People often ask what it really looks like to write romantic suspense—the kind that simmers with heat, unravels secrets, and dances with danger. And while I’d love to tell you it’s all candlelight and inspiration, the truth is… it’s mostly routine. Repetition. Tools that quiet the noise and get me into the zone.
So today, I’m opening the door to my writing world—chaos and all.
🎧 The Soundtrack to Suspense
I cannot start writing in silence. I’ve tried. It’s unnerving.
Instead, I rely on playlists that set the emotional tone for the scene I’m working on. For tense or dramatic moments, it’s all moody instrumentals—think cello, ambient beats, rainstorms. For slow-burn romance or emotionally charged scenes, I’ll drift into soft piano or melancholy indie vocals. Occasionally, when I need to really punch up a villain scene? A little dark cinematic or even trailer-style music gets the blood pumping.
I’ve started creating character-specific playlists too. (Yes, Zach’s has a lot of dramatic strings and storm sounds. Heavy metal, too. No regrets.)
🖋 My Favorite Tools
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AutoCrit– My digital brain. I love how I can jump between scenes, track character arcs, and drop notes without losing my flow.
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Microsoft Word (for sharing) – Clean, collaborative, and perfect for sending chapters to critique partners or myself (yes, I email myself edits at 2 a.m.).
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Post-it Notes & Notebooks – The walls of my office look like I’m plotting either a novel or a very dramatic conspiracy. Possibly both.
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Timer Apps (like Focus Keeper) – I use Pomodoro sprints (25 mins on, 5 off) when I’m stuck or distracted. It’s amazing what a countdown can do for productivity.
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Liquid motivation – Tea in the morning. Tea in the afternoon. Water when I remember to hydrate like a grown-up.
🔮 Rituals That Keep Me Grounded
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Lip balm and a clean desk. I know it’s weirdly specific, but I can’t start a session without both.
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Lighting a candle. One with a scent that fits the current vibe—stormy sea, smoked woods, dark vanilla. I just love scented candles.
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Reading the last 1–2 paragraphs aloud. It snaps me back into rhythm, reminds me what emotional thread I’m tugging on, and lets me hear if something sounds off.
Writing romantic suspense means holding two opposing energies at once: love and fear, desire and danger. These tools and rituals help me step into that space—every single day.
So now I’m curious: What are your must-haves for getting creative? Do you write, paint, brainstorm, journal? What weird little ritual gets your mind moving?
Tell me your quirks. I promise not to judge.
Stay caffeinated, stay curious,
—Jena
