by Keri Rozansky | Mar 4, 2026 | Blog
One of the things I learned during the ‘fresh start’ workshop at the end of last year was how to set realistic writing and other goals and plotting the time accordingly. Because my debut novel is finally with the proofreader and actively being worked on, I had no goals to complete for the month of January, and my first writing goal was set for the end of February. I beat that goal by several weeks, but because it’s for a task that I don’t usually undertake (outlining), I gave myself plenty of time to do it.
I also researched the best ways to do one, and came up with the method that works best for me. I went into this outlining knowing I needed time to research and perfect those things, so I set the date well out from when I thought I wanted to be finished. This extra, realistic, scheduling method allowed me room to breathe and not feel like the inevitable learning curve was slowing me down, putting me behind, or causing me to fail.
By the end of February I expected a simple outline from myself. That’s it. What I have at the end of February is not only a completed outline, but also the first four chapters of another novel. I’m much further ahead than I thought I would be, which makes my next goal – a completed first draft by the end of March – very doable.
With the combination of baby steps and also a gentle nudging every time I sit down to write and look at my outline on my desk, I feel energized to hit that next goal. This method applies to more than just writing. Whenever you’re starting something new, you need to add some extra time for the learning curve.
That curve may be small, or it may be the biggest hurdle you’ve negotiated in some time. But with baby steps and bigger thinking rather than squeezing yourself with an unrealistic timeline, you’ll do better and achieve more.
by Keri Rozansky | Feb 25, 2026 | Blog
I don’t know why I’m doing this. Blogging…that’s what this is, right? Blogging isn’t my thing. And why the hell do you want the point of view of someone who’s not even connected to any of this? I washed my of Pam and Brad Moore the moment Pam started her…nevermind.
So. What are blog posts about? I see when other people have been asked to guest post they mostly talk about themselves. I’d rather not. There are things that shouldn’t be public about me, so I’m invoking my right to remain silent.
I’m sure that’s not what the host of this blog wanted, but that’s what they’re getting.
Sincerely,
Francis Stubens
by Keri Rozansky | Feb 18, 2026 | Blog
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken over, whether we like it or not. There are plenty of jokes about why AI can’t do our more mundane tasks like laundry or dishes but instead helps make art like music, visual art, and books.
But AI has been added to more mundane tasks – your fridge can tell you when you’re low on milk or fruit and add it to your grocery list. Alexa and Siri have been able to help you search the internet, and even now can help you adjust the light and temperature in your home when you’re on vacation in another state. AI is used in manufacturing, construction, and a number of other industries.
I told myself I would never use AI for writing an end product, and I haven’t. I won’t take away my own job/ But it’s a good tool to use as a starting point. Emphasis on tool. Anything you read by me will never be generated with AI. What you see on the page is all my doing.
AI is meant to do the things we can’t do ourselves. One of the reasons it’s taken me so long to publish a first novel is because I told myself I didn’t have the time. It took too long to write, outline, edit, rewrite, edit, rewrite…and on and on. Method held me back as well. I think in the big picture and then break it down into steps.
When I started to write the short story that would become my debut novel, I did what many in the writing community lovingly call “word vomit.” I sat down and I wrote what came out. I started with the goal of telling a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end. Only after I felt I had it all down did I go back and edit, add, delete, reword, and refine the final product into something I felt comfortable with other people reading. But I know I missed things. It didn’t win the competition I entered.
There was no outline, no direction or map on how to get there, just me, my computer, and an idea. I’m not quite sure where the drafts and final product of that short story are, and I’m not sure I want to know.
Writers are already using AI tools, even though they’ve never been labeled as AI. I use a writing/outlining tool that helps me see everything chapter-by-chapter, including ‘minor’ details like the first time the main character discovered what may have been the gun used in the crime. This software has a function where you can choose to ‘create a sequel.’ It automatically imports all my data character, location, and other world-building factors into a new file. The program cut out the need for me to re-enter all that data by using AI.
Those are just a couple examples of how writers have been using AI before we started calling it AI. AI isn’t ‘on the rise,’ AI is finally being identified and labeled.
by Keri Rozansky | Feb 14, 2026 | Blog
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Will you be my Valentine?
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romantic love. Tell your friends, your family, or that other special someone how much you care and appreciate them.
by Keri Rozansky | Feb 11, 2026 | Blog
As my debut sits, waiting to be proofread, my creativity continues to flow. My next book is just in its infancy, but research and outlining are in full swing on the way to a completed first draft later this year. For a while, I know there will be a mountain of research as my detective character solves a variety of cases from murder to kidnapping and much more.
This upcoming project features characters who are under constant security surveillance due to who they are. I’m not high-profile or someone in danger in any way, so this is an area I need to look into further. One of the most interesting things I’ve found so far is that personal security doesn’t have to apply to only high-profile celebrities or executives. People who often travel to dangerous areas, have been victims of domestic abuse or other crimes, and more are ‘regular’ people who may want to consider personal protection.
What does a personal security detail do? Just as in fiction, they’re on call or otherwise available 24/7 for the protection of the individual. They do more than just surround the person at all times to keep them from bodily harm. They’re trained in advanced security and defense tactics, surveillance detection, conflict de-escalation, and even emergency response. Their level of situational awareness quickly assesses potential dangers in any space and allows them to adapt to the situation to ensure a person’s safety.
In my new work, a personal security team is an absolute necessity for this character. But it’s a pressure the character is fed up with and would rather avoid. What sort of peril will it bring?
