Wintersβ Day In
Spilling the tea since 2006. Wanna cuppa?
Conversations on life, faith, stories, and creativity from author and songwriter (and aspiring mermaid) Talena Winters.
Defying Gravity: The Songwriting Dream Iβm Finally Chasing in 2026
Defying Gravity: How this lifelong songwriter-turned-novelist is using AI tools, hard-won creative skills, and a little Wicked-inspired courage to heal an old wound, return to music, and finally pursue a professional songwriting career in 2026.
The Character Who Wrecked Me (And Why Thatβs Weirdly Healthy)
A spoilerβfree look at why character deaths hit hardβcatharsis, empathy, and how fictional stories make a real-world impact.
Become the Hero: How to Rewrite the Stories We Tell Ourselves
Iβve been thinking a lot about the lies we tell ourselvesβthe stories that shape our lives, often without us realizing it. In this post, Iβm exploring how these stories work in fiction (and real life), how to spot the ones holding us back, and how we can choose to rewrite them. Itβs about becoming the hero of your own storyβon purpose.
Suspending Disbelief: How Writers Ruin Fictional Stories
Iβm a pretty forgiving audience and have no problem suspending disbelief to enter into the story, but there are a few things that ruin that experience. Here are my top three.
Living Without Regrets: Thoughts Inspired by Blake Crouchβs Dark Matter
The new Apple TV thriller series Dark Matter and a recent blog-organization project have me thinking deep (and grateful) thoughts about the roads not taken⦠and the one I did.
Of Beauties and Beasts: How Damaged Heroes Point to Redemptive Love
My obsession with the Tale as Old as Time in all its iterations, and why I believe it resonates with us so deeply.
The Good, the Bad, and the Wicked
In which I explore the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (both the book, the Wicked musical, and the history of this story), and what Elphaba and Batman have in common.
Sweet Inspirational Stories to Beat the Heat
Iβm loving these sweet inspirational books and shows right nowβ¦
Can Someone Stop the World? Iβd Like to Get Off.
Personal update about the current pandemic, The Sphinxβs Heart (itβs two books now!), our new dog, and more.
Just Roll With It: Updates on All the Things
The full story of my tour through the ditch, plus a few other quick updates on the state of things around here.
Could Your Story Change the World?
You might think your story isn't that special, that you have nothing to give. But if you think about it, you'll probably realize that you have already learned some life lessons that others would benefit from. Have you ever wondered how your story might be a powerful blessing to others?
Getting Unstuck
A day at a time, the log jam is loosening and the ideas are flowing. The sun is coming back, energy is returning, and I am pulling myself blinking from the retreat of hibernation. For my own mental and emotional health, this year needs to be less about driving myself and more about reducing commitments, taking care of myself, and finding my passion again. It needs to be about healing.