• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

You Don’t Learn to Write…

by Chautona Havig · 7 Comments

You write to learn.  Trust me on this one.  I’ve learned more in the ten years I’ve been writing than I did in the twelve years of concentrated education that is otherwise called my childhood.  Some of the lessons I’ve learned during this journey are obvious things you’d expect– plotting, editing, little bits of trivia that my research has given me, but others aren’t quite so obvious.

I learned most about me.

Strange, isn’t it?  One of the more recent lessons came when I purchased a book on the recommendation of my editor (was she trying to tell me something?).  The book is Outlining Your Novel: Mapping Your Way to Success.  I cannot recommend it highly enough.  Before I read this book, I would have told you that I do not outline.  I’m more of a “fly by the seat of my pants” kind of writer.  So, I read this book, created an Excel spreadsheet that would please the most anal of organizers, and began filling it in from a book I was working on.  I was astounded to discover that I could fill in every single question.  I knew the ending even though I’d never actually thought of it consciously.  So, I am and always have been an outliner– I was just even more like Anne Shirley than I thought.  I keep it all “filed away in my imagination.”  Well, guess what?  I’m not getting any younger.  Since I’m not getting any younger, I decided to start filling these kinds of things out.  It’s important.  I’d hate to get somewhere and actually discover that I now have  *gasp!* Writer’s Block!

That was another thing I learned about me.  Procrastination and Writer’s Block are not synonymous in regards to me.  I’ve never had writer’s block.  That’s not to say I won’t GET it someday.  I’m human.  I can have blank times with the best of them I am sure.  However, I’m still in the “have more to say than I have time to get it on ‘paper'” mode.  However, I do procrastinate.  I discovered that my reasons for procrastinating are usually one of the following:

  • I do not want the story to end.  I am most likely to procrastinate near the end of a series.  I did it with Wynnewood and I’m doing it with Aggie.
  • I need space.  I’ve learned that if I don’t take time away from a story, I get too bogged down in details that do not matter.  Procrastination at those times is really just about gaining distance.  That’s really all there is to it.  I’ve learned– usually– just to set it aside and work on something different now, but for a long time I frittered away DAYS to gain that distance.
  • I am tired.  I am often so eager to work on a book that I do not recognize the clear signs of exhaustion.  So, I fritter even more time away in the attempt to relax– only I don’t know that.  I’ve started asking myself, “Are you tired?” every time that I discover myself looking for excuses to procrastinate.
  • I have made a mistake and don’t want to have to fix/delete it.  Too often I avoid doing the dirty work– killing the section that didn’t work.  Ugh.  So instead of doing what I have to do anyway– I just waste MORE time.

Other things I have learned are often things I didn’t want to learn.  Things that make the scene I’ve been waiting to write impossible.  It couldn’t have happened.  Or, I discover that my character won’t do it.  I used to think that was bunch of nonsense.  Characters do as they are told.   You are the dictator, they are the puppets– right?  Ahem.  No.  Not mine.  They are wayward children with minds of their own and often do not respond even to the most consistent chastisement.  Naughty things that they are.

I wonder what I’ll learn this year?

Share
Pin
Post
Email
Share
Pin
Post
Email

Filed Under: General Information

Previous Post: « Aggie News…
Next Post: Wynnewood Trailer! »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Rebekah says

    February 21, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    I think I’ll have to try it… It’s on the Amazon list now… I’m tired of forgetting things when someone loses of my book or it gets packed away when we move! (It’s happened twice now!!) I’m sure my sister would be happier if I didn’t forget and get stuck ever again either!

    😀

    To the KING be all the glory!
    Rebekah

    Reply
  2. Chautona says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:13 am

    I think you might be surprised to discover that it is all outlined in your imagination. I was stunned to realize that I DO have it all up there. So, as I have time (since I’m not a youngster anymore), I’m just filling in my million and one questions from the excel worksheet.

    I recommend reading the book to see if you discover what I did.

    I also should try it with one of my “here’s an idea, don’t forget it” documents to see if those are as well thought out. I suspect they aren’t like a series.

    Reply
  3. Rebekah says

    February 9, 2012 at 10:52 am

    Hmm… I’m not an outliner – actually, I despise outlines. Then again, outlines, for me, are whatever I make them out to be. Which means they’re different every time. :p

    Oh and my characters have minds of their own too. Some of them are REALLY stubborn! *rolls eyes* Being a dictator simply doesn’t work at those times!

    To the KING be all the glory!
    Rebekah

    Reply
  4. Pat Hatt says

    February 6, 2012 at 10:47 am

    Totally agree, I’ve learned way more actually doing it then in all the years listening to people babble on about it. I procrastinate when tired too, takes me a while to realize it.

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      February 6, 2012 at 11:24 am

      Writing is like riding a bike. You get on the first time and it’s wobbly. You keep going and pretty soon you can go straight but not far. After that, you build muscle… and well, voila.

      Reply
  5. Barbara says

    February 6, 2012 at 10:15 am

    I have that book…I’ve been avoiding it 😉

    Reply
    • Chautona says

      February 6, 2012 at 11:22 am

      Dare ya to read it. Double. Dog. Dare.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
byChautona Havig

 Oh, wow.  When I read the synopsis for House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick, I knew this was going to be a fabulous book.  Forget all the endorsements and starred reviews, listen in to hear just how awesome this book is!  

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

When Margaret described the story within House of Honor, I not only learned a lot of art history, but I got a taste of Italy (sadly, without pasta and gelato… sniff). I can’t wait to see what she coes up with next.

 House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick

Two Italian sons, one woman, linked by a masterpiece painting, are put to a test of loyalty and honor.

At the heart of this gripping tale is Orazio Bordoni, the wayward son of a construction magnate, living a reckless life like that of his artistic hero Caravaggio. He finds himself befriended by Nicolo Giotto, the devoted son of a powerful Sicilian mafia clan, who wants to uphold the honor of his family.

As the dark underbelly of the art world and the Vatican expose their true character, Orazio finds himself in a world where his loyalty is tested, honor is at stake, and the boundaries between life, love, and art blur. He and Nicolo discover just how far they’re willing to push those boundaries, even if it means sacrificing everything.

House of Honor is a pivotal story that weaves the threads of history, the ruthless allure of the mafia, the enigmatic power of the Vatican, and the timeless brilliance of Caravaggio.

Learn more about Margaret on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
June 14, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 437: A Chat with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
June 9, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 436: A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher
June 7, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 435: A Chat with Rachel Keith
June 3, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 434: A Chat with Lynn U. Watson
May 31, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 433: A Chat with Megan Soja
May 26, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 432: A Chat with Crystal Caudill
May 24, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 431: A Chat with Heidi Gray McGill
May 19, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 430: A Chat with Amanda Cabot
May 17, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 429: A Chat with J. A. Webb
May 12, 2025
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Be My Inspiration

Be My Inspiration

Pointed Suspicion

Pointed Suspicion

Courting Miss Darling

Courting Miss Darling

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew…
  • “Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie
  • Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Keith can’t help but wonder: will his first assi Keith can’t help but wonder: will his first assignment with The Agency be his last?

One missing man. One new agent. One chance to keep the (uncertain) client alive
The prequel novel to The Agency Files, Induction is Keith Auger's interview and... well.. induction into The Agency. Listen FREE on YouTube to the audiobook narrated by @ChristaDelSorbo .
Listen to each chapter separately for ease of finding where you are OR the whole book in one video (after Sept 30, 2024).
Also available from most audiobook retailers!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ2AIQHYt1g3cWoBPneeilsa

#ChristianRomanticSuspense
#ChristFic
#Audiobooks
#ChristianAudiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
What makes an office manager go "rogue" and get al What makes an office manager go "rogue" and get all "agent-ified?" Danger to their best agent's girlfriend, that's what. She doens't know what she's doing (the girlfriend knows more!), and she's terrified they're one blink away from certain death, but if sheer force of will can keep Erika alive, well... they've got a fighting chance.
Book 5 of the Agency file is available FREE, chapter by chapter on YouTube AND... after 2/28/25 also available in one full-length video.  Listen in individual chapters to keep easy track of where you are or in one long chunk so you don't have to keep moving to the next. Whichever works best for you!
PLEASE consider subscribing to Christa's YouTube channel. We'd both appreciate it.  https://bit.ly/ChristaDelsorbo
#ChristianAudiobooks
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianRomanticSuspense
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, including The Last Gasp--a mystery set in 1920s Hollywood and with a Cinderella twist.
You can listen FREE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
Check out the other books she has on there... also free! https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
OR
You can also get The Last Gasp and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianMystery
#HistoricalMystery
#FairyTaleRetelling
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, and now she's on the first book (after the prequel, Induction) of The Agency Files.
When Erika is ripped from her bed (literally) by strangers claiming to be doing it for "her own safety," she's not convinced. Can you blame her? Listen in to learn more. One chapter a day throughout the month and the whole book will be uploaded as one video at the end. So listen FREE daily (or to each chapter so you can find your place easily), or all at once on a long car ride or decluttering binge (oh, wait. Is that just me?).
Check out the other books she has on her channel... also free! AND, please subscribe and make her day (it's a lot of work!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hnf_Ztodag&list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ2CQxqZjoGUiFK5mPPbJIbb

OR

You can also get Justified means and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianRomanticSuspense
14h
Who is he, who is after him, and why is a woman ab Who is he, who is after him, and why is a woman abducted to protect her from him?  Bioterrorism, Russian mafia, and what? Another agency?  What's going on in The Agency now?
Listen to the whole book FREE, narrated by the fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo (don't forget to subscribe!!!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-TZlGhUFcE&list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ1Cg738W1MSQlHIuFe45v_WListen to a chapter a day OR to the whole thing at the end of the month.  The previous four Agency books are also available to listen to FREE.
#TheAgencyFiles
#ChristFic
#ChristianSuspense
#Kindleunlimitedreads
I know... I've said it before. It's why I try not I know... I've said it before. It's why I try not to promise when/what. #BecauseLife.  I can't control what's happening, but I can control not starting to release stuff only to have it stall again.  I am determined that when I start sending out episodes again (they are being written every chance I need a break from other things), they won't ever stop until the story is done.  I just need a huge lead and it's not big enough. Sorry.
If you have a question you want me to answer, leave it in the comments OR... zip me an email at chautona@chautona.com.  I'll try to work them in (and will probably combine those that are really similar.
#AuthorLife
#WriterLife
#AuthorsOfInstagram
#CharacterDevelopment
#AmWriting
#TheVintageWren
#SerialNovels
#365THOUSANDDaysOfGreen (or so it seems)
Austria, 1939. Before the "death trains," Hitler's Austria, 1939. Before the "death trains," Hitler's regime deported ten thousand children to Holland, Sweden, and even England on what was known as the Kindertransport. Two desperate mothers send their only childrent to safety on this Kindertransport, but when those children arrive, nothing is as it seems or should be.  A war-time mystery twist on "Hansel and Gretel" set just before the invasion of Poland.
Available as an audiobook FREE on Youtube, narrated by @ChristaDelSorbo
https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos

#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristFic
#HistoricalChristianMystery
#KindleUnlimited
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!