October always feels like a reset button for me. The air is cooler, the candles are cozier, and suddenly Iām aware that there are only three months left in the year. Itās the perfect time to pause, reflect, and ask: how do I want to finish this year?
For me, that looks like a few big focuses. Writing-wise, Iām diving into my draft of Project Ember and pushing myself to make meaningful progress before the new year. Personally, Iām focusing on fitness, rebuilding my evening routine, and creating more balance in my days as a stay-at-home mom and author. For my online creative work, Iām setting a goal to grow my YouTube channelānot just in numbers, but in quality. I want my videos to feel cozy, inspiring, and like little pockets of encouragement for anyone watching.
Of course, itās not all work and goals. Iām also looking forward to the fun of this season: pumpkin patches, hayrides, cozy reading nights, and plenty of time spent coloring or journaling in my planner. These little rituals are just as important as the big milestones because they fill the days with joy.
At the heart of it, thatās why I share my journey here. I want to document the path toward my publishing dreams, yes, but I also want to remind you (and myself) that weāre not alone. Growth can feel messy, comparison can creep in, and routines can slipābut thereās always a chance to reset, refocus, and create something beautiful with the time we have left.
Hereās to finishing the year with intention, creativity, and maybe a little bit of magic.
Hello, dear readers, my name is Elizabeth Yuen, and welcome back to my cozy corner of the internet. As always, my focus is on writing worlds, dreaming big, and making every day magical. Today, Iām diving into something I look forward to every fallāsetting up my full October and Halloween planners.
If youāre someone who loves planning, seasonal setups, or just peeking inside other peopleās creative routines, youāre in for a treat. This month, Iām working with several gorgeous planners from The Daily Grind, and their Halloween collection has truly captured the magic of the season. September was all about cozy autumn vibes, but now weāre officially stepping into spooky season.
My Halloween Planner Collection
I went a little wild (okay, a lot wild!) with the new covers this year. I picked up:
Twisted Thorn Manorā A gothic dream inspired by Morticia Addamsā garden.
Phantom Estate ā Their Haunted Mansion-inspired design, complete with a hotel key motif.
Mystic Castle Commons ā A Harry Potter-inspired cover that has an inside that looks just like the Gryffindor common room.
Plus some others from previous collections that I still adore, like the cozy autumn pumpkin pancake cover.
Each one has its own vibe, so Iāve been assigning different uses: my Glow Up Challenge, my reading tracker, my self-improvement notes, and even coloring pages (because why not keep things whimsical?).
The 121 Glow Up Challenge
One of the ways I keep myself grounded and focused is through the 121 Glow Up Challenge. Itās a 121-day journey that originally ran from September through December, but you can start anytime. I began a few years ago, right after having my kid, and it helped me feel like myself again. Now, itās become a daily ritual.
This October marks the third month of my current challenge, and Iāll be updating my planner with reflections, progress, and intentions. Itās such a good reminder that no matter how chaotic life feels, I need to make space for my own well-being and growth.
Self-Improvement & Spooky Vibes
This year, Iām also participating in The Daily Grindās October series, Get Your Ish Together, a 31-day program for self-growth. It felt fitting to dedicate my Twisted Thorn Manor cover to this journey. Thereās something about pairing shadowy gothic aesthetics with self-reflection that feels perfectly Halloween-y.
Octoberās first prompt was about finding your starting pointāasking yourself, Do you feel lost? Honestly, I do right now. Between writing, motherhood, and balancing everything in between, Iāve felt a little scattered. But having this ritual of sitting down with a planner, a candle, and even something as simple as pouring an Ollipop into a wine glass makes me feel grounded again. Itās these small, intentional touches that make planning feel like self-care instead of a chore.
Reading & Seasonal TBR
And of course, no month is complete without a reading plan! My Mystic Castle Commons cover is housing my bookish spreads this year, including cozy coloring pages. I didnāt get through all my September TBR (life happens), so Iāll be rolling a few titles over into October alongside some spooky reads to match the season. A full October TBR post is coming soon!
Wrapping It Up
So, thatās my October planner lineupāequal parts cozy and spooky, functional and magical. Each planner has its own personality, just like each area of my life, and switching covers for the season brings me so much joy.
If youāre also deep into spooky setups or just love fresh stationery, Iād love to hear: whatās your favorite planner cover or theme for October?
Until next time, happy planning and Happy Halloween! š
Fifteen years ago, I knew two things: I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, and I wanted to be a writer. But like so many dreamers, I was pushed toward āsafeā pathsāfirst music education, then PR and corporate social media.
After nearly a decade climbing the corporate ladder, I finally made the leap. I left my six-figure job, became a stay-at-home mom, and gave myself permission to chase writing full-time.
It wasnāt easy, but now Iām living what I call my Cozy Writing Era:
Writing 1,000 words daily instead of chasing unsustainable word sprints.
Embracing seasonal rhythms with fall-themed planner setups.
Allowing progress to be slow, steady, and meaningful.
Dreams donāt happen overnight, but I know Iāll get thereāwith discipline, consistency, and joy. If youāre chasing a dream too, remember: you donāt have to rush. Cozy seasons still lead to big things. āØ
Elizabeth Yuen 