C. N. Garraway

Photo by: Oleg Gapeenko

Honing Your Craft?

As a writer, do you continue to learn and sharpen your skills?

I do. I haven’t been published yet, but I’m committed to improving. I research writing constantly—watching videos, reading books, and learning from authors who write and edit for a living. It’s encouraging (and humbling) to see that many of the mistakes they point out are ones I’ve made too. In the past, I often didn’t notice those errors, but as I’ve grown older and more serious about my writing, I’ve become focused on becoming a prolific writer.

Growing as a Poet

I’ve loved writing poetry since I was a young girl. Right now, I’m working on a poetry book. I’ve pushed back the publication date a few times, but I’m now fully committed to completing the manuscript and releasing it in April 2026. It still needs a lot of editing, but I know I’m on the right track.

To improve, I’ve started studying poetry more intentionally. I typically write in free verse, but I’ve also experimented with other forms. I’ve written one ode and a couple of limericks. While my first attempts weren’t perfect, they were a start—and I’ll keep learning.

Continuing to Learn Fiction Writing

Even though I’ve written several novels, I still read articles and books about crafting stories. There’s always something new to learn. Every author approaches storytelling differently, and I try to take in as much as I can.

I read books outside of my usual genre, which often sparks new ideas and gives me fresh insight into narrative structure. Lately, I’ve been reading more than writing, and I believe that’s okay—it’s part of the process. I know my writing can improve, and I’m committed to that growth.

Finding Inspiration and Systems

One of the ways I challenge myself is by watching webinars on different aspects of writing. I’d love to finish novels more quickly, so I’m working on creating a system that works for me. I have many works-in-progress (WIPs) that I’d love to finish.

Now and then, I will try writing prompts. These help me stick to a theme and challenge me to condense and focus my writing, which has been incredibly helpful.

Blogging as a Writing Tool

The biggest change in my writing journey came when I returned to blogging. It forces me to focus and build a habit of writing regularly. Since restarting my blog, I’ve even returned to novels I hadn’t touched in years. Blogging reignited my passion and gave me the creative boost I needed.

What are some ways that you hone your writing craft?