Ask the Author: Desiree Span
Answered Questions (21)
Desiree Span
I’ve been fortunate not to struggle much with writer’s block, but there are times when I feel stuck, usually when I am unsure how to move the story forward. When that happens, I take a short break and let the story rest. Coming back to it with fresh eyes often brings new ideas.
Desiree Span
I try to separate helpful feedback from opinions that just aren’t for me. Constructive criticism helps me improve my writing, while the rest I’ve learned to let go.
Desiree Span
One word: the internet. It’s my starting point for almost all of my research, whether that’s background details, locations, professions, or small facts that help make my stories more realistic.
Desiree Span
When I develop my plot and characters, I rely heavily on my romance beat sheet. I start with a rough outline that marks all the key story beats, and then I weave in the emotional arcs the characters need to go through to truly earn their happy ending. The rest of the story often takes shape while I am writing. I usually have a plan in my head to move the characters from one beat to the next, but more often than not I end up deviating from it, and the story seems to develop a mind of its own.
Desiree Span
Receiving poor reviews is simply part of being an author. Our stories will never please everyone, and if a review includes helpful feedback, I see it as part of my ongoing learning process as an indie author. What I do find unfair are poor reviews from readers who choose to read my book even though the genre isn’t really for them. To me, that’s like ordering a pizza Hawaii and then giving it one star because you don’t like pineapple on your pizza.
Desiree Span
When I’m writing emotionally heavy scenes, my main focus isn’t so much on how it affects me, but on whether I’m able to convey those emotions in an honest way. I want readers to feel what the characters are going through without it ever feeling forced, or like I’m adding emotional moments just to manipulate a reaction. For me, it’s about letting the emotions grow naturally out of the story and the characters, and trusting that if it feels real to them, it will feel real to the reader too.
Desiree Span
To be honest, there isn’t a real process for me at all. Sometimes a title just pops into my head while I’m writing. Other times, it comes to me so naturally that I immediately start doubting myself and wonder if I’ve heard it somewhere else before. As a result, I often spend more time scouring the internet to make sure I’m not accidentally stealing someone else’s title than actually coming up with one.
Desiree Span
I kind of grew into it. As a child, I loved to draw and would add dialogue to the characters, creating my own comic strips. In college, I took a narratology course and wrote my first film script and short stories.
I started writing my first full-length novel in 2015, but at the time I had no intention of publishing it. It wasn’t until my sister-in-law read it and told me it was too good to keep hidden that I found the courage to release it. And that’s how my journey as an indie author began.
I started writing my first full-length novel in 2015, but at the time I had no intention of publishing it. It wasn’t until my sister-in-law read it and told me it was too good to keep hidden that I found the courage to release it. And that’s how my journey as an indie author began.
Desiree Span
When I have an upcoming release, readers are naturally more engaged and excited. They’re always kind enough to wish me good luck, tell me they’re looking forward to reading it, or congratulate me once it’s out. In between releases, things do quiet down a bit, but that’s just part of the rhythm of being an author.
Desiree Span
The subsequent novels are definitely more challenging for me, because even the tiniest details in the first book can have a huge ripple effect later in the series. One throwaway line can suddenly become very important three books down the road. So as an author, you’re constantly keeping track of timelines, character choices, and hidden connections to make sure everything still fits.
Desiree Span
I’m lucky to have a home office. My desk is my little controlled-chaos zone, with my laptop, music setup, printer, and about a hundred Post-its with random ideas and reminders.
Desiree Span
I like my heroes and heroines flawed and relatable. Perfect characters don’t feel real to me.
Desiree Span
I usually write at night. That’s when the house is quiet and I can really focus for a few hours.
Desiree Span
I don’t have one favorite author, but I definitely have authors I click-buy without even reading the blurb: Emma Scott, Saffron A. Kent, and C.M. Nascosta are some of them.
Desiree Span
This is a tough one, because there are so many that inspire me. But I really admire Colleen Hoover’s journey—starting out self-publishing and becoming a worldwide bestselling author. That’s pretty amazing!
Desiree Span
Do they have to be alive? If not, I’d pick Jane Austen. Her stories and characters have stood the test of time, and she basically shaped the romance genre. Plus, her heroines have proven so powerful they still inspire us today.
Desiree Span
Audiobooks are my favorite thing ever. I love that I can drive, do laundry, or cook without having to stop “reading.”
Desiree Span
I don’t have one specific book or author that inspires me. I read a lot, and whenever something in a story hits me—maybe a character, a line, or a theme—I jot it down. Those little notes often spark ideas in my own writing.
Desiree Span
Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
Desiree Span
I just finished Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann
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