Here I share insights into my writing journey and the creation of my novel, Painting Celia. These posts offer a deeper understanding of the book, revealing the symbolism, character development, and lyrical language that define my work. They also explore my process of balancing introspection and action, crafting authentic characters, and navigating the ebb and flow of creativity. At least, they explain how I try to do all that!
I hope my perspective inspires and encourages you on your own creative journey. And maybe, to pick up the book!
She Blooms, and So Do We
'She Blooms' is Maura Doherty’s story of leaving the convent to build a life of her own. This book reminded me how storytelling helps us find our way home.
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KBOO FM Interview Alongside Lynn A. Haller
I joined therapist Lynn Haller on KBOO’s Once Upon a Time to talk about Painting Celia, trauma, nervous system regulation, and how stories help us grow.
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21 Days of Lovely Little Living Spaces
Writers need room, not just on the page, but in the places we live. Clearing space helped me see what I’d stopped noticing.
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Under the Strawberry Moon: Sweet and Gone
This year’s strawberries ripened ahead of schedule, a quiet signal that the season is shifting. Under the Strawberry Moon, I’m reflecting on how sweetness never lasts, but is worth being present for.
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Ten Tiny Downy Ducklings
Sometimes, nature drops a story in your lap. In my case, it flapped straight into my garden beds.
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Get to Know Me and Painting Celia in One Quick Video
Not sure if Painting Celia is for you? In this quick video, I introduce myself and share why I wrote the kind of romance I couldn’t find on the shelf.
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Under the Flower Moon: Roots First
The blooms may look effortless, but they come from roots long tended.
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Flawed and Worth Loving
I write love stories for women who are done with perfect people, because we are worth loving even when we're messy.
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The Muse Has Room When the Clutter Is Gone
A 21-day experience in mindful decluttering helps me reclaim peace, clarity, and creative focus, one small space at a time.
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Under the Pink Moon: Burlesque, Banned Books, Bare Stories
April's Pink moon rises over the river, echoing a night of bare skin, banned books, and the courage to tell bold stories.
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Talking Painting Celia on KBOO FM
I joined KBOO’s Once Upon a Time to talk about Painting Celia, how personal storytelling became a tool for healing, and why making art changed everything. Full audio and transcript included.
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Embracing Transgender Visibility in My Fiction
I’ve been afraid to write a transgender character for years. This Transgender Day of Visibility, I’m finally trying.
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On the Full Moon — March 2025
Under March's Worm Moon, I nurture new roots and celebrate quiet renewal as worms enrich the soil and plants unfurl, reminding me that growth thrives in unexpected places.
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How Childhood Memories Ignite My Writing
From childhood triumphs to quiet struggles, my most painful moments can shape my stories.
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On the Full Moon — February 2025
Under February’s Snow Moon, I watch two crows uncover hidden offerings in the snow—a quiet reminder that even in the coldest moments, life finds its way.
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Wicked and the Power of Prequels
How a green-skinned witch revived my muse—and the free prequels I’m giving you.
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What If I Only Had One Book in Me?
Writing my second book, missing the spark but moving forward.
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The Glow from the Screen
Her heart races with each notification, hoping it's him. She's just another username in his chat, yet his fleeting interactions ignite a fire she keeps reaching for.
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Embracing the Messy Middle
Writing my second book, I've hit that challenging yet exhilarating phase where the story deepens, doubts arise, and the real magic begins.
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Deleted Scene: Meeting Celia
Bonus content from Painting Celia – exclusively for blog readers! Here's an alternate scene from the very first page of the book.
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My Writing Deserves Space
My writing deserves space, and so does yours. Learn how I’m reclaiming time for creativity.
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Kelsey Steps Into the Spotlight
I’m starting book two in the Incubadora series! Kelsey takes center stage, and I can’t wait to explore her journey and share it with you.
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Meet Me at the Oregon State Fair
Meet Maya Bairey at the Oregon State Fair on August 25th. Books, chats, and deep-fried delights await!
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Giveaway! Free Copies of Painting Celia
Grab a free Kindle copy of Painting Celia! Enter my Goodreads Giveaway before September 1st, 2024.
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Painting Celia has an Audiobook!
Painting Celia is now an audiobook! Listening to my story come to life was surreal. Now, you can experience it too—available in all formats!
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The Book Launch Party
See the photos! Celebrating the launch of Painting Celia with friends, family, and readers was a momentous and deeply moving experience.
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The Art of Storytelling is the Art of Community Building
Writing took me from private author to public advocate for Portland's artists. Isn't it amazing what art can do?
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The Privilege of Expression
Feeling stuck during the pandemic, I wrote a novel to transform my life. Learn how it changed me at the launch celebration in May 2024.
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The Lion, the Rose, and the Deadline
A laugh, a lion, and a rose—a skeptic author finds insight (and humor) consulting the Tarot.
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From List to Launch
From perfectionist tweaks to a joyful photo shoot, my journey through self-publishing and launching my publishing imprint unfolds.
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My Name is Maya, and I’m a Perfectionist
No battle plan survives contact with the enemy.
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My Characters, Brought to Life through AI
I used an AI art generator to create inspiration images of my characters. Is AI an ally or competition to artists and coders?
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I Heard You’re Writing a Book. When Will It Be Finished?
Step into the world of writing a novel, where 'I should be editing' is the anthem and 'finished' is a word always on the horizon.
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Blue Is More Than a Color
What is color symbolism in literature? Read how the color blue takes on multiple meanings in Painting Celia.
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Plotter, Pantser, and the Power of Spreadsheets
In the life of a Plotter, the joy of writing plots with a spreadsheet is a game-changer.
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I Have Confidence in Me
Like Maria in The Sound of Music, I'm stepping into the unknown, armed with my manuscript and a hopeful heart. Will my story resonate?
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Stop Honoring the Rules on Bisexuality Awareness Day
Bisexual pride is not just an identity, but a story. Witness its echoes in the lives of my characters.
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The Rebel Muse
Ever wondered 'What makes a muse?' They're more than just a spark of inspiration. They've got their own flame.
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Father’s Day Without Dad
As Father's Day approaches, some of us have only memories to honor. And how complex they can be! Even in their absence, fathers continue to shape us.
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Recipe Time! Celia’s Butternut Squash Curry
This squash curry is a gluten-free, vegetarian delight. Sweet roasted squash, spicy curry, and earthy greens come together in a delightful harmony!
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Travel and Writing: Inspiration in New York City
Escape with me to NYC, where inspiration lurks in every corner and every ordinary moment is extraordinary. Ready for an artistic journey?
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The Magic of a New Romance Novel
Whether writing or reading, new romance novels captivate us all. The thrill is in the dreams and the drama!
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Recipe Time! Celia’s Cabbage Slaw
Step into the world of Painting Celia with Celia's own homemade Caesar Cole Slaw recipe! It's a gluten-free delight with a unique twist.
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Deleted Scene: Getting to Know You
Bonus content from Painting Celia – exclusively for blog readers! Celia and León start learning about each other.
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Published! My Research Trip to Los Angeles
In her article published at Women Writers, Women('s) Books, Maya retells her research journey to LA to "visit her characters."
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Admitting You’ve Written a Sexy Novel
Maya's heartfelt novel allows her to embrace vulnerability in the face of curiosity from her family.
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Writing Research or Procrastination: Which Is It?
A detour of delightful diversions can derail even the most dedicated writer. How do we avoid procrastination's siren song?
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The Prose and Cons of Perfectionism
Finding harmony between polished language and raw emotion.
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Deleted Scene: The Taco Truck
Bonus content from Painting Celia – exclusively for blog readers! Andrew and León discuss inspiration over tacos.
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Celia Torres
Quiet Celia knows she has to start living out loud but is unable to find her voice. Embarrassed by surprise wealth, she has the whole world before her but no idea how to fit into it.
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León Alejo-Rios
My beloved flawed León. My expressive hyper-focused egoist. More than one reader has described him as an innocent mysogynist, and they're not wrong. He's got some growing up to do!
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Andrew Neal
Magnetic Andrew is confident in his own skin, not afraid to be himself. He's experienced judgment and chooses to be the change he wants to see.
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Kelsey Martin
Kelsey doesn't just light up rooms with her glowing personality. She also draws insightful conclusions and bluntly illuminates them for everyone else.
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Trevor Hansen
Quiet Trevor is the Dad of the group, willing to put in the work himself and aware others could do the same. His rare quips are amusing and cut to the heart of it.
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Incubadora
Step into Incubadora de Artistas, where creativity blooms and young artists find inspiration. Experience a world of color, passion, and support.
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