Keeping the Writing Momentum Going
June 12, 2026 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as A Whole New Plan, book launch, Denise M. Colby, writers goals, writers lifeDeadlines definitely help keep the writing momentum going. But what do you do when you don’t have a deadline? How do you keep up with all the marketing, promoting, and other things writers need to do and still write?
It seems during a book launch I’m busy posting, writing blog posts for guest blogs, and pursuing book signing opportunities (which I have two this month – so excited!).
I’ve also been on vacation for a week where I didn’t do anything. I think that’s why I’m having this mental conversation in my head about what I need to do next. I’ve been removed from my momentum and need to get back to it.
When I don’t touch a story I’m working on for a bit, it slows down my own pacing of getting things done. I’m also in a new dilemna. With the release of my fourth book, that completes my first contract. It also means I do not have a set deadline to deliver the next book to my publisher. I’m finding my own deadlines tend to slide a bit. Does anyone else have that issue?
But with all the stories inside my heart to write still, I’m not done yet.
What exactly is Writing Momentum?
So what do I do first? Secure a contract? Write the book? Finish my newsletter magnet? Spend more time in marketing? I feel like the next step is all clamoring for attention. Which makes me realize I need to set up some new goals and tasks to stay focused. And take a deep breath.
First. I know how to complete a book. With several baby steps. Showing up daily to write, even if it’s just a little bit. Have an accountability partner (which I do – my critique group is awesome).
I think for me one of the most productive things I’ve done is be a part of a zoom writing sprint group. Three days a week I can log in at 7am with a bunch of other authors and know I will move forward on writing, editing, making graphics, or building my newsletter in that time slot. I will also be encouraged, supported, and I learn new things in every 5 minute conversation we have during the 2 breaks.
I highly recommend this to any author.
Next I need to set some priorities on what to do first. I’ve submitted my first three chapters for a book proposal and can keep working on that story, or pivot and write three chapters on the next one in order to meet my goal of launching a book one time a year. I also need to finish my newsletter magnet. So which one should be first?
Sometimes I feel like it changes based on the day, and being able to pivot amongst all of them is important. Do any of you feel the same way?
What Comes Next in my Writing?
As I think through this though, I realize my newsletter magnet is an important part of my marketing. With my deadlines, I did not have time to write one. But while editing and planning the launch of A Whole New Plan, I wrote an eight-chapter novelette that is now being edited. Finishing this will allow me to participate in newsletter swaps, book funnel promos, and other things while I’m writing the next set of books.
I believe that my newsletter magnet then is at the top of my priority list. Wouldn’t you agree?
Then, depending on if I hear back on my proposal yet or not, I might start writing the next book proposal to secure a deadline for that book. But we will see. Like I said earlier, writers need to be nimble when working on multiple things at the same time. Having other writers to bounce ideas off of can help.
If you aren’t a part of a writing group, find one! Many are on zoom now, so location to join doesn’t matter. Want some suggestions? Here are groups I’ve been a part of for years.
Denise loves to share about her writing journey (see all her posts here), including her word of the year (this year it is BALANCE), writing her Best-laid Plans Series, and all the things in between. You can visit her at her website and blog at www.denisemcolby.com or on her facebook or instagram. Please note: some links include Amazon Associate links where Denise can earn from qualifying purchases.
0 0 Read moreJoining the HHH Blog as a Contributor
February 12, 2026 by Denise M. Colby in category Columns, The Writing Journey by Denise Colby, Writing tagged as Denise M. Colby, writers life, writingI’m excited to share that starting this month, I’ll be a regular contributor to the HHHistory blog. The HHH blog is the Heroes, Heroines, & History blog. It’s mission? Uniting those who love to write about history with those who love to read it.
I’ve been following this blog for a while now. There’s such a wide range of history being shared. The rules are simple. Do not duplicate any topic that has already been written.
Although there have been some posts about California, I was happy to see that there wasn’t specific topics related to the flooding, the rebuilding over the existing city of Sacramento, and several other points of history that I’ve researched for my stories. So as an HHH blog contributor, I get to write about all those things.
My first hhh blog post is February 14th
My first blog is titled Sacramento, California Origins and How They Dealt with Floods. Much of my content I had found when I wrote When Plans Go Awry, but I also found new content, including an image on the Sacramento History Museum’s Instagram page, showing how much devastation occurred because of them.
I have gathered a lot of research and fascinating tidbits over the years, but I couldn’t put it all in my stories. Now I have a place to share the details. My posting date each month is the fourteenth, and my first post goes live on February 14. (I can’t share a link until it is live).
I would love to have you join me.
Sign up to receive the posts here on the main page. https://www.hhhistory.com
Or sign up for my newsletter to receive the link to the post each month.
Denise M. Colby loves to share about her writing journey (see all her posts here), including her word of the year (this year it is BALANCE), her novels, and all the things in between. You can visit her at her website and blog at www.denisemcolby.com or on her facebook or instagram. Please note: some links include Amazon Associate links where Denise can earn from qualifying purchases.
0 1 Read moreFlourish Even Amongst Writing Deadlines
August 12, 2025 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as Denise M Colby, Word of the year, writers lifeMy 2025 word of the year is flourish. And when I started this blog post with a different topic, I realized I had not written anything about it this year on this blog. None. Zilch. Nadda. Except for one little mention in a blog post about my 2nd book’s birthday.
And then it hit me. I haven’t spent a lot of time talking about my word this year, because I’ve been so busy living it. Which is exactly where I want to be.
I will admit, that even though flourish is my 2025 word, there are some days I feel like I’m floundering. But then I look at all I have accomplished this year, and I have flourished. (This is why we need to keep track, and count all the steps we take, including those in between every year. I share some tips in a blog post titled Find Motivation to Accomplish Goals)
Flourishing in My Writing
My writing has improved. I’ve published my second book in 2025, successfully, I might add. And my first novella releases in November (I can do a cover reveal post next month). I’m currently busy writing my next full novel as well as putting together pitches for more stories.
Not bad for someone who was ready to quit two years ago.
Yes, you heard that correctly. I was ready to walk away from all of this and then my big break happened.
Thriving in My Marketing
I’m still figuring out how to juggle marketing my current books while continuing to write, but by writing down what I’ve done so far this year, I have done several things. (Launch windows are a whole other thing as well and I’m getting better at it).
January is when many other writers set their blog and review schedules, and I’ve been able to do a yearly planner for the first time this year. I’ve learned how to utilize BookFunnel and have added both my books to a different promotion every month.
For example, this month both my books are in a Christian and Clean Romance Books group. Click on the graphic to see what it’s all about. It will also help me get my numbers up 🙂
I’ve also participated in an author email swap and an author sponsored book club with eleven other authors. It’s been great getting to make new author friends and read their stories.
Health Matters, Too
As I grow older, health has been an area of focus for me and this year is no different. Figuring out which foods affect me has been one thing. Having hernia surgery in March was another. I had no idea that something I had felt for years was impacting me so much. Now I’m on a quest to get stronger, lifting weights every day and stretching to get myself in better shape. When we went camping last month, I could ride a bike longer and without pain in my leg. I call that a win, and another area I can flourish in.
Spiritual Flourishing
Definitely not last on the list is my walk with God. This one is the most important area for me, but something that can be the most challenging to make the time for. It must be a daily event for me to focus on and strive in order to flourish. Through my time with Him comes the stories he wants me to tell. But it’s more than that. It’s the compass of my life, all aspects of my life, and how I respond to the daily challenges thrown my way.
Again, I feel sometimes as if I’m floundering here, but the grace, mercy, and forgiveness I receive from the Lord, helps me in turn show others the same. That was something I stumbled on when choosing flourish this year. There is a thing such as spiritual flourishing, and even though there was not a specific Bible verse for this, this was exactly what I am striving for.
Spiritual flourishing involves regular prayer, studying the Bible, trusting in God’s promises and living out my faith in daily actions. The nature of true flourishing is a contentment in Christ regardless of circumstances.
And that we can help others flourish too. By encouraging others, share God’s love, serve those in need, and pray for one another. This is my daily prayer, that I can be an encouragement to others including my husband and my kids.
“In his days may the righteous flourish and peace abound, till the moon is no more.” Psalm 72:7
“May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children” Psalms 115:14
Word of the Year Pages On My Website
I’ve dedicated a section on my website for my Word of the Year. I’ve already started building the flourish page. Take a peek. And come finish the year 2025 with a flourish!
0 1 Read moreWriting Research Trip of a Lifetime
July 12, 2025 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as London, writers life, writing researchIn May this year, I had the opportunity to take a writing research trip of a lifetime. Not only did I take so many notes in the genre I like to write in, I also was able to visit so many places I’ve read about.
Meaning, I stood in the spot many of my favorite literary characters have stood. I could even imagine favorite scenes of carriage rides in Hyde Park, a stroll across Grosvenor Square, or sitting at a show performed at the Royal Albert Hall with royalty in the box down the aisle.
I thought it would be fun to share some of these photos with all of you. Which also helps me preserve the memories from my writing research trip.
Visiting Places I’ve Read About
In London alone, we were able to visit Grosvener Square, where the elite once lived and is now home to several embassies. We got here on our last night and I was so happy. It was on my bucket list for this writing research trip.
Castles and Palaces
We also were able to drop by and see two Palaces, and go inside Windsor Castle (the state rooms are amazing. We weren’t allowed to take pictures, unfortunately. But I did take notes on some things I saw. Never know when those notes can be used for writing research.
Famous Streets
Several books have taken me to a variety of London neighborhoods including Bow Street, Drury Lane, and Trafalgar Square. I had hoped to get to 7 dials, and a few others, but boy is it all a lot of walking. Even Hyde Park is huge, we had to break it up into two days. But just walking around gave me such great insight into the lay of the land. Perfect information for my next read or writing project. I kept finding every thing we saw as a research opportunity.
Hyde Park
Hyde park was so fun to walk through. We walked one side on one day, and the other side another day. The main area where many carriages would parade to be seen was so big and open. The Serpentine was too. So many people were enjoying the park for the day having a picnic or renting paddleboats on the river. I could imagine scenes with the hero rowing a sweetheart and wooing her at the same time. I’ve read many scenes like this.
The London Zoo is where AA Milne would visit Winnipeg the bear that inspired the Winnie the Pooh Stories. This was a fun thing for me. Everything has a rich history in London. With many research points to capture.
Writing Research Outside of London – the trip continues
I was so excited to go Bath and see the Roman Baths. I’ve read many stories with this setting in it. To see it in person was amazing. So much history it was overwhelming. We also walked through several churches including Notre Dame in Paris. In Scotland, visiting Edinburgh Castle gave me several ideas for a new series, where I also could possibly include the history of golf at St. Andrews Golf Course. Again, I found myself continuously taking writing notes on my phone.
There’s so much more I haven’t shared, I think I need to do it in another post. Let me know in the comments if you are interested in more from my writing research trip.
All in all I feel beyond blessed to be able to have seen all that we did. And look forward to adding these pieces to future stories. I’m so thankful our son decided to study abroad. Which got us planning this trip in the first place!!
Last month I shared about how I managed my book launch while on this trip. Take a look at all the pics I took with my book cover at these historical sights.
Or visit my website to read more on my blog.
2 1 Read moreCelebrating Thirty Years of Romance
April 12, 2025 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as 30th anniversary, historical romance, writers lifeThis post is not really book related, but since I write historical romance, it is romance related. This month, on April 22nd to be exact, my husband and I are celebrating thirty years of romance. Okay the entire thirty years may not be all romance, but it is our 30th wedding anniversary.
Just like any romance story, ours is full of attraction, love, faith, hope, discord, arguments, difference of opinion, reconciliation, hope, fun, magic moments, hardships, love, faith, and so on. A lot can happen in thirty years. For our 25th year, I wrote a blog post for why he was the perfect hero for me.
If I were to be writing this as a book, our happily ever after began on April 22, 1995. But our story began on Feb. 2, 1992. I wrote about it this year in February post on denisemcolby.com.
We met at Disneyland. Our honeymoon was in Florida at DisneyWorld. And for our 30th anniversary, we are headed to Disneyland Paris in France. We are so excited.
Our wedding day, thirty years ago
It is so fun to reflect back to our special day thirty years ago. I definitely was influenced by the fairy tales I grew up with. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White. Our engagement happened at the Snow White wishing well by the castle at Disneyland, and we had a replica made for our wedding, making it a central piece to our wedding theme.
It’s fun to be able to share some pics from that day, long ago.
As you can see by the cake topper and toasting glasses, we added Disney touches everywhere.
We hired an artist friend Dave Avanzino (who now creates beautiful artwork including custom work for Disney) to transform our drab brown carpet area into a lush garden complete with a wishing well replica.
It was magical! Looking back I’m sure family and friends thought we were over the top, but our young adult church group was having over ten weddings a year at the time and we wanted to do something different and make it our own.
We could barely imagine our life thirty years from then. But here we are.
And here I am, now a published author with my second Historical Romance launching this year. I like to think my relationship with God and with my husband has influenced my writing.
Since this is a writing blog, I would be remiss if I didn’t share my new cover of A Slight Change of Plans. It launches May 27, 2025. A pre-order link will be coming soon. Next month, I’ll be sharing all about it.
Thirty years of romance later
Never could we imagine what our life would be like thirty years later. But now that we are here, I’m thankful for the adventure we have had so far. Here’s to many more years of romance in the future. Both in real life and in my stories.
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