Dark vs. Light, Good vs. Evil ... I’ve been fascinated by polar opposites my whole life. This polarity is a constant theme in my writing, though I didn’t fully realize how much it shaped my work until I took a step back and reflected on it.
When other writers ask me questions like, Should I follow this project with another piece of fiction? Or do I really want to write memoir? or I’ve been told I can’t build an audience if I don’t stick to one genre, what do you think? my response is simple:
What do you want? Why are you writing in the first place? What’s pulling you toward this project, this genre, this story?
My own fascination with opposites has led to an extremely clear understanding of my personal message and values and what I want from my own writing. Over time, I’ve realized that I tend to seek out the light, the goodness, in even the darkest places. It’s interesting, because in mainstream literature, it’s often the darkness that’s idolized, pursued, and often desired. We gravitate toward pain because it makes us feel better about our own struggles.
This past weekend, I had a particularly reflective moment. I spent time revisiting my core message and values because I'm building a new masterclass for my 1:1 clients, I found myself going over this message with a fine-tooth comb. Again, we can’t understand what we don’t take the time to look at.
That reflection led me to ask: How does this message show up in my books? I’ve written five books in five different genres, so there’s no way there’s continuity between them, right? (That’s my limiting belief talking, by the way. let me just turn the volume down on that). But when I took a closer look, I realized that the theme of finding a glimmer of goodness does show up in every book I’ve written ... just at varying volumes.
The beautiful thing about creation, though, is that we, as writers (or simply insert your own creative field here), get to decide how much light or dark makes its way through our work. The path we take as writers should align with what we want to get out of it.
What does success feel like to you?
No matter our differing definitions of success, the common thread is this: we all want to feel something. If your definition of success is making money and selling as many copies as possible, that’s great! But ask yourself, Why? Why do you want that? You likely want to feel financially secure, which would give you the freedom to choose how you spend your days. That’s your definition of freedom!
Another writer might define success by having a specific conversation in a specific setting about their book (this was how I defined success for my novel by the way). Again, ask Why? Because they want to feel something—perhaps a sense of accomplishment, recognition, or connection. To ....belong.
We have to learn to slow down, and dig deeper.
No matter what we create, how we define success, or the work we publish, it always comes down to a feeling. We want to feel something.
When I return to my own message as a human being, I see it reflected in all my work, just at different intensities.
"I always seek out the small spark of goodness, that hard-to-notice glimmer in people. This doesn’t mean turning away from hardship, darkness, or difficulty—those elements are important, too. But I choose to recognize those realities while nurturing the light, allowing it to grow stronger and, in time, overshadow the darkness. Goodness, and the decision to cultivate it, is an intentional act."
This perspective flows into everything I create, across my five books, my coaching and mentorship, and the creative studio I’ve built. Each book I’ve written explores self-discovery, a very specific kind of "strength" and the complex layers of human experience, with an unwavering focus on uncovering light in the most unlikely places. I can literally see exactly where this shows up in each one of my books.
Through my work with writers, I encourage them to do the same: to honour their stories in their fullness, to write boldly, and to trust in the glimmers of possibility, even in the most difficult narratives, 'cause it's here that that feeling you're after, resides.
That’s why writing and publishing, and everything in between, begins with self-work, and I will die on that hill! You have to look inward.
You have to find that connection, the thread that ties everything you do together, or else you'll find yourself chasing something you can't name.
When I write, I want to feel something.
When you understand what feeling you're really after, it becomes much easier to work backward from there, and you'll likely be quite surprised about WHAT ELSE creates that feeling for you ; ).
No template, no “how-to query letter,” is going to create that feeling for you. I say a big old “no” to that! Haha I said what I said!
Sometimes, to go inward, you have to give yourself permission to pause, even if for just a few moments. Feel free to pause with me ... I JUST started offering creative meditations on Insight Timer! These aren't about fixing, but about giving yourself a moment, when you need it.
Reflect + Rewrite
This Week's Reflection Question: What’s the underlying feeling or value that motivates your writing, and how does it show up in the stories you tell?
After answering the reflection question, revisit what you wrote.
Is there a single line—just one—that surprised you?
Maybe it stirred something. Maybe it made you pause.
Copy that line out. Sit with it.
As always, if you feel called, I’d love to see it. Hit reply and share it with me.
See you next week! If this letter moved you in some way, please forward it to a friend.
with love, Chelene
Founder, Breathing Space Creative
Want to explore more of my work? I offer bespoke writing mentorships, creative support calls, and free creative resources through my studio. But for now, just take what you need. I’ll be here.
