Maya’s Blog

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!

 

A full pink moon shining over a river and flowers

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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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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A full moon shining over a patch of silhouetted vines with flower buds on them

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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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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A full moon reflecting on a calm lake with clouds in the sky and trees in the background.

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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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 woman intently focused on her glowing smartphone

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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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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text: meet maya at the oregon state fair author's table, August 25, 10am to 8 pm, at columbia hall

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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text: meet maya at the oregon state fair author's table, August 25, 10am to 8 pm, at columbia hall

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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a young woman is suprised by what she's read in a book

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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a painting of a woman sitting in an armchair listening on headphones to a satisfying story

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

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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a painting of an older woman telling a story to an engaged crowd of women and children

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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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 modern desk with an ultrawide monitor showing a book cover and list with graph

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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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 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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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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a painting of a woman happily reading a book

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 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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