One thing that every writer that has submitted an interview to my Meet the Writer series has in common is that they all love being Catholic and have embraced their talents as a writer and have used it in some capacity. The difference in each writer is their unique take on how to write as a Catholic. Everyone has something different to say about what they all have in common.
Reading through Charlotte’s answers was like walking metaphysically in New England during a cool Autum day when the leaves are changing; colorful and calming. And afterwards for fun you stop somewhere for Ice Cream and have a fun time laughing with your family or friends.
I can then picture her with her unique description of herself dancing with her family in some used bookstore or library on a quest to find a new story and bring it h0me for her family to all enjoy. When you read her interview perhaps some of these things will make sense when you…
Meet Catholic Writer and Ballerina Charlotte Marie
1. Tell us something interesting about yourself.
Something interesting about me is that I grew up doing ballet and tap, and while I no longer take lessons, I still love to dance. I’m also a stay at home mom, wife, YA fantasy author, and life-long bookworm on a mission to find good books for my family library.
2. What makes a good Catholic writer?
A good Catholic writer is one who strives for excellence in both his writing craft and his faith. In other words, I think you need to be a good writer and a good Catholic, not just one or the other. Although, if you must only be one, please be a good Catholic. I’m sure St. Peter will still let you in despite not being a good writer.
3. What do you like about being a Catholic writer?
I like the sense of insight and purpose my faith has given me in regard to my writing. When God created us in His image, that included our ability to be creative. I’m reminded of this (and often filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude) when I sit down to write out a story. It also serves as a reminder that what I write ultimately should bring glory to God by promoting the good, true, and beautiful. With great power comes great responsibility! Plus, it’s nice to know as a Catholic that I can always ask the Holy Spirit for help whenever I get writer’s block.
4. What is the main focus of your particular writing or what do you like to write about?
I currently write young adult (YA) fantasy. Fantasy was my favorite genre growing up so naturally that’s also what I wanted to write. However, I’ve found that there’s a tendency to use books as a form of unhealthy escapism, where the reader trades real life experiences for fictional daydreams. That’s why one of my goals is for my books to inspire my readers to embrace their life as a gift from God and to live it fully.
5. How does your Catholic faith influence your writing?
I’ve touched upon this already, but to go further in depth, my faith influences my writing because I have a Catholic mindset. I will never glorify evil by including content like smut for example, or by encouraging a sense of despair. I want to uplift and inspire by showcasing the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.
6. What’s your favorite book you have written?
So far, my favorite book I’ve written is my debut ‘In the Finch’s Heart.’ I wrote the first version of this story as a teen during a time of crisis for my family, and it became a way to process and bring good out of the painful things going on. The final version isn’t quite as raw (Ei full of teenage angst) but still carries those elements of healing and finding light in the darkness which make this story my go-to comfort book.
According to her caretaker, Florence Finch was a mean, spiteful, awful monster who brought nothing but misery to those around her. Florence refused to care if it was true or not. Her ability to fight didn’t depend on her likability.
On the edge of her bedroom window, Florence paused to listen for footsteps, keeping her wings still against her back to avoid ruffling the feathers. The servants usually left her alone, but her caretaker, Lady Crane, had no qualms about barging in where she wasn’t wanted. Stars forbid that dreadful bird from coming back to continue arguing!
7. What is your favorite topic/subject to write about?
I love writing characters and getting into their heads. Internal conflict is my bread and butter so my stories are often very character-centric. I think this helps connect with my readers also by showing the heart of the story.
8. Favorite scripture verse?
“Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38
This is my favorite scripture verse because it encapsulates how I want to live out my faith. With Mary as my guide, I must always strive to surrender to His will.
9. What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on drafting the second book of my A Tale of Two Birds trilogy as my main project. However, I’m also brainstorming and planning to start a side project which would be a YA fantasy Swan Lake retelling set in the same universe as my main project.
10. Name a favorite saint or Catholic or some other figure who inspires you in your life.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha is a childhood saint friend, as well as my confirmation saint. She understands what it’s like to live out the faith when living in a pagan culture and also carried the cross of loneliness in her life. I admire her strong, but gentle spirit, her love for Christ, and how beautifully her faith complimented her native American identity.
11. Who is your favorite living writer?
Sara Francis! I read the first two books in her Waiting trilogy and really enjoyed them. I’m super excited for the last book to come out! Sara herself also has a fun engaging personality online, as well as openly being a devout Catholic. I’d love to meet her one day, even if I’d likely end up acting like a nervous wreck lol.
12. If you could have lunch with any deceased writer, who would it be, what would you eat and what would you talk about?
G. K. Chesterton. I know, I know, not an original answer, but hear me out! From what I’ve read, he’d be a great guy to get advice from on how to live with more joy. Given my melancholic temperament, I could use the help! As for the food? An ice cream sundae on Sunday, so I can try and impress the master of wit with my silly pun.
13. Name a favorite movie/tv show or music you find worth sharing with others.
Over the Garden Wall is a great miniseries I’ve shared with all my friends and family. It’s the perfect show for autumn (I personally always try to watch it during Hallowtide) with great writing, music, art, and themes. Definitely recommend, particularly if you’re a fan of Dante’s inferno.
14. Can you see one of your books being made into a movie or tv series? Who would you want to star or direct?
While I don’t think it will ever happen, I can imagine many of my stories in movie or show form. I actually started college as a film studies/communications major because I wanted one of my stories to be an animated series. However, I switched over to theology once it became clear to me that the film industry didn’t align with how I wanted to live after school. No regrets there, but it would still be so cool to see my writing in visual form.
15. Favorite historical event?
The birth of Christ. How could I not choose the historical event which changed the course of humanity and brought us salvation?
This interview was published on April 21, 2026
The Day these things also happened.
1789 – George Washington’s reception at Trenton is hosted by the Ladies of Trenton as he journeys to New York City for his first inauguration.
1910 – Author Mark Twain (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910) dies.
1972 – Astronauts John Young and Charles Duke fly Apollo 16‘s Apollo Lunar Module to the Moon’s surface, the fifth NASA Apollo Program crewed lunar landing.
1989 – Field of Dreams starring Kevin Costner opens in theaters.
2025 – Pope Francis (December 17, 1936 – 21 April 21,2025) dies.
16. What else do you want people to know about anything?
Two things.
1. If you’re looking for a book without any of the bad content which is unfortunately so prevalent in the trad pub book industry right now, try reading some from Indi authors. Many of us are actively pushing against the rise of content like smut by writing books centered around a Christian worldview.
2. I want you to know that regardless of your circumstances right now, your life is a gift, and it is good that you are here.
Learn More About Her
Charlotte M. Daaku: Author Newsletter | Substack
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