The Next Chapter: From Pages to Patterns

Posted on May 29, 2025 by admin

Once upon a time, this blog was where I came to write about books—about the process of writing them, the joy of reading them, and the lessons I found between the lines. It was a space filled with characters, plot twists, and moments of inspiration.

But like any good story, my own creative path took a turn, and I’ve transitioned from pages to patterns.

Over the past few years, I’ve found myself entangled with a different kind of storytelling—not with words on a page, but with fabric, thread, and the joy of color and creation. Quilting gave me an outlet I did not know I needed. 

It’s tactile, more so than digital words. It’s a heirloom that can be handed down throughout the years, given to those in need, and donated to my local quilt guild to sell.

I love that I can speak with textures and patterns rather than chapters and dialogue. From pages to patterns was an easy switch.

Just like writing, quilting tells a story. Each piece I make carries a mood, a memory, a spark of meaning. Some are joyful and bright; others are soft and introspective. They remind me that creativity isn’t confined to one form—it grows, stretches, and evolves.

Introducing My Etsy Shop ?

This new chapter includes the opening of my Etsy shop, where I share the quilts and handmade goods that have become such a joyful part of my life. It’s called ThreePalmsQuiltCo.etsy.com, and it’s a labor of love—rooted in the same care and creativity that once shaped my stories.

Why Three Palms? One for each of the states I’ve lived. Hawai’i. Arizona. Michigan. Michigan? Yes, only a native Michigander uses their right palm as a portable map. It seemed a seamless (and cheeky) fit for the other palms in my life. (Did you get the pun? “Seam”less lol).

I’ll still be here on the blog, (yes, I’ve been gone), but you may notice a shift in focus. There will be fewer writing updates and more peeks behind the scenes of my quilting process, reflections on the creative life, and posts about handmade living.

Thank You for Walking With Me

If you’ve been here since the “book days,” thank you. Your support means the world, and I hope you’ll find inspiration in this new direction too. And if you’re new—welcome! I’m glad you’re here.

You can browse my shop here: ThreePalmsQuiltCo.etsy.com.
And follow me on Instagram @ThreePalmsQuiltCo for updates and quilt-in-progress photos.

Here’s to the next chapter—stitched with love.

Warmly,
Cheryl Sterling

 

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Editing shortcuts #ThrowbackThursday

Posted on July 14, 2022 by admin

Today’s #ThrowbackThursday post originates on 3/12/17, over five years ago. At that time, I shared editing and proofreading tips to use on your rough draft. FYI, the book referenced, Snow White and the Eight Dwarf, was published and can be purchased here.

If editing is your least favorite part of writing, this post is for you!

I will show you 7+ tips for editing and proofreading your rough draft and take your book to the next level.

I’ve just finished the final, final, final edits for Snow White and the Eighth Dwarf. Proofreading it was a long, laborious process, as I wrote 56K of the story last July in a rough NaNo like session. The first draft was not pretty.

Let’s face the ugly truth.

Look for inconsistencies.

Did your main character change names, eye color, or gender? Did you mention magic in the first chapter, but no one casts any spells? Does your forest setting change to a desert for no reason? Check your timeline to verify your protag and antag are on the same day. Because of the time involved in writing a book, many details can get lost. Look for inconsistencies and fix them.

Fill in the holes.

When proofreading, fill in the holes of your story. My first draft looks like a tic-tac-toe game.

My first draft looks like a tic-tac-toe game.

I write very fast because I don’t want the bright, shiny light of inspiration to dim. Get the words down, get them down fast is my motto. Fill in the holes later. My first draft is full of XXX’s, my all-purpose placeholder for research I need to do, nameless characters (example from my current WIP: “Name1, Name2, Name3, Name4 and Name5, thank you for coming here today.”), or descriptions that need filling in (example: more here of her physical trauma xxxx.) My first draft is a tic-tac-toe game. Revising is the time to do the research, decide on the names, and fill in the holes. Continue reading →

Today’s #ThrowbackThursday post originates on 3/12/17, over five years ago. At that time, I shared editing and proofreading tips to use on your rough draft. FYI, the book referenced, Snow White and the Eight Dwarf, was published and can be purchased here.

If editing is your least favorite part of writing, this post is for you!

I will show you 7+ tips for editing and proofreading your rough draft and take your book to the next level.

I’ve just finished the final, final, final edits for Snow White and the Eighth Dwarf. Proofreading it was a long, laborious process, as I wrote 56K of the story last July in a rough NaNo like session. The first draft was not pretty.

Let’s face the ugly truth.

Look for inconsistencies.

Did your main character change names, eye color, or gender? Did you mention magic in the first chapter, but no one casts any spells? Does your forest setting change to a desert for no reason? Check your timeline to verify your protag and antag are on the same day. Because of the time involved in writing a book, many details can get lost. Look for inconsistencies and fix them.

Fill in the holes.

When proofreading, fill in the holes of your story. My first draft looks like a tic-tac-toe game.

My first draft looks like a tic-tac-toe game.

I write very fast because I don’t want the bright, shiny light of inspiration to dim. Get the words down, get them down fast is my motto. Fill in the holes later. My first draft is full of XXX’s, my all-purpose placeholder for research I need to do, nameless characters (example from my current WIP: “Name1, Name2, Name3, Name4 and Name5, thank you for coming here today.”), or descriptions that need filling in (example: more here of her physical trauma xxxx.) My first draft is a tic-tac-toe game. Revising is the time to do the research, decide on the names, and fill in the holes. Continue reading →

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Plotting Paralysis #ThrowbackThursday

Posted on May 27, 2021 by admin

Stop Plotting Paralysis, Use A Central Premise

We’re in the way, wayback machine for this week’s #ThrowbackThursday post. Originally, this article on plotting paralysis appeared in my book, The Plot Thickens–21 Ways to Plot Your Novel. I recycled it in 2018 for a post for this blog, and I’m re-recycling it in 2021. 

SEVERAL PLOTTING METHODS are based on a structure that takes one concept and builds on it, expanding and splitting until a workable outline is achieved. By breaking the plot into small steps, the overwhelming process of plotting an entire novel is avoided. These methods are based on a central theme or premise, which describes your novel in a sentence or less. “Love conquers all.” “Good over evil.” “Courage leads to victory.”

plotting paralysis, premise

reidy68 / Pixabay

The premise should be the touchstone of the story. The characters’ actions should be rooted in it. Complications should arise from it. If an action or scene can’t trace back to the premise, it should be cut.

Continue reading →

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