Learning-collaboration

Feuilles avec un texte écrit et enregistreur
Readers often ask questions related to our business. Each author has her own path and techniques. For my part, I often write my ideas on sheets or a notebook without lines. This allows me to move them more easily. On the other hand, when I write, the computer is my main tool. That said, I also sometimes use a recorder so as not to lose musical ideas that I use (or not) as needed. The photo I posted today corresponds to the project I’m working on. For this one I called on other professionals to finalize certain parts (enlargements, rereading translation, advice, asked actors their opinion to make a proposition and to play)

The stage coach in Fantastic L.A.

As I most certainly said before, when writing my book Fantastic L.A. I drew certain elements and added details that allowed me to move forward in the writing. Today I present to you the stagecoach of Fantastic L.A.

Imagined drawing of a stagecoach
Improvements to avoid accidents during the journey of our characters. Hand brake. Removable step. Reinforced axle, alloy of two metals patent number 14462, element making it possible to resist corrosion. Shock absorber. Upholstered seats. Better wind resistance.

Itinerary :
Use the wind. Choose a route with a starting point in the direction of the wind. The routes are not known until the day before departure.

1880
Equipage :
– Choose horses resistant to bad weather (thick coat protecting them from snow and rain).
– Change the hitch at each belay to avoid tiring the horses. Give them water and feed them well.
– Use specific harnesses and straps leaving them free to move while allowing support while driving.
– Horseshoes and hooves. Change, clean, brush.

Masterclass launch

I am pleased to announce the launch of my new Masterclass.

I am pleased to announce my new Masterclass. Selected by the C.N.L on August 24, 2022, sessions are still available for the months of October and November. I will soon give you news about the future 2023 session.

To find out more, go to this page.

Thank you for Fantastic L.A.

I would like to thank my readers as well as all those who participated in the development of the book (professionals and contacts, publishing house, proofreader, graphic designers, bookseller and other distributors). Without forgetting the people who supported me personally in this project.

A big thank you (a little in advance) to my future audience 🙂

Signing meeting september 3rd

Couverture de livre

Dear readers,

Following the publication of my book “Fantastic L.A.” I am pleased to invite you to a signing meeting on Saturday September 3rd.

This event will take place at the bookshop Le Presse Papier in Thuir.

At this time, we will discuss together and I will answer your questions from 9am to 12pm.

See you soon !

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Thank you all.

Pictures from this event :

Photo d'une lectrice

Photo d'une lectrice

Photo d'un lecteur.

Photo de d'une lectrice et d'un lecteur.

Characters creation

During the writing process of Fantastic L.A, I drew sometimes elements of the story. To create the fictional character of Hortensia Tercero, I was inspired by the first women’s fencing competitions. The action takes place in the 19th century. Hortensia decides to take a stage coach, firmly deciding to go to the place.

Paris. International women’s fencing competition, fencing foil, epee, sabre. May 29, 1880.

Internet link :

Press article (histoire et civilisations magazine).

California Dreaming

Radio is an important vector of information and culture. Before writing the first draft of my book Fantastic L.A, I supplemented my research by reading books on California history, articles and also by listening to the California Dreamin podcast series.

Internet link :

Radio France – California Dreamin’

Fantastic L.A map

Plan des quartiers de Los Angelès

The plot of my new book named Fantastic L.A takes place in Los Angeles. Because I never visited the city, I asked myself many questions about the history of L.A and the geography of its neighborhoods. I did not hesitate to seek advice from an artist living there. Pleasant Gehman has drew up a plan and answered my questions in writing. Collaborating with other professionals is a rewarding experience. Similarly, when I was researching numismatic, I called on a specialist in this field who worked in a Museum of the Pyrénées-Orientales. This allowed me to have a precise idea on the historical level. Then for the plot part, I let my imagination free to plunge the readers with me into a fantastic universe.

Internet links :

Pleasant Gehman website

Numista website

Inspirations and places

When I’ve written a story, go to the places that inspired meaning. And very often, my visit reveals supposed elements that I had not thought of. As part of “duel in Albi”, after a walk in the park and in the city, I discovered several historical monuments as well as two museums, one dedicated to Toulouse Lautrec and one dedicated to fashion. It immediately made me think of fairy tales and theater stage costumes.

Albi fashion museum picture
Costume in a private museum in Albi.

Changing your writing places

All authors have their writing habits. Some like to write quietly in their home, others in a park or any other place that inspires them. For my part, I like to write in my office and from time to time in another place. It’s like a kind of exercise that allows me to learn to adapt to different writing conditions. I sometimes go to a tea room where the decoration of objects fascinates me. Then, I need a little time to adapt to refocus. The type of writing is different from my office. I invite you to change your habits in writing in another places. Here are some photos.

Salon de thé - brocante "entre parenthèse"
Salon de thé – brocante “entre parenthèse”

© 2025 Céline Valette – Tous droits de reproduction, d’adaptation et de traduction réservés pour tous pays sans le consentement de l’Auteur (titre, modèle, illustrations, photos...etc).