Tomorrow, it’s back to school—a world of lesson plans, reading groups, and the ever-present question: “Am I doing enough?” It’s surreal, honestly. Over my vacation, I finished my novel, Riven, and got it out into the world. A friend compared it to Stephen King finishing Running Man while teaching, which is wildly flattering. I’m not quite at that level of excitement, but I do feel proud of what I accomplished.
Now the high has peaked, and reality is waiting. Back to teaching children how to read (or hoping to). Back to the insecurities that creep in at work—am I effective? Back to navigating the complex culture of work politics. Yet, for all of that, I love what I do. The surreal part isn’t going back—it’s knowing that Riven is out there, and I don’t want to come down from the rush of creating and sharing it with all of you.
Teaching will mean less time to sit and think about writing. I’ll be back to productivity over pondering, juggling 27 students and the mental exhaustion that comes with it. But after work, there’s always the opportunity to reconnect—with writing, with this community, with the stories that demand to be told. That’s where I hope my motivation holds.
Writing feels like an addiction now. Even as I groan about plotting (my least favorite part), the pull is stronger than ever. Plotting overwhelms me—the world of choices, endless possibilities, and the pressure to ensure each story feels distinct. Recently, I realized I’d written a prison scene into two upcoming stories. While it could work, I don’t want to settle. I’m revisiting the drawing board to craft something better, something fresh.
It reminds me of being a kid when my mom asked what I wanted to eat. I’d freeze up if the question was too broad. “What do you want?” was impossible. “Do you want chicken? A sandwich? Macaroni?” gave me options I could work with. Writing feels like that sometimes—narrowing down an entire world of choices into something coherent and compelling.
Even after decades of writing, it’s humbling to realize how new I still am to crafting full-length stories. Until you finish them, it’s hard to see the patterns or distinguish the themes. I’m determined to ensure Riven feels distinct, that its sequels and my other stories take readers down paths that surprise and captivate.
For me, the key is in the experience. A great story doesn’t just entertain—it pulls you in and doesn’t let go. That’s what I hope Riven does for you.
Get Riven on Kindle—Anywhere, Anytime
Step into the world of Riven, where courage, curiosity, and resilience collide. Princess Salome’s journey beyond her mystical kingdom will pull you into an unforgettable experience. Available now on Kindle and through the Kindle app for your phone.
👉 Buy Riven today and join the adventure!
Rosemary Draven 