Staying with the Story: A Conversation with Author Ann Charles

I sat down with author Ann Charles to talk about what it really looks like to build a writing life over time.We talk about where she began, which was not where she expected to end up. We talk about blending mystery, romance, and the supernatural without trying to tidy it up. We talk about self-publishing, marketing, collaboration, and the people surrounding us who make a creative life possible.This isn’t a conversation about big breakthroughs. It’s about staying with the work. About returning to what fuels you. About letting a creative life take the shape it wants to take.About Ann:Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes hilarious, sometimes hair-raising, award-winning books overflowing with humor, mystery, adventure, romance, supernatural elements, and whatever else sounds like a great time on the page. Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. When she isn't escaping into story worlds, she is arm wrestling her kids, planning road trips alongside her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats.If this way of noticing resonates, subscribing free or paid lets it arrive when it’s written.Connect with Ann:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/AnnCharlesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AnnCharlesAuthorFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnCharlesAuthorPageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ann_charlesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anncharlesbooksAbout Pam Vale (Series Creator):Pam Vale is an artist, writer, and observer of creative life.Her work centers on noticing, listening, and documenting the small, often overlooked moments where meaning gathers.Through art, conversation, and writing, she serves as both witness and interpreter, holding space for what is present rather than preaching what should be done.Her practice spans decades of studio work, podcasting, and long-form reflection, with an emphasis on depth, attention, and lived experience.www.pamvale.comIf this way of noticing resonates, subscribing free or paid lets it arrive when it’s written. Get full access to You Are Creative at pamvale.substack.com/subscribe