When I started this blog for writers and other dreamers,
with the tagline “tell your stories, love your life,” a couple of people laughed right in my face. It was in early December, 2014, and they said, “Nobody reads blogs any more!”
Since that time, I’ve had over 13 million visits to the blog, and countless people have told me they have bookmarked some of my posts because they turn to them again and again. So if anyone ever laughs at you for making something new, just remember that they might not know what they’re talking about.
Here are ten of my most popular posts for writers (so far!)
Just click on the photo or the title to go to the post, if you want to check it out!
Master List of Facial Expressions
Like most of my master lists for writers, this one started out as a list just for me. It’s an especially great reference for setting up lines of dialogue.
50 Romance Plot Ideas
This is a list of romantic conflicts that are so versatile that they could be used for countless romance novels, short stories, scripts, and subplots.
A List of Magical Creatures, Fantasy Animals, and Supernatural Beings
This is a huge blog post, with dozens of links to read more. It’s a great reference for fantasy writers (and horror writers, too.)
100 Irresistible Logline Examples from Movies and Books to Inspire You
A great logline can keep you on track while you’re writing, and if you’re self-publishing, seeking an agent, or shopping a script around, it’s invaluable.
How to Describe Happiness: 100 Phrases
You can show happiness through actions, words, expressions, and gestures, but this list is for describing how happiness feels.
50 Plot Ideas for Thrillers
Like the ideas on the romance plot list, each of these can be taken countless different ways. They’re really high-level writing prompts.
35 Character Backstory Ideas
If you’re trying to figure out what a character’s deal is, this list might get your creative juices flowing.
Beautiful French Quotes and Phrases
Once in a while, I like to share roundups of quotes, and a few of those posts have taken off. This is one of them!
WIP Wednesdays (no link—many posts)
For many years on this blog, I hosted Work in Progress Wednesdays on the first Wednesday of every month. I would share a little excerpt of something I was working on (often very rough!) and invite you to do the same in the comments section. I got away from this in late 2023, for a few reasons, and didn’t do it consistently in 2024, but I will try to be consistent about it in 2025!
Authentic Regency-Era Names
This was my very first post, so it had plenty of time to get a lot of traction! It’s a reference for anyone who’s writing a novel set in the Regency era. (The time travel romance I’m working on now features a hero who’s from that era, so I used this post when I was naming him!)
By the way, my blog has a brand-new section for events!
Ever since I published my romcom novel Her Knight at the Museum, with a sequel coming out in 2025 or 2026, I’ve had invitations to teach workshops and do book signings. I’ll be adding events to the page as they get scheduled. Maybe I’ll have an appearance near you…and some of them will be virtual. I’d love to see you, in person or over Zoom!
I’ll do my best to make sure this blog keeps inspiring you!
I have a lot of plans for this blog, and I hope it adds a little bit of extra sparkle to your 2025. I know we all face a lot of challenges and uncertainty, but we don’t need to let that stop us from telling our stories and loving our lives.
THANK YOU for supporting me! This blog has become my pride and joy, and it’s been an honor to connect with so many writers and other creative people.
Hi Bryn! Thanks so much for this recap. It is very helpful. Have a safe and happy holiday and congratulations on your new release Her Knight at the Museum. I look forward to reading this. 🙂
Hi Cheryl! I hope you’re enjoying the holiday season. Thank you so much for the kind words about Her Knight at the Museum! I hope you enjoy reading it!
They don’t know what they’re talking about. I love your blogs.
Aww, thank you, Tom! I hope everything is going well with you!
Thank you, Bryn. Happy blog birthday!
Thank you, Tanya! I appreciate you!
I look forward to reading your blog! Thank you for sharing all these pearls of wisdom and congrats on 10 years!
Thank you so much, Stephanie! I’m glad you’re here! ✨
Your blogs really got me going! Can’t fully express my thanks for all your efforts. It’s like we’re on this journey together, and that means a lot, so thank you!
Sonia
Oh thank you, Sonia! I really appreciate the kind words, and I’m so glad the blog’s been useful for you. I have always loved connecting with you here!
Congrats! That is amazing. You deserve an extra special treat for this. Most of us can’t make it a year.
Aww thank you, Erin! You’ve been here about the whole time, I think? I appreciate you so much! I hope you’re having a good holiday season!
Congratulations on your blogging success, and I look forward to following you!
Yay! Thank you so much, Valerie, and welcome! I hope you enjoy the blog, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday and 2025!
Thank you for sharing and the continued advice. I’ve considered starting a blog, but get cold feet at the technology involved. Well done, congratulations with celebrations on your ten years blogging.
Love and blessings for a Merry Christmas, and Peace, Joy, Love and Hope for 2025.
Hi Paula! It’s true that the more you get into blogging, the more you have to deal with the technical side—that’s been my experience, at least! Thank you so much for the congratulations and good wishes! I hope you have a merry Christmas and a wonderful 2025!
You provide valuable, applicable resources. I cannot thank you enough as I push forward with a novel. Your lists are especially helpful and time saving. You’re an inspiration. I wish I had your offerings when teaching creative writing. My students would have benefit significantly.
Oh Gary, that means so much to me! Thank you. I’m so glad the lists are useful! I hope you have amazing success with the novel!
You are a writing powerhouse. Your blogs resonate perfectly with readers. hats off, my deep respect for you. God be with us
Hi Arvind! I appreciate that. Thank you so much!
Congratulations, Bryn! 🙂 I still remember some of the great lessons you taught in your blog class, like, years ago! Really happy for you!
Kat! Oh my gosh, I forgot about that! It doesn’t seem so long ago, honestly. It’s great to hear from you. I hope everything’s going well with you! 💙
Congratulations!
denise