Nicole Rothenay – Medium

Nicole Rothenay

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Sep 4, 2025

The Skeleton of Story: How to Structure Novels That Actually Work

Three classic frameworks to keep your plots tight, your pacing sharp, and your readers hooked

The Skeleton of Story: How to Structure Novels That Actually Work

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Jan 14

I Quit My Job and All I Want to Do is Clean

On becoming a stay-at-home mom, decluttering four bags in two days, and realizing clutter is rarely just about stuff

I Quit My Job and All I Want to Do is Clean

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Oct 1, 2025

Is Writing a Book Still Worth It?

Should You Write One Big Project or 500 Shorts? An Honest Look at the Long Game vs. Quick Wins for Modern Writers

Is Writing a Book Still Worth It?

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Aug 13, 2025

Why We Need More Women Writing LitRPG and Fantasy

From fan service fatigue to female leads who actually feel human, here’s how we level up the genre

Why We Need More Women Writing LitRPG and Fantasy

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Feb 27

Why Successful Writers Give Bad Writing Advice (And What to Do Instead)

A curious explanation of why good writers give bad advice—and how to make craft guidance actually work for you

Why Successful Writers Give Bad Writing Advice (And What to Do Instead)

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Feb 20

I Don’t Have Time to Write. I Have Time to Worry About Writing.

On having time for everything related to writing—except actually finishing the next chapter

I Don’t Have Time to Write. I Have Time to Worry About Writing.

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Feb 7

Most Writing Advice Is for Drafting. None of It Is for Finishing.

Why so many “aspiring” novelists stall out after “The End” (and what actually helps)

Most Writing Advice Is for Drafting. None of It Is for Finishing.

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Feb 5

Why Plotting Fails So Many Writers (and What to Do Instead)

A practical look at plotters, pantsers, and a more flexible way to structure stories that actually get finished

Why Plotting Fails So Many Writers (and What to Do Instead)

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Feb 4

What Would a “Perfect” Stay-at-Home Writer-Mom Life Even Look Like?

Designing a writing life that works between school pick-ups and potty training

What Would a “Perfect” Stay-at-Home Writer-Mom Life Even Look Like?

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Jan 25

How Writing Every Day Taught Me to Stop Starting with Fiction

I “optimized” my writing process — and completely stalled. Here’s why I’m going back to nonfiction first.

How Writing Every Day Taught Me to Stop Starting with Fiction

Nicole Rothenay

Nicole Rothenay

Ex-English prof & Army combat vet living in Japan. I write about ambition, identity, motherhood, & self-publishing. KDP experiments: https://a.co/d/58gQ6SQ ✨

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