author – Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Spring is here, the flowers are blooming, and May is just around the corner—making it the perfect time to dust off that half-finished draft and breathe new life into your writing projects. If you started the year with big writing goals but got sidetracked (hey, it happens to the best of us), now’s your chance to realign and re-energize. Before the new month begins, here are five creative and motivating ways to reconnect with your work-in-progress (WIP) and set yourself up for success.

1. Re-Read with Fresh Eyes

Take a moment to read through your current draft without editing. Let the words wash over you. Jot down notes about what stands out—characters you love, scenes that need work, or themes that have grown more interesting. You might be surprised by how much potential is hiding in those pages.

Bonus Tip: Try reading your draft on a different device or printing it out to get a new perspective.

2. Create a Story Snapshot

Sometimes our ideas get fuzzy midway through a draft. Take a break from writing and summarize your story in a few quick lines. Who is your main character? What’s their goal? What stands in their way? This helps you reconnect with your original vision—or revise it if the story has evolved.

Think of it like writing a back cover blurb. Fun, simple, and super clarifying!

3. Organize What You Have So Far

Are your scenes scattered in different docs or notebooks? Use this time to gather everything into one folder or document. You can label chapters, create scene headings, or start a basic outline from what you already have. You don’t have to outline the whole story—just enough to see what’s missing or needs tightening.

Use color codes, post-its, or a digital tool like Notion or Scrivener if that makes it feel more fun.

4. Highlight What’s Working

Before diving into revisions or new writing, focus on what does work. Find 2–3 parts of your draft that you’re really proud of and ask yourself why they shine. Is it the dialogue? The tension? The character development? These strengths can guide how you continue the draft.

You can even copy those sections into a separate “writing wins” doc to revisit when you need encouragement.

5. Make a May Plan

Set a mini writing goal to carry into the new month. Whether it’s finishing a scene, writing a new chapter, or just dedicating 15 minutes a day to your WIP, choose something doable. Create a tracker or calendar you’ll actually enjoy using, and treat May as a fresh chapter in your writing journey.

You don’t have to finish your novel—just take one intentional step forward.

Final Thoughts A half-finished draft isn’t a failure—it’s the foundation of something that still wants to be told. Revisiting it before May gives you the chance to honor your creative energy from earlier in the year while giving yourself space to grow and adapt. You never know—this could be the story that finally clicks.

🌸 What are you working on right now? Let me know in the comments —I’d love to cheer you on!

Happy Writing ^_^

Writing through chronic illness isn’t easy. I live with chronic pain and other long-term conditions caused by trauma and prolonged stress from events in my twenties. I don’t share this for pity but to show that even in the hardest times, some things can still bring joy.

For years, I struggled to be believed—by both family and doctors—about what I knew was wrong with my body. Eventually, I found the help I needed and learned how to live with my illness. While I still have bad days, I do my best to make time for the things I love. Unfortunately, writing isn’t something I can do every day, but I’m always thinking about stories and planning how they will unfold.

When I’m not able to write, I try to read. I’m working toward getting a new Kindle so I can get back to reading more books. I usually listen to audiobooks while working, but I think it’s time to go back to reading and allowing myself a break from my phone, free from the distractions of social media and other apps. Growing up, long before e-readers existed, I always had a paperback book or two with me. Even now, I carry a notebook wherever I go, just in case inspiration strikes. I don’t use my phone for notes—I guess I’m a bit old-fashioned when it comes to jotting down ideas. However, most of my stories are written on the computer, with my handwritten notes serving as a place to store ideas I can always revisit.

Fatigue and pain make it difficult to sit and write, especially after a long day of work and full-time studies. Still, I’m determined to pursue my passion. I’m also working on creating and selling digital tools for writers, which excites me. Helping other writers bring their stories to life would be incredibly rewarding. Writing has always been my escape, and when I do get the chance to write for hours, it’s pure joy.

Lately, life has been hectic—family drama and major changes have kept me from having many writing days. With an upcoming move to a different state, my writing has taken a backseat. Despite these challenges, I’ve been fortunate to meet people who encourage and support me. My friends, especially, are my greatest source of motivation when it comes to my writing.

Balancing health and creativity is a challenge, but writing remains a part of me, even when I can’t physically put words on the page.

Happy Writing ^_^

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📝 5 Things to Do With a Half-Finished Draft Before May Starts