Writers in the Storm

By Janice Hardy

A choice I had to live with—despite the consequences.

My husband and I were kitten shopping and we came across a four-month-old gray kitten who was eager to get our attention. He meowed at us as he clung to the side of the kitten-cage, his little paw poking out like he was trying to flag us down. My husband picked him up and he immediately snuggled in and purred.

Then I got to hold him.

He was just as sweet with me, but my nose started running and my eyes got a little itchy. I figured it was just from the sheer number of kitties at the shelter and didn’t think anything of it. I’ve always known I had a mild allergy to cats, but it never bothered me enough not to have them.

Three days later, it was clear I was highly allergic to this cat.

But by then, he wasn’t “some random kitten from the shelter,” he was Sterling, our lovable boo boo kitty, and he was ours.

I had to choose—send him back, or keep him and spend the next 15-20 years taking allergy meds every day.

I chose to keep him, which led to an unexpected problem.

Tough choices are the first step to creating conflict.

Choices force a character to act, which moves the plot and story forward. Tough choices create unpredictable outcomes, because readers aren’t sure which option the protagonist might take. This uncertainty leads to curiosity, and readers want to know:

• Did the character choose wisely?
• What price will that choice demand?
• Will the consequences be worse than they feared?
• Will the price be worth it in the end?

Without a difficult decision at the heart of a scene, events just “happen” without conflict, and tension doesn’t build. Nothing important is truly at risk. Readers don’t care about the outcome unless that outcome matters.

However…a choice only matters if it’s a legitimate choice, not a cardboard conflict.

For example:

• Take the job and get the one million dollar signing bonus.
• Don’t take the job and lose your house, family, and everything you value.

Nobody is going to turn down a job with those consequences, and a decision this easy isn’t going to make readers worry about the choice. But if taking the job comes with consequences, and if losing everything is actually the better option, then readers will be dying to know why.

Look for meaningful choices the character can agonize over—like returning a kitten they already love versus accepting years of runny noses, watery eyes, and not being able to breathe.

Characters facing real consequences for their choices is step two.

A choice by itself isn’t automatically interesting—it’s what that choice costs the protagonist or those close to them. The consequences turn a simple plot-beat decision into a conflict that can have long-lasting ramifications for the story.

Consequences create stakes and uncertainty, and that engages readers and makes them devour your pages as fast as they can turn them. And a great way to do this is…

The impossible choice.

This is a sure-fire way to hook your reader. None of the options are good, and every single one comes with repercussions the protagonist would rather not face. Readers can’t see the clear path out, and they’re not sure how the repercussions will affect the characters, which draws them deeper into the story and makes them more invested in how that story turns out.

Impossible choices are great for shaking up the story, adding conflict to a character arc, and forcing characters into situations they don’t want to be in.

Are your character choices strong enough?

It all depends on the story and how dire things are. A light-hearted romp with lower stakes probably won’t have life-or-death stakes, and the choices will reflect that. But a thriller will likely have a lot more impossible choices and dire stakes for the protagonist to deal with.

Consider your genre and story and ask:

Does this choice have consequences for whatever the character decides?

No matter how dire your story, if only one option carries a cost, odds are it’s not strong enough. A real dilemma means both paths lead to consequences that will cause trouble for the protagonist somehow.

In your novel, ask:

• What’s the consequence if the protagonist chooses A?
• What’s the consequence if the protagonist chooses B?
• How personal are these consequences?

The more personal the consequences, the better the choice. “Everyone dies” might feel like high stakes, but readers don’t typically care about faceless masses. They care about the characters they’ve been reading about and rooting for. 

Do those consequences affect the character and the story?

Consequences that don’t change anything wind up feeling pointless and even melodramatic, because the story unfolds the same even if they didn’t happen. Good choices change the plot and affect how the story unfolds.

A choice might:

• Complicate the character’s goal
• Make future problems harder
• Remove options that would make things easier
• Expose a flaw or fear the character would rather avoid

The more a consequence affects the character and story going forward, the more weight that choice carries.

How would the story change if the protagonist chose the other option?

Knowing things would change is good, but it’s worth taking a few minutes to brainstorm how each choice could affect the story. You might uncover more interesting paths and problems you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Look at the other option and ask:

• What does it do to the plot?
• How does it affect the tone, mood, or pacing?
• How does it affect the character’s growth?
• What other characters might be affected or involved?
• Does it connect to a subplot or tie thematic elements together?

Sometimes we get so focused on what we know happens, we miss opportunities to make our stories even stronger. Some of my best scenes came from characters making choices I hadn’t expected them to make.

Pick whichever choice best serves your story.

Not the nicest choice. Not the safest choice. The choice that creates the most tension, growth, and delicious fallout. That’s the choice readers will remember.

For those wondering what happened with Sterling and my allergies…

After taking antihistamines for a few weeks, I found out they gave me heart palpitations, and I had to stop taking them. Which sent me to the allergist for tests. Turned out I’d always been highly allergic to cats, but I was also highly allergic to a slew of other things and never realized it. I’d thought a full-time runny nose was normal. I’m on non-histamine allergy meds and get regular allergy shots now, and life is a whole lot better.

And Sterling is still our snuggly boo boo kitty.

What are the tough choices in your current book? What’s a tough choice you
personally had to make?

About Janice

Janice Hardy is the award-winning author of the teen fantasy trilogy The Healing Wars, including The Shifter, Blue Fire, and Darkfall from Balzer+Bray/Harper Collins. and the chapter books Who's Haunting Who? and The Haunting of Cabin 13 for Lerner Publishing. For adults, she writes the Grace Harper urban fantasy series under the name, J.T. Hardy. When she's not writing fiction, she runs the popular writing site Fiction University, and has written multiple books on writing, including Understanding Show, Don't Tell (And Really Getting It), Plotting Your Novel: Ideas and Structure, and the Revising Your Novel: First Draft to Finished Draft series. Sign up for her newsletter and receive 25 ways to Strengthen Your Writing Right Now free.

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Featured image by Pixabay

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How to Create Posts That Spark Real Engagement

By Edie Melson

I love to blog.

I love the creativity of it and the way a simple post can spark conversation and connection. I love that blogging lets us connect with people who “get it”—people who love books, storytelling, words, faith, and the messy middle of learning how to live well.

But I know many of you aren’t exactly fans.

Some writers try to love blogging because they know it’s a great way to connect with readers and build an online presence. Others don’t even attempt to love it. They blog out of necessity, like eating vegetables or cleaning out the fridge. And then there are those who truly enjoy the process, like me—because blogging feels like a conversation that never has to end.

No matter where you fall on the “blogging enthusiasm scale,” it’s worth doing well.

Because your blog is still one of the most valuable tools you own.

Social media comes and goes. Algorithms shift. Platforms rise and fall. But your blog? That’s your home base. It’s one of the few online spaces you actually control.

The Dos of Blogging Today

1. Do end every post with a real invitation

The best posts don’t just end. They open a door.

Instead of:
“What do you think?”

Try:
“What’s one blogging habit you want to strengthen this month?”
or
“Which of these ‘don’ts’ have you accidentally done—and what did you learn?”

2. Do ask questions that aren’t yes/no—and aren’t “test questions”

A yes/no question gives readers an easy exit. And questions with a “right answer” feel like a quiz, which shuts down most comments immediately.

Better questions invite story, experience, personality, and variety.

3. Do encourage readers to share an experience

Sometimes a post doesn’t lend itself naturally to a question, and that’s fine. In those cases, invite readers to share something personal and relatable:

•  “What have you tried?”
• “What’s one thing you’ve learned the hard way?”

That’s how we build community and connections—one shared story at a time.

4. Do ask readers to add to your list

This is one of my favorite conversation starters because it’s easy and fun.

You share a handful of tips and then ask:
“What would you add?”

It works because it gives readers a clear on-ramp. Even a quiet reader can contribute one idea.

5. Do watch your tone—especially with the word “you”

The word you can feel like finger-pointing, especially when talking about something writers struggle with.

“You need to stop…”
“You should really…”
“You must…”

Try “we” language instead, especially in instruction-style posts. It creates partnership instead of pressure.

6. Do share personal examples

In today’s blogging culture, readers are drawn to writers who feel human. And our personal stories are what set us apart from AI generated content.

Not perfect. Not polished. Human.

If you want people to feel safe commenting, go first. Share the moment you struggled. The mistake you made. The lesson you learned. It’s disarming—in the best way.

7. Do make your posts skimmable

We are living in the Age of Skimming, mainly because readers are overwhelmed.

Help your readers by using:

• short paragraphs (1–3 sentences is fine!)
• subheadings
• bullet points and lists
• occasional bold emphasis
• white space

8. Do answer comments (and make it feel like a conversation)

When someone comments, they aren’t just leaving feedback—they’re offering time.

When you respond to their comment, you build a connection and let them know you see them.

And here’s the modern twist: if you want conversation, respond with another question.

Example:
“Thank you for sharing this! What helped you push through that season?”

That one small move turns a comment section into a community.

9. Do keep a schedule that works for YOU

Consistency still matters—not because readers are demanding, but because humans build habits.

But your schedule needs to match YOUR life.

For some writers, that’s weekly. For others, twice a month. For others, one solid post a month that’s thoughtful and shareable.

The goal isn’t “post constantly.”
The goal is “post consistently.”

10. Do include social media links—and an email signup you actually mention

Yes, include your social links.

But if you want the most stable long-term connection, build your email list.

Social media is borrowed space. Email is a relationship you can keep.

So don’t hide the signup form in the basement of your sidebar. Mention it naturally in posts:
“If you’d like posts like this delivered to your inbox, you can subscribe here.”

11. Do write for today’s readers—because AI has changed how people find blogs

We used to think of “being found” as an SEO issue. But now, AI has changed the whole ecosystem. It’s vital to get your blog post found in an AI search, not just Google.

Readers still use Google, yes—but many also discover content through AI tools that summarize posts, pull out key points, and recommend articles based on questions people ask.

So instead of focusing only on ranking, focus on clarity.

Use:

• specific titles
• scannable structure and headings
• simple phrasing that matches real reader questions
• takeaways that are easy to quote and share

Your goal isn’t to chase algorithms. It’s to make your content easy to understand, easy to share, and easy to recommend.

The Don’ts of Blogging Today

1. Don’t obsess over “perfect” post length

Years ago, bloggers were told, “Every post should be between 300–600 words.”

Today? It’s more nuanced.

Longer posts can still work beautifully—especially if they’re story-driven, structured well, packed with value, and easy to scan. Shorter posts can also work if they’re focused, punchy, and clear.

The new rule is: write as long as it takes to deliver the value you promised in the title… and not a word more.

That said, if you want evergreen value, posts in the 800 – 1500 word range often perform well when well formatted.

2. Don’t use vague titles

Blog titles are not the place to be cryptic, or even overly clever.

Most people will discover your post through search results, social shares, email forwards, and AI summaries—meaning they may only see the title. But learn how to choose titles that rank in an AI search as well as through SEO.

So, ask yourself: “If someone only reads the title, do they know what this post is about?”

If the answer is no, revise it.

3. Don’t treat your blog like a billboard

This one matters.

If every post feels like: “Buy my book! Here’s my link! Please support me!” …readers will quietly back away.

People connect with people—not sales pitches. Yes, share your books and work. But make sure your blog offers generosity. Focus on connection, encouragement, and practical help.

Remember the Goal: Be a Good Host

The heart of blogging hasn’t changed. Blogging is relationship and we want to be good hosts. We want our blog to feel like:

• a welcoming front porch
• a shared time in a coffee shop
• a conversation, not a performance

It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to feel real.

Your Turn

What makes you feel welcome when you visit a blog? And what turns you off fast? Be sure to share your thoughts—and your best blogging tips—in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,
Edie

About Edie

Edie Melson is an award-winning author—and photographer—with numerous books to her credit. She’s a top-tier industry blogger, and sought-after speaker. Her blog, The Write Conversation has been part of the Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017 and boasts over 9 million unique visitors. She’s also the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and board member of AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association).

Her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers across the country and around the world. She and husband Kirk have been married 44+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found—with their big black dog and Edie’s camera—hiking the mountains. Connect with her at EdieMelson.com and through social media.

Featured image from Pixabay

by Dr. Diana Stout

I watch a lot of writer interviews and have seen how they’re asked these questions just as I’ve been asked:

Why do you write?

Where do you get your ideas?

How did you get started?

These questions sound simple enough, expressing curiosity, but they point directly to the heart of creativity, purpose, and the courage it takes to put words on the page and being open to criticism. Our answers open doorways into a mysterious, seemingly secret creative life, and where within our answers the questioner is wondering if they have the courage to be a writer, too.

How Did I Get Started?

Unlike so many authors who say they started writing stories when they were young, in the beginning, I had no such desire. I was a rabid reader.

Instead, I wrote diaries and journals, mostly to vent, but I wrote about interests, desires, and observations, too. Then, I began turning these observations into essays because I wanted to share, and I wanted a byline. More importantly, I wanted a voice. I was young and felt like a nobody, totally unseen and without a voice. Surely, I wasn’t the only one experiencing these things.

As my bylines began stacking up in newspaper and magazines, my confidence as a writer grew. I wanted to write books like those I was reading: romance, thrillers, and various nonfiction.

Also, I wanted the fame of publication and the fortune these writers had. I assumed they had nice incomes to go along with that fame.

I had a lot to learn on that score.

As disappointing as it was in the beginning to learn that many writers didn’t have the income, I thrived within the creativity. I joined writing groups and enjoyed the camaraderie. As editors and publisher wrote comments at the bottom of rejections, telling me they liked my voice and to submit again, I was encouraged to keep writing.

I was close to acceptance and publication for a long time. So, I refused to give up, knowing that one day I would publish a book, and 14 years after writing my first book, I did.

I wrote in different genres, following submission requests and contests. My body of work kept piling up. Most of it was unpublished, but I was placing and winning awards.

Where Do I Get My Ideas?

In the beginning, I followed the adage of write what you know. My early topics were essays and articles about marriage, raising kids, and life in general. Today, my nonfiction books are based on what I taught both in online writing communities and in the university classroom, from fiction and nonfiction both long and short, to creative and business writing, time management, and how to reach your goals.

With fiction, the ideas come from everywhere and anywhere:

• Dreams
• Conversations overheard
• News headlines
• Talk shows
• Social media posts—including the comments
• Reading
• True events and history
• Regular TV programs
• Interviews

Often, ideas come to me in the silence as I rarely have TV or music playing in the background. Another place where ideas appear out of nowhere is when I’m in the shower.

Once I have the initial spark of an idea, I create a fire of What if? scenarios of danger, secrets, desires, and anger or revenge motivation.

An initial idea can start with a character and their impossible desire or as a plot that begs to be deepened in exploration.

The secret is writing all ideas down immediately. One, so as not to forget them, and two, so that the ideas can flow freely rather than damming up in my head. I could live to be 200 and still not have time enough to write out the ideas I’ve collected so far.

Why Do I Write?

Looking back, in the beginning I was searching not only for fame and fortune, but searching for myself, as well. In finding myself, I found a tiny bit of fame, but I’m still waiting on the fortune; it’s coming.

Some writers get lucky and find their true genre right away. My journey took me across the genres, which allowed me to use the techniques of one genre with another. As a result, I became a better writer. While I’ve always been a solid non-fiction writer, finding my fiction genre has taken longer to uncover. After more than five decades of writing, I’m excited that I have finally discovered it’s psychological thrillers. Recently, on another blog website, I wrote, “From Romance to Thrillers – Why I Changed Genres.”

I write every day and look forward to my designated write-in Zoom time with other writers. I write because I enjoy the process and enjoy helping other writers. It’s like Christmas when opening boxes of newly printed books that I’ve written.

How Can You Get Started?

What I tell every new writer and writers who are stuck: Just write.

Don’t overthink, don’t question, just write. Get your thoughts out of your head and on paper, regardless of the project, topic, or what’s required. It’s okay to create messy first drafts.

Write what you like to read. Experiment with it all: descriptions, taglines, dialogue, etc. My first fiction drafts are usually nothing but pure dialogue. Descriptions and emotions, along with action tags, are layered in with subsequent drafts. Find a process that works for you.

Writing is about the rewriting. Writing is like throwing words on the pottery wheel. You’re shaping and molding it into a recognizable format as a story or essay. Yes, all writing has structure. Not sure what that structure is? Read published examples. Read the genre you’re writing. Read the how-to books. Listen to other writers. Join online writing groups. Join critic groups.

No writer’s journey is the same. It’s about finding what works for you. Enjoy the journey. Create your own path or as Ralph Waldo Emerson would say: Go where there is no path.

No doubt, sometime in the future, someone will be asking you these same questions about how you got started.

Why do you write? How did you get started?

About Dr. Diana:

An award-winning writer in multiple genres across multiple media, Diana is a screenwriter, author, blogger, writing coach, and indie publisher through her production company, Sharpened Pencils Productions.

An award-winning writer in multiple genres across multiple media, Diana is a screenwriter, author, blogger, writing coach, and indie publisher through her production company, Sharpened Pencils Productions.

She recently published her first thriller, Harbor House: Deadly Intentions, a gripping split-time psychological paranormal of two women separated by a century yet bound by peril, legacy, and the haunting secrets of Harbor House Island.

Currently, she's completing a time management book to add to her Finding Your Fire series and has 2026 plans for a historical true story based on a mid-1800 event, another thriller, rewriting a couple scripts, and breathing life into what she calls her Nicholas Sparks novel.

Featured image from Pixabay.