New Homepage - Writing and Wellness

Self-doubt will stop you.

Back pain, hip pain, wrist pain and fatigue will slow you down.

Discouragement will be your permanent companion.

Success will seem forever out of reach.

You’ll burn out and quit.

You’ll never make your writing dreams come true.

I’m Colleen M. Story, novelist, freelance writer, writing coach, and speaker living in the great Northwest. I have published 7 award-winning books so far—4 novels and 3 nonfiction books for writers.

But things weren’t always so great.

It took me over 15 years to get my first traditional publishing contract. During that time, I struggled with self-doubt, discouragement, and uncertainty. Meanwhile, because I was spending so many hours at the computer, I injured myself and struggled with back pain so severe I had to do my freelance work on the floor for two months.

I know what it’s like to want the writing dream so bad you can taste it, but to feel like you’ll never get there.

That’s why I created Writing and Wellness—to help others manage the journey better than I did. Join our list of subscribers now to gain access to free information and inspiration that will help you grow a vibrant and rewarding writing life. You’ll also have the option to take advantage of writing coaching, manuscript assessments, and more to elevate your career.

Isn’t it time you felt motivated and hopeful about where you’re going? I’d be happy to help.

Fearless Writing: The Unexpected Journey To My Favorite ‘F’ Word!
Memoirist Bridey Thelen-Heidel shares her story of embracing fearless writing—something all of us writers can embrace for the good of our creativity and careers! by Bridey Thelen-Heidel “I got another rejection!” I shouted, adding a seventh tally to the cabinet door in my classroom. “WOOHOO!” my AP Literature students cheered.
How to Accept the Emotional Roller Coaster of Writing as Normal
The emotional roller coaster of writing—have you experienced it? Most likely, your answer is “yes,” as it’s a rare writer who hasn’t. Sometimes, writing is an amazing high. The story is going so well that you write furiously for hours without noticing the passing of time. Your email inbox is
The Truth About Writing On Medium: The Surprising Pros And Cons You Can’t Ignore
Should you try writing on Medium? When it comes to sharing your writing with the world, Medium has emerged as a popular platform. Founded in 2012, it’s been a place for writers of all levels to find an audience, build their voice, and even earn money. At the suggestion of
The Surprising Benefits of Scary Stories–with Helpful Tips for Writing Them
Do you like scary stories? I read Beth’s new novel, The Inhabitants, and absolutely loved it. It draws you into a spooky and suspenseful atmosphere, and though you can feel the hairs standing up on the back of your neck, you enjoy the experience. It’s not graphic or overly violent,
Urgent Warning: 5 Signs You’re Dividing Your Writing Energy And How To Reclaim It
If you’re splitting your writing energy, you’re defeating yourself before you even get started. I’m not talking about your physical energy, necessarily, though that can be part of it. I’m talking about the mental and emotional energy that charges your writing dreams. This energy propels you to work on your
Writing to Heal: How a Long-Term Writing Process Helped Me Forgive
Author Ginelle Testa has a beautiful story of writing to heal. Check out her new memoir, Make a Home Out of You. by Ginelle Testa Whether you’re writing a memoir, a personal essay, or even fiction tinged with real-world experience, stories can evoke feelings about choices you’ve made throughout your
5 Steps to Building a Strong Foundation for Your Writing Career
Do you have a strong foundation for your writing career? If you do, you probably know it. If you don’t, you may be asking: a what? I got to thinking about this after I found this nest (pictured below). I think it’s a robin’s nest, blown out of my cottonwood
How to Use Sound to Inspire Writing Creativity and Productivity
Have you ever thought of using sound to inspire writing? Find out more about this fun self-care activity below. by L. Everhart In an era dominated by screens and deadlines, writers are increasingly turning to unconventional methods to foster creativity and maintain mental well-being. Among these techniques, sound therapy is
How to Get Past Self-Doubt and Fear to Write Your Story
If you’re struggling with self-doubt and fear, romance writer Stephanie Fowers can help. She’s been there and has discovered some great coping techniques! by Stephanie Fowers What are my doubts right now? What are my fears? These are the questions I ask myself when I feel the self-doubt creeping up
How To Shine In Author Interviews: Strategies For Captivating Your Audience
Are you taking advantage of author interviews to build your platform? If you’re not, you should! Many show hosts are looking for guests just like you. Whenever you take part in an interview, you increase your odds of attracting new readers to your platform. Plus, you can use the links
How to Connect with Readers at Your Author Reading
As an author, one of the things you may be expected to do is an author reading. This is where a group of people gather to hear you (and perhaps some other authors) read from your work. It’s your chance to connect with new readers who may go on to
My Exciting Journey of Publishing My First Novel at Age 71
I remember when I published my first novel. It was the culmination of much hard work and so many dreams. I love Ann’s story, here, about how she found her way to her first publication. If you want to be inspired, read on! by Ann Bancroft I started writing in