Hi Reader,
Happy February, writer friends. I, for one, am glad to see January go. It’s got to be the worst month of the year, and this was a brutal entry into 2026.
If you’re in the States, as I am, then you’re probably well aware of the heaviness and chaos that has rippled through our country. I don’t know about you, but fraught political tensions, crap winter weather, and all the pressure to suddenly wake up and be a better, newer you, doesn’t exactly get my creative juices flowing.
Many days last month, I felt like snoozing that 5:15 alarm instead of facing the blank page and struggles of revision. But, I realized, after pondering, the darkness—literal and metaphorical—is exactly why we must come back to the page.
During hard times, many people struggle to write. I get it. Whoo-ee do I. Getting words on the page, or accessing creative parts of your brain can feel so sluggish and, quite frankly, pointless when it feels like our world is bottoming out. Like, how can our little YA fantasy or plucky contemporary romance or murder mystery help fix a world that feels broken?
Well, dear reader, it can.
You may have heard it said that we writers cut ourselves open and bleed on the page. So often we are drawn to write because we are fired up. Not just with the thrill of a new idea or a fun discovery, but because we can actually pour out all our anger, all our frustration, all our sadness into our books, and in turn help shine a light on the things in the world that matter to us.
The pen, as they say, is mightier than the sword, right?
About a year and a half ago, I wrote to y’all during a very tough time for my family, about a concept I call a “lighthouse book.” You can read it here.
But essentially, my thinking—which holds true more than a year later, after the heaviness and darkness of that time has mercifully passed—was that we can use these troubling times to make the meaningful work.
If you’re here, there’s a good chance you have big dreams and you want to learn how to create—to write—something beautiful and important that matters to the world. Something that brings light, or joy, or hope, or solidarity and knowledge to people.
This is your reminder to keep pointing your arrow toward that target, no matter how bleak things in the world are. Perhaps because of how bleak things are in the world. Let that garbage fuel you, inspire you, push you to use that voice that only you have.
The world needs your lighthouse book, your unique perspective.
Now, you might feel one a few ways when you read those words…
You might feel like Who me? I’m nobody. There are so many other people more qualified to write on that subject. To you, I say, the impostor syndrome in me recognizes the impostor syndrome in you. It’s real, and hard not to listen to. But if you have passion in your heart and feel called to pour out your feelings, then do it anyway. Get it out. If anything, writing what’s in your heart will help you process your feelings. You can decide what to do with it later.
You also might feel scared. And to that I say, heck yes! It’s scary getting vulnerable, putting your true feelings out there. Or to hold up a mirror to the ugly parts of yourself and the world. But I promise it will make the work better. Want an example? Ok—I’ll take the first step and get vulnerable with you first. Gulp.
If you’re unaware, my husband is a first responder. 18 months ago a whole bunch of crap went down with his job and PTSD… and anyway, it was a lot to process. For him, but also for me. So what did I do? I turned to my sweet, cute little romance.
Fired up by the gaps I saw in mental health for first responders, I channeled that energy into my book. I gave my male character his own POV, his own mess of job-related wounds, and I poured my heart into him. His story is now probably what I appreciate most about the book I wrote. And none of it would have happened if I didn’t brace myself and get real on the page. It was cathartic, healing, and I think it made something meaningful in the end. I’m not saying it’s perfect…but it is something I’m proud of.
All of this is to remind you to keep writing, even through tough times. Through the winter blizzards and spring rainstorms. Through the summer drought and the fall windstorms. There is never going to be a perfect time to write.
If you wait until everything is peachy and bright and the world is just to your liking, you will never get it done. And you may miss an opportunity to create someone else’s lighthouse book.
So if you feel angry, use it. If you feel sad, use it. Shout to the heavens, scream out your sorrows. And make meaningful art.
NOW is the time to write.
Craft Talk
On a lighter note, since this week was Groundhog Day, I wanted to share this craft article I wrote from last year. I took a look at Bill Murray's famous movie and broke down what to do so your novel's middle doesn't suck. Take a look and let me know what you think!
Offerings
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I'm committed to bringing you free quality craft, publishing industry, and motivational content on a regular basis. But for those of you who want more, here's my menu of services!
Developmental Edits: One spot open for April! Reach out if you're spinning your wheels in the query trenches or want a professional eye to help you figure out what's working and what's not. Email me or schedule a free 30-min chat.
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✨Momentum bites✨
Journal prompts to get you thinking and writing
👤Character👤
How does your character physically show anxiety or fear? Do they have a tick or gesture?
💖Mindset💖
What would happen if you replaced fifteen minutes of scrolling with writing each day?
🎨Take action🎨
Get out that red pen and cut weightless words and replace weak verbs with vivid ones.
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Thanks so much for being here with me. I value you and I sincerely hope that I provide value for your writing journey. If you feel inclined, drop me a line and let me know what you’re working on!
Happy Writing ,
Karyn
P.S. Loving these emails? Buy me a cup of tea to say thanks. Or you can book a free 30-min story strategy chat here if you're interested in getting specific help with your book.
Granite Bay, CA
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