Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks. Life flows smoother when I accept the time I have. That’s it. Acceptance. But more than that, acceptance doesn’t mean leaning into excuses. My books will not write themselves. I must do the work with the time I have.
I’ve thrown the dagger and set the challenge. Have I plunked an impossible goal at my feet? Possibly. But aren’t you curious if I can pull it off? Come write a book with me!
CC’s Interview Series: Author, Margaret L. Carter I had the pleasure of meeting a co-author from the young adult Haunting of Pinedale High series, published by the Wild Rose Press. We live on opposite sides of the US. She lives in Maryland and I live in Washington State, but the wide world of social media and the Internet brought us together. Her book in our stand-alone series is Her Death […]
It’s been over a year now that I’ve embraced being a multi-genre author. This title isn’t one I’ve worn lightly. Far from the breezy sundresses swaying in the hibiscus-scented air of Maui, my imagery of living a multi-genre author life is more like wearing layers. A lightweight, breathable underlayer before adding long sleeves, a flannel, and a puffy jacket. Where I imagine sandals slipped over color-painted toes for that one genre author, […]
It’s a new year, time to make resolutions and promises meant to improve our lives. Last January, I rebelled against this tradition and instead of setting new resolutions, I aimed to finish all my past (uncompleted) ones. So that was my “word” for the year of 2025…FINISH. And it worked! I had the most productive year of my writing career. I finished and published the sequel in my Keepers Series, […]
It’s that cozy season again, and with the cooling weather and falling leaves, I am happy to share another CC’s Interview Series author, Eliza Storm. So, wrap up in an autumn-fuzzy sweater, grab that pumpkin spice coffee, tea, or something else magical, and settle in. This new author inspires! I met Eliza several years back, in a writing class hosted by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. She became a member […]
Writing an eloquent and smooth storyline to flow from beginning to end with voice, style, and depth is like digging a grave. Not that I’ve dug a grave before, but as a creator, I can imagine the analogy. I believe most authors strive for their story to stand on its own structurally, as well as thrive in that foundation with carefully crafted words to clearly tell their tale and impact […]
Author interviews always inspire my craft. I am thrilled to bring back CC’s interview series, and to kick off this new season with author, SD Porter, who is up and coming as well as down to earth.
Crack—Bang—BOOM! How are you doing on your writing journey? I’ve decided to BOOM! Yes, it was a decision. If you start now, you might experience your own fireworks by New Year’s Eve!
Three small steps to rev up your writing stamina, even in a world of distractions, exhaustion, and overwhelm.
How many of you have already abandoned your New Year’s Resolutions? Hey—don’t worry! Here’s a new idea! Focus instead on recycled goals from previous years. If recycling is good enough for the environment, then it’s good enough for me!
After carefully weaving my words and sentences into the final draft of a manuscript, cutting words away was the last thing I wanted to do! However, that’s exactly what my editor requested in my latest manuscript.
Save this article for loads of resources about creating the perfect villain in your story–and yes, every story needs a good villain.
You’ve typed, The End, at the bottom of your draft. After revising your pages several times, made the listed fixes from your developmental editor’s notes, it’s time to…what?
I find myself like a rabbit chasing carrots here, there, and everywhere in the writing world, causing my home to be far from a cozy bush in a safe backyard but in overwhelm. Writers need to find their boundaries.
I love the approach of April, the year’s promise of poetry, recognized annually as National Poetry Month.
Life did that phenomenon where it swallowed me up whole, while beats of time strummed its tick-tock tune in the back of my mind.
I’m still a seamstress cutting and trimming and sewing the pieces of my story into something lovely and sharable.
How many breakthroughs do you experience as an author? Foolishly, when I began this writing journey, I assumed it might be every now and then, or once in a blue moon. However, the deeper I dive into this world of authoring, the more I find myself regularly STUCK! Why? I’ve successfully published three books. When does this process get easier? But the more I follow other authors, the more I […]
“Star wishes are star wishes to one species or the next. Make your wish and claim it true.”
Wading between the muck and magic of writing contests and submissions can be a messy job. Which ones are legitimate and which ones should we toss out? But thanks to Lana B. over at queryletter.com, writers now have a resource that has already been researched. (https://www.queryletter.com/post/writing-contests-and-competitions) I haven’t investigated every link on this list. And, as our world today is filled with unexpected surprises, I would encourage writers to delve […]
Writers, have you unintentionally created layers between your characters and your readers? It’s time to close the gap. Once I learned how to spot these scratchy filter words, my writing became more snug!
Who needs a little encouragement to start off the new year ahead? I do…did! Every year I reassess where I’ve been, how I’ve grown, and then set new goals for the year ahead. Here are the 3 easy steps that keep me focused during New Year’s Resolution time: Reflect, Celebrate, and Plan!
NaNoWriMo taught me that writing under the clock was hard, but it was also doable when I bent my back in its direction and leaned into the stretch.
The Challenge? 50,000 words!
Possibility? Depends on your goal
Plan? Conquer your inner-bogeyman!
Summertime writing has been rejuvenating this year, more like morning sunshine. And I am renewed by its generosity. I noticed its rays during a few lackadaisical mornings… Sunlight flooded my bedroom, especially through the drapes I intentionally left open. I never wish to sleep in too long, not that I can anymore…years of age and stress have seen to that. However, during my summer’s off from teaching, I can sleep […]
It’s been a minute since we’ve spoken…or two…or 43,200! I’ve gone from blog-posting every Sunday to every other Sunday to now (evidently) once a month. I may be dwindling in my contact, and knee-deep in writing projects, but I’m still here! So, hello! I hope everyone is doing well. Let’s check in. 😊 Please, please comment or private message me with your latest writing goals, struggles, and accomplishments because I […]
Originally posted on Steps In Between:
Time is elusive. It doesn’t matter that there is sixty seconds in every minute, or sixty minutes in every hour, or twenty-four hours in every day… I could go on to weeks and months and years, and so on. Time is measurable until it gets to the value of time, hence how we spend the time we’re gifted. This is how something perfectly calculable…
Come celebrate my new release with a virtual book tour (complete with give-away, excerpts, author interview questions), and FUN! #yournextfantasybook
Writing is a journey. There are rest stops and detours along the way, but perseverance does pay off. When the final writing destination springs into view, there are no words to describe the accompanying emotions. And even though it’s important to celebrate throughout the process, this last stage at the end…publishing…is surely time to celebrate BIG! Why? Writers endure turmoil and strife in each step of the process. But goals […]
Deep down, I wanted to write something longer…I could feel myself receiving more than just eleven words. But with limited creativity time, writing an Elfchen soothes the longing, and allows me to go back one day to extend my smaller poems further. They’re like treasured keepsakes I can take out to reminisce when the right time calls.
Hello fellow bloggers! My fantasy novel, Seam Keepers, is launching May 12, 2021 (The Wild Rose Press). I am eager to set up some upcoming blog tours and will happily reciprocate. I’ve always said writers need writers, and I will forever stand by that. So, if any of you would like to host me and my book on your blog for a little “spread-the-news-promoting” soon, please contact me at celainecharles@gmail.com. […]
In honor of National Poetry Month, happening in April, I am reposting a mighty blog to help set the mood. Make a Poem at Home, from author, Pamela Hobart Carter, shares eleven lessons on writing poetry with children and families…or anyone of any age. She’s added several new lessons since my original post, so it’s a must read. Gather your family, some pencils and paper, and click this link: https://playwrightpam.wordpress.com/make-a-poem-at-home-poetry-lessons-for-covid-times/#like-841 […]
Writers, how many steps does it take to bring your characters to life? For me, three! In previous posts I’ve covered the first two steps in this process. Step 1: Re-Research (I went back to the experts, read books on characterization) https://stepsinbetween.com/2020/05/17/my-step-driven-action-to-creating-characters-step-one/ Step 2: Paper Dolls (I sketched out my characters on paper; flat, with brainstormed hopes about his or her traits, behaviors, responses, hopes, dreams, obstacles, truths, lies…) https://stepsinbetween.com/2020/06/14/my-step-driven-action-to-creating-characters-step-2/ […]
Writing is an ebb and flow of energy-boosted ideas. Sometimes the flow is in rhythm with ideas and the writer can pour their thoughts onto the page with inspired ease. Other times, even if the energy level is low, the ideas can still be strong enough to keep the writer going, regardless of exhaustion or depletion. These times tend to lend themselves to three-in-the-morning explorations and other odd behaviors but […]
A little book-line-love for Valentine’s Day! Writing inspiration comes from everywhere. It brushes my cheek on a wind-filled walk, warms my tongue in a sip of wine, and swirls the air with conversation and wood smoke from a summertime firepit. When I open myself to the world around, inspiration always comes. Though, that doesn’t always mean I know what to do with the bits and stirs of possibility, and sometimes […]
It takes a village to raise a child. That same village is also treasured in authoring and publishing a book. Upon reflection over the last several years of my writing life, I have many to thank. Seam Keepers, my YA fantasy will release this spring (2021), and what a ride! From my family and friends to my editors, to my beta readers and critique group, to the big guy upstairs, […]
Art above: Gosia Mosz I am reblogging this post from a year ago (https://stepsinbetween.com/2020/01/26/a-wriggling-writing-mind/) as it hits home on many levels for me now. I had been contemplating each thought and flickering idea somehow surfacing amongst the others in my creative mess of a mind. Today, only one year later, I am preparing to release my first fantasy fiction book, and my mind is blown. I am ever so grateful […]
After March’s isolation slipped into a suspended summer, and then a forgotten fall, winter arrived and slowed everything down. I’ve been quietly pondering the erratic passing of time over the year 2020, as many people have. It went by fast and slow all at the same time. Finally, it’s 2021. A new year to start fresh…or as fresh as any new year can be while it’s still stuck in the […]
Have you ever wondered what your book characters might do for the holidays? Do they celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or something else? What family traditions have been handed down? Do they look forward to them, or do they find them old fashioned? Even if your story never takes place in the wintertime, have you ever wondered…if your characters weren’t in the creative chaos you’ve written into their lives…how they might […]
My dear blogging-world friends, I will be reading poetry and discussing my writing process on Quintessential Listening Poetry Online Radio tonight! Here’s the link: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/ql_p/2020/12/10/quintessential-listening-poetry-online-radio-presents-celaine-charles It’s at 5:00 Pacific standard time and 8:00 Eastern standard time. I hope you can join me! Cheers and Happy Writing (because at least you’re writing), Celaine Charles, December 9, 2020
Join me for a live poetry celebration! I am honored to join Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram on his show, Quintessential Listening (Poetry Online Radio) on Wednesday, December 9th! I will be reading poetry and discussing my writing process during an hour long interview. There is even a number to call in if you have questions, or maybe wish to make a poetry request. I am looking forward to sharing my […]
Isolation during the holidays is and will be…different. I am heartbroken for the routines and traditions of many families now altered in our world today. Although looking more thoughtfully, I see a new perspective rise beyond the ashes. Perhaps we’ve grown a bit soft. Life is full of challenges. This is surely one of them. And its crying for the attention of all, not going anywhere until we see it […]
With a title like “Taming Time,” I imagine myself with a chair and a whip. I’m lunging forward and back in a dance with a wild lion. An old turn-of-the-century circus fades in the background. Time takes on a tantalizing golden mane, but also visible are its four long canines, ready to rip. What a dreadful image. Although I don’t know what’s worse…time itself, or me thinking I can tame […]
Have you ever melted chocolate over a double boiler? It happens slow and fast at the same time, much like the pacing in a novel. Patience is critical to success in both cases. Don’t walk away and assume your morsels (or chapters) are fine. They need constant movement. In the final editing phases of my book, Seam Keepers, I am randomly choosing chapters in which to read for the velvetiness […]
With Halloween on the rise, and three SPOOKtacular reasons listed below, I am reglogging my post from last year: https://stepsinbetween.com/2019/10/27/writing-in-the-almost-utter-darkness/ Three reasons and a book-drawing: This blog post from last year holds a few of my darker poems…how much fun is that in this chilling season? Only SIX days until Halloween! I have an upcoming virtual poetry reading TOMORROW night – October 26, 2020, at 5:00 PM (PDT). (https://www.facebook.com/events/511556159662316). I […]
Mesmerizing Fuchsia * Petal-pink ballgowns drape. They dance in cool winds, <p value="<amp-fit-text layout="fixed-height" min-font-size="6" max-font-size="72" height="80">stamen toes twirl magicstamen toes twirl magic for the spellbound onlooker. * Bough bound performers leap, plié amid the garden, provide bewilderment for evil ones, enchanted guardians of home. * It is said the fuchsia protects, first springing from the blood at the base of the cross, offering blessings to each new bride. * […]
Sharing my journey as a writer also includes an occasional request. Today, I need your thoughts—from both readers and writers! After working with my editor on Seam Keepers, set to launch in 2021, it only makes sense to set aside my new book project, Life Song, to write the next book in the Keeper series. It’s reassuring to know that Life Song is still there, outlined, started, and ready to […]
I love a good metaphor. Similes make me smile. Describe, describe, describe! Isn’t that the expectation of a writer? My answer? To an extent. Sometimes I run with language too far in my manuscripts. This morning, as I peered out my window, the season called to me, and I listened. How timely that I am editing my book in October. Instead of combing over every sentence for mistakes, I imagined […]
Steps In Between 