We are planning on adding an additional writing component for each of the 4 guides to follow Preparing Hearts. Rod and Staff does a wonderful job of covering the basic skills needed for technical writing and for poetry. However, we also want to add an element of writing that is more creative. Right now, barring any major change, we are planning to use Story Starters by Karen Andreola for the next 2 guides to follow Preparing. We will use half of the book one year and the other half the next. While this book is a wonderful value, it does need some structure to help moms use it fully, so we will schedule it all out in the guide, making it very easy to open and go. Here is a link to the Story Starters book at CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/ ... iew=covers
After that we will use an additional writing component for the next 2 guides as well, most likely choosing Igniting Your Writing Vol. I and then Vol. II. Of course the long-term plans could easily change but there will definitely be some additional writing scheduled weekly in addition to Rod and Staff each year.
We will be continuing with oral narration/written narration practice, studied dictation, poetry, and copywork of some sort (along with other brief written assignments as well) to hit all of the facets of writing.
Blessings,
Carrie
So we will look forward to using it with you! Thanks for letting us know the future! Besides being fun it has been so helpful to me and relieved much guilt from all the great things I have on my shelf but just never got it together to use the right way. 
My older sister had a similar experience with her oldest 3 kiddos. We both determined that there are other ways to get the formulistic approach covered (such as through Rod and Staff), but there is also a need for a creative outlet for writing too. 
Keep it up!