Celine is someone I have a tremendous amount of admiration and respect for.
Back in early 2019, I hadn't written a thing in months. The editing of a manuscript had gone so badly I nearly deleted it, had it not been for my wife. Another I'd tried improving just fell flat to the point it nearly suffered the same fate. I ended up deleting everything I had on Amazon and falling into a slump. Celine was offering her services as a writing coach as part of her business. As I'd listened to her podcast and purchased her book, The Part-Time Artist, so I decided to give her a try.
She helped get me back in the writing saddle I'd fallen out of and start afresh. That year, I finished the editing of the first manuscript, which would become Crush Depth in a Bikini, and write the first drafts of two books. Those would become Harem Nights: New Player in Town, and Mech Hunt. My mental health took a major boost from her help and motivation and I will always be grateful to her. So much, in fact, that, when I decided I wanted to talk with indie authors on my blog, I knew I wanted her to be the first.
So, without further ado...
Who was Celine Terranova before The Part-Time Artist?
C.T: I was born in Belgium and I studied science until I decided that I wanted to work in a more creative industry. I moved to London in 2012 and ended up working in theatre. At the same time, I developed my writing abilities and wrote mostly fiction (I started with fanfiction, then short stories, films, and novels).
Fanfiction is a dirty phrase to some people. I’ve never seen why myself, as it’s a form of love of a particular universe. What’s your take on that?
C.T: I love fanfiction, it's a form of writing that really helped me when I was discovering my style and what I liked. It's a way to create a community around you, meet other writers, and get instant feedback on your writing. It will always have a special place in my heart and I will fight anyone who disagrees!
I like it. I remember when the writing bug bit me. It was on the floor of my grandmother's living room, writing short stories so I was quiet and not interrupt her television. Do you remember when the bug found you?
C.T: I don’t think I had a specific moment where I said “I’m going to be a writer”, it’s more something I always did. I always made up stories in my head, and I read a lot so it was a natural progression to start writing.
What was the genesis of The Part-Time Artist?
C.T: I had just finished a grueling second draft of a novel and I was looking to write something different. I used to work in a theatre at the time and most of my colleagues were actors who had to have a day job to pay the bills while they went to auditions. It reminded me of how I’ve always juggled writing with whatever job I had at the time, and I realised that there was a lot I could say on that topic. That’s how the idea of the book came up!
You had more to say, which, I assume was what led to its follow-up, Happy, Not Tortured?
C.T: My second book very much came from the interactions I had with other artists after I published the first one. With my blog and my podcast, I had the opportunity to discuss topics that really mattered to other creatives and mental health was a big part of these conversations. I think it’s a subject that is not addressed enough and I thought it was important to talk about it.
You publish on fan fiction.net. Is there a fiction book (sold on Amazon etc) in your future?
C.T: I hope so! I am currently writing my second novel, which I hope will allow me to get traditionally published at some point.
2020 was, to be frank, a shit fucking year. How did it affect you and how did you work through it all?
C.T: It was really tough because I lost two jobs in March, so financially it was extremely stressful. My second book came out in the middle of the first lockdown and it was hard to concentrate on the marketing of the launch while I was desperately looking for a job. I was also burned out trying to make a living out of my business, and it came to a point where I didn’t have the energy to write anymore. Fortunately, I found another job and I recovered from my burnout, so the year ended on a more positive note.
Sadly, you had to cancel your wonderful podcast too, didn’t you?
C.T: Yes, I did. My new job is full time and sadly that meant I had less time for my business. It came to choosing between writing and the podcast. It doesn’t mean that I’ll never start it again but for now, I don’t have the time.
But, it may come back at some point?
C.T: It might!
Finally, what does the current future hold for you?
C.T: Well, 2021 is quite exciting for me because I have 2 major projects: first, a novel which I am currently drafting. Then, later in the year, I’m planning on writing the third Part-Time Artist book. I don’t have a title for it currently, but it will be about inspiration and creativity.
I wish you all the best with them.
C.T: Thank you :)
You can find more about Celine, and her works, on her personal website here, or visit the official Part-Time Artist website here.
