How to Train Like a Pro, and Level Up Your Writing

 For the rest of February and for the first two weeks of March, I'll be discussing writing habits that have helped me as a writer.

Many years ago, as a teen, I competed in sprints and shot put competitions. In college, I fenced foil and saber. Freedom of movement was woven into the fabric of my identity – until a series of injuries and health challenges began to rewrite my story. I've had nineteen surgeries to date. I thought that was the worst, but then... Two years ago, a bad fall left me with whiplash and bone-deep bruises on my knees and one of my hands. The doctors' orders were clear: stay off my feet for two months, then three more. My world narrowed to the walk down our house hallway.

During physical therapy, I found myself starting over from the very beginning. Finally, I could walk up and down our driveway, practicing movements that had once been as natural as breathing. Those steps were both humbling and profound – each one a reminder that sometimes our greatest growth begins in the smallest spaces.

Over two years, those driveway walks expanded, step by step, into two-mile journeys. Now, I complement these walks with spontaneous dance sessions around my house – finding joy in movement that once felt impossible. This journey taught me something crucial about creative growth: the path to mastery isn't always linear, and sometimes our most significant breakthroughs come when we honor where we are rather than where we think we should be.

As writers, we often pressure ourselves to sprint before we can walk. We look at accomplished authors and try to match their word counts, their publishing schedules, their seemingly effortless productivity. But what if we approached our writing practice with the same patience and progressive training mindset that helped me reclaim my mobility?

My years of writing and teaching writing have shown me that writing excellence is built through progressive training, just like any other skill.

Let's start with an honest assessment of where you are right now. Are you struggling to write 500 words a day? Or are you consistently hitting 2,000 words but finding your dialogue feels flat? Understanding your starting point isn't about judgment – it's about creating a realistic training plan. When I first started tracking my writing, I was shocked to discover how little I was writing most days, and how much I could write when I sat down to do a "little" every day.

The key to progressive training is making small, manageable increases in challenge. Think of it as adding one more step to your daily walk. If you're writing 500 words daily, aim for 550 next week. If you've mastered single-perspective stories, try writing a scene from two different characters' viewpoints. The goal is to push yourself just beyond your comfort zone without becoming overwhelmed.

Here's where many writers go wrong: they try to jump from writing occasional short stories to cranking out 5,000 words daily while learning complex plot structures. That's like trying to run a marathon when you've barely mastered walking your driveway. Instead, focus on one aspect of your craft at a time. Maybe this month you'll work on increasing your word count, and next month you'll focus on deepening your character development.

The magic happens in the showing up.

This brings us to one of the most crucial aspects of progressive training: avoiding burnout. Just as I had to learn to listen to my body during recovery, writers need to pay attention to their creative energy. If your writing starts feeling mechanical or you're dreading your daily session, it might be time to ease back on the intensity. I've learned to schedule regular "creative refueling/writer's date" days where I read, watch movies, or simply observe the world around me.

Some of the most successful writers I know have used this progressive training approach. Brandon Sanderson famously wrote thirteen novels before getting published, gradually increasing his skill with each book. Andy Weir spent years honing his craft through short stories before writing "The Martian." Their success wasn't about innate talent – it was about consistent, structured practice.

The beauty of progressive training is that it turns writing improvement into a series of achievable challenges rather than an overwhelming mountain to climb. Each small victory builds confidence, and before you know it, you're writing at a level you once thought impossible – just as those small steps down my driveway eventually led to miles of walking and dancing.

Here’s a sample progressive training plan for your writing (list format below): 

Let me share with you the same kind of progressive training plan that helped me move from driveway walks to neighborhood adventures, adapted for your writing journey. Think of this as your own rehabilitation program for creativity, designed to build strength gradually and sustainably.

During your first two weeks, focus on establishing your baseline, just as I had to understand my body's new limitations. Begin with fifteen-minute freewriting sessions. These are your driveway walks – short, manageable, and foundational. Pay attention to the sensory details around you as you write, much like I had to relearn awareness of each step. Notice when fatigue or resistance appears; these are valuable signals, not limitations. Track your natural writing rhythm without judgment, understanding that this is your current starting point, not your final destination.

As you move into weeks three and four, allow for gentle expansion, similar to how I gradually extended my walking distance. Stretch your writing sessions to twenty or twenty-five minutes. Begin crafting character sketches, like taking those first tentative steps beyond the driveway. Experiment with dialogue, letting your characters find their voices just as I rediscovered my own strength. Keep a creativity journal to track your progress – these are your physical therapy notes for the mind.

In your second month, you're ready to build complexity, much like I progressed from basic walking to dancing. Start experimenting with different story structures – these are your new movement patterns. Layer in deeper themes, like adding subtle stretches to your exercise routine. Practice scene transitions, moving your stories forward with the same deliberate intention I used to expand my walking route. Work on character depth, allowing your creations to become as real and three-dimensional as the world I rediscovered step by step.

Remember, just as my recovery wasn't linear, your writing development won't be either. There will be days when the words flow effortlessly, like those mornings when my body felt strong and capable. Other days, you might need to scale back, to return to those fifteen-minute sessions or simple character sketches. This isn't regression – it's respect for your creative process.

Your journey might take longer than two months. It's okay.

My challenge for you is this: What's your driveway? What small, consistent step can you take today in your writing journey? Choose one area from the progressive plan above, and commit to showing up consistently.

Progressive Example Plan as a List (and More):

Week 1-2 (or more): Establishing Baseline

• - Start with 15-minute freewriting sessions
• - Focus on observation and sensory details
• - Track your natural writing rhythm
• - Notice when resistance or fatigue appears

Week 3-4 (or more) Gentle Expansion:

• - Extend sessions to 20-25 minutes
• - Introduce simple character sketches
• - Begin exploring dialogue
• - Keep a creativity journal

Month 2 (or when ready): 

• - Experiment with story structure - Layer in deeper themes - Practice scene transitions - Work on character depth

Remember to rest as needed:

Schedule regular reading days

Engage in different art forms

Connect with other writers

Have Renewal/Refuel/Writer's Date Days

Every masterpiece begins with a single word, just as every journey begins with a single step.

The Legacy of Magical Swords: From Excalibur to Dark Blades

Magical swords have captured the imagination of storytellers and readers for centuries. They aren't just weapons—they're symbols of power, destiny, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. From the legendary Excalibur to the cursed blades of shadow, these weapons shape not only their wielders but also the worlds they inhabit. But what makes a magical sword truly legendary? And why do dark blades so often serve as the battleground for a hero’s inner turmoil? Let’s explore the enduring legacy of these enchanted weapons and the stories they tell.

Excalibur: The Sword of Kings

Excalibur is arguably the most famous magical sword in Western mythology. Often tied to the legend of King Arthur, it represents divine right, justice, and noble leadership. In some versions of the legend, Arthur pulls the sword from the stone, proving his worthiness to rule. In others, the Lady of the Lake presents it to him as a gift, reinforcing the idea that his rule is sanctioned by higher powers.

What makes Excalibur stand out isn't just its power but what it represents—the ideal of a just and honorable king. Unlike many dark blades that test their wielder, Excalibur is a beacon of righteousness. However, when Arthur loses Excalibur or misuses his power, it signals the beginning of his downfall.

Elven Blades of Middle-earth: Magic in Craftsmanship

J.R.R. Tolkien introduced several legendary swords in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Weapons like Glamdring (wielded by Gandalf) and Sting (first used by Bilbo, then Frodo) carry historical weight. Their magic isn’t flashy but practical—glowing in the presence of orcs and forged with superior craftsmanship.

Tolkien’s approach to magical swords reinforces the idea that power itself isn’t inherently corrupting—it depends on the hands that wield it. Unlike the One Ring, which tempts and manipulates, the Elven swords serve as tools for justice, amplifying the strengths of their wielders rather than corrupting them.

The Dark Blades: Weapons of Temptation and Trial

While swords like Excalibur and Glamdring uplift their wielders, dark blades often come with a price. Some are cursed, forged in blood magic, or inhabited by vengeful spirits. They tempt their wielders toward destruction, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and desires.

One famous example is Stormbringer from Michael Moorcock’s Elric of Melniboné series. This sentient sword grants Elric immense power but at a terrible cost—it consumes the souls of those it slays, including those he loves. The question of who truly controls whom—Elric or his blade—adds layers of complexity to his story, making it one of the most memorable examples of a dark weapon in fantasy.

Revenge vs. Justice: The Moral Struggle of Dark Blades

One of the most compelling themes in fantasy is the battle between vengeance and justice. A hero wielding a dark blade may struggle to maintain their integrity, questioning whether they fight for righteousness or personal retribution.

In The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski, Geralt of Rivia wields swords enhanced by alchemy and magic. While his weapons aren’t inherently dark, his role as a monster hunter forces him to make difficult moral choices. If he were to wield a cursed blade that thirsts for blood, how long could he hold onto his sense of right and wrong before it consumed him?

In my own work, I explore similar themes through the dark blade Dan wields in The Dark Blade Trilogy, starting with Dark Blade Forged. In this series, the blade will test its wielder’s convictions. Is revenge ever justified? Can a sword used for destruction in the past be used for noble purposes? These questions drive my character’s journey and force him to define his own sense of justice.

The Enduring Appeal of Magical Swords

Magical swords remain a cornerstone of fantasy because they externalize the hero’s internal battles. Whether they are righteous symbols like Excalibur, tools of resistance like Glamdring, or cursed temptations like Stormbringer, they reflect their wielder’s deepest struggles and aspirations.

Readers and writers alike are drawn to these weapons because they add depth to the hero’s journey. A sword is never just a sword—it’s a mirror, a trial, and sometimes, a path to redemption or ruin. As fantasy continues to evolve, so too will the legends of magical swords, ensuring that their legacy endures.

What are your favorite magical swords in fantasy? Do you prefer weapons of light or blades of darkness? 

Get Dark Blade Forged HERE or check out the No Spice Fantasy Book Funnel for February!

IWSG: Ch-Ch-Changes - Do You Embrace Them or Deny Them?

 

It's the first Wednesday of the month, so it's time for an Insecure Writer's Support Group post. If you are curious about our group and would like to join, all are welcome! Come find the list here.

Started by Alex J. Cavanaugh, bolstered by volunteers throughout the year, the IWSG also has monthly co-hosts for the blog hop. For this month, Joylene, Louise, and I are co-hosts.

Would you change your past work?

Our optional question this month is: Is there a story or book you've written you want to/wish you could go back and change?

My answer: Yes. And I have. While I will not change certain aspects of old stories, I have gone back and made some revised changes to Champion in the Darkness, Champion in Flight, and Champion's Destiny - the first trilogy of books I wrote. These changes were not about the direction of the story or the main content of the story, but when I read these books out loud recently, I found way too many clumsy moments that I felt needed better line editing, so I made those changes. As an indie writer, I think this is okay to do. (Not everyone agrees, and that's okay.)

Embracing Change After a Period of Reflection

I am not always good at embracing change quickly, but I do when I realize it is necessary for forward momentum. This applies to life as well as writing. Our family has had some changes in the last few years with more to come - I'm not going to get detailed, but while many of these changes have been wonderful, some have been a mite hard, and all of them (including the good ones) caused a bit of stress because change challenges the status quo - even the good changes.

New routines need to be embraced, and sometimes traditions need to change or be replaced with new ways of doing things. And all of that works together to strengthen us, especially when we can embrace the changes after a healthy period of reflection.

But, not every change needs to happen. Sometimes, we do need to keep to something steady and sure, like our faith, or our worldview that shapes the decisions we make. But even within that, it's good to consider, which elements are the key elements? I believe in Jesus Christ, but while I like advent candle lighting traditions at church - they aren't necessary to my faith.

A Bit of Thought About Changes in Recent Tech

Speaking of changes, even though I'm not sure I want to have a big dialogue via our group on AI again, have you seen the new law around AI Copyright? I recommend giving it a skim (it's a long, government document filled with legalize): Copyright and Artificial Intelligence. I recommend giving page 8 a close read.

I have played around a bit with some of the AI models, and I think there are good uses for them - whether we use them to generate ideas for social media posts or for analysis of our books and what content might engage more readers, or even with prompts in which the AI is asked to consider five different ways to continue a storyline. If the material is taken and changed by the author, rearranged and directed by the author, then... it is copyrighted material according to copyright law.

 My biggest concern surrounding AI right now is not a Skynet type scenario but the bullying I see surrounding AI in the author world - I think that needs to stop. In fact, I have left Facebook groups because of bullying that specifically targets people for using AI tools for any reason whatsoever. I have seen specific authors attacked and shamed via Facebook groups for even mentioning any of the activity I put in the paragraph above this one, or for even for discussing how they tried it out. Bullying is never okay.

The reality is AI is affecting far more different areas of our lives, like medical advancements.

Is there a way we can consider being discerning, tech optimists?

Can we embrace, or at least consider, the changes happening, with reflection?

And, if we feel a need to deny those changes, can we consider why we are denying them, what the key elements are, and what the outcome of that will be?

And then, can we please be kind to one another, regardless of where we land on these issues?

"Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."  - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. JR.

What I've been working on (some of it, anyway):

Dark Secrets - a prequel novella to Dark Blade Forged (not necessary to read before the novel)

Dark Blade Forged

Dark Blade Tempered (Book 2) is one of my February Revision projects and you can read a sample excerpt HERE, but note that changes are still underway. This section does have mild spoilers for Book 1, so read at your own risk for that.

January 2025, Goals with Vision, and IWSG

 

Hello 2025!

As part of my New Year Celebrations, I come up with goals for the year - both broad and specific, all falling under one vision/focus phrase.

This year, my focus phrase is: No Doubt, All Courage.

My broad goals are: 

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Writer.

Developing Worlds and Words

Creative Visibility

I'll be giving weekly and monthly updates on those throughout the year here, in my newsletter, and on my podcast.

But let's jump into today's Insecure Writer's Support Group post:

"The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!" (Quote from IWSG Page)

Our optional question of the month is: Describe someone you admired when you were a child. Did your opinion of that person change when you grew up?

Tall, lean, red-headed, always quick with encouragement, a story, and a smile, Mr. Morrison was a kindly neighbor who lived on our street, one of the few I called by last name. I knew he was a teacher at my school and knew he had a fun job in the summers as a National Park Ranger. He moved and I was sad, and then I leveled up a few grades and found out he had only moved neighborhoods. In fact, he became my fifth grade teacher, and then became my sixth grade math teacher - he "moved up" with my entire grade level because my age group happened to be the largest graduating class my school (and district) had ever had. 

But that's getting ahead a bit. 

In class, Mr. Morrison encouraged, told stories, and smiled - most of the time. He loved science, art, history, math, and storytelling. He loved his students. But, he did have an issue with messy desks. One other student and I nearly drove him to distraction... yep. While he was my favorite teacher of all time, I got in trouble in his class. I respected him for actually seeing what was going on in his classroom and on the playground.

When I started having troubles with hyperfocus, he didn't let me get away with showing up late to class. He may not have had any knowledge of ADHD, because that term hadn't been coined then - or at least wasn't known at my school - but he did try to help me overcome it. When I had to stay in class and write sentences about not being late to class because I hadn't heard the bell ring while in the library reading (yes, I hyperfocus whenever there are words in front of me), I told him what had happened. It was the third incident of it that got me the sentences, btw, he was a teacher who believed in second and third chances before he meted out punishment (unless he caught someone bullying someone else). When I told him the trouble I was having, he seemed puzzled - and at first, he said he doubted my story, but he checked in with the librarians and learned I was telling the truth. He told me to a) go outside during lunch recess instead of going to the library because I needed fresh air, but also b) to try sitting in an uncomfortable position to read or only allowing myself to read the last chapters of a book in the library, or to read standing up or by the librarian's desk and have the librarian say something to me. I followed his advice. It didn't always work, but it helped.

When I had him for math the next year, he tried to give me more pointers on how to break my hyperfocus, but again, mostly advised me to get outside at lunch recess because he thought I needed more outside time, and I did like being outside, so I mostly did that. But he knew that I had trouble with bullies on the playground, so he also went outside more as a playground "extra" to supervise. The whole reason I had started going to the library was because of bullies, and he did not like bullying behavior.

And that wasn't what I was planning to write at all when I started this. I meant to write about his amazing and incredibly performance of The Cremation of Sam McGee, a poem by Robert W. Service (complete with dressing up and putting on an accent), his 30 Questions (20 questions with 30 students) game concerning an object in his desk that always had something to do with our science lesson after lunch - a few memorable objects were a goat's eyeball and a owl's pellet, his classroom court in which anyone could take someone else to court (he was the judge complete with robe and wig), his pretend money and checkbook system which we used for biweekly flea markets where we could sell each other free/used items and could earn money through rewards, bank money, and use our checkbooks, his recognition and encouragement that art could be fun (this was news to me, since all my other elementary school teachers made it terrible), and his love of being outside and talking about trees, plants, and animals with wonder and amazement.

And did I ever feel disappointed in him? Maybe once, yes, in fifth grade, when he lost his temper with the other student who had a messy desk. But years later, when I was a volunteer for elementary outdoor camp, I convinced Mr. Morrison and that other student to talk to each other and that redeemed him in my eyes. I'm not going to say he was perfect, but for years, when I went to Mt. Rainier (close to me at the time) I went to the side of Mt. Rainier National Park he worked at because then I would have a chance to say hello to Mr. Morrison, if he happened to be working at the entrance gate or at one of the trailhead areas - where he was known for putting on the best performance of The Cremation of Sam McGee. 

Other strange facts that I could mention here: the other student with the messy desk was also red-headed. I dated the other student with the messy desk briefly (three dates) in high school. And I married a redhead - but not one related to Mr. M or the other student I knew way back. How's that for small town life, and obviously, a bias toward gingers - although I've only written about one ginger character in any of my books. 

The awesome co-hosts for the January 8 posting of the IWSG are Rebecca Douglass, Beth Camp, Liza @ Middle Passages, and Natalie @ Literary Rambles!

Happy New Year and IWSG Day!

What are your goals this year? Or your best memories of someone you admired when you were younger?

IWSG December 2024

Today is the first Wednesday of the month, which means that for me and many others, it is Insecure Writers Support Group day. This group has been going on for more than 12 years. We meet online on our own blogs by writing articles and then reading each other's articles.

All are welcome. Even if you aren't a member, you can definitely join by going to page with the list of links at the IWSG website.

Each month, several people volunteer to help out with the blog hop by checking to see if people have posted and reading posts, and commenting on posts. This month, those volunteers are: Ronel, Deniz, Pat Garcia, Olga Godim, and Cathrina Constantine! The founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh, also goes through the list and comments on various posts each month.

It's interesting to note that blog hops like this were very popular about 10 years ago. I think we are one of the rare groups that are still doing them. It's a good community.

We've helped each other build our platforms. We've helped each other build our knowledge. We've helped each other grow in our writing craft and in our business knowledge as writers. The Insecure Writers Support Group website has won awards and been named as one of the top 100 websites for writers.

Today I am skipping the optional question about cliffhangers, although if you've read my work, you probably know what my answer is to that.

Instead, I want to simply celebrate this community.

One of the keynote addresses at Author Nation this year in November focused on how writers who have a healthy professional network are 4.1 times more successful than the average author.

I talked about this in my podcast last week and went more in depth there, but mainly I want to focus on this community piece - the network we can build and how IWSG can help us build that.

There are three parts to it.

1. Building a network of peers.

That's something that the Insecure Writer Support Group has excelled at over the last 12 years. And I'm thankful for this group.

2. Building a network of mentors.

I have never entered a formal mentorship-type relationship with anyone, but I have been inspired by various members' success, their knowledge, and by their encouragement to others.

3. Building a small network of accountability partners.

While IWSG doesn't do this formally, it's possible to find accountability partners within the group, and it's possible to use our monthly blog hops as a massive sort of accountability network.

I think one of the strengths of IWSG is the way we network.

So all of this is to say, thank you, IWSG.

To all reading this, I want to wish you a Happy Holiday Season, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

I hope your beverage of choice is exactly as you like it and your writing is strong.

I hope you have a wonderful, merry, loving, and joyful end to this year and beginning of 2025!

Stuff that I've been doing lately:

If you are looking for a new read, try Dark Blade Forged!

If you are looking for a writerly podcast, check out The Truth About Storytelling.

Looking for free reads, try Tales of Fellowship: Amazing Friendships & Found Family in Fantasy and Science Fiction