• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • 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
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • 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
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: General Information

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

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

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 164: A Chat with Christian Fantasy Author, Ernest Yip
byChautona Havig

When I talked to Ernest Yip last month, I was crazy excited to learn about his fantasy novel, The Shattered King, an allegory about the attributes of God. Ernest talks about his inspiration, how he got started, and what’s coming next for us. I loved hearing more about the story and my copy is on its way to me now. EEEP! Listen in to learn more.

Note: links are affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Experience the Attributes of God in a Whole New Way

In the tradition of Pilgrim’s Progress or the parables of Jesus, Ernest Yip brings us a story that introduces to a King like no other through the various attributes our main character meets through out the book. I love a good allegory, and listening to Ernest talk about his book had me choming at the bit to get started.

Though written for teens, The Shattered King is sure to appeal to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure. I especially love how it is a great introduction to who God is without being a heavy or preachy tome of apologetics. Instead, we’re taken on an adventure to discover it all for ourselves.

I can’t wait to see what Yip does next!

The Shattered King by Ernest Yip

Finding his way home means finding something else first—someone else.

When a dark force shatters the benevolent and mighty king Eloa, the land of Astrea lies broken and dying. Though Eloa lives, he is a shadow of his true self, unable to restore his kingdom unless he is reunited with the living Fragments of his being and made whole again.

Catapulted into this unfamiliar world and gifted with a magical sword, teenager Jax faces the ultimate test—finding the lost Fragments of Eloa. Only by fulfilling this quest will he be able to return home. But there are new forces in power, forces that will do whatever it takes to thwart Jax’s efforts and defeat Eloa.

But Jax will soon find that Eloa is no ordinary king, and neither are his Fragments—

A creator of living stone beings A father of orphans in a storm-filled land A desert warrior of limitless power

And they aren’t the only ones out there…

Encounter the Fragments of The Shattered King, a tale of danger and discovery that explores timeless truths about the world we live in, where justice and mercy are sometimes the most powerful weapons.

You can find out more about Ernest from his WEBSITE.

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

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 164: A Chat with Christian Fantasy Author, Ernest Yip
Episode 164: A Chat with Christian Fantasy Author, Ernest Yip
August 16, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 163: A Chat with Naomi Craig about Ezekiel's Song
August 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 162: A Chat with Author, Nancy Naigle
August 9, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 161: A Chat with Christian Women's Fiction Robin W. Pearson
July 26, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 160: A Chat with Liz Johnson about The Last Way Home
July 22, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 159: A Chat with Biblical Fiction Author, Mesu Andrews
July 19, 2022
Chautona Havig
A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Stephanie Landsem
July 12, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 157: A Chat with Historical Christian Fiction Author, Lynn Austin
July 8, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 156: The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K. Beatty
July 5, 2022
Chautona Havig
Episode 155: Chatting with Heather Day Gilbert & Jen Cudmore
July 1, 2022
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Penelope’s Pursuit

Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Purchase with Paypal
Penelope’s Pursuit
Buy now!

The Last Gasp

The Last Gasp
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Audible.com
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Last Gasp
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Experience the Attributes of God in a Whole New Way
  • Book Club Capers: July Part One
  • Has Ezekiel Always Confused You? How about a Little Fictional Clarity?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule

Footer

What Am I Working On?

Book, Chapter & Vows
Book, Chapter, & Vows
Phase:Week 3
100%
Get Book Updates

Featured

Finding a Memory

Finding a Memory
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Finding a Memory
Buy now!

Dial W for Wrangler

Dial W for Wrangler

Disclosure:

Disclosure: Links on this website may or may not be affiliate links and as such, I may receive compensation from the retailer indicated for linking to their product. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note: I DO NOT link to products that I do not recommend.

Privacy & Cookies. This website uses cookies (not the delicious kinds that make life grand) to do stuff it needs to do. By staying on the site, you agree to this evil substitution of yummy cookies for internet calorie-free substitutes. For more info, click here and read the boring stuff. Cookie Policy
What a sunrise!! What a sunrise!!
Oh, what a beautiful moon. Oh, what a beautiful moon.
Look what arrived on Sunday. Eeep! @naomicraigaut Look what arrived on Sunday.  Eeep!
@naomicraigauthor 
#christfic 
#bibfic 
#BIBLICALFICTION
Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE DAY to get th Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE DAY to get this preorder deal for Ezekiel's Song by Naomi Craig, Author! ⁠
⁠
30% off plus free shipping for the paperback copy or $2.99 for the ebook, bonus gift with either!⁠
⁠
#ezekielssong #naomicraigauthor #celebratelit #biblicalfiction #christianfiction #biblestory #rahab #bookstagram #bookloversofinstagram #readersofinstagram #christian #fiction #books #christianbooks #christianbookstagram #faith #christianhistoricalfiction #historicalfiction
Reposted from @joanne.markey Picture says it all. Reposted from @joanne.markey Picture says it all. Link in bio.

#contemporarychristianromcom #christianfiction
@chantelreadsallday has a new readathon for the mo @chantelreadsallday has a new readathon for the month of September--You've Got Mail!!!
So excited for this. But I'm curious... can I count writing a book that takes place in a bookstore for that prompt???
#amreading 
#YouveGotMailReadathon
Reposted from @tabithabouldin Reposted from @Sarah Reposted from @tabithabouldin Reposted from @Sarah Monzon The entire Carrington Family series is on sale for only 99¢! (Free with #kindleunlimited ) 

Split-time romances with high stakes and even higher rewards! 

#splittime #romance #booksale #kindlecountdown #bookstagram #christianfiction #readmorebooks #read #books #ebooksale #boxset
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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