By Mike Rumble, https://rumblesrumblings.wordpress.com/

I was serving as an assistant account executive at MarketSmart Advertising, working on the Subway restaurants account. Although I enjoyed my job, I was beginning to develop a passion for writing but needed inspiration and direction on how to take it to the next level. A coworker of mine named Lori noticed my talent and suggested I consider attending a writing conference called “Write Now!” by an up-and-coming group called Triangle Association of Freelancers (affectionately known to many as TAF) at the North Campus of Wake Tech Community College. I figured I had nothing to lose and made the trek to attend the conference and see what it was all about. Of all the Write Now! conferences I’ve been privileged to attend, my most memorable one was that first one back in 2008.

I noticed from the moment I walked in that this conference was different. Every single person was happy to be there, and I was greeted with the warmest smiles at every turn. Another incredible thing about TAF is the transparency of the leadership team. They don’t hide from the participants. In fact, they make every effort to get to know you, what your writing interests are, and how they can help you. It still makes me chuckle when I remember overhearing Nan Vaughan whisper to Mark Cantrell after I finished registering, “Go follow Mike. It’s his first conference and he needs a friend!” Mark then took over and helped me pick out the sessions that would be of benefit to me. To this day, Mark and I are still the best of friends.

At lunch, I found myself sitting next to one of the conference’s founders, Elaine Klonicki, who took an immediate interest in my desire to write humor one day. We discussed how important and vital humor writing is given how the world is these days and then discovered something else that we are both fascinated with…the sinking of the Titanic.

The sessions were simply amazing! The speakers were so passionate about writing and what they wanted to share that I just sat and soaked in everything I could. I enjoyed every minute of that day being around both established writers and new writers like me, and left that conference inspired, motivated and ready to write! I became an official TAF member not too long after that.

Shortly after joining TAF, my writing life changed forever. Another one of the conference’s founding members, Kristy Stevenson, came up to me at a meeting, handed me a piece of paper and said, “I found this writing opportunity and think you would be perfect for it!” It was a submission invitation from Chicken Soup for the Soul for a new book they were planning to release, entitled “Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada.” (I am Canadian by birth.) I put together a story of how my father and I would watch our beloved (and many times maddening) Toronto Maple Leafs playing hockey on Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday night after our church meetings. I never expected my story to get too far in the selection process but was pleasantly surprised that not only did it make it to the final selection round, but it was also selected for publication! To this day, nothing brings a bigger smile to my face than to open that book and see my name in print!

That success led me to start my own blog, Rumble’s Rumblings, which gives me the ability to publish my own thoughts and stories whenever I want.

I also became a regular contributor to the TAF Omnibus books that the group publishes every year, featuring stories and poems written by the organization’s own members.

My association with TAF also inspired me to try my hand at magazine writing. I had the privilege to write articles on a monthly basis for 5 West Magazine, a regional publication, after the editor at the time was a guest at a TAF monthly meeting. Later, after getting an introduction to the editor of Videoscope magazine by TAF’s founder Don Vaughan, I began writing reviews of horror and science fiction movies that are being re-released in Blu-Ray and 4K UHD.

None of these achievements would have been possible if not for that decision back in 2008 to attend that first Write Now! conference. The amazing thing is that the planning committee still consistently strives to improve and bring value to every conference year after year!

Need some confidence and encouragement to take your writing to the next level? Join us! You’ve got nothing to lose…and everything to gain!

Mike Rumble has been a member of TAF since 2008. He has had stories published in Chicken Soup for the Soul as well as in the TAF Omnibus books. He has written articles highlighting local businesses that were featured in 5 West Magazine and is currently a contributing writer with VideoScope magazine.

By Ana Shapkaliska, Ana’s Author Page

One beautiful spring afternoon in 2016, my dear friend and neighbor, Ms. Angelica, showed up at my door. We were looking forward to enjoying our coffee together and catching up on the latest news, since she had just come back from her yearly trip to her native Brazil.

As I opened the door to greet her, I noticed she was holding a newspaper clipping in her hand. Her face was beaming with a special glee.

“What is that?” I asked with curiosity.

“This is something that you will appreciate very much. I believe your days as an isolated writer in this country are over,” she replied.

In going through the clipping, I found out that it was an advertisement for a writer’s conference, called Write Now!, which was going to be held at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh.

Wow, this is unbelievable. It’s only 10 minutes by car from here, I thought with excitement.

So, that’s how it happened. By the grace of my good friend, I came to know about Write Now! and the wonderful association called TAF.

Being an immigrant from North Macedonia in South Europe who relocated to Cary, North Carolina, I had been feeling like I had landed on a deserted island in my professional landscape.

In my home country, I used to work in the National Broadcasting Company as a senior scriptwriter. Three thousand people were employed there. Numerous TV movies and TV series were produced based on my original and adapted screenplays, as well as more than 10 documentaries. Many of them received recognition at prestigious European TV festivals. My debut novel was published by one of the best publishers and was shortlisted for a national award.

Leaving all that behind, I felt terribly alone. I was longing to have writers as friends around me, to whom I could reach out and get the guidance I so badly needed in my new environment.

I remember being super excited as I was preparing to attend Write Now! for the first time. I was not sure how to dress, whether I should apply makeup, or if I should bring my designer purse to the conference.

But all my fears and insecurities disappeared as soon as I got there. From the friendly and welcoming people at the registration area to all the wonderful presentations that followed, it felt like a fairy tale to me. I felt that I had found my tribe. For the very first time in my U.S. years, I felt that I belonged.  

The year was 2016. I remember the presentation of Don Vaughan. I didn’t know at that time that he was the founder of TAF and the mastermind for the conference. He spoke about his freelance career in a way that left me mesmerized. I clearly recall him saying that it is a very risky proposition to leave a stable job and embark on freelance writing. He mentioned examples from his own life, and that he felt confident to take that step since he knew the bills and the mortgage would still be paid because his wife had a steady job.

After attending the conference and filling out the forms to become a member of TAF, I felt genuinely happy that I finally got in touch with “my people.” My desire to make it as a writer in this country only increased, and left me with the feeling that if I persevere, my time will come.

Listening to different presentations inspired me to publish my novella “Good Morning, Mr. Dalton” on Amazon. It provided me with visibility and garnered some great reviews.

I attended all the conferences that followed except one. I couldn’t be more grateful for my good fortune. The board is doing an exceptional job, carefully inviting top presenters, but I will mention only a few.

Scott Meyers confirmed to me what a good fortune it is to be trained as a screenplay writer, and to be writing novels or novellas in a way that could easily be adapted into series or movies.

Sandra Gutierrez, a food writer, put it nicely that there is a place for everyone at the table. That no matter what genre you are writing in or where you come from, your dreams are valid.

Lisa Hagan assured me that even though the social media following is important nowadays, and the agents pay attention to that, the best advertising is the book itself.

Joseph Finder said that talented writers who don’t put much effort into their writing don’t make it farther at the end of the day than the less talented writers who put a lot of work and discipline into their writing routines.

Tiffany Yates Martin asked the best possible questions: “Why do you write? What is your motivation?” When we know the answers to those questions, we will know how to pursue our calling.

S.A. Cosby, who got rejected 70 times for his first book and more than 100 times for his first story, said: “You must show up. Talent and good luck are very important, but we must work very hard to make our dreams come true. My life was not easy, but my writing saved me.”

Write Now! conferences have reinforced my desire to stay on the path of writing, since that’s my life’s calling. The only downside for me is that after attending them, I become so energized, so inspired and full of positive energy that I want to leave everything behind and dedicate my time and my life only to writing.

And I don’t care anymore about what people used to tell me: “You are in the worst possible place for your career. You should live in New York or in L.A.”

Now that Write Now! and TAF are next to me on my writing journey, I’m good to go.

Ana Shapkaliska is a Macedonian-American scriptwriter, novelist and short story writer. She used to work in the TV Industry in her hometown of Skopje City, N. Macedonia. Her feature movies and series, as well as documentaries, got recognition at prestigious European TV festivals. Her debut novel, “Govinda, Anuttam and the Juhu Temple,” was published by TRI. Her novella “Good Morning, Mr. Dalton” is available on Amazon. She resides with her husband in Cary, NC.

You can subscribe to the TAF Blog here.

By Sarah Merritt Ryan, www.SarahMerrittRyan.com

Whenever I tell people how I got started as a professional writer, I let them know about Triangle Association of Freelancers (TAF).  I talk about what an encouraging group this is, where everyone wants everyone else to succeed, where all types of writers are welcome, and all skill levels of writers are supported and encouraged. Joining TAF has led to a whole new career path for me.

My Success Through TAF – Let Me Count the Ways

It all started with the idea that I wanted to write what I wished I could have read during my early recovery after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. It’s something barely discussed or shared due to the stigma surrounding serious mental illness. Most people like me suffer in secrecy and isolation. The huge sticking point for me was whether I would put my name on my first post. It was my big secret that I had had psychotic breaks in the past.

1. I spoke with TAF founder Don Vaughan on the phone, and we talked about the pros and cons. While he made it clear the decision was mine, he did encourage me as a writer and assured me I have a lot to share that might help others. I made the decision to submit that blog post to a county site for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the sky didn’t fall after all. So, then I wrote another post, and another. Each time one was published, I let the TAF listserv know, and the members all cheered me on. Then I thought, I’ll resubmit them to the national NAMI blog and see what happens. They published my posts as well. All of a sudden, I had a platform.
2. Then, a TAF member encouraged me to apply for a blog on Psychology Today. I saw it as a Hail Mary but did it anyway. I figured it said something about my belief in myself to go ahead and submit. Lo and behold, my pitch was accepted. I’ve been blogging on Psychology Today for almost three years now.
3. I explained to Don my dream of writing a memoir, and he connected me to a literary agent who liked my idea and asked me to write a book proposal. I wrote it and then proceeded to write the actual book. In the end, the agent was not able to sell it, but I am not discouraged. I’m now working with an independent editor on a full revision while continuing to build my platform. Then I will pursue some university press options.
4. TAF members Elaine Klonicki and Don Vaughan mentored me on my first article published with Writer’s Digest online, and Don helped me with an idea for my second publication with Writer’s Digest, this one for the print magazine. I even got to meet the editor-in-chief of Writer’s Digest, Amy Jones, in person at a Write Now! conference after publishing a piece in her magazine.
5. Before I joined TAF, I had published one poem. But then, through listserv postings and TAF member Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld, I learned of the existence of anthologies for poetry. I started writing poetry again and was published in several anthologies, including TAF Omnibus, the annual publication of poems and short stories by TAF.
6. I then took a big gulp and submitted a collection of sonnets I had been writing for over 20 years to Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld with Prolific Pulse Press. My first book-length work of poetry, “My Soul to Keep,” will be available in June 2026.
7. And it doesn’t stop there. I’ve always said I can’t write fiction because I didn’t think I could make a story up. But apparently I can! I submitted my first piece of fiction to “TAF Omnibus IV,” and the short story was accepted by Arlene Bice.
8. Because I learned from that experience that I can write fiction, and actually really enjoy it, I am now writing a romance novel about a woman with a psychotic disorder. And because I’m a part of TAF, I’m able to be a part of a romance writers’ subgroup where, once I have the courage, I will share what I’ve written with published romance writers to get their feedback.
9. Most recently, I have become a staff writer for magazines local to Raleigh – 5 West and Midtown Magazine – where I cover local stories. I learned of this opportunity and made the connection with both editors through the Write Now! Conference.

On top of all these ways that TAF has transformed me as a writer, I have made so many connections with other writers and made important friends. I think every writer needs a community that cheers for them. (Even better, I love that if I throw any question out there on the listserv, there is someone who has the answer and even seems to enjoy helping me.)

While I write for other people, honestly, it has truly been a healing process for me, too. I have found writing an excellent way to process my life, find my voice, and communicate my truth to others. It has helped me take pain and suffering and make meaning out of it.

My career progression since I joined TAF has helped me see the big picture in my life and assign a reason for my life post-illness, and not only that – it has given me the courage to finally disclose my illness to everyone who knows me. I am now using writing to process everything I went through with my mental health condition in a way that benefits other people. Because of how I have been mentored, encouraged and supported through TAF members, I now have a second career as a professional writer and speaker on psychotic disorders.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have found in TAF an organization that supports and encourages writers on their creative journeys, no matter what they choose to write about or how vulnerable they choose to be in their writing.

Sarah Merritt Ryan, MS, CPSS, is a blogger, poet, and memoirist who also speaks on recovery from mental illness. She writes for Psychology Today, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Nami.org, and Writer’s Digest. She speaks at major universities, mental health organizations, and various community groups. She was named Hometown Hero in 2024 for her contributions to the Raleigh-Durham area by The Courage Pro Women’s Soccer Team, Lenovo, and NAMI.

By Arlene Bice, arlenebice.com

It was the writers’ oft-mentioned fourth-grade assignment of detailing my family history that first set my heart on fire to be a writer. Back in the ‘50s, I loved the writing portion of all my school assignments. In high school, my work earned an invitation to work on the school newspaper, but an early marriage dashed any idea of being a writer.

Eventually, I became a stay-at-home mom of four, struggling to make ends meet with no room to think of paying for classes of any kind, and a husband who denied me the right. Being a professional writer was not an option open to me, but I kept focus on the written word through letter writing.

Life was very different pre-Internet. I wanted to be a storyteller or poet, but didn’t know how to begin. I was an avid reader, a collector of books, and kept the dream alive with a few friendships with impassioned writers.

As my kids grew older, I found temp jobs during school hours at elementary and middle school libraries. Always scrolling the “Want” ads in the newspaper, I later applied and was hired at the library of Rider College (now University) library. At least I was surrounded by books. I eventually shed the husband, but then my responsibilities increased. Because a higher income became more important, I changed jobs and waited tables from midnight to 7 a.m. I was the sole supporter of my four sons and a widowed mother. I buried the niggling tug to write, but it still lay beneath the surface.

That desire may have faded, but it never left me completely.

Soon, I moved on to working as a wholesale liquor sales rep, with my own $1,000 union card, one of only two women in the field. When the company was sold, I worked as a bartender. I finally got my high school equivalency certificate, worked in real estate sales as a broker, and then graduated to appraising for both residential and commercial properties. Writing was required in the appraisals, but it was not quite the writing I wanted to do. That job ended when interest rates changed and the market fell. Next, I opened a gift shop, and with my eternal love of books, expanded it to a bookshop of new, used, and rare books.

A writing group asked if they could meet in my bookshop after hours. “Sure,” I told them. They repeatedly invited me to sit in, but I thought it was too late for me. I thought the idea of being a writer was gone. I thought I was too old at 60. Then, a book salesman walked into my shop selling an Arcadia Publishing Co. Images of America series featuring a town just south of ours.

“We’re the town that has a great history!” I exclaimed. “We had two Signers of the Declaration living here!” I continued to rattle on about my great and wonderful Bordentown (NJ).

“Would you like to write a book for us?” he asked. And so, the dream was not dead, just asleep, and this salesman woke it up! Arcadia sent a pamphlet on exactly how to set up the book. That’s how I learned. My first book for them was published in 2002, followed by three more. Once that door was opened, there was no closing it again.

From that first book, I was inspired to write something different, this time influenced by my customers. Word went through the grapevine that I lived with ghosts in my house. That led to customers discussing ghosts in their homes, which led to my creating a Ghost Tour of Bordentown as a fundraiser for my business group. Tour folks wandered into my shop asking for a booklet about the ghost stories. I researched a nearby town’s monthly ghost tour and read the thin book about their resident ghosts. “Look at this,” I told the customer who stopped in to chat. “Look at these errors and misspellings! I could do better than this!”

“Why don’t you?” he commented. So, I did. My first indie-published book, “Ghosts of Bordentown,” 66 pages, covered 19 stories. My customer challenged me, and the writer came out victorious! It was expensive, but the ache was still present. It was another entrance into the writing life.

Through the writers’ group meeting in my shop, I joined the International Women Writing Guild (IWWG) and attended their annual conferences every year for the following 10 years. It set me on fire! We were 500 women at Skidmore College (I finally got to college) with nothing but talk about writing; classes about writing; and new, lifetime connections with writers. They were the most exhilarating times of my life. I vibrated, surrounded by others who loved words.

At that time, I expected to live out my life selling books. My life was perfect in my mind. That idea crashed when I “received” a message that woke me at 3 a.m. The voice told me, and my two cats, that I had to sell everything, which included an apartment house and property, and move.

That meant I also had to leave the three writing groups and a book discussion group I led. My bookshop was a social destination where I held wine & cheese parties, social and seasonal events, author book signings, and talks. I didn’t want to leave this life I loved!

Everything was sold and transferred within three weeks. A journalist friend walked into my shop to catch up on the latest. He was excited to buy my bookshop business, rent my apartment, and he even bought my Camaro. I was moving to the forests of North Carolina to become what I was meant to be — a full-time writer/publisher, and co-founder of First Friday Open Mic nights, etc., etc., etc.

Thinking back on those days, I realize the various jobs I held fed me a wealth of material and experience to draw from, but all that social/business clutter at the bookshop interfered with my being a full-time writer. The burning in my gut to write never left; it just lay there quietly waiting to be awakened. Age was no matter.

Lesson learned: life wasn’t over at 60. It was time to become the writer I was meant to be! My just-released book, “Poet Shot Dead,” will soon be followed by my first genealogy book, “Leafing the Family Tree: Mayflower Thru the Revolutionary War.” 

It goes to prove that when a burning desire to write is inside you, time does not dissolve it. When opportunities arise, step in and take charge. Know that when you are a writer at heart, writing will find its way to the surface by seeming coincidence or through your own perseverance, and then it just goes on and on…

Arlene S. Bice has published dozens of books. She received the Florence Poets Society Poet of Distinction Award and the Annual Literary Oakley Hall Award. Her poems were performed at the Kirby Theatre, and she has added short stories to her list of paranormal, historical, and poetry writings. She lives in Farmville, Virginia.

By Maya Spikes

It’s time to look back on 2025. Can you believe how quickly we’re moving through this decade?

Here are just some of the special moments that made 2025 a memorable year for TAF and its members:

In keeping with our desire to provide interesting and informative resources for writers, we continued publishing monthly posts on our TAF Blog. These essays and articles, written by members, cover many aspects of writing and publishing. This year, we had another eclectic mix of topics which included poetry, shadow writing, romance writing, mental health writing, and tips about avoiding scams. If you haven’t read it yet, check out our blog here.

In May, more than 100 aspiring and professional writers attended our annual Write Now! Conference. Our keynote speakers were New York Times best-selling author S.A. Cosby and writing coach and longtime publishing editor Tiffany Yates Martin. Conference sessions included: “A Sense Of Place: Travel Writing For Beginners” by Stephanie Elizondo Griest, “The Devil’s In The Details: Specificity In Nonfiction Writing” by Don Vaughan, “Fantasy Worldbuilding & Real-World Research” by Whitney Hill, “Using Poetry To Elevate Journalistic Writing” by Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld, “Throwing A Pitch That Lands” by David Menconi, and “Creative Marketing For Self-Publishers” by Rebecca Dalton.

In July, we welcomed the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers (HCRW), formerly a chapter of the Romance Writers of America, to TAF! Andrea Wenger, a longtime member of both organizations, realized they were a natural fit and suggested the merger. Both organizations focus on support, education, and networking for writers and authors. HCRW holds quarterly face-to-face events, a monthly Book-in-a-Week writing competition, and periodic educational webinars, now offered through TAF. We appreciate the expertise and other resources HCRW brings to TAF, and are enriched by the participation of these writers with big hearts!

In September, we continued our growing series of anthologies with the publication of The TAF Omnibus Vol. IV (Stories, Essays & Poems) edited by Arlene Bice. The TAF members who contributed their talents made this year’s collection our largest group anthology yet, coming in at just under 250 pages.

Throughout 2025, we continued our monthly meetings and hosted three TAF Talks, all via Zoom. Featured meeting speakers included author Nanette Vaughan, TAF founder Don Vaughan, Saturday Evening Post website editor Jennifer Bortel, children’s magazine editor Troy Brownstein, hurricane expert Jay Barnes, editor and romance author Andrea Wenger, and Wake County Public Libraries Director Tammy Baggett, along with Wake County Public Libraries Senior Library Manager Theresa Theall.

We also featured a special poetry workshop hosted by poet Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld, as well as a romance roundtable discussion with romance writers Sherri Hollister, LaVerne St. George, and Angela Rush.

Our first TAF Talk guest for this year was author S.A. Cosby. We also hosted our first Editor Roundtable during another TAF Talk with Therese Castillo (Veterinary Practice News), Jennifer Bortel (The Saturday Evening Post), Moriah Richard (Writer’s Digest), and Sheree Renee Thomas (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction).

As we look forward to 2026, be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s Write Now! conference. Our conference planning committee is currently finalizing arrangements for this event, which will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at The McKimmon Center in Raleigh. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements about guest speakers, session topics, and other conference details! You can find updates on our conference page.

And finally, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to all of our TAF members for making 2025 another successful year. Thank you for helping us maintain a growing community of professional writers who support and encourage each other in their creative endeavors.

I wish you much writing success in 2026 and beyond. Happy Holidays!

Maya Spikes

Executive Director, Triangle Association of Freelancers

By Sherry Comstock, www.sherrycomstock.com

Part One

Dinner is over, the dishwasher is loaded and dusk is falling. I sit in my armchair reading. My phone rings and I answer, even though I don’t recognize the number. I usually let these calls go to voicemail. But I didn’t tonight. A woman asks to speak to me and hesitates as I ask who’s calling. I get ready to do my usual “No, thank you” speech I reserve for telemarketers.

Quickly, the woman gives me her name and begins asking about my book, A Crazy Quilt Life. Her praise is effusive. “You tell your story so well and you speak to those who might be in similar situations.” She pauses before continuing. “Ah, it’s so wonderful that you share your wisdom with others.” She then tells me she’s a literary agent, Trixie Summers, and she has taken my book to evaluators at Simon and Schuster. I don’t have much knowledge of the workings of literary agents and publishers, but I’m pretty sure it doesn’t work like this. They work on commission and I’ve not signed a contract.

I begin taking notes to keep me focused as she rattles on. I know this isn’t the “real deal” — but I want to know what the catch is. It’s hard not to be excited. I mean, what indie author doesn’t want to catch the eye of someone like Simon and Schuster?

Trixie continues her spiel and I keep making notes. So far, she has asked nothing from me but goes on to quote exorbitant bonuses upon signing ($25,000), acceptance ($200,000) and publication ($100,000). The red flags are snapping in hurricane-force winds. She goes on to tell me the things she needs from me: my CV, my raw manuscript as a Word document, a book license and a high-resolution photograph.

When I question the book license, Trixie says it’s necessary for movie rights and translations. She suggests I speak with a lawyer about the license, but offers her team’s legal department, which might be able to help if I have difficulty. She continues to praise my book effusively,” but the way she inserts my name into her monologue makes me think of a script.

She asks for my email and I give her the one that’s everywhere on my social media accounts. I get a word in edgewise and ask for her contact information. More words of praise flow. She ends the call without giving it to me.

Part Two

Since I’ve taken this call on speaker, my husband has heard almost everything. He’s over the moon, excited that this “opportunity” might be real. He is indeed my biggest fan.I give us a few minutes to bask in the possibilities before I release the helium from the balloon.

I tell him something is “off” about this — that this is not how agents work. Authors seek agents, not the other way around. I have to look into this, I tell him. “Okay,” he says. Good, he’s beginning to hear what I’m saying.

Googling “Trixie Summers” leads me to a website belonging to an entity called The Literary Firm. It lists a physical address located in New York, but no phone number or email. There is a place to enter information if you wish to have an agent contact you. Nowhere on the site is there a list of clients represented or books the firm has helped publish. Seems odd. Even my website lists my published work.

I go back to Google and find a website called Writer Beware. It’s sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. Trixie shows up in a recent article. I’m not surprised. The article reports she has superimposed her photograph on that of another woman. I go back to the website and verify this fact. Forget the flags. Now the alarm bells are ringing. The sub’s captain is yelling “Dive! Dive!” over the ship’s com system.

I’m a bit angry, to say the least.Reading a few more blogs on the Writer Beware website, I find that scammers like this generally do a “bait and switch,” which leaves the author paying for additional services while nothing happens with their book.

Back on the patio with my husband, I let him know the deal. We’ve come across these things before. We’re both thankful she doesn’t have our bank information. For a few minutes, I speculate about calling Trixie Summers in the morning, just to tell her how I feel. Eventually, we agree it’s better to just leave this alone. I’m still angry that someone would prey on another person’s dreams.

Part Three

Sipping my coffee the next morning, I realize I’m still angry at such callousness. I peruse the Writer Beware blog, trying to educate myself. Nothing has been taken from me, so I don’t really have any legal recourse. I have to do something! I decide to write this story and use the names she gave me. I feel a little better as I start writing.

Around noon, Trixie’s email finds my inbox. It’s a repeat of last night’s phone call, with instructions for where to send the information she requested. I take a screenshot and resolve to comment on the Writers Beware blog. I move her email to the spam folder. After dinner, Trixie calls. I let it go to voicemail.

It’s now three days since the first call. My phone rings. Ah, that’s Trixie’s number. I let it go to voicemail. Soon I’ll have to block it, but for now, I’m chuckling as she keeps trying to land her fish. How long will she keep trying? I’m not sure I have enough patience if it lasts more than a day or two. Anyway, here’s to validation of the old saying, “If it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.”

Sherry Comstock began her writing career after she retired from nursing. She is the current president of the Burlington Writers Club, and her works include: A Crazy Quilt Life: A Memoir, and a women’s fiction series: Low Tide, Against the Tide, and Riptides. Her blog and newsletter can be found on www.sherrycomstock.com.

By Elisa Lorello, http://www.elisalorello.com/

In 2007-2008, blogging was the thing. If you were an aspiring author, a more established author, editor, or publisher would advise you to “Start a blog so you can get your work out there and build a following before you publish your book.”

Professionals, literary agents, consultants, etc., also used blogs as a means of attracting clients, speaking engagements, and even book contracts.

Five years later, blogs were out and newsletters were in. Authors and entrepreneurs turned their attention to newsletters to launch and sell new books/products, services, and/or classes. Aspiring authors were now given tips and tricks to grow their newsletter lists with reader magnets, catchy content, cross-promotions, and contests.

However, many authors ultimately dreaded writing their monthly newsletters, and many newsletters wound up sitting unread in readers’ inboxes – or worse, sent directly to Spam folders.

Here’s the good news: Thanks to Substack, both blogs and newsletters have made a comeback, and with more creative potential than ever.

If you’re interested in exploring new avenues of creativity and connection, Substack has your back.

I am by no means an expert – I’ve been active on the platform for a year – but I can give you a basic introduction and an overview of Substack so you can determine if it’s the right platform for you.

Although Substack launched in 2017, it didn’t see exceptional growth until 2020-2021, during the pandemic. Despite the influx of high-profile writers to the platform with tens and even hundreds of thousands of subscribers, it’s still possible for lesser-known writers to carve out a space for themselves and provide readers with a meaningful experience.

What is Substack?

Generally speaking, Substack is a platform that combines the best of blogging and newsletters, allowing writers to publish content directly to subscribers’ email inboxes while also hosting it on a dedicated webpage. Think of it as a hybrid between a traditional blog and an email newsletter service, with social media features and SEO/monetization tools. Writers can publish content ranging from weekly newsletters to serialized fiction, podcasts, or long-form essays, building direct relationships with their audiences.

Here is a sampling of what you can do on Substack:

• Traditional newsletters: Weekly/monthly updates, insights
• Nonfiction: Blogs, essays, opinion pieces, journalism
• Fiction:
  • Novel excerpts and/or teasers
  • Short stories
  • Serialized fiction
• Podcasting: Audio content with built-in hosting
• Mixed media: Combining text, audio, and images
• Building community:
  • Notes (similar format to Twitter/X, Threads, BlueSky)
  • Comments and chat with readers
  • Cross-promotion and collaborative opportunities

You can take advantage of as many or as few of these features as you want, and tailor them to your needs or goals.

Some writers use Substack solely as their monthly newsletter platforms in the way one might use sites like Mailchimp or MailerLite. Others blog monthly, weekly, or even daily. And some use every feature available.

Monetization

Monetization on Substack can be seen as the frosting on the cake rather than the cake itself. It’s an option for those who want to be paid for their writing, and many writers use the paid option as a way to offer exclusive or bonus content.

Monetization especially works well if you have a problem-solving niche, such as educating people on how to invest in the stock market, or if you’re an author who writes serials in which you post the first installment for free and charge a subscription price for the remaining installments.

Some writers’ monetization efforts have been so successful that they’re able to make a full-time living from their Substack. And while I believe it’s absolutely possible to achieve, it also takes considerable time, effort, and trial-and-error; thus, I recommend setting realistic goals to achieve that big goal.

My Substack

I started my Substack blog series, Dancing When the Bomb Drops, a little over a year ago. Because I haven’t published a novel since 2022, I wanted to connect with my readers in a personal way.

In September of this year, I surpassed 100 subscribers, 10% of whom are paying subscribers. On the Substack continuum, that’s a modest (some might even call it meager) following. But one Substacker put it into perspective: “Imagine speaking to an audience of 100 people every month. Suddenly, that number is quite impressive.”

I’m currently deliberating on relocating my monthly author newsletter, which I’ve published via Mailchimp for at least eight years, to Substack, just to keep everything under one roof, so to speak. (And yes, you can import your email list from one platform to another.)

Subject Matter

Your Substack subject matter could be a pro and a con. You can showcase just about anything you want, be it your books, politics, cooking, etc. Some niches are so nuanced that it might be difficult to find your audience. Others, like writing craft, could be so ubiquitous that it might be a challenge to stand out.

My advice is always to write what most genuinely interests you and trust that your readers will find you. Of course, you want to give your readers the most value and connection you can, but I believe the first fan you need to please is yourself.

Also, keep in mind that you’re not limited to one Substack. If you have multiple interests, you can have multiple series or newsletters, or you can have subsets under one main umbrella. For example, in addition to Dancing When the Bomb Drops, I’m planning a subset that is more appealing to readers of my romantic comedy novels.

Is Substack Right for You?

So, how do you know if this is the right platform for you? Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

• Direct audience ownership (although I recommend you save/update your subscriber list, should the platform ever fold or crash)
• Built-in email delivery: when someone subscribes, your posts go directly to their inbox
• An engaged community
• Multiple content formats
• Earning potential

Cons:

• Starting at zero: like the Kindle, the platform is flooded with content, and the competition for attention is staggering. Although there are ways to grow your following (Notes, reader magnets, cross-promotion with other writers, consistent posting, etc.), it takes time and effort to build momentum.
• Platform dependency (like any platform).
• It’s become like another social media platform in that algorithms often determine who sees what if they’re not subscribers.

First Step

I recommend you go to Substack and peruse subjects that are of interest to you or similar to what you already write about to get a feel for what’s already there and perhaps give you additional ideas. You can also check out (and subscribe!) to Dancing When the Bomb Drops to see my approach.

Substack has many resources about how to get started, use the platform’s features, and grow your following. Also, many creators’ Substacks are all about how to be successful on Substack.

Overall, I think Substack has the potential to be a writer’s paradise and, when you tailor it to your needs and interests, could be a fountain of opportunity. With planning, dedication, and attention, it’s a win-win for you and your audience.

Elisa Lorello is the international bestselling author of twelve novels and one memoir. Since 2010, she has sold over 500,000 units. In addition to being a speaker and teacher, she has been featured in the Charlotte Observer, Woman’s World magazine, the Montana Quarterly magazine, Writer’s Digest Online, Jane Friedman’s blog, and as a guest on multiple podcasts.

Learn more about her at her website.

By Karine Armen, http://photokarine.blogspot.com/p/authors-page.html

Are you more productive in the morning or the evening?

Can you write at a cafe, or do you need a quiet work area? 

By analyzing our personal working habits, we may be able to get more done.

Two years ago, I retired from teaching elementary school in Glendale, California. I traveled to many countries and started writing for a weekly newspaper covering art and cultural events. Despite having more time, balancing my schedule of socializing, writing, and physical activity was not easy. Self-discipline can be challenging. I needed a better routine.

A few weeks ago, I started attending my local community college. I signed up for two classes: “Creative Writing” and “Modern Dance.” To my surprise, since I started classes, I have felt more energized. I get up early, read, and write. Some friends say, “It’s good to keep busy.” That’s not why I registered for college courses; I was busy before that, but I needed structure and deadlines to keep me on track. 

During my teaching years, I was very active, going to writing workshops, art exhibitions, and film festivals. Many people were amazed by my energy back then. However, once I retired, I became concerned about my lack of energy and excessive sleep. After a few months of reflection and worry, I realized I needed to do more. Going back to school fit the bill.

In preparation for my classes, I decided I needed an environment more conducive to work. I cleaned my desk, computer, and writing corner. I prepared two tote bags — one for the writing class with a writing journal and the textbooks, and the other for the dance class that holds my jazz dance shoes and a small bottle of water. 

The other day, I had to complete a challenging assignment, and I finished it in a single day, feeling great. I’ve realized that the busier I am, and the more organized, the better I feel. 

Based on my own self-examination, I developed the following list to help other writers assess their work habits to determine whether they need tweaking.

Tips for Self-Awareness:

• When do you feel great? Pay attention when you smile and laugh more. 
• Do you need a quiet work area, or do you need background noise or music?
• When you complete many tasks in one day, do you feel energized or drained?
• How well do you listen to your body about when it’s time to slow down and relax, or at least schedule more breaks? 
• Do you feel excited about sharing your projects, or do you prefer to keep them a secret?

The answer to these questions can help you establish a framework for working at your best. Once you do this self-reflection, you can put a structure in place that supports your writing.

Suggestions for Improving Your Work Habits:

• Establish a work area. It needs to be clean and organized. Some people can work in clutter, but the time spent searching for books and papers could be better spent on writing or reading. 
• Take short breaks. Self-care and brain breaks are essential. 
• Drink water. Stay hydrated. Sometimes, when we are dehydrated, we think we are hungry. (Some people get angry when they are hungry.) 
• Have a Zoom or Google Meet group. Three times a week, I join via Google Meet with a few writers. We turn off our cameras and write for 45 minutes, then we debrief for 15 minutes. Having a set schedule gives me the incentive and the energy to get up early and be ready. 
• Keep a journal to record your ideas and reflections. Some writers call it “Seeds,” while Alice LaPlante refers to it as a “Black Box” to contain ideas. 

If we take the time to understand our likes and dislikes, desires and preferences, and set up our processes accordingly, we can be both more creative and more productive, which will allow us to enjoy the writing process even more. 

Karine Armen is a writer and photographer. On March 9, 2025, she had a book presentation in Cuenca, Spain. She was an elementary school teacher for 32 years and a social worker for six years. She has extensive travel experience and degrees in photography, social work, and educational administration. 

By Rita Lewis

I recently went on vacation for a month in the French Alps. (Tough, I know, but someone has to do it!) When I set off, I had optimistic plans for lots of productive, sunshine-y writing sessions on some mountainside. I took laptop, notes, paper and pens and pencils. I was ready.

Well, guess how that went.

I hiked. I ate tasty bread with ten different kinds of cheese. I read good books and learned to sleep again. I spent quality time with cousins, made friends with sheep and cows, took dozens of photos of the wildflowers rioting on every hillside.

But I did not write. I couldn’t. I discovered that I really, really needed the time off to think, to let my mind wander among the ideas I’d intended to work with. To just BE.

So I turned to what I call “shadow writing.”

Shadow writing is…

A way to sidle up to actual writing. It’s giving yourself mental and emotional space before you write, and using writing-allied techniques to get you going.

I’ve always just… written. I do some mind-mapping, some outlining, and get to it. My prep is minimal. A few (or dozens of) drafts later, and voilà: finished product.

I tried my usual process for about ten minutes on my sunny mountainside, and it didn’t work. My brain hung out a “nobody home” sign. So I decided to not-write. Like negative space in a painting, the blankness of not-writing gave meaning and shape to my subject—my “picture.”

I allowed myself a generous grace period before touching pen to paper, and when I felt I could eke out a few words, I tried some techniques that felt nothing like “real” writing. It was shadow writing, and it was good.

Shadow writing is not…

Avoidance or procrastination. Lest you think, Oh goody, I’m off the hook—you’re not. You’re preparing to be productive during a time when you aren’t. Shadow writing is not about using your regular writing tricks and hacks. It’s not butt-in-chair, chained-to-a-desk-with-no-food until you get something on the page. And my form of shadow writing is not traveling to the dark side of your psyche (one definition that popped up during a Google search).

Shadow writing is letting go, with purpose.

Shadow writing can help when…

You need to fill the well

My vacation was the first one I’d had in years—nearly fifteen years. I’d been a caregiver for a dozen of those, surviving the death of two close relatives and settling two estates while meeting the obligations of work and daily life. I was bone-tired, and the well was completely, utterly dry. I needed to see wonderful sights. Eat actual food, sitting down. Listen to new music and watch the sunrise unfurl.

Your ideas need to percolate

If you find yourself in an exhausting wrestling match with your subject, it may help to do some processing before you write. Maybe your subject is huge and unwieldy. Maybe it’s too slippery or nebulous to nail down. Maybe it’s so near and dear to your heart that you just can’t get at it. Let your subconscious—which is pretty intelligent—do some of the work. (See “Plant your idea” below.)

You need to heal

In the aftermath of a challenging or traumatic experience, you need time to heal. It’s intensely frustrating to not be able to write, to feel like your brain and fingers are behind a wall of thick cotton. But you might need to let your soul knit itself back together before you try to write and risk ripping the stitches open.

Techniques for shadow writing

Just let yourself be

Take walks. Lie on your back and stare at the clouds. Nature, art, time alone, travel, human connection… all great ways to fill the creative well. Grant yourself the space and grace to think, feel, and process before you rush pell-mell into writing. Thinking of absolutely nothing for a while can help things settle down enough to think for real.

Plant and nurture your idea

Read about your subject, read books in your genre, consume inspirational material. Water your idea faithfully. As it sprouts, turn your seedling so it gets equal sun exposure all around and grows straight: Talk with trusted friends about your idea. Write the title for your future book on a whiteboard you pass often during your day, and edit as your idea takes shape. Write the elevator speech for your book. That’s it—just plant your idea and watch it grow.

Journal and take notes

Nibble around the edges of writing. Start by journaling. The process of journaling helps you process your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. (The internet abounds with how-to’s and examples of journaling, like Wild Wordsmith’s take on the practice.)

Keep your phone or a small notebook with you. As you get ideas about your ideas (which will happen if you make a regular practice of journaling and note-taking), jot them down, but don’t transcribe anything yet; that’s for later. Keep notes from conversations with friends, your therapist, texts with your confidantes. You’ll be surprised how much good stuff you can gather. At the end of every day or week, put it all into a document, in an outline, in comic strips with thought bubbles, or in whatever format makes sense and isn’t too much like formal writing.

Play with process

Let joy guide you. Do you want to write in a spiral? Do it. Do you want to play with structure? Take a blank wall and some colored sticky notes and go to town. Buy a physical thesaurus (the older, the better) at a used bookstore and try some word play with your elevator speech.

Get help

As you move toward actual writing, enlist the help of friends, fellow writers, and editors. Form or join a writing group. Hire a writing coach. Getting help will help you become accountable to yourself and gain momentum. And it’s a lot less scary to take a creative journey with others.

Shadow write your way back

Shadow writing is particularly helpful when you’re blocked, burned out, or confused. It requires time and patience, so it’s not meant for situations with tight deadlines, or really, any deadline. It’s fun, insightful, and liberating—a great way to chip away at the rock face of writing. Shadow writing will help you create toeholds for the tiny steps that eventually result in summiting a mountaintop with a breathtaking view.

Rita Lewis is a writer, editor, speaker, and grant-writing coach. In her spare time, she writes poetry and practices pareidolia. This article was first published on ClearSightBooks.com.

By Andrea Wenger, andreadavidauthor.com

As was announced earlier in July, the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers are now part of TAF! Formerly a chapter of the Romance Writers of America, HCRW is committed to supporting romance authors through education and networking. We offer quarterly face-to-face events as well as a monthly Book-in-a-Week writing competition. We also present periodic educational webinars through TAF. All TAF members are welcome to attend at no extra cost. Watch the forum to learn more about our events.

For those unfamiliar with romance writing, here’s a general explanation of this popular genre.

Beyond the Bodice Ripper: What Is the Romance Genre?

Romance is one of the best-selling genres in publishing — a billion-dollar industry featuring stories of tension and heart-stopping emotion. Yet it’s frequently dismissed as nothing more than a guilty pleasure.

In fact, the romance genre is a diverse, empowering, and deeply satisfying category of fiction that celebrates the journey of human connection.

While a love story can appear in almost any genre — from epic fantasy to gritty thrillers — romance novels follow two core rules. These aren’t suggestions — they’re the primary promise the author makes to the reader.

A central love story: The main plot is the development of a romantic relationship between two or more people. While subplots involving career, family, or even saving the world can and do exist, the romance must be the primary focus.

An emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending: A romance novel must end in a way that leaves the reader feeling hopeful about the central relationship’s future. This doesn’t mean every problem is magically solved. Rather, it guarantees that, at the end of the book (or sometimes, the series), the central couple is committed to facing life’s journey together.

Romance vs. Women’s Fiction: What Is the Difference?

If a book features a female protagonist navigating a romantic relationship, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s a romance. The key difference lies in the focus.

Women’s fiction (sometimes categorized as general fiction) centers on a woman’s journey of self-discovery. Her relationship with a partner might be part of that journey, but so are her career, friendships, family, and relationship with herself. The romance subplot serves the protagonist’s story. Crucially, a happy ending is not guaranteed.

In romance, the main characters’ journeys serve the relationship. The personal growth, career changes, external conflicts — they all exist to test and strengthen the bond between the central couple (or triad, or…).

What Are the Romance Subgenres?

The romance genre is vast and wonderfully diverse. To help readers find the specific stories they crave, the genre comprises numerous subgenres, including the following.

Setting-Based Subgenres

• Contemporary Romance: The largest and most popular subgenre features stories set in the 21st century. These novels reflect current societal norms and themes, with settings that can range from bustling big cities to quirky small towns.
• Retro Romance: Stories from 1950–2000 might fall into this category, or they might be classified as either contemporary or historical. As time marches on, the definitions are evolving.
• Historical Romance: These novels are generally set before 1950. This is a huge category with its own beloved sub-subgenres defined by specific eras, like Regency or Medieval.
• Western Romance: Set in the American West, these stories often feature cowboys, ranchers, and frontier life. They can be either historical or contemporary.
• Highlander: Set in the Highlands of Scotland, the kilted heroes and fierce heroines in these (mostly) historical romances project the independent spirit and family loyalties shaped by the rugged and sharply beautiful terrain.

Tone and Plot-Based Subgenres

• Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com): These light-hearted stories emphasize witty banter, humorous situations, and charming characters.
• Romantic Suspense: This subgenre seamlessly blends romance with a mystery or thriller subplot.
• Inspirational Romance: Faith or spirituality is integral to the characters’ journey, typically with high emotion but little or no physical intimacy.
• Erotic Romance: Explicit sensuality is key to the story and deeply intertwined with the emotional journey.
• Dark Romance: Exploring more intense and taboo themes, this subgenre often features morally ambiguous characters.

Speculative Fiction Subgenres

• Paranormal Romance: Set in a world superficially like our own, this subgenre features characters such as vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts, and other magical beings.
• Fantasy Romance (aka Romantasy): These stories are typically set in entirely fictional worlds with their own unique creatures, magic systems, and political landscapes.
• Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) Romance: This subgenre blends futuristic technology, space travel, and alien worlds with a central love story between humans, aliens, or even artificial intelligence.

Character-Demographic Subgenres

• Young Adult (YA) Romance: Teenage protagonists experience the emotional intensity of first love, high school, coming-of-age themes, and other adolescent challenges.
• New Adult (NA) Romance: This subgenre explores the transition into adulthood with protagonists in the 18-25 age range. These stories often focus on experiences like college, starting a career, and navigating mature relationships.
• LGBTQ+ Romance: This broad and vibrant subgenre features main characters and relationships from across the queer spectrum. These stories can be found within all other subgenres, from Western to romantasy.

The Joy of Tropes: The Building Blocks of Romance

Far from being clichés, tropes are beloved story setups that deliver specific emotional experiences, telling the reader what kind of journey to expect. Here are a few of the most popular tropes and their appeal:

• Enemies to Lovers: The characters start with genuine animosity — but that fiery passion slowly transforms into respect, understanding, and love.
• Friends to Lovers: The characters already share a deep bond of friendship, and the story explores the terrifying, wonderful moment they realize there could be something more. It’s full of pining and emotional depth.
• Fake Relationship: Two characters pretend to be a couple (for a wedding or work event, to make an ex jealous, etc.). Forced together, they see each other in a new light, blurring the lines between what’s fake and what’s breathtakingly real.
• Grumpy/Sunshine: One character is brooding, cynical, or reclusive, while the other is upbeat, gregarious, and optimistic. The magic lies in watching the sunshiny character chip away at the grumpy one’s walls.
• Forced Proximity: There’s only one bed! They’re stuck in an elevator! They’re snowed in at a remote cabin! This trope throws the main characters together in a confined space, leaving them no choice but to confront their feelings.

The next time you’re looking for a story that guarantees hope, connection, and a deeply satisfying emotional payoff, consider a romance novel. You might find your new favorite escape. If you’re a writer and haven’t tried writing romance, hopefully this primer has opened your eyes to the possibilities!

Andrea J. Wenger writes Regency romance under the pen names Andrea David and Andrea Duke. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys gardening, scuba diving, and hiking active volcanoes with her husband. To learn more about her books, visit her website listed at the top of this post.