What Keeps You From Writing? Our latest webinar focused on a topic every writer struggles with: setting boundaries so we actually have the time—and the emotional space—to write. There are many things that interrupt our writing time, some that we can control and others we can’t. We began the session with some gentle stretching, deep breathing, and the Self-Acknowledgement Hug. I asked everyone to think of an image of something that bothered them or hindered their writing, and then write that word in the center of their cluster. More words followed, and then some revealing stories. One participant wrote about noise in her current living situation, and another had overscheduled her week once more. Another expressed frustration with letting go of her characters, which led to procrastination.  By the end of the session, the group had surfaced a range of practical, writer-friendly strategies. Noise-canceling headphones were suggested as a first step for the one writer, and a closer look at what could be trimmed from the schedule of the other was decided upon. For all, naming the obstacles created a moment of clarity and solutions and strategies were the result. The takeaway? Protecting your creative life begins with recognizing what’s truly getting in the way. Here’s to your personal success, Professor Marilyn Horowitz |
I asked my assistant Beth about her novel, Secrets of Capell Manor, which has just been released. Beth has been a devoted member of our writing community, and her journey to published novelist is one of perseverance, growth, and a passion for stories. Here she shares some insights into her writing.
1. What first drew you to historical romance?
Historical romance was my first love in fiction. I read this genre voraciously as a young person, and for a long time, I read nothing else.
2. What inspired you to finally write a novel of your own?
Secrets of Capell Manor is the first novel I wrote entirely for myself. In the past six years, I completed one novel, three novellas, and a nonfiction book as a ghostwriter—but this story had been on my mind for many years, and I thought, “Why not?” I finally committed to writing it down right before the pandemic.
3. Did you face any struggles while writing it?
Absolutely! My biggest challenges were finding the time and battling my inner critic. I often wondered, “Is this good enough?” Something that helped tremendously was using Marilyn’s Word of the Day technique—it allowed me to move through blocks quickly, so the time I did have was used wisely. And when Marilyn developed her Beyond Happiness Method, I started using those tools on myself. They helped me set boundaries, quiet the self-doubt, and discover I was more capable than I ever gave myself credit for.
So, maybe the book is great and maybe it isn’t—but it’s a fun romance-mystery, and the most important part is that I finished it. My goal wasn’t to create a literary masterpiece—it was to write a story I loved and one I hope others will enjoy too.
4. What do you hope readers feel as they experience this story?
I hope readers have a brief escape from the chaos of this world and are transported to the romance and mystery of 1630s England. I want people to laugh, try and solve the whodunit and, once the last page is turned and the book is closed, have a smile on their face.
Answers to Your Writing Questions at the Next Webinar
At our next webinar on December 2, we’ll begin with a brief look at the Beyond Happiness Method and the Word of the Day Practice, and then move into a Writer’s Q&A to explore your biggest writing questions together. Join us as we continue to hone our skills, calm inner chaos, and build community.
Mark your calendar for our next webinar on December 2 and sign up here.
Breaking the Egg
It started with a simple YouTube search: how to crack an egg. Instead, I was confronted with a challenge meant for someone braver. One quiet whisper—you could never do that—changed everything. That’s when I realized how expertly I’d learned to stay small.
Read the full article on Substack.
Join now at no cost at: https://beyondhappiness.substack.com/
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