Featured Writer: Christiane Banks
On creating space to write and writing advice.
Welcome to Women Writing, a biweekly interview series about creative practices. This week, Christiane writes about her desire for silence while writing. Are you someone who listens to music while writing, writes in a coffee shop surrounded by chatter, or do you prefer quiet? Please share in the comments.
About the author…
Christiane Banks is the award-winning author of the historical family saga Amelia’s Prayer, its sequel Amazing Grace, and the short story collection Catch Your Falling Star. Born in England and raised near the northeast coast by Newcastle Upon Tyne, she began working in a salon at age thirteen. There, she met many women who had lived through both World Wars, and their stories left a lasting impression. These memories later inspired her writing. Christiane wrote her first novel at sixty-two, and her work quickly gained international acclaim. Her global fan base continues to grow with each new release. Now living in Milton, Ontario, with her husband Gary, she is currently working on the third book in her series—a prequel to Amelia’s Prayer.
On a writing routine …
My writing routine is a story in itself—a journey shaped by persistence, adaptation, and a deep love for storytelling. As someone with dyslexia, the path hasn’t always been smooth. In the early days, I wrote everything by hand, then recorded my words onto tape. A dear friend would painstakingly transcribe them into manuscript form. It was a labour of love on both sides.
Now, thanks to modern technology, I can speak my stories aloud, and they appear on the screen—my voice guiding the narrative in real time. This creative process unfolds in my home office in Milton, Ontario, a bright and familiar space filled with natural light and surrounded by things that inspire me.
It’s here, each day, that I’m immersed in the world of my next book—a prequel to Amelia’s Prayer. I believe wholeheartedly in writing every day. It builds momentum, deepens the connection to your characters, and keeps the story alive in your heart.
On writing spaces …
I do my best writing in silence. There’s something sacred about stillness—an invitation to slip beneath the noise of everyday life and into the quiet where stories are waiting to be found. Recently, I spent six days at a silent retreat in a monastery nestled in the hills of Kentucky. Not a single word was spoken during that time. Before the retreat, I had been struggling with writer’s block, the kind born not from a lack of ideas, but from the weight of personal experience. I felt scattered, as though my thoughts were fragments I couldn’t gather into something whole. But the silence of the monastery changed that. The gentle rhythm of the bells, the low hum of chanting, the simplicity of the surroundings—all of it worked like balm for the soul. That retreat became one of my favourite places to write, not just because of the serenity, but because it reminded me how powerful quiet can be. It brought me back to my story with a sense of purpose—and a steady hand.
On writing communities …
I don't belong to any one organization but I do attend book clubs, nursing homes, and high schools. The like-minded individuals at these events give me a great sense of community.
“I do my best writing in silence. There’s something sacred about stillness—an invitation to slip beneath the noise of everyday life and into the quiet where stories are waiting to be found.”
On the best writing advice …
The best piece of writing advice I received was to believe in yourself everyday. If you have a story to tell, you must bring it to life, share it, and never give up. On the worst writing advice …
On advice from personal experiences …
Believe in yourself, and sit down and actually do it. Whether it's a tiny little bit at a time, you have to start somewhere. Also, save everything you write. Don't throw anything out even if you think you won't need it, keep it somewhere safe.
On rekindling creativity …
I am off to Ireland this week which I hope will continue inspire my writing.
On a recent publication …
Catch Your Falling Start is my most recent publication. It is a diverse collection of mostly true inspirational stories gathered throughout a lifetime that will embody the human spirit. It was balm for the soul. I am currently working on a prequel to Amelia's Prayer.
Christiane’s online spaces …
Are you struggling to find time to write? Upgrade to paid for biweekly writing sessions. We set goals, write together, and inspire one another.
Happy writing!
I always need solitude and organization in order to let whe world go and dive fully into my creative side ☺️
I love receiving this newsletter each week, but this one gave me a sense of peace, and I felt Christiane's connection to her community. The video was a beautiful touch to compliment the piece.