Beyond Word Count: Measuring Progress in a Million Ways
Issue 6, April 2026 ~ Length: 930 words

Writing Progress
As I draft this on what feels like the 347th 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
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 19th 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 19th Century Keys
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

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!

Writing Trinkets posts on the first day of every month where I share author updates, glowing bookshelf recommendations, and rotating curios. Thank you so much for stopping to read! Please feel free to also connect on Instagram at PerhapsKatyJ
All photos/images are from my personal collection/taken by me. Alt text on images.





Yess! Love all of this. The retreat was so amazing. My main archetype is Weaver, too. I feel like historical fiction writers must be weavers in some way, yeah? Also I love keys!! We live in an old house (built sometime between 1895 and 1905), and lots of our doors have old keyholes, which just makes my life. LOL. :) Cheering you on Katy J!
Nothing Sung and Nothing Spoken is SO GOOD!