Sharon Wray's Blog, page 17

A Rough Draft Challenge for Spring: Part 2

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I’m participating in a 30-day Rough Draft Challenge in April. Except since April has been much busier than expected, I’m about 8,000 words behind on this project. Since this week is my catch-up week, I’ll be writing in longer stretches and keeping the rest of my life (meals, laundry, etc) as simple as possible.

The wonderful thing about being a professional, full-time writer is that I have a realistic understanding of both the creative process and the publishing industry. But while having deadlines helps me get the words down, real life always enjoys throwing curve balls. That doesn’t mean that trying to write a rough draft in a month isn’t worth the time and effort. It just means that I know I need to take care of myself with healthy food, lots of water, exercise, and sunshine that comes in the form of fun and self-care. And, no, they’re not the same thing. I’ve posted about this in previous years, but here’s an updated list of some things you can do for yourself as you write all the words:

A Few Self-Care Ideas for the Rough Draft Spring ChallengeTAKE BATHS. There’s something so inviting and relaxing about a bath, even as the weather gets warmer. If you need some ideas on how to add herbal remedies to your bath, check out The Romance Herbalist. There are a number of inexpensive bath salt recipes that will elevate your experience in the tub.DRINK TEA & Sparkling Water. Stock up and drink your favorite teas and flavored seltzers to help soothe your throat and prevent finger cramps as you type. Keeping yourself hydrated also helps with your eyesight. Dry eyes during deadline weeks is a real, uncomfortable thing.REST YOUR EYES. It’s so important to give yourself time away from the screen. Eye strain is real and it can be debilitating. Go take a walk or a nap or meet your friends at the pub. Just get away from the screen and give your eyes a break. GET OUTSIDE. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get some fresh air and vitamin D. And walk in silence while your let your subconscious work on your novel. It always amazes me when I come up with the perfect solution to a plot problem while I’m walking through the woods. GO THRIFT SHOPPING. Since I volunteer in a high-end thrift shop, now is the time that people are doing their spring cleaning… and dropping off things to get ready for the summer. You’d be shocked at the amazing deals on NEW things that can be found at thrift shops.SPEND TIME WITH NON-WRITING PEOPLE. It doesn’t matter if you go out to dinner, grab a coffee, or go see a movie. Spending time with others who don’t write helps you get out of your own head and eases your mind. You’ll be shocked at how often non-writer friends can solve plot problems over a pitcher of mojitos! SCENT YOURSELF. If you can handle scents, light a favorite candle or choose a wonderful hand cream or add scented salts to your bath. Scents are powerful things and certain ones, like lavender and lemongrass, can help both your conscious and subconscious mind rest and relax.PLAY BOARD GAMES, VIDEO GAMES, OR DO PUZZLES. I know it may seem silly to play games and work on puzzles, but these games provide two things: Spending time with people and friendly competition in something that has nothing to do with writing. Writers tend to be solitary, but unless you’re playing solitaire it’s difficult to play a board game or an online multi-player computer game by yourself. And while you can work on a puzzle alone, it’s always more fun with friends. This kind of time away from your WIP rests your mind and reminds you that there is a life outside of the stories running through your head. (Although watch the screen time with video games if you need to rest your eyes)WORK IN THE GARDEN. It’s that time of year when garden beds need to be prepped for the spring plantings. Whatever your garden looks like, no matter how large or small, spending time with your hands in the dirt is a good way to rest your mind and allow your subconscious to plot without the hard work of staring at a blank screen. FIND ANOTHER CREATIVE HOBBY. Whether is doodling, working on your planners, or cooking a new meal, doing something else creative–especially something you can share with others like a meal–is another great way to alleviate the stress of writing an entire book in 30 days.KEEP A STORY JOURNAL. This is something I’ve been doing for years. It’s not a list of books I’ve read (I actually don’t do that anymore), but it’s a journal of the stories I consume throughout the week, whether movies, TV series, plays, or books. I journal about the types of stories I’ve consumed and what worked and didn’t work for the genre. Was the mystery too easy to solve? Why do I love Beauty and the Beast stories so much? How did they make that silly heroine become really smart at the end? Just journal whatever comes to mind because, I promise, it will all end up in your subconscious which is where you Muse lives. So feed the Muse!COOK A MEAL. I don’t like food shopping or cooking, but I like to meal plan and I love to eat. And for some reason, when I’m on a tight deadline, I have a need to make delicious, home-cooked meals. Maybe it’s a control thing. I can’t control my characters, but I can control what I eat and drink. I’m not sure why, but when I’m cooking (and doing the laundry and taking a walk), plot problems seem to solve themselves. If you need an idea for a meal plan during a deadline month, I have one here.EARLY SUMMER PREP. Sometimes, when a story isn’t going well, I need to organize things. And while I do this to make the summer travel plans and events easier, the routine of organizing, sorting, and making simple decisions gives my Muse some downtime. And, just like with cooking, laundry, walking, etc., sometimes the best ideas come when you’re not looking for them.A PRAYER TO THE MUSE. Since I’m mentioning Muses, here is a prayer from Homer’s The Odyssey where the narrator opens this epic story with a prayer to a Muse, begging for this story to be told well, all the way to the end. It’s kind of silly, but you can make it part of your routine when you sit down and write. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE. Writing a book is hard. It’s draining physically and mentally. So when it all becomes too much, give yourself the grace to stop and rest. Have a picnic, plant a garden, or just sit and listen to the early Spring birds chirp away. And try to remember that this is supposed to be fun!

While some of the above ideas cost some money (I’m looking at you, lattes, thrift shops, and flower bulbs!), most don’t. These ideas are separate from rewards because they’re not about motivation. They’re about keeping yourself sane and healthy while you work so you end the month feeling as great–or better–than when you started. Good luck to you all and I hope the words continue to flow!

The post A Rough Draft Challenge for Spring: Part 2 first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Was the Book Better?

We all know the phrase: The book was better.

But every once in a while, a film adaptation manages to do something extraordinary—it takes a good story and turns it into something unforgettable. The casting is perfect. The chemistry is electric. The setting, music, and pacing just work. And suddenly, you’re watching a movie that outshines its literary roots.

The issue isn’t that the book itself isn’t good. If a book makes it to the level of being adapted, it has to be a bestseller and have a huge fanbase. It’s just that sometimes the screenplay pulls different elements or themes from the original work that make the onscreen story not only a representation of the original work, but sometimes even better.

Here are some of my favorite movies (most of them romances) that I enjoyed just as much or more than the original works.

Practical Magic (1998) Based on the novel by Alice HoffmanSisters, spells, second chances, and margaritas at midnight. Romance + magic + Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman = my favorite movie ever. But even though this is a chick flick (and not a romcom), the two male characters (hero and villain) almost steal the movie. Aidan Quinn and Goran Visnjic bring the novel’s male leads to life, which is probably why I prefer the movie version. The Notebook (2004) Based on the novel by Nicholas SparksThe rain. The passion. Ryan Gosling. This movie has the iconic kiss of the early 2000s and remains a romantic staple. I loved this book because of the heroine, but seeing it on screen made me fall in love hero as well. I rewatch this movie at least once a year! Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) Based on the novel by Helen FieldingThe book is hilarious, but the movie has Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, and a heroine whose awkward charm is impossible not to love. I have to admit I’m a newcomer to the book and the movie, but after having recently read the book for the first time, and then watched the movie, I’m hooked on both… and have decided that I prefer the movie a bit more. The Princess Bride (1987) Based on the novel by William GoldmanThe book is clever, but the movie is legendary. Romance, sword fights, rodents of unusual size, and true love. And this is a rare situation where I saw the movie before the reading the book. While I did love the book, I still love the movie more. And I heard scuttlebutt on the internet (so it must be true!) that there’s going to be some sort of part 2 or prequel or something of this story. I guess I’ll have to wait and see. Sense and Sensibility (1995) Based on the novel by Jane AustenI am a huge Jane Austen fan (like most romance writers), but I think that Emma Thompson’s 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility elevates the emotional impact of the story. Emma Thompson’s screenplay and the gorgeous cast sealed the deal. Not the mention the amazing cindemaphotograpy… and Snape (Alan Rickman) is in it! Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Based on the novel by Matthew QuickA book about healing turned into a film full of unexpected tenderness and chemistry. Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper made this one sing… and dance. I loved the book, but it was sadder than the movie and I think that’s why I prefer the movie version. It’s loaded with every emotion available and draws out the happily ever after until I almost couldn’t bear it. Bring tissues! Crazy Rich Asians (2018) Based on the novel by Kevin KwanLavish, colorful, emotional. The movie distilled the sprawling book into a gorgeous, joyful romantic comedy with serious heart. I loved this character-driven book, but I felt like the movie explored more of the humor and joy of this story. Stardust (2007) Based on the novel by Neil GaimanWhile the book has a lot of fans, the film brought more romance, humor, and adventure. Plus, a swashbuckling Robert De Niro? Yes, please. Considering this is old school romantic fantasy, I still think both this book and movie were far ahead of its time. The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Based on the novel by Lauren WeisbergerMeryl Streep. That’s it. That’s the reason the movie eclipses the book. Her performance in this movie is one of my all-time favorite roles that she’s ever played. While the book was sharp and biting in a fun way, the movie was so over-the-top that I was both laughing and crying along with the young women who work at Runway Magazine.

The post Was the Book Better? first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Tending the Inner Plot

There’s something ancient and intuitive about the connection between gardening and creative work. Both are slow crafts, rooted in patience, intention, and hope. Writers and artists have long turned to the garden not just for rest, but for reflection—a quiet space to watch life unfold, fail, and bloom again.

As the poet May Sarton once wrote:

“A garden is always a series of losses set against a few triumphs, like life itself.”

In many ways, a garden is a story. Each seed planted is a beginning. Each harvest, a resolution. And just like in writing, the mess in the middle often teaches us the most. So today I want to share my practice of garden journaling. Regardless if you’re and romance author growing characters or a gardener growing zinnias, this practice offers a way to observe your creative seasons, track your growth, and reconnect with the joy of slow-making. Let your garden be your muse. Let the page be your soil. Let something beautiful grow.

Garden Journaling & Story Roots: Tending the Inner Plot

There’s something magical about keeping a garden journal. Something slow, intentional, and deeply reflective. It’s not just about tracking what grows—it’s about understanding the cycles of effort, growth, failure, and unexpected beauty. It’s not so different from writing a romance novel.
As gardeners, we tend our spaces with care and hope. As writers, we do the same. Both practices ask us to show up regularly, plant seeds we’re not sure will take, prune back what isn’t working, and believe in blooms we haven’t seen yet.

The garden teaches us how to write. The writing teaches us how to grow. So what happens when we combine the two? Whether you’re growing tomatoes or chapters, here are a few gentle prompts and practices to help you use garden journaling to deepen your creative work:

A Garden Reflection Journal for Writers:

 1. Start with the Season You’re In
Before you begin writing or planting, reflect: What kind of season am I in creatively? Am I in a spring of new ideas, a summer of steady growth, a fall of harvesting, or a winter of rest and revision?

 2. Log What You’ve Planted (In the Soil & On the Page)
Gardeners write down seeds, dates, and locations. Writers can do the same. Keep track of story seeds—ideas, characters, themes—that you’ve tucked into your creative soil. What are you hoping to nurture? What do you want to bloom?

 3. Reflect on Growth (and the Parts That Didn’t Take)
Not every plant thrives. Not every scene belongs. Use your journal to reflect honestly: What’s flourishing? What needs thinning out? What surprised you? Let go of what’s not working without shame—it’s all part of the cycle.

 4. Observe Without Judgment
Some days the garden looks wild. Some days the story feels messy. That’s okay. Instead of fixing, try noticing. Write down what you see, feel, and sense. Resistance softens when we observe without trying to control.

 5. Capture Beauty, Even If It’s Small
A single bloom. A line of dialogue that sings. A moment where you felt like a writer. Write it down. Beauty is easy to miss if we’re only tracking progress. This is a record of wonder, too.

 6. Write to Grow Yourself, Not Just the Work
A garden journal isn’t just about the plants—it’s about the gardener. Let your writing practice be the same. Use your journal to ask: What am I learning about myself through this process? Where do I need more light? More rest?

Whether you’re elbow-deep in soil or tangled in plot twists, remember this: creativity is a living thing. It blooms in its own time. It needs tending, and patience, and faith. So open your journal like a gate to the garden. Step inside. Write what you see. And trust that something is growing—even if it’s just you.

click here for a free printable of garden journaling prompts!

The post Tending the Inner Plot first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Red Pepper Hummus

It’s been such a busy two weeks, especially with my wonderful trip to New Orleans. But now there is laundry to catch up on, writing deadlines to meet, and a new, exciting adventure I can’t wait to tell you about!

But for now, I need to make an appetizer to bring to a friend’s house for dinner. And tonight I’m making a Red Pepper Hummus. It’s not at all hard to make and tastes so much better than what I can find in my local grocery stores. It’s made with canned chickpeas and fresh red peppers. And since I bought the peppers in bulk, I think next week there may be a batch of roasted red pepper soup. So stay tuned for that ! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and that the weather is beautiful, no matter where you are.

PrintRed Pepper HummusCourse AppetizerPrep Time 25 minutes minutesCook Time 10 minutes minutesServings 12Calories 120kcalIngredientsHummus2 large sweet red peppers2 15-ounce cans chickpeas or garbanzo beans rinsed and drained1/3 cup lemon juice3 Tablespoons tahini1 Tablespoon olive oil2 garlic cloves peeled1 1/4 teaspoons salt1 teaspoon curry powder1/2 teaspoon ground coriander1/2 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon pepperSides Fresh vegetables, pita bread, assorted crackersInstructionsTo broil the red peppers, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the peppers and place them on the baking sheet. Broil 4"-6" from the top of the broiler for five minutes. Turn the peppers every two minutes until all the sides are blistered and blackened. Remove the peppers from the oven and place them in a bow. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let them stand for 20 minutes. Peel the skins off the peppers. Remove the stems and cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds. Place the peppers in a food processor and add the beans (or chickpeas), lemon juice, tahini, oil, garlic, and all the seasonings. Cover and process until well blended.Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and serve with cut veggies, pita bread, and your favorite crackers.

The post The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Red Pepper Hummus first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Aurora & Eos: The Bringers of Light

It’s raining today. Because after the March winds here in Virginia, April is known for all the rain. But it’s okay. My seeds are in the ground. I have a mug of hot coffee, it’s Rough Draft Challenge Month, and I’m thrilled with my current manuscript (which is a miracle!). The rain doesn’t get me down like it used to because I understand its job in the universe. Nothing can grow without water, just like nothing can grow without light. And without light, there can be no dawn…

Aurora & Eos

We often think of Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora as the ultimate passive princess—slumbering until love (in the form of a handsome Prince) wakes her with a kiss. But the name Aurora carries more power than most people realize. Aurora means dawn, a name that has ancient roots in mythology, most notably in the Greek goddess Eos, the radiant bringer of morning.

Eos is a Titaness, a daughter of the Titans, Hyperion and Theia. Sister to Helios (the sun) and Selene (the moon). Eos rises each day before the sun, from behind the River Okeanos (Oceanus) in her winged chariot, painting the sky in streaks of rose and gold with her “rosy fingers.” Her morning routine dispels that shadows of darkness and mist that nighttime leaves behind. In some myths, she is perpetually in love—falling for mortals, unable to resist any kind of beauty, and forever chasing new beginnings. But she is also powerful. Unstoppable. The herald of light.

Aurora, her mythical Roman counterpart, shares this glowing identity. Centuries after the stories of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses faded into myths, the tale of La Belle au bois dormant—“The Beauty Sleeping was in the Woods”—was rediscovered, reimagined, and rewritten by authors like Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. That’s when something subtle but magical happened to this story. The name Aurora became attached to the princess in the 17th and 18th centuries, solidifying her identity not just as a girl cursed to sleep, but as a symbol of rebirth. She is not only someone who is awakened by love—she is the awakening.

As the Age of Enlightenment bloomed across Europe, this merging of fairytale and myth made symbolic sense. Aurora became both princess and goddess. She embodied the promise of a new dawn, the transformative power of love, and the beauty of light returning after a long period of darkness. A period of darkness we now call The Dark Ages, a time of little sunshine due to a volcanic winter in 536 AD, the Black Plague, endless wars, and decades of famine. Even the act of Aurora’s waking from a lover’s kiss became metaphorical: the soul stirring after sorrow, the artist returning to the page, the world beginning again.

Maybe we’re not meant to be just damsels or dreamers. Maybe, like Eos and Aurora, we are meant to rise. We, as writers and creators, are meant to be the light-bringers—the ones who open the gates of morning, who cast golden stories across gray skies. The ones who say: Even after the longest sleep, something new can begin.

Want to bring more light into your writing life? Try one of these soft, illuminating rituals:

 Dawn Pages:
Write for ten minutes just after waking. No rules. No goals. Just your voice, half-dreaming, reaching toward the light. They could be morning pages, prayers, or just a gratitude list. The only kind-of-rule about this practice is don’t go back and edit what you wrote. Just get it down, close the notebook until tomorrow, and get on with your day.

 Light Your Writing Space:
Burn a candle or turn on twinkle LED lights. Create a sacred, cozy ritual that signals to your brain: the goddess/muse/Holy Spirit is awake and ready to work.

 Read a Myth or Fairytale Before Writing:
Let old stories stir your imagination. Ask yourself: Where is the Aurora in my story? What wants to be awakened? My iMac literally sits on top of an old volume of Grimm’s Complete Fairy Tales that I found in a thrift shop. (see photo below if you don’t believe me! lol)

 Remember: You Are the Dawn
Say it out loud if you need to. Whisper it to your characters. Remind yourself that even slow mornings, soft scenes, and long rewrites have their own kind of sunrise. Writing is an act of dawn. A promise we make to keep waking up. To keep telling stories that shine. Rise, light-bringer, creator of stories. The world desperately needs your magic.

The post Aurora & Eos: The Bringers of Light first appeared on Sharon Wray.

April Book Fairs & Reading Events

I can’t believe it’s April already… and that means my February anthology will be taken down soon. 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, April 24th at 3 pm EST while we interview Lisa Regan and her newest release Husband Missing! It’ll be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and we hope you’ll join us there!

3Worth the Wait Season Romance Readers 4th Anniversary Party

I’m so excited participate in this Facebook group party! So mark your calendar for April 19. The Worth The Wait Seasoned Romance Readers Anniversary Party is the place to be if you want to hang out with authors, win free books and swag, and just have an awesome time. I hope to see you there!

4April’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.

5Paranormal 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.

6Spring 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.

7Kindle 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 & Reading Events first appeared on Sharon Wray.

On Frogs, Devils, and Romance Writers

Every morning, Resistance waits.

Napoleon Hill called it the Devil. Steven Pressfield calls it Resistance. I call it the voice that whispers, “Not today. You’re tired. This book isn’t good. You’re not enough.”

[image error]

And behind that devil sits a frog. Not a charming, cursed frog prince—but a slimy, unappealing, difficult task. The actual writing. The scene that won’t come together. The edits that feel too big. The words that don’t think they matter. Even the newsletter that won’t send itself.

As a romance author, every day I must fight the devil and eat the frog, often before I’ve even finished my first cup of coffee, done a load of laundry, or taken a walk. So how do I do it? How do I–or anyone–keep showing up to create love on the page while wrestling fear and feeding discipline? I wish I had an easy answer for this question, but unfortunately I don’t. But I do have a few tips I can offer that can trick the devil and cook the frog so I can write a book that readers will love. Tips that help me work long before the frog and devil even notice I’m awake.

Six action steps to help you battle Resistance, eat the frog, and find joy in the process:

 1. Shrink the Frog
Instead of ordering yourself to “Write Chapter Six,” try “Write the first kiss.” Instead of “Edit the whole draft,” tell yourself to “Fix one clunky scene” or “do a global change on a secondary character’s name”. Slimy frogs are easier to swallow in tiny bites. Resistance grows in vagueness—clarity shrinks it.
 2. Name the Devil Out Loud
That voice telling you your story is trash? Give it a ridiculous name. Mine is “Edith the Mean Meanie”. When she shows up, I say, “Hi Edith. You’re boring. I’m busy writing kissing scenes. They’re super hot and sexy and my readers are going to love it”. Since shame thrives in silence, naming fear steals its power.
 3. Romanticize the Process
Play your favorite writing playlist. Light a special candle. Wear a perfume that reminds you of your heroine. Keep a quote taped to your computer that reminds you of why you started writing in the first place. You’re not just writing—you’re weaving magic. Every word is proof that you’re winning the battle.
 4. Set a Tiny, Sacred Ritual
Create a five-minute ritual that signals to your brain: It’s writing time. Maybe it’s opening a specific notebook, putting on a playlist, or making tea in your favorite mug. Rituals bypass the devil and season the frog by turning writing into something sacred (and delicious!) instead of scary.
 5. Reconnect with the Romance
Reread a passage from a book you love—yours or someone else’s. Something that made your chest ache or your breath catch. Remind yourself that romance isn’t fluff—it’s fierce, healing, and necessary. Resistance hates passion because passion burns it away.
 6. Find Your Frog-Eating Crew
Accountability is magic. Whether it’s one writer friend, a group chat, or a co-writing sprint, knowing someone else is showing up to fight their devils and eat their frogs helps you show up too. Fighting the devil is easier with allies. Frogs go down smoother when you’re not alone.

Resistance never goes away. The frogs need to be eaten. And your voice still demands to be be heard (or read). Never forget that your characters are waiting for you to tell their story, and your readers are waiting to fall in love with them. Maybe that’s the point of resistance and fear. Maybe I don’t need to slay the devil and eat the frog once and for all. Maybe I just need to love them anyway… and they’ll love me in return.

The post On Frogs, Devils, and Romance Writers first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Spring Cleaning for the Romance Writer’s Soul

Writing Romance Is My Spring Cleaning

There’s something special about writing romance—something tender and hopeful, like the first warm breeze in April. For me, writing is a process of shedding, of opening windows, of letting light into the darker corners of the self. It’s a time of Spring Cleaning for my soul. You see, I don’t write love stories just for the happily-ever-after. I write them because they remind me that love is a choice—sometimes easy, often messy, always worth it. Writing romance is how I clean out my emotional cobwebs. It’s how I forgive. How I hope. How I remember that people are soft beneath the armor.

Each first, messy draft is a little bit like spring cleaning. (Including the one I’m working on right now!) I sweep out old griefs tucked in dialogue. I dust off parts of myself I’d rather forget but need to revisit for the sake of putting truths on the page. I rearrange character arcs like furniture until the space feels like home. Sometimes, writing about people falling in love is painful. Not because love hurts—but because it heals. And like scraped knees, healing often stings before it soothes.

Many days I stare at the screen and wonder if I’m getting it all wrong. If maybe no one needs another love story. If maybe I should write something grittier or more clever. Or if maybe I should just hand it all over to an LLM and let the machine write my words. But then I remember what a love story did for me—how it softened my heart after a hard season during my father’s illness and death, how it whispered, “You are still lovable. Still worthy. Still someone who can be chosen.”

So I keep going. Word by word. Scene by scene. Character by character. Draft by draft. Writing romance is my offering to the world—and to myself. It’s where I tuck all the sweetness I wish we’d say out loud more often. It’s where I remind myself that love doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. But if I want to share my stories with others, I need to write them down. Writing is a creative act that requires clear thought and demands a soft heart, two things that can get stuck in the winter doldrums.

Some people scrub their baseboards when the weather turns warm, others wash windows, clean out closets, and rake up the winter leaves. All things I plan on doing later this week as I write kissing scenes and redemption arcs, hoping to find my way back to tenderness.

If you’re a romance writer (or a reader) in need of a little spring cleaning of your own, here are four gentle ways to reset:
 Declutter Your Digital and Physical Writing Space (and your self-doubts)
Clear off your desk. Wipe down your laptop. Light a candle. Make your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Then sit with a pillow behind your back and begin deleting the digital files that make you cringe, but keep the ones that still sparkle. Clearing physical and digital spaces invites mental clarity. The old drafts didn’t fail—you grew past them. That’s worth honoring.
 Reread a Love Scene You Wrote and Loved
Not to edit. Just to remember. Let yourself fall in love with your own words (and characters) again. See the heartbeat in what you created. Remind yourself why you started writing romance in the first place—not for perfection, but for connection. And if rereading is too hard, maybe listen to it on audio (if that’s an option) while you work in the garden. Sometimes doing something else while you listen allows you to notice things you’d never noticed before.
 Let One Character Surprise You
Pick one of your least known characters and give them a secret. A scar. A soft spot. Something you haven’t written yet. Let it crack their story open in a new way. Spring isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about growing. Let your characters, especially those who aren’t your favorites, grow with you.
 Romanticize Your Writing Ritual
Play music that feels like a slow dance. Pour coffee in your prettiest mug. Sit outside in the sunlight and write a scene. Go to a park or a coffee shop and make it a date with your muse. Writing romance is already magic—you’re just giving it flowers. And maybe, if you’re so inclined, add a chocolate croissant.

There’s no right way to tell a love story. There’s only your way. And if you’re feeling stuck or stale or unsure, maybe it’s time to open the windows, let the light in, and dispel winter’s shadows. Because the heart has seasons, too.

The post Spring Cleaning for the Romance Writer’s Soul first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Stir-Fry Chicken & Cashews

These weeks are flying by, and we’ve been busy with traveling to see adult children, spending time with our parents, and I’ve been writing like the wind to make all my deadlines. And Rough Draft Month has begun–one of those months where authors get together to write all the words within 30 days! So that means it’s time for easy dinners that also make lots of leftovers for lunches. And tonight I’m serving one of my favorite healthy (and easy-to-make) dinners that everyone loves. It’s filled with chicken, but if you don’t eat meat during Lent or for other reasons, the chicken can be switched out for shrimp, fish, or tofu. This meal is also loaded with veggies, including cauliflower rice if you prefer that to white rice. I hope you enjoy this first of the Spring Supper Series!

[image error] PrintStir-Fry Chicken & CashewsCourse Main CoursePrep Time 15 minutes minutesCook Time 20 minutes minutesServings 4Calories 210kcalIngredients2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce1 Tablespoon Water4 teaspoons Asian Sesame Oil4 teaspoons Soy Sauce1 teaspoon Sugar2 teaspoons Corn Starch2 teaspoons Rice Wine Vinegar1 pound Boneless Chicken Breasts cubed2 teaspoons coconut oil2 Tablespoons scallions minced1/2 Tablespoon Ginger Paste1 cup Sugar Snap Peas washed and ends trimmed and strings removed1/2 cup broccoli florets1/4 cup grated carrots1 Tablespoon Roasted Sesame Seeds8 ounce can Sliced Water Chestnuts2 Tablespoons Hoisin Sauce1/2 cup Cashews roasted and salted4 cups Rice cookedInstructionsIn a large bowl, stir together the Worcestershire sauce, water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and vinegar. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and add the chicken cubes. Toss well until all the chicken is coated and let the bowl stand, covered, for 10 minutes.Heat a wok or a large skillet and add the coconut oil. Once the oil is hot, stir in the scallions and ginger paste. Stir fry for 1 minute and then add in the chicken and all of the sauce in the bowl. Stir fry for 4 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.Stir in the water chestnuts and sugar snap peas and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the broccoli florets and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes. Add in the hoisin sauce and sesame seeds. Stir fry for 2-3 more minutes or until sugar snap peas are tender.Serve over hot rice and top with cashews.

The post The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Stir-Fry Chicken & Cashews first appeared on Sharon Wray.

2025 Spring Gardening Resources

Spring has arrived (kind of) and even though I’m on deadline for Luke’s Last Hot Summer (a new novella in my Kingsmill Courtships series), I’m also thinking about the garden. Gardening can be a huge part of a mindful prepper’s plan to build up their family’s food pantry. But gardening can also turn into a full time job. Regardless if you’re experienced or a beginner, there is so much to learn and do. It can be overwhelming. Since I am also a reference librarian who can’t help but offer free information, I’ve updated my resource list of some of my favorite gardening YouTube channels, books, and blogs. I am not affiliated with any of these channels or content creators. I’ve just used their information to help me on my journey of having a flourishing garden that offers me tons of fruits and veggies from the summer into the fall.

So if gardening is something you’re interested in, or you just want to learn more, below is a list of resources that may help you get started or improve your yield. These are not comprehensive lists, just some of my favorites. And while many of the books are for beginners, they are still useful for even the most experienced gardener.

Favorite Gardening YouTube ChannelsYouTube Videos for Gardeners of all LevelsHome Grown VegNExt LEvel GardeningEPic GardeningGrowVegGarden AnswerSelf Sufficient MeFavorite Gardening BlogsBlogs for Gardeners of All LevelsWilliam James & CoMiddle-Sized Gardenvertical vegBig Blog of GardeningGardening Know HowJoe GardenerThe Survival GardenerGet Busy GArdeningFavorite Gardening BooksBooks for Gardeners of All LevelsThe Vegetable Gardener’s BibleRodale’s Basic Organic GardeningThe Gardener’s YearFirst Time Gardener: Growing VegetablesHow to grow more vegetablesRaised Bed Gardening for BeginnersContainer Gardening Completeherb gardening for beginners

The post 2025 Spring Gardening Resources first appeared on Sharon Wray.