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.
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’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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Writing Out Loud – Take Time to Hear Your Words I used to write in the closet. My story idea hidden between the stored winter coats, a keyboard, and my mind. My family had no idea I was taking the plunge of authorhood. I surely told no friends of my plans to write and publish a book. Discreetly, I swept every piece of description and dialogue into a quiet corner, […]
Filter Flops in Writing When I curl up to read a good book, I don’t want the author putting a safety glass between me and the story. I want to be right there in the action. I want to feel the frustration, the sorrow, or the zeal of each character. I am referring to filters, of which I did not realize I, myself, unintentionally add to my writing. Time to […]
Lately, I am more than writing. I am more than editing. I am more than revising my manuscript. Instead, I am concise, and direct, and intentional with every word on the page. This includes every word trimmed from the page, as well. As a story seamstress, I am doing just that with my manuscript, Seam Keepers; I am hemming up every scene, every page, every paragraph. Less is more. I’m […]
Pocket planning! That’s what I’m working on right now. With book two underway, and my mission to de-pants myself…ummm, what I mean is, curb my pantser-instead-of-plotting tendencies, I aim to become more of a planner. Of course, I am NOT a planner by nature, so I’m on the hunt, finding simple solutions to trick my brain into the idea. Could I be wasting time as a writer? Could this process […]
Writing a book is a long and weary process. So, what did I do after accomplishing this great feat? I started in on the next novel. It’s a completely new story with new characters, new plots, new everything. But this time, I am tracking my steps along the way. This time I am hoping for more efficiency in my process. As this blog is my journey in writing, my new […]
I am a goal-setter. Although to be honest, I don’t always look back and reflect. Sometimes I just keep going, setting new or abbreviated goals along the way. But today, with the accomplishment of one very important goal that’s pushed me to drive through long nights and torrential downpours, I have found reason to reflect. And I believe it is important to share for all the writers out there who […]
With the book that’s held my attention for the last several years complete, and in the hands of an editor (and soon to be published, late spring 2021), I now have the time to focus on a new story idea that’s been brewing in the back of my mind. I believed utilizing what I learned from my first book to begin my second book would make story-writing easier. But it […]
Do I really need another writer’s checklist? I do. I’ve discovered it’s needed for my own growth. Only six years into writing for myself, and three years into writing more publicly, I am in great need of accountability and push-on-abilty. And, sometimes I forget the pure satisfaction in checking off an item on my list. Maybe I should add, celebrate checking off the checklist, onto my list. I find my […]
After five-plus years of writing my finally finished book, Seam Keepers, a burning new story has sparked into life. Although I am still in the querying stage of my first book, I can’t seem to snuff the light from this new idea seeking passage to the page. And though Seam Keepers has a sequel in need of completing, this new story inspiration doesn’t seem to mind sharing in the limelight. […]
Merry Merry Writers! This one is a throw-back from December 2017: (https://stepsinbetween.com/2017/12/24/merry-merry-socks-or-chocolate/). I believe still applies today. It’s a fun exercise that can also help put character feelings and back-story into perspective. Give it a try during this holiday season, when writing time can be scarce. Happy Everything You Celebrate, my readers. I appreciate you! And…Happy Writing (because at least you’re writing), Celaine Charles, December 22, 2019 Image and Content […]
Just because I’m a writer…author of my first poetry book…revising-expert of my fiction manuscript…and mostly nice human, doesn’t mean I have the business knowledge or wherewithal to market myself. This is the hardest part for me. More difficult than the writing itself; and writing is challenging. ***Side Note: At the bottom of this post you will find some links to marketing advice as well as a REQUEST for more resources. […]
Live a Little, Write a Lot! Story bits and poem parts bombard my thoughts on a regular basis…but only when I escape my writing desk and explore the world around, do they grow into full-fledged ideas. Part of my writing regime is getting out from behind the work and living. I used to believe I had to escape from life to write, an arduous task when I teach by day […]
Steps In Between 