Category: Writing Goals

Where You Are in Your Writing Journey & Next StepsWhere You Are in Your Writing Journey & Next Steps

June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 | 0 Comments

Lynn Palermo’s Storylines presentation categorizes writers into five types based on a quiz: scene collectors, over explainers, solo scribblers, idea hoppers, and perfection paralyzers. Each type has distinct challenges and tailored next steps, such as focusing on story structure, practicing show-not-tell, seeking feedback, committing to a single project, or timed writing without editing. The presentation encourages writers to recognize their stage and offers the Story Foundations Learning Center as a supportive resource.

Next steps and outcomes:

  • [06:59] Writers identified as scene collectors need to focus on story structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
  • [07:45] Over explainer writers are advised to practice show-don’t-tell techniques by rewriting scenes focusing only on actions and dialogue.
  • [08:38] Solo scribblers should seek constructive feedback by sharing their writing with trusted peers or joining writing groups.
  • [09:34] Idea hoppers are encouraged to choose one story, set small goals, and maintain accountability over 4-6 weeks.
  • [10:25] Perfection paralyzers should practice timed writing sessions without editing to overcome writing blocks.
  • [11:44] Invitation to join the Story Foundations Learning Center for ongoing support and community.

Chapters:
Introduction and Quiz Setup

  • [00:05] Introduction to understanding writing journey stages
  • [01:33] Writing is learned in stages and tips may no longer suffice
  • [02:23] A quiz is provided to determine writer type

Quiz Questions and Writer Type Categorization

  • [02:36] Quiz questions A to E categorize writing behaviors and challenges
  • [05:56] Tally results to identify writer type as scene collector (A), over explainer (B), solo scribbler (C), idea hopper (D), or perfection paralyzer (E)

Scene Collector Writer Type

  • [06:29] Scene collectors collect scenes but struggle with story structure
  • [06:59] Recommended next step: learn story structure basics and use frameworks like three-act structure

Over Explainer Writer Type

  • [07:26] Over explainers write full drafts relying on telling rather than showing
  • [07:45] Suggested practice: rewrite scenes using only actions and dialogue to enhance show-don’t-tell technique

Solo Scribbler Writer Type

  • [08:00] Solo scribblers write but lack reader feedback
  • [08:38] Need constructive feedback and community support; advised to share work and join writing groups

Idea Hopper Writer Type

  • [09:01] Idea hoppers start multiple stories but rarely finish
  • [09:34] Need project focus and accountability; advised to commit to one story with small goals

Perfection Paralyzer Writer Type

  • [10:07] Perfection paralyzers are stuck with endless revising or not writing at all
  • [10:25] Need permission to write messy first drafts; advised timed writing sessions without editing

Support for Writers and Next Steps

  • [11:04] Recognizing writing stage helps growth; writing progresses in small steps
  • [11:44] Introduced Story Foundations Learning Center for structured support and community
  • [12:02] Learning center offers practical tools and support at all stages

Accountability and Community: Proven Help You Achieve Your Writing GoalsAccountability and Community: Proven Help You Achieve Your Writing Goals

January 28, 2025January 28, 2025 | 0 Comments

Maybe you’ve felt overwhelmed trying to balance research with storytelling, or you’ve just gotten stuck and let the project sit unfinished.

Have you ever started a family history writing project—completely motivated—only to watch that motivation fade away?

You’re not alone. Every writer faces this challenge regardless of whether you are writing profiles, memoirs, short stories or sagas, but here’s the good news: there’s a solution.

It’s not about working harder or forcing yourself to push through.
It’s about leaning into accountability and community.

In my latest Storylines video, I share how these two things can make all the difference—whether you’re writing ancestor profiles, memoirs, or a multi-generational saga.