When Plans Fall Apart: Embracing the Unexpected in the Writing Process

The Plan That Didn’t Go as Planned

This was supposed to be the month my novel went out into the world.

I had it all mapped out: the edits, the launch plan, the celebration. And I was EXCITED – there were preorders! And she’s beautiful – this book. I’ve worked on her for years, and to me she is alive and so, so special. Look at her!

But Then… Life Happened

But life, as it often does, had other ideas. Unexpected challenges cropped up, deadlines slipped, and suddenly, I found myself staring down the reality that my novel just wasn’t ready.

-Cue the feelings of failure and imposter syndrome.-

The Doubt That Creeps In

How could I, someone who teaches writing and cheers others on in their creative journeys, let this happen? Was I even cut out for this?

I am going to make a pretty solid assumption that I’m not the only one who’s felt this, amiright? And it just… ugh. It’s brutal.

Reframing the Narrative

But after cancelling all my preorders, a good cry, lots of cookies, and some deep breaths, I realized something: this isn’t failure—it’s part of the process.

Sometimes, life doesn’t align perfectly with our plans. And that’s okay. Pushing back my novel’s release wasn’t giving up; it was giving my story the time it needed to shine.

You’re Not Alone

If you’ve ever felt that same doubt, I want you to know you’re not alone. Writing is hard, and juggling it with everything else life throws at us is even harder. But you’re doing it. We’re doing it.

To help us both keep going, I want to share something with you: a free resource that’s helped me find focus and inspiration when I feel stuck. I call it The Story Finder, and it is based on the exercises I do myself when I’m stuck, and I am stuck A LOT.

To help us both keep going, I want to share something with you: a free resource that’s helped me find focus and inspiration when I feel stuck.

I call it The Story Finder, and it is based on the exercises and reminders I do myself when I’m stuck, and I am stuck A LOT.

I hope it reminds you that even in the messy, unpredictable moments, your story matters.

Grab Your Free Copy Here

I hope it reminds you that even in the messy, unpredictable moments, your story matters.

And if you’re looking for more support, I’ve got some other resources you might find helpful. From plotting templates to workbooks, they’re tools I’ve designed for days just like these. You can check them out at the shop!

So here’s my takeaway: Plans may fall apart, but that doesn’t mean our dreams will. Here’s to taking things one day—and one draft—at a time. 🌟

P.S. Have you ever had to push back a creative goal? I’d love to hear how you kept going. Let me know in the comments below! I read them all, and it’s so nice to know we aren’t alone!