C. P. Lesley, Novelist

Writing a novel when fictional characters act as if they have minds of their own

Writing post about beginnings and endings, as well as how they define the structure of a novel

Updates on my writing process, specifically the rough draft and the first revision, with reference to Song of the Silk Weaver

Book release announcement for C. P. Lesley's historical fiction novel Song of the Steadfast, due out in June 2025 from Five Directions Press

On problems with keeping characters' details straight while writing the Legends of the 5 Directions and Songs of Steppe & Forest series

C. P. Lesley's annual overview of tasks attempted, accomplished, and not yet attained in 2024

A discussion of what an author means by "watching characters grow" in a single novel or across a series

A short discussion about the pluses and minuses of procrastinating while writing, exemplified by my own work

A glimpse into the history of wild silk and its possible relevance to my forthcoming novel, Song of the Silk Weaver

On the not so nice parts of history and their inclusion in historical fiction

On the value of merchants' travel accounts as sources for historical fiction, or what we can learn from the traveling salesmen of history

Interview with the author Michelle Moran, whose latest novel, "Maria," explores the true story behind "The Sound of Music"

The joys and perils of historical research when writing fiction, with special attention to the author's next Songs of Steppe & Forest novel

Written interview with the husband-and-wife team who publish as Ellery Lloyd, about their latest suspense novel, just out from Harper

Life in retirement takes some getting used to, so here are thoughts about the decision to slow down and ways to occupy that freed-up time

Interview with author Audrey Burges about her latest novel, A House Like an Accordion

Interview about co-writing conducted by Joan Schweighardt with C. P. Lesley and P.K. Adams, discussing The Merchant's Tale

An exploration of food as an indicator of character in novels, citing Ruth Reichl and her work

On how what was supposed to be a writing vacation turned into a vacation from writing, and why that may not be a bad thing

A look at my writing plans for 2024, as well as other book and editing news