As a writer, I think a lot about writing. Storytelling. Character development. World-building. If you spend any time with me, you’ll quickly see that my brain thinks narratively and I love bringing both an analytic and poetic eye to every experience. Some of these thoughts pop up and disappear like ice on summertime asphalt. Others stick and grow and eventually become ideas or perspectives or questions or epiphanies that I just have to share with someone else.

Introducing, ‘Writerly Thoughts,’ a twice monthly blog on writing from Katie Hay-Molopo.

It sounds really official when I say it like that, doesn’t it? The truth is, I’m no expert. Yes, I have my MSc in Creative Writing and I’ve spent the last two years really focusing on and honing my writing skills (not to mention the countless pages I’ve soaked with ink since I was about seven years old). But there are plenty of incredible writers out there who can provide keen and useful insight into the writing process, bolstering your own creative practice and perhaps rocketing you into a successful writing career. One such brilliant blog I follow is by author K.M. Weiland, which you should totally check out.

So why bother reading my writerly thoughts?

I’m a firm believer that everything we do has been done before—stay with me—but no one has ever done what you’re doing exactly like you will. You might not find anything “new” or revolutionary in this blog—or heck, maybe you will! Guess we won’t know unless I write it, right?

Here’s how it’s gonna work.

On the first Thursday of each month, I’ll post an article about writing. This is broad on purpose, but you can count on some sort of intersection with motherhood, faith, or film/TV. I’m writing these posts to writers (or “non-writers” interested in the writerly mind), so there will be a call to apply the tips or insights to your own creative practice as well.

Then, on the second Thursday of each month, I’ll post a short story. These will be in the same vein as my Merely a Story tales and may incorporate some of the insights discussed in the month’s article. A little “advice in action,” if you will.

And because I’m an artist too, there’ll be a fun doodle accompanying each article. The one below is a special sneak peek and will accompany the first ever ‘Writerly Thoughts’ article. Any guesses as to what I’ll be writing about?

Follow this blog (check your sidebar!) to see what this doodle—and many more to come—is all about. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you!

— KHM —

I want to hear your thoughts too! What aspect of being a writer are you curious about? Are there steps of the writing process that have always intrigued or stumped you? Share in the comments below. If I use your question/comment for an article, I’ll make sure you get a shout-out in the post!