Sharon Wray's Blog, page 15

Where Are We Going Next?

I can’t believe how quickly this year is going by. I have so many goals I want to accomplish and so many things I want to do, but I also know that if I don’t pace myself, I’ll burn out and end up lying on the couch eating donuts and rewatching Gilmore Girls for the millionth time. Luckily, I have a large family which means there are always events to attend and trips to plan for. This year, almost every month has a trip planned. So today I want to talk a little bit out traveling during springtime, especially since Spring 2025 is proving to have some challenges, like airport issues and new travel ID requirements.

Spring travel isn’t quite like summer’s sun-soaked road trips or winter’s snow-packed getaways. From unpredictable weather to updated TSA rules, traveling in spring requires its own strategy. Also, if you’re driving, here’s a blog post about how to prep your car for long trips. This post is specifically for summer, but the same rules apply for Spring.

Tips For Spring Travel   TSA Changes You Should Know for Spring 2025 REAL ID Deadline Reminder
After several delays, the REAL ID enforcement date began on May 7, 2025. Now every traveler 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to board domestic flights. Acceptable alternatives include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (like Global Entry), U.S. military ID, permanent resident card (Green Card), and tribal-issued photo ID. If your license doesn’t have a star or flag in the upper corner, it may not be compliant.
➤ Tip: Check your current ID now and make an appointment with your state’s DMV if needed. You may also want to update your passport now to avoid the summer rush.

Mobile ID Expansion : More airports now accept state-issued digital IDs in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. If you’re traveling through airports in states like Arizona, Maryland, or Georgia, check if you can breeze through security with just your phone.
➤ Tip: Make sure your phone is charged and unlockable (biometrics or passcode) to use this feature.
PreCheck Perks Update : As of March 2025, TSA PreCheck lines are now more clearly marked, and family lanes are available for travelers with kids under 12. You may also see more CT scanners, which allow you to leave electronics and liquids in your bag.
➤ Tip: These lanes aren’t everywhere yet, so don’t assume—look for signage or ask a TSA officer.
Carry-On Liquid Exceptions for Medications & Baby Items : There’s better signage now clarifying the 3-1-1 rule exceptions. You’re still allowed larger quantities of medically necessary liquids, baby formula, and breast milk—but they must be declared.
➤ Tip: Use a clear, separate bag for these items and tell the officer before screening.[image error] Packing Tips for Spring Travel
Spring can be tricky to pack for—it’s not quite hot, not quite cold, and often both in the same day. Here’s how to pack like a pro:
Layer, Layer, Layer
Bring lightweight, versatile layers. Think packable rain jackets, long-sleeved shirts, and cardigans. Avoid bulky winter gear, but don’t rely solely on t-shirts either. One of my new favorite online shops for great travel clothes is a website called Quince. I am not in any way affiliated with this store, but I shop here often and love everything I’ve ever purchased.
Footwear That Handles Mud & Miles
Spring showers mean puddles and mud. Opt for water-resistant sneakers or hiking shoes that are also good for walking. Flip-flops can wait for summer.
Pack a Small Umbrella or Poncho
Spring rainstorms can come out of nowhere. A compact umbrella or disposable poncho takes up almost no space and saves the day.
Allergy Meds, Just in Case
Even if you don’t suffer at home, traveling to new environments can trigger allergies. Toss a travel-size antihistamine into your toiletry kit. And while you’re at it, put together a small First Aid Kit because you never know when you’ll scrape a knee or get a bee sting. Spring vs. Summer/Winter Travel: What’s Different
Unpredictable Weather
Unlike winter’s snow or summer’s heat, spring swings wildly—60s and sunny one day, 40s and rainy the next. Be ready for wardrobe curveballs.
Less Crowded, But Watch Spring Break
Spring generally offers lighter crowds and cheaper prices—except during May’s College and University Graduation Week windows (typically early-mid May, some are later in early June). If you’re traveling during that time, expect fuller flights and higher rates to big university/college towns.
More Flight Delays from Rain/Storms
Spring’s unpredictable weather can mean more thunderstorm-related delays, especially in the South and Midwest. (and especially in Virginia where the weather changes instantly–all day long!)
➤ Tip: Book morning flights when delays are less likely to cascade throughout the day. Actually, I think this tip is a good rule to follow no matter the season you’re traveling in.
National Parks Begin to Bloom
Spring is one of the best times to visit U.S. national parks before summer crowds arrive. But higher elevations may still have snow, so check trail conditions ahead of time. Also, some parks require timed tickets for parking and for hiking. Always plan ahead before visiting National Parks. It seems like the rules are changing constantly, at least here in Virginia in the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Parks. Bonus Spring Travel Tips
Use Packing Cubes to keep your layers organized and easy to swap. These are my favorite right now.
Bring a refillable water bottle—hydration helps fight jet lag and allergies. There are even silicone collapsible water bottles now, like these!
Check garden/festival calendars—spring is big for local flower festivals, art walks, and seasonal markets. They’re great if you want to attend, and a huge pain if you’re not interested but end up stuck in hours of traffic.
Keep a microfiber towel—great for spring hikes or surprise rain showers.Paper Maps—yes, they’re old school. But if you’re driving, especially through the mountains, it’s not hard to lose a cell signal. And having a paper map in your car, just in case, can relieve some anxiety when you drive in areas you’re not familiar with. Air Tags/Tiles—I love these things and attach them to everything now when I travel. Suitcases, purses, wallets, phones, even my car. I put them on anything I can’t afford to lose. And since Prime Day is coming up soon, it’s a great time to grab a few more. They’re not cheap, but they’re a whole lot cheaper than having to replace whatever you’ve lost.

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The Beauty of Pollinator Gardens

Grow something that gives back … to you, your family and friends, and to nature.

Mother’s Day has come and gone, so that means that here in Northern Virginia it’s time to start gardening. The threat of overnight frosts is over, and I have about 4-5 months of solid gardening ahead. And while I always put in a small veggie and herb garden, there’s something magical about stepping outside and seeing butterflies flutter through the flowers or hearing the hum of busy bees at work.

That magic? It’s the result of a thriving pollinator garden. A space designed to attract and support the creatures that help plants grow and bloom. Pollinator gardens aren’t just beautiful, they’re essential for a healthy garden environment. If I want pumpkins, and squashes, and any other vegetable that needs pollination, I need actual pollinators. But with pollinator populations declining due to habitat loss and pesticide use, any garden can become a small but powerful refuge for these vital creatures.

Here’s how to create one, no matter your space or experience level.

How to Build a Beautiful Pollinator Garden Choose the Right Location

Pollinators love sunshine, so pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. It can be a backyard plot, a front-yard flower bed, or even a balcony container garden. It can even be window boxes on a second-story apartment building.

Make sure the area is:

Safe from pesticide driftSheltered from strong windEasy for you to access and enjoyProtected from animals like deer and rabbits who think of these kinds of gardens as an all-you-can brunch buffet. Plant Native Flowers

Native plants are key because local pollinators recognize and rely on them. Aim for a variety of flower shapes, colors, and bloom times to keep the buffet open spring through fall. Native plants attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators in your specific area. Here’s how to find the right ones:

Contact Your Local Cooperative Extension ServiceMost U.S. states have a land-grant university that operates a cooperative extension office offering free advice on gardening and native plants.Find your local service here with this directory.  Use Native Plant Finder ToolsPollinator Partnership Planting Guides: Enter your zip code and download a free guide tailored to your ecoregion.National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder: Enter your zip code to find plants that support the most butterflies and moths.Ask at Local Nurseries and Botanical GardensMany local nurseries now specialize in native plants and can offer region-specific recommendations.Botanical gardens often publish regional pollinator plant lists.Group the same plant together in clusters so pollinators can spot them more easily.

Here are a few great native picks that work for most regions and are a good place to start. And luckily, some of these are perennials you don’t need to shell out a ton of money each year to fill out your garden. (you can adjust these picks based on your region):

Milkweed  (for monarch butterflies)Bee balm Purple coneflower Black-eyed Susan Lavender Goldenrod Sunflowers  Skip the Chemicals

Avoid pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. These can be deadly to bees and butterflies, even in small amounts. Instead, use organic compost, mulch, and manual weeding to keep your garden healthy.

Add Host Plants for Caterpillars

Pollinators aren’t just pretty visitors—they go through life cycles. For example, butterflies need host plants to lay their eggs, and caterpillars need food. You can try:

Milkweed for monarch caterpillarsParsley, dill, or fennel for swallowtailsWillow or oak trees for a wide variety of moths and butterflies Provide Water and Shelter

Even the tiniest visitors need a place to rest and hydrate. Here are a few easy ideas:

A shallow dish with pebbles and water for bees Flat rocks for butterflies to sun themselves Hollow stems, logs, or bee houses for solitary bees A small brush pile or thick shrubs for shelter from wind and rain Step 6: Think Beyond the Garden

A true pollinator haven doesn’t end at the garden’s edge. You can expand your impact by:

Encouraging neighbors to plant pollinator-friendly flowersSupporting local farms that use sustainable practicesLeaving a small patch of your lawn “wild”Reducing outdoor lights at night (they confuse nocturnal pollinators)Starting a compost pile in a far corner of the yard or property You Don’t Need a Green Thumb, Just a Happy Heart

The beauty of a pollinator garden is that it’s forgiving. It evolves with the seasons, welcomes imperfection, and invites you to slow down and notice. When you plant with intention, you’re not just growing flowers, you’re nurturing a whole ecosystem. You’re helping bees stay busy, butterflies find their way home, and hummingbirds sip a little joy from your backyard.

Let your garden be a gift to the earth, and it will reward you with color, motion, and quiet wonder.

 Tip: If this is all too overwhelming, do a little at a time. Set a timer for 15 minutes and knock out one section a day. You don’t need to do it all at once. And if you have neighbors who garden, or a garden club in your area, ask for cuttings from healthy plants–or offer to dig up volunteer plants–to help keep the initial cost low.

The post The Beauty of Pollinator Gardens first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: French Baguette with Strawberries and Goat Cheese

This weekend is Mother’s Day, so I’m prepping some easy appetizers to bring to a Mother’s Day Brunch. And this recipe includes a French baguette, fresh strawberries, fresh basil and mint, and the cheese spread is made with creme fraiche and goat cheese. It’s super easy to make and looks lovely on a buffet brunch table. I hope you all have a wonderful Spring/Mother’s Day weekend!

PrintThe Hungry {Romance} Writer: French Baguette with Strawberries and Goat CheeseThis is an easy way to use up fresh strawberries and bread that may be going stale. It's super easy to make, is delicious, and looks beautiful when serving it. If you're bringing it to a picnic, though, wait until you serve it there to spread the cheese and strawberries on top. And the toasted breads taste fine at room temperature. Enjoy! Course AppetizerPrep Time 30 minutes minutesCook Time 10 minutes minutesServings 6Ingredients1 French baguette sliced¼ cup plus 1 Tablespoon olive oil divided¾ teaspoon salt divided8 ounces goat cheese room temperature4 ounces creme fraiche¼ cup honey2 Tablespoons pecorino Romano grated8 ounces fresh strawberries washed, hulled, and diced4 Tablespoons each of fresh mint and fresh basil choppedInstructionsPreheat the oven to 350℉. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the baguette slices on the parchment paper and, using the 1/4 cup of olive oil, drizzle it on both sides of the bread. Sprinkle the bread with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake for 8-9 minutes. The bread should be slightly golden but watch it carefully so it doesn't burn. In a large bowl, mix together (with an electric hand mixer) the goat cheese, creme fraiche, honey, pecorino Romano cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Beat until the mixture is creamy and light. Set aside. In another bowl, toss the strawberries with the mint, basil, 1 Tablespoon of olive oil, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Take the baguettes out of the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Then spread the cheese mixture over the slices and top with the strawberries. Serve immediately.

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National Red Cross Day

Every year on May 8, the world celebrates World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. It’s a global celebration of humanitarianism, compassion, and the quiet courage of volunteers and staff who bring hope where it’s needed most.

For me, Red Cross Day is personal for a number of reasons. My journey with the Red Cross began when I followed my husband (who was an officer in the U.S. Army) to Korea in the 1980’s. I ended up working for the Red Cross Field Office at Camp Red Cloud in Uijeongbu, near the DMZ in Korea, serving the 2nd Infantry Division of the U. S. Army. This is still a place where humanitarian aid carries immense weight. Then life brought me full circle when I returned to the U.S. and settled in Bordentown, New Jersey—the very town where Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, once lived and opened her first free public school. To have lived and served in two places so deeply tied to the Red Cross’ legacy feels like more than coincidence. It’s a reminder that the mission of compassion, service, and hope truly connects people across borders and generations.

Red Cross Day falls on the birthday of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the first Nobel Peace Prize recipient. His vision—to alleviate human suffering without discrimination—became the heartbeat of a global movement. Today, the Red Cross and Red Crescent network spans 192 countries, offering aid during natural disasters, armed conflicts, health emergencies, and community crises. From blood drives and emergency shelters to refugee support and family reunification, their mission remains the same: neutrality, humanity, impartiality.

What makes the Red Cross extraordinary isn’t just its size, it’s the people. Volunteers, nurses, translators, disaster responders, and quiet helpers around the world who step into the chaos with calm, care, and a readiness to serve. In Korea, I saw this firsthand. This was a time before the internet, before cell phones, and when communication was handled with telegrams and scratchy overseas phone calls. But the Red Cross Director I worked for taught me how to navigate the complex world of translators, 8th Army protocols and bureaucracy, and very little public transit options so I could deliver difficult messages to soldiers in outlying posts as well as figure out how to find the money to either get them home or solve their problems. I hate to think about how difficult these often sad and tragic situations would’ve been without the resources of the Red Cross. Whether it was assisting families who’d suffered a loss or helping with financial difficulties, each moment reminded me that even in places of great division, the desire to help one another still connects us.

In a world that often feels divided, Red Cross Day is a reminder of what unites us: kindness, compassion, and the deep human need to care for one another. It’s not about grand gestures—it’s about showing up. Offering a blanket. Donating blood. Listening to someone who’s lost everything. Or standing at a border, believing in peace, even when it feels far away.

How You Can Make a Difference

You don’t need to be at the DMZ to be part of this movement. Here are a few simple ways to honor Red Cross Day:

Donate blood or plateletsVolunteer with your local Red Cross chapterTake a CPR or first aid courseSupport international disaster relief effortsShare your own Red Cross story online using #RedCrossDay

Red Cross Day isn’t just a date. It’s a tribute to the belief that compassion has no borders. That every act of care, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect. And that in times of disaster, conflict, or division, there’s always a red cross, a red crescent, or a red crystal—a symbol reminding us that help is never far away. Here’s to those who serve. Those who remember. And those who carry the mission forward, one act of kindness at a time.

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A Cover Reveal: Heroes, Holidays, and Hope (Vol. 3)

So today I’m sharing a charity anthology cover for a romance novella collection that comes out later this year but all of the stories take place on… Memorial Day. Remember when I said that publishing schedules were odd? But that’s okay. I write every day and the seasons I write about NEVER match the seasons I’m living in. lol

Anyway, today I’m so excited to share the cover for Heroes, Holidays, and Hope (Vol. 3). This is an anthology that I’ve read and loved in the past, and this year I’m so happy to be participating author. All of the authors are either veterans or a member of a veteran’s family, and the proceeds of this anthology will support Soldiers’ Angels. This romance anthology will include tropes such as friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, unexpected proposals (and maybe a secret baby), brother’s best friend, Instalove, and more… and all of the stories will take place on Memorial Day weekend.

My story in this anthology will be a new novella in my Kingsmill Courtships series … but more on that in the coming months! So without further ado… I hope you love this cover as much as I do!

Heroes, Holidays, and Hope

Sacrifice. Valor. Patriotism.

They fought courageously on the battlefield. Now they’re fighting for love.

We are a group of Veterans and Veterans’ family members who are also bestselling and award-winning romance authors. We are back with our third limited edition, military holiday romance collection that also supports Soldiers’ Angels (whose mission is to provide aid, comfort, and resources to the military, veterans, and their families.).

This book releases on December 6, 2025 and the preorder link is coming in June!

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The Magic of Morning Routines

Can a Simple Start Can Transform Your Entire Day? Yes!

Years ago I read a book titled The Miracle Morning. I liked it but of course I didn’t follow any of the suggestions or advice. I was too busy, too distracted, with too many reasons why I shouldn’t wake up earlier than normal. Then, about two years, I was searching for the Napoleon Hill Institute (I was searching for something in their archive) and ended up signing up for their free self-discipline camp.

The basic ideas is that a every morning, at 5:30 am, we get together on zoom and meditate for 30 minutes. Then we journal, review Napoleon Hill’s Self Discipline Formula, and then listen to some inspirational quote while still journaling. Sometimes we study a chapter in a book (like Think and Grow Rich or Outwitting the Devil), and sometimes we just talk about our struggles. Then, once it’s over, we go off to begin our day… except we’re also given instructions on how to design the rest of our morning with movement, hydration and nutrition.

I’ll be honest, the few few months were rough. It’s not easy being consistent every day with this kind of routine. But as time went on, I discovered that my creativity and my productivity increased. My confidence in my ability to wade through the problems of the day improved. And, as a bonus, I lost weight and most of my brain fog disappeared. So now, when I miss a morning, there’s always a great reason. One of the most important things I ‘ve learned with my morning routine is that it’s a quietly powerful way to begin my morning. Before the emails, the errands, or the noise of the outside world, there’s a moment—just for me—to choose intention over chaos. That’s where the magic of a morning routine comes in.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight to make room for a morning routine. The beauty of a routine lies in the small, consistent actions that, when stacked together, shape the tone of your entire day—and ultimately, your life. Here’s a look at a powerful, practical morning routine and why each step matters.

The Magic of Morning Routines  1. Get Up Early & Make Your Bed

It may seem trivial, but getting up an hour earlier than normal and making your bed are two small acts of discipline that signal to your brain: we’re starting fresh. It’s an easy win, right out of the gate. These two simple acts create a sense of order and pride, which can spark motivation to tackle bigger tasks throughout the day.

 2. Drink a Glass of Water

After hours of sleep, your body is dehydrated. Drinking a glass of water first thing rehydrates your system, kickstarts your metabolism, and wakes up your brain. It’s a basic form of self-care and a reminder that your body deserves nourishment before caffeine or chaos.

NOTE: If you can, wait to have your first cup of coffee and then drink it while sitting outside in the sun.

Your body naturally produces cortisol, a hormone that helps you feel alert and awake, in the early morning—typically peaking between 6 and 9 a.m.If you drink caffeine during that peak, it can interfere with cortisol’s effects or cause you to build up a tolerance to caffeine faster.Delaying caffeine by 60–90 minutes gives your body a chance to wake up naturally, avoiding that tolerance buildup and reducing the chance of an afternoon crash.Morning sunlight exposure—especially within the first hour after waking—tells your brain to shut down melatonin (the sleep hormone) and fully “start” your biological clock for the day.This helps regulate energy, mood, metabolism, and sleep patterns.Sitting in the sun while sipping your delayed cup of coffee can boost alertness more effectively than caffeine alone, especially if you get sunlight through your eyes (not through windows or sunglasses). 3. Meditate or Pray

Whether you lean toward meditation, prayer, or simply a few quiet moments of gratitude, this part of the routine helps you slow down, breathe deeply, and center yourself. It’s about grounding your mind before the distractions of the day begin. You reconnect with your purpose, your peace, and your presence.

 4. Read Something Inspiring

Before social media or the news, take in something that uplifts and educates you. Whether it’s a page of a motivational book, a devotional, a poem, or even a thought-provoking article, reading early in the day nurtures your mindset. It sparks creativity and can shift your perspective for the better.

 5. Move Your Body

You don’t have to run five miles or do an hour of yoga. Even ten minutes of movement—stretching, walking, or a light workout—can energize your body and boost your mood. Exercise releases endorphins and clears away mental fog, preparing you to face the day with more clarity and confidence.

 6. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Fuel your morning with food that sustains rather than drains. A balanced breakfast supports focus, stabilizes your blood sugar, and keeps you from crashing before lunch. It’s not just about calories—it’s about how you want to feel as you move through your day.

NOTE: And now is the time to treat yourself with your first cup of coffee–sitting in the sun, if at all possible.

 7. Set a Daily Intention or To-Do List

Take a moment to ask yourself: What matters today? Writing down one clear intention or a few top priorities helps you stay focused and purposeful. If you need some extra magic in your life, try writing a short gratitude list too!

 8. Limit Screen Time

Try to keep phones, emails, and news at bay until after you’ve completed your core routine. Starting your day in response mode can hijack your energy before it even gets going. It’s best not to sleep with the phone in your bedroom so you can train yourself NOT to grab it the moment you wake up.

 9. Listen to Something Uplifting

Podcasts, playlists, affirmations—use sound to set the mood. Choose something that makes you feel inspired, grounded, or just plain happy. This is an easy thing to do while taking a walk, driving in the car, and waiting to pick up kids at school. Or even bring earphones to the doctor’s office and listen there.

The Magic Is in the Momentum

On their own, these habits may seem simple. But together, they create a powerful structure that grounds you, energizes you, and aligns your actions with your intentions. This is the magic of a morning routine: it gives you a sense of control, clarity, and confidence—before the world has a chance to knock you off course.

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need two hours. Start small. Be consistent. And most importantly, build a routine that feels good to you. Life will still be messy. But with a morning routine in place, you’ll be better equipped to meet it—with grace, focus, and purpose.

So tomorrow morning, try it. Get up an hour early. Make your bed. Drink your water. Center your soul. Feed your mind and body. Then step into your day—and your life—with intention. Because magic doesn’t happen by accident. It begins with how you start your morning. Because how you start your day shapes how you live your life.

 Tip: These aren’t rules. They’re tools. Even doing just a few of these consistently can completely change how you experience your day. So start small. Pick 3 habits. Stick with them for a week. Then build from there. Your mornings don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

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The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Keto Lemon Blueberry Muffins

It’s been a long week and there’s more travel in my future… so I’m off to do laundry and to pack. But I wanted to share this recipe I’ve been working on for Keto Lemon Blueberry Muffins. They are surprisingly good and only have 3 net carbs each. The are made with almond flour and a Monk Fruit/Allulose blend (I like the Lakanto blend) as the sugar substitute, both of which I found at Walmart and at Amazon. These can be made/adjusted for vegans, and I’ve substituted coconut oil for the butter and they’ve worked out fine. I hope you enjoy them and that you have a wonderful weekend!

PrintKeto Lemon Blueberry MuffinsCourse BreadKeyword MuffinsPrep Time 15 minutes minutesCook Time 25 minutes minutesServings 12Calories 220kcalIngredients2 1/2 cups Almond Flour1/2 cup Monk Fruit Allulose Blend1/2 Tablespoon Baking powder1/4 teaspoon Sea salt1/3 cup unsalted butter1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk room temperature3 large eggs room temperature1 teaspoon pure vanilla extractzest of 1 lemon1 pint cup Blueberries washed and driedInstructionsPreheat the oven to 350℉. Line a 12-muffin tin with muffin liners.In a large bowl, stir together the almond flour, monk fruit/allulose sugar substitute, baking powder, and sea salt.Melt the butter in the microwave in a small bowl. Stir in the almond milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir well and let the batter sit for at least 2 minutes. Then stir in the 3/4 pint of blueberries and the lemon zest. Pour the batter into the 12 muffin cups. Then top the muffins with the remaining blueberries. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are a nice gold color and toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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Spring Cleaning the Writer’s Digital Space

Last week I thoroughly cleaned my office. I scrubbed my desk, tamed my massive mug collection, and evicted a small family of dust bunnies that were trapped by way too many electrical cords. My physical writing space is looking great, and I’m happy, but the job isn’t done.

Today it’s time for some hardcore Digital Spring Cleaning. What is that, you might ask? It’s a deep decluttering of my very messy virtual world, where chaos hides in plain sight, disguised as zeroes and ones. So where do I begin? With the massive amount of old emails? My iCloud that is stacked with drafts of manuscripts that date back years? Or my Canva account that has so many graphics the software no longer counts them? Well, if you’re like me and are completely overwhelmed, here’s a checklist to help you get started…. before next tax season rolls around again.

 Digital Spring Cleaning for Writers The Desktop Graveyard: Begin Here

We all do it. We all save everything to the desktop until it becomes a cluttered mess of screenshots, documents with names like FINALfinal_v2.docx, and mysterious files from 2021 you don’t remember creating. Delete what’s irrelevant. File what matters. Create folders that make sense to your brain. (Yes, I can have one called “Plot Bunnies.” It’s my world.)

 Clear everything off your desktop Delete old, unused, or duplicate files Create folders for current projects Rename files with consistent naming conventions Add a “Working On” folder for active WIPsPro Tip: Set a desktop background you love. It’ll motivate you to keep the space clean.  Name and Tame Your Files

Naming conventions may sound boring, but they’re like plot outlines or Library of Congress Subject Headings—they save you from chaos. You don’t need to be a file-naming wizard. You just need to be able to find your own work without weeping.

Sort and clean out the Downloads folder Delete irrelevant or outdated files Move important documents to organized foldersUse consistent file names: ProjectName_Chapter01_Draft1.docxAvoid vague names like “stuff.doc” or “newnewnew.docx”Backdate older versions so you don’t overwrite something you’ll later regret Clean Out the Downloads Folder (aka the Digital Junk Drawer)

Let’s be honest: your Downloads folder is a wasteland of PDFs you didn’t mean to open, editor pitches and agent proposals from 2020, and one image you downloaded for “inspiration” and never used.

Delete. Sort. Move. Repeat.Clear out screenshots, memes, and duplicates from your Pictures folder. Unsubscribe, Unfollow, Unclutter

Your inbox deserves a spa day. And with over 40K emails on the server, I know my email provider will breathe a sigh of relief once I do this.

Unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t read or haven’t read in months. Archive or delete old messages Create filters or folders for writing-related content like submissions, newsletters, and reader replies. Star/pin important emails or submission confirmations.Archive or delete old messages that no longer need to haunt you.Delete all social media feeds that don’t inspire, support, or entertain you in a healthy way. Organize Your Cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)

Cloud storage = easy to use, easy to forget, easy to lose track of everything. Sort files into folders by project, date, or type (whatever works for you). Delete duplicates. And for the love of plot twists, make sure your current projects are backed up.

Review Google Drive / Dropbox / OneDrive / iCloud Organize files by project or year Delete duplicates and junk Ensure WIPs are safely storedBonus: Add a “Working On” folder for your active WIPs, so they’re always easy to find.  Clear the Cobwebs from Your Notes App

Open your notes app (Apple Notes, Evernote, Notion, or a folder full of text files), and I dare you not to wince. But this is worth the time and effort to review and clean out because you never know what gold might be hiding in there.

Organize ideas by category: characters, titles, pitches, random dialogueMerge or delete notes you no longer needRename cryptic ones like “Idea??? about fish?” into something you’ll actually understand later.  Backup Everything You Care About — EVERYTHING!

Final drafts. Outlines. Poetry you wrote at 3 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. If it matters to you, back it up. Your future self (especially the one who just spilled tea on her laptop) will bless you

 Back up current projects to a cloud and/or external drive Set up or update your backup system Save a copy of your current WIP to multiple locationsLearn to automate your backups of your website, laptop, tablet, etc.  Make Space for Creativity/Sorting Graphics & Images

A cluttered digital world can feel just as suffocating as a messy room. When you clear it, you create space—not just for productivity, but for possibility. Your writing deserves room to breathe. So do you.

 Clear out random screenshots and memes Move inspiration images to a dedicated folder Back up important photos related to your projects Clean the Clutter You Don’t SeeClear your browser bookmarks (keep only what you use) Clean out your “Recents” or “Trash” folder Close unused tabs and windows Restart your computer for a fresh start Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve done this with your computer, go do it for all your digital devices. Laptops, Desktops, cell phones, tablets, and anything other devices you may have. Then into any apps you use, like Canva or Trello, etc., and try to delete and organize the you can. This includes all team/project apps like Zoom, StreamYard, Microsoft Teams, Notion, etc. It all needs to be cleaned out because you’re not just cleaning, you’re reclaiming.

This work reclaims your time, your brain space, your energy, and your joy. So set aside a day or an hour to Spring Clean your digital space. And this isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. It’s a ritual. A reset. A way of saying: “I take this seriously. I take me seriously.” So go ahead. Toss the clutter. Light a candle. Open a fresh document. Let the words (and the creativity) flow.

 Tip: If this is all too overwhelming, do a little at a time—set a timer for 15 minutes and knock out one section a day. You don’t need to do it all at once. Take your time. Remember, intention is more important than perfection.

The post Spring Cleaning the Writer’s Digital Space first appeared on Sharon Wray.

April’s Rough Draft Challenge Final Check-in

I’m not going to ask you if you hit your April Rough Draft November goals because it doesn’t matter. Rough Draft April, like all the other Rough Draft months, has two goals–to spur your creativity and offer community to writers who struggle to get their words down. So if any of that happened for you this month, you’re a success. And if it didn’t, and you’re still thinking about your story, you’re also a success. Because all of that internal and external work is necessary to tell a great story. As a professional writer, I know how hard the fight is to get new words on the page. So there will never be any judgment from me.

But Rough Draft Challenges aren’t simply a month-long writing party. It’s a way to change the mindset, for the better, of writers who fight resistance (between the devil and the frog), including all writers who write for a living and those who write as a hobby. It also helps those who scratch words in the dark to keep themselves sane. 

What I love about this event is the preparatory work that helps me focus on a new story or a story I’m currently working on. I also love the camaraderie in sprint groups on Facebook and Discord servers. I have hit my goals in the past and there have been some years that I’ve been editing a book and I cut thousands of words. Yet the total word count doesn’t matter. The most important thing this event does is validate the act of writing itself. Rough Draft Months remind us that writers can change how people think about the world around them. It reminds us that writers can change the world. But there’s a caveat–Rough Draft Months remind us that writers can only do those things if they actually write the words.

As for my check-in, I wrote a 45,000 word novella, thirty blog posts, and added words to my WIP, my next Deadly Force novel A Promise at Midnight. And I also worked on a super-secret proposal for my agent that I’m very excited about. I also worried about the fact I’m still on submission for another book and haven’t heard anything yet. While I have no idea how many words I changed, cut, edited this month, I moved forward. To me, that’s more important than word count. For the month of April, I reminded myself that my words count and the stories in my head will one day sit in the hands of readers. For the month of April, I reminded myself that writing is what I’m meant to do with my life. For the month of April, I reminded myself that, despite the difficulty in getting words down, I am not alone.

April’s Rough Draft Challenge ends today, but the act of writing down words continues because our words matter. Our words can affect lives. Our words can change the world.

The post April’s Rough Draft Challenge Final Check-in first appeared on Sharon Wray.

April Book Fairs and Reading Events: Part 2

April is almost over, but there are still so many book fairs and reading events to celebrate. And… my February will only be up for another two weeks. So I’ve added my Valentines Day-themed anthology Just Add Love to this list again because it’s for charity. But today’s post also includes Bookfunnel promos, Facebook parties, another live author interview, and FOUR FREE BOOKS. These are great events to help you find new books and authors. There are tons of books for every type of romance reader that are guaranteed to make your Spring extra beautiful.

1Just Add Love Charity Anthology

An Instalove Romance Anthology! Dive into a world where love ignites in the blink of an eye with “Just Add Love,” a captivating collection of contemporary romance short stories. Each tale weaves the enchanting theme of instalove, exploring the magic that happens when two hearts collide unexpectedly. From encounters in bustling city cafes to chance meetings at picturesque parks, these stories celebrate the exhilarating spark of immediate connection. Follow characters as they navigate their emotions, face their fears, and discover the transformative power of love at first sight. Perfect for readers who believe in the beauty of spontaneous romance, “Just Add Love” invites you to experience heartwarming moments, laughter, and a few delightful surprises along the way. All proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research. Oh, and this anthology includes my Kingsmill Courtships novella His Perfect Valentine.

2The Isn’t it Romantic Book Club Group Monthly Livestream

The Isn’t It Romantic Book Club Group will be live-streaming on Thursday, May 29th at 3 pm EST while we interview Lori Foster and her newest release Let Me Be the One (Family Ties Book 1)! It’ll be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and we hope you’ll join us there!

3April’s All Romance All Kindle Unlimited Bookfunnel Promo

This collection includes sexy sci-fi romances, billionaires, historical, romantasy, sexy cowboys, and dark, dark romances, all in Kindle Unlimited. This promo runs through the end of April.

4Paranormal and Fantasy Romances

This bookfunnel promo includes FREE paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy romances. If you like Alphas, Aliens, and Lords, you’ll love this collection. This promo runs through the end of April.

5Spring into Free Sci-Fi Romance Bookfunnel Promo

Free Sci-Fi, Paranorma,& Fantasy Romance Bookfunnel Promo includes free romances, including fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, urban fantasy and other popular fantasy/pnr romance sub-genres. This promo runs through the end of April.

6Kindle Unlimited Sci-Fi Adventure Romances

This Bookfunnel Promo includes free sci-fi romances in all of the popular sci-fi romance sub-genres. This promo ends at the end of April.

Free Books for April Risking Trust by Adrienne Giordano

Michael Taylor is cooler than ice. As CEO of a private security company, his job means protecting those at risk. But now Michael is the one in trouble—he’s the prime suspect in his ex-wife’s murder. To prove his innocence, he needs not just a few good men, but one smart woman.

Get it for free now! How to Unbreak a Heart by Jennie Marts

Solitary cowboy, Trip Turner walked out on the love of his life twelve years ago, breaking her heart and landing in juvenile detention. Now he’s back in Saddle Creek, Montana, at the dude ranch for wayward teens, where his mentor, John Stone, taught him the rules of how to become a man. But a tragedy has reminded Trip he failed to follow one of those rules. And it could have been the most important one of all. Bre Wilson had moved on with her life—she has a successful veterinary practice, and she’s put all thoughts of Trip Turner, the boy she’d planned to spend the rest of her life with, behind her. Or so she thought. Because he’s back, and no longer a boy. Now he’s a hot-as-hell man, and she has to spend the next two weeks working by his side without either kissing him or killing him. Trip let Bre go once, he won’t do it again. He has a second chance to fix the mistakes he made all of those years ago, and this time he’s following the rules. He just needs to figure out how to unbreak her heart. 

Get it for free now! Viper by Susie McIver

A No-Love Rule Shattered Under One Roof.

Cole’s return home after four years in an Iranian prison was meant to bring solace, but fate had other plans for the man better known as Viper. 

Enter the mysterious woman living in solitude, pursued by a relentless stalker. Unable to stand by, Viper sweeps into her life, proposing a fake engagement to silence the nosy people in their small mountain town after insisting she move in with him.

Bailey’s cabin was meant to be a refuge from her tormenter, not an unexpected detour into a stranger’s world. 

However, her initial resistance of Viper taking charge begins to crumble as sparks fly and their limited shared space awakens dormant desires. And while she feels safe for the first time in too long, he poses a different challenge to her guarded heart. Their undeniable attraction and the heat from just a simple touch leaves them both perilously close to shattering their resolve to avoid love. The question is: will they surrender to their yearning, or can they find a way to defy the odds?

Get it for free now! Mississippi Heat by H.C. Bentley

In the small town of Tatesville, Mississippi, teenage girls are vanishing without a trace. Girls like Lacey Fuller’s best friends, Claire and Jo. But Lacey was the lucky one… she managed to escape when she was taken. Desperate to get away from the whispers and stares from people in town, Lacey left for college shortly after graduation and never looked back.

Now, ten years later, Lacey has returned home, hoping to put that dark time in her past behind her. When Jo’s older brother, Brooks Harding, comes back into her life, Lacey finds herself unable to resist the feelings she once had for him. Lacey’s life is falling into place and she’s feeling a long-forgotten sense of peace… until the killer makes contact.

Fear blankets the town as girls once again start disappearing at a rapid rate. And with Lacey in the killer’s sights, she and Brooks know that until the person behind these abductions is caught, they have no chance at making a life together. But the truth they uncover is more than anyone ever expected.

Get it for free now!

The post April Book Fairs and Reading Events: Part 2 first appeared on Sharon Wray.