by Jenna | Jun 19, 2025 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to two readers in response to their submissions to a recent reader survey I conducted.
Their comments and questions coalesced around balancing writing with the rest of a busy life:
“I am struggling with balancing writing with life. I know what I need to do but similar to dieting, there is bingeing then over-compliance. It’s hard to make the habit work with so much to do.”
“I’ve not written in a LONG time — it feels like life events overwhelm me — I’m just not motivated.”
Especially if writing is an optional endeavor—at least in the sense that we’re writing on spec and not being paid (yet!) to write—it’s not easy to balance with the rest of life. Even professional working writers can find writing swallowing up or at least significantly impacting their personal lives, from what I’ve seen.
In the article, I discuss the challenges these writers are facing and then explore some possible strategies and solutions to consider when dealing with a busy life, a propensity to binge, avoid, or overly comply, and a lack of motivation to write.
Solutions:
1. Structure.
2. Rock bottom minimum writing targets.
3. Not to exceed guidelines.
4. The passion rule.
5. Three big rocks.
Much like a screenplay benefits from a proper structure, so do you as a writer. Structure is a container for a story. A writing practice is a container for your writing. It makes a place for writing to be a part of your life. If you don’t have this kind of structure, or container, you have to struggle daily with the “when” and “if” of writing, rather than it being a given.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
Image credit: Script Magazine / Canva
by Jenna | May 16, 2024 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to a question from a reader about staying motivated and disciplined after receiving discouraging feedback.
Hi Jenna, I recently had a major setback: some pretty discouraging feedback from a reader. What are some tips for staying motivated and disciplined as a writer, particularly when facing rejection or setbacks? I’m writing on spec.
In my response, I share seven steps for handling setbacks and moving forward:
- Recognize the need for recovery time — and take it.
- Consider the source.
- Ask for outside support, depending on the severity of the situation.
- Reconnect with your inner motivation and original vision for the story.
- When you’re ready, review the feedback through your storyteller’s lens.
- Craft a revision plan (or not!) based on your decisions.
- Aim to build a writing practice or habit.
We all face painful or challenging feedback as writers. Not everyone will like our work. The key is deciding if and how to use the feedback we receive for maximum effect after we’ve given ourselves time and space to recover so we can keep writing with clear hearts and minds.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
by Jenna | Nov 20, 2020 | Writing Articles
This week I’ve rounded up a collection of my favorite Called to Write articles for you, designed to inspire your writing life, offer guidance and support for times you might be feeling stuck or overwhelmed, and even help you stay on track with your writing during the coming holidays.
Enjoy!
“Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things”
Feeling burned out?
While you might feel like you “should” be rested from staying at home so much this year, the truth is, this has been an exhausting, tumultuous, and difficult time, so giving yourself time to recover is important.
Here are two of my past favorite articles with suggestions about how to recover.
7 Steps to Recovering From Creative Burnout
When you have nothing left
Wondering if you should be pushing to write when you’re sick, exhausted, or grieving?
Here’s one of my favorite articles about when to write, and when to take it easy:
When to Write and When to Call It a Day
What counts when it comes to writing?
On a lighter note, when it comes to writing regularly, sometimes writers twist themselves into knots thinking they have to be writing “new words” every single day of the year.
My opinion? Not so.
Hint: This article will help you adjust your mindset about what “counts” as “real writing,” and is critical when it comes to setting goals and resolutions for the coming year.
What “Counts” as Writing?
Having trouble staying motivated to write in these uncertain times?
Here are two articles designed to help you navigate these choppy waters and keep writing.
Living and Writing In Uncertain Times
7 Mindset Perspectives to Motivate Your Writing — On the Final Draft Blog
Want to keep writing through the holidays?
Here are articles to bring holiday cheer and practical strategies to help you keep writing.
What has writing given you that you’re grateful for?
10 Tips to Help You Keep Writing Through the Holidays
I hope you enjoyed this collection of articles and I’m wishing all the best to you and your writing in the coming days and weeks.
