Write on the Scene

I Don’t Know How to Market My Writing (But I’m Learning)

July 2, 2025

A woman with long dark hair is focused on writing at a wooden desk, surrounded by books and notes, in a cozy, well-decorated room.

I used to think the hardest part about being a writer was writing. But truthfully? That’s the part I love. It’s the sharing, the marketing, the putting-my-work-out-into-the-world part that’s always been hard.

I’ve struggled with it. Still do sometimes. But I’m learning. And if you’re in the same boat, I want to share a few things that are helping me get better, so we can grow together.

Marketing Isn’t Just Selling—It’s Storytelling

I used to think marketing meant being pushy or salesy. Like I had to constantly shout “Buy my book!” every time I opened my mouth (or posted online). But I’ve come to realize that marketing is really just storytelling with intention.

It’s saying:

Here’s what I’m working on.
Here’s why it matters to me.
Here’s how it might help you too.

That shift in perspective has made a world of difference. When I frame marketing as an extension of my purpose—as a way to encourage other writers—it feels natural, not forced.

Consistency Over Complexity

One of my biggest challenges? I don’t do it consistently enough.

I’ll get excited, post a few things, maybe even write a whole email sequence… and then life happens. I fall off. And starting back up feels harder each time.

So now I’m focusing on simple consistency:

Posting weekly instead of daily.
Repurposing what I already wrote instead of starting from scratch.
Giving myself grace, but not excuses.

Because you don’t need a complicated funnel or a huge following to make an impact. You just need to keep showing up, one post, one share, one heartfelt message at a time.

What Should I Post—and How Often?

That’s the big question, right? How often should I market? Daily? Weekly? Monthly?

Here’s what I’ve decided works best for me (at least for now):

🗓 Weekly Rhythm:

One longer-form piece of content (like this blog post, a Substack letter, or a LinkedIn post)
3–5 social media posts that pull quotes, ideas, or behind-the-scenes moments from that content
One gentle mention of my book, series, or service with a link (that doesn’t feel like a pitch)

This gives me structure without burnout. And honestly, it feels good to show up regularly without overwhelming myself—or my audience.

How to Sell Without Sounding “Salesy”

Let’s be real: I never want people to feel like I’m just trying to get them to buy something.

So instead of focusing on “sales,” I focus on connection:

I share lessons I’ve learned.
I post quotes from my books that helped me first.
I talk about the stories behind the stories.
And then I invite people to go deeper if they feel led.

That might sound like:

“Writing Queen of Quitting helped me see quitting not as failure, but as redirection. If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book might bless you too.”

That’s it. No pressure. Just purpose.

Learning as I Go

I’m reading more about marketing, watching videos from people who’ve been where I am, and slowly building systems that work for my life. Not some perfect version of me—me, as I am now.

I’m learning that:

I don’t have to do it all.
I can market in a way that feels authentic.
I’m allowed to be a work in progress—and so is my strategy.

If you’ve struggled with marketing too, just know this: You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re learning, just like me.

Let’s Grow Together

If you’re a writer who’s figuring this out like I am, tell me:
What’s been your biggest challenge when it comes to marketing your writing?

Drop it in the comments or hit reply if you’re reading this in an email.

And if you’ve found something that works for you, share it! Let’s keep lifting each other up.

Inspiration/Motivation

I Struggle to Come Up with Ideas for Articles

June 25, 2025

A person with a beard sitting at a desk, looking intently at a computer screen, surrounded by colorful decor and a red wall.

For the longest time, I used to sit at my desk staring at a blank screen, waiting for the perfect article or blog post idea to drop from the sky. It rarely did. I’d scroll social media, reread old posts, or browse trending topics, hoping something would spark inspiration. Sometimes I’d get a glimpse of a topic worth writing about, but I second-guessed myself, wondering if it was helpful enough, original enough, or even worth sharing.

The result? More hesitation than progress. I started plenty of drafts that went nowhere. I told myself I wasn’t cut out for this kind of work. And for a while, I believed that lie.

But everything changed when I got clear about who I wanted to help and what I had to say.

Writing from My Own Struggles

One day, I asked myself a powerful question:
“What do I know deeply enough to write about it over and over again without running out of things to say?”

The answer came faster than I expected: my writing journey. More specifically—the fears, doubts, setbacks, and small wins I’ve faced along the way.

I’ve started and stopped writing more times than I can count. I’ve felt invisible. I’ve worried my words weren’t good enough. I’ve questioned if anyone even cared. And I’ve learned that I’m not alone in those thoughts. New writers (and even experienced ones) wrestle with the same stuff.

Once I stopped trying to sound like an expert and started writing as someone who’s been in the trenches, everything shifted. Suddenly, I had a mountain of ideas, because I wasn’t trying to “create” from scratch. I was drawing from real experiences.

Common Struggles = Unlimited Ideas

The beautiful thing about writing for new writers is that the topics are endless. Why? Because fears and frustrations are universal, and so are dreams and desires.

When I write about:

Imposter syndrome and the voice that says, “Who do you think you are?”
Perfectionism and how it stalls progress
The fear of judgment and the shame that silences us
Starting over after quitting too many times
Finding time to write when life gets in the way

…I’m not making these up. I’m remembering what I needed to hear when I was just starting out (or restarting for the tenth time). Those memories are my content goldmine.

Write for the Person You Were

If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, try this:
Write for the person you were two, five or ten years ago.

-What would have encouraged you?
-What information would have saved you time or heartache?
-What mindset shift would have helped you keep going?

When you approach content this way, you’ll never run out of things to say, because you’re writing with empathy and purpose. You’re not trying to be trendy. You’re trying to be helpful. And that makes all the difference.

Hope > Fear

Yes, I still have moments where I wonder if my words matter. But I’ve learned that fear doesn’t go away, it just gets quieter when you’re focused on what you hope to accomplish.

I don’t write because I have everything figured out. I write because I remember how lost I felt. And I know there’s someone out there who needs what I have to say.

Every time I press “publish,” I’m planting a seed of hope, for myself and for another writer who might just need a little light on their path.

Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?

If you’re stuck today, try zooming out.

Where do you want to be as a writer 10 years from now?

Maybe you dream of publishing books. Starting a blog. Building a community. Creating courses. Sharing your story. Whatever it is, begin today. Write the kind of articles, posts or books that your future self will be proud of. Write the kind of content that will help others walk the road you’ve already traveled.

You don’t need a million ideas. You just need one truth, told well.

And you already have that truth, because you’ve lived it.

Your story is your strength. Your struggle is your strategy. Write from there.

Journey

I Don’t Write Enough

June 18, 2025

A thoughtful young woman wearing a red sweater rests her chin on her hand as she studies notes on a table, with a notebook and pen in front of her.

For years, this phrase haunted me: “I don’t write enough.” I’d think it after scrolling social media instead of opening my document. I’d whisper it while folding laundry, wondering why I wasn’t further along with my book. It became a quiet accusation in the back of my mind, evidence, I believed, that I wasn’t really a writer.

Now? I write more than I ever have in my life.

The difference? I found purpose in my words.

When Writing Felt Like a Struggle

Back then, writing felt like something I should do, not something I had to do. I’d start a blog or a book and then stop midway. I’d write for a few days, then fall off for weeks. My notebooks and Google Docs were filled with half-finished ideas and dreams deferred.

It wasn’t that I didn’t love writing, I did. But I had no clear purpose behind it. I was writing to feel productive, to prove I was a writer, or to catch up with people who seemed ahead of me. There was no deeper “why.” No direction. And definitely no consistency.

Purpose Changed Everything

Things shifted when I began to ask a different question: What am I here to say? That simple question started a chain reaction. I began to see writing not just as a hobby or even a career path, but as a calling.

Now I know exactly what I write for:
-To help writers stop quitting.
-To help them face their fears.
-To encourage them to pursue their purpose.

With that kind of clarity, it’s hard to not write. The ideas keep coming. The stories find me. Even on hard days, I feel a responsibility to keep going—because someone, somewhere, needs the reminder not to give up.

Writing for Others (And for Myself)

Not everything I write is meant to be read by others. I have private journal entries, prayerful letters to God, unsent drafts where I worked through anger, grief, or doubt. Those are for my eyes only. They help me process the inner work that makes the outer work possible.

But most of what I write now is public, emails, books, blogs, devotionals, even Substack posts. And all of it is rooted in this idea: Your words can free someone else.

That’s what keeps me showing up. That’s what keeps the words flowing.

How I Found My Writing Rhythm

Once I understood my purpose, the next step was creating a system to support it. Here’s what helped:

Writing daily, in some form – Whether it’s a journal entry, social post, or chapter draft, I touch words every day.
Not waiting for inspiration – I write through the mess, trusting I’ll find meaning in the revision.
Setting realistic goals – Some days I write for hours, others just a few lines. Progress over perfection.
Connecting with other writers – Encouraging others keeps me encouraged too. We’re all in this together.

You Might Be Closer Than You Think

If you’re reading this thinking, “That sounds great, but I still don’t write enough,” I want to gently challenge that. Maybe it’s not that you don’t write enough. Maybe it’s that you haven’t connected your writing to your deeper purpose yet.

What’s the message only you can share? Who are the people who need to hear it? What if your inconsistency isn’t a flaw, but a clue, showing you where you need more clarity, not more pressure?

Writing With Purpose Is Fuel

The beautiful thing about writing with purpose is that it doesn’t burn you out, it fuels you. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy. But it is sustainable. And it will carry you further than deadlines and guilt trips ever could.

When you write from a place of conviction, something powerful happens: Your words reach people. They change people. And sometimes, they even come back to change you.

Final Thoughts

I used to say I don’t write enough. Now I say I’m writing as much as I can, and sometimes more than I thought I could.

If you’re in the middle of a dry season, give yourself grace. But also give yourself a reason. Find your “why.” Anchor yourself in the impact your words can have. And then, write like it matters. Because it does.

You were given this gift for a reason. Use it.

Inspiration/Motivation

How I’m Dealing With Early Retirement (And Finding Peace With My Dream)

June 11, 2025

A woman with glasses and dreadlocks sits at a desk, writing in a notebook while focused on her laptop, wearing a red sweater.

I didn’t imagine retiring in my 40s. Like most people, I assumed I’d work a stable job until I was somewhere in my 60s, put in my time, and then sail into retirement with a little cushion and a whole lot of peace. But life had other plans. Between my health challenges and the mental toll of trying to keep pushing through, I had to let go of my good government job much earlier than expected—15 to 20 years early, to be exact.

Early retirement sounds glamorous to some. But let me be clear: retiring early without enough saved up is scary. I just bought a home that still needs repairs and upgrades. There’s no pension rolling in to cover all of life’s “what ifs.” The cost of living keeps rising, and the pressure to figure things out is real.

But here’s the unexpected grace in all of it: I fell back in love with writing.

Rediscovering My Passion (and My Purpose)

Writing saved me in a way I didn’t see coming. What started as a coping mechanism—a way to make sense of everything I was losing—quickly became the thing that gave me something new to look forward to. A reason to get up and keep going. A purpose.

Now I’m not just writing for fun. I’ve built a growing body of work, a newsletter I pour into weekly, and a little online presence that’s beginning to open doors.

In a little over a year, I’ve self-published three books on Amazon and two ebooks on Gumroad. My newsletter was recently ranked #74 in Education on Substack. I received my first paid subscriber. I got my first five-star book rating. These may sound like small milestones in the grand scheme of publishing, but to me, they’re proof that something is working—that I’m building something meaningful, one story at a time.

Adjusting the Dream

When I first got serious about writing again, I said I wanted to publish a bookcase worth of books. And I still love that visual. But these days, I’ve simplified the dream a bit. I tell myself I’ve got at least ten good years in me, and however many books I can put out in that time, I’ll be proud of every single one.

Because I’m not just stacking titles—I’m stacking impact. With each book, I get a little stronger, a little more confident, and a little more free.

From Purposeful Words to Fictional Worlds

I started with nonfiction because I wanted to help people. I wanted to encourage the writers who felt like quitting, the ones who doubted their voices, the ones who needed a nudge to start or keep going. That’s how Purposeful Pen, Fearless Writing, and now Queen of Quitting were born.

But the truth is, fiction is my first love. I’ve always loved storytelling—especially mysteries with bold, complicated women who solve more than just crimes.

So after I wrap up this final book in The Purposeful Writer series, I’m diving headfirst into fiction.

It’s time to let Sassy Johnson out.

Meet Sassy — And the Next Chapter

Sassy Johnson, my private investigator with Memphis roots and a whole lot of attitude, has lived rent-free in my head for over a decade. She’s sassy, smart, and on a mission to help people who’ve been wronged. And now that I have the time—and the courage—I’m finally ready to tell her story.

I’m not expecting to hit the bestseller list. That’s not what this is about. But I do believe there are readers out there who will love her as much as I do. Who’ll find a bit of themselves in her flaws and fire. And who won’t mind supporting a poor, disabled, early-retired woman still chasing purpose with everything she’s got.

Building a New Life, One Page at a Time

Early retirement didn’t give me the life I expected. But maybe it’s giving me the life I needed—a quieter life, with space for the things that matter most.

It’s not perfect. Some days are hard. The money doesn’t always stretch. The house needs work. My body doesn’t always cooperate.

But I’m writing again. I’m creating something that might outlast me. And I’m learning that success doesn’t always look like a paycheck or a perfect plan—it looks like waking up and doing the thing you love, even when no one’s watching.

So I’m choosing to show up—for myself, for my characters, and for the readers who might need my voice.

I’m retired. But I’m not done.

Journey

I’m Not an Expert, But I Am Passionate About Writing

June 4, 2025

A thoughtful woman with curly, reddish hair and glasses looks upward, surrounded by painted thought clouds against a textured background.

Let’s get this out of the way first: I’m not an expert.
Not in the traditional, credentialed, ten-letters-behind-my-name kind of way. I didn’t get a master’s degree in writing. I haven’t published a bestseller (yet). And I don’t have a blue checkmark next to my name.

But what I do have is real-life experience—years of wrestling with fear, doubt, and perfectionism just to show up on the page. I’ve written through tears, through illness, through anxiety, through exhaustion. I’ve learned to push past the voices that told me I wasn’t qualified or polished or important enough to speak.

And through all of that, something beautiful happened: I found my voice.

Writing Isn’t Just What I Do—It’s Who I Am

I didn’t become a writer because someone handed me a certificate. I became a writer because I couldn’t not write.

When I was young, writing was my escape. My quiet place. My safe space. As I got older, it became something else, something sacred. It became the place I learned to process pain and transform it into purpose.

There were times I walked away from writing because it felt too hard. Too vulnerable. Too uncertain. But every time I quit, I found myself circling back. Writing is how I make sense of the world, and myself.

So no, I’m not an expert. But I am called. And that counts for something.

Passion Doesn’t Need Permission

For a long time, I waited for someone to validate me. A mentor. An audience. An industry professional. I thought I needed approval before I could claim the title of “writer.”

But God reminded me:
You don’t need a platform to start sharing what I’ve placed inside you. You just need faith.

So I started showing up: online, on paper, and in rooms where my voice once trembled. I realized that passion doesn’t need permission. It just needs action.

Now, I write with a deep sense of responsibility. Not because I’ve “arrived,” but because I remember what it felt like to be stuck, silenced by fear and impostor syndrome. And I never want another writer to stay in that place longer than they have to.

My Story Might Be Someone’s Spark

The more I write, the more I understand this:
My story is not just for me.

There are people who need to hear the exact lessons I’ve learned—the messy middle, the awkward beginnings, the quiet courage. They need someone who’s been through the storm and lived to write about it.

Maybe I’m not the loudest voice in the room. Maybe I’ll never win an award. But I know this for sure: my words have the power to comfort, inspire, and unlock something in others. That is not something I take lightly.

If God trusted me with this voice, this knowledge, and this story, then it would be selfish not to share it.

You Don’t Have to Be “Qualified” to Help

One of the lies we often believe is: “I’m not ready yet.” But sometimes readiness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being willing.

When I started encouraging other writers, I didn’t feel qualified. But people kept saying, “That helped me.” Or, “I needed to hear that.” And I realized that helping someone doesn’t require having all the answers. It just requires honesty, empathy, and consistency.

We grow by showing up. We lead by being real.
We help by sharing what we’ve already overcome.

This Is What I Know

I know what it’s like to feel overlooked. To write something and wonder if anyone will care. To pour your heart into a project and still feel insecure about it.

But I also know the freedom that comes when you finally give yourself permission to write for you, and then share it with others.

I know that healing is possible through storytelling.
That purpose can be found in quitting/pivoting. And that there’s no such thing as “too late” to start.

Final Thoughts

I’m not an expert. But I’m faithful. I’m not perfect. But I’m persistent. And I’m not famous. But I’m free.

If you’ve been waiting to feel “expert enough” to start sharing your voice, don’t. Your story is already valuable. Your lessons are already powerful.

Don’t hide your light just because someone else’s seems brighter.

Your passion is enough. Your voice matters. And someone out there is waiting for the words only you can write.

Inspiration/Motivation

I Have a Hard Time Finding Inspiration to Write

May 7, 2025

A woman in a bright red blazer sits confidently in a wheelchair against a backdrop of modern buildings and trees with autumn foliage.

There was a time when I believed inspiration had to strike like lightning. I waited for the perfect mood, the perfect words, and the perfect circumstances. Needless to say, I didn’t write much. I had the desire, sure. But the ideas? They felt like they were hiding from me.

That changed when I realized that inspiration isn’t something you wait on—it’s something you learn to see.

The Problem With Waiting for Inspiration

When you wait for inspiration, writing becomes inconsistent. You might get one burst of creativity every couple of weeks, and during those rare moments, you write like your life depends on it. But the rest of the time? You sit stuck, frustrated, and questioning if you’re even a writer at all.

I used to spend more time wanting to write than actually writing. I thought something was wrong with me. Everyone else seemed to have endless ideas. Why didn’t I?

Then it hit me: it wasn’t that I didn’t have inspiration—it was that I didn’t know how to recognize it.

Becoming Curious About Everything

One day, I challenged myself to write a short piece based solely on something I saw while sitting on my porch. I noticed an older man walking by with his dog, and I imagined his backstory. Was he a widower? A retired professor? What was his relationship with the dog? That small moment turned into a compelling short story—and it opened my eyes.

Inspiration didn’t have to come from big, dramatic events. It could come from a simple observation, if I was paying attention.

That’s when I started to look at the world differently.

The Writer’s Secret Weapon

One of my favorite sources of inspiration is people watching. At the grocery store. On a park bench. Sitting in a waiting room. People are full of quirks, gestures, styles, expressions, and mysteries.

Watch long enough, and you’ll start to form little character sketches in your mind.

Why is that woman clutching her purse so tightly?
Who is the man in the faded military jacket, buying only canned soup?
What kind of conversation is that couple having in hushed tones at the coffee shop?

These moments may seem small, but they’re the seeds of great storytelling. Every stranger has a story, and with a bit of imagination, you can give it a voice.

Books, Movies, Podcasts

The content you consume isn’t just entertainment—it’s fuel.

When I started paying closer attention to the themes, characters, and emotional beats in the books I read or shows I watched, I found myself thinking, How would I have written that scene differently? or What would happen if this story took a left turn instead of a right?

Even podcasts sparked ideas. A true crime podcast might inspire a thriller scene. A motivational episode might remind me of a personal experience I want to explore.

Don’t just consume—engage. Ask questions. Take notes. Let other creators light your creative fire.

Thoughts, Memories, and Dreams

Some of the most powerful inspiration comes from within. I’ve had entire essay ideas come to me in dreams. I’ve written blog posts based on passing thoughts I had in the shower.

Your own life is full of material. Consider:

What’s a childhood memory that still makes you laugh or cry?
What’s a moment you wish you could relive—or undo?
What conversation changed your direction in life?

These aren’t just memories. They’re entry points into stories that are real, relatable, and raw.

Keep an Inspiration Journal

To make all of this easier, I started keeping a tiny notebook—or sometimes just a note on my phone or Google Docs—where I jot down anything interesting. A line of dialogue I overheard. A dream that lingered after I woke up. A story idea that popped in while I was eating breakfast.

The key isn’t to wait for a “good idea.” It’s to collect the little ones. Over time, you’ll have a goldmine of prompts to choose from.

Write Anyway, Even When It Feels Dry

Finally, one of the biggest lessons I learned: inspiration often comes after you start writing.

Some of my best writing didn’t come from a lightning bolt idea—it came from sitting down and getting words on the page, even if I didn’t feel particularly inspired.

Momentum creates magic. Don’t wait for it—build it.

Final Thoughts

Once I shifted my mindset from “I need inspiration to write” to “Everything around me can inspire me,” writing became part of my daily rhythm—not just something I did when the mood struck.

If you’re struggling to find ideas, don’t beat yourself up. Start paying attention to your surroundings. Observe. Reflect. Collect. And most importantly—write.

You’ll be surprised how quickly inspiration finds you when you stop chasing it and start creating it for yourself.

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