Month: May 2025

journaling, May 2025, Moon Journaling, Moon writing, Writing Prompts, writing-tips

🌕 Wrapping Up May & Welcoming Summer: Moonlit Reflections & New Beginnings for Writers 🌱

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

May is winding down, and with it comes a quiet invitation: to pause, reflect, and realign. Maybe you hit your goals, or maybe the month swept you off your feet. Either way, you’re not alone. As writers, our creativity often flows in cycles—like the moon. So, let’s close this chapter together and prepare for a season full of light, stories, and new beginnings.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

  • Reflecting on May’s writing journey
  • Tapping into moon phases for magical writing energy
  • Journaling prompts for endings and fresh starts
  • Inspiring story prompts for June and summer writing

Let’s begin with where we are—right here, at the edge of one month and the beginning of another.

🌙 Moon Phases to Write With (May 30 – June 30)

The moon offers more than just beautiful night skies—it’s a guide for inner reflection and creativity. Aligning your writing rituals with lunar phases can deepen your process and add magic to your momentum.

  • May 30 – Waning Crescent
    A time to rest, reflect, and release. What writing doubts or drafts do you need to let go of?
  • 🌑 June 6 – New Moon in Gemini
    A fresh start! Plant new story seeds and set writing intentions. Gemini energy is playful, curious, and full of ideas—ideal for character dialogue, journaling, and brainstorming.
  • 🌕 June 11 – Full Strawberry Moon in Sagittarius 🍓
    The magical midsummer moon! This moon is all about adventure, storytelling, truth, and reward. Named by Indigenous peoples for the ripening of strawberries, it reminds us to celebrate how far we’ve come and lean into what sets our hearts on fire. Let your stories ripen and be shared.
  • 🌓 June 13 – First Quarter Moon in Virgo
    Action meets precision. Time to revise, organize, or outline. Virgo supports structured writing habits—great for plotting or editing.
  • 🌗 June 20 – Last Quarter Moon in Pisces
    Dreamy and emotional, this phase is about reflection, intuition, and creative surrender. Use it to write poetry, spiritual journaling, or freewrite something deeply personal.
  • 🟡 June 21 – Summer Solstice
    While not a moon phase, it’s a powerful seasonal shift. The longest day of the year invites joy, abundance, and creative energy. It’s a great time to start or revive a writing ritual.
  • 🌘 June 28 – Waning Crescent in Gemini
    Prepare to rest and reset. Gemini’s playful energy can help you reflect with curiosity instead of judgment. Consider reviewing your work with a light heart.

🌿 Journaling Prompts to Close May

Before we leap into June, take a breath and honor the path you’ve walked. These prompts are gentle invitations to look back without judgment:

  1. What did I accomplish this month—big or small—that I’m proud of?
  2. What writing habit or intention slipped, and what might I need to support it next time?
  3. What story, character, or idea surprised me this month?
  4. What emotion kept showing up in my writing or journaling?
  5. What can I release with love before stepping into June?

🌞 Summer Begins: June Prompts for New Beginnings

June marks the beginning of summer—a time of blooming, warmth, and creative energy. Whether you’re starting a new project or simply reconnecting with your voice, these prompts will help you set powerful intentions.

✍️ Journaling Prompts for New Beginnings:

  1. What creative desire is quietly asking to be explored this summer?
  2. If I could start one writing habit this June, what would it be?
  3. What kind of stories do I long to tell right now?
  4. How can I protect my writing space and time this season?
  5. Who am I becoming as a writer—and what do I want to embody next?

🔮 Story Starter Prompts for June:

  • A stranger arrives on the summer solstice with a secret buried since the last eclipse.
  • She finds a journal behind a vent, every page dated in June—but written a year from now.
  • Each June, the stars shift, revealing a hidden map only one person can see. This year, it’s him.
  • When she threw her manuscript into the ocean, something in the water rewrote it and returned it to her.
  • Every summer solstice, her dreams begin to come true—but this year, one dream crosses the line.

💫 Let This Be a Creative Reset

You don’t have to finish a book this summer. You don’t have to write every day. What matters is that you show up for yourself with honesty and hope.

Let June be a fresh beginning—not just on the calendar, but in your heart. Honor your pace. Savor your ideas. Trust your rhythm. Whether you write under the new moon or by the morning sun, know this:

✨ You are a writer because you write.
✨ Your voice matters—even in quiet seasons.
✨ New stories are always waiting to meet you.

With moonlight and encouragement,
Sara 🌙
from Sara’s Writing Sanctuary

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, writing-tips

✨ Writing the Push and Pull: Conflict-Driven Chemistry in Magical Worlds

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

There’s something magnetic about a fantasy romance where the characters clash as much as they connect. Whether it’s a brooding fire mage and a reckless healer, or a cursed prince and the rogue who steals his crown, the tension between them simmers just beneath the surface. It’s that push and pull — the kind that makes readers hold their breath — that turns magical attraction into unforgettable chemistry.

But how do you write that? How do you build a connection that’s both full of friction and impossible to walk away from?

Let’s dig into how conflict-driven chemistry works, especially when your world is full of spells, secrets, and soul-deep stakes.

🌀 What Is the Push and Pull?

The push is what drives your characters apart — external circumstances, opposing goals, deep-rooted fears, or unresolved trauma. The pull is what draws them together — mutual attraction, shared values, reluctant respect, or even destiny.

In magical worlds, this dynamic becomes even more layered. One character might be sworn to destroy the other. They could be bound by a magical contract, a blood oath, or a soulbond that neither of them asked for. But despite — or because of — these complications, they can’t stay away.

This contradiction is where the most powerful tension lives. It gives your romance that addictive, slow-burn feeling that fantasy readers crave.

🔥 Where Conflict Becomes Chemistry

Magical worlds heighten everything: danger, passion, betrayal. When your characters have real stakes — like protecting a kingdom or breaking a curse — it fuels the emotional intensity.

Here are a few conflict types that create compelling chemistry:

  • Enemies with Overlapping Morals
    They fight for different sides but have the same core beliefs. They see parts of themselves in the other, and it’s maddening.
  • A Forbidden Magical Bond
    They’re connected by a soulmark or enchanted link — one that shares emotions, memories, or pain. Neither of them chose it, but now they feel each other. Intimately.
  • Loyalty vs. Desire
    One must betray their people, mentor, or purpose if they give in to this love. The other tempts them toward that edge again and again.
  • Power Imbalance
    One character has the upper hand — magically or politically — but the other refuses to be controlled. That resistance becomes intoxicating.

✍️ Writing Tips for the Push and Pull

  1. Keep the Tension Alive
    Let them get close… then rip them apart. Repeat, but raise the stakes each time. Make every moment charged with risk and longing.
  2. Use Magic to Mirror Emotions
    Magic flaring when they’re angry. Dreams shared through a bond. A protective spell that reveals their hidden fears. Let the world reflect what’s boiling between them.
  3. Let Them Hurt Each Other
    Not irreparably — but enough that the pain feels real. That emotional bruising makes the reconciliation sweeter and the bond more believable.
  4. Give Them Something to Lose
    The more they have at stake, the more dangerous it becomes to fall. But when they do… the impact is explosive.

🌙 Let Them Burn and Heal

At its heart, conflict-driven chemistry is about change. These characters challenge each other to confront their flaws, face their fears, and grow. They might be each other’s greatest threat — and their only salvation.

In magical worlds, love is never simple. But that’s what makes it spellbinding.

So write the sparks. Write the tension. Write the push, the pull, the ache, the longing. Because in fantasy romance, magic isn’t just in the world — it’s in the way two souls collide and still reach for each other.

✨ Have you written a push-and-pull romance in a magical world? What made it work for you? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, Self Care, writing-tips

What to Do When May Didn’t Go as Planned (for Writers)

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Encouragement and a Fresh Start for Creative Souls

May was supposed to be your month.

Maybe you had a plan—new stories to start, revisions to finish, a creative routine you promised yourself you’d stick to. But here you are at the end of the month, wondering where the time went and why your writing goals feel just out of reach. If that sounds familiar, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and you’re not behind. You’re simply human—and creative energy doesn’t always follow a calendar.

So let’s talk about what to do now—when May didn’t go as planned.

1. Release the Guilt

Before you try to “fix” anything, pause and let go of any shame, guilt, or frustration you’re carrying. Life happens. Energy dips. Plans shift. Some months are filled with distractions or unexpected detours. That doesn’t mean you failed—it just means you’re living.

Give yourself credit for wanting to write, even when you couldn’t.

2. Reflect with Kindness

Take a few moments to look back—not with a critical eye, but with compassion.

Ask yourself:

  • What did I do this month that supported me creatively (even in small ways)?
  • What got in the way—and was it within my control?
  • What surprised me or taught me something new?

Even a single journal entry, a vivid dream, a story idea scribbled in the middle of the night—those are seeds that still count.

3. Reclaim Your Momentum with One Gentle Step

Instead of jumping into a massive writing sprint or committing to a new goal immediately, take just one doable step:

  • Reread something you wrote that you still love
  • Freewrite for 10 minutes without pressure
  • Organize your current works-in-progress folder
  • Make a list of story sparks or characters calling to you

Tiny steps help you rebuild trust with your creativity—without overwhelming your system.

4. Create a Fresh Start Ritual

Sometimes what we need is a symbolic “reset.” Try one of these:

  • Light a candle or incense before a short writing session
  • Clean your writing space (even if it’s just clearing the clutter)
  • Write a short note to yourself: “Dear Writer, I’m proud of you for coming back.”
  • Set a soft theme for June—like explore, breathe, or reignite

These small acts can make your creativity feel welcomed again.

5. Make June About Curiosity, Not Perfection

Let June be your month of curious creating. No pressure. No guilt. Just exploration.

Ask:

  • What lights me up right now?
  • What character or idea won’t leave me alone?
  • What if I gave myself 15 minutes a day, just to play?

You’re allowed to write messy, unfinished, or “pointless” things. Sometimes that’s exactly what leads to magic.

Final Thought:

Your creative rhythm doesn’t have to match the world’s pace. You are still a writer—even if you didn’t write much (or at all) this month. You are still allowed to begin again.

So here’s your permission slip:
✨ Start fresh. Start small. But most importantly, just start.
We’re turning the page together.

What’s one thing you’re letting go of from May—and one thing you’re looking forward to in June? Share it in the comments. Let’s reset together. 💬🖊️

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, May 2025, Self Care

What May Taught Me About Writing (and Life)

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

This May didn’t go the way I thought it would. I had plans. Big creative goals. Projects I wanted to finish. But somewhere along the way, I got caught up in other things—life, responsibilities, the unexpected. My writing ended up on the back burner.

At first, I felt guilty about that. Like I had let myself down or fallen behind. But as the month winds down, I’ve realized something important: sometimes we need to step away to see clearly.

When I finally opened my story drafts again, something happened that always surprises me. I felt the story again. I read the words I had written weeks ago and remembered why I loved them. Even better, I saw things I hadn’t seen before—new details, emotions, ideas. It was like my characters had been waiting patiently, knowing I’d come back when I was ready to listen.

This month reminded me that creative blocks aren’t always about being stuck—they’re often about needing space. Space to live, to breathe, to gather new energy. And that’s okay. Writing doesn’t have to be a constant push forward. Sometimes it’s about stepping back and letting the story bloom again when the timing is right.

So what did May teach me?
– That rest is part of the process.
– That creativity doesn’t vanish, it waits.
– That coming back with fresh eyes can open up new paths.

If you’ve been struggling to write lately, I want you to know you’re not alone. Your words will wait for you. Your story will still be there when you’re ready to return.

Here’s to stepping back, starting again, and finding joy in the quiet rediscovery of what we love. 💫

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, Writing Ideas, writing-tips

Layering Longing, Lust, and Love in Your Fantasy Romance

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

When we fall in love with a fantasy romance, it’s not just because of the magic, the worldbuilding, or the danger lurking in the shadows—it’s because of the emotional undercurrent that pulses between the characters. That tug of longing. That fiery spark of lust. That quiet, vulnerable bloom of love.

As writers, layering these three emotional threads—longing, lust, and love—can turn a good romance into an unforgettable one. Here’s how to weave them into your story in a way that resonates and burns.

1. Longing: The Ache Before the Touch

Longing is the slow simmer. It’s the glance that lingers too long, the hand that almost brushes another, the whispered what-if. This is often where fantasy romance shines—two characters bound by fate, duty, or danger, who want but can’t—at least not yet.

How to write it:

  • Let characters almost connect. Interrupt kisses. Cut off confessions.
  • Use internal monologue. Show the character fighting their feelings: “If I touch them, I won’t stop.”
  • Place physical or emotional barriers—political alliances, species taboos, cursed bloodlines, a sworn vow.

Bonus Tip: Tie longing to a deeper desire. Do they crave comfort? Freedom? Redemption? That deeper layer makes the ache more personal.

2. Lust: The Fire That Threatens to Burn

Lust isn’t just about physical attraction—it’s about the pull. That magnetic force that makes your characters aware of each other even when they’re supposed to be focused on something else. Lust in fantasy can feel even more dangerous when paired with forbidden power, primal instincts, or supernatural bonds.

How to write it:

  • Use sensory detail. Go beyond appearance—describe breath, heat, tension, scent, even magical resonance.
  • Let restraint crack. Even a single moment of surrender can shift the dynamic.
  • Mix it with emotion. Lust becomes richer when tangled with fear, fury, or heartbreak.

Bonus Tip: Build a scene where lust becomes a turning point—something they can’t undo, something that changes everything.

3. Love: The Bond That Anchors the Soul

Love deepens what lust awakens and longing teases. In fantasy romance, love isn’t just emotional—it can be mythic. Think soulbonds, shared lifeforce, reincarnated lovers, or the one person who makes a god feel human.

How to write it:

  • Show emotional safety. When your characters choose to be vulnerable, they invite the reader in.
  • Highlight sacrifice. What are they willing to risk or give up for the other?
  • Use quiet moments. A healing scene, a shared memory, a silent understanding can hold more weight than a grand gesture.

Bonus Tip: Let love grow in layers. They don’t fall all at once—show the slow reveal of trust, the realization of “Oh… it’s you.”

Final Thoughts: Let It All Tangle

The most powerful fantasy romances don’t treat longing, lust, and love as separate. They’re intertwined. Your characters may start with desire and end with devotion—but along the way, those emotions will clash, evolve, and deepen. Maybe your fire mage aches to touch the frost prince who could kill him with a kiss. Maybe your cursed queen dreams of the one man who could break her chains—or become her undoing.

Let the tension build. Let the sparks fly. Let the emotions unravel and wrap back together again.

Because when you layer longing, lust, and love…
You don’t just write romance.
You create magic.

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, Writing Ideas, writing-tips

How to Create a Character with a Wound That Drives Them

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

When you think about your favorite characters—whether they’re brooding vampire princes, reluctant heroes, or fierce magical rebels—chances are they have one thing in common: an emotional wound that shapes their choices. Wounds are more than just tragic backstory fodder—they are the heartbeat of motivation, fear, and desire.

In this post, we’ll explore how to create a character with a wound that not only makes them believable, but actively drives the story forward.

What Is a Character Wound?

A wound is a deep emotional hurt from your character’s past that still affects them. It’s not just a sad event—it’s something that shaped how they see themselves, the world, and others.

Think of it as the reason your character builds walls, takes risks, fears intimacy, or avoids love.

Examples:

  • Abandonment: A child left behind by a parent may grow up fearing closeness or needing constant validation.
  • Betrayal: A warrior betrayed by a lover may become guarded or cynical.
  • Failure: A former leader who once made a terrible mistake might obsess over control or redemption.

Step 1: Choose the Wound

Ask: What happened in their past that hurt so badly, they changed because of it?

You can brainstorm with these prompts:

  • What did they lose?
  • Who let them down?
  • When did they feel powerless?
  • What event made them question their worth?

Tip: Don’t just think of something sad—think of something that left a scar and a belief behind.

Step 2: Decide What They Believe Now (The Lie)

After the wound, your character forms a false belief (often called “The Lie They Believe”). This lie shapes their actions.

Examples:

  • “I’m only lovable if I’m useful.”
  • “People always leave.”
  • “Power is the only way to protect myself.”

This lie becomes the emotional obstacle they must overcome.

Step 3: Show How the Wound Affects Their Behavior

Your character’s wound should echo through:

  • How they talk (guarded, sarcastic, charming)
  • How they act (defensive, perfectionist, reckless)
  • What they avoid (relationships, leadership, vulnerability)
  • What they crave (control, approval, freedom)

Let the wound drive their biggest decisions and interfere with their goals. That’s how it creates tension and growth.

Step 4: Tie the Wound to the Character’s Arc

To make your story powerful, build an arc where the wound is eventually confronted.

Ask:

  • What triggers the old wound in your story?
  • What do they lose if they keep believing the lie?
  • Who or what helps them challenge it?
  • What truth do they need to realize to heal?

By the end, the wound may not fully disappear, but your character will grow around it. That’s what makes them memorable.

Quick Character Wound Worksheet

Here’s a mini worksheet you can try:

  1. Wound Event: (What happened?)
  2. False Belief Formed: (What lie do they now believe?)
  3. How It Affects Them: (List 3 behaviors)
  4. What They Fear Most:
  5. What They Need to Learn to Heal:

Want a printable version? I’ve got a Canva template you can grab in the shop or as part of my Character Backstory Bootcamp!

Final Thoughts

Characters with emotional wounds feel real. They’re messy, complex, and full of contradictions—just like us. When you give your character a wound that drives them, you give your story heart, tension, and purpose.

Let your characters break a little… so they have something to fight for.

💬 Over to You:
What wounds have shaped your characters? Drop a comment or share your favorite emotional arcs!

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, writing-tips

Layering Emotion into Your Scenes: From Longing to Regret

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

As writers, we know emotions drive stories—but the most powerful scenes don’t rely on just one feeling. They blend them. They shift them. They surprise us.

A good emotional scene is like a song with harmony. One emotion plays the lead—say, longing—but under it hums the echo of something deeper—like fear, regret, or hope. That emotional layering is what sticks with readers long after the page turns.

Why Layers of Emotion Matter

When a character feels just one emotion—like anger, grief, or joy—it can land flat or feel predictable. But add a second, hidden emotion beneath it, and suddenly the scene has texture.

Take a scene of unspoken love. On the surface, there’s longing—a desire to confess or connect. But what if, under that longing, is regret? Regret for not speaking sooner. Regret for a mistake that changed everything. Now that one moment carries more weight.

Start with a Primary Emotion

When you’re writing an emotional scene, ask yourself: What is the dominant feeling my character is experiencing right now?

Is it:

  • Longing?
  • Guilt?
  • Hope?
  • Dread?

Once you have that, you can start exploring what’s layered beneath.

Add Emotional Contrast

Great scenes often balance contrast. A romantic moment filled with desire might also carry shame or fear of rejection. A moment of victory might have a shadow of emptiness, especially if the win came at a cost.

Ask yourself:

  • What else might they be feeling but hiding?
  • What emotion rises after the first one passes?

This shift creates depth and makes characters feel real. In life, we rarely feel just one thing. Neither should our characters.

Show the Layers, Don’t Announce Them

Layered emotion doesn’t mean naming every feeling. It’s in the details:

  • A smile that doesn’t reach the eyes.
  • A “yes” said too quickly.
  • A quiet glance toward the door after a kiss.

Subtle actions can reveal internal conflict without telling the reader outright.

Here’s a quick example:

He handed her the necklace, the one she’d lost years ago.
“Found it in the attic,” he said.
She took it slowly, fingers brushing his.
“Thank you,” she whispered, blinking fast.
She didn’t ask why he’d kept it. And he didn’t say.

That’s longing. And regret. And something unsaid—all layered into a few lines.

Let Regret Transform the Scene

Regret is a powerful secondary emotion. It reshapes the past and the future. You can use it at turning points, or at the end of emotional arcs, where longing goes unanswered or love arrives too late.

Think:

  • A character finally saying “I love you”… after the other has already moved on.
  • A hero choosing duty over desire, then wondering what if.
  • A villain who realizes too late what they gave up for revenge.

Writing Prompt: Layer It In

Take a scene you’ve already written—any genre—and ask:

  • What is the main emotion?
  • What emotion might be underneath it?
  • What action, image, or word could hint at that hidden layer?

Even adding one small detail can transform a good scene into a powerful one.

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, writing-tips

Why Writers Fall in Love with Dark Fantasy

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

There’s something about dark fantasy that lures writers in and refuses to let go. Maybe it’s the thrill of writing shadowy worlds full of secrets and sorrow. Maybe it’s the freedom to explore beauty tangled with fear, or love born from despair. For many of us, dark fantasy is more than just a genre—it’s a deep, emotional pull toward something powerful, primal, and unflinchingly real.

Shadows Make the Light Shine Brighter

One reason writers fall in love with dark fantasy is because it lets us show the full range of human emotion. Pain, grief, fear, rage—all the things we sometimes try to hide—can be explored in a raw and honest way. But what makes it so special is the contrast. When you write about a broken hero finding hope or a cursed creature learning to love, those moments hit harder. The darkness makes the light feel earned.

Monsters, Myths, and Meaning

Dark fantasy also lets us reimagine monsters—not just as villains, but as metaphors. A haunted forest might represent trauma. A bloodthirsty god could mirror obsession or grief. We get to take folklore, myth, and legend and twist it into something that speaks to our souls. These stories aren’t just scary—they’re personal. They hold meaning beneath the surface.

The Freedom to Break the Rules

In dark fantasy, anything goes. The rules of magic, morality, and even death can bend. You can create morally gray characters, doomed romances, ancient curses, and gothic kingdoms where nothing is quite what it seems. That kind of creative freedom is intoxicating for writers. It invites us to ask big questions: What does it mean to be human? What if power always comes at a cost?

A Safe Way to Explore the Dark

Writing dark fantasy can be cathartic. It’s a safe place to explore the hard stuff—trauma, fear, inner demons—without judgment. We can pour our emotions into characters and see them rise or fall in ways that mirror our own struggles. In the process, we might even find healing. Or at least, the comfort of knowing we’re not alone.

A Storytelling Home for the Outsiders

Lastly, dark fantasy often embraces the outsider. The cursed prince. The exiled witch. The reluctant hero with a past too heavy to carry. These characters speak to anyone who’s ever felt different or unwanted. For writers who’ve felt like they don’t fit into the tidy boxes of traditional fantasy or romance, dark fantasy says, “Come as you are. Your story matters.”

In the end, dark fantasy isn’t just about darkness—it’s about transformation. And that’s why so many writers, including myself, fall deeply in love with it.

Whether you’re sketching out a haunted forest, dreaming up a tragic love between enemies, or breathing life into your own personal monster, you’re part of something powerful. So don’t be afraid to write in the shadows—some of the most unforgettable stories are born there.

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, Writing Challenges, Writing Prompts

Writing Challenge -When Power Becomes a Curse: Writing Depth into Supernatural Abilities

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

We often dream about our favorite superpowers—flying through the skies, reading minds, lifting cars with ease. But what if those powers came at a cost? What if the thing that made your character feel special slowly began to isolate or destroy them?

Turning a superpower into a curse is a powerful way to add emotional depth, tension, and transformation to your story. It flips the narrative from “look how strong they are” to “what is this strength costing them?”

In this post, we’ll explore how to twist powers into curses and build a compelling story of healing and redemption—complete with a plot idea and a list of powers you can use to start your own cursed character arc.

🌪️ Example: When Superstrength Becomes a Burden

Let’s say your character, Mara, has incredible superstrength. As a child, she feels invincible—able to save lives, defend others, and never be afraid. But as she grows older, the weight of her power begins to show.

She breaks objects without meaning to. She bruises others with a touch. Doors rip off their hinges. Beds crack beneath her. People admire her, but they keep their distance. She begins to fear intimacy, fear accidents, fear herself.

The very thing that once made her feel strong now makes her feel completely alone.

This is where your story begins—not with power, but with its price.

🧭 Plot Idea: The Weight of Her Hands

Mara lives alone at the edge of a forest, where her power can’t harm anyone else. One day she meets Corin, a man cursed with the opposite affliction—he’s intangible. He can’t be touched, can’t hold anything, can’t connect. Where Mara destroys, Corin passes through.

The two form a bond through shared loneliness. When they discover a lost myth about a tree that can “rebalance” cursed powers, they embark on a journey to find it. Their path is filled with emotional trials: Mara must relive the memories of those she hurt, and Corin must face visions of being forgotten forever.

At the end, Mara sacrifices her raw strength to gain control instead—her power now tied to intention, not brute force. The curse lifts not because she fought harder, but because she chose healing over isolation.

⚡ Powers That Can Be Curses

Looking to create your own cursed character? Here’s a list of powers that double as emotional or existential burdens:

  1. Superstrength – Hurts others unintentionally, feared more than loved.
  2. Invisibility – Can’t turn it off. Feels forgotten and unseen in all aspects of life.
  3. Telepathy – Bombarded by thoughts. No peace, no boundaries, no trust.
  4. Immortality – Outlives everyone. Emotional numbness sets in.
  5. Precognition – Knows the future but can’t stop it. Carries the weight of what’s to come.
  6. Flight – Can never stay grounded—physically or emotionally. Always running.
  7. Healing Touch – Absorbs the wounds of others. Grows weaker with each use.
  8. Shapeshifting – Can’t remember who they really are. Always performing.
  9. Pyrokinesis – Power flares with emotion. Destroys when grief or anger rises.
  10. Time Manipulation – Stuck in loops. Becomes detached from the present.

Each of these powers can reflect internal wounds: fear of abandonment, loss of control, isolation, or self-loathing. The story becomes not just about escaping the curse—but about healing the soul beneath it.

💡 Final Thoughts

If you’re writing a story with powers, don’t stop at what makes them cool. Ask yourself:

  • What does this power take away?
  • How does it isolate the character?
  • What emotional wound does it mirror?
  • How could the curse be fixed?
  • Is there a way to make it normal again?

Then craft a story where the journey isn’t just about using the power—it’s about transforming it.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing a character can do… is let go.

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, Milestones

✨ A New Chapter: From “Sara’s Writing Journey” to “Sara’s Writing Sanctuary” ✨

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Hello, lovely writers and creative souls!

I’m so excited to share something special with you today — a heartfelt change that’s been unfolding behind the scenes.

After many months of blogging as Sara’s Writing Journey, I’m officially transitioning to Sara’s Writing Sanctuary — and with that, a shiny new .com site is coming too!

You might be wondering: Why the change?

Well, Sara’s Writing Journey began as just that — a place for me to explore my path as a writer, document what I’ve learned, and connect with others walking a similar road. It’s been a beautiful experience, and I’m so grateful to everyone who has joined me along the way.

But something has been shifting.

Over time, this space became more than just a personal journal. It became a refuge — not just for me, but for others who were looking for encouragement, creative spark, or just a gentle nudge to keep writing. Messages from fellow writers, coaching clients, and visitors told me that what I was building felt like a safe space… a sanctuary.

That word stuck with me.
And now, I’m honoring it.

Sara’s Writing Sanctuary is the next evolution of this blog and my growing creative business. It’s still me — the same cozy corner, the same love for writing prompts, journaling, and storytelling — but now with even more heart, more purpose, and a name that reflects what I hope to offer you:

✨ A space where creativity is nurtured, not pressured.
✨ A space for the messy drafts, the bold dreams, and the quiet breakthroughs.
✨ A space where you’re not just a writer — you’re a whole person, and your words matter.

Over the coming weeks, you’ll see some changes — a new logo, updated links, and the launch of saraswritingsanctuary.com. I’ll still be blogging regularly, sharing writing resources, and opening up new offerings like email-based writing coaching, printable planners, writing prompt packs, and creative challenges, etc.

If you’re already part of this community — thank you. Truly.
And if you’re new here, welcome. This sanctuary is for you, too.

Here’s to new beginnings, bold writing, and the sanctuary we all need in a noisy world.

With gratitude and excitement,
Sara

Happy Writing ^_^