Ask the Author: Dayna Leigh Cheser
Answered Questions (6)
Dayna Leigh Cheser
I can't recall ever having real writer's block. Sure, I've had times when I'm upset or stressed over something and I can't focus on what I'm doing, but those times are few and far between.
Mostly, if I want to write, I write. It may not be a book or an article, or even my blog, but, often writing has a therapeutic effect. If something has you stumped - writing about it will often show you the way. If you're angry at someone, writing a letter to that person - that, of course, you will never send - can help you work through your anger and be forgiving.
I can't tell you the times over the years that I have done just that. Someone pisses me off and I vent, long and loud, until I'm past the anger. It doesn't work ALL the time, but often enough to make using writing as your sounding board worth while.
So, if you're out of sorts, figure out who or what is the focus and have at it - but NEVER, EVER send that letter. Delete it as soon as you're feeling better so you won't be tempted to send it at a later date - just use it to get past your anger/stress. It may be the reason why I don't have much writer's block in my life.
Mostly, if I want to write, I write. It may not be a book or an article, or even my blog, but, often writing has a therapeutic effect. If something has you stumped - writing about it will often show you the way. If you're angry at someone, writing a letter to that person - that, of course, you will never send - can help you work through your anger and be forgiving.
I can't tell you the times over the years that I have done just that. Someone pisses me off and I vent, long and loud, until I'm past the anger. It doesn't work ALL the time, but often enough to make using writing as your sounding board worth while.
So, if you're out of sorts, figure out who or what is the focus and have at it - but NEVER, EVER send that letter. Delete it as soon as you're feeling better so you won't be tempted to send it at a later date - just use it to get past your anger/stress. It may be the reason why I don't have much writer's block in my life.
Dayna Leigh Cheser
The freedom to do what you want, when you want it. While it's true, writers often have deadlines - sometimes self-imposed - but generally, if you don't want to write today, you don't have to.
BUT, that said, all writers should write SOMETHING every day to keep your skills up, and to learn new things.
And, if you expect to make money at your trade, devoting the time necessary is a good idea.
I find I'm always learning. Between my editor challenging me, and me challenging myself, I've come a very long ways since book 1.
BUT, that said, all writers should write SOMETHING every day to keep your skills up, and to learn new things.
And, if you expect to make money at your trade, devoting the time necessary is a good idea.
I find I'm always learning. Between my editor challenging me, and me challenging myself, I've come a very long ways since book 1.
Dayna Leigh Cheser
1) Be patient. Writing is not an 'instant gratification' thing. You don't start writing in the morning and publish before you go to bed. Take the time to make your work the best it can be.
2) Always work with an editor - he/she is your best friend!
3) Always put your work aside after all editing but before sending it to the publisher. Let it rest a bit, then LISTEN to the book - either read it out loud to yourself, or get a program that will read it to you. I guarantee you will discover lots of minor changes and corrections. Don't rush your book.
2) Always work with an editor - he/she is your best friend!
3) Always put your work aside after all editing but before sending it to the publisher. Let it rest a bit, then LISTEN to the book - either read it out loud to yourself, or get a program that will read it to you. I guarantee you will discover lots of minor changes and corrections. Don't rush your book.
Dayna Leigh Cheser
After a 4-month hiatus during which time my husband and I moved from Naples, FL to Lake Placid, FL, I'm now back to work on my book 4, Logan's Time. This is the story of Logan Connor, the Scots Duke of Muileach and is a spinoff of book 1, Janelle's Time.
I'm very excited about this book and hope readers enjoy it as much as they have the earlier books in the series.
I'm very excited about this book and hope readers enjoy it as much as they have the earlier books in the series.
Dayna Leigh Cheser
Inspiration is always present for me. If I sit down to write, I just write. I don't know what's going to happen, and I seldom sit looking at a blank screen for very long.
Sometimes, what appears isn't not worth anything so I delete it. Other times, I put it aside for a part of some future works. It could be that some part of my brain came up with this bit of inspiration to help with a scene or section with which I'm having trouble. But, sometimes, it all works out and I've got a solid beginning.
One of those kids who always wanted to write, the stories are just bubbling up all the time.
Sometimes, what appears isn't not worth anything so I delete it. Other times, I put it aside for a part of some future works. It could be that some part of my brain came up with this bit of inspiration to help with a scene or section with which I'm having trouble. But, sometimes, it all works out and I've got a solid beginning.
One of those kids who always wanted to write, the stories are just bubbling up all the time.
Dayna Leigh Cheser
I'm working on a series so most of the ideas come from the characters and events in earlier books. Some ideas, however, must be original, so I think about what the character(s) might do in a given circumstance and go with that.
Once I complete the series, I have the beginnings of a new book/series which came about in a visit from my muse. I suddenly had an urge to write the beginning of a contemporary romance that takes place in a college town in Maine. I have no idea where it's going to go from the 3000 words I quickly jotted down.
Once I complete the series, I have the beginnings of a new book/series which came about in a visit from my muse. I suddenly had an urge to write the beginning of a contemporary romance that takes place in a college town in Maine. I have no idea where it's going to go from the 3000 words I quickly jotted down.
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