Introduction
C.J. Spataro wears many creative hats: director of the MFA in Creative Writing and MA in Publishing programs at Rosemont College, founding partner of Philadelphia Stories magazine and PS Books, and now, the author of the debut novel More Strange Than True. Her wealth of experience in writing, editing, and teaching gives her a unique perspective on storytelling—and she isn’t afraid to dive into the nuances of adaptations, chemistry, dialogue, and love scenes.
I had the chance to chat with C.J. about her creative journey, what sparked the idea for her novel, her teaching philosophies, and her advice for writers tackling some of the most challenging aspects of the craft. Her candor and insights make this conversation a must-read for writers looking to hone their skills or anyone curious about the process of bringing a story to life.
Q: Thank you for sitting down with us, C.J.! To start, can you tell us about your debut novel, More Strange Than True, and what inspired it?
C.J. Spataro: Thank you! More Strange Than True is a modern-day reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I’ve always loved that play—the whimsy, the blurred lines between love and chaos, and how it doesn’t take itself too seriously. But I wanted to explore those themes in a more grounded way, with characters who are flawed and messy and grappling with real emotions.
The story centers on an aspiring writer who finds herself pulled into the complicated world of a family with secrets, rivalries, and a lot of love. I wanted to show how love—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—isn’t neat or easy but is always worth exploring.
Bring your next great idea to life. Sign up for Celtx and start writing today.
Q: What made you choose an adaptation for your first novel? Was it daunting?
Very daunting! Adaptations come with this built-in pressure to do the original justice while making it your own. I didn’t set out to write a straightforward adaptation, though. It was more about taking the themes of A Midsummer Night’s Dream—the magic, the mischief, the misunderstandings—and asking, “What does this look like in a contemporary, realistic setting?”
The hardest part was finding the balance between paying homage to Shakespeare and letting the story take on its own life. It helped to focus on the characters—what they wanted, what they were afraid of—and let that drive the plot.
Q: How did it feel to bring this story to life? What was the most challenging part of the process?
Finishing it felt surreal. Writing this book took years—starting, stopping, doubting myself, and then finally pushing through. The most challenging part was trusting that it was worth finishing, especially during the messy middle where you’re not sure if it’s working.
But when it all came together, it felt incredibly rewarding. Seeing the characters come alive on the page was like watching a seed grow into something much bigger than you imagined.
Q: You balance so many roles—author, teacher, editor. How does your teaching influence your writing, and vice versa?
Teaching definitely keeps me sharp. When I’m helping my students solve problems in their work, it makes me reflect on my own writing. It also inspires me—seeing someone have an “aha!” moment or watching them bring a story to life is so energizing.
At the same time, being a writer influences how I teach. I know how vulnerable it feels to share your work and how hard it is to take criticism, so I try to create a supportive environment for my students.
Q: As a teacher, what’s the most common piece of advice you give your students?
Write the story that’s calling to you. A lot of writers, especially new ones, worry about what’s “marketable” or what will get them published. I tell my students,
“Forget the market. Write the story you’re obsessed with, the one you can’t stop thinking about.”
When you write from that place of passion, it comes through on the page.
I also emphasize discipline. Writing is an art, yes, but it’s also a job. Treat it like one. Set goals, make time, and don’t wait for inspiration to strike.
Related reading: 10 Hacks to Help You Stick to Your Writing Goals || Celtx Blog
Q: Your book does such a great job of building chemistry between characters. Can you share some of your insights into writing love scenes or romantic dialogue?
Thank you! Chemistry is all about the subtlety—the things unsaid, the tension in the pauses. When I write love scenes or romantic dialogue, I think about pacing. Too much too soon feels forced, but too little and you risk losing the reader’s investment.
Also, tap into sensory details. What are the characters noticing about each other? Is there music playing? What’s the temperature of the room? Those small observations make the interaction feel real.
One thing I always tell writers: don’t over-describe. You don’t need to write every breath or every step. Sometimes a single sentence can say more than a paragraph.
Q: Love scenes can be intimidating for writers. Do you have any advice for someone struggling to get them right?
Absolutely. First, give yourself permission to write a bad draft. The first version of a love scene is never perfect, and that’s okay. Focus on the emotional truth of the moment—what do the characters want, and what’s holding them back?
Also, read widely. Study how other writers handle love scenes. Some are explicit, some are understated, and there’s no “right” way to do it. Find what feels authentic to you and your characters.
Q: What’s the key to writing authentic dialogue, whether romantic or otherwise?
Listen to how people actually talk. I’m a huge eavesdropper (in the least creepy way possible, of course). The rhythm, the interruptions, the tangents—that’s what makes dialogue feel alive.
But writing dialogue isn’t just transcribing speech. It’s about distilling conversation to its essence. Every line should serve a purpose, whether it’s revealing character, advancing the plot, or creating subtext.
Learn more about writing romance and comedies:
From Meet-Cutes to Happy Endings: How to Write a Rom-Com Script
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as a writer?
“Don’t edit yourself too soon.” Too many writers kill their ideas before they have a chance to grow. The messy first draft is where the magic happens. You can always go back and polish, but you have to let yourself be messy first.
Q: Lastly, what’s one thing you hope readers take away from your novel?
I hope they see that love—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—is never simple, but it’s always worth exploring. Those connections shape us in profound ways. And even in the messiest moments, there’s beauty to be found.
Conclusion
C.J. Spataro’s insights into writing and teaching are a testament to her passion for storytelling. Her debut novel, More Strange Than True, reimagines Shakespeare with a modern twist, weaving humor, heart, and complexity into its pages.
Whether it’s advice on crafting chemistry, authentic dialogue, or simply embracing the messy process of writing, C.J.’s wisdom inspires writers to tell the stories only they can tell. For anyone curious about the process of adapting a classic or creating a love story that resonates, her journey is proof of the magic that can happen when you bring your ideas to life.
You can catch up with C.J. on her website or follow her on social media.
More Strange Than True is available for purchase now!
Check out our conversations with other amazing writers and filmmakers:
- Interview: Umar Turaki On Filmmaking, Writing, and His New Novel
- Interview: Tyler C. Gore on Writing Honestly and My Life of Crime
- Celtx Spotlight: Director, Writer, and Producer Brandon Champ Robinson
