Crystal Collier's Blog

Have you ever experienced that moment when someone's eyes lit because what you told them struck hard?

I'm teaching a writing class right now to kids 9 to 13 years old.

With the rare (singular) exception, at the beginning of the school year, every single student told me they don't like writing.

Challenge accepted.

I told them that by the end of the school year, every single one of them would love writing. And then we attacked writing in a way few of them had experienced before: from the heart.

Because I love writing -- sharing ideas that make other people think, smile, laugh, etc. -- I bring that excitement to the classroom. If my students catch fire, meaning they want to communicate the ideas in their heads, they'll be motivated independently to learn the syntax, grammar, etc., I just have to help them find the initial flame.

And I've already heard from a couple parents how pumped their kids are. I can see it in my student's eyes.

Do I expect perfection from these kids? Heck no. Their starting efforts are sloppy and riddled with holes, but they are trying, and with a little guidance, they are improving.

The same is true for people in our lives. We inspire them when we share what's in our hearts, when we reveal the inner fire. You can't inspire someone without a spark.

In other words, you have to BE what you preach.

Our awesome co-hosts this month are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Liza at Middle Passages, JH Moncrieff, and Jemima Pett!

Today's question: Many people are calling for writers who use AI to disclose it. Most who employ ghostwriters do not admit it - do you think authors who use ghostwriters should have to disclose that, too?

Allow me to deviate from the actual question.

Here's where I straight up admit using AI -- to help prompt the twist of a phrase, sometimes to restructure a sentence that is befuddling me, to offers suggestions on imagery...which I usually ignore because, AI. However, if I admit to using AI to the general public, they form this idea that AI writes my stories based on a prompt and I edit a couple things here or there. I suppose what I'm saying is, there's no black and white on this concept. Also, I know kids who have been accused of using AI, simply because they had perfect grammar. This is a problem. So I'll leave that right there. Where do we draw the line?

(I look forward to other's thoughts on ghostwriters.)

Have you been inspired by someone's fire? Have you ever set someone on fire? (Not literally. Come on, folks!) What are your views on AI?

Everyone loves a good story --

One that engages

One that makes you feel

One that ends.

I started reading a book series a year ago, recommended by a friend, and 8 books in, I read the grand conclusion...only to learn there were an anticipated 8 more books to come. Over the next decade. (That number has since been upped and last I heard, it's supposed to be 22 books in total!!!  !!!)

Ugh.

I don't know about you, but I would have waited for the whole thing if I'd known.

Some people prefer an ongoing story. Some want to have it all, right now. 

Which are you?

And yet, there is joy in taking a journey, one episode at a time. Because writing and editing isn't enough, I've been elbow deep in video editing (and getting better all the time), writing descriptions, and scheduling posts out to the moon and back. Although I'm totally a consume-it-right-now girl, we're putting out a series. One minute at a time.

Our awesome co-hosts this month are Kate Larkinsdale, SE White, JS Pailly, Olga Godim, and Natalie Aguirre!

Happy 15 year anniversary, IWSG!!!

Today's question: Do you have a favorite character archetype you tend to gravitate toward in your writing?

Do I ever! The tortured, brooding hero is definitely a favorite (with religious/moral roots), as is the snarky female lead. Oh, and the geeky, misunderstood character. And the quiet, bullied underdog. And the righteous Javerts (justice seekers, for those not familiar with Les Miserables). --All those with a side of ridiculous support characters whose personalities are usually the opposite of my lead. 

We're inviting friends to support an author this month through the hop. Unfortunately, about six months ago, my publisher pulled the first book in my series with the intent to repackage and rerelease. I don't have a date yet, but books 2 and 3 are still available, along with several anthologies I've contributed to. I'll list just my books and one anthology here. 

MOONLESS

SOULLESS

TIMELESS

PARELLELS

Do you like series? Would you rather have it all right now or in snippets over time? What's your favorite type of character to write/read?

Beginnings are hard, right?

1. They suck the life out of you. Day and night, you worry and stress and plot.

2. They're slow. (Enough said.)

3. They leave you teetering, questioning your choices. There's no balance to beginning something.

4. They take SO MUCH WORK!

5. You MIGHT succeed, and succeeding can be a lot scarier than failure.

Once you get moving, momentum grows.

“The hardest part is always the beginning, when you feel uncomfortable. Know that this is normal, and all you need to do is go against your emotions. ...face your fears, be uncomfortable, and experiment with different strategies until you find something that works.”

― Jamie Cooper, Albert Einstein: Extraordinary Life Lessons That Will Change Your Life Forever

In the last four years, I feel like I've started again about fifty times. But like Wright Brothers (who failed more times than I want to count, going through 200 different wing shapes for planes and risking everything while unemployed), we keep trying.

Because beginning something is easy. Seeing it through takes dedication, fortitude, and the willingness to start and start again.

This week, we are starting something NEW.

We're publishing the entire STAGED READING of our musical in 1 minutes episodes over the coming weeks. Subscribe so you don't miss out!

Our awesome co-hosts are Shannon Lawrence, Diedre Knight, Liza, and Pat Garcia!

Today's question: As a writer/author what is something you regret? Or something that you wish you'd done differently in your writing process?

I'm skipping this one, but I look forward to reading everyone's responses!

How do you feel about beginning something new? Are you in the midst of a new project? Do you like musical theatre?

What is your big dream? Something you thought impossible?

Every year I feel my age more and think about things I want to do. The things I have done. The things that are no longer realistic.

My husband is the same way, and this year he decided to do something about it.

So he took back up rollerblading.

At first, he was lucky to keep his balance. I kept my mouth shut...until he came home bruised from a fall.
He bought protective gear.
He watched YouTube videos and learned how to fall, new techniques, then practiced them in our garage. 

Occasionally, he came home with another booboo, but for the most part, he did pretty well -- until he could go out for an hour each day, cruising the neighborhood.

The rest is his story, and you can read it if you'd like: 

Click on me!

It boils down to this: he chased a dream, he achieved the dream, he got confident, he made a bad decision.

And now he's recovering from reconstructive shoulder surgery. For his dominant arm.

Chase your dreams. But stay humble. Listen to that little voice that warns you when you're about to make the big stupid. Hubris goes before the fall.

Our awesome co-hosts for this month are: Rebecca Douglass, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Cathrina Constantine, and Jacqui Murray!

The question: Is there anything you'd like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry?

So, so much! Alas, if wishes were lollipops... (Don't ask me where I'm going with that. LOL!)

I think the biggest problem with the industry used to be barrier to entry, and now it's the opposite.

Everyone should have the opportunity to reach for their dreams, but it doesn't seem there's much reaching when it's too easy to obtain. I'm not saying writing a book is easy, and there are many things to learn when it comes to publishing.

I mean that with the ease of publishing, the market has been flooded by scammers, AI agents, etc. who are looking to make a penny. And I can't blame them. Everyone needs to eat. There are even people who sincerely put out their best work...whether it's ready to see the light of day or not. And my heart aches for them -- because this is a brutal world and you learn that through reviews.

The sheer number of books releases (good and bad) make for a lot of noise and sometimes a breakdown of trust between readers and the publishing world. Where is our quality control? I guess that's what I'm trying to say--because we've gone from one extreme to the other. There's a perfect middle ground somewhere. I think.

What dream are you holding back on? Have you ever made a big stupid? Broken a bone? What are your feelings on the publishing industry?

 We've all had it -- the dream we're hoping to fulfill.

That sits.

And sits.

And sits.

Years go by while we walk by and shine that little dream and imagine it breaking free.

My little dream is finding its wings, one day at a time, inch by painful inch. Today, that means I'm about a week away from finishing the rewrite of IMMORTAL the book. (First penned in 2004.)

(Not a true representation of the cover)

Which means I'm looking for potential beta readers (in about 2 weeks to a month). 

What is a beta reader?

When a book is fully drafted, the author puts it in front of other eyes. The first reader is:

The Alpha Reader -- a trusted reader who helps iron out major plot/character issues.

Followed by:

Beta readers -- a small group who shares their reading experience with the author, often helping iron out minor inconsistencies or weaknesses in the writing.

The working blurb:

Rage. Isolation. Thirst…

For 300 years, an immortal cursed to live on blood has traversed the earth—hunted by a single family sworn to destroy him.

England 1792.

When the present-day hunter, Phineas, injures him, Lucas vanishes into the night. Weakened and desperate, he stumbles into his neighbor’s ball and meets Justine. His silent heart beats for the first time in centuries. If he is capable of love, is he capable of redemption? And will Justine’s uncle, Phineas, end him before he can discover?

Would you like to be a beta reader? Leave a comment or shoot me an email.

Welcome to our IWSG buddies! Huge thanks to our hosts, Victoria Marie Lees, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and C. Lee McKenzie!

June 3 question - Do most of your story ideas come from one place (the news, dreams, etc.) or do they hit from all over the place?

I started writing because of literal dreams: Story dreams with fully fleshed out plots, an awesome cast of characters, unexpected twists, and usually a resolution. My first 10 page story came from a dream when I was 10 years old.

But.

We grow, right? These days, story ideas/components come from everywhere, but my subconscious usually forms them as I write without conscious effort. It's helpful that way.

What about you? Where do you get ideas? Have you ever beta read for someone? Do you like getting in on the ground floor and giving your ideas?

 I know how intimidating it can be to write a book review--even when you're elbow deep in the industry.

The first time I volunteered to review a book for a friend was Kerri Cuevas' Deadly Kisses. Kerri and I had rubbed shoulders and exchanged laughs over our efforts with three separate Choose Your Own Adventure bloghops. I didn't want to get this wrong. And yet, when I stared at that blank text box on Amazon, I totally froze.

What?!?
I mean, I've written my whole life. How hard should it have been to say a few nice words about a book I really liked for a friend I totally adored?



Book reviews are book food. If you love a book and want it to succeed (or to see more books from the author) YOU BETTER get out there and leave them a review.  Reviews boost visibility  in Amazon's store. Which means they boost sales. Which means the author is motivated to put out more content.

But wait, that book already has thirty reviews. Why does it need another one?
People are lemmings, or sheep. I hate to say it, but it's true. They say, "Ooh, everyone is reading this book--see, it has two hundred reviews. I bet it's awesome."
A book cannot have too many reviews. 
But you really didn't like something about this book. Boo hoo. I bet there were a TON of things you did like, and good vibes always come back around. Say what you can that's positive and reward the author who put their blood, sweat, and tears into it. Don't be an author killer.
Now to the 

All of these ideas can be used separately for a simple review or a few combined for a longer one. When I review a book, I usually include one to three of these aspects.

1. THE SHORT REVIEW: If you're not confident writing a long review, don't. One sentence is sufficient. "I love this book." "I can't wait for the sequel." etc.

2. THE COVER: Did it get you? Were you intrigued by it? What questions did it have you asking?
3. THE EMOTIONAL RESPONSE: What did this book make you feel? 

4. THE HOOK: When or how did this book grab you? The end of the first chapter? The first page? The first line?

5. SETTING: How was the story world? Realistic? Beautiful? Uninspired? Strange? A place you'd like to visit? Somewhere you're glad you'll never live?

6. THE CHARACTERS: Was there a character you absolutely loved or hated? Tell us about it. (This can comprise an entire review with multiple characters.)

7. PLOT: Book reviews aren't book reports. You don't need to rehash the plot. In fact, please don't. Only summarize when you need it to expound upon a point you want to make. Was there a twist in the story that took your breath away? What was your favorite scene? Did the story move too fast, too slow? Any glaring plot holes? Did you like the way it ended?

8. ORIGINALITY: What makes this book stand out from others? 

9. STYLE: What is the author's writing style? Poetic? Filled with imagery? Abrupt? Gritty? Comical? 

10. RECOMMENDATION: Do you recommend this book, and if so, to whom? (Age and genre preference.) 

  

 And there you have it, ten approaches to writing a book review. Go, read, share the love!

Welcome to our IWSG buddies! Huge thanks to our hosts, Jenni Enzor, Jemima Pett, Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun, and Kim Lajevardi!

The optional question this month is: What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?

I'm going to skip the question but I'd love to hear what everyone has to say.

Do you leave book reviews? What techniques have you discovered to make it easy? 

I feel like there's a lot of this lately, but what can I say?

There's nothing better than a REBOOT! So here we go. REBOOT away!

We just hit our ONE YEAR anniversary of the professional staged reading of IMMORTAL the Musical. It was epic. A rush. Such a HUGE endeavor.

And I thought life would be smooth sailing afterwards.

At any rate, we've spent the last YEAR editing music, video, rerecording, creating a business plan, setting up social media platforms, getting on Spotify (et all streaming sites), building a recording studio, recording podcasts, sharing hundreds of videos via social media, editing the NOVEL, hiring a marketing specialist... 

And finally, REDOING THE WEBPAGE! This will be its third rebirth. Want to see the evolution?

2003 Webpage

In 2011

From 2023

And now. Are you ready for this? 

SQUEEEE!!! There is actual video playing in the background. You scroll and find cool things like a timeline, characters, faces, song clips, story...

Whew! 

Check it out, eh? Give me your feedback. We're still refining and could use all the thoughts.

And while I'm losing my mind (getting messages from podcast hosts, small producers, and fans), we must march on. Working hard every day. Recording more content. Writing more words. Finding the movers and shakers who will take us all the way, at least walk with us for part of the journey.
Now the magic question: How long do you think it took to build this new webpage?
Answer in the comments and let's see who gets it right. (The answer is likely to shock you.)

And now for IWSG. Thank you to our awesome hosts Melissa Maygrove, Cathrina Constantine, Kate Larkinsdale, and Rebecca Douglass!

The question for this month is: If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?

To NO ONE'S surprise, I'm listening the IMMORTAL the Musical soundtrack nonstop in my head (and sometimes out loud). Gee, could it be because I'm redrafting the novel? 😂

Actually, I usually listen to cinematic music without lyrics, like Two Steps From Hell, or the occasional rock song that really carries the mood for the chapter or book I'm working on. That is, when I listen to music. My husband tells me it's not normal to ALWAYS have a soundtrack playing in your head. I don't know that I believe him since I've been listening my whole life. (Which sometimes makes external music overwhelming.)

How about you? What soundtracks carry you through the day? How long do you think it took to revamp our webpage? And do you have some feedback for us on the new site?

Just when you think your life has changed...

Surprise! Haha! Try again. Back to the same old formula that brought you joy and misery in the same felled swoop.

We're working on a musical. All my time should be in a theater, editing music, designing sets and costumes and blocking and lighting...but no. 

Want to know where I'm at?

CREATING SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS.

And even more shocking...

WRITING A BOOK.

Let's be fair, the first draft of this book was completed in 2005, but writers grow, and whew! Did you say passive voice? So I'm REWRITING the entire book while doing all the social media stuff and homeschooling my last two kiddoes.

It's not much. 

Oh yeah, and working with a marketing specialist for the first time and completely restructuring our efforts. Nothing, really. All good here.

The awesome co-hosts for IWSG this month are PJ Colando, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Natalie Aguirre!

Question - What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?

Haha! It has been three or four years since I launched a book, but it won't be the last time (obviously). We are in the middle of launching our MUSICAL (Immortal the Musical) and it's like launching a book times 850%. (Plus there's a book version that will come out one day.) Things that overlap: sharing snippets, interviews in your targeted readership (aka viewership), creating content (written, visual, video) that's easy to share, comment on, interact with. Building a direct mailing list is another aim, incentivized by contest, giveaways, etc. Then ads pushing content you've had proven engagement with...

I wonder at the effectiveness of blogtours these days. It feels like the climate has shifted to podcasts, TikTok/Instragram Reels, quirky graphics, and reposting rave reviews. A friend of mine started an Instagram series of "writer problems" in video where she has quirky issues we all face, and she's done quite well since her books are romcoms. The point is, she's built an audience there. Converting them to purchasing a book is an easy sale.

When prepping a launch, you really have to analyze your strengths, where your community of readers hangs out, and how to make those ends meet. You're not selling a book. Not really. You're selling you. The book will speak for itself in the aftermath.

What unexpected twist has your life taken recently? Book launch ideas? Tasted any really amazing cheeses?

I hate waiting.

Do you hate waiting?

I'd rather drive the long way around -- even if it takes the same amount of time rather than sitting in traffic.

I'd rather be cleaning my house than sitting around until an appointment (and I don't like cleaning).

I'd rather run around the block fifteen times that sit in front of my computer for that one anticipated email.

Is there an elegant way to wait?

Or maybe like this?

Or this?

And yet that is so much of life -- especially lately. Too many things are out of our control, so how do you develop patience?

Me? I read books. Or write my books. Or play piano. Or build a puzzle. Legos. Balance Cheetos on my nose... (but only the Simply ones).

There are no easy paths to patience. It's only in practicing it that we gain it.

So this is me. Waiting. The next big thing is coming but who knows when or how. Not holding my breath.

Maybe I'll start a soccer club while waiting. (I wish that was a joke.)

And let's be clear, this isn't passive waiting. This is working my rear end off while hoping for the intended outcome.

The awesome co-hosts for IWSG this month are J Lenni Dorner, Victoria Marie Lees, and Sandra Cox!

Question - Many writers have written about the experience of rereading their work years later. Have you reread any of your early works? What was that experience like for you?

I major cringe when I read most of my old old works. If it was only a decade ago, it's usually okay to "Hey, that was a really inspired turn of a phrase." If it was six months ago, I usually like what I wrote. It's funny how time changes your perspective, but my goal is to always be learning more, so it doesn't matter how much I like something I've written, I will have new thoughts to apply.

What about you. How do you feel about old projects you've completed? Are you waiting on something? How do you keep yourself busy while waiting?

Who is ready for 2026? 

Not me. 

Nonetheless, here we are.

Year in review (bucket list and BIG things only):

Celebrated 25 years of marriageDid the sunrise/sunset challenge in Florida (one coast to the other in the same 24 hours)Taught weekly co-op classesCast and recast and recast again for Immortal (15 cast members -- from across the country)Scheduled & ran 3 weeks of rehearsals (booking venues, tech, rearranging schedules due to sickness -- kill me now!)Produced a professional staged reading of IMMORTAL the MusicalTook an EMERGENCY trip to England to pick up our daughter up from her mission -- who had wasted away due to health issues (a three-day whirlwind - Iceland, Ireland, Bristol England, London England, Columbia, and home)Discovered our daughter's two-hundred-fifty+ food intolerances, hypoglycemia, and worked to get her calorie and energy levels up while she completed a service mission locallyStarted treatment for my faulty hipWent on an unplanned 2 week road trip to see historical sites (and ran into my brother...surprise!)Planned and ran activities for 15-20 girls twice a monthRETURNED TO BLOGGING (could you tell?)Welcomed our oldest and his wife back to Florida (after they both graduated with their degrees)My youngest got baptisedHypoglycemic daughter finished her service mission, got a near-impossible-to-land job and got into a near-impossible-to-land universityBuilt a video recording studio and started a YouTube channel and major social media campaign with daily video contentBypassed one potential trail date for defaulty construction on our house (3 years in the works now) and began negotiations again (undergone mold treatment, structural engineer investigation, and had WAY to many people telling us our house is trashed)Led a choir & performed in so, so many venuesHomeschooled the kids - including challenges like dysgraphiaRead approximately 100 novels (this doesn't include children's books and study materials...of which there were many)
And so if you couldn't even read that whole list, imagine living it. 

Nonetheless, we will brave forward with 2026. 

Because we must. 

Because there is no other choice.

And while we're at it, we're going to have a good attitude -- because life just goes smoother when you see the bumps as growth opportunities.

To start this year right, I'm on a cruise (which was almost free so don't get too jealous). I'll be around next week to say "Hi" and share some virtual cheese.

Here's to an epic one! Wishing you the best 2026.

Thank you to our awesome co-hosts Shannon Lawrence, Olga Godim, Jean Davis, and Jacqui Murray!

What's the craziest thing you did this last year? What are you most looking forward to in 2026?