Photo by Viktor Danov on Unsplash

Writing a novel is never a straight path—it’s a journey with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. For the past few months, I’ve found myself navigating a lot of those detours. Between work, caring for a family member, and the general busyness of life, finding time to write has been a challenge. Add in the intensity of election season and recovering from COVID, and, well, the road hasn’t been smooth.

But I’ve found my way back. Slowly, steadily, I’m returning to Grace Morgenstern’s story in The Second Coming of Grace, and reconnecting with what makes this project so meaningful to me. It’s been a reminder that even in the busiest seasons, we can always pick up where we left off.

The Tools That Help Me Reconnect

Getting back into writing after time away can feel daunting. I’ve found that having the right tools and structure makes all the difference. For me, Scrivener has been a game-changer. Its ability to organize chapters, scenes, and notes in one place helps me see the bigger picture while also breaking the process into manageable steps. Every time I add a new scene summary or update a character note, I feel a little closer to Grace and her journey.

Themes That Keep Me Going

One of the most inspiring parts of writing this novel is exploring the theme of inner strength and worth—realizing that we don’t have to conform to anyone else’s expectations. Grace’s journey is deeply personal for me; like her, I’ve struggled with the pressure to fit into molds that weren’t meant for me. Writing her story feels like a way of reclaiming not just her power, but my own.

As I write, I think about the moments when Grace discovers that she doesn’t need to apologize for who she is, when she learns to trust her voice and stand her ground. Those moments remind me why I started this novel in the first place, and they inspire me to keep going.

Overcoming Obstacles

Of course, no journey is without its challenges. Writer’s block is a real struggle—especially when life feels overwhelming. Between managing my home business, caring for an elderly family member, and recovering from a lingering post-COVID cough, finding energy and focus for writing hasn’t been easy.

But what I’ve learned is that progress doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Some days, it’s just about opening Scrivener and outlining a single scene. Other days, it’s spending 25 focused minutes drafting. Little by little, those small steps add up.

What’s Next for The Second Coming of Grace

As I dive back into the writing process, my next steps are clear. I’m working on refining my chapter and scene summaries in Scrivener, giving myself a clearer roadmap for Grace’s story. I’m also committing to a simple but effective writing habit: 25 minutes a day. It may not seem like much, but it’s a start—and sometimes starting is the hardest part.

A Question for You

Writing is a journey, and I know I’m not alone in facing challenges along the way. I’d love to hear from you:

• How do you stay connected to your creative projects during busy or overwhelming times?
• Do you have any tools or habits that help you find your way back when you’ve stepped away?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to know what works for you!

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Writing The Second Coming of Grace is one of the most rewarding and challenging things I’ve ever done, and knowing that you’re here cheering me on means the world. Here’s to taking small steps, finding inner strength, and always coming back to the things that matter most.