Kyleen Wren 6/27/25 Kyleen Wren 6/27/25

10 Ways to Trim Word Count

It’s always a good idea to self-edit, tighten things up, and make every word earn its place in the story. It isn’t just about conforming to industry standards—it’s about clarity, pace, and making sure we’re staying focused.

Kyleen Wren 6/19/25 Kyleen Wren 6/19/25

Book Review: Blood Over Bright Haven

Sciona has built her entire life around mastering the magic of her world, becoming the first female highmage, but everything changes when she’s admitted to the University of Magistry and Industry, uncovering long-buried secrets about where their magic comes from, and the cost of using it.

Kyleen Wren 6/15/25 Kyleen Wren 6/15/25

Writing Update: One Goal Reached!

We did it! Seen & Unseen is now under 100k words and ready to be sent off for what will hopefully be the final manuscript critique before querying again.

Kyleen Wren 6/9/25 Kyleen Wren 6/9/25

Writing Update: Not Quite 100k

I did a major trim-down on Seen & Unseen in preparation for sending it off to an amazing editor. We’re so close!

Kyleen Wren 5/23/25 Kyleen Wren 5/23/25

Writing Through The Weight

The common thread in writer’s block advice is hustle, pushing through… For disabled writers, people experiencing burnout, or those living with chronic illness or navigating grief, I think this advice can actually be harmful.

Kyleen Wren 5/10/25 Kyleen Wren 5/10/25

Positive Character Arcs

When our characters overcome, adapt, learn, and grow, we often leave inspired and satisfied, whether there’s a happy ending to the story or not.

Kyleen Wren 5/6/25 Kyleen Wren 5/6/25

The Tears Came

She’s in every single person she touched, and with 94 years on this planet, she touched many. I’m so thankful for the time we had, even if it never would have been enough. And I’m so thankful she can rest now.

Kyleen Wren 4/28/25 Kyleen Wren 4/28/25

Writing Tip: Character Arc Overview

We’re all in a constant state of flux, ever changing. Even when it doesn’t feel like it’s the case, stasis is an illusion. This is true in real life, and it’s true in the stories we write.

Kyleen Wren 4/22/25 Kyleen Wren 4/22/25

New Writing Service: Writer Chat!

Whether you’re in the messy middle, the early idea phase, or gearing up for revisions, this service is a low-pressure way to get support, stay motivated, and move forward with confidence.

Kyleen Wren 4/14/25 Kyleen Wren 4/14/25

Reflections On Rejection

We might have taken a detour, but if we look around with curiosity instead of frustration, we may find all kinds of beauty. We may even find ourselves grateful one day.

Kyleen Wren 3/27/25 Kyleen Wren 3/27/25

Book Review: Sunrise On The Reaping

We thought we knew Haymich’s story already, but we were wrong. Collins reminds us to question what we see, lest we fall victim to Capitol propaganda, too.

Kyleen Wren 3/13/25 Kyleen Wren 3/13/25

Writing Update: #RevPit 2025 Open For Submissions

I submitted to #RevPit 2025! It’s my first time entering a contest like this one, so I’m both super excited and super nervous.

Kyleen Wren 3/1/25 Kyleen Wren 3/1/25

Querying Update (Project SU)

Back in the trenches! I’m querying SU even though it doesn’t quite fit neatly into any category because I can’t not query it.

Kyleen Wren 2/26/25 Kyleen Wren 2/26/25

Books Are Political

Literature has always been deeply connected to politics, fully intertwined, as both a mirror of society and a tool shaping societal values moving forward.

Kyleen Wren 12/31/24 Kyleen Wren 12/31/24

Writing Tip: Creating Atmosphere

Atmosphere is like the soundtrack to our story—it sets the tone, shapes how readers perceive everything, and leaves a lasting impression. More than setting, it's the vibe and the feel.

Kyleen Wren 12/17/24 Kyleen Wren 12/17/24

Writing Tip: Writing Non-linear Narratives

Nonlinear narratives toss out the old chronological playbook and embrace a more fluid approach. Instead of a straight line from start to finish, these stories unfold through flashbacks, parallel timelines, or multiple perspectives.

Kyleen Wren 12/9/24 Kyleen Wren 12/9/24

Upcoming Blog Break

Writing really is an experiment to me these days, a freedom which has come only after years of research, study, and practice. Now that I feel reasonably confident in my skill as a writer, it’s fun to try new things!

Kyleen Wren 12/3/24 Kyleen Wren 12/3/24

Writing Tip: Writing In First Person

This point of view gives readers a front-row seat to the character's inner world, making the story feel more personal and immediate.

Kyleen Wren 11/30/24 Kyleen Wren 11/30/24

Writing Update: My Hard Drive Died

I had my worst writer’s nightmare come true in November: I lost all my work from the past 6 months.

Kyleen Wren 11/19/24 Kyleen Wren 11/19/24

Writing Tip: Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing might be one of my favorite elements of storytelling. I love leaving breadcrumbs that hint at what lies ahead, subtly creating anticipation from the very beginning of the story.