Ask the Author: Ashley Weiss
Answered Questions (6)
Ashley Weiss
I know there's an opportunity here to respond with something really deep like, "I love creating work that resonates with my reader's hearts". Of course I enjoy that, but it's not why I chose this career. In my experience, the absolute best part about being a writer is the unlimited, creative outlet.
I love choosing characters' names and building their personas. I love picking their outfits, charting their zodiacs, and planning their rises and falls.
Intentionally choosing every tiny detail and having endless options, that's the thing I enjoy most about being a writer.
I love choosing characters' names and building their personas. I love picking their outfits, charting their zodiacs, and planning their rises and falls.
Intentionally choosing every tiny detail and having endless options, that's the thing I enjoy most about being a writer.
Ashley Weiss
I don't rely on inspiration. I am a routine fueled, habitual creature that thrives on structure and a dedicated writing schedule. Even when I'm not feeling inspired to work, I'll tell myself, "just write one paragraph". Nine times out of ten, the biggest challenge is sitting down, and once I start—I'm set.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's not inspiration that writes books; it's dedication.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's not inspiration that writes books; it's dedication.
Ashley Weiss
I have two strategies when I hit a wall writing.
One, I will open a brand new, untitled Word document and give myself permission to write utter garbage. Anything—just put words on the page that follow the last scene. I tell myself I'll delete it when I'm done, then 90% of the time I end up copy and pasting it to my ongoing document because it's not half bad. Somehow, the freedom of an untitled draft with zero expectations can usually push me though writers block.
If that fails, I will always call a friend. Talking through why I'm stuck or don't want to write a scene is my most reliable tool for solving plot holes!
One, I will open a brand new, untitled Word document and give myself permission to write utter garbage. Anything—just put words on the page that follow the last scene. I tell myself I'll delete it when I'm done, then 90% of the time I end up copy and pasting it to my ongoing document because it's not half bad. Somehow, the freedom of an untitled draft with zero expectations can usually push me though writers block.
If that fails, I will always call a friend. Talking through why I'm stuck or don't want to write a scene is my most reliable tool for solving plot holes!
Ashley Weiss
There's no such thing as 'the right time to write'.
If your goal is to have a finished book, my best advice is not to rely on motivation to write a book, but to create a habit of dedication instead.
If your goal is to have a finished book, my best advice is not to rely on motivation to write a book, but to create a habit of dedication instead.
Ashley Weiss
I am currently working on book two of the Soulmate Seekers series, as well as an anthology project set to publish in February 2024.
Ashley Weiss
To be honest, I simply woke up with the idea and started writing! If I had to name specific inspirational sources, I would say years of reading Tumblr soulmate AU posts and consuming Greek mythology. For more details, read the full story, "From Dreams to Reality" on my website!
www.ashleyweisswrites.ca/s/stories/wr...
www.ashleyweisswrites.ca/s/stories/wr...
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