Writers in the Storm

Embracing Just-In-Time Learning

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of new tools, platforms, and creative trends? Inbox full of more useful articles than you could ever read? You’re not alone. It feels like everyone around you is mastering the latest shiny thing. From book trailers, to dazzling websites, or visual social media magic, they’re powering forward and here we are, thinking, “I want to do that but I don’t even know where to start.”

Sound familiar?

We’re often following out-of-date advice. We’ve been told that knowledge equals preparedness, that learning everything up front is the only way to stay relevant in this fast-paced world. So before we can start, we need to learn the whole process. Right? But here’s the thing we have to accept: in our modern world, it’s exhausting. It’s suffocating. And worst of all, it’s not effective.

Why?

Because modern tools change faster than we can keep up. What you learn today will probably be outdated by tomorrow. Worse yet, trying to cram everything into your brain at once doesn’t just waste time, it smothers your creative spark. You weren’t meant to operate under pressure like that.

So, what if we flipped it? What if instead of chasing every new trend or platform, we learned only what we needed, exactly when we needed it?

This is the power of just-in-time learning.

The Relief of Learning Only What Matters Now

Imagine this: You’re working on a manuscript and suddenly realize you’d love to create a simple book trailer. But instead of spending hours watching tutorials or reading guides about video editing, you ask yourself, “What’s the bare minimum I need right now to make something decent?” Turns out, it might be as simple as creating a slideshow with some basic text and images. No complicated software required.

Or maybe you want to build a website for your writing. Instead of diving into coding or design frameworks, you start small: figure out the absolute essentials (like setting up a home page and an “About” page) using user-friendly platforms. The rest can wait—until you’re ready.

Just-in-time learning doesn’t mean ignoring technology or creative opportunities. It means choosing to learn what matters for your next step, and only that. No more feeling like you need to be a tech whiz or a design genius to create something meaningful. Those new tools that are always changing? You may be surprised at how easy what you want may have become!

Embracing the Overwhelm (And Doing Something About It)

If you’re drowning in industry newsletters, social media groups, and endless “you should be doing this” advice, stop for a second. You don’t need to read it all right now.

Is that newsletter useful? Maybe. Create a folder and throw it and anything else about that topic into that folder. Don’t try to read them right now. Just make sure your folder is well labelled. (If it isn’t useful, unsubscribe!)

The secret is that newsletter overload isn’t all that’s causing overload. The problem is learning to focus on only what’s directly blocking your ability to create right now. So unsubscribing from or archiving those newsletters isn’t an act of laziness. It’s an act of self-care. You can always revisit them later if something truly captures your interest.

Archives are your own curated knowledge. To learn more about how to build your own useful archive of knowledge (that doesn’t eat your time or brain space), you may want to read Building a Second Brain by Tiego Forte.

Taking Action, One Step at a Time

Next time you feel stuck or overwhelmed, ask yourself: What’s the smallest thing I need to learn right now to make progress on my creative goal? Then, tackle just that. Repeat as needed.

For example:

• “I want to try visual social media but I can’t draw.” → Learn how to use a simple graphic design tool or find royalty-free images and templates. Canva or Midjourney could be your new best friend.
• “I’d love to have a website but don’t understand technology.” → Use a no-code platform like Author Websites by BookBub to create a basic site with your writing portfolio. Want something more robust? Take a class focused on just what you need.

Your Creative Tool Kit

Just-in-time learning isn’t just about tools, it’s about reclaiming control. It’s about saying, “I’m not going to let this overwhelm me. I’ll learn what I need when I need it, and that’s okay.”

The next time you’re staring at a new trend or platform, don’t panic. Just take a deep breath and ask yourself: What one thing do I need to know right now to move forward? Then, let go of the rest until you actually need it.

What’s one creative goal you’ve been putting off because it feels too big or overwhelming? Share in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re embracing just-in-time learning and reclaiming your creative power!

About Lisa

Lisa Norman's passion has been writing since she could hold a pencil. While that is a cliché, she is unique in that her first novel was written on gum wrappers. As a young woman, she learned to program and discovered she has a talent for helping people and computers learn to work together and play nice. When she's not hanging out with her family, writing, or teaching, she can be found wandering the local beaches.

Lisa writes as Deleyna Marr and is the owner of No Stress Writing Academy. She also runs Heart Ally Books, LLC, an indie publishing firm.

Interested in learning more from Lisa? Sign up for her newsletter or check out her school, No Stress Writing Academy, where she teaches social media, organization, technical skills, and marketing for authors!

This article is based on a chapter from her most recent book, The Work of Joy is now available here.

Top image from depositphotos.

by Lisa Miller

One definition of a landmark: Prominent features used for orientation.

Landmarks may mark a boundary. Landmarks often mark locations with historical, cultural, or geographical significance.

How do landmarks relate to a story?

Story Landmarks are events or interactions within a story. They help keep the reader oriented to what has happened so far and what the reader might anticipate coming. Readers expect specific Story Landmarks within each genre.

No love genre can exist without the two main characters meeting and developing a growing attraction.

Police procedurals and mysteries often begin with the discovery of a body and then investigating suspects that may be blamed for the death.

If the writer leaves out even one of these Story Landmarks, especially early in the story, readers may feel unsatisfied and hesitate to read another book from this author.

Four-part structure makes the most sense to me to study and develop stories. I call each of these parts Zones. Each Zone making up approximately ¼ of the story.

Each of those four Zones has elements and situations of character development unique to that part of the story. Those are the Story Landmarks.

Think of this four-zone overlook as having a square story arc shape.

Scenic Overlook of the Four Story Zones With Story Landmarks

Each Zone has its own purpose and personality.

Think geographic or climate zones.

The desert in summer gives us different obstacles and challenges than does a mountain range in winter. We must wear certain types of clothes and carry specific equipment to survive a hike in these two very different ecosystems.

The same is true of the protagonist moving through the four zones of a story. His or her behavior and the obstacles he or she will face will be different in each zone and impact the character’s need to change.

Zones Need to be Connected

What I’ve discovered in all my studying of story breakdowns and analysis is how connected the Zones must be.

You can’t have the needed Reactions in Zone 2 without the Set-up in Zone 1.

Zone 2 is necessary to force the protagonist from reaction behavior and thinking into becoming a Warrior and taking action in Zone 3.

The All is Lost Moment aka the 2^nd Plot Point at the end of Zone 3 thrusts the Protagonist into their lowest point in the story and movement into Zone 4.

Sacrifice and transformation in Zone 4 make the Protagonist ready to face the Climax so that the story and the characters can find a Resolution.

Each Zone needs to prepare the Protagonist and the reader for what is coming next in the story.

The Three Most Important Story Landmarks

These are the non-negotiable Landmarks. Every story must have them.

These are the Landmarks that transition the story from one Zone to the next Zone.

They are the 1^st Plot Point at the end of Zone 1, the Midpoint at the end of Zone 2, and the 2^nd Plot Point at the end of Zone 3.

The 1^st Plot Point is what thrusts the protagonist out of the Ordinary World of Zone 1 and into the Exotic World of Zone 2.

To give that feeling of a big change, I want you to think of that end of Zone 1 as making ready the catapult.

Your character is going to be literally or emotionally catapulted into Zone 2. So, the beginning of Zone 2 is no soft landing, and the Protagonist is likely confused about where he is.

An Example

I’m a practical teacher. I encourage my students to find examples from successful writers or filmmakers. Study what an effective scene or character looks like on the page or in a show. I call these books, shows, or movies Creative Guides.

This Creative Guide example come from Jennifer Estep’s Kill The Queen novel. That story has one of the most literal 1^st Plot Points I’ve read.

Part One of the novel is The Royal Massacre. So, we know right up front this is likely an action, fantasy with lots of death involved.

The main character, teenager/young adult Lady Everleigh, has a low level of magical powers and is relegated to the shadows of the royal court. She’s 17^th in line for the throne.

During a big royal event, her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her own mother, the Queen, and takes the throne by force. All the royal family is being killed in front of Lady Everleigh.

Vasilia turns towards Everleigh, who is standing, horrified, by the wall surrounding the castle. Vasilia throws a deadly bolt of lightning at Everleigh, whose hidden power is her immunity to magic. The bolt of magic doesn’t kill Everleigh, but the force throws her over the wall and down into the wilderness below.

Everleigh literally falls into the Exotic World of Zone 2.

Focusing on the Most Fun Zones

The most worked on parts of a story or novel are usually the beginning and the end. Zones 1 and 4.

But my two favorite Zones to work on with my students are Zones 2 and 3. Often maligned as the Mushy Middle.

In Part 2 of the Story Landmarks blog I’ll dig deeper into the specific Landmarks of Zones 2 and 3 and how they impact a story.

About Lisa

Lisa taught middle-school science and was a certified counselor in Texas for 30 years. Her passion for teaching met her love of writing. After not finding the writing classes she needed, Lisa spent several years on a deep study of story structure. That led her to create a powerful and well-loved online course Story Structure Safari.

She has joined the staff at Deleyna Marr’s No Stress Writing Academy  where she is developing new classes. Her Creating A Constellation of Characters is available there January and June 2027. Story Structure Safari runs every September and April. The next Safari is September 2026.

Top image licensed from Depositphotos.

(Without Losing Your Voice)

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

If there's one thing I've learned after decades in this industry, it's this:

Being a writer has never been easy.

And today? It seems like the writing world changes almost weekly.

Artificial intelligence continues to evolve. Search engines are changing the way readers discover books and articles. Social media platforms constantly reinvent themselves. Publishing options expand while reader expectations shift. It's enough to make even experienced writers wonder if they can keep up.

The good news is that—while the tools change—the foundations of good writing don't.

Over the years, I've collected a handful of guidelines that continue to keep me grounded regardless of what the publishing world throws my way. They're not rules, and they're certainly not the only way to approach this writing life. These are just principles that have helped me navigate changing trends without losing sight of why I started writing in the first place.

Perhaps they'll encourage you to create your own list.

16 Guidelines That Help Me Stay Grounded as a Writer

1. Your writing isn't as good—or as bad—as you think it is.

When it comes to what we writer, emotion tends to cloud our perspective. Some days we believe we've written something great. Other days…well…we're convinced everything belongs in the trash. Usually, the truth is somewhere in between. I’m still reminding myself to separate my feelings from my work.

2. Never stop learning.

The day we think we've mastered writing is the day we stop growing.

Today's writers don’t only have to learn the craft of writing. We need to know about new publishing models, marketing strategies, and how to use AI responsibly without surrendering our creativity.

Thankfully, curiosity is still one of a writer's greatest strengths. That trail can help us stay current in this ever-changing publishing paradigm.

3. Don't lord your knowledge over others.

Every writer is somewhere different on the journey.

Instead of proving how much we know, it’s important to look for ways to encourage someone who's a few steps behind. That mindset is how healthy writing communities are built.

4. Give back to the writing community.

I've heard writers say they've "outgrown" critique groups or writing organizations, and that hurts my heart. Personally, I don't think we ever outgrow community. But while we need to choose communities that challenge us to grow, we can’t forget our role in encouraging those who are just beginning.

5. Stop marketing primarily to other writers.

Writers are wonderful encouragers—but they usually aren't our primary audience.

It’s important that we spend more time where our readers gather than where writers gather. We must build relationships with the people who actually read our kind of books.

6. Don't expect everyone to write the way you do.

One of the most discouraging statements I heard early in my career was, "Real writers write every day."

That's simply not true.

Some writers have lives—and temperaments—that a daily habit of writing. Others write in focused blocks around work, family, or ministry. Our goal isn't to imitate someone else's routine.

Instead, we must find the schedule that allows us to work to our strengths and produce work we’re proud of.  

7. Write consistently.

Consistency matters more than frequency.

Whether we write every morning or every Saturday afternoon, it’s vital that we treat our writing like the calling it is.

8. Welcome critique.

Constructive feedback is one of the fastest ways to improve. Learning not to take critique personally may be one of the hardest lessons writers ever learn—but it's also one of the most valuable.

9. Enjoy the journey.

Publishing is filled with milestones that slip by all too quickly.

• Finish the manuscript.
• Celebrate.
• Sign the contract.
• Celebrate.
• Launch the book.
• Celebrate.
• Then keep writing.

The goal of this writing life isn’t a single destination. If we only enjoy the result, we'll spend most of our writing lives waiting to be happy.

10. Write something just for fun.

Not every word has to earn money. Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is write something no one else will ever read simply because it brings us joy.

11. Don't lose sight of your "why."

My purpose has never been publishing. Writing is part of how God wired me. When I remember why I write, disappointments become easier to navigate and successes become easier to face with gratitude.

12. Try something that stretches you.

Growth usually feels uncomfortable. Whether it's speaking, podcasting, short-form video, newsletters, or experimenting with a new genre, don't let fear of something new keep you from the attempt. That’s the only way we discover a new strength.

13. Practice gratitude.

Comparison in the writing world—and the world in general—is louder than ever. Social media makes it easy to believe everyone else's career is moving faster than yours. Counting the things we are thankful for will silence comparison faster than anything else I’ve ever tried.

14. Don't assume you'll be the exception.

Publishing still requires patience. Yes, amazing things happen and God opens unexpected doors.

But most successful writers got there through years of learning, revising, submitting, and persevering. Overnight success is an exception for a reason—it’s a true rarity in the publishing world. Don’t wait for the exception to appear, make things happen by doing the work.

15. Let technology support your voice—not replace it.

AI is one of the most powerful writing tools we've ever been given. It's excellent for brainstorming, organizing research, overcoming blank-page syndrome, improving workflow, and handling repetitive tasks. But readers don't connect with perfect words. The people who read what we write are looking to connect with someone real—someone authentic.

Yes, use technology to remove obstacles. But never let it replace the experiences, wisdom, humor, faith, and personality only we can bring to the page.

16. Refuse to write from fear.

Fear wears many disguises.

• Fear of rejection.
• Fear of criticism.
• Fear of falling behind.
• Fear of AI.
• Fear of being overlooked.

And the list goes on. But fear doesn’t produce our best work.

Final Thoughts

The publishing world continues to change—that’s here to stay. New tools will continue to appear. Marketing strategies will continue to evolve. AI will become even more capable. But great writing has always been—and will always be—about connecting with another human being.

We have to remember not to chase every trend. It’s up to us to always be learning—willing to use new tools wisely. And most of all, protect the unique voice we’ve each been given.

What writing guideline has helped you most over the years? I'd love to hear it in the comments.

About Edie

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives, often using creativity to empower this connection. The Write Conversation, the blog she developed and manages, reaches thousands and has been on the Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017.

As a social media and blogging expert she’s worked with clients that range from authors and speakers to business and ministry leaders. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences & workshops around the world on staying connected to God. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Connect with Edie on her blog, The Write Conversation, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and other places on social media.

Featured image by Maklay62 through Pixabay