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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!

 

Writing Process

Artistic depiction of hands gently holding a white flower against a blue background.

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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Colorful painting of a microphone and an audio mixer with knobs and sliders.

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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A blue decorative lamp beside a potted orchid plant on a wooden surface.

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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a painting of a duckling, held gently by a feminine human hand

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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a painting of a woman seated at a computer, with a ring light shining on her, filming a video

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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A blue kintsugi bowl with gold repairs, showing that what’s flawed can still be worth cherishing

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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an impressionist painting of a peaceful, clutter-free space with a vase and leaves in soft light against a textured wall

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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a painting of a microphone near an equalizer in a radio station booth

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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Portrait of a person with long hair and blue eye makeup, featuring an artistic background.

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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Silhouette of a child holding a trophy, illuminated by a soft light in a colorful background.

How Childhood Memories Ignite My Writing

From childhood triumphs to quiet struggles, my most painful moments can shape my stories.

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Abstract painting of a figure in shades of green and blue, showcasing a creative muse with flowing textures and dynamic brush strokes.

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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a painting of a woman with a distressed expression, holding her face, surrounded by scattered pages and blue tones, conveying deep emotion and turmoil

What If I Only Had One Book in Me?

Writing my second book, missing the spark but moving forward.

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a painting of a rope, knotted in the middle

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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a painting of an older woman writing with a pen in a notebook

My Writing Deserves Space

My writing deserves space, and so does yours. Learn how I’m reclaiming time for creativity.

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headshot of an alert caucasian woman with blonde hair, in front of an abstract painting suggesting yellow birds

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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a painting of a woman sitting in the middle of a deseted city street, writing

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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a painting of a lion with a rose in its mouth

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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a painting of a woman looking anxiously at the viewer over her laptop screen

My Name is Maya, and I’m a Perfectionist

No battle plan survives contact with the enemy.

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five photos of people generated by ai

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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a painting of a young Latina woman crossing the finishing line in a foot race

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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a painting of sparkling blue water from the bottom of a swimming pool

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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a painting of an indian woman assembling puzzle pieces

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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a painting of maria from the sound of music standing on top of books

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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headshot of a smiling black man with a shaved head, in front of an abstract painting suggesting clay in a kiln fire

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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a painting of a woman in a robe, painting.

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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a painting of a girl looking at an empty pair of shoes

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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a painting of a pot of golden curry

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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painting of new york city skyline

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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a painting of a cabbage

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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a painting of a pool and palm trees, from above

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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a painting of a book on fire

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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an ornate brass doorknob on a blue door

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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writing perfectionism: an abstract painting of a blue scale, eggs, and pastries

The Prose and Cons of Perfectionism

Finding harmony between polished language and raw emotion.

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© Maya Bairey 2024 All Rights Reserved