Pantsing vs. Planning: The battle of the writing styles! When I wrote The Garden of Wives , I dove in headfirst with no plan, no outline—just a spark of an idea and a dry-erase marker scribbling character notes across my mirrored closet doors. I was what writers call a “pantser” —someone who writes by the seat of their pants , letting the story unfold as they go. It was exhilarating…until I realized how much of a mess I had to clean up in editing. Years of rewriting, restructuring, and reworking later, I finally had a finished novel. Now, as I begin book number two, I’m attempting the opposite approach: planning . But is one method better than the other? Let’s break down the pros and cons of pantsing vs. planning to see which approach might be right for you. Pantsing: Writing Without a Plan What it is: Pantsing is all about discovery. You start with an idea and let the characters and plot take you wherever they want to go. There’s no strict outline, just intuition and creativity leading the way. Pros of Pantsing: ✅ Creative freedom – No rigid structure means you’re free to explore unexpected twists and organic character development. ✅ Excitement & spontaneity – Every writing session feels like an adventure. You’re experiencing the story as it unfolds, just like a reader. ✅ Deep character exploration – Since you’re discovering the story alongside your characters, their personalities and motivations can feel more natural. ✅ Great for intuitive writers – If you thrive on inspiration and enjoy letting your ideas flow without restriction, pantsing can be a liberating approach. Cons of Pantsing: ❌ Editing nightmare – Without a roadmap, your story may wander, leading to major plot holes, inconsistencies, or unnecessary scenes. ❌ Risk of writer’s block – Without a plan, it’s easy to get stuck or lose momentum when you don’t know what happens next. ❌ Takes longer to revise – You may have to rewrite significant portions of your book because of pacing issues, unresolved subplots, or lack of structure. ❌ Plot can feel unfocused – Without planning, some stories can lose direction, making the final product feel scattered or disjointed. My experience with pantsing: I wrote The Garden of Wives without an outline, and while I loved the creative rush, I spent years revising and restructuring. What started as a fast-moving creative process became a slow, meticulous editing journey. By the time I was done, I had practically rewritten the book multiple times. Planning: Writing With a Structured Outline What it is: Planning (or plotting) involves outlining your book before you start writing. Some writers create detailed scene-by-scene breakdowns, while others draft a simple roadmap of key events. Either way, it provides a structured foundation before the first word is written. Pros of Planning: ✅ Faster drafting – With a clear direction, you spend less time wondering what happens next and more time writing. ✅ Stronger plot structure – You’re less likely to hit plot holes, pacing issues, or inconsistencies when the story is mapped out. ✅ Easier revisions – A solid structure means fewer rewrites and less time spent fixing major story problems in the editing phase. ✅ Less writer’s block – When you always know what’s coming next, it’s easier to stay motivated and on track. Cons of Planning: ❌ Can feel restrictive – Some writers feel trapped by an outline and struggle to adjust when inspiration strikes. ❌ Less organic character development – If the story is too rigidly planned, characters might not evolve naturally within the plot. ❌ Outlining can be time-consuming – Some writers spend so much time outlining that they struggle to start writing the actual book. ❌ Overplanning can kill creativity – Too much structure can make the process feel mechanical rather than inspired. My experience with planning: Now that I’m writing book number two, I’m experimenting with outlining—and I can already see the benefits. Knowing where the story is headed keeps me focused, and I feel less overwhelmed when I sit down to write. But I still leave room for spontaneity because, let’s face it, some of the best moments in writing happen when you go off-script. Which Style is Right for You? The truth is, there’s no right or wrong way to write a novel—only what works best for you. Some writers thrive on structure, while others need creative freedom to explore their stories naturally. If you’re not sure which style suits you, consider trying a hybrid approach: 🔹 Loose outlining – Map out key scenes, but leave room for surprises along the way. 🔹 Reverse outlining – Write freely, then go back and create an outline after the first draft to help with revisions. 🔹 Character-first approach – Develop in-depth character profiles and let their choices drive the plot. For me, pantsing brought The Garden of Wives to life, but planning is keeping me sane for book number two. Will it make the process easier? Time will tell. But no matter which method you choose, the most important thing is to just keep writing . Are you a pantser , a planner , or somewhere in between? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear about your writing style!

One of the most thrilling parts of my journey as an author has been the process of transforming The Garden of Wives  from a written novel into an audiobook. While I’ve loved crafting the world of Orchid Hill on the page, hearing the characters brought to life by talented narrators has been nothing short of magical.  "book-on-tape" as we elder millennials say After deciding to create a "book-on-tape" as we elder millennials say, I turned to ACX to find the perfect narrator. What I didn’t anticipate was the sheer volume of talent I would encounter. Over the course of the audition process, I received a total of 23 submissions. Each one brought something unique to the table, making the decision both exciting and incredibly challenging. From the start, I knew the project would demand a narrator with exceptional versatility. The Garden of Wives  features a range of characters with distinct voices and personalities, and I wanted those traits to shine in the audiobook. In addition to mastering a variety of tones, the narrator had to tackle an array of accents: a Cape Cod lilt, a mild Southern drawl, the lively pitch of a teenage girl, and even the haughty delivery of an arrogant man. Every submission revealed new interpretations of my characters, making it clear just how much life a narrator can breathe into a story. Now, after many hours of careful listening, I’ve narrowed the field down to two incredible women. Each brings her own unique sound and perspective to the narration. One has a voice that captures the elegance and mystery of the Gardens of Orchid Hill, emphasizing the story’s suspenseful undertones. The other excels at highlighting the nuanced personalities of the characters, adding depth and relatability to every scene. Both are immensely talented, and choosing between them has been one of the toughest decisions I’ve faced as an author. This Friday, I’ll be making my final decision. It’s a bittersweet moment, as I’ll have to say goodbye to one amazing voice, but I’m thrilled to finally take this next step toward completing the audiobook. No matter which narrator I choose, I know the final product will be something special—a work that captures the heart of The Garden of Wives  and allows readers (or listeners!) to experience it in a brand-new way. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. I can’t wait to share the finished audiobook with you all soon. Stay tuned for updates, and if you’re curious, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what makes a great narrator in the comments!

In The Garden of Wives , I wanted to do more than just tell a suspenseful story—I wanted to create a narrative that celebrates the complexities of women’s lives and highlights their inner strength. Each female character in The Garden of Wives  faces unique challenges, both internal and external, that shape her identity and influence her decisions. While their situations may differ, these women embody the resilience, courage, and agency that lie at the heart of empowerment. Empowering Women Through Character Development One of the most important aspects of writing The Garden of Wives  was creating strong, multidimensional female characters who defy stereotypes. Each woman is portrayed as more than her role within society, family, or community. Take Cass, for instance, who may appear uncertain at first, but her journey reflects an empowering transformation as she uncovers the dark truths in her seemingly perfect neighborhood. Her love for books and writing, paired with her natural curiosity, drives her forward even in the face of fear. In Cass, we see a woman gradually embracing her own voice and confronting challenges head-on. Blair: Breaking the Perfection Myth Blair, another central character, explores the nuances of motherhood in ways that challenge traditional expectations. As she struggles with her imperfections, Blair demonstrates that true strength lies not in adhering to societal standards, but in the courage to confront one’s own vulnerabilities. By embracing these, Blair represents women who strive for self-acceptance and authenticity, even when the world expects perfection. Amara: Beauty, Brains, and Breaking Stereotypes Amara defies the outdated notion that a woman must choose between beauty and intelligence. A character inspired by real women, Amara is tall, beautiful, and unapologetically ambitious, refusing to let societal stereotypes limit her. In her journey, readers can see the empowerment that comes from refusing to be boxed into outdated expectations—a reminder that women’s worth is not defined by any one dimension of their identity. Kit: Challenging Gender Norms Kit’s story serves as a nod to all the women who defy gender expectations. In a world where toys and careers are often split by gender lines, Kit embraces her love for coding, asserting herself in a field where women are still underrepresented. Her accomplishments in tech are a testament to the fact that women belong in every industry, not just those traditionally associated with them. Kit’s story is a subtle yet powerful statement about claiming one’s path without hesitation or compromise. Embracing Self-Identity and Diversity Each character in The Garden of Wives  is an exploration of self-identity. Luna, who carries her Serbian heritage with pride, adds a layer of cultural diversity that enriches the narrative. She reflects the resilience and strength of women who carry both the weight of cultural expectations and the desire for self-expression. Meanwhile, Lilith, with her tattoos and unique perspective, showcases the power of embracing one’s individuality. By celebrating diversity within women’s experiences, The Garden of Wives  aims to empower readers to see the beauty in their own uniqueness. Empowerment Through Community At the heart of The Garden of Wives  is a community of women who, despite their differences, are ultimately united by their shared struggles and dreams. Whether it’s through friendship, solidarity, or learning from each other’s experiences, each woman in the story finds a form of empowerment in the connections she forms. While the neighborhood may be hiding dark secrets, these connections underscore the positive impact of women supporting women—a theme that resonates with readers and reinforces the importance of community in the journey toward empowerment. The Garden of Wives: A Novel That Celebrates Strength Writing The Garden of Wives  allowed me to bring these themes of empowerment, resilience, and community to life. Through the stories of Cass, Blair, Amara, Kit, and others, I hope to inspire readers to reflect on their own strengths and the power that lies in embracing one’s individuality. Empowerment isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey; it’s a mosaic of different experiences, choices, and challenges. And just like the characters in my novel, every woman has her own unique path to empowerment. As the women of The Garden of Wives  navigate their paths toward empowerment, their stories remind us that strength comes in many forms. Ready to uncover the secrets of Orchid Hill and explore these journeys of resilience and courage? The Garden of Wives  is now available on  Amazon and Apple Books !

Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. While ghosts and ghouls make for classic spooky fun, psychological thrillers offer a deeper, more chilling experience—where the real terror comes from the mind games, suspense, and dark secrets hidden in plain sight. Keep scrolling to find the perfect psychological thrillers to read this Halloween. Why Psychological Thrillers Are Perfect for Halloween: Mind-Bending Twists:  Forget jump scares—psychological thrillers create tension through complex plots and unexpected twists that leave you reeling. Chilling Atmospheres:  A well-crafted thriller is perfect for cozying up on a dark October night, with tension so thick you can feel it in the air. Unsettling Characters:  Dive into stories where the true monsters are hidden within everyday people, making these tales far more unsettling. Thrillers to Read This Halloween: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn Gone Girl  is a masterclass in psychological suspense. With its unreliable narrators and shocking twists, this novel explores the dark side of marriage and the secrets couples keep. Perfect for Halloween, it’s a story of deception, manipulation, and a shocking disappearance that will keep you guessing until the last page. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides This contemporary psychological thriller is a must-read for fans of suspense. The Silent Patient  tells the story of Alicia Berenson, a woman who shot her husband and then refused to speak another word. The tension builds as a psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia's silence, leading to a jaw-dropping twist that will leave you speechless. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn With shades of Hitchcock’s Rear Window , The Woman in the Window  follows an agoraphobic woman who spends her days spying on her neighbors—until she witnesses something shocking. Full of paranoia, unreliable perspectives, and heart-pounding suspense, this novel captures the claustrophobic fear of being trapped in your own mind, making it a thrilling Halloween read. Additional Recommendations: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins Another excellent example of an unreliable narrator, The Girl on the Train  keeps readers on edge as they piece together the truth from the fragmented memories of its characters. This atmospheric, dark thriller weaves themes of jealousy, obsession, and deceit. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson Imagine waking up every day with no memory of your past. In this gripping psychological thriller, Christine must piece together her life from fragments she writes down in a journal, but as she uncovers more about herself, she realizes her life isn’t what it seems. A perfect book to keep you up all night. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (My Personal Favorite) If you loved the gripping twists of Gone Girl , Sharp Objects  is a perfect follow-up for Halloween. This dark, Southern Gothic thriller follows Camille Preaker, a troubled journalist sent back to her hometown to investigate a series of gruesome murders. As she digs deeper into the disturbing cases, Camille is forced to confront her own traumatic past, including her complicated relationship with her overbearing mother and her eerie childhood home. Flynn’s skillful portrayal of complex, damaged characters and the slow-burning tension creates an unsettling atmosphere that will haunt you long after you’ve finished. With themes of family secrets, mental illness, and violence against women, Sharp Objects  is a psychological thriller that feels both chilling and deeply personal—ideal for readers looking for something darker and more intense this Halloween. Whether you’re after mind-bending mysteries or pulse-pounding suspense, these thrillers will have you questioning everything this Halloween. From unreliable narrators to haunting secrets, these stories promise to keep you on the edge of your seat as you uncover dark truths lurking beneath the surface. Looking for something to raise the hair on the back of your neck? Grab your copy of  The Garden of Wives  and dive into the suspense—along with these other thrilling reads—to make this Halloween hauntingly unforgettable!

As a reader, I’ve always been drawn to stories that blur the line between perfection and darkness—those seemingly idyllic settings that hide something far more sinister beneath the surface. When I set out to write The Garden of Wives , I wanted to create a world that felt both luxurious and unsettling. A place where, much like real life, appearances can be deceiving, and the truth can be far more dangerous than we think. Read on to take a peek behind the scenes of my debut novel, The Garden of Wives . In this psychological thriller, the idea of community was crucial. The Gardens of Orchid Hill is a neighborhood that exudes perfection: high-tech homes, pristine lawns, and traditional charm. But what happens when that veneer of perfection begins to crack? This question inspired me to dive deeper into the complex lives of the women in this story. Each of the wives in The Garden of Wives  is dealing with her own personal struggle—some are grappling with past mistakes, others with desires they dare not reveal. But the more closely Cass, the protagonist, gets involved, the more she realizes that nothing in Orchid Hill is as it seems. The suspense builds as the bonds of friendship, loyalty, and deception begin to unravel. I wanted to create strong female leads who, while flawed, fight to reclaim control of their lives in a world that often demands they stay silent. There’s something incredibly thrilling about watching these women navigate not just their own secrets, but also the dark truths that bind them together. If you love thrillers that keep you guessing until the final page, The Garden of Wives  will take you on a journey where every detail matters, and the most innocent-looking doors might hide the most shocking revelations. What You Can Expect From The Garden of Wives Strong, complex female characters  who challenge stereotypes and drive the narrative with their strength and vulnerability. A suspenseful, twisting plot  that will keep you guessing from the first page to the last. Themes of deception, power, and control,  wrapped in a seemingly perfect world. If you love suspenseful psychological thrillers, you can grab your copy of The Garden of Wives   [here] !

What makes the appeal of psychological thrillers so irresistible? It’s not just the mind games and suspense—it’s the way these stories dig deep into the human psyche, twisting expectations and revealing dark truths. In The Garden of Wives , I wanted to create a thriller that reflects this, where every character holds secrets, and every twist keeps you guessing. These tales of deception, complex characters, and unpredictable turns are what make psychological thrillers so appealing to readers who love tension and suspense. Why Do We Love Psychological Thrillers? Unpredictability:  In psychological thrillers, the plot often shifts in unexpected ways. You’re always on edge, unsure of who to trust or what will happen next. Complex Characters:  These stories often delve deep into the human psyche, exposing characters’ flaws, secrets, and vulnerabilities. In The Garden of Wives , every character hides something, and these hidden truths drive the suspense. Twists and Turns:  There’s nothing like the thrill of a plot twist. It’s one of the most satisfying aspects of a thriller—just when you think you’ve figured it out, everything changes. Psychological Tension:  Unlike straightforward mysteries, psychological thrillers play with the reader’s mind, pushing emotional and psychological boundaries. That sense of unease is what I wanted to capture in The Garden of Wives . How The Garden of Wives  Fits into the Genre Unsettling Setting:  The Gardens of Orchid Hill may seem like a perfect neighborhood, but beneath the surface, danger blooms. The setting itself plays a key role in creating a sense of suspense and unease. Strong Female Leads:  The women of Orchid Hill are complex, each with their own struggles, secrets, and motivations. The relationships between these characters create layers of tension and mystery. Deception and Hidden Truths:  In The Garden of Wives , no one is who they appear to be, and every character is caught in a web of deception. It’s this constant questioning of reality that makes psychological thrillers so gripping. Why Psychological Thrillers Matter At their core, psychological thrillers explore the darker sides of human nature. They force us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and others, pushing the boundaries of trust, fear, and morality. It’s not just about the suspense—it’s about how these stories make us think and feel long after we’ve finished reading. Are You Ready for the Thrill? If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing, The Garden of Wives  offers suspense, intrigue, and a cast of strong female characters navigating a world filled with lies. What secrets will you uncover in Orchid Hill? Grab your copy of The Garden of Wives  and dive into the twisted world of deception and danger [ link to book ].