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.
One thing that has always bugged me in fantasy books is the overused trope of the heroine suddenly discovering hidden powers and instantly mastering them. You know the ones: she picks up a sword for the first time and somehow defeats the kingdomās strongest warrior, or she unlocks a magical ability and immediately controls it with ease.
In my WIP, Project Ember, I wanted something different. My heroine struggles.
Sheās not naturally gifted in combat or magic. She failsāsometimes spectacularly. She doubts herself. And yes, there are real consequences for her mistakes. Her growth doesnāt come from hidden talent or destiny, but from resilience, persistence, and the willingness to get back up after falling.
This choice was inspired by my own life. Take yoga, for example. Iāve been practicing for years, and progress hasnāt been instant. Flying poses didnāt come naturally to meāI had to build strength, improve my balance, and learn through trial and error. My journey wasnāt glamorous, but it was authentic.
Thatās exactly the kind of reality I wanted for my heroine. Because letās be honestāmost of us donāt master things on the first try. Most of us have to work for our skills, whether itās in sports, academics, or creative pursuits. Seeing a character reflect that same truth feels more inspiring to me than watching someone succeed without effort.
My hope is that readers will connect with her journey because it mirrors their own. After all, isnāt it more powerful when a character earns their strength instead of having it handed to them by fate?
So tell meādo you prefer characters who are naturally gifted, or ones who grind, fail, and grow along the way?
Thereās something magical about starting with a clean slate before diving into a new chapter of writing. For me, the ritual of tidying is just as important as the act of sitting down at my desk with my laptop.
After my husband and I returned from a weekend trip, the house was in that classic post-trip chaos stateābags dumped by the front door, the playroom scattered with forgotten toys, and my office looking like a Halloween storage unit had exploded. Not exactly the most inspiring environment to return to.
Before I could even think about writing Chapter 34 of my WIP Project Ember, I knew I needed to reset. So I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. The dishes went into the dishwasher, countertops got a quick wipe-down, toys were tucked back into their bins, and my office was restored to a place where creativity could breathe again.
Hereās the thingāit wasnāt about achieving perfection. My home didnāt suddenly look like a magazine spread, but the act of clearing clutter gave me mental space to breathe. With a fresh environment, my brain could shift from āugh, I need to cleanā to āyes, Iām ready to create.ā
For me, cleaning is a form of creative preparation. Just as some writers light a candle, brew a cup of tea, or put on a specific playlist, my ritual is restoring order so my imagination has room to roam.
Iāve learned that clearing physical clutter often clears mental clutter too. When my environment feels chaotic, my writing usually does too. But when I reset my space, I approach the page with more focus, more calm, and more openness to inspiration.
What about you? Do you find that tidying up helps your creativity flow, or are you the kind of writer who thrives in organized chaos?
I used to be that personāevery time an idea popped into my head, Iād grab my phone to jot it down in my Notes app. Sound familiar? The only problem with this approach? The moment I opened my phone, I was greeted by a cascade of texts, notifications, and apps begging for attention. What started as a simple idea quickly turned into a 15-minute scroll-fest, and before I knew it, the brilliant thought I had was goneālost in the sea of distractions.
I realized I had a major problem. Not only was I losing ideas, but I was also getting increasingly frustrated with the constant digital noise that surrounded me. So, I decided to make a change, and it was a simple one: I switched to a tiny notebook.
Now, instead of reaching for my phone, I carry around a cute pink pocket notebook (with an attached penābecause toddlers + loose pens = chaos). Whenever an idea strikesāwhether Iām in the middle of a walk, cooking dinner, or playing with my sonāI can quickly jot it down without getting sucked into my phoneās endless notifications.
Why This Works for Me:
Keeps Distractions Away: The beauty of a physical notebook is that itās free from the digital noise of social media, emails, and texts. When Iām writing in my notebook, thereās no temptation to check anything else. Itās just me and my ideas.
Helps Me Stay Present: I used to grab my phone at the slightest pause in conversation or a lull in my day, but now that I have my notebook on hand, I donāt have to check out of the moment to capture a thought. I stay present with my family, my surroundings, and the current task, and I still capture creative moments on the fly.
Captures Creative Thoughts Without Digital Noise: Thereās something about the act of physically writing down an idea that feels more intentional and less hurried than typing on a screen. Plus, I find that my ideas stick with me longer when theyāre captured in a notebook. I donāt have the temptation to scroll through social media, and the thought doesnāt get lost among other distractions.
Why I Highly Recommend This:
If youāve ever lost a brilliant idea to the endless scroll of your phone or been frustrated by how easy it is to get distracted, I canāt recommend this enough. Keeping a notebook with me at all times has been a game-changer in my creative process. Not only does it keep my ideas safe, but it also helps me stay focused on what matters mostābeing present in the moment while still nurturing my creativity.
Do you already keep a notebook to capture your thoughts, or are you still using your phone? If youāve tried the notebook method, Iād love to hear how itās worked for you! Letās talk in the comments below. š
As a writer, I used to believe that I needed constant inspirationāan endless stream of Pinterest boards, beautifully curated aesthetics, and thought-provoking articles to fuel my creativity. But what I really neededĀ wasĀ boredom.
Breaking the Habit of Constant Stimulation
When I quit my corporate job and transitioned to being a full-time writer and stay-at-home mom, I unknowingly developed a bad habit: filling every single spare moment with my phone.
Standing in line? Scroll.
Waiting for my son to wake up from a nap? Scroll.
A moment of quiet? Scroll.
I told myself that I was āresearchingā or āfinding inspiration,ā but in reality, I was overstimulating my brain and leaving no room for my own thoughts. The more I consumed, the less creative I felt. Instead of developing fresh ideas, I found myself overwhelmed, uninspired, and stuck in comparison traps.
The Lightbulb Moment: Boredom Fuels Creativity
One day, I left my phone in another room while taking a walk. At first, it felt weirdāI kept reaching for it, wanting to check something, listen to something, or scroll through something. But as I walked in silence, something surprising happened.
My mind started to wander.
I found myself thinking about my book ideas, untangling plot problems, and imagining new character interactions. Without the constant noise of social media, my brain had space to breathe.
Thatās when I realized that boredom isnāt a bad thing. Itās a creative superpower.
How I Embrace Boredom to Boost Creativity
Instead of filling every moment with external content, I now give myself space to just think. Hereās how I do it:
āØ Letting my mind wander on walks ā I walk without headphones, and instead of consuming a podcast or audiobook, I let my thoughts drift. Some of my best plot twists have come from these quiet moments.
āØ Daydreaming about my characters and stories ā Instead of reaching for my phone first thing in the morning or while sipping coffee, I let myself daydream. I play out different scenarios for my characters, and sometimes, I surprise myself with new ideas.
āØ Journaling random thoughts ā I used to only journal when I had something specific to write about. Now, I scribble down whatever comes to mindāideas, fragments of dialogue, or even a single word that resonates with me. These random thoughts often spark my next big writing breakthrough.
From Consumer to Creator
Now, instead of consuming other peopleās content all day, I create my own. I no longer feel like I need a perfectly curated aesthetic board or endless writing prompts to spark creativity. The best ideas donāt come from scrollingāthey come from stillness.
So if youāre feeling creatively stuck, I challenge you: embrace boredom. Step away from your phone, sit in silence, and see where your thoughts take you. You might just unlock your next great idea.
Have you noticed a connection between boredom and creativity? Letās chat in the comments! ā¬ļøāØ
Letās be realāputting your phone down is hard. After years of working in social media management, I was used to constantly being plugged in. Checking notifications, staying updated on trends, and being available 24/7 became second nature to me. But when I transitioned to being a full-time stay-at-home mom and writer, I realized something: I needed to set boundaries with my screen time.
As much as I loved the idea of being āproductive,ā I was finding myself mindlessly scrolling during moments when I should have been presentāwhether it was with my son, writing, or even just relaxing. The constant connection left me feeling mentally drained and creatively blocked. Thatās when I decided to make a change.
Here are five game-changing hacks that helped me cut back on screen time and reclaim my time and energy:
1ļøā£ Use a Screen Time Widget
Iāve learned that awareness is key when it comes to managing screen time. So, I added a screen time widget to my home screen. This handy tool shows me exactly how much time Iām spending on my phone, broken down by app. Seeing those numbers in real time is a wake-up call.
This simple visual reminder keeps me accountable and motivates me to put my phone down and get back to being present. Itās hard to ignore the truth when the widget clearly shows me Iāve been scrolling for 30 minutes or more!
2ļøā£ Keep Your Phone in Another Room
One of the easiest ways to reduce screen time is to remove temptation. I started leaving my phone in my office when Iām with my family. This means when Iām playing with my son or sharing a meal with my husband, Iām not distracted by incoming texts or social media updates.
Out of sight, out of mind is a simple but effective strategy. When my phoneās not within reach, I donāt feel the urge to mindlessly check it, and I can focus on the people and moments right in front of me.
3ļøā£ Set App Blocks
Iām not going to lieāresisting the urge to scroll can be tough. Thatās why I started using an app called Opal, a free screen time blocker. With Opal, I can block access to certain appsālike social mediaāduring specific hours.
For example, when my son is awake and I need to be fully engaged with him, I have my social media apps blocked. This way, Iām not tempted to check Instagram or Twitter while I should be focusing on him. Itās been incredibly helpful in keeping my attention where it needs to be.
4ļøā£ Ditch the Phone in Bed
Before I started setting boundaries, I had a bad habit of scrolling through my phone right before bed. But I quickly realized this wasnāt helping my sleep or mental clarity. The blue light from my phone was interfering with my circadian rhythm, and my mind was racing from all the content Iād consumed.
Instead of scrolling, I now make a habit of reading a book or journaling before bed. Itās become a relaxing routine that helps me unwind, reflect on the day, and improve my sleep quality. Plus, itās given me a lot more peace of mind at night.
5ļøā£ Use a Notebook Instead of Notes App
I love jotting down ideas for my writing, but I noticed that whenever I opened my phoneās notes app, Iād get sidetracked by notifications, messages, or emails. Before I knew it, the inspiration I had quickly turned into a distraction.
Now, I keep a cute pink notebook by my side for whenever inspiration strikes. I jot down ideas, thoughts, or snippets of dialogue the old-fashioned way, and itās been a game-changer. I donāt have to worry about getting sucked into my phone, and I stay focused on my creative process.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Breaking phone habits isnāt easy, especially after years of being constantly connected. But these small changes have made a huge difference in my daily life. Iām more present with my family, Iām more focused on my writing, and I feel less overwhelmed by the constant need to check my phone.
Have you tried any of these hacks to cut back on your screen time? Iād love to hear whatās worked for you! Drop a comment below and letās chat. š
Hey, book lovers! Today, Iām so excited to share more about my newest book, Arrow Bound, the third installment in my Seasonally Spellbound series. If you love magic, romance, and a little holiday cheer, this series was made for you!
What Is the Seasonally Spellbound Series?
In the Seasonally Spellbound series, magic, romance, and seasonal festivities collide! Each book is a standalone holiday-themed love story, where witches, vampires, fae, and other supernatural beings find passion and adventure in an enchanting urban fantasy world. From Halloween masquerades to Christmas enchantments, every season brings a new opportunity for magicāand loveāto blossom.
This series originally began as a Kindle Vella project in October, giving me the momentum I needed to keep up with my writing. When Kindle Vella shut down, I knew I couldnāt let these stories go unfinished. Thatās when I made the decision to turn my serialized stories into a full-fledged book series, available for free through Kindle Unlimited!
What Is Arrow Bound About?
Arrow Bound follows Celia Thornfield and Riven Ravenscar, fated mates bound by destinyābut thereās a problem. Riven rejects their bond. As Celia grapples with heartbreak, sheās thrust into a mission that could change everything: retrieving Erosās stolen arrow before the sacred connection between soulmates is lost forever. Along the way, Celia will face dangerous magic, unexpected allies, and a love that refuses to fade.
If you enjoy high-stakes romance, reluctant soulmates, and a bit of mythological intrigue, Arrow Bound will be right up your alley!
Whatās Next for Seasonally Spellbound?
While Arrow Bound is the latest release, thereās plenty more coming your way! Next, Iāll be diving into Rowenaās story or Calista’s story (not sure which one yet!), which takes us back to Hollowgroveāa town brimming with autumnal magic and Halloween mischief. If you love the cozy-yet-spooky vibes of fall, this one is for you!
But FirstāA New Journey Begins
Before I jump into another Seasonally Spellbound series story, Iāll be taking you behind the scenes of my writing and querying journey for Project Ember, as well as some other books Iām working on. This is a new chapter in my writing career, and Iām excited to share every step with you!
Thank You for Being Here
Your support means the world to me. Whether youāve been following my journey from the beginning or youāre just discovering my books now, Iām so grateful to have you here. Stay tuned for more updates, and as alwaysāhappy reading!
Balancing writing and motherhood is no joke, but somehow, I make it work (with lots of effort and a touch of magic āØ). If youāve ever wondered what a week in my life looks like, Iām taking you behind the scenes in my latest YouTube video: MY WEEKLY ROUTINE | Writer and SAHM Life.
In this video, I share the messy, beautiful reality of writing my upcoming book Arrow Bound while also keeping up with daily life. Spoiler: Itās a mix of creative bursts, endless meal-making, and finding little moments of peace amidst the chaos.
What Youāll See in This Video
š Writing & Worldbuilding ā As I work on Arrow Bound, I juggle drafting, and revising. Some days the words flow, and other days, wellā¦ letās just say writerās block is real. But progress is progress!
š³ Cooking Nonstop ā My toddler eats every two hours (seriously!), so the kitchen is basically my second workspace. From quick snacks to family meals, Iām always making something.
š§¹ Cleaning & Chores ā The never-ending cycle of laundry, dishes, and tidying up keeps me on my toes. Writing in a messy space? Not ideal. So I do my best to stay on top of it (even if it doesnāt always go as planned).
šæ Getting Outside ā Whether itās a walk with my son or a quick breath of fresh air, stepping outside helps me reset and refuel my creativity.
Itās a little chaotic, a little magical, and a whole lot of multitasking. If you love seeing the behind-the-scenes of a writerās life (with a side of mom duties), this video is for you!
For most of my adult life, I’ve been chasing productivity. I was a social media manager making six figures, juggling campaigns, content calendars, and engagement strategies. Then, in March of 2024, I made a massive shiftāI quit my corporate job to become a full-time writer and stay-at-home mom. Part of that move was to slow down, enjoy time with my growing family, and carve out the time necessary to become a full-time writer. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I hadn’t actually slowed down at all. Since leaving my job, life has been a whirlwind. I dove headfirst into self-publishing, determined to make writing my career. I adjusted to life with my 18-month-old son, who keeps me on my toes every second of the day. I dealt with the chaos of a first-floor flood in my home back in September. I committed to getting back in shape, pushing myself to fit workouts into a packed schedule. Through it all, I’ve been running on the same mindset I had in corporate life: that my worth is measured by how much I get done. But lately, I’ve been feeling itāthe exhaustion, the mental clutter, the ever-growing to-do list that never seems to shrink. I realized I was still running, just in a different direction. And I don’t want to spend my life sprinting from one thing to the next. I want to slow down. Over the next few months, I’m making more of an effort to embrace a more mindful and intentional way of living. Instead of measuring my days by productivity, I want to focus on being present. I want to enjoy the little moments with my sonāthe giggles, the cuddles, the wonder in his eyes as he discovers something new. I want to enjoy writing my novels without thinking about how to use the experience for content. I want to sip my tea slowly instead of downing it between tasks. Slowing down doesn’t mean giving up on my goals, but it does mean giving myself grace. It means prioritizing what truly mattersāquality time with my family, writing, and my own well-beingāover endless checklists and self-imposed deadlines. If you’ve been feeling the pull to slow down, I hope you know you’re not alone. Take a deep breath, step away from the constant rush, and be present in your life instead of just powering through it. Because life isn’t a raceāit’s a journey. And I want to enjoy every step of it.
I have a bone to pick with romance books. Specifically, the ones where the couple spends the majority of the story fighting each other instead of fighting for each other. You know the onesāBook One ends with a swoon-worthy connection, only for Book Two to rip them apart with unnecessary drama, miscommunication, and, of course, a breakup. Itās like authors think the only way to keep readers invested is by throwing their characters into an angst fest instead of actually developing their relationship.
I get itāconflict is necessary for a good story. But does it always have to be them against each other? Why canāt it be them against the world? Them growing together rather than apart? Thatās the kind of love story I want to read. More importantly, thatās the kind of love story I write.
Love That Fights Together
When I write romance, my goal is to create couples who donāt just survive together but thrive together. My characters from my Seasonally Spellbound Series donāt get stuck in an endless cycle of breakups and misunderstandings. They face obstacles, yes, but they do it as a team.
In The Midnight Masquerade, Theodore Ravenwick (Theo), a vampire, and Vespera Blackwood, a witch, are fated mates. Instead of pushing each other away, they explore their bond together, learning what it means to be truly connected. Their story isnāt about tearing each other downāitās about discovering how strong they are when they stand side by side.
In Mistletoe and Magic, Gertrude Evergreen (Trudy) finds herself entangled with Niklaus, the winter elf king (AKA Santa Claus himself). Their romance isnāt built on unnecessary heartbreak; itās about trust, magic, and learning to embrace destiny together.
And now, in my latest work, Arrow Bound, Celia Thornfield and Riven Ravenscar are thrown into a race against time to retrieve Erosās stolen arrow. Riven rejects their bond at first, but that doesnāt mean their journey is filled with petty fights and self-sabotage. Instead, they have to work together to stop something much bigger than themselves. Their romance isnāt about breaking apartāitās about finding a way to fit together, even when the odds are stacked against them.
Romance Should Be About Growth
Love isnāt just about attraction or dramatic breakups. Itās about growth. Itās about finding someone who challenges you in the best way and helps you become the best version of yourself. Thatās what I strive to writeāstories where love isnāt a battlefield between two people but a force that helps them face the battles ahead.
So, if youāre tired of second-book breakups, endless misunderstandings, and angst for angstās sake, my books might be for you. Because love stories should be about more than just survivingāthey should be about thriving.
What do you think? Do you prefer romance books where couples fight against each other or ones where they fight for each other? Letās discuss this in the comments!
Elizabeth Yuen 