♉️ Taurus Energy and the Power of Showing Up

I’ve always felt a deep connection to Taurus energy—not just because I am one, but because its qualities feel so naturally aligned with the writing life. Grounded. Loyal. A little (okay, a lot) stubborn. Taurus is all about persistence, comfort, and creating something lasting, and let’s be brutally honest—writing takes all of that…and then some.

Whether you’re plotting your next book, revising chapter twelve for the fourth (or tenth) time, or simply trying to carve out some time to read in this chaotic world, Taurus energy has your back.

Below is a collection of original quotes I’ve written that blend Taurus traits with the rhythms of the writing and reading life. They’re little reminders that slow progress is still progress and that beauty, comfort, and consistency are powerful creative tools.

I hope they ground you. I hope they inspire you. And maybe—hopefully—they’ll remind you that your writing life doesn’t have to be fast or flashy to be meaningful. It just has to be yours. Feel free to share (with attribution please 🙏)!

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Steady Strength & Beautiful Stubbornness

“A Taurus writes with the patience of a gardener and the determination of a mountain.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“Slow and steady doesn’t just win—it publishes.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“When a Taurus commits to a story, they see it through to the end.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“The muse shows up when Taurus does.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“Even the strongest roots grow slowly.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“The pen is steady. The bull is strong.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“Some writers sprint. Taurus writers endure.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

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The Power of Showing Up

“Steady hands craft powerful stories.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“A Taurus doesn’t rush a masterpiece.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“Consistency over chaos—that’s the Taurus writer’s secret weapon.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“Structure soothes the Taurus soul—and organizes the plot.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“A Taurus writer’s stubbornness is actually just loyalty to the work.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

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Joy and the Pleasure of the Page

“If a Taurus loves a book, they’ll read it ten times.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“No one builds a better book nook than a Taurus.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“Books are how Taurus escapes while staying comfortably home.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“A Taurus reads with all five senses—and their sixth sense for character.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“Taurus finds luxury in linen covers and well-worn pages.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“Comfort, tea, a good chair, and the draft: the Taurus way.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“The Taurus way: grounded in reality, guided by heart.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“Let your writing be like a Taurus—rooted, rich, and quietly powerful.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

“Words are grounding. Taurus knows how to build a world.”
— Melissa Bourbon, WriterSpark

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It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the messy middle of writing your novel, savoring every last word in a favorite story, or finding your rhythm again; Taurus season reminds us of something important:

Steadiness is strength. Pleasure is purpose. And consistency is magic.

Which quote speaks to you the most? Do you recognize any of these traits in your creative life? I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment below or share your thoughts on Instagram (@writer_spark) or Pinterest (@writersparkacademy) and tag me!

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Want more grounded, magical, and motivating inspiration like this?

• ✨ Subscribe to the WriterSpark Substack
• 📌 Enroll in Pinterest Power for Authors online course
• 🖊️ Explore courses at WriterSpark Academy

Here’s to showing up, slowing down, and writing something that lasts with the passion of a Taurus.

— Melissa

✍🏻 Click for inspirational quotes about writing.

Have you wondered how to write a reluctant hero that stands out? This is one of my favorite hero archetypes, and for good reason. And I’m not alone. The reluctant hero may not seek out adventure, but we sure seek them out as readers.

Why Do We Love the Reluctant Hero?

I think it’s because they are us. Or at least, they could be. That fact is what makes them so relatable, and therein lies the magic.

They’re real. Flawed. Human. And when they rise to the occasion, facing obstacles they’d really rather not, it gives us hope that we can too.

If you’re writing a reluctant hero—or thinking about it—let’s continue our exploration about why we love them so much and how you can write one who feels both classic and fresh at the same time.

The Reluctant Hero Reflects Who We Are

The majority of us are not leaping off buildings or saving the world from alien invasions on a daily basis (if you are, hey, hats off!). But we are constantly dealing with real-life challenges: illness, heartbreak, loss, parenting, jobs, insecurities, and impactful choices that scare the living daylights out of us.

When a character like Vianne from The Nightingale or John McClane from Die Hard steps up despite their fears, limitations, and/or doubts, it makes us feel seen. They don’t want to be in the spotlight. They’re not trying to save the world—or at least they didn’t set out to. They’re trying to survive in it.

And that’s relatable.

So… How Do You Write a Reluctant Hero?

I’m so glad you asked! Here are some tips to make your reluctant hero shine and, eventually, rise to the occasion.

1. Give Them a Powerful Internal Struggle

The reluctant hero is all about the inner journey. Their arc often hinges on moral dilemmas, personal doubts, or conflicting responsibilities.

Maybe they’re a parent trying to protect their child (hello, Sarah Connor). Maybe they’ve been burned before and swore they’d never get involved again. Maybe they truly believe they’re not enough.

Whatever the reason, the bigger their internal battle, the more satisfying it is when they overcome their fears or doubts.

When you’re thinking about your own Reluctant Hero, consider what fear or belief holds them back.

2. Force Their Hand, Whether Gently Or Not

Remember the Reluctant Hero isn’t seeking adventure. Adventure finds them. My recommendation is to build a scenario that forces your character into action.

Throw them into the fire. Take away their safety net. Put someone they love in danger. Let the stakes rise so high that action becomes the only option. (That’s you, John McClane!)

When you’re crafting your Reluctant Hero, think about how high you can raise the stakes for them. Their entrance into the hero-realm has to ring true.

3. Let Them Fail, Let Them Fight, & Let Them Grow

Reluctant heroes don’t usually nail the hero thing right away. That’s part of what makes them so endearing, right? They don’t come by heroism naturally.

Let them screw up. Let them retreat. Let them argue with themselves. Let those doubts and fears surface and resurface. But then… let them choose to move forward. Let them become someone they never thought they could be. (Samwise Gamgee, anyone?)

Even better? Let them be surprised by their own strength.

That moment when your character looks in the mirror and doesn’t recognize who they’ve become is the moment their journey really shifts into another realm.

4. Play With Genre Expectations

You can write a reluctant hero into any genre. (Vianne from The Nightingale is just as much a hero as John McClane.) Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Fantasy: Your farm boy just wants to tend sheep, not fight dragons.
• Mystery: The retired detective swore they were done—until the murder hits close to home.
• Romance: The character who’s sworn off love gets swept into it anyway.

You can be writing contemporary women’s fiction, historical drama, or post-apocalyptic zombie westerns (really?). Yes, it’s a thing!). Whatever your story is about, the reluctant hero can work. Take the trope and make it your own.

Some of My Favorite—and Less Obvious—Reluctant Heroes:

You know the big ones—Ender Wiggin, Han Solo, Frodo. But here are a few others who are not as well-known—or who are sneakily reluctant—heroes you might love:

• Starr Carter, The Hate U Give: This character doesn’t want to be a voice for a movement, but circumstances thrust her into it.
• Lyra Belacqua, His Dark Materials: Lyra doesn’t go looking for rebellion against the Magisterium, but she ends up leading it.
• Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games: Does she really want to start a revolution? Not really, but she becomes its face anyway.
• Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter: Oh yes, one of my faves. He may not be the Chosen One, but he becomes a hero in his own quiet, brilliant way. He has his moment, and it’s such a good one.

The Takeaway: The Quiet Power of Reluctance

Heroism doesn’t have to be all Top Gun, Maverick, or Jack Reacher in-your-face heroism. Sometimes, it’s subtle. Sometimes, it crawls in slowly on hands and knees. Sometimes, it doesn’t look like courage at all—until suddenly it is.

I challenge you to write a character who says “not me” and then sweeps us away when they stand tall and face the challenge.

And remember: the best reluctant heroes don’t feel heroic to themselves… but they sure do to us.

Have a favorite reluctant hero? Drop that name in the comments. I’d love to hear from you and add to the collection.

Now go write that hero who never wanted the spotlight but earns it anyway.

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Want help developing a reluctant hero of your own? Grab our free Cheat Sheet on the Every(Person) Hero Archetype, which strongly reflects the Reluctant Hero in the WriterSpark Resource Library! It’s packed with questions that help you dig into motivation, fear, and transformation.

Happy writing!

Read more about the core elements of The Reluctant Hero and see some popular examples.

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Curious about how Pinterest can be a marketing game-changer for authors? Learn more about that via my Substack 100-Day Pinterest for Authors Challenge and if you want to go deeper, enroll in the Pinterest Power for Authors online course!

A 100-Day Pinterest Challenge for Authors

The 100-Day Pinterest Challenge for Authors is a game-changer. If you’re like me, you’ve probably felt stuck in your writing life or overwhelmed by how to actually reach readers. You’re juggling all the things—writing, editing, publishing, building an email list, showing up on social media—and yet your books aren’t getting the visibility they deserve.

That was 100% my situation.

I’m a writer, podcaster, teacher, and creative entrepreneur, and I know how hard it is to balance the business side of being an author with the creative side. I needed a better, smarter way to market my books. One that didn’t leave me feeling drained and still way too invisible.

And then I discovered the power of Pinterest.

Pinterest Changed Everything

Pinterest isn’t just a place for recipes and DIY projects. It’s a search engine—and I have found it to be incredibly powerful. It can help authors to grow their platform, build visibility, and promote their books– on autopilot.

I dug in. I tested. I tracked. The results have been game-changing. So much so that I created Pinterest Power for Authors, a course that teaches writers how to use the platform to get real results they can actually see through analytics.

But I wanted to go deeper (as I said, I’m a teacher at heart!).

I wanted to show authors (aspiring, new, established, veterans) what’s possible when you use Pinterest consistently and strategically—so I created this challenge.

The 100-Day Pinterest Challenge (for Authors)

For 100 days, I’m taking consistent, focused action using Pinterest. I’m testing, tweaking, creating fresh content, analyzing results, and most importantly—sharing everything I learn along the way.

This is more than a personal challenge—it’s really a case study—in real-time.

Why I’m Doing The 100-Day Pinterest Challenge for Authors

I’m doing this Pinterest challenge because so many authors are pouring their hearts into their amazing books… but no one’s seeing them.

Because shouting into the social media void isn’t working. Truly. It’s not.

Because we deserve marketing strategies that feel sustainable, aligned, and effective.

This challenge is about:

• Reigniting creative focus in my author business
• Demystifying Pinterest for writers
• Testing strategies and sharing what actually works (with the data to prove it)
• Building a content system that supports long-term growth
• And most of all, motivating authors and helping them stop spinning and start growing

What I Hope to Gain from the 100-Day Pinterest Challenge for Authors (and Share)

I want to finish these 100 days with:

• A refined repeatable, streamlined Pinterest strategy
• Clear data that shows what drives clicks, saves, and traffic
• More visibility for my books and brand
• And a roadmap other authors can follow

Here’s what I know: you don’t have to chase trends or dance on Reels to build your author platform. What you do need is the right strategy.

If You Follow Along, This is What You’ll Learn Along the Way

Even if Pinterest feels overwhelming or you think it’s “not your thing,” I promise—it’s SO worth learning. Throughout this challenge, I’ll be sharing:

• Pinterest tips for authors
• What kinds of pins drive traffic
• How Pinterest connects to your email list, website, and book sales
• How to create content that works for you, not the algorithm

Join Me!

You don’t have to do a full 100 days. But you can start showing up differently in your author business—today.

Here’s how:

• Follow along as I share daily updates, tips, and takeaways
• Join the challenge by creating your own 30- or 60-day Pinterest plan
• Grab the free 100-Day Tracker to set goals, stay on track, and visualize your growth
• Or just use this as inspiration to recommit to your writing life and visibility

📥 Click here to download the free 100-Day Challenge Tracker!

Maybe you’re just starting to build your author platform. Or maybe you’re looking to breathe new life into your book marketing strategy. Either way, this challenge is for you.

Let’s stop spinning and start scaling—with clarity, consistency, and confidence.

Pin with purpose and power!

Author | Educator | Pinterest Strategist

Follow along at: 📌 melissabourbon.substack.com

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I always like to take a little time in December to take stock of my writing life. My process, below, is a great way to do an End-of-Year Review. If you don’t already do this, I highly recommend the practice. It can bring clarity to what’s been working and what hasn’t.

I believe it’s so important to celebrate your successes as you begin thinking about your goals for next year. Looking at your creative journey, assessing your progress throughout the year, and reflecting on your wins and losses can help you prepare and organize your writing life for 2025.

First, let’s take a look at what it means to take stock of your writing life.

Taking stock means looking at your achievements and evaluating the progress you made on the goals you set for yourself throughout the year. If you’re not on deadline, now is the perfect time to step away from your actual writing so you can review your writing journey. Whatever level you are at with your writing—published or not, professional or aspiring—or how experienced you are, taking time to reflect can help you recognize all you’ve accomplished, what fell short for you, and what you want to focus on moving forward. 

Reflection is a way to maximize your transition into the New Year and ensure your continued growth and success as a writer. This means acknowledging your achievements, taking care of yourself, organizing writing materials, and beginning the process of thinking about new goals. Let’s break it down into steps.

Reflection

Taking time to really consider the year in your rearview mirror is the first step in being able to come out of the gate strong in the new year.  As you look at your written pieces from this past year, consider your growth as a writer. 

• Can you identify tangible ways you improved? 
• Did you seek out classes, content, or other ways to grow in your craft? 
• What were your major accomplishments in 2024? Which pieces or projects made you most proud?
• Did your work resonate with readers? How do you know?
• Did you pitch, query, or otherwise move forward toward your next step?
• What challenges did you face with your writing this year?
• Were there pieces that were difficult to research or to write? How did you get through that?
• Can you identify any areas in your writing that you feel require further improvement? 

Asking these reflective questions and analyzing what worked for you this past year and what didn’t can provide you with valuable insights that can help lead you into next year. 

Organization

Some creatives have right-brain organization skills. Others are pure left-brain thinkers. Use this month to set yourself up for success wherever you fall on that spectrum. Given all the ideas, drafts, deadlines, and activities involved with the writing profession, having some form of order in your creative life can be incredibly helpful. 

• Evaluate your workspace – clear out old notes, organize resources, and declutter digital files. Make sure your space is ready and prepared for another year of writing. 
• Organize your digital files
  • Delete unneeded files.
  • Clear out your downloads folder.
  • Consolidate and categorize various writing projects, for example, as completed or in progress.
  • Create a system or protocol for saving your pieces, assets, and other documents in Dropbox, the Cloud, Google, or whatever service or app you use. This can be tedious, but it is SO worth the time.
• Organize your physical workspace – having an orderly writing place will open creativity!
• Examine your writing routine—did it work for you, or could you be more productive with a different schedule? 
• Evaluate your writing tools, software, or apps. Are you lacking in a tool that could help? Is there something that hasn’t worked for you, and is it time to ditch it? Which tools optimized your efficiency during the writing process?

Organizing your physical and virtual spaces can definitely lead to increased productivity and decreased stress in the future.  It can provide a clear view of what has been completed so far and what still needs to be accomplished.

In-depth Review

An in-depth review can be incredibly insightful. Take some time to calculate metrics such as:

• Number of articles written
• Total word count
• Published works
• Rejected pieces 
• Income generated through writing

Doing this type of in-depth review can provide you with a pretty clear snapshot of what your career looked like this year. One of the benefits of this exercise is that it can help you plan objectively for next year.

Celebrate!

Once you’re finished taking stock of 2024, I encourage you to take time to reward yourself! Celebrate all your hard work as a writer, from rejections to reader feedback or reaching your target word count. Celebrating small victories can renew your motivation and set you up for next year. Taking the time to acknowledge your successes – no matter how large or small – plays an incredibly important role in your personal growth as a writer.

Overall, closing out a year as a writer involves reflection, organization, reviews, planning goals for the year ahead, and, yes, rewards. Embrace the closing of 2024 not as an end but as an opportunity to start fresh with your writing journey in 2025. 

Ready to set your goals for the new year? Go here!

See WriterSpark Articles on Medium.

Read about how to create a cozy reading nook!

Crafting great characters is essential for every writer. When I’m creating the folks who populate my books, I like to begin with the antagonist because they, quite literally, drive the plot. The protagonist responds to the obstacles the antagonist presents. Without the antagonist, whether person, place, or thing, there is no story. For that reason, giving a lot of attention to the creation of this character (or storm, etc) is so important. Read on to learn how I write a strong antagonist in my fiction.

Who is the Antagonist?

In fiction, the antagonist is a shadowy figure who is there to thwart the protagonist’s plans. They act as a catalyst for the complex conflicts throughout the story. I like to start with the antagonist because, as I said, they drive the plot by continually thwarting the protagonist, either directly or indirectly. 

Defining the Antagonist

The antagonist is the primary source of opposition in a story, standing in direct conflict with the protagonist’s goals, desires, and values. A well-crafted antagonist is a complex character with their own motivations, backstory, and inner turmoil. They challenge the protagonist, which tests the hero’s resolve and drives the narrative forward.

Understanding Motivations and Goals

An antagonist cannot exist only as a thorn in the protagonist’s side. To write a great antagonist is fiction, he/she/they/it must be driven by their own set of goals and motivations. That might be power, revenge, redemption, total destruction (Twister!), or something more elusive. These motivations are the driving force behind the antagonist’s actions. They shape their character arc and influence all their interactions with the other characters in the story. As you write, you want to explore the antagonist’s motivations so you transform him/her/they/it from a faceless, nameless foe into a fully realized character.

Creating Sympathetic Villains

When you really think about it, the most compelling villains are the ones who possess qualities the reader can relate to. No one, save the psychopath or sociopath, is all bad. This means you have to make them human. Allow them to evoke sympathy. This type of antagonist–the ones with morally ambiguous actions that are rooted in relatable motivations, allows readers to see the world through their perspective. Yes, they are still pursuing goals that clash with the protagonist’s, but the reader understands why it’s all happening. This is the power behind a supervillain’s origin story.

Cultivating Conflict and Tension

Storytelling depends on conflict. Conflict is what drives the plot forward. The antagonist is the primary source of conflict within a story. This can happen through direct confrontations, psychological warfare, or even moral dilemmas. They act as a catalyst for the essential conflicts that keep readers glued to their seats, turning the pages. Conflict is what drives the plot forward. It also creates opportunities for the hero to undergo significant character development and gain emotional depth.

Honing Complexity and Depth

So, how do you write a strong antagonist? Give them their motivations and goals. To make them complex, think about their personality, the details of their backstory, and the personal obstacles they’ve faced. Complicated antagonists are shaped by past traumas, as well as present circumstances. When you build in layers, you add depth to the antagonist’s character. You make them memorable and engaging.

Mirroring the Protagonist

The antagonist is a shadow character to the protagonist. They can present opposing traits or philosophies to the hero. This reflection enhances the thematic depth of the story and highlights the protagonist’s traits and growth. Strong antagonists are as well-developed as the heroes. They provide a counterbalance that can enrich your narrative.

To Wrap Up

When you write a strong, compelling antagonist in your fiction, you provide significant conflict and depth which enhances your narrative. The villain characters, whatever that means (again, person, place, or thing) do not exist only to present obstacles for the protagonist; they are pivotal characters who drive the story forward. They offer a complex counterpoint to the hero’s journey.

So, as you craft your stories, think about the transformative effect a well-developed antagonist can have, both for your story and for the reader. That’s how you write a strong antagonist in fiction!

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Want more on characters?

Listen to the podcast episode. (Please follow while you’re there!)

Read this article on character development.

How to Build a Killer Writing Routine

As an author, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the time and motivation to write consistently. When I first started writing, I worked full-time as a teacher, and I had five kids at home. To say I was busy is an understatement! Whether you’re juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, or other life commitments, creating a killer writing routine can help you make progress with your writing project. In fact, it can make all the difference. In this article, I’ll share some tips and strategies to help you build a writing routine that promotes consistency and productivity. If you like podcasts, listen to The WriterSpark Podcast on this subject.

Importance of a Writing Routine

First things first, why is having a writing routine so important? Think of a writing routine as a roadmap for your writing journey. A routine helps you stay focused, reduces procrastination, and helps you make consistent progress. When you treat writing like any other important task in your life, you’re more likely to prioritize it, right?

Right.

It’s all about creating a habit. Atomic Habits, anyone? Stack those habits until they become part of your life. Once writing becomes a part of your daily routine, it feels more natural and less like a chore. If writing feels like a chore, that’s something to really think about. Why is it a chore and not a joy?

Time Management Strategies

One common challenge writers face is finding time to write given their busy schedules. Here are a few of my time management strategies:

1. The Pomodoro Technique: One of my favorite strategies is the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks writing time into focused bursts of 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, you take a longer break. It’s great for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. You can do 15 minutes, or 20, or whatever works for you. People also call these writing sprints. Turn off your social media, silence your notifications, and set a time. During those sprints, focus. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish like this! Use this online timer to help you!

2. Time Blocking: Another great strategy that can have a positive impact on your progress and

productivity is time blocking. This is where you set aside specific blocks of time in your daily or weekly calendar dedicated solely to writing. Time blocking ensures that writing time is non-negotiable. Also, consider tracking your time to see where it’s going. This can help you identify and eliminate time-wasting activities.

3. Communicate Your Schedule: When you communicate your schedule with the people in your life, you’re letting them know how important this is. Let them know when you’re unavailable to minimize interruptions. Creating a supportive environment with supportive folks is key.

Tools and Apps to Support Writing Habits

Now, let’s move on to some tools and apps that can help you build killer writing routines and habits:

1. Scrivener: For distraction-free writing, I highly recommend Scrivener. It’s a powerful tool that helps you organize your manuscript, research, and notes all in one place. There are so many reasons to love Scrivener. Listen to the podcast episode on this topic to hear a bit more about this writing tool.

2. Evernote: I often use Evernote for jotting down ideas and organizing my research. I use it to keep track of hashtags, SEO keywords, and so much more. It’s a great notetaking tool that is super efficient. It syncs across all your devices (depending on your plan), so you always have access to your notes.

3. Trello and Notion: For goal setting and tracking progress, try using an app like Trello or Notion. These allow you to create boards and lists to keep track of your writing projects and deadlines. I love my physical planner, but if your brain works well with an online productivity platform, these are definitely for you.

4. Focus@Will and Brain FM: Two other apps I like are Focus@Will and Brain FM, both of which provide background music…but not just any music. It’s music that’s scientifically designed to improve concentration. I’m here to tell you that they really work! They help you focus. All the better if you combine one of these tools with your writing sprints!

Real-Life Examples and Tips

Before we wrap up, I have some real-life examples and tips for you. Here’s how I’ve personally built a successful writing routine:

1. Set Small, Achievable Goals: When I first began writing, I had kids at home and a job. I started by setting small, achievable goals for myself. I started small, aiming for 250 words a day. The small wins helped me make progress and up my goals.

2. Write at the Same Time Every Day: Writing at the same time every day helps reinforce the habit. It becomes a part of your daily schedule. I’m not the type of person who can get up at 5 AM (no 5 AM club for me!) and write for an hour. Instead of fighting against my natural inclinations, I didn’t force them. Instead, I wrote after my kids were in bed. It just comes down to creating a routine that works for you.

3. Create a Dedicated Writing Space: I’ve found that having a dedicated writing space, free from distractions, really helps me stay focused. I work best when I’m in my little office. If you don’t have a separate office space, find a space in your home that you can claim as yours…just for your writing.

4. Be Flexible and Give Yourself Grace: Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or if your routine goes off the rails once in a while. Life happens, and it’s important to be flexible and forgiving. Consistency is key, but it’s also important to enjoy the process. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Writing should be a joy, not a burden.

The Takeaway

Building a killer writing routine is all about:

1. Finding what works best for you
2. Sticking with it

I hope you found these tips and strategies helpful in creating your own routine. Remember, it’s a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to your writing goals. Happy writing!

Want more? Check our collection of articles HERE!

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Recommended Books:

• Scrivener for Dummies by Gwen Hernandez
• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

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How to Use a Canva Template That’s Been Shared With You–A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you use Canva? Are you hooked like I am? If you’re here, you are curious about how to use a shared Canva template. Trust me, it’s easy-peasy! Canva is an amazing tool that lets you create beautiful graphics. You will look like a pro! Using a shared template can save you tons of time and effort. Use my step-by-step guide below to help you get started so you can save time or level up your creativity.

(Check out my Etsy listing with 100 social media prompts and 90 Social Media templates)

Step 1: Open the Template Link

First things first, you’ll need to click on the link to the Canva template that’s been shared with you. If you’re not already logged into your Canva account, you’ll be prompted to do so. If you don’t have an account, fear not. It’s easy to create a free (yes, completely FREE!) account. Once you’re logged in, the template will open up.

Step 2: Make a Copy of the Template

Before you start customizing, make a copy! When the template opens, you’ll see a preview of the design. Duplicate it so the original stays intact, and you can always go back to it if needed. To do this, just click on the “File” menu at the top left corner and select “Make a copy.” Use this copy to customize the template.

It’s really that simple. Now comes the fun part—customizing the template to fit your needs!

Step 3: Customize the Text

Start with the text. Click on any text box to edit it. You can change the font, size, color, and alignment using the options that appear at the top of the screen. Canva has SO many free fonts. (If the template you’re using has custom or Pro-level fonts, those will not be editable. The little crown next to a font in the sidebar indicates it’s a Pro font.

Experiment until you find the font(s) that match your style. Once you have your fonts, customize text and any placeholder text with your own content.

Step 4: Swap Out Images

If the template you’re using includes images you want to switch out, or placeholders for images, you can either use images from Canva’s library or upload your own. Click on the image you want to change, then click “Uploads” in the left-hand panel to upload your own photos/book covers. If you want to use one of Canva’s images, just click on it or drag and drop it into the placeholder or into position. It will automatically replace the old one. From there you can adjust the size, position, and crop to fit the design perfectly.

Step 5: Adjust Colors and Backgrounds

To make the template truly your own, adjust the colors to match your brand or personal preference. Click on any element you want to change, then use the color picker tool at the top to select a new color. If your template includes background colors or patterns, you can change these too by selecting the background and choosing a new color or pattern from the “Background” tab.

Step 6: Add Additional Elements

Want to add something not on the template? You can do that. Use Canva icons, shapes, lines, and illustrations under the “Elements” tab on the left. Click on or just drag and drop them onto your design. You can resize and/or reposition as needed. If you want to add your own images, use the Upload Files tab in the left panel.

Step 7: Save and Download Your Design

Once you’re happy and finished, save your design. If you’re ready, download it. Click on the “Download” button in the top right corner and select your file type ( PNG, JPEG, PDF+).

Best Practices for Using Shared Canva Templates

1. Stick to Your Brand: Use your brand’s colors, fonts, and tone of voice to maintain consistency. You can set up brand colors and fonts, as well. With all the options on Canva, it’s easy to go and go and go. Remember, less is often more!
2. Check for Copyright: Make sure you understand Canva’s usage policies. You can read more HERE.
3. Keep it Simple: Again, sometimes less is more! Avoid overcrowding your design with too much text or too many elements. A clean, simple design often looks more professional and is easier to read.
4. Proofread Everything: Double-check all the text for typos, spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes. It’s easy to overlook small errors.
5. Save Multiple Versions: If you’re working on something complicated, consider saving multiple versions as you go. This will allow you to easily revert to a previous version if you need to.

To Wrap Up

Shared Canva templates are great! They can help you level up your design, and save precious time. Happy designing!

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Writing is an art that requires not only creativity and skill but also a great deal of perseverance and inspiration. Aspiring writers often look to the words of seasoned authors for motivation and guidance. I know I did…and still do seek inspirational quotes about all things writing related.

Well-known writers have shared profound insights into the writing process, offering encouragement, wisdom, and sometimes a touch of humor. In this blog post, I’ve curated a list of inspirational quotes from well-known authors that capture the essence of the writing journey.

If you’re a novice writer, let these quotes ignite your passion for writing. If you’re an experienced writer, let them remind you why you started this creative endeavor in the first place. Dive in and let the words inspire you to keep writing and telling your unique story.

Ernest Hemingway: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

Carl Sagan: “Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people, citizens of distant epochs, who never knew one another. Books break the shackles of time — proof that humans can work magic.”

Stephen King: “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”

Maya Angelou: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

Toni Morrison: “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”J.K. Rowling: “The stories we love best do live in us forever.”

Anne Lamott: “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”

Neil Gaiman: “The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision.”

George Orwell: “Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.”

Ray Bradbury: “You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.”

Stephen King: “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”​

Barbara Kingsolver: “Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.”​​

Cory Doctorow: “Write even when the world is chaotic.”​

Margaret Atwood: “A word after a word after a word is power.”​

Isaac Asimov: “Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers.”