Still a Story Seamstress

I’m still a seamstress cutting and trimming and sewing the pieces of my story into something lovely and sharable.
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 […]
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!
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]