SOS – Save my Synopsis, by Celaine Charles, June 9, 2019 I cannot write a synopsis to save my life! Summing up the most important and magnificent pieces of my three-hundred-plus-page story, in one to two pages, has been a wrecking point. Two years ago (when I believed my manuscript to be done), I took a workshop class at a writing conference and wrote what I thought was a good […]
June Poetry Celebration ~ Letting Words Live, by Celaine Charles The first Sunday of June welcomes with a poetry celebration. Beginning this ritual in March of 2018 has become my own monthly therapy check in. As you know, I post a new poem every Wednesday to my “Wednesday Whims of Poetry” page. What do I like about this page? It’s me. It’s raw. It’s whatever is on my mind at […]
A friend wrote about admiring my “…patience and attitude in this labor of love.” Her response to a celebratory post I’d made about completing my final revisions, before handing my manuscript over to my editor. She ended by reminding me, “It’s worth it.” I wonder about that. When I think of the five precious years I’ve worked on this story, all I can see is my heart brush-stroked across each […]
Docked here in the middle of my novel rewrite, I’m reminded of a l-o-n-g boat ride up Washington’s Lake Roosevelt. My family often boated, but this trip from Fort Spokane to Grand Coulee was quite the adventure. I always enjoyed the anticipation of boating somewhere beautiful, taking in surprise vistas and stops along the way. On this particular trip we popped a tent and spent the night with family friends. […]
Recurring messages have perfect timing. It may not feel like it when we’re flat on our faces, but they do know when to nudge. Growing up with parents who persevered to achieve everything their hearts desired, it’s probably in my bones not to give up. It’s the stubborn side of me that causes the long winding path that eventually gets me there. And, it’s hard work. And, it doesn’t always […]
Inspiration rolls in waves at various times in a person’s life. But, is there a peak age inspiration strikes? Can you miss it? Author Priscilla Long doesn’t believe so. She gave a talk on aging and creativity at the Elliott Bay Bookstore in Seattle on Saturday, October 27, 2018. The event was in honor of the second edition release of her book, The Writer’s Portable Mentor (University of New Mexico […]
Halloween, early 1970’s, I was always a witch. My mask was made of plastic and attached with a long rubber string tied behind my head. Equally shiny with synthetic materials was my dress, not unlike the mask, tied behind my neck. The designs of the fabric simply printed on, to give the illusion of different fabrics and textures. Illusions. I’m wondering now if the illusions of fright during Halloween time […]
The day I dropped my first daughter off to college was the day I grew smaller. I used to be five feet-seven inches, quite an average height. Now in my forties, the doctors keep measuring me at just over five feet-six inches. Of course, they encouraged calcium supplements and I got serious about my Pilates classes (check out The Balanced Life, by Robin Long, contact below). But I know it’s […]
I’ve discovered my writing mind is never still. It’s either that or the characters and topics I write about live three dimensionally in my head. It gets crowded, so we get out and take a lot of walks. Or at least, this is how if feels. I believe writers are undeniably always thinking. Our minds are on the go even sitting still behind a desk. This makes perfect sense. It’s […]
The first Sunday of the month is where I highlight my poetry page: https://stepsinbetween.com/poetry/. Although the first Sunday in October fills me with family. I remember when my babies were little. The energy it took bundling them up with mittens and hats that always multiplied in those moments getting out the door. As each young one pulled off a fuzzy garment piece, one after another, I patiently (and sometimes impatiently) […]
Steps In Between 