Sierra Kay's Blog
October 15, 2025
What Today's Horror Says About Our Deepest Fears
September 30, 2025
The Whisper vs. the Scream: Why Restraint Creates More Terror
September 15, 2025
Why Thriller and Horror Writers Need Community
September 1, 2025
Fairytale Fear Patterns: Using Ancient Stories to Build Modern Suspense
August 18, 2025
Why Dan Brown's 'The Secret of Secrets' Thriller Has Me Obsessed
August 4, 2025
Overcoming Procrastination: A Writer's Guide to Productivity
July 22, 2025
The Art of Strategic Googling: A Thriller Writer's Guide to Research Without Red Flags
September 10, 2024
Turn Your Idea Into A Novel
Have you ever wanted to write a book? Turning your idea into a novel can seem daunting, but you can do it, and we have some thoughts on the subject.
Maybe you were daydreaming one day while walking down a grocery store aisle. You saw an interesting exchange between two people both reaching for the same mango. They laugh as their hands meet. You can practically see lighting bolts shoot out from their fingers as they serendipitously touch.
They make eye contact, and share a smile. The woman, wearing a camel pea coat and tall dark brown leather boots, gives a nervous laugh and bashfully turns her head away. The man, in dark blue jeans and a crisp white shirt is spellbound and can’t look away.
“Mango salsa?” he asks.
She turns her back to him, slightly surprised. “How did you know?”
“First frost is coming. The last of the summer tomatoes deserve a stellar farewell party,” he replies.
The woman gives a knowing smile. “Great minds think alike,” she says.
While you stand there observing the situation, inspiration suddenly ignites within you, and a whole story starts flooding your mind.
Have you ever observed a situation like this that made you want to know what happens next? Did they go on a date? Did they make the mango salsa together? Why are two seemingly professional people making their own mango salsa? Do they both garden? When do they find time?
The idea for a story is often sparked by a seemingly innocuous observation. Inspirations like this one can take hold of us and haunt us until we flesh it out and give it life. For the writer, that means turning this chance encounter into a story, and with any luck a full length novel.
There are numerous methods for a writer to develop inspiration and transform it into a story. Below are a few of my preferred techniques to kickstart the process.
RECORD THE INSPIRATION - Let's start with getting the important elements recorded. Describe the inciting incident that sparked the inspiration, along with the characters involved.
Or maybe you don’t know the inciting incident. Maybe it was a color or a song that inspired you. Describe what sparked interest and what feelings were invoked. Capture these moments vividly, for they are the seeds from which your story will grow. A notebook, your phone audio recorder or your laptop are great places to jot down these important details.
DAYDREAM - Prior to beginning to write chapter one, allow the concept to simmer. Think about it when you have time to relax and your mind is peaceful. It’s amazing what happens when you don’t force creativity into a box right away.
Daydreaming is also important because not every idea that is attached to that inspiration will be set in stone. Ideas come and ideas go. Not all the ideas you have will make the cut, but often one idea will lead to another and then another that does take the story where it needs to go.
Have patience and allow the inspiration to guide you. It is also important to note, that you can come back to this stage at any time during the writing process.
BRAINSTORM - Next, taking your beginning inspiration and your daydreams, allow yourself time to let all those puzzle pieces fall onto the proverbial table. Don’t try to make sense of it right away. Write down as many ideas that come to mind as possible.
Describe the main characters. Who are they? Do names come to mind? What are their dreams, fears, quirks? Describe what motivates them. It could be love, revenge, curiosity or redemption. What emotions were stirred in your characters. Who is the protagonist? Is there an antagonist that is going to get in the way of her journey? What are the obstacles? What is the main goal your protagonist is trying to achieve?
Jot down the setting. Oftentimes setting can be just as important to the story as the characters.
BUILD THE PUZZLE - You've been inspired, you've captured that inspiration and now it’s time for the actual story to take root. Use the foundation you've built of inspiration and ideas to outline your plot and develop your characters.
Take the time to reflect on what truly sparked your imagination - remember that innocent mango and how it brought two people together?
When it comes to outlining your plot, consider the overarching themes and messages you wish to convey through your narrative. Think about the conflicts that will drive the story forward and the resolutions that will bring it to a satisfying conclusion. Will this couple have the strength to sacrifice time out of their professional lives to build a relationship? Will gardening tomatoes be the glue that holds them together? Will this couple get married in a tropical paradise? Maybe. Or maybe it's something more sinister and it turns into a thriller, the Sierra Kay way. The sky is the limit - it's your puzzle and your story.
Allow your plot to unfold organically, letting the characters navigate through challenges and growth. Speaking of characters, they are the heart and soul of your story. Take the opportunity to bring them to life, giving them unique personalities, motivations, and backstories.
Who else is involved in their story? Is there a jealous ex-wife or maybe Mr. Mango turns into a stalker. Consider how each character contributes to the overall narrative arc and how they interact with one another to create dynamic relationships.
Remember, the process of developing a story is not just about putting words on paper; it is about breathing life into a world of your creation. Inspiration turns into a story, by investing time, thought, structure and emotion into your idea, then piecing it together in a way that will captivate your reader.
Your Sierra Kay Takeaways:
RECORD THE INITAL INSPIRATION - Don't let that idea get away!
DAYDREAM - Give inspiration some space to breathe and show you where it could go.
BRAINSTORM - Flesh it out, allowing all the possibilities a chance to interview for your story and why they are right for the job.
BUILD THE PUZZLE - Use your chosen story writing methods to give your ideas life.
Do you have an idea you want to turn into a story? Sierra Kay offers book coaching and more to help you write and publish a phenomenal book. Read more HERE.
Follow Sierra Kay on Pinterest.
Click the hashtag for more #writingtips
Follow Sierra Kay down the modern fairy tale rabbit hole by visiting her book library here.
August 1, 2024
Channel Your Passion and Authenticity Into Powerful Writing
It’s 2024 and writing a book is not the same as it was twenty, ten or even just a few years ago.
Self and hybrid publishing has opened doors that were normally locked tight, the AI paradigm shift makes it possible for even non-writers to sound like seasoned authors and the onset of the formulaic trope makes knocking out multiple books a year not just possible, but expected.
The times are changing indeed.
There is, of course, nothing wrong with using progressive methods of writing and publishing, in fact, they can be very helpful! But getting too caught up in progress, can steer us away from our authentic path and derail our passion. If you’re feeling a bit removed from the spark that once burned red within, then read on to reignite your passion.
Writing with passion is a profound and transformative experience that goes beyond mere words on a page. It is the act of pouring your soul into every sentence, infusing your emotions, beliefs, and convictions into the very fabric of your writing. When you write with passion, every word resonates with a sense of purpose and authenticity, drawing readers into your world and leaving a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.
Writing with passion requires a deep connection to your subject matter, a willingness to be vulnerable, and a commitment to staying true to your voice. It is about tapping into the core of your being, channeling your innermost thoughts and feelings, and translating them into a language that speaks to the universal human experience.
When you write with passion, you are not simply conveying information – you are sharing a piece of yourself with the world. Your words become a reflection of who you are, what you stand for, and what you believe in. Writing with passion is a powerful form of self-expression that has the ability to inspire, provoke, and ignite change.
Are you writing the genre that suits your writing style, or do you long to write something else?
Do your characters have depth and personality? Do you delight in their differences and intricacies?
Are you deeply interested in the subject matter?
Is the story compelling enough to keep you running to the computer to write each day?
Do you think about the story when you are doing other things? Or do you think about other things when you should be writing your story?
Do you wish you could live in the world you have created?
Are you excited about the progression of each chapter?
Do you talk about your book and characters to people as if it is your pride and joy?
Does writing make you feel good? Does it improve other areas of your life?
Writer's block is a common struggle that many writers face, but it's important to understand that not all cases of writer's block are the same. For some individuals, writer's block may not necessarily stem from a lack of ideas or creativity, but rather from a lack of passion for the project at hand. These writers have high standards for their work and refuse to compromise on their vision. They would rather experience a temporary pause in their writing than produce something that lacks the fervor and enthusiasm they strive for.
Recognizing this distinction within yourself can be a powerful tool in overcoming obstacles in your writing process. By acknowledging that your lack of progress may be a result of a mismatch between your passion and your current project, you can take steps to reignite that creative spark. Whether it involves revisiting your initial inspiration, exploring new angles, or even considering a different project altogether, understanding your own writing preferences and needs is key to breaking through barriers and revitalizing your writing journey.
Write as if you aren’t writing to publish. Put your thoughts about the publishing and marketing process on the backburner. Allow yourself the luxury of writing for yourself and the story. This promotes freedom of your written word. It allows you to write from the heart, without expectation, but from a place of authenticity.
Leave AI out of it. If you are used to using AI for writing, grammar or punctuation, let it be for the time being. Trust yourself and give yourself the opportunity to write imperfectly, but with soul. You can run the spell check later.
Research. Pick a few topics from your story, then take the time to research them more deeply. Knowing more about your subject can truly richen your plot.
Read. What are you currently reading? What was the last book you read? Was it a page-turner? Well-read authors are well-written authors.
Avoid selling out. It's tempting to not worry about authenticity and knock out a manuscript that you know will sell. And while there's nothing wrong with writing to market, if you're writing is feeling humdrum, it may be time to shift gears and explore the reasons why you wanted to write in the first place. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer? Remember what inspired you. Is it authentic?
Take a break! It's okay to step away from the writing process. We can't be on fire all the time. Give yourself the grace to break. Creating space gives oxygen for a new fire to start burning.
Engage the senses. Music, smells, nature, baths... they are stir the emotions and stir creativity inside us. When in doubt, go out!
Writing with passion and authenticity isn't a thing of the past. It's the refreshing wave of the future. How will you fire up your writing passion? Comment below!
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Follow Sierra Kay on Pinterest.
Do you have a story on your heart you would like to turn into a book?
Whether you're struggling with passion, motivation, seeking honest feedback, or feeling overwhelmed by the publishing industry, our proprietary 8-step framework is designed to help you complete a phenomenal book.
We're here to provide you with the expert guidance, motivation, and feedback you need to take your writing to the next level.
Ready To transform Your Writing Journey?
Schedule a 20-minute introductory meeting and let's discuss how our book coaching services can help you achieve your literary goals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock your true writing potential.
Click the hashtag for more #writingtips
Follow Sierra Kay down the modern fairy tale rabbit hole by visiting her book library here.
July 1, 2024
How to Cultivate Writing Inspiration: Tips for Sparking Creativity and Overcoming Writer's Block
Writing is a highly rewarding endeavor, but it can also be quite frustrating at times. Having a lack of inspiration can certainly fall into the latter category. Have you ever read a book that was going so well and then suddenly it became dry and brittle? You almost want to - or did - put it down and not pick it back up. It could be that the author was experiencing a lack of inspiration during that particular part of the book.
If you are a writer, don’t let this happen to you!
Many times, when you’re writing feels stale and forced, it’s due to a lack of inspiration. The good news is that there’s a quick fix for that! So clear your mind, take a deep breath and let go of the fear and aggravation. Encouragement could be just a song away.
Why do we get uninspired to begin with? Maybe the scene is difficult, perhaps you aren’t writing with peak energy levels, or you’re distracted by something else. Sometimes we get stuck in the rut of doing the same thing over and over again, going to the same places, carrying on with the same day to day routine that nothing can get past the drudgery of daily life.
Perhaps your environment is insipid or your conversations are boring. Could it be that your life has just become lackluster? Or maybe you are overstimulated and too much information is coming at you too often. Today’s world is very noisy! Maybe you are sensory overloaded and you just need to clear the canvas and so you can sharpen the ax.
Maybe you’ve been trudging too long.
Whatever the case may be, here are tips to get you through this time of inspiration vexation.
Take a shower! Or a bath or a swim. There’s a lot of speculation about how water encourages creativity. I’m not here to explain it, but I can attest that it has helped my writing and many others agree. So take a long shower and let your mind wander. See what floats to the surface.
Go for a drive to beat the drivel! Or be the passenger. Sit back and observe your surroundings. Bring a notebook or voice recorder. Take note of the terrain, is it hilly or flat? Where is the sun? Is it hazy, bright or overcast? How is the ride? Bumpy or smooth? What’s on the radio? Who is driving and what is their posture like? Watch for businesses, buildings and animals. What is the area you are in like? What are its unique features? Did anything you see spark joy or relate to your book? Jot it down!
Boutiquing and Antiquing. One of my favorite activities! Spend the afternoon weaving in a new town visiting their shops and maybe a new restaurant. Boutiques offer unique goods often not found anywhere else. Antique stores hold smells and objects that may spark a memory or awaken a creative thought about how others lived long ago. While you’re out, stop by a new coffee shop or restaurant. Record any creative genius that has come to mind during your shopping. Then indulge in the sites and sounds of your new environment. Try a dish you’ve never had. Study the menu. Listen to the sounds and people watch.
People watching. On that note, people watching for the win! It can be done nearly anywhere. Go to the park, a concert, even the grocery store. Anywhere there are people, inspiration can be found. Pay attention to attitudes, eyes, words and facial expressions. How are people relating to one another?
Listen to music. Music is an incredible inspiration generator. The rhythm can move you, it evokes emotion, and can transport you to another time and place. Music can inspire a whole book! As an exercise, try opening your ears to random music. Pay attention, and allow new tunes to settle in your awareness. Did it inspire a scene in your book? Did it make you feel how your main character could be feeling? Go full throttle with this method. Create a playlist for each chapter! Your readers will love this too!
Which tips are you going to try to liven up your writing? Did any of these tips inspire your own methods for cultivating inspiration? Comment below!
Do you have a story on your heart you would like to turn into a book?
Whether you're struggling with motivation, seeking honest feedback, or feeling overwhelmed by the publishing industry, our proprietary 8-step framework is designed to help you complete a phenomenal book.
We're here to provide you with the expert guidance, motivation, and feedback you need to take your writing to the next level.
Ready To transform Your Writing Journey?
Schedule a 20-minute introductory meeting and let's discuss how our book coaching services can help you achieve your literary goals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock your true writing potential.
Click the hashtag for more #writingtips
Follow Sierra Kay down the modern fairy tale rabbit hole by visiting her book library here.
