I Am Not a Rabbit
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.
April’s Promise of Poetry–National Poetry Month
I love the approach of April, the year’s promise of poetry, recognized annually as National Poetry Month.
I’m B-A-C-K to Blogging!
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.
Still a Story Seamstress
I’m still a seamstress cutting and trimming and sewing the pieces of my story into something lovely and sharable.
Writing Breakthroughs (25 Tips When You’re Stuck)
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 […]
Holiday Fun BOOK TOUR! Stained Glass Secrets and Star Wishes
“Star wishes are star wishes to one species or the next. Make your wish and claim it true.”
And the Winner is…A Writing Contest List
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 – Filter Out Those Filter Words
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!
Thursday Thoughts About Writing (on Sunday): Goals!
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!
A Little NaNoWriMo Self-Discovery (3 Things Learned)
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.
Take on that Bogeyman of a Writing Challenge ~ NaNoWriMo
The Challenge? 50,000 words!
Possibility? Depends on your goal
Plan? Conquer your inner-bogeyman!
Summer Writing Like Sunshine
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 […]
July Steps Check-in (How are you doing writer?)
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 […]
Elusive Writing Time: 3 Steps to Manage the Beast
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…
Seam Keepers Book Tour
Come celebrate my new release with a virtual book tour (complete with give-away, excerpts, author interview questions), and FUN! #yournextfantasybook
Writing Step: 9 (Celebrate the Awaited Book Launch)
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 […]
Poetic Cat’s Got My Tongue
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.
Reaching Out For BLOG TOURS!
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. […]
National Poetry Month PREP ~ Gather the Family!
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 […]
My Step Driven Action to Creating Characters ~ Step 3
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/ […]
Sticky Scene Tips
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 […]
Book-Line-Love
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 Write a Book
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, […]
Grateful for my Wriggling Writing Mind
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 […]
Thoughts for January…
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 […]
Holiday Breath of Writing
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 […]
Poetry Reading Link for TONIGHT!
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
December 9th Live Poetry Event!
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 […]
A Different Kind of Grateful (Elfchen-Style)
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 […]
Taming Time (a writer’s ongoing grapple)
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 […]
Smoothed Out Pacing…Like Melting Chocolate
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 […]
Halloween Poetry 1-2-3 (and a chance to win a book)
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
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. * […]
Desperately Seeking Sequel Advice
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 […]
Revising Clarity…Like Raking Leaves
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 […]
Gleaning Wisdom (Virtual Writer’s Conference Confessions)
There’s a certain dazzle that surrounds me when I attend a writer’s conference. I’ve come far from my first experience in 2017, where I ate lunch in my car and sat solo in the back of every workshop. By 2019, I had made new friends through a PNWA writing class. And since then, many of my classmates and I still meet regularly in a critique group. As many authors tend […]
September’s Spindle
Ticks and tocks begin their tilt as time pushes back in September. * Long days fall, one atop the other, sleepily entwined; a sudden halt. * Across Autumn’s spindle, Summer coils to wind around the hour * Now fibers neatly thread, waiting to be woven into October. * By Celaine Charles
Writing Out Loud
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, […]
Fall Creeps In
Fall Creeps In Fall creeps in sneakily, in colors of sunset. Amber eyes watch, wait. *** Tucked in between bouquets of green and gold, Summer lounges, sways… *** in tune with September’s winding ivy, twisting in final turn, *** to the beat of a blanketing ocean breeze, bidding bedtime to starry nights, *** until suddenly, she is quiet like a snake hunting seasons as its prey. *** Fall creeps in, Summer slithers […]
Filter Flops in Writing
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 […]
Writing Renovation Celebration
September marks my three-year anniversary with my writing blog, Steps In Between. I am grateful for my readers, encouraged in my progress as a writer, and elated for the new year ahead. First on the list: a remodel! Maybe I’ve been watching too much HGTV this summer, but it’s time to update and renew. I am going to be reworking some of my blog and linking it to my brand-new […]
Happy Anniversary Colors Collected
Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday, Happy Happy to my debut poetry book, Colors Collected, Poetry Inspired by the Hues of Life! One year ago, today, my chapbook of color poems released into the world. It was exciting to create a culminating take-away from the award-winning poetry series, Colors, where the book idea originally began. Colors was born after the amazing Channillo.com invited me to join their online series publication and within […]
Busy Writing ~ Matryoshka Mind
Often, I have wished for more time, or more of me to tackle the work and writing I must complete. Most writers, like myself, have a day job. Writing is something we generally must squeeze in between life. For most, that’s career obligations and family responsibilities. And when there’s more than one writing project to manage, time is split even further. I often feel like a Matryoshka Doll, those Russian […]
I am a Story Seamstress
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 […]
Sunday Celebration for Wednesday Poetry (and a YOUR TURN PROMPT)
Somehow August has arrived, with sunshine and summer in tow. It felt so far away, back in March, when isolation started. But here we are. And after a long lull in my poetry inspiration, I’m back to writing more fluently again! Last month I wrote three poems for my Wednesday Whims page, plus a couple online workshop pieces, and a few others to hopefully send out for submissions (so I […]
CC’s Interview Series: Author, Dr. Tamara Miles
The world may seem to be spiraling, as of late, out of the grasp of creativity. But writers persevere. It’s been a while since my last interview, yet today, I have someone special to share. As unconventional and encouraging as ever, CC’s Interview Series is happy to welcome author of Earth Gospel, college professor, and one of my poetry mentors, Dr. Tamara Miles! I say unconventional interview because typically I […]
Pocket Sizing My Story
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 […]
Poetry Play, with Pamela Hobart Carter
This morning arrived with joyful poetry play! Thank You to poet, author, and playwright, Pamela Hobart Carter for her most recent blog post, Make a Poem at Home: Poetry Lessons for Covid Times. (https://playwrightpam.wordpress.com/make-a-poem-at-home-poetry-lessons-for-covid-times/#like-841) As a fellow teacher of young children and a writer myself, I found encouragement and fun following her three creative ideas for writing poetry with young ones. I find these lessons appropriate for all ages! As […]
Poetry Explosion ~ Not Quite 4th of July
Happy July (even amongst the tattered reality of our season this year). It didn’t quite feel like Independence Day this time around, but I am hopeful to press on and not stop pressing until we can overcome and once again, gather together as family and friends, as humankind. I’m speaking out of isolation, out of racism, out of knee-deep misinterpretations and misunderstandings and misgivings and all kinds of hate…because underneath […]
Reader Advice: Same Walk, New Step (Squash the Creative Crunch)
Last week I shared real-life distractions blocking my creative pathway, even amid true inspiration. My readers delivered with caring advice, either through comments or private messages, and I am grateful. A few small suggestions helped me to make some slight alterations to my writing routine, which made all the difference. As a reference, please take a peek back at last week’s post: https://stepsinbetween.com/2020/06/21/creatively-crunched/ For starters, I took some time off […]
Steps In Between 