Tag: writing

12 Activities to Energize Your Writers’ Group and Elevate the Craft

May 28, 2026

As the director of a League of Writers, I’m constantly searching for activities that bring genuine value to our members. Over time, I’ve realized that writers’ groups exist everywhere—each one filled with passionate individuals striving to improve their craft and find community. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of activities that have worked well for us and might benefit your group too.Whether you’re leading a small local circle or a larger organization, these ideas can transform your meetings into dynamic spaces for creativity, learning, and mutual support.

1. Guest Speakers and Workshops

Inviting guest speakers breathes fresh energy into any group. Consider reaching out to published authors, editors, literary agents, or experts in fields relevant to your members’ interests.For example:

A sci-fi author could discuss world-building techniques
A psychologist could share insights into crafting realistic characters with complex psychological profiles
A comedian or humorist could explore how to weave humor into prose

These sessions expose members to new perspectives and provide invaluable insider knowledge.

2. Critique and Feedback Sessions

Constructive feedback is the lifeblood of improvement. Establish a structured critique process that feels safe and productive:

Writers read their work aloud or distribute it beforehand
Listeners provide constructive feedback while the author listens quietly—no defending or explaining during the critique
End with a Q&A where the author can ask clarifying questions

This approach helps writers truly absorb feedback rather than react defensively, allowing them to refine their craft with fresh eyes.

3. Creative Writing Prompts and Challenges

Prompts spark imagination and push writers outside their comfort zones. Try these approaches:

Write a short story based on a single evocative word or phrase
Use provocative music or artwork as inspiration for a scene
Challenge members to write in a genre they’ve never attempted—sci-fi, psychological thriller, romance, or horror

The element of surprise and constraint often produces surprisingly powerful work.

4. Themed Writing Exercises

Align exercises with your group’s collective interests:

Humor Writing: Craft a comedic piece inspired by a favorite comedian’s style
World-Building: Collaboratively create a fictional universe, with each member contributing a unique element—technology, culture, history, or geography
Character Deep Dives: Develop a character harboring a dark secret and brainstorm how it could drive an entire plot

Themed exercises create cohesion and allow members to learn from each other’s interpretations.

5. Book and Style Analysis

Studying the masters sharpens our own skills. Dedicate sessions to analyzing published work:

Compare the opening lines of two novels to discuss style, tone, and hooks
Have members share a favorite book and explain why the author’s voice resonates with them
Dissect humor writing techniques by examining essays or routines from beloved comedians

Understanding why something works teaches us how to replicate that magic.

6. Writing Retreats

There’s something transformative about stepping away from daily life to focus entirely on writing. Organize a retreat where members can immerse themselves in their projects:

A weekend getaway at a cabin, hotel, or retreat center
A virtual retreat with scheduled writing blocks and group check-ins

The camaraderie, shared goals, and uninterrupted focus can be profoundly motivating—and often produce breakthrough progress.

7. “Brags” and Celebrations

Writing can be isolating, and achievements often go unnoticed. Dedicate time at each meeting for members to share their wins:

Completing a chapter or draft
Submitting a manuscript to agents or publishers
Publishing a piece, receiving positive feedback, or hitting a word count goal

Celebrate these milestones with applause, small rewards, or simple acknowledgment. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and reminds everyone that progress—however small—matters.

8. Collaborative Projects

Working together builds community and teaches valuable lessons about the writing process:

Anthology: Each member contributes a short story around a shared theme
Collaborative Novel: Use the Snowflake Method or another plotting technique to outline a novel together, then divide chapters among members
Round-Robin Stories: One member writes the opening paragraph, then passes it to the next person to continue

These projects create tangible results the group can be proud of—and potentially publish.

9. Skill-Building Sessions

Target specific craft elements that challenge your members:

Writing natural, compelling dialogue
Crafting openings that hook readers immediately
Editing and revision techniques
Show versus tell
Pacing and structure

Use writing craft books, online resources, or invite a writing instructor to guide the session. Focused skill-building creates measurable improvement.

10. Fun and Interactive Activities

Not every meeting needs to be serious. Inject playfulness into your group:

Storytelling Games: Use random prompts or words to create a story collaboratively in real-time
Writing Roulette: Each member writes a paragraph, then passes their paper to the next person to continue—chaos and creativity ensue
Genre Swap: Rewrite a scene from your current project in a completely different genre (turn a thriller into a comedy, or literary fiction into sci-fi)

Laughter and play unlock creativity in unexpected ways.

11. Unconventional Inspiration Exercises

Draw writing prompts from unexpected sources:

Craft a story based on overheard conversations, mysterious radio transmissions, or strange signals
Use historical photographs or news headlines as story seeds
Write from the perspective of an inanimate object or an unusual narrator

Unusual starting points lead to original stories.

12. Psychological Exploration for Character Development

Deep, believable characters drive memorable fiction. Create exercises that explore psychology:

Write a scene from the perspective of a character with a specific psychological trait, fear, or condition
Explore how a character’s past trauma influences their present decisions and relationships
Develop detailed backstories that never appear on the page but inform every action

Understanding the human mind—its quirks, defenses, and desires—makes characters leap off the page.

Final Thoughts

A writers’ group should be more than a meeting—it should be a space where creativity flourishes, skills sharpen, and writers find the support they need to keep going. By incorporating a variety of activities, you can keep your group fresh, engaged, and continuously growing.I hope this list proves useful to writers’ groups everywhere. After all, when we lift each other up, we elevate the entire craft.What activities have worked well for your writers’ group? I’d love to hear your ideas.

Happy writing!

Here are a few of my projects…

Ellie Morrow: A Tale of Grief and Magic

Ellie Morrow has spent six years in the foster care system learning one lesson above all others: she breaks things.

Televisions implode when she’s angry. Pipes rupture when she dreams. Crows gather wherever she goes—silent, watchful—as though waiting for a signal only they can hear. And deep behind her sternum, something that is not quite a heartbeat pulses with a power she never asked for: a residual fire left over from the night a mysterious golden light filled her parents’ car on Route 9, killed everyone inside except her, and left a seven-year-old child without a scratch or an explanation.

“You are not broken, Ellie. You are not dangerous. And you are not disposable.”

But the foster care system disagrees. And so, when an estranged grandmother named Agatha Morrow arrives to claim her—a woman who chose thirty years of silence over the burden of explanation—Ellie is pulled from the only world she has ever known into something older and stranger: the breathing, sentient world of the Morrow women. A bloodline of immense power stretching back centuries. A house on a nameless mountain, built above a nexus of forces older than language. A legacy of magic and grief, of doors that should not be opened and things that sleep beneath foundations, of wards that answer to family and a home that has been waiting for the right Morrow to return.But Ellie is not merely inheriting power. She is awakening something. The blood moon is coming, and whatever has been dreaming in the deep places beneath the Morrow house—vast, impossibly old, and stirring for the first time in generations—has begun to rise, drawn upward by a girl whose emotions can crack buildings and whose light can fill a room with the color of old gold.

Part coming-of-age story, part Gothic supernatural mystery, and part meditation on grief, survival, and the terrible weight of belonging to something larger than yourself, the Girl Who . . . series asks one question and dares its heroine to answer it:

Get your copy here…

Plotter + Pantser = Planster: The Best of Both Worlds

What happens when you stop choosing sides in the great writing debate and embrace the chaos and the structure? You get what I like to call a Planster — and it just might be the most productive approach to writing you’ve never tried.

The Pantser Days

When I first started writing, I was a pure stream-of-consciousness writer — much like Stephen King, who famously describes his process as uncovering a fossil, brushing away the dirt one sentence at a time. I’d sit down, let the words pour out, and trust the story to find its own shape. There was a raw, electric energy to writing that way. The surprises my characters threw at me were my surprises too.But here’s the thing about pantsing: for every story that found its way to a satisfying ending, there were others that wandered into dead ends, spiraled into subplots that led nowhere, or simply ran out of steam halfway through. I had hard drives full of half-finished manuscripts collecting digital dust — stories with heart but no spine.

The Shift to Plotting

Eventually, I began studying story structure — the beats, the arcs, the underlying architecture that makes a narrative work. I dove into frameworks like the three-act structure, Save the Cat, and the Hero’s Journey. I learned about inciting incidents, midpoint reversals, dark nights of the soul, and satisfying climaxes.And suddenly, I understood why some of my old stories had stalled. They had voice. They had characters I loved. But they were missing the bones that hold a story upright.So I became a plotter. I outlined. I structured. I mapped every scene before writing it.And something was lost.The outlines were solid, sure — but sitting down to write a scene I’d already planned in detail felt like retracing someone else’s steps. The spontaneity, the discovery, the magic of pantsing had dried up.

The Planster Revelation

Then a thought hit me: What if you plot the structure but pants the beats?What if, instead of choosing one camp or the other, you used story structure as a roadmap — just the major landmarks, the critical turns — and then let your pantser brain run wild between them?That’s the Planster method in a nutshell:

Create a beat sheet. Identify the key structural moments your story needs — the hook, the inciting incident, the first plot point, the midpoint, the crisis, the climax, the resolution.
Know your destination for each beat. Understand what needs to happen at each structural turn and why it matters.
Pants everything in between. Let the characters breathe. Let the scenes surprise you. Let the dialogue flow the way it wants to. Trust your creative instincts to fill the space between the signposts.

You get the reliability of structure with the energy of discovery. The bones are there, but the flesh is alive.

The Proof Is in the Publishing

I decided to put this method to the test — not with a brand-new idea, but with those old stories buried on dusty hard drives from my pantsing days. Stories that had voice, had spark, but had never found their shape.I pulled three of them out, built beat sheets around their cores, and then pantsed my way through the beats.The results? Three completed novels in a fraction of the time it would have taken me using either method alone:

📖 Written in Skin — published on Amazon
📖 Nothing But Time — published on Amazon
📖 The Girl Who Broke Everything — coming soon

Three abandoned stories. Three finished books. That’s not a fluke — that’s a process that works.

Why the Planster Method Works

Structure prevents you from getting lost. You always know where you’re headed next.
Pantsing keeps the writing alive. You’re still discovering the story as you write it — just within guardrails.
It’s faster. You spend less time staring at a blank page and less time rewriting entire drafts that went off the rails.
It resurrects old work. Got abandoned manuscripts? They might just need a skeleton to stand on.

Are You a Planster?

If you’ve ever felt torn between the freedom of pantsing and the security of plotting, give yourself permission to be both. Grab a beat sheet template, sketch out your structural landmarks, and then let yourself fly between them.You might be surprised how many stories you’ve already started that are just waiting for the right structure to finally be told.

Have you tried the Planster method? Got old manuscripts collecting dust? I’d love to hear about your experience — drop a comment below or find my published works, Written in Skin and Nothing But Time, on Amazon. And keep an eye out for The Girl Who Broke Everything, coming soon.

A Tiny, Totally Non-Desperate Plea From Your Friendly Neighborhood Author

If you enjoyed this post — or even if you just tolerated it with mild amusement — I have a few small, completely reasonable requests:1. Share this post. Hit that share button like it owes you money. Text it to a friend. Email it to your mom. Print it out and leave it on a stranger’s windshield. I don’t judge distribution methods.2. Spread the word. Tell people about this blog. Whisper it in crowded elevators. Mention it casually at dinner parties. Skywriting is also acceptable.3. Buy a book. Look, I’m not starving. Let’s not be dramatic. But I am a coffee-dependent creature with a very real and very expensive caffeine habit, and those lattes aren’t going to fund themselves. Every book purchase keeps a moderately-fed author adequately caffeinated and typing away at the next thing you’ll (hopefully) enjoy.So if you’re feeling generous, kind, or just impulsive enough to click “Add to Cart” — I salute you, you beautiful human.☕ Keep the coffee flowing. Keep the words coming.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Writing Contests: Where’s the Feedback?

Let us speak of something that has been troubling me, and likely many of you, about the writing contest industry. It is a thing that hums beneath the surface of our submissions like a second heartbeat we have learned to ignore.

The Business Behind the “Opportunity”

Here is the hard truth, plain as the words that appear unbidden on a blank page at three in the morning: writing contests are a money-making business. There is nothing altruistic about the companies that hold them. They rely on your ego, your dreams, and your hope to willingly surrender that entry fee for a chance at recognition. The fee slips from your fingers like sand, like memory, like the last line of a poem you swore you would remember. Sound familiar? It should. This strategy is not new. The lottery counts on your optimism (and perhaps your misunderstanding of probability) to keep buying tickets. Vegas has built an empire on this exact psychology for generations. Writing contests? They are playing the same ancient game, only dressed in literary clothing, their true nature hidden behind promises that shimmer and shift like heat rising from summer pavement.

My Real Frustration: The Silence

What bothers me most is not the business model itself; everyone needs to make money. It is the complete lack of engagement with the work we submit. Our stories vanish into the void, swallowed whole, and we are left listening for an echo that never returns. Is it too much to ask for some modicum of evidence that someone actually read our stories? Even the smallest bit of feedback would transform the experience:

“Your opening didn’t hook me.”
“Did you read the prompt?”
“Strong voice, but the pacing faltered.”

These words, however brief, would be enough. They would prove that our stories had weight, that they existed somewhere beyond the submission portal, that they touched, however briefly, another human mind. With platforms like Reedsy, I understand that a five-dollar entry fee is not breaking the bank. But still, is it really too much to ask for something in return beyond silence and a form rejection? The silence is its own kind of haunting. It lingers in the inbox, in the space between refreshing the page and accepting, once again, that no reply will come.

The Bottom Line

We are paying for a service. Should that service not include at least a sentence of human acknowledgment? A single line to prove that our words, however flawed, were witnessed? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below. Am I asking for too much, or is it time contests stepped up and broke their long, strange silence?

Essential Steps for Self-Publishing on KDP

Hi there! I’m the proud owner of Purple Pen Productions LLC, and one of the things I often find myself doing is helping others understand what they need to think about before diving into the world of self-publishing.
Here’s the thing—writing isn’t just about crafting a great story. If you’re anything like me, writing is also a business. My creations are not only meant to entertain but also designed to build a passive income stream. So, how do you make that leap from writer to published author with a profitable book?
It all starts with one simple step: getting your ducks in a row! Let me show you how. 😊

Punchlist for Publishing a Book on KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

Publishing a book on Amazon’s KDP platform requires a combination of preparation, organization, and adherence to specific guidelines. Below is a comprehensive punchlist to help you gather everything you need before hitting “Publish.”

1. Manuscript Preparation

Final Manuscript:
- Ensure the manuscript is proofread and edited.
- Save the file in one of the accepted formats: DOC, DOCX, RTF, TXT, or PDF. (KDP also accepts EPUB for reflowable eBooks.)
Formatting for Kindle:
- Apply Kindle-specific formatting (e.g., use consistent headings, avoid excessive tabs or spaces).
- Ensure the Table of Contents is properly linked (for eBooks).
- Remove page numbers (for eBooks, as they vary by device).
Print-Ready PDF (for print books):
- Ensure correct page trim size and margins based on the selected trim size.
- Embed all fonts used in the document.

2. Cover Design

eBook Cover:
- Dimensions: 2560 x 1600 pixels minimum (or a 1.6:1 aspect ratio).
- Save the cover in JPEG or TIFF format at 300 DPI for high quality.
Print Book Cover:
- Download KDP’s Cover Template for the specific trim size and page count.
- Include a spine and back cover with space for the barcode.
- Save the cover as a high-quality PDF (300 DPI).
Important Elements to Include on Cover:
- Title and subtitle.
- Author name.
- Eye-catching design that reflects the genre of the book.

3. Metadata (Book Details)

Title and Subtitle:
- Ensure your title and subtitle are finalized and optimized for keywords.
Author Name:
- Use either your real name or a pen name consistently.
Book Description:
- Write a captivating description (up to 4,000 characters).
- Use HTML formatting (like bold and italics) for better readability on Amazon’s product page.
Keywords:
- Brainstorm and research 7 keywords or phrases to help readers find your book.
Categories:
- Choose 2 categories that best fit your book’s genre and content.
Age and Grade Range (for children’s books or specific audiences):
- Specify if your book is for a particular age group or educational level.

4. ISBN and Publishing Rights

ISBN (International Standard Book Number):
- KDP provides a free ISBN for print books, or you can use your own purchased ISBN.
Publishing Rights:
- Confirm whether your content is public domain or original work.
- Verify you hold the proper rights to publish the book.

5. Pricing and Royalty Options

Pricing:
- Research competitive prices for books in your genre.
- Set pricing for each marketplace (e.g., US, UK, EU).
Royalty Option:
- Choose between 35% and 70% royalties (based on pricing and distribution preferences).
Kindle Unlimited/Kindle Select:
- Decide if you want to enroll in Kindle Select for exclusivity and additional promotional options.

6. Marketing and Promotions

Author Page:
- Set up or update your Amazon Author Page on Author Central.
Book Launch Plan:
- Prepare announcements, social media posts, and newsletters.
Promotional Tools:
- Consider running an Amazon Advertising campaign.
- Plan free or discounted promotions (if enrolled in Kindle Select).

7. Test and Review

Preview Your Book:
- Use KDP’s Previewer tool (both online and downloadable versions) to check formatting.
Proof Copies (for print books):
- Order a print proof to verify layout, design, and content.

8. Post-Publication Essentials

Monitor Sales Reports:
- Track sales and royalties in the KDP dashboard.
Gather Reviews:
- Encourage readers to leave honest reviews on Amazon.
Update Metadata:
- Periodically refine keywords, categories, or descriptions based on performance.

If you have questions, comment below.

I hope this helps!

Click here to see my latest books.

Accountability in Crisis: When the System Fails, Who Answers?

Are we safe?

In nearly every profession, accountability is non-negotiable. Engineers who design faulty equipment face consequences. Pharmaceutical companies that release harmful drugs are held liable. Employees who perform negligently lose their jobs.Yet when decisions within our criminal justice system lead directly to preventable deaths, accountability remains elusive. The question we must ask: When dangerous individuals are released and kill again, who is responsible?

A Pattern of Preventable Tragedy

The year 2025 alone produced numerous cases that expose systemic failures:

Case	Background	Release Mechanism	Outcome
Eddie Duncan (Minneapolis, MN)	Arrested for police pursuit, illegal firearm possession	Posted $35,000 bail	Killed two cousins (ages 14 and 23) within three hours of release
Colorado Parolee	Prior violent convictions; assessed as “very high” risk	Released on parole	Accused of four murders across three counties
Roybal-Smith (Colorado)	On parole for violent offenses including murder; risk level downgraded from “very high” to “moderate”	Parole	Murdered three people
Virginia Case	30+ prior arrests; known violent offender	Prosecutor repeatedly declined or reduced charges	Killed a mother in violent attack

These are not isolated incidents. They represent a systemic pattern.

Case Study: Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr.

Perhaps no case illustrates institutional failure more starkly than that of Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., who murdered Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail in August 2025.Brown’s criminal history spans nearly two decades:

2007–2009: Multiple charges (assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest)—all dismissed
2011–2014: Convicted of felony breaking and entering; received 30 days jail and probation
2013–2014: Convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon and felon in possession of a firearm; sentenced to six years
2020: Released on parole after just over five years; subsequently arrested for assaulting his sister
2022–2024: Three additional arrests for assault and property crimes—no corresponding court records
January 2025: Arrested for repeated misuse of 911; released without bond on written promise to appear
July 2025: Court-ordered forensic evaluation never completed; remained free
August 2025: Murdered Iryna Zarutska

Critical questions remain unanswered:

Why were early charges repeatedly dismissed?
Who supervised his probation, and how was his progress evaluated?
Why did three arrests between 2022–2024 produce no court records?
Who was responsible for ensuring completion of his court-ordered mental health evaluation?

Brown had a documented schizophrenia diagnosis. His record shows clear escalation from misdemeanors to violent felonies. Yet at every juncture, the system failed to intervene meaningfully.

The Deeper Failure

Beyond the institutional breakdowns, the circumstances of Iryna Zarutska’s death reveal something equally troubling: bystanders on the train reportedly walked past her as she bled out. Audio captured Brown’s words as he exited: “I killed the white bitch.”This indifference compounds the tragedy.

A Call for Systemic Accountability

The path forward requires honest examination:

Mental health intervention must be prioritized and actually enforced—court-ordered evaluations cannot remain incomplete without consequence
Risk assessments must carry weight; downgrading a “very high” risk offender to “moderate” demands rigorous justification
Decision-makers must answer when their choices directly enable preventable violence
Transparency is essential—dismissed charges, incomplete evaluations, and missing court records must be explained

What You Can Do

Don’t let these stories disappear. Systemic change begins with sustained attention. These cases deserve public debate focused on identifying root causes—not political posturing, but genuine analysis of where and why interventions failed.The current status quo protects no one.

What are your thoughts? How should we balance rehabilitation with public safety? Who should be accountable when the system fails?

Write, Edit, Market: The Writer’s Journey

As a writer and someone passionate about helping others find their voice, I often tell those in my circle that writing comes down to three simple words: Write, Edit, Market. These three steps are the foundation for every writer, whether you’re scribbling in a private journal or dreaming of becoming the next bestselling author.

Writing is a deeply personal act. It can be exhilarating, cathartic, and even terrifying. But no matter where you are in your writing journey, there’s one truth that underpins it all: writing has value—even if you never share it.

The Joy (and Fear) of Writing for Fun

Writing for fun is one of the most satisfying things you can do. It’s even better than painting (although I’m sure artists might argue with me on that one). Why? Because writing can exist in secret. Your words can live tucked away in a diary, scribbled in a notebook, hidden on your phone, or stored in the depths of your computer. For many, writing is a private act of self-expression—a way to process emotions, explore ideas, or escape from the chaos of daily life.

Yet, here’s the catch. While many people write for fun, they’re often unwilling to share it. In my role as a director of a writers’ league, I’ve encountered countless writers who confess that they write—but they keep their work hidden. Why is this?

Why Writing Feels So Personal

Writing is deeply personal because it comes from the core of who we are. It’s more than just putting words on a page; it’s a reflection of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Sharing that with others can feel like exposing your soul. Here are a few reasons why many writers hesitate to share their work:

1. A Window into the Soul

Writing often reveals our innermost thoughts—even when we don’t intend it to. Whether it’s fiction, poetry, journaling, or essays, writing tends to carry pieces of the writer. Our values, fears, dreams, and even vulnerabilities are woven into our words. For some, sharing that feels like standing naked in front of an audience.

2. Fear of Judgment

When we share our writing, we open ourselves up to critique. For many writers, it’s hard not to take feedback personally because our work feels like an extension of ourselves. The fear of rejection or misunderstanding can make it easier to keep our writing hidden.

3. Imposter Syndrome

A lot of writers struggle with self-doubt. Thoughts like, “What if my work isn’t good enough?” or “Who am I to call myself a writer?” creep in. This self-doubt can make sharing our words feel intimidating.

4. Writing as a Safe Space

For some, writing is a sanctuary—a place to process emotions or work through challenges. Sharing that space with others can feel like an intrusion or a loss of control. Once someone reads your work, it’s open to interpretation, and that can be uncomfortable.

5. The Intimacy of the Creative Process

Writing is often a solitary act. The process of crafting a story, poem, or essay is personal and raw. Sharing unfinished work, or even polished pieces, can feel like exposing something fragile.

Why Sharing Your Writing Matters

While it’s completely valid to keep your writing private, sharing your work can be transformative. It can lead to personal growth, connection, and even fulfillment. Here’s why:

Connection with Others

When you share your writing, you create an opportunity to connect with readers who understand your experiences or emotions. There’s something powerful about knowing your words have resonated with someone else. It reminds you that you’re not alone.

Feedback for Growth

Constructive criticism can be scary, but it’s also invaluable. It helps you refine your skills, discover your unique voice, and grow as a writer. No one becomes great without feedback and practice.

Empowerment

Sharing your writing is an act of courage. It’s a way of stepping into your creative identity, embracing vulnerability, and owning your story. That empowerment can translate into other areas of your life as well.

Inspiring Others

You never know how your words might impact someone else. Your story could inspire, comfort, or motivate a reader in ways you never imagined. Writing has the power to change lives—yours and others.

Building a Safe Space for Writers

In my writers’ league, one of my biggest goals is to create a safe space for sharing. It’s my job to push, nudge, and encourage writers to step out of their comfort zones and let their voices be heard. Many of us are here because we aspire to be the next [insert your favorite author], but even if you’re just writing for yourself, sharing your work can be incredibly rewarding.

One of my writer friends once joked, “Talking with my friends or family about my hobby is like talking to accountants.” That’s why groups like ours exist—to provide a supportive community of like-minded individuals who understand the highs and lows of writing.

In our group, we set standards to ensure everyone feels comfortable sharing. It could range from “family-friendly” to “anything goes,” depending on the group dynamic. For larger groups, subgroups can form for specific genres, so everyone gets feedback tailored to their work. The key is creating an environment where writers feel safe to take risks.

A Personal Example: Writing as a Window into the Soul

In yesterday’s blog, I talked about a memoir I released, Lessons Learned from the Wrong Side of a Badge. Writing it was an incredibly personal experience—a true window into the soul. Memoir writing, in particular, forces you to confront your past and share it with the world. It’s not easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

I encourage everyone to write, whether it’s for mental health, literacy, or just for fun. And if you’re ready to take the next step, consider sharing your work. You never know who you might inspire.

What’s Next?

In my next blog, we’ll dive into the second step of the process: editing. Writing is only the beginning—editing is where the real magic happens. We’ll talk about tools, techniques, and how to approach editing without losing your mind.

In the meantime, I’d love for you to check out my memoir, Lessons Learned from the Wrong Side of a Badge. You can find it here on Amazon. Let me know what you think!

Until next time, keep writing—and don’t be afraid to share your story. The world needs your voice.

– Best, Scott Taylor

The Decline of Personal Service: From Gas Stations to Grocery Stores

Considering that roughly 216 million people shop at Walmart, one might ponder the sheer number of stores. The number of stores hovers near 4,500.

I don’t need to tell you that Walmart is responsible for the death of many mom-and-pop shops in small town america. Now Amazon is killing what is left. Do you remember the friendly face behind the counter the one that might ask you about your family or even know your name?

Not that long ago, I’d pull up to the filling station and, before I could even step out of my car, an attendant would be at my window with a friendly smile. They’d fill my tank for me, and if I asked, they’d wash my windows until they sparkled, check the air in my tires, and even pop the hood to make sure my oil was topped off. It felt like a small ritual of care, when someone else looked after both me and my car.

I still remember the little extras that made stopping at the gas station feel special. Not only would they fill my tank and check my tires, but I’d also collect S&H Green Stamps with every purchase. I’d save them, sticking them into those little booklets, dreaming of what I could redeem them for. Some stations even had promotional giveaways—maybe a glass, a bowl, or some other small treasure to take home. It felt like they truly valued my business.

And honestly, when you think about it, gas stations make money on every gallon sold. So why not have someone there to give you that little something extra? It wasn’t just about the gas—it was about the experience, the care, and the feeling that you mattered as a customer.

I’ve learned that the federal tax on gasoline has been stuck at 18.4 cents per gallon since 1993—unchanged for over three decades. For diesel, it’s higher at 24.4 cents per gallon. It’s strange to think about how much has changed since then, yet this tax has stayed the same, even as inflation has chipped away at its real value.

When it comes to gas stations, I was surprised to find out that they only make about 10 to 15 cents per gallon in profit after covering all their expenses—things like credit card fees, utilities, and employee wages. Sure, the markup on gas might be around 30 cents per gallon, but most of that gets eaten up by operating costs. In the end, the station itself is left with just a small slice of the pie. Of course, this can vary depending on where the station is, how much competition it has, and other factors.

And then there’s the total tax burden on gas. When you combine the federal tax with state taxes, it adds up. On average, state gas taxes are around 32.26 cents per gallon, which means the total tax—federal and state combined—comes out to about 50.66 cents per gallon as of mid-2023. It’s wild to think that over 50 cents of every gallon I pump goes straight to taxes!

As of July 1, 2025, I’m paying 61.2 cents per gallon in state gas taxes here in California. That’s the highest in the entire country, and it’s not just the excise tax—though that alone went up by 1.6 cents from the previous 59.6 cents per gallon. On top of that, there are all these other fees, like sales tax and underground storage tank fees, which push the total tax burden on every gallon of gas to over $1.15. It’s mind-blowing when you think about it.

Honestly, I can’t help but wonder how California hasn’t turned into a ghost state by now. With gas prices this high, it feels like only the Hollywood elite could afford to stick around. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left shaking our heads at the pump, wondering where all this money is going.

These days, I do it all at the gas station. I’m pumping my own gas, washing my own windows, and if I decide to step into the store, there’s a good chance I might not even understand the person behind the counter. It’s a far cry from the days when someone would come out, take care of everything for me, and maybe even throw in a smile or a little conversation. Now, it feels like I’m on my own, just another part of the self-service world we’ve all grown used to.

After finishing my transaction, I think what irritates me the most is that cold, robotic “THANK YOU” that comes from some computer chip with absolutely zero agency. It’s not a person expressing gratitude—it’s just a programmed response, a hollow echo of politeness designed to mimic human interaction. I know it’s just a chip running instructions, processing inputs, and spitting out outputs, but it feels so empty. It’s like the machine is trying to replace the human touch, and instead, it just reminds me how far we’ve drifted from real, meaningful interactions.

I can still remember a time when going to the grocery store felt like a completely unique experience. Back then, I’d push my cart through the aisles, and when I was done, someone would take it from me and handle everything. They’d ring up my order, carefully bag or sack the groceries, and then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, someone would carry them out to my car. They’d even ask where I wanted them placed—trunk, backseat, wherever—and do it with a smile.

It wasn’t just about the service; it was the warmth of the interactions. There were genuine “pleases” and “thank you’s,” and as I drove away, I felt appreciated, like my business actually mattered. It wasn’t just a transaction—it was a moment of connection, a small but meaningful exchange that made the whole experience feel human. Now, I can’t help but miss those days, when customer service wasn’t just a buzzword but something you could feel in every interaction.

Today, things couldn’t be more different. Now, there’s an app for everything—even grocery shopping. I’m expected to pull out my phone, open the app, and start scanning my groceries as I pick them out. I place them in my cart myself, and when I’m ready to leave, I just show the machine a barcode on my phone. And Voila—transaction complete. It feels a lot like shopping at Aldi or one of those other stores where you’re left to bag, box, or otherwise pack your own groceries for the ride home.

As I glance around, I see several employees standing around, not ringing people up or bagging groceries, but instead directing traffic or helping someone with an item that refuses to scan properly. Is it quicker? Sure, sometimes it is. But can it be slower? Oh, absolutely. The entire process feels so detached. What used to be a personal, interactive experience now feels like I’m just another cog in a self-service system, where the human touch has been replaced by machines and apps.

Here’s the bottom line: H-E-B and Tom Thumb are the only places around here that still have full-service stores. So, I’ve decided to run a brief experiment. I’m going to visit each one and rate them on three things: price, availability of products, and the overall customer experience. Because let’s face it, prices are already way too high, and shrinkflation is everywhere. If I’m going to get screwed over, I’d at least like a little courtesy to go along with it—give me a kiss afterward, you know?

What I mean is, when I leave the store, I don’t want to walk out feeling frazzled, pissed off, and frustrated by the total incompetence of the people they hire. I just want a real person to look me in the eye, maybe smile, and say, “Thank you, have a great day.” Is that too much to ask? What do you think? Let me know your thoughts—because at this point, I’m starting to wonder if I’m expecting too much, or if the world’s just forgotten how to care.

“From ‘You Shithead’ to ‘Have a Nice Life’: A Journey in Self-Restraint”

Hey, happy Sunday night, wherever the hell you might be. So, I’ve been way too glued to social media lately. Honestly, people are losing their minds out there. Half of them are raging about TDS, and the other half look like they’d gladly watch the world burn if it meant kicking Trump out. It’s like everyone’s main hobby is being pissed off at each other. Grab some popcorn, because apparently, this is the new national sport.

Let me introduce you to something I like to call the “you shit head letter.”

Let me tell you about something I’ve perfected over the years. I call it the “you shit head letter.” It’s not trademarked or anything, but it damn well should be. The concept is simple: whenever some insufferable asshole—like the kind who makes you question if they share DNA with a brick wall—pushes you to the edge, you don’t respond right away. Nope. You take a deep breath, resist the urge to hit “send,” and instead, you write the most cathartic, profanity-laden masterpiece you’ve ever created. This isn’t just any letter. Oh, no. It’s a literary middle finger wrapped in words.

Let me tell you how this whole thing works. First, I write. And then, I write some more. Seriously, by the time I’m done, I’ve practically written a novella—just to explain, in excruciating detail, how fucking stupid someone is. And then, when I think I’ve exhausted every creative insult in the English language? I keep writing. Because why not?

Then what? Do I send it? Oh, hell no. I save it. Somewhere on my OneDrive, there’s a folder of these masterpieces. And honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if some government spy is sitting in front of a monitor right now, reading my rants and laughing their ass off. That’s fine. Laugh it up, buddy. Just don’t publish it, or I will absolutely sue under copyright law. I might be petty, but I’m not stupid.

Anyway, once I’ve exorcised the stupidity-induced rage from my system, I sleep on it. And when I wake up—calmer, slightly less homicidal—I go back and read the letter. That’s when I follow a little exercise in self-restraint that I like to call THINK.

Here’s how it works:

T: Is it the Truth?

H: Is it Honest?

I: Is it Inspiring?

N: Is it Necessary?

K: Is it Kind?

And let me tell you, the “You Shithead” letter absolutely fails this test. Every single time.

Is it the truth? Oh, most definitely.

Is it honest? You bet your ass it is.

Is it inspiring? Uh…no. Unless you consider inspiring someone to cry into their pillow a win.

Is it necessary? It felt like it last night, but in the cold light of day? Probably not.

Is it kind? Fuck no. It’s the opposite of kind. It’s downright savage.

So yeah, the “You Shithead” letter never sees the light of day. But damn, does it feel good to write.

But guess what I didn’t do?

Yeah, start a war with someone I disagreed with.

There is common ground out there. Somewhere. Probably buried under all the bullshit we keep piling on top of it. The problem is, we’d need to stop tripping over our own egos long enough to actually look for it. And let’s be real, that’s not exactly humanity’s strong suit. Here’s the kicker, though: searching for common ground? Not sexy. Not flashy. It doesn’t go viral, it doesn’t rack up likes, and it definitely doesn’t make you the star of some TikTok rant. You know what does get attention? Being a keyboard warrior.

Social media has basically turned us all into part-time gladiators, except instead of swords, we’re armed with shitty opinions, zero accountability, and a Wi-Fi connection. And let’s face it—it’s so much easier to call someone a moron online than to actually have a real conversation. Who needs nuance when you can just drop a snarky comment and rack up some imaginary internet points? Nuance takes effort. Snark is instant. And honestly, it’s addicting. You hit “post” and BAM—you’re a hero in your own head, even if you’re just shouting into the void.

But here’s where it all goes to shit. This constant stream of digital venom isn’t just harmless venting. It’s like dumping gasoline on a fire that’s already out of control. We’re not just creeping toward the edge of some global catastrophe, we’re practically sprinting toward a full-blown war with each other. Not, like, a nation-against-nation war. No, this is worse. It’s a war where empathy, understanding, and basic human decency are the first casualties. And for what? So you can roast someone who used the wrong “your/you’re” on Facebook?

So yeah, common ground exists. But finding it means doing the one thing most people on the internet absolutely refuse to do: shutting the fuck up. It means resisting the urge to win every argument, humiliate every stranger, and prove you’re smarter than some random person you’ve never even met. It means pausing for a second and remembering that behind every screen is another flawed, messy, probably-overcaffeinated human being. Just like you.

I’ve got a lot of people on my social media. If you’re on my “friends list,” odds are pretty good I’ve met you, shaken your hand, and wouldn’t mind grabbing a drink with you if the stars aligned. I mean, I don’t just friend random strangers—I save that kind of recklessness for impulse Amazon purchases and gas station sushi.

Now, writers? Writers are some of the most wildly diverse people I know. And by diverse, I mean they can range anywhere from “delightful conversationalist” to “I need a drink to survive this interaction.” I remember one left-wing loon in particular. Trying to find common ground with her was like trying to convince a cat to take a bath—it just wasn’t happening. In the end, the best I could do was agree that we both have red blood. That’s it. That’s all we had in common.

I have no idea where she was born, where she grew up, or what series of life events convinced her that she was right about absolutely everything and the rest of us were just walking disasters. But hey, she probably thought the same thing about me. That’s the fun of it, right?

At the end of the day, when we parted ways, we both managed to wave goodbye—using all of our fingers, mind you, not just the middle one. And that’s the point. The thing worth noting here is this: it’s not about agreeing on everything. The real effort, the thing that makes us human and keeps us from tearing each other apart, is striving to find common ground. Even if that ground is just, “Well, at least we’re both technically alive.”

Here’s one last piece of advice I’d offer, and it’s this: try arguing the issue from the other person’s point of view. No, seriously. Give it a shot. Pretend you’re them and make the case for whatever it is they’re so passionate about. Like, why 64 million abortions is biblical, or totally fine, or falls under “my body, my choice.” Hell, even try arguing why abortion up to the ninth month is perfectly acceptable.

Now, let me be clear—any sane person is probably going to struggle (read: fail spectacularly) at making a convincing argument for something they fundamentally disagree with. And honestly, you might not get very far. But here’s the thing: I’ve found it’s a pretty effective learning experience to at least try to see where the other person is coming from. Even if their logic feels like it was cooked up on a rusty waffle iron.

And if that doesn’t work? If, after all your mental gymnastics, you still can’t find a shred of common ground or even a glimpse of understanding? Well, that’s when you break out the trusty “you shit head letter.” Write it all down, every insult, every “how the hell do you function in society” thought that crosses your mind. Don’t hold back. But—this is key—don’t send it. Sleep on it.

Then, when you come back to it the next day, edit it down to a simple, “Bless your heart, have a nice life.” Trust me, it’s the perfect mix of passive-aggressiveness and closure. Plus, it saves you the headache of a long, drawn-out argument that neither of you is ever going to win.

While I’m sitting here typing this, just remember: this shit doesn’t write itself. Seriously. So how about throwing me a little love? A like, a share, maybe even a follow if you’re feeling generous. And hey, a comment wouldn’t hurt either—bonus points if it’s not spam or you telling me I’m wrong about something.

In case you didn’t know, I’m an author. And while this blog post was fun to write, let’s not kid ourselves—it’s also marketing. Gotta keep the hustle alive, right?

Anyway, have a great week next week. Or don’t. I’m not your boss.

-Best

#YouShitheadLetter
#SocialMediaRage
#KeyboardWarriorsUnite
#CommonGroundOrBust
#BlessYourHeart
#PassiveAggressive101
#RantTherapy
#DontHitSend
#ArgueBetter
#SocialMediaMeltdown
#ThinkBeforeYouPost
#FlawedButHuman
#WritingIsTherapy
#LetItOutDontSendIt
#WritersWithSnark
#StopKeyboardWars
#NuanceMatters
#StayPettyStayCalm
#InternetArgumentsSuck
#ShitDoesntWriteItself

Master Grammarly and ProWritingAid for Flawless Writing

Using Grammarly and ProWritingAid Without Losing Your Mind (Or Your Shit)

Look, we all want to write like some literary genius, but the truth is, most of us end up staring at our screens, screaming internally (or out loud) when that squiggly red line shows up for the tenth damn time. And yet, even with every so-called “miracle tool” at our fingertips, plenty of writers still manage to churn out writing that’s about as polished as sandpaper.

Let’s be real: you can slap Grammarly or ProWritingAid on your Word doc, but if you’re not paying attention, you might still end up with a sentence that makes your high school English teacher weep. Or laugh. Or both.

So why bother with these tools? Because, honestly, they’re the next best thing to having a grammar-obsessed friend reading over your shoulder, minus the heavy sighs and passive-aggressive comments.

Why Even Use These Bloody Tools?

Grammarly and ProWritingAid are like having two very judgmental robots follow you around, pointing out every embarrassing typo, awkward sentence, and the fact that you’ve used “very” eight times in two paragraphs.

They’re here to:

Catch all those dumb little mistakes you swear you didn’t make.

Clean up your sentences so they don’t sound like you just woke up from a nap.

Suggest fancier words, because apparently “good” isn’t good enough.

Keep your tone and style consistent, so you don’t accidentally sound like you’re writing a breakup letter to your boss.

Grammarly is all about real-time nagging and telling you when you sound like an asshole.

ProWritingAid? It’s the tool you call in when you want a detailed report that’ll make you question your life choices and every sentence you’ve ever written.

Getting These Tools Into Word Without Pulling Your Hair Out

Grammarly in Word:

Download the add-in from Grammarly’s site. Easy enough, right?

Install it. If you see a shiny new Grammarly tab, congrats—you didn’t screw it up.

ProWritingAid in Word:

Grab the add-in from their website.

Install and activate it. Yes, you might have to click through some annoying popups.

Log in and prepare to be judged.

Both work on modern versions of Word on both Windows and Mac, so unless your computer is actually powered by a hamster wheel, you should be fine.

Pro Tips: Not Just for People Who Like Pro Tips

Grammarly Hacks:

Turn it on before you start writing. Let it nag you in real time and maybe you’ll make fewer mistakes. Maybe.

Click the underlines for explanations. Sometimes they’re helpful, sometimes you’ll want to scream.

The side panel is where the real action is: grammar, clarity, engagement, delivery—basically, everything you’ve ever done wrong.

Hit that “Goals” button. No one else will, but you should. Set your intent, audience, and all that jazz so Grammarly can judge you more accurately.

Premium lets you check for plagiarism. So if you’re “borrowing” ideas, you might want to see how original you actually are.

If the constant suggestions make you want to throw your laptop, just turn off the damn underlines and review at the end.

ProWritingAid Tricks:

Run full reports. It’s like getting a 10-page essay on why your writing sucks. But hey, it’s thorough.

Use the summary for a quick “here’s what you did wrong” overview.

You can tweak what it checks for. If you’re writing a sci-fi novel, maybe turn off the business jargon checker.

Highlight a word and dive into the thesaurus or word explorer. Because sometimes “nice” just doesn’t cut it.

Want an all-in-one roast? Use the Combo feature and watch your ego deflate in real time.

Only want to check a paragraph? Highlight it, and spare yourself the pain of a full-document critique.

Don’t Be a Robot: Best Practices

Don’t just click “accept” on every suggestion like a zombie. These tools are smart, but they’re not perfect. Sometimes they try to “fix” things that were actually fine.

Take a minute to read the feedback. You might accidentally learn something.

If you really want to cover your ass, run your work through both tools. They’ll catch different stuff, so you can feel extra paranoid.

In Conclusion—Because Apparently You Need One

Grammarly and ProWritingAid are lifesavers, especially if you’re tired of embarrassing yourself in emails and reports. They’re not going to turn you into Shakespeare overnight, but they will save you from some truly cringe-worthy mistakes. Install them, play around, and try not to take their criticism too personally. Your writing will get better, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll stop screaming at your keyboard.

As an added bonus, let me tell you about the comma…

My Love-Hate Relationship With the Stupid Comma

Honestly, one of the most mind-boggling, rage-inducing parts of writing is that damned comma. I swear, I’ve spent more time wondering where to stick the little fuckers than actually writing. And let’s not pretend those fancy tools we talked about earlier are any better—they like to throw commas around as if they’re confetti at a parade. Sometimes it’s helpful, sometimes I wonder if the AI is just screwing with me for fun.

So, here’s the deal. Let me save you some pain and tell you what I’ve actually figured out about commas, despite their best efforts to stay mysterious.

The No-Bullshit Guide to Commas

Let’s make commas a little less terrifying and a lot less random. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1. Slap a comma before those little joining words in a compound sentence.

If you’re stringing together two complete thoughts with words like and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet, throw a comma in before the conjunction.

Example:

I wanted pizza, but I only had ramen. (Honestly, isn’t that just the story of my life?)

2. Use commas in a list, because chaos isn’t cute.

Got three or more things? Separate them with commas. The Oxford comma (the one before “and”) is optional, but seriously, sometimes it saves lives.

She packed sandwiches, chips, soda, and cookies.

(“Let’s eat, Grandma” vs. “Let’s eat Grandma.” Commas: keeping your relatives alive since forever.)

3. Intro? Comma. Always.

If your sentence starts with some kind of intro—like a phrase, word, or clause—give it a comma.

After a long day, I just want to nap.

However, I have work to do.

(Relatable, right?)

4. Extra info? Wrap it in commas like a burrito.

If you’re tossing in some bonus info that isn’t totally necessary, put commas around it.

My neighbor, who always wears pajamas, just mowed the lawn.

But if you actually need that info to make sense of the sentence, skip the commas.

The guy who always wears pajamas just mowed the lawn.

5. If your adjectives are fighting for attention, separate them.

If you can stick “and” between your adjectives and it still sounds right, use a comma.

It was a long, exhausting day.

But don’t overdo it.

He wore a bright yellow shirt. (No comma, because “bright yellow” works together.)

6. Talking to someone? Comma their name.

Direct address means you set off the person’s name with a comma, otherwise you might end up accidentally inviting Tom to be dinner, not to dinner.

Let’s eat, Tom.

Tom, let’s eat.

7. Commas love dates, addresses, titles, and big-ass numbers.

On April 1, 2024, we saw a clown.

She lives at 123 Fake Street, Springfield, Illinois.

My friend Jamie Smith, MD, is here.

The prize was $10,000.

(If only that last one was my life.)

8. Sometimes, commas are just there so shit doesn’t get weird.

If your sentence could be misunderstood, a comma might save the day.

To err, is human. (But let’s be honest, to really mess things up, you need a computer.)

Bonus Round: Don’t Overdo It

Don’t go all Jackson Pollock with your commas. Only use them when you actually need to. Too many commas make your writing look like it’s had one too many drinks.

Quick Recap:

Commas keep your writing from turning into a dumpster fire. They separate ideas, make things clearer, and help your sentences not run together like a bad hangover. If you’re not sure if you need one, read your sentence out loud. If you pause (or if it just sounds weird without it), a comma’s probably your friend.

If you still hate commas after all this, trust me, you’re not alone.

Now go forth and write. Or at least, go forth and make fewer mistakes.

If you found any part of this useful, give us a follow. This shit doesn’t write itself.

If you’re a writer, there are three things you should basically always be doing: writing, editing, or marketing. That’s it. There’s no secret fourth thing, no magical shortcut, and definitely no “just scrolling through Twitter for inspiration” (nice try, though).

So, what am I doing here with this blog post? Well, this counts as marketing. And honestly, I’m also just being a really nice person by sharing it with you. You’re welcome.

#WritingLife
#WriterProblems
#CommaDrama
#EditingStruggles
#WritersOfYou
#GrammarHumor
#WritingCommunity
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#WordNerd
#MarketingForWriters
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