Finding inspiration can be one of the toughest hurdles for writers. Whether you’re facing a creative block or simply struggling to move forward, it can be hard to push through. Harper Elliott, author of The Carpenter’s Match, shares her personal strategies for overcoming those moments when ideas just aren’t flowing.
From taking a step back to allowing herself time to recharge, Harper’s approach reminds us that sometimes the best way to find inspiration is to give ourselves permission to pause. Let’s dive into how these small shifts can spark creativity and get you back to writing.
Harper Elliott’s Book & Writing Process
Table of Contents
Q: What is the title of your book and what is it about?
A: The Carpenter’s Match is a (very) short and sweet small town romance aimed to put a smile on your face when you have just a few minutes for a happy ever after.
Publication date: May 30, 2025
I love that this book is perfect for readers who want a quick escape into a romance that’s sure to leave them smiling! 😊
Q: What genre is The Carpenter’s Match?
A: Contemporary small town romance
Aww, small-town vibes are always so cozy. I bet this one will tug at readers’ hearts!
Q: What inspired you to write The Carpenter’s Match, and how did you come up with the idea for it?
A: I’ve had the small town of Olivewood, Nebraska floating around in my head for awhile now. The Carpenter’s Match is the second story in the series and was inspired by the first story! As I writing I thought, this guy (Walt) needs his own story.
It’s amazing how characters can really come to life and demand their own spotlight, isn’t it? Walt sounds like he was just begging for his chance to shine!
Q: What themes and tropes are included in The Carpenter’s Match?
A: Short story, small town, very light enemies to lovers, mutual pining, closed door.
Readers love a good “enemies to lovers” with some mutual pining—sigh—can’t wait to see how that plays out in this one!
Q: Who is the ideal reader for The Carpenter’s Match?
A: Someone who enjoys and short and sweet read that keeps the door closed while putting a smile on your face.
Sometimes, those quick, closed-door romances are just what the heart needs, especially when you’re in need of a little pick-me-up!
Q: What’s the one thing you want readers to take away from reading The Carpenter’s Match?
A: That short stories can be romantic too!
Absolutely! There’s definitely room for romance in a short read, and this one seems like the perfect example of that.
Q: Share a favorite quote or two from The Carpenter’s Match.
A: “Do you think we can do this again? Dinner at my place? And at yours? And anywhere else you go forever?”
Swoon-worthy! ❤️ This just melts my heart! The romance in this line is simple but so deeply sincere.
Q: Are you a plotter, pantser, or plantser? Share a bit of your writing process.
A: Pantser! Plotting just doesn’t work in my brain, even if I go to sit down and take the time to plot I end up just writing and pantsing it anyway!
I can totally relate to this! Sometimes, the characters just take over and you end up with something completely different from what you had planned. But that’s the fun of being a pantser, right?
Q: What types of questions do you ask when planning a new book?
A: Who are these characters? Do I know them enough to tell their story? Do they know previous characters I’ve written?
I love how you focus on knowing your characters deeply before diving into their story. That connection is so important to creating a meaningful narrative!
Q: How do you prevent yourself from over-editing?
A: I’ve gotten better at this with time! I write in another genre under a different pen name and learned when to cut the self-editing the hard way writing those characters’ stories.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of over-editing, isn’t it? But learning to trust the process and step back is huge for any writer.
Q: How do you handle moments when inspiration seems hard to find?
A: I just walk away from the document. Give it a bit of time and then inspiration eventually strikes again! If I’m on a deadline I do make time to sit and write, clear my schedule so there’s no excuse and I’ve been lucky enough for the inspiration to return!
Great advice! Sometimes, taking a break is exactly what the brain needs to reboot and get the creative juices flowing again.
Q: How important are book reviews?
A: Very. Reviews give people confidence to give an indie author a chance! Higher review numbers also tell retailers to push the product more which will get more eyes on our books!
Preach! Book reviews really do play such a big role in helping indie authors get noticed.
Q: What was the most challenging aspect of writing and publishing? How did you (do you plan to) overcome it?
A: Marketing!! I can write and self-edit all day. The social media posting and newsletter writing and self-promo are tough! It’s part of it though! I don’t give them the time they deserve, but I know if I ever do want to ramp up social media I can so I always have that in the back of my mind.
I’m sure a lot of authors can relate to this struggle! Balancing the creative and the business side of being an author is always tricky, but it’s awesome that you’re keeping an eye on it for future growth!
Q: How do you use social media as an author?
A: I have Instagram and Facebook author accounts
Social media is a great way to connect with readers—sounds like you’re set up for success!
Writing Advice from Harper Elliott
Q: What would you say to an author who wanted to design their own cover?
A: I design many of my own covers. But I’ve also designed many under another pen name so I’ve had the time to learn some tricks. Unless you’re already a graphic designer or artist I’d suggest to keep the covers simple! Be sure to look at the genre you’re going to write in for some design inspiration too.
That’s such a smart approach! Simple can often be best when it comes to cover design, and drawing inspiration from your genre ensures it’ll resonate with readers.
Q: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
A: Atticus formatting software
I’ve heard great things about Atticus. Sounds like it’s a time-saver and a game-changer for formatting.
Q: What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
A: Controlled noise. If I want if loud it can be loud, but if I need quiet it’ll be quiet that day! It just depends!
Love this flexibility! It’s amazing how sometimes just the right environment can make all the difference in staying productive.
Q: Do you celebrate milestones? How important do you believe it is for authors to celebrate when they meet their goals or hit milestones?
A: Yes! I like to do yearly marks of releases!
I love that you take the time to celebrate your hard work. It’s so important to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how big or small!
Q: What is one writing resource that you couldn’t do without?
A: Google Docs
Such a lifesaver, which you can access from anywhere and it syncs across devices—perfect for writing on the go.
Just for Fun
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?
A: To fly! Who doesn’t want a bird’s eye view?
Flying is such a fantastic choice! Imagine the view (and no more traffic)! 🦸♀️
Let’s Connect with Harper Elliott
Q: What are you working on next?
A: The Olivewood series will continue with the story of a young photographer and fry cook!
Oooh, I love the sound of this! A photographer and fry cook? That’s going to be a fun dynamic to explore. Can’t wait for this to hit shelves!
About The Carpenter’s Match
Olivewood’s star carpenter Walt has never been able to find love, never had those heart pounding moments of knowing you’re meant to be with someone.
The Cozy Inn’s owner Kathy is buried in work. Always. It’s a self-imposed life block that keeps her safe from love and the pain it can cause.
The two have met before, but it didn’t end well. A real conversation between them hasn’t taken place in months. But when Kathy plans to start hosting weddings at the inn she caves and solicits Walt, the best at his job, and his expert carpentry skills.
About Harper Elliott
Harper Elliott is an indie author of short and sweet feel-good tales. Each of her stories can be read in about an hour; they aim to give some laughs along with all the romantic feels, while keeping the door closed.
She works full time and is also a wife and mom—always outnumbered by two boys!
Connect with Harper Elliott on her Linktree | Author Central | Facebook | Instagram
