Author: C. N. Garraway
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3 Years to Publish My Poetry Book – What I Learned
The Journey to Self-Publishing For years, I dreamed of getting my work published. I decided to start with poetry, thinking it would be faster. I was wrong. Poetry books take just as much time—if not more. Finding the right poems for a cohesive collection is challenging. I wanted my poetry book to build my readership…
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Prompt Friday – Bloody
Write this scene:You are having a peaceful dinner at a restaurant when bullets start flying, and one shatters the glass you pick up to drink. My Response Crab Envy Marvelle, New JerseyApril 10, 2026 — 6:00 PM Sharon’s food had just arrived. She was pleased because she was starving after skipping lunch. Her stomach rumbled.…
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You Can Design Your Own Book Cover — Here’s How
Do you want to design your own book cover, but keep hearing that you shouldn’t? Many articles strongly push authors to hire professional cover designers. Others say you can do it yourself. I am not here to pressure you into hiring a professional. Chances are, you have found this article because you cannot afford one…
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Free Verse Friday – Show Up
Show up when it’s tough.Show up when you have nothing to say.Show up when life gets too busy.Show up when doubt creeps in. Show up when only three words come out.Show up when everyone is telling you you’ll never make it.Show up when social media interaction is low.Show up when your family is driving you…
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Prompt Friday – We’re Watching
Prompt Prompt Friday: Write this scene. You return from lunch to find a flash drive on your desk with a note that says we’re watching. You must follow the directions on the flash drive, and you only have one hour to complete the tasks. My Response I entered my office after a disappointing lunch. Two…
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Before I Knew I Was Writing a Thriller | Expanding a Story Into a Novella
When a Story Won’t Let Go Stories are always rolling around in my head—until one starts screaming louder than the others. That’s exactly how I realized I was writing a thriller without even knowing it. Has that ever happened to you? Revisiting Old Work After finishing my poetry book and preparing it for publication, I…
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Prompt Friday – The Alien Arena
Prompt Write this scene. You wake up nude, chained to what appears to be a stripper pole, in a room filled with strange-looking people and creatures. My Response Voices faded in and out as I surfaced from unconsciousness. A headache bloomed behind my eyes. I blinked against a blur of lights until my vision steadied.…
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What Genre Are You Writing In? When Your Story Becomes Multiple Genres
Have you ever started writing a short story or novel in one genre, only to realize later that it turned into something completely different? This has happened to me more than once. I enjoy writing mysteries and police procedurals, but when I’m working on a story, I often find myself adding romantic elements along the…
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Prompt Friday – Unknown Caller
Prompt Write this scene. Your cellphone is found at a crime scene, and it’s ringing. The caller ID reads “Unknown.” My Response I pulled up behind a black-and-white cruiser. The heat kissed me in an instant caress, the moment I stepped out. I adjusted the collar of my light blue shirt as I headed over…
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What Your Writer’s Block Might Be Telling You
You sit down to write, only to realize that your story has somehow swum away and refuses to return. The ideas that once felt clear suddenly feel distant. The scene you were excited to write won’t come together. Writer’s block can feel frustrating, but most of the time it isn’t random. Usually, it’s a sign…
C. N. Garraway 