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Melissa Pilakowski

@mpilakowski_writes

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I made a mistake.

I tried a new novel-plotting system the past few weeks. It was exhilarating brainstorming and planning.

Then it came time to write, and I learned something about me.

Plotting too much ahead of time makes writing a chore.

The book was good. I've honed down on the plot. It's given me plenty of ideas to use later when I revise.

I don't regret the experience. I've learned more about myself as a writer, and that's to leave plenty of uncertainty about where a scene will take me. by @mpilakowski_writes

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2 months ago

Definitely will be on my top books of 2026 list by @mpilakowski_writes

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2 months ago

He refused to allow his parents to help him move into the dorms, so I’m starting my empty nest phase by @mpilakowski_writes

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2 months ago

There are some questions that are just too personal to ask. Your weight. The number of unread books you own. by @mpilakowski_writes

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2 months ago

As if my TBR stack wasn’t big enough by @mpilakowski_writes

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2 months ago

Damn, this line. Also, damn good prose overall. Recommend to any mystery readers. by @mpilakowski_writes

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2 months ago

I took two days off this weekend, followed by another two days of mediocre writing.

Yesterday, I opened up my computer for a second session, and a scene flowed out of my mind.

Go figure. If you turn on the water enough times, eventually good stuff will come out. by @mpilakowski_writes

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2 months ago

Class reunions hit differently when you grow up in a small town and graduate with the class of 20 people by @mpilakowski_writes

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2 months ago

Another really fabulous stop on the Nebraska Book Trail. Great aura, and even better selection of books! by @mpilakowski_writes

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3 months ago

If you refuse to spend 20 minutes creating a design in Canva, I’m going to wonder where else you cut corners in the actual writing.

(one of these I would have actually purchased if not for the AI. ) by @mpilakowski_writes

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3 months ago

Go support your independent bookstores!! by @mpilakowski_writes

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3 months ago

by @mpilakowski_writes

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3 months ago