Why Sharing Your Creative Process Could Be the Key to Engaging Your Readers

So, why do readers love this peek into a writer’s mind?

This week, I announced that my romantic suspense novel, Snowbound Hearts, which was originally published in February of last year, would now be available to my Paid Substack readers as a serialized story. A new chapter is posted every Tuesday and Thursday, and at the top of each chapter, I include a special section called Behind the Words.

In this section, I discuss my writing process, exploring why I wrote each chapter the way I did. I reflect on the characters’ motives and emotions, examining how these elements play into their character arcs and the overall story arc. To my surprise, the response has been overwhelming positive. Readers aren’t just enjoying the story; they’re loving the Behind the Words segments, and honestly, I think that’s what’s brought in more paid subscribers.

So, why do readers love this peek into a writer’s mind? Because it deepens their connection to the story and the person behind it. Sharing the creative process lets readers feel like they’re part of the journey. It’s more than just a story—they see the heart, the thought, and the care you put into crafting every word. It’s like pulling back the curtain on the magic of storytelling, making them even more invested in the characters and their world.

As an author, I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to enjoy the process of creating Behind the Words as much as I do. Most of the time, we’re so caught up in writing that we run on autopilot, moving from one scene to the next without stopping to examine why we’re making certain choices. But taking the time to revisit my chapters and ask myself questions like, “Why did I write this moment this way?” or “What is this character really feeling here?” has been both enlightening and so much fun.

If you’re an author, I can’t recommend this enough—consider sharing a peek into your creative process. Whether it’s through a blog post, a newsletter feature, or a bonus for your most loyal readers, letting people see the heart behind your stories can be incredibly rewarding—for them and for you. You never know who’s reading your work or how it’s impacting them. That personal connection can turn a casual reader into a lifelong fan.

I’ve always been a big believer in learning from others. Before I published my first book, I read authors across every romantic subgenre, soaking up different voices, styles, and perspectives—and I still do. Each story I read teaches me something new, whether it’s a unique way to structure a plot, an emotional twist I didn’t see coming, or simply a fresh approach to storytelling.

By sharing your creative process—what inspired a character, why you wrote a particular scene, or even what challenges you faced along the way—you’re inviting your readers into something deeply personal. It helps them connect with your stories on a whole new level while also giving you the chance to reflect on your own work in a way that deepens your craft.

Writing isn’t just about telling a story; it’s about building relationships—with your characters, your readers, and even yourself. Adding a segment like Behind the Words or something similar can strengthen those relationships and make your writing journey all the more meaningful. After all, stories aren’t just about what’s on the page—they’re about the connections they create.