book release? It will cost you 10 dollars a day for maybe 100 people to see and ignore an ad. On creator-focused platforms, the algorithms may prioritize popular creators or those who align with the site’s internal goals, leaving others in the shadows. Even worse, these systems change constantly. Strategies that worked last month might not work tomorrow. It’s exhausting, unpredictable, and, for many of us, unsustainable.

The TOS Tightrope

Another harsh reality of third-party platforms is that you’re always at the mercy of their fluid terms of service (TOS). These are the fine-print rules dictating what you can and can’t do with your account or your content. Violating the TOS—even unintentionally—can lead to warnings, demonetization, or outright bans. Even if you stay within the lines, policies can change overnight, often without notice, leaving creators scrambling to adapt. In some cases, the intention of the TOS will be twisted so the company is right and you are wrong.

And let’s not forget ownership. Many platforms retain certain rights to your work, especially when it’s hosted on their servers. Even if they don’t technically own your content, they might use it for marketing or analytics, profiting from your labor without offering you a dime in return. I paid thosands of dollars to product my own audiobook only for Audible to tell me to shut up and sit in the corner while they got to decide my price and put my product on sale without warning or compensation.

Phased Out Publishing Programs

I’ve watched a few of my friends pour countless hours into creating and publishing their work on platforms like Vella, only to have all their hard work rendered futile when the platform was retired. It was heartbreaking to see their dedication, creativity, and time—some of the most valuable resources for any creator—essentially vanish into thin air. One day, they were building their audience, finding joy in their craft, and the next, the platform announced it was shutting down, leaving them scrambling to figure out what to do next. Vella is just one example, but there have been countless platforms over the years that creators have poured their hearts into, betting everything on the promise of stability and opportunity, only to watch it all go poof.

This isn’t just a cautionary tale about diversifying your income streams or being wary of new ventures—it’s a glaring reminder of how little control creators often have when they entrust their work to someone else’s system. Platforms like these often seem promising at first, offering exposure, monetization options, and a way to connect with an audience. But when these platforms fail, whether due to mismanagement, shifting market trends, or other reasons, it’s the creators who pay the price. Their hard work, which might have taken months or years to produce, is suddenly inaccessible or no longer relevant. The emotional toll of seeing your dreams dashed in this way is immeasurable, and it’s a risk many creators face daily when they rely solely on third-party services to house their work.

The Cost-Cutting Conundrum

In recent years, it’s become clear that many platforms view creators as little more than content farms. They rely on us to generate material that keeps users engaged while cutting costs in ways that harm creators. Whether it’s slashing payout rates, increasing fees, or introducing new monetization schemes that favor the platform over the creator, the message is clear: their profit margin matters more than your livelihood or the work you pour your heart and soul into.

For example, some platforms have implemented algorithms that actively push creators toward producing specific types of content that are more “marketable,” even if it’s not what those creators are passionate about. Others have introduced ad systems where creators receive no compensation, despite ads running alongside their work. It’s an uphill battle, and many creators have found themselves burned out and frustrated by the lack of control.

Taking the Leap

After years of navigating these challenges, I realized something: the only way to regain control was to take ownership of my work and my audience. That meant building a space where I set the rules, determined what to share, and decided how to engage with my readers. That space is my own website.

With my site, I don’t have to worry about algorithms hiding my posts or TOS changes upending my plans. I can design the experience exactly how I want it, from the layout to the content delivery. It’s liberating to know that every subscriber to my newsletter, every reader who visits my blog, and every person who supports my work is connecting with me directly—not through a third-party intermediary.

The Challenges of Going Independent

Of course, running your own website isn’t without its challenges. It requires time, money, and technical know-how. I’ve had to learn about hosting, design, SEO, and CSS code, what website plug-ins do what—stuff I never imagined needing as an author. There’s no built-in audience; every visitor is someone I’ve attracted through my own efforts (I see you, thanks for popping by!). And yes, there’s always the risk that it won’t work. But to me, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks.

Writing for Myself, Not the System

At the end of the day, my decision to move everything onto my own site comes down to this: I want to write stories I love, for readers who love them. I don’t want to chase trends dictated by an algorithm or create content designed to game a system. I want to build meaningful connections with my audience, share my work on my terms, and grow as an author in a way that feels authentic.

This journey is a new chapter in my career. It may not unfold perfectly, and there will undoubtedly be lessons learned along the way. But I’d rather try it and see what happens than spend another year stuck in a system that doesn’t serve me.

What if you fail?

I may. I may not. It’s hard to say. Failure isn’t something I shy away from–hours on hours of Super Mario Brothers taught me failing was a lesson in being better. If this doesn’t workout, I’ll get some insight to learn from and share with others.

To you reading this: thank you for joining me on this adventure. Whether you’ve been with me from the start or are discovering my work for the first time, I’m grateful for your support and presence.

Here’s to the stories we love and the courage to tell them our way.

Reflecting on a Year of Growth: Wins, Losses, and What’s Next

As the year draws to a close, I find myself in a reflective state—looking back on the highs, lows, and invaluable lessons that have shaped my journey as a writer, editor, and creator. It’s a moment to pause and assess where I’ve been, where I hoped to be, and where I’m headed.

This year threw its fair share of surprises my way. Work output tripled, I grew alongside an amazing team, and I had the chance to travel and be part of exciting new product launches. These unexpected turns were challenging yet incredibly rewarding.

Now, I’d like to share a glimpse behind the curtain—my wins, losses, and plans for the road ahead. My hope is that these reflections resonate with you and perhaps even inspire your own creative journey.

🏆 Wins of 2024

Ghostwriting Triumph
This year, I ghostwrote an entire trilogy! While my name isn’t on the cover, seeing the project through from start to finish was immensely fulfilling. The client, truly one of the kindest souls I’ve worked with, made the experience unforgettable.

Greenlit Secret Project
One of my “hush-hush” projects was officially greenlit this year! Knowing it resonated with the right people marked a huge personal and professional milestone. While I can’t share details just yet, you can bet I’ll be shouting it from the rooftops when the time is right.

Promotion to Assistant Editor-in-Chief
A dream years in the making came true: I’m now Assistant Editor-in-Chief at work! It’s a role I deeply respect, and I’m dedicated to supporting the talented creators whose work I have the honor of shaping. The responsibility is significant, but I’m ready to give it my all.

Freelance Editing Adventures
I also had the privilege of collaborating with an incredible storyteller as a freelance editor. Their stories were a joy to work on, and being part of their creative process was truly inspiring.

Fitness Milestone: Fit at 40
This year marked a personal health renaissance. I worked hard to reclaim my fitness and feel stronger, healthier, and more energized than I have in years. I am not done! There is still I want to do for my personal health and fitness. I post these updates online.

📉 Lessons Learned From Losses

Every creative journey has its bumps, and 2024 was no different. Here’s where I fell short—and how I plan to adapt:

Personal Projects on Pause
Work commitments often eclipsed my passion projects this year. Even after completing client work, I found myself jumping from one task to the next for work as we increased our output. I don’t regret the priority shift (work pays the bills afterall) but I’d like to put out a few short stories next year.

The Plan: Dedicate the first hour of my day to writing for myself before diving into work.

Sales Goals Missed
I aimed to earn $10/month from my books but struggled with inconsistent marketing. Visibility matters, and this is a lesson I’ll carry forward.

The Plan: While I’m still brainstorming, I’m considering attending conventions to showcase my work and build connections. Suggestions are welcome!

Ream Membership Hurdles
After giving Ream a try, I realized it wasn’t the best fit for my vision. I’ve decided to focus on hosting my works directly on my website. This isn’t only Ream but also Amazon going forward. I have a blog post coming where I talk about my reasons for that at length.

The Plan: No more chasing “magic bullet” platforms. I’m simplifying and keeping everything in one place and within my control.

YouTube Pivot
My YouTube channel didn’t pan out as I’d hoped. Juggling streams, interviews, and work left little energy for the content I wanted to create.

The Plan: Step back from YouTube for now and focus on finding a better platform or approach when the time feels right. I may try to do a podcast with a friend but we haven’t committed to this yet.

🌟 Looking Ahead to 2025

With my promotion and a clearer understanding of my goals, I’m feeling energized for the year ahead. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

Weekly Story Releases
I’ll be sharing short stories, novel chapters, and comic pages directly on my website. This is my chance to embrace a more playful, creative process—and I’m all in.

Finishing Ghost Walker Chronicles
This was my first major project, and while returning to it has been emotionally challenging, I’m committed to finishing the story. It’s a priority for the coming year.

Revamping Raven of Ruin
Formerly titled Blood in the Rain, this project will see both a novel release and a weekly comic adaptation on my website. Deadlines are calling and I’m ready to answer.

❤️ Thank You

None of this would be possible without you. Your support—whether through reading, cheering me on, or sharing your own creative energy—means the world to me.

As we step into 2025, I’d love to hear about your wins, lessons, and goals. Let’s tackle this new chapter together, full of growth, creativity, and connection.

Happy Holidays,
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