# Insights from Charlene Wheeless on Becoming a Successful Writer
Written on
Chapter 1: The Foundation of Authentic Writing
When it comes to writing, one of the most vital pieces of advice is to draw from your own experiences. Crafting a narrative that is genuine and true to your life makes the process not only easier but also more fulfilling. For me, my book emerged effortlessly because it was rooted in my personal journey.
Many authors possess a remarkable talent for using language that resonates deeply with readers. Some have even moved millions with their words. So what does it take to become a successful writer? In this interview series titled "5 Things You Need To Be A Successful Author or Writer," we explore the insights of accomplished writers who share valuable lessons learned through their careers.
Recently, I had the honor of speaking with Charlene Wheeless, a distinguished communications expert, author, and motivational speaker. After overcoming a challenging three-year battle with cancer, she founded her own strategic advisory firm, Charlene Wheeless, LLC, and became a senior advisor for equity and justice at APCO Worldwide, a global advisory and communications consultancy. As a prominent figure in the communications field, Charlene also chairs the board of trustees for the Page Society, an association for senior public relations and corporate communications professionals.
Charlene's recent memoir, "YOU ARE ENOUGH!", serves as a powerful testament to facing life's adversities with unwavering courage. This book has resonated widely, even becoming an Amazon #1 Best Seller. It combines elements of memoir and motivational guidance, offering a clear path for thriving both personally and professionally, drawing from her experiences in corporate leadership and her battle with breast cancer.
Thank you for joining us in this enlightening interview series! To kick things off, could you share some background about your journey and how you began your career?
I grew up in both the California Bay Area and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I was the first in my family to attend college. After earning my degree in Journalism and Public Relations from New Mexico State University, I moved to Washington, DC, to launch my career. Over the past 33 years, I progressed to become a Chief Communications Officer at various Fortune-level companies. Throughout my journey, I often found myself as the first and only Black woman in my roles, which was both challenging and rewarding. In 2020, after a long health battle, I decided to pursue a life filled with purpose and authenticity. I am a mother of two adult daughters and have been married for 31 years. In addition to my professional roles, I am a speaker, executive coach, and serve as the senior advisor for equity and justice at APCO Worldwide. My guiding principles include: 1. You are Enough; 2. Choice, not Chance, changes your life; 3. With just 7 seconds of courage, anything is possible; and 4. Self-care is essential, not selfish.
Section 1.1: Career Highlights and Challenges
Could you share an interesting story from your career journey?
My career has been characterized by being a trailblazer. In nearly every position, I was the first Black woman in that role. This often presented significant challenges, but I learned to navigate the system while also creating opportunities for other women and minorities. I hope to serve as both a cautionary example and a source of inspiration, though that’s for others to judge. Early on, I realized that I would often be underestimated and undervalued, but I learned to leverage that to my advantage.
Subsection 1.1.1: Overcoming Writing Challenges
What challenges did you face on your path to becoming a writer, and how did you overcome them?
I found the writing process to be quite natural for one main reason: I wrote not for the sake of being an author, but because I had a message that needed to be shared. With a clear purpose, everything else fell into place. The most crucial lesson I learned was to focus on writing what I know. As a non-fiction writer, I believe it’s considerably easier than crafting fiction.
Section 1.2: Lessons Learned from Mistakes
Can you share a funny mistake you made early in your writing career and what you learned from it?
Always fact-check. I once mistakenly wrote about a person as if they were deceased when they were very much alive!
Chapter 2: Developing the Writer's Craft
In your opinion, is writing a natural skill, or did you cultivate it over time?
Is there truly such a thing as a natural-born writer? I see myself as a natural storyteller who honed my writing skills through experience.
The video title is "7 Seconds of Courage—Choice, not Chance | Charlene Wheeless | TEDxBoston - YouTube." In this talk, Wheeless discusses the importance of making intentional choices rather than relying on chance in our lives. She emphasizes the transformative power of courage and how it can lead to significant changes.
What exciting projects are you currently working on?
At present, I am focused on writing about equity and justice, striving for inclusivity across all communities. Much of my most interesting writing occurs in my personal journal, which I rarely revisit. I also contribute to various trade journals and blogs, concentrating on empowerment themes.
What are the "5 Things You Need To Be A Successful Author or Writer"?
- Write from Experience: Authenticity is key; my book emerged from my personal experiences.
- Be Honest: There were moments when I wanted to gloss over difficult truths, but confronting them was essential.
- Seek a Great Editor: An editor can provide crucial feedback to keep your story engaging.
- Practice Discipline: Writing requires regular practice, and having a structured schedule was invaluable.
- Serve Your Audience: Although my memoir is personal, it is essential to consider the reader's perspective.
What habit has most significantly influenced your development as a writer?
Discipline has been paramount. One influential book I read was "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron, which taught me the importance of intentional writing.
Which authors inspire you?
My inspiration largely stems from my faith, as well as from various authors I admire. Ultimately, my faith is my guiding force.
If you could start a movement that would benefit many, what would it be?
I am passionate about empowering individuals to recognize their self-worth. I have launched a mini-movement to encourage this belief, selling T-shirts with the message "I. Am. Enough." My hope is to create a community that embraces this mantra and challenges the idea that we need to change to be successful.
How can readers follow your work?
I maintain two websites: [www.charlenewheeless.biz](http://www.charlenewheeless.biz) for my speaking and coaching services, and [www.unapologeticaf.store](http://www.unapologeticaf.store) for my "I. Am. Enough!" merchandise. I am also active on LinkedIn and other social media platforms under @charwheeless, and can be reached via email at [email protected].
Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us!