
Welcome to Making Words with Tasha L. Harrison, a blog & podcast for and about writing-ass romance writers.
This is where I, Tasha L. Harrison, share practical tips on various topics, including writing tips and tricks, news and advice about the business of authoring, and cultivating a holistic approach to managing both. So, whether you're a seasoned author or a beginner with a story to tell, Making Words is your guide to navigating writing and publishing from idea to done.
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The Psychology of Writing Under Pressure (And How to Make It Work for You)
Think pressure kills creativity? Think again. Learn how deadlines, constraints, and time limits can actually boost your writing productivity. Discover the psychology behind artificial deadlines, writing sprints, and turning stress into motivation.
What I Didn’t Do to Achieve 20,000 Words in 5 Days
Struggling to write fast? When I first attempted #20kin5Days, I thought I needed the perfect outline, schedule, and mindset—but I was wrong. Here’s what actually works to fast-draft efficiently, overcome perfectionism, and write more words in less time
From Idea to 20,000 Words: A Step-by-Step Guide to Prepping for a High-Output Writing Challenge
Getting ready for a high-output writing challenge? This step-by-step guide will help you go from idea to 20,000 words with ease. Learn how to define your story scope, create quick character sheets, build a loose plot, set up your writing space, and develop a survival plan for intense drafting sessions.
Why Fast-Drafting Works (And Why Every Writer Should Try It at Least Once)
Struggling to finish your book? Fast-drafting might be the solution. Learn how writing quickly silences your inner critic, reduces writer’s block, and builds creative momentum—so you can finally get that first draft done.
Hey, Wordmaker... what could you accomplish in five days?
Join the 20kin5Days Writing Challenge and push your creative limits! Write 20,000 words in just five days with the support of a thriving writing community. Sign up now and transform your writing routine with expert guidance, daily sprints, and accountability. Are you ready to take on the challenge?
Writing Prompt: Mood
Mood is the invisible thread that ties your scenes together, creating a consistent emotional experience. Whether it’s a cozy, heartwarming romance or a dark, tension-filled thriller, the mood is what makes readers feel something beyond the words on the page.
Romance 101: Dark Romance #JustTheTipTuesday
Discover Dark Romance, a genre that blends love with intensity, exploring flawed characters, high-stakes conflict, and emotional redemption. Learn its history, current trends, and how to write compelling, nuanced stories that captivate readers with complexity and depth.
The Role & Importance Of Persuasive Writing In Romance
Convincing readers to believe in your love story isn’t just about swoon-worthy moments—it’s about crafting relationships that feel real, emotional, and worth rooting for. Persuasive writing in romance is what makes chemistry sizzle, tension crackle, and happily-ever-afters feel deeply earned. From showing, not telling, to using emotional anchors and authentic dialogue, this approach helps romance authors build trust with their readers, keeping them engaged from the first meet-cute to the final declaration of love. Ready to master the art of writing irresistible romance? Let’s get into it.
Writing the Perfect Valentine’s Day Scene
A great Valentine’s Day scene isn’t just about hearts and flowers—it’s about emotional stakes, chemistry, and making love feel earned, not just expected. Whether you’re using it to deepen an ongoing romance, check in with a couple from a previous book, or introduce side characters with future potential, holiday scenes can do more than hit a romantic beat. Learn how to craft a Valentine’s moment that resonates. Want to master romantic storytelling? The Wordmakers Field Guide to Writing Tension, Chemistry & Attraction has everything you need to make every romantic moment unforgettable.
Full Moon in Leo: Bold Creativity in Tumultuous Times
Harness the bold, take-up-space energy of the Full Moon in Leo to break free from self-doubt, creative hesitation, and fear of criticism. This is the time to write with courage, embrace visibility, and use your voice without apology—especially in a world that needs fearless storytellers. Inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, this moon reminds us that art can be both entertaining and revolutionary. Let go of perfectionism, set bold intentions, and step fully into your creative power. Your words matter—make them count.
Time Management Tips for Full-Time Romance Authors
Wordmakers, simplify your writing life with non-arbitrary timers. Learn how pairing tasks with everyday moments—like brewing coffee or waiting for dinner to cook—can boost creativity, manage time, and reduce burnout. This flexible method adapts to your energy, helping you balance productivity and storytelling with ease.
#JustTheTipTuesday Urban Romance
Explore the vibrant world of Urban Romance, a subgenre of Black romance rooted in the rhythms of city life. Delve into authentic love stories shaped by real-life struggles, resilience, and connection. Discover the history, genre conventions, and current trends that make Urban Romance a dynamic and powerful space in Black literature.
Full Moon in Cancer: Release, Reflect, and Reimagine
"Embrace the January 12, 2025 Wolf Moon's nurturing Cancer energy to reflect, release creative blocks, and align with your writing goals. Perfect for romance authors, this full moon encourages emotional depth, intuitive storytelling, and balance between inspiration and structure. Discover rituals and prompts to reset and recharge your creative energy for the year ahead."
Writing Prompt: Litotes
Discover the power of litotes, a literary device that uses understatement to make bold statements with subtlety and wit. Learn how to enhance your writing by crafting nuanced expressions, creating irony, and adding humor—all while revealing character attitudes and depth. Perfect for authors looking to refine their storytelling.
#JustTheTipTuesday Black Romance
Black Romance—a genre celebrating love, joy, and resilience in Black lives. From its history to current trends, discover the beauty of authentic Black love stories written by Black authors, centering multidimensional characters and uplifting narratives that inspire and connect.
#JustTheTipTuesday Erotica
Discover essential writing tips in #JustTheTipTuesday’s Romance 101 series! Perfect for romance authors, we dive into topics like subgenres, HEAs, contemporary and historical romance, romantic suspense, paranormal, erotic romance, and more. Plus, we explore erotica—an adjacent genre that pushes boundaries while deepening our understanding of intimacy and desire. Learn about erotica’s evolution from classic literature to today’s inclusive and nuanced stories, focusing on consent, communication, and representation. Each Tuesday, get insights to craft authentic, character-driven romance and erotica that captivates and connects with readers!