Have you ever felt like writing should be more than just scribbling in a notebook or trying to finish a blog post? Like maybe... there's more to this than just putting words on the page?

You’re not wrong.

Writing can be healing, creative, expressive, and yes, even profitable. However, to achieve your goals, you need more than just passion. You need a plan. That’s where the 12 Stages Every Writer Should Know comes in.

Whether you're writing to tell your story, grow your confidence, or build a business, these 12 stages offer the tools, steps, and encouragement to keep moving forward, without the pressure of having to do it all at once.

Let’s talk about how writers like you can move from “just writing” to “writing with purpose.”

Why You Need a Writing Path

Most writers don’t struggle because they lack talent—they struggle because they don’t know what comes next.

Some feel stuck in the brainstorming stage. Others have written a whole book but don’t know how to publish or protect it. And many more have the talent but don’t see how their writing could become a business.

The truth? Writing has stages. And when you understand those stages, you stop spinning in circles.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Not every stage applies to every writer, but every writer needs at least a few.

• The more steps you’re aware of, the more confidently you can grow.

• You don’t have to do it all at once.

This blog series will walk you through the 12 stages that can turn your writing into something more, whatever that “more” means for you.

How This Blog Series Will Work

Each week, we’ll focus on one of the 12 stages:

• I’ll explain what the stage means in plain language.

• I’ll give you encouragement and suggestions.

• I’ll offer real tools and resources (both free and paid).

• And I’ll leave you with writing prompts or action steps.

By the end, you’ll have a roadmap—something you can return to as your writing evolves.

Even better? You can grab the full Comprehensive Writer Resource Guide for free in our Resources section. It lists every tool, app, and site we mention—sorted by stage—so you can explore what works for you.

What Are the 12 Stages?

Let’s take a quick peek at what’s coming in this blog series:

1. Dream – Set Your Vision: What do you want to write—and why? Define your audience and writing goals.

2. Write – Tools, Courses & AI Help: Get the words out, whether you're using a pen, keyboard, or software.

3. Organize – Productivity & Planning: Use systems to track your ideas, time, and research.

4. Format – Design, Illustration & Layout: Make your words visually appealing and ready to publish.

5. Protect – Legal, ISBN & Copyright Tools. Safeguard your work with official registration and metadata.

6. Publish – Distribution & Sales Platforms: From self-publishing to indie bookstores—get your writing into readers' hands.

7. Share – Podcasting, Publicity & Book Tours: Promote your work with confidence and creativity.

8. Grow – Branding, Website & Reader Outreach. Build your online presence and connect with your audience.

9. Build – Turn Your Writing Into a Business: Offer services, coaching, or products—and do it legally and professionally.

10. Financial Tools – Budget, Invoice & Tax Support: Stay on top of your finances with easy-to-use tools.

11. Connect – Writing Communities, Groups & Events: Find support, share ideas, and stop writing alone.

12. Amplify – Ads, Media & Book Promotion: Get noticed, grow your audience, and make your work visible.

A Writing Journey That Respects Where You Are

This isn’t a sprint. It’s not about rushing from “idea” to “published book” in 30 days.

It’s about equipping you with the right steps at the right time. If you’re starting, you may only need the Dream and Write stages. If you’re already sharing your work, maybe it’s time to Grow or Amplify.

You can revisit this blog series at any time. Each post will be linked in the main Writing Resources section of the website, so you can move at your own pace.

The Prompt Corner

The Prompt Corner is a place to think about why you write.

Writing your journey is just as important as building it. Here are five writing prompts to help you reflect:

1. What stage of writing am I in right now, and how does it feel?

2. When was a time I felt confident in my writing? What helped me?

3. What’s one writing goal I’ve never said out loud?

4. If I could describe my writing voice in three words, what would they be?

5. What’s one small step I could take today to grow as a writer?

Try one or try them all—your words matter.

Free & Paid Tools to Support Your Writing

Looking for tools to help turn your writing into something more impactful? These resources can support your mission.

Check them out below and visit the Resources tab on our site for the full list. Try a new one each week to find what fits your writing goals.

1. Dabble – Novel-writing software that helps you organize scenes and characters

2. Reedsy – A marketplace for editors, designers, and publishing help

3. Grammarly – Editing help for clarity and grammar

4. Hemingway Editor – Great for cutting down wordiness and improving flow

Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support our website at no extra cost to you. Want more tools? Check out the full list in the Resources tab of our site.

Want more tools? Check out the full list of writing resources on the resource page on our website.

Write with Us: Start Learning My 12 Stages Every Writer Should Know

If you're feeling excited (or overwhelmed), you're not alone. This blog is built for writers at all stages—including you. Whether you're journaling for healing or working on a business, we hope you stick around.

Next week, we begin with Stage 1: Dream – Set Your Vision.

You don’t need to do it all today.Just take one small step.Start with the next post... and let’s write with purpose—together.