Why I'm Giving Up on My Writer Dream

K.J. Here! I recently tried Stephen King's writing routine to see if I could break through my writer's block and get inspired, here's what worked, what didn't, and my experience overall.In this episode, KJ dives into...🚨Who Stephen King is and why his routine matters📢 How treating our writing practice like working out helps productivity and creativity✍️ Why putting an emphasis on physical well-being is essential for work/life balance and avoiding burnout💡 PLUS: Final thoughts on the routine and whether or not I'll use it long term🎧 What part of this routine stood out the most to you? Would you ever try this routine out for yourself?👇❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot_____________________________________________________________🎙️Audiobook Narration/Social Media for Authors👇www.pen2plot.com✨F O L L O W U S✨🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pen2plot.podcast?lang=en✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.Business inquiries: [email protected]#stephenking #stephenkingonwriting #stephenkingroutine #stephenkingwritingtips #stephenkingbooks #Pen2Plot #writingislife #writinginspiration #writingmotivation #writingchallenge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 has been a pretty confusing year for storytellers, considering A.I. advancements in the creative space, leaving many people asking themselves, "Does my story matter anymore?...should I even bother?"In this episode, KJ dives into...🚨Why now is the best time to start/complete your work!📢 How writing your novel is an act of rebellion!✍️ Overcoming creative guilt and how to take ownership of your writing time 💡 PLUS: What human creativity does that A.I. simply can't recreate🎧 What's the greatest obstacle holding you back from finishing your novel this year?👇❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot_____________________________________________________________🎙️Audiobook Narration/Social Media for Authors👇www.pen2plot.com✨F O L L O W U S✨🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pen2plot.podcast?lang=en✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.Business inquiries: [email protected]#Pen2Plot #impostersyndrome #innercritic #writingislife #writinginspiration #writingmotivation #dumpsterfire #writingchallenge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"So, what's your book about?" Most writers have a love/hate relationship with this question. In this episode, KJ offers practical examples for whipping up an elevator-pitch-style summary of any story…in only two sentences.In this episode, KJ dives into...🪝 The hook, retention, reward method of developing an engaging summary ✍️ What key descriptive elements to include/exclude to create maximum intrigue and appeal to your audience💡 PLUS: use this two-sentence summary structure for more than just an elevator pitch✨📝Here's the template! Use this to quickly come up with impactful blurbs that get readers begging to know more!⬇️A [genre] novel about a [very short description of your character's key attributes + inciting incident]. She/he/they then must [the central conflict/character's mission] or [the results of failure/the alternative destiny].🎧 Will you use this 2-sentence book blurb to summarize your novel? If so, share the results in the comments!👇❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot_____________________________________________________________🎙️Audiobook Narration/Social Media for Authors👇www.pen2plot.com✨F O L L O W U S✨🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pen2plot.podcast?lang=en✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.Business inquiries: [email protected]#Pen2Plot #characterbuilding #characterdevelopment #writingtechnique #writingchallenge #characteranalysis Chapters:0:00 - Intro0:38 - In Today's Episode1:09 - The Dreaded Question1:44 - Hook, Retention, Reward02:59 - Summary Template03:50 - Personal Example04:27 - Mainstream Example05:12 - Other Template Uses05:52 - Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are your characters starting to sound a lot like you, but with different masks? Here's how to use Meisner Acting Techniques —emotional prep, moment-to-moment, and strong objectives — to write characters that feel real and unique!In this episode, KJ dives into...🧠 Actors' methods to avoid flat characters using character development principles derived from acting techniques📚 Why only relevant backstory is needed to influence character behaviour📉 How getting specific is the most effective way to create rich, complex characters💡 How to write moment-to-moment, whether you're a pantser or a plotter!✅ PLUS: Why having empathy for your enemies actually makes you a stronger writer🎧 How do you make your characters feel real—do you rely on backstory, moment-to-moment choices, or something else? (Let us know in the comments)👇❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot_____________________________________________________________🎙️Audiobook Narration/Social Media for Authors👇www.pen2plot.com✨F O L L O W U S✨🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pen2plot.podcast?lang=en✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.Business inquiries: [email protected]#Pen2Plot #characterbuilding #characterdevelopment #writingtechnique #writingchallenge #characteranalysis Chapters:0:00 - Intro0:43 - In Today's Episode5:49 - Audiobook Narration By Pen2Plot6:38 - Define a Clear Objective10:11 - Allow Relationship Influence11:38 - Reactions Guide Dialogue15:09 - Why Empathy for Our Enemies Improves Our Writing16:51 - Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎉 Think you’re too old (or too late) to start writing? You’re not alone, but 2025 might just be the perfect year to begin your creative journey.In this episode, K.J. and Chelsey chat all about:✍️ Why now is the best time in history to become a writer and bypass the gatekeepers!📱 How new tools and platforms have evolved to put more power than ever in creatives' hands.💭 Reflecting on our personal mental roadblocks around age, timing, and self-doubt💌 PLUS: We have a special announcement for writers of any age who are ready to kickstart their creative writing journey this year ⭐Stay tuned until the end!👇 What’s held you back from starting your creative journey? Let us know in the comments❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot_____________________________________________________________✍️Check Out Pen2Plot's Novel Lab 👉 https://www.pen2plot.com/p2pcourses/pen2plot-novel-lab✨F O L L O W U S✨🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.Business inquiries: [email protected]#Pen2Plot #CreativeMindset #StorytellerLife #StopDreamingStartDoing #WriterMotivation #creativejourney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🤖 Tempted to use AI in your story development? Plenty of writers are wondering about its current uses and if there is any ethical way to integrate it into our writing journey...or is it better to just boycott the tech altogether?In this episode, KJ dives into...🧠 The ethics of using AI in the creative process. Even if it's just to outline, brainstorm, or edit.📚 Why this topic is so divisive in the creative world, and what the Pen2Plot community has to say.📉 The uncomfortable questions: Does AI steal intellectual property? Or does it level the playing field?💡 Where she draws the line, what tools she does use, and why human creativity matters more than ever!✅ PLUS: If you're looking for ways to speed up your writing process without touching AI, stay until the end for some low-tech hacks that boost creativity and help avoid controversy.🎧 Does it matter how a story was made if it is objectively good? Where do you draw the line? (Let us know in the comments)👇❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot_____________________________________________________________✍️(For New Subscribers) Click Below for Pen2Plot's 9-Step Writing Productivity Workbook: https://pen2plot.substack.com/✨F O L L O W U S✨🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.Business inquiries: [email protected]#Pen2Plot #CreativeMindset #StorytellerLife #StopDreamingStartDoing #WriterMotivation #CreativeJourney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

😥 Haven’t written in a while? Feeling like a "fake" writer? Trust me, you’re not alone! Life can throw off our creative flow, and getting back into writing can feel like a major challenge.In this episode, we dive into:✍️ What makes someone a "REAL" writer😵‍💫 Overcoming imposter syndrome after a long writing break ✨How to reignite your inspiration and get back into your creative flow✅ PLUS: Sharknado, Cocaine Bear, Twilight fandoms, and community stories to inspire AND make you laugh!😆 What’s a “B-rated” book or movie that actually inspires you? Drop your faves in the comments below! 👇❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot_____________________________________________________________⚔️Click below for our exclusive interview with sci-fi fantasy author Kevin Weir: https://youtu.be/iq0G_L6E18M✨F O L L O W U S✨🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pen2plot.podcast✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.Business inquiries: [email protected]#Pen2Plot #CreativeMindset #StorytellerLife #StopDreamingStartDoing #WriterMotivation #CreativeJourney #impostersyndrome Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💭✨ "What’s your Plan B when the dream doesn’t work out?" If you’re tired of being asked that question, you’re not alone. Good news: there is a smarter way to build a backup plan—one that doesn’t toss your creative goals in the trash.In this episode, KJ shares…🧠 Why choosing to invest huge amounts of time in a "safer" path can sabotage our creative momentum.📅 How reframing "Plan B" as a strategic contingency plan for our creative goals can keep us focused as well as financially stable.📉 Why a day job isn’t a cushion—it’s an illusion of safety that can keep storytellers stuck.✅ PLUS: Actionable mindset shifts to help you reclaim your focus, commit to the creative life you actually want, and use your muggle work as fuel, not a fallback.🎧 Which mindset shift resonated most with you? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇❤️Love the show? Support us with a coffee ☕ → https://buymeacoffee.com/pen2plot_____________________________________________________________⚔️Click below for our exclusive interview with sci-fi fantasy author Kevin Weir: https://youtu.be/iq0G_L6E18M✨F O L L O W U S✨🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon🌐CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.Business inquiries: [email protected]#Pen2Plot #CreativeMindset #StorytellerLife #StopDreamingStartDoing #WriterMotivation #CreativeJourney #planb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💭✨ Giving up on the dream of being a storyteller? It might just be the best thing you can do for your creative life.In this episode, KJ shares…🧠 Why letting go of the fantasy of our creative dreams can actually bring more clarity, focus, and creative joy.📅 How shifting from dreaming to planning has changed everything—from writing a novel and growing Pen2Plot to building a sustainable creative business.📉 Why failure isn’t the end—it’s data, not defeat. KJ shares raw, honest personal reflections on rejection, burnout, and bouncing back.💡 Actionable mindset shifts to help you stop waiting for permission and start building the creative life you want—right now.✅ PLUS: KJ reveals the five core mindset pillars that helped transform storytelling from a distant goal into a grounded, purpose-filled plan.🎧 Let us know which mindset shift resonated most with you in the comments! 👇🩷CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com_____________________________________________________________⚔️Click below for our exclusive interview with sci-fi fantasy author Kevin Weir: https://youtu.be/iq0G_L6E18M✨F O L L O W U S✨🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.Business inquiries: [email protected]#Pen2Plot #CreativeMindset #StorytellerLife #StopDreamingStartDoing #WriterMotivation #CreativeJourney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍾🙌 Our first-ever guest episode! We’re joined by award-winning author and director Kevin Weir for a deep dive into his dark sci-fi fantasy adventures.In this episode, we're sharing… 🎙️ Our first-ever podcast guest is the award-winning, genre-blending author and director Kevin Weir! Kevin joins us for an epic creative deep dive to chat all about his work in dark sci-fi fantasy. 📚 How Kevin decides which medium (film, print, or books) best fits his stories, the power of world-building, and why he loves genre-blending. ✨ How reader feedback influences his work, plus his most memorable fan interactions from book signings and conventions.✅ PLUS: Kevin shares his thoughts on self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, the signature elements of a “Kevin Weir story,” and teases what’s next for All Gods Fall.Which of Kevin’s sci-fi fantasy adventures are you adding to your TBR? Let us know in the comments! 👇🩷CHECK OUT PEN2PLOT PRODUCTIONS: www.pen2plot.com_____________________________________________________________✨K E V I N S B O O K S ✨🖤Ink for Blood: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ink-for-blood-kevin-weir/1141873188🔫Endless Hunger: https://www.amazon.com/Endless-Hunger-Kevin-Weir-ebook/dp/B07CYH116H/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530559660&sr=8-1&keywords=endless+hunger🪽All Gods Fall Season 1: Storms: https://www.amazon.com/All-Gods-Fall-Season-One/dp/1777327415👻Hauntings and Hoar Frost: https://www.rhondaparrish.com/home/publications/anthologies/hauntings-and-hoarfrost/✨F O L L O W K E V I N✨💗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinweirauthor/✍️Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kevinweirauthor🦋Bluesky: https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/kevinweir.bsky.social🗨️Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/StrawdogG2🌐Website: www.kevinweirbooks.com✨F O L L O W U S✨🔴Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpodcast🟢Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpod🔵Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/pentoplotpodcast💗iHeart Radio: https://tinyurl.com/p2ppodcastiheart🟠Audible: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotaudible⚫️Patreon: https://tinyurl.com/pen2plotpatreon✨P 2 P S O C I A L S✨Threads: https://www.threads.net/@pen2plotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pen2plot/✨ A B O U T P 2 P✨K.J. Herman and Chelsey Fawcett are a dynamic duo who have collaborated for over ten years on various film, theatre, and animation projects. Their work has reached national and international audiences, garnering recognition for creativity and impact. Their goal is to connect with fellow storytellers, fostering a supportive community where shared stories and lessons can spark new ideas and encourage creativity.Business inquiries: [email protected]#writingcommunity #booktube #scififantasy #authortube #kevinweir #whenworldscollide #authorinterview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.