Write with Fey: Best of Write with Fey

I have two post ideas to share in January, but as far as any other blogging plans for 2025...I don't really have any. I won't even be participating in the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge. It seems that I do it two years in a row and then don't participate for a few years, so I guess I'm on par.

For 2024, I didn't have a plan come January, but I ended up getting ideas for posts, as you can see with the lists above.

For 2025, my 13th year of blogging, I don't know what I'll be doing here.

I still have one feature idea that I've been mulling over for a couple of years now. This feature wouldn't be for writers/authors. They'd be more for girls/women. It'd be memoir style like Caitlin Moran’s How to be a Woman. So that means there will be stories about my childhood and growing up as the youngest sister. I mean, I have an essay about shaving, so yeah. HAHA. There's also stories about living without electricity and without a bed, etc. I'm still not sure if I'll do this, but I don't know what else I'll do with this content. Once, I thought I'd publish a memoir, but I don't want to do that anymore. My blog is the only other place I can think of sharing these essays. I'll continued to mull it over.

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Also, please consider subscribing to my museletter. I share the blog posts for the previous month there, but you'll also get writing/author updates, exclusive content about works-in-progress, and more.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

July 04, 2024

Chrys' Top 13 Blog Post Picks / Thursday 13

This is another contribution to the Thursday 13 blog hop in which participants create a post with some kind of list of 13 things they want to share. The skies the limit.

Last month, I shared the 13 most-viewed posts of all-time on my blog. It's always interesting to see which posts take off, and which posts don't. It's just like with other forms of social media. We may love a picture we share on Instagram, but because of the algorithms, that day's traffic, planet alignment, you name it, the post you love may not get any love.

That's why I'm sharing 13 of my personal favorite blog posts of all-time. BTW, I've been blogging since 2013. It was nostalgic (sometimes bittersweet) to look back at the posts on this blog.

My Top 13 Blog Post Picks:

1. Honoring the Victims of the Salem Witch Trials (2022)

2. How to Respect and Support Indigenous Peoples (2021)

3. Homeless Care Packages (2022)

4. NOT INADEQUATE / A Post about Self-Defense and Abuse (2020)

5. Writer’s Burnout Part 1 (Speak) (2018)

6. 10 Things All Authors Should Know (2021)

7. Florida & Seminole History (2021)

8. Writers. Should. NOT. Tell. Other. Writers. What. Tense. Or. POV. To. Use. It's. NOT. Your. Choice. (2020)

9. Don't Shame Readers for What They Read (or Writers for What They Write) (2021)

10. Bullying Awareness Project (2015)

11. Body Literacy Book Recommendations (2022)

12. Traditional Publishing - Pros and Cons (2021)

13. Writing About: A Wound (2013)

It was not easy narrowing this list down to 13. I had maybe 5 others posts I collected while making this list that did not make it.

NOTE: Comments are closed to these posts, as is the case for all of my older posts. I close the comments to every post about a month after they go live to prevent spam attacks.

May 02, 2024

My Blog's Top 13 Posts of All Time / Thursday 13

During the A to Z challenge, Liz A. posted for a small blog hop called Thursday 13 in which participants create lists of 13 things to share. It could be anything. I love lists, so I thought I'd join in a couple of times this month for fun. I’m sharing a list of the most-viewed posts on my blog.

MY BLOG'S TOP 13 POSTS OF ALL TIME:

(based on views)

1. Writing About: A Car Accident - 77.3K views

2. Writing About: A Kidnapping - 15.4K views

3. Writing About: A Wedding - 11.8K views

4. Writing About: Witches - 7.35K views

5. Writing About: A Plane Ride - 6.43K views

6. Protagonist vs Antagonist - 6.27K views

7. Ad Astra Interview / Olivia and Fiona Discuss Banned Books and Intersectional Feminism - 4.01K views

8. New Release Marketing Conclusions - 3.94K views

9. Writing About: Torture - 3.56K views

10. Writing About: A Foot Chase - 3.34K views

11. Writing About: School - 3.25K views

12. Writer's Burnout Part 10 (No Stress) - 3.25K views

13. Dear “I’m Still a Nobody” Author - 3.02K views

NOTE: Comments are closed to these posts, as is the case for all of my older posts. I close the comments to every post about a month after they go live to prevent spam attacks.

It's always interesting to see what posts get the most views. My Writing About feature, which I did for a few years here on my blog, obviously was a hit. I wonder if I should revive it. Back then, the posts were about topics and characters and scenes I'd written about at the time. I've written a lot since I stopped the feature.

If you'd like to check out my Writing About feature, you can find the archive on this page: Writing About. There's sections for Characters, More on Characters, Disasters, Supernatural/Paranormal/Fantasy, Crime, Romance, Places, Seasons, Holidays, and Other.

January 24, 2024

Oops…Best of Write with Fey 2023

I am late with this post. I usually compile it and post it in December of the year I’m highlighting. Well, it’s the end of January, and I am just now getting to it. Better late than never, right?

This is my 12th year of blogging. Usually I have a plan for my blogging year about six months in advance. This year, I have no plan, aside from participating in the April Blogging from A to Z challenge. I already have those posts created. They’re very different than what you’ve seen in this space and deeply personal. Stay tuned!

So, what does it mean that I have no plan for 2024?

Well, I’ll be blogging infrequently, when I have something to blog about. Fortunately, while creating this post, I at least thought of one post idea. I’m mulling over a feature for the year that, again, will be very different and not exactly for writers, but about a writer growing up. That writer is me. They’d be personal essays, memoir style. Think in the realm of Caitlin Moran’s How to be a Woman. I’m just not sure if it’s something anyone would be interested in reading here. Let me know if you’d be interested or if it would be a hard pass.

No matter what I end up doing here on my blog in 2024, to make sure you don't miss my blog posts, sign up here to get email reminders.

BEST OF WRITE WITH FEY 2023:

For Writers:

Forget To-Do Lists, It’s Time for Don’t Do Lists

Are You Prioritizing Your Responsibilities Correctly?

It’s Okay Not to Write

The Frustrations of a Creative Life

Dear Undiscovered Writer

Disappointing Sales

How to Cleanse & Spring Clean Your Writing Space

Dear Perfectionist Writer

Dear Writer with a Problematic Story

Dear Marketing Conflicted Writer

Write What Makes You Happy

Do You Write? Then You’re a Writer!

Restrictive Writing Rules

Astrology for Character Development

Should You Keep Writing or Stop?

Depression Awareness:

Remove Trigger People

Disability and Poverty Depression

Publishing Depression

Books Recommendations:

My Romance Reading Journey

Children’s Books for Pride Month

Fun Promos:

I’m Dead / Vlog

Interview with a Killer

Flour Tortilla Pizza Recipe

Simone Rose, Medical Examiner Interview

Witches - True or False

Tish McGinnis, Medical Examiner Interview

Personal:

Dear Mom, I Love You

My Muse Says, “Hi!”

Other:

Happy HalloRead! What I Do for Trick or Treaters

December 06, 2022

Best of Write With Fey 2022

Another blogging year has come to a close for me. I will be back January 2023 to start my 11th year of blogging. This year, my focus was on book recommendations and highlighting good causes to support.

Next year...well, you'll just have to wait and see. 😉

To make sure you don't miss my blog posts, sign up here to get email reminders.

BEST OF WRITE WITH FEY 2022:

Book Recommendations:

A Look Back At My 2021 Reading Challenges

My Top 25 Reads of the Past 125 Years #25BetterBooks

10 Book Recommendations for Ramadan

Asian American Pacific Islander Book Recommendations

LGBTQIA+ Book Recommendations for Pride Month

Money Mindset Book Recommendations + WEALTH DATES

Freedom Writers Diary / Book & Movie Chat

Latin American Heritage Month Book Recommendations

Body Literacy Book Recommendations

Native American Heritage Month Book Recommendations

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy : A Modern Graphic Retelling of Little Women

Books For Writers:

Year Of Yes

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

The Five Second Rule

The Big Leap

The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook

Affirmations For Writers

Causes to Support:

I Donated My Hair

Stand Up to Cancer, Protect Trans Youth, Stand with Ukraine

World Elephant Day

My Favorite Nature Documentaries

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Homeless Care Packages

I Adopted a Turkey

For Writers:

What Is BOOKSHOP.ORG?

Spotify Playlists for Writers (and Readers...ANYONE!)

Knowing Your Human Design Can Change Your Life, How You Work, and How You Sell

Dear Stuck Writers

History:

Honoring the Victims of the Salem Witch Trials

Other:

Oh, For Shifts’ Sake!

Disaster Crimes Series Playlists with Scene Breakdowns

My Date with Thorn from A Fighting Chance

Meet Thistle the Fairy in Human Form

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

December 14, 2021

Best of Write with Fey 2021 (& 2020)

BEST OF WRITE WITH FEY 2021:

For Writers:

10 Things All Authors Should Know

Writing About Minor Characters Who Are People of Color / Vlog

Traditional Publishing - Pros and Cons / Vlog

A Better Alternative to Goodreads - The StoryGraph

Don't Shame Readers for What They Read (or Writers for What They Write)

Interviews:

Dear Publishers Interview / Jess Lee Talks About Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Antiracism in the Publishing Industry

Ad Astra Interview / Olivia and Fiona Discuss Banned Books and Intersectional Feminism

Interview with Esme Brett, Creator of #RomancestagramBall on Instagram

Marketing/Promo:

What Happened When I Had a Free (Companion) eBook During My Blog Tour?

New Release Marketing Conclusions

Book Recommendations:

Diverse Children's Books and Adult Books on Anti-Racism

Graphic Novels, Picture Books, MG & YA Books, Adult Romance

Book Chat Fun - The Perks of Being a Wallflower

History:

Indigenous History Month / Florida & Seminole History

Windover, A 7,000-Year-Old Pond Cemetery / Research

Causes to Support:

How to Respect and Support Indigenous Peoples

Causes and Donations - Books, Animals, and People / PART 1

Good Causes to Support / PART 2

Other:

#WritersontheMoon

Why did I write a story for Thorn in the Disaster Crimes series?

Dear IWSGers - An Announcement

I realized I never did a "Best of" post for 2020, so here it is!

2020:

For Writers:

COVID-19 and Authors

Every Author's Path Is Their Own

Don't Make Light of Another Writer's Plight

Writers. Should. NOT. Tell. Other. Writers. What. Tense. Or. POV. To. Use. It's. NOT. Your. Choice.

Dear Author with No Reviews

Dear “I’m Still a Nobody” Author

Dialogue Advice / VLOG

Do I Need a Website / Vlog

What Should You Know About the Writing Life? / Vlog

Bad Things Must Happen / Vlog

Marketing/Promo:

Paid Book Blitz Results

Depression/Burnout:

Write a Letter to Your Fear / Except from Keep Writing with Fey

How Tarot Cards Helped with my Depression

Other:

NOT INADEQUATE / A Post about Self-Defense and Abuse

Real-Life Memories in Flaming Crimes / Vlog

A Man Like Donovan / Vlog

Writing About Pregnancy and Intimacy in FROZEN CRIMES

Whom Would You Want To Be Stuck with During a Blizzard?

Why Did I Write a Prequel to 30 Seconds? / Vlog

5 Secrets about 30 Seconds / Vlog

January 02, 2019

2018 (and 2017) Link Round Up

UPDATE: In my December post, you might've seen a note I added about going to the ER. I went after experiencing severe pain in my abdomen that lasted a full 24-hours and didn't respond to pain meds. I found out that I have a 7cm mass (about three inches) on my right ovary. I've seen a specialist at a cancer institute. No one can say exactly what it is, but because of my age, the specialist doesn't believe it's cancer. (Side note: my paternal grandma died of ovarian cancer.) I have an appointment at the end of the month, but I'm going to call today to see if I can get in sooner due to uncomfortable, new symptoms. I'll update you all next month. Thanks for your well wishes!

UPDATE: After talking to the nurse, she bumped up my ultrasound to this Friday with a follow up on Tuesday to discuss the results and next steps.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I didn't do a "Best of Write with Fey 2018" post (which I usually do in December) because I didn’t post as much last year. I didn't even do one in 2017! But then I thought that someone might’ve missed a post that he/she could use right about now, so here’s my linky round up.

Best of Write with Fey 2016

OPTIONAL January 4th IWSG Question: What writing rule do you wish you'd never heard?

Reminder: The questions are optional and meant as a prompt if you struggle with what to post. You don't have to answer a question if you don't want to. :)

At the end of every year I like to provide links and summaries to some of my favorite posts that I shared on my blog. These posts are the ones that got a lot of engagement from readers or was one that I particularly liked because of the information it offered, or because it was simply fun.

Enjoy!

The best blog post from Write with Fey 2016:

Writing About:

1. A Hostage – A list of things to consider when writing about a character who is a hostage.

2. A Tsunami – This is the disaster for Book 3 of my Disaster Crimes series, and it was the hardest Writing About post I’ve ever had to write.

3. Oahu, Hawaii – Tsunami Crimes is set in Hawaii, so I shared 10 things I learned about Hawaii while writing this book.

4. Wrestlers – The most fun characters I’ve ever written about were wrestlers, because I really got to be creative with their looks and names.

5. Domestic Violence Awareness – I created this post to create awareness for domestic violence. I share warning signs and talk about the different kinds of abuse.

6. Zombies – In this post I shared do’s and dont’s that zombie fans say can make or break a zombie book.

7. Stalkers – Stalkers are scary. I share tips to remember if you ever write a story about a character being stalked.

8. Blizzards – What do you need to know if you write about a blizzard? I offer 10 pointers.

9. Wildfire – I’ve experienced wildfire. In this post, I share my memories of this disaster.

10. Halloween – This is my favorite holiday! I couldn’t resist delving into this day with all of its fun. A story set during Halloween should incorporate at least one of the things I highlight in this post.

Character ER:

1. Body Language – To add depth to a character’s actions and emotions, include body language.

2. Diet and Food – We don’t often think about a character’s diet, but so many people in real life eat special diets.

3. Flaws, Fear, and Weaknesses – Make your characters realistic by giving them flaws, fears, and weaknesses.

4. Habits and Quirks – Habits and quirks can bring characters to life and make them memorable.

5. Your Character's Pain – We experience physical and emotional pain more often than we’d like. Our characters should experience pain as well.

Marketing:

1. 100 Marketing Tips – Every marketing tactic that I know. Includes a FREE pdf.

2. How to Create a Website – All writers should consider having a website. I provide a list of items that all author websites should have.

3. How to Design a Business Card – I offer steps and tips to help you craft a unique business card.

4. Twitter for Writers – This post includes a list of hashtags all writers should know.

5. Instagram for Writers - 20 Instagram Ideas – Writers can get creative with marketing their books and sharing their writing process on this app.

6. How to Create a Newsletter – A step-by-step guide to creating a newsletter and getting subscribers. Includes a FREE pdf.

Other:

1. Harry Potter Wand Art Project – Do your kids love Harry Potter? Help them make their own wands!

2. Turtle Bread Recipe – This is a bread in the shape of a turtle. It’s yummy, and it’s fun to bake with kids.

3. Pine Cone Ornaments – Use these natural decorations as ornaments around your house or for your Christmas tree.

4. You Might be A Bully If – A list of things that bullies do. If you do any of these, vow to make a change today.

5. If I were a Mobster – This was my first ever blogfest for 30 Seconds Before. Participants got to turn themselves into Mobsters. It was fun.

6. Homemade Dog Treats Recipe – Last year, I made dog treats for all of my families’ dogs, and they were a hit.

A big thanks to everyone who visits, follows, and comments on my blog. I do all of this for you! Next year, my blog is going to change significantly. There won't be any more posts about writing, publishing, or marketing. But a couple of my monthly planned posts can still help writers. I hope you'll stick around to see what I have in store. :)

Happy Holidays!

XOXO,

Chrys Fey

December 14, 2015

Best of Write with Fey for 2015 / Holiday R.A.N.T.

NOTE: I recently had dental surgery, so please forgive me if I don't get back to you right away.

Every year I do a Best of Write with Fey post, so here are the most popular posts from my blog for 2015:

Top 5 Best Writing About Posts:

1. Writing About: Winter - This was my first seasonal post and the one with the most views, comments, and shares.

2. Writing About: Witches – A lot of commenters thank me for shining a light on what real witches are versus what society has pegged them to be.

3. Writing About: School – So many told me about their time in school and about being bullied. It was wonderful and heartbreaking.

4. Writing About: A Corpse – I got more feedback on this one than I thought I would’ve.

5. Writing About: Ghosts (Part 2) – Even more tips on how to write about a ghostly character.

Top 10 Best Random Posts:

1. Blog Post Ideas – This post is a list of blog post ideas for those who struggle to find something to blog about.

2. Dear Mom – A letter I wrote for my mom.

3. Nature in a Frame – A Kid’s Project – This is a neat nature project you can do with your kids/grandkids/nieces or nephews.

4. I’m a Tree Hugger! – My best tree photography.

5. A Kick in the Butt / IWSG – I shared an email that kicked me in the butt.

6. My Sunflowers – Pictures of the sunflowers I grew from seeds.

7. Self-Defense Tips – Self-Defense tips that anyone can do.

8. Bullying Awareness Project – A project to teach kids about the impact of bullying and hurtful words.

9. 15 Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas – A list of easy, crafty Christmas gift ideas.

10. 12 Days of Writer’s Christmas – A fun poem...go ahead...sing it!

Top 10 Best Publishing Posts:

1. Blogging 101 – tips on how to create a blog, get readers, and even to spice up an existing blog.

2. How to Create an Author Facebook Page – step-by-step tips and advice on how to get likes.

3. The Ultimate Editing List – the title pretty much says it all.

4. Organization Tips – for writers, authors, and bloggers.

5. How to Write an Author Bio – again, self-explanatory.

6. Working with a Cover Artist – advice on how to get a cover image you want and how to work with a cover artist.

7. How to do a Cover Reveal – Techniques for how to do a cover reveal.

8. Book Release Party – Tips on how to host a successful Facebook book release party.

9. Getting Reviews – Full of tips on how to get more reviews for your books.

10. How to Promote Free Days – This post will tell you how to get the most out of your book’s free days.

Top 10 Best A to Z Posts:

1. A is for Avalanche (most comments)

2. E is for Earthquake

3. J is for Judgment Day

4. P is for Plague

5. Q is for Quasar Explosion

6. S is for Solar Flare and Sinkhole

7. T is for Tornado and Tsunami

8. W is for Wildfire

9. Y is for Ypres Battle (And All Wars) (most views)

10. Z is for Zombie Apocalypse

**********************************************

If you want to participate in R.A.N.T.
hosted by J.A.Scott, you can find me details HERE.

It really bothers me when people say, “It’s Merry Christmas, not Happy Holidays!” Why can’t it be a merry Christmas for you and a happy holiday for someone else?

What's so wrong about saying “Happy Holidays” anyway? Wishing someone happiness during this lovely time of the year is a Christian thing to do. I'm Christian and if someone me tells me “Happy Holidays” I smile and say it back, because by saying that they are wishing me a happy Christmas and New Year. I even say “Happy Holidays” to strangers.

People get so mad over this phrase because they dont believe in the other holidays/religions, but this season is not meant to be a time of anger. So, say “Happy Holidays” to someone and see how it brightens up their faces. Let that brighten you.

***

Well, that’s it for 2015. I’m taking a blogging break starting...now! I’ll be back in 2016. :)

XOXO,

Chrys Fey

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

December 30, 2014

Best of Write with Fey for 2014

I love to create mashups of my best posts for the year. It’s neat to see which ones received a bigger response, because you can never tell these things when you’re writing them. I also like to share these best posts again for anyone who might’ve missed them the first time around.

So here are the TOP TEN posts from Write with Fey this year:

1. Writing About: A Character with a Disease or Disability

Writing About: Personality and Psychological Disorders

These two posts were the most challenging to write, but I’m glad I did it because the topics are so important, and when you’re writing about characters with a disease, disability, or disorder it’s essential to get it right.

2. Writing About: A Car Accident

I was happy that this post received a lot of comments and that many said they wanted to write a car accident scene because of it. :)

3. How to Create a Heroine of Steel

I couldn’t wait to share this post, because heroine’s of steel are my favorite heroines to write about. There are 25 things in this post to help writers create such a heroine.

4. Writing is Hard

Here is a post I was surprised to receive such great feedback for.

5. The Mob

This post is the most different post I’ve ever done for a specific type of character, because I had to cover things like crime, guns, and victims.

6. Vampires

I never thought I would share a post about vampires, but ten years ago I never thought I’d write about vampire characters. Plus, mortals can’t get enough of vampires.

7. A Character’s Past Life

In this post I provide a list of ways writers can use a character’s past life in their story. And I was thrilled that everyone answered my question about whether or not they believed in reincarnation.

8. Your Character’s Toughest Moment

This is another post that received wonderful replies. I believe that you have to let bad things happen to your character to make your story real.

9. Writing About: Weddings

I enjoyed writing this post almost as much as I enjoyed writing actual wedding scenes.

10. Writing About: Florida

In this post, I discuss the characteristics that make the Sunshine State unique for anyone who might want to write a story set in Florida.

BONUS ROUND:

My 5 Favorite A to Z Posts:

1. Author Photo Tips

2. Boost Your Writing Brain Power

3. Inheriting the Writing Gene (A post about my mom and her influence on me.)

4. Prayer for Writers

5. Reasons Why Writing is Great

I hope you enjoyed this list!

***************************************************************************************

2015 UPDATE:

From now on my blog will not just focus on writers and authors but also bloggers and readers. Check out the details:

Writers: I will still share writing tips but these posts will be on Mondays now.

Readers: On the occasional Wednesday I will share fun posts and insight into my stories. I will also be interviewing avid readers about their passion for books. Since January is full, look for the first Reader Interview in February.

Bloggers: Along with Reader Interviews, I am also bringing Blogger Interviews. The first one will be on January 7^th. You won’t want to miss it. Trust me!

Authors: And of course I'll still be hosting authors. :)

Happy New Year!!! I hope to see you in 2015!

Pages

December 17, 2024

Best of Write with Fey 2024

BEST OF WRITE WITH FEY 2024

Looking Toward to 2025:

July 04, 2024

Chrys' Top 13 Blog Post Picks / Thursday 13

May 02, 2024

My Blog's Top 13 Posts of All Time / Thursday 13

January 24, 2024

Oops…Best of Write with Fey 2023

December 06, 2022

Best of Write With Fey 2022

December 14, 2021

Best of Write with Fey 2021 (& 2020)

January 02, 2019

2018 (and 2017) Link Round Up

December 12, 2016

Best of Write with Fey 2016

December 14, 2015

Best of Write with Fey for 2015 / Holiday R.A.N.T.

December 30, 2014

Best of Write with Fey for 2014

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