The most powerful writing tool you have…
It’s easy to think off something like joining a writing program, hiring a private writing coach, or going to a writing retreat as indulgent little breaks from “real life.” You spend a bit of time focused on your writing, and then it’s back to the drudgery of everyday life, right? Wrong, actually. Investing in yourself…
Burnout is NOT a Badge of Honour
Writers are passionate people. We pour ourselves into our stories, our characters, our sentences . . . we write until our fingers hurt and eyes blur, edit until we hate our own voice, and push through deadlines, family life, and existential doubt with pure grit and determination. And then (surprise!) we eventually crash. Burnout is…
Stillness Sparks Stories: The Link Between Mindfulness and Creative Breakthroughs
Let me ask you something: When was the last time you sat in stillness with no distractions, no notifications, and no guilt? No multitasking. No doomscrolling. No background noise. Just you, your thoughts, and a pen (or keyboard). If your honest answer is “Uhhh… never?” then you’re not alone. But you’re also missing out on…
Write Like a Pro: How Coaching Accelerates Your Writing Success
You wouldn’t expect a world-class athlete to train without a coach. Michael Jordan had one. So did Serena Williams. So did Sidney Crosby. But for some reason, when it comes to writing, a nuanced and demanding art form, many writers feel like they’re supposed to go it alone. Spoiler alert: you don’t have to. In…
Perfection Is the Enemy of Punk Rock (and Great Writing)
Chasing perfection is the quickest way to kill your writing. Learn why punk rock’s raw desperation—not polished precision—is the secret to writing with power and purpose.
Flow State, Deep Work, and Why You Need a Retreat to Get There
You’ve been there: that magical moment when the words are pouring out, the story is unfolding before your eyes, and for once, the writing feels easy. You look up and two hours have vanished. You were in the zone. In the groove. In the… flow. But let’s be honest, how often does that really happen?…
We’re Better Together: Why Writing in Community Makes You Better
There’s a persistent myth in the writing world that it’s a solo journey. Picture the stereotype of a writer hunched over a desk in a dark room, wrestling with the muse and muttering about adverbs. Romantic? Maybe. Accurate? Hardly. Because the truth is, the best writing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community. And…
A Writing Coach’s Guide to Unforgettable Opening Lines
Discover what makes a great first line in fiction. Writing coach Kevin T. Johns shares practical tips for hooking readers from the very first sentence.
What Should Happen Next? How to Fill in the Gaps in Your Novel’s Plot
Let’s face it: even with the best-laid plans, stories have a mind of their own. Right now, I’m coaching several amazing authors through my First Draft group program—many of whom recently completed my Story Plan Intensive program, where they created detailed, well-structured outlines in just 30 days. These writers aren’t flying by the seat of…
The Nature Cure for Writers: Why Attention Restoration Theory Works
What if the key to better writing wasn’t another online course, writing prompt, or productivity app… but a tree? No, seriously. There’s a reason why the best writing retreats aren’t held in office towers or strip mall conference rooms. They’re tucked away in cottages, forests, mountains, and oceanside inns. That’s not just a vibe thing.…
