Step beyond reality, and discover your next world.
Monthly Newsletter • January 2026 • Issue #4
FROM THE WRITING DESK
Current Project: Please Subscribe
Progress Update: I’m currently working on the fifth draft of Please Subscribe. While this pass started out as my read out loud revision, it quickly became clear that I still had some exposition trimming to do. So it has turned into another cutting floor as I try to fix pacing and inf0-dumping issues. After this, I’ll do one last read through of the novel and start prepping materials to send it off to agents. For those who have acted as beta readers and provided feedback, thank you so much. Every bit helps! I hope to be bringing Please Subscribe to you as soon as I can!
Writing Progress: 5th Draft – 43% Complete • 89, 595 words
POST SPOTLIGHT
While I’m no longer focusing on writing advice posts, I am still going to be working on them. They help me study the process as I try to teach them. So watch for the announcements in these Newsletters if you’re interested.
The “Save the Cat” Beat Sheet: A Modern Approach to Structure
Your world-building is brilliant, your magic system flawless—so why are readers dropping your book after three chapters? The problem isn’t your ideas. It’s your plot structure. Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat beat sheet offers sci-fi and fantasy writers a flexible roadmap to balance stunning world-building with compelling narrative momentum that keeps readers hooked.
WHAT I’M READING
Books that have caught my attention this month:
• Astrophysiscs for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson – I loved this because it was a very accessible explanation of astrophysics that got me excited to learn more. Even if this is just enough knowledge for you to get into a bar fight with Astrophysicists, then I think it’s worth the read. I listened to this book, and Neil’s reading was great!
• The Shattered King by Charlie N. Holmberg – The Shattered King had a fascinating magic system that offered a fresh taste on healing. I loved the character arcs through this story and the reflections of each characters arc in the other and how tightly knit they were. I think that if you’re looking for a romantasy that is a little more down to earth, and you enjoy a good enemies to lovers, than The Shattered King is the book for you.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
Plans don’t always unfold the way you expect. That doesn’t mean they’ve failed—it just means you have to adjust your aim.
With the start of 2026, many of us are setting goals, building routines, or simply trying to make this year better than the last. We all begin with a vision of how things will go, and then life steps in to test us. For me, that test came in December as I reworked Please Subscribe. The process I thought I was following shifted completely. For a few days, I wondered if I’d invested my energy in the wrong place. What carried me through wasn’t a change in attitude, but the discipline of showing up every day—even if only for the bare minimum.
As you set your 2026 goals, focus on showing up. You may not feel motivated, you may not want to hit the gym or cook fresh meals, but small victories add up. The military teaches that no plan survives first contact. So when you lay down your goals, also lay down acceptable alternatives—for the days you’re injured, unmotivated, or when life turns upside down.
Your goals don’t need perfection. They need persistence. Show up, adapt, and let the year surprise you.
NEWS & EVENTS
Upcoming Events: February 12-14, 2026 – LTUE Symposium, a great place for writers to learn, connect, and make friends.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Love hearing from readers! What are you reading this month? Any book recommendations for me?
CONNECT WITH ME
Website: http://www.myersfiction.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/myersfiction
Instagram: @kennethwmyersauthor
You’re receiving this because you subscribed to updates from Kenneth W. Myers.
© 2025 Kenneth W. Myers. All rights reserved.
Thank you for being part of my reading community! Your support means the world to me.
Discover more from Kenneth W. Myers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.