Beyond Word Count: Measuring Progress in a Million Ways

Issue 6, April 2026 ~ Length: 930 words

Apr 01, 2026

A vintage photo strip shows five portraits of a young girl wearing a white dress and large bows in her hair. Her expression changes slightly in each frame, and the images show visible wear and aging. — This will be quite the month of transition! I adore this photo strip because it’s exactly how I pictured Will’s little sister, Margaret, in 1890 Philadelphia book.

Writing Progress

As I draft this on what feels like the 347^th day of March, I am so glad that spring is on the horizon. (Warmer weather is much easier on my chronic illness, too!) I haven’t added much to the word counts in 1883 Milwaukee or 1890 Philadelphia books. But there are a million ways we can show up for our stories besides word count, from craft books to daydreaming, making a mood board to brainstorming with a friend. And sometimes, rest is progress. It’s a mindset that shifted so many things for me. I no longer stress when my progress looks different during the busy season at work, which doesn’t leave much headspace for the creative flow needed for first drafting.

And since I’m in that busy season, my recent progress came in the form of two incredible learning opportunities!! First, my writing community hosted a retreat with Cynthia Merrill, editor and writing coach, who focused on an authentic writing process. I answered a lot of soul-searching prompts, and the retreat helped me clearly identify my core needs (schedule, structure, social, and spark) along with a sustainable goal range. It was so enlightening. (This was one of my favorite events ever hosted by my writing community. Cynthia is amazing.)

I also completed Cynthia’s authentic writer assessment, and was delighted to learn I rank highest as a Weaver. Described as someone who is “the most eclectic of the writer types, gathering inspiration from everywhere … you are drawn to patterns, connections, and the magic that happens when unexpected elements come together. Your strength lies in creating unexpected connections between ideas that others might not see.” (This is absolutely me!)

Then, I made a last-minute decision to register for a historical fiction conference hosted by History Through Fiction. I am so glad I did! I got so much out of it, such a fantastic event.

It fills my cup to be around other authors who write in the same genre, and in this case, have the same passion for history. It’s always so interesting to hear others’ writing processes and insight, share resources, hug the affirmation that I’m doing the right things, and, of course, learn totally new things. (If you write historical fiction, or are looking for your next great hisfic read, I recommend giving HTF a follow!)

Favorite takeaway: “Facts and truths are two different things.”

Glowing Bookshelf Recommendation

A book titled Nothing Sung and Nothing Spoken by Nita Tyndall stands upright against my glowing background with purple lights and constellation tapestries. The cover illustration shows three teenagers walking down a European-style street at dusk, with buildings and streetlights behind them. Text at the top reads: “A heartbreaking and bittersweet novel about the need for queer joy even in the midst of the horrors of war. The ending had me in tears.” —Malinda Lo, New York Times bestselling and National Book Award–winning author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club. Additional text reads: “NITA TYNDALL, author of Who I Was With Her.”

This month, I want to shout out Nita Tyndall’s YA historical novel, Nothing Sung and Nothing Spoken. It’s about a group of queer friends coming of age in WW2 Berlin who find freedom in the underground jazz/swing dance scene at a time when even music was policed. This secret joy becomes a stand against oppression, but please have several tissues ready for the end!

Check out Nita’s website and their other books, too!

April’s Curios

(Micro-reads swapped out every month!)

Favorite Research: The Parts of a Key

My character, Annie, grew up in the hotel at the heart of my 1883 Milwaukee book. She carries around a ring of keys, and Luce needs them at the midpoint. Learning the parts of a key helped me come up with a time-period system Annie uses to distinguish her keys—she wraps different colored threads around the shoulder of each one. The shoulder is right under the top part, which is called the bow.

Stephen Grove of the website 19^th Century Events and Developments website says, “Keys were widely used as metaphors during the 19th century, representing access, knowledge, and secrets. They were associated with unlocking doors to opportunity, both literal and metaphorical, and were often given as commemorative gifts for significant occasions.” (Link to his page below!) This absolutely lands for Annie, and her key ring is an important part of her character.

If you’d like to learn more, head over to 19^th Century Keys

A set of old metal keys hangs from a ring attached to a dark, ornately carved wooden drawer. The keys vary in shape and size, with worn surfaces suggesting age and frequent use. — An antique ring of keys in my collection of items for all of my novels!

The Weaver in Action – A Recurring Cameo

Eleven years ago this month, my friend Amy and I made matches with animals at the same shelter! I was chosen by my cat Voodoo (who is napping beside me as I dictate), and Amy adopted Jake, a hefty rottweiler mix. I can’t have a dog because I’m allergic, and even though I can’t even pet him, Jake and I are the best of friends. I love to feed him treats, but you should all know I’m a terrible thrower and he’s a terrible catcher. LOL.

Since I weave all the things I love into my stories, Jake makes a cameo in every one of my novels! In 1883 Milwaukee book, Luce and Annie will pet the “black dog with brown markings” at the dry goods shop when they are out in the city. I can’t wait until readers notice Jake in all of my stories.

Shout out to Lakeland Animal Shelter

A large black and brown dog lies on a wooden deck at night, facing the camera. String lights and a wooden fence are visible in the background, casting a warm glow. — So far, my favorite of Jake’s cameos is in 1899 St. Louis book where he helps guard the entrance to a magical exposition!

Tarot Card Curiosities: The Fool

Maybe it’s April Fools’ Day that got me thinking about the Fool in the tarot deck. While the Halloween Tarot is my favorite for readings, I collect whimsical and interesting decks. The Fool is the starting point for the major arcana, and its zero symbolizes infinite potential. Upright, on its own, the card can mean new beginnings, trust, a leap of faith, or exploration; reversed, it can symbolize recklessness, avoidance, lack of preparation, and fear of change. Of course, there are additional meanings depending on what other cards it’s paired with in a spread.

Since the message of the Fool was calling to me, I thought I’d share in case you needed this, too: “The Fool reminds you that being ‘ready’ is sometimes less important than being willing.”

Whew. Yes, I definitely needed to hear that!

Three tarot cards labeled “The Fool” are laid side by side on a wooden surface. Each card features a different artistic style, including a bird illustration, a lone figure in a forest, and a minimalist design with flowers. — The Fool cards from three of my decks: The Crow Tarot, The Stranger Things Tarot, and The Antique Anatomy Tarot

Writing Trinkets: Pieces of my Author Life

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