Inspiration Strikes: Writing the 'In The Reins' Sequel

I’ve found that when something seems scary it’s usually the path I need to take.  If I had one piece of advice to offer writers on getting a book written I would have to steal a page from Nike’s playbook and say “Just Do It!” I sometimes wonder if I'll have anything to say when I sit down to my morning writing sessions but then I JUST DO IT and the words magically come.  ​

If your heart tells you to write then you must write!  ​Don’t be afraid.  Live your dream of being an author every day.  Fall in love with your book because no one can write the way you do!  You are unique!  Wake up excited to write!  What we think we become ... trust your creativity.  This is what I think before I start to write … 

I am a writer.
I am an author.
I am creative.
I attract all things necessary for fulfilling my writing goals.

If you want to write try saying those words to yourself.  And then be kind to yourself about writing ... just start ... that's all you have to do. Inspiration strikes in the most interesting ways.  Sometimes it’s through cultivating a writing habit (like 5 am morning writing sessions) and sometimes inspiration comes like lightning.  When I experience the latter, I have to catch it as fast as I can so I always (always!) carry a journal with me wherever I go.  

I’m full steam ahead on the sequel to In The Reins.  So in this post, I thought I’d share how (and some of the surprising places where) the sequel is coming to be …

1.  Morning Writing Sessions in My Office

To write a book and fuel inspiration you have to JUST DO IT (seriously).   It takes commitment to make the time but that creates the space so the words can show up.  I promise ;)  Every morning when I sit down to write I wonder if I’ll have anything to say then it just comes because I’ve given my imagination dedicated time to create.  

2.  Capturing Inspiration in My Journal

It is in my journal that I capture creativity when it comes at me like a lightning bolt.  I always (always!) carry my journal with me!  Yes, I still hand write.  How prehistoric … LOL!

3.  My Sticky Notes Are Everywhere

​These things are my savior!  I write little notes to remind myself of ideas I have for the sequel when I'm away from my laptop. I use them in the car when I am driving, when I wake up in middle of night to scribble my dreams, and after my workouts at the gym.  

These little notes to myself even wind up in some interesting places.  I found this one stuck to a CHEEZ-IT box when I went to make my lunch!  I had the crackers with me at the barn over the weekend. They make a good horseback riding snack!

4.  With a Little Help from My Friends

My favorite fuzzy companions keep me company!  Writing is a pretty solitary occupation and their voiceless company paired with positive energy is perfect for generating creativity.  Jovi and Jagger are always there tails wagging and  ready for a petting session when I need some extra encouragement.

5.  Up In The Air

I LOVE writing in flight!  I make the most of airplane tray tables and the times when I am trapped in the air.  These times are when I can maintain uninterrupted focus for several hours.  Give me earphones, my Mac, a little elbow room (maybe a plastic cup of wine) and you’ll get thousands of words!

6.  Savoring Alone Time in Hotel Rooms

I make the most out of solitary nights on business trips by holing up in my hotel room (after a creativity inspiring workout of course!) and typing like crazy.  It’s been said that the best gift you can give a writer is alone time.  When I get it (which is rare) I use it wisely!

7.  Sitting in the Saddle

A lot of the inspiration for the sequel to In The Reins comes from time spent  in the saddle.  

8.  In the Barn on a Bale of Hay

And then, after my ride, I often have to scurry to capture the words on the only thing I can find when inspiration suddenly hits me when back in the barn ... torn out insides of my horse's feed bags!  I scribble while perched on hay bales!

Creative writing makes my spurs jingle!  I am so excited about the journey this series is taking me on!  As McKennon and Devon’s story continues, I will be sharing sneak peeks, updates and new release info on my blog for readers who can’t wait to find out what happens next for the handsome cowboy and his wannabe cowgirl.  

So remember ... if you aspire to write a book to be kind to yourself with your writing ... just start ... that's all you have to do.

In The Reins​ is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and iBooks.  Swing by the blog again next week, I'll share new videos, pics, and stories that highlight interesting cowgirl topics, horse tips, sequel sneak peeks, updates, and release info!  

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