The Bane of Writing

You guessed it. I’ve been struggling with writer’s block recently, even though I have a bunch of ideas I’d love to pen. I rarely lack creativity, but the will and power to write something can dwindle at times. I want to create more short stories and properly launch into writing The Wanton Wars: A Gossamer Chain, but I simply can’t force myself to write. Hopefully, blogging will help a bit.

                When I get stuck, I typically try to read and let the pros guide me toward the author-itch. Currently, I’m reading Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson, and it’s a very long book. While his story ideas are unique and engaging, his writing style isn’t to my taste. Regardless, I’m inching my way through the novel, but I’m not finding inspiration within the words. I could put Wind and Truth down and read another book, but I have a hard time splitting my focus like that. I like to finish one book before starting a new one.

              So, without that option, I’m instead trying to give myself a break. Can you believe that in 2025 alone, I’ve published over 322,000 words? That isn’t including blogs, newsletters, and rewrites for other authors. I think I deserve a break, but writing is my happy place, so it’s really difficult to put it down when it typically brings me so much joy.

              Instead of writing recently, I’ve been working on book covers for my upcoming series, The Wanton Wars. I may or may not adjust these covers or book titles in the future, but I thought it would be fun to share the images I’ve created thus far.

              I’m not great at drawing, but I have some skills with photo manipulation and editing, so I’ve been stretching my creative muscles making these covers. I use royalty-free art as the base, and then I adjust, split, adapt, and expand using Photoshop.

              I’ve also decided to go back and adjust the Risqué Fae cover art, since my skills have advanced since I started writing that series. Making art of Venture and Titus isn’t easy… but I’m trying my hand at it.

               Anyway, this is a benign blog update, but I’m hoping to drop some world lore, inspiration, writing hacks, and FAQs. I’ve yet to figure out how people can comment on my blog posts (since I’m doing my own coding for my website), but hopefully I’ll get there soon!

            Hope you’re cheering me on and helping me to banish my writer’s block.

XOXO,

Monique Morgan