Writer Cherie on...Writing!

Before I cringe and hide myself, I want to say thanks to Ashley for letting me babble about myself. I normally cower behind the sofa when someone asks me for an interview because really, I’m no big celebrity. But Ashley is my dear, sweet friend—plus, she asked so nicely, I couldn’t say no. ;)

So here we are. Hopefully you’ll find something useful here.

What's your writing space look like? Where do you like to be most when you're writing?

This is where the magic happens. (Ha! Couldn’t resist. J )

When I’m not home, I carry a notebook with me. I have a small one (blue one in pic) that I stick in my purse. I wrote my short story, Want, in that notebook (because I was stuck somewhere else and needed to write it down ASAP), and later transcribed it into Word doc when I got home. The green notebook contains scribbles of ideas and outlines and character names. The big black notebook also has outlines and whatnot, but I use it to jot down research material (more space, see?). This is probably why I have carpal tunnel syndrome. Hehe.

How do you come up with ideas for your novels?

Uh, tough Q. Let’s see…I don’t have a definitive answer. One time, I wrote a short story because of a picture prompt. I’m a very visual person, so I guess you can say I get inspiration from things, people, places I see.  Art, for instance, is a wonderful source of ideas. Sometimes, dreams come into play when they trigger a certain feeling or emotion. At other times, memories. I take an incident and twist it around until it resembles something worthy of a story.

I’m also very impressionable—yes, even at my age. LOL! I read a lot. Books and stories and characters inspire me to create. But 90% of the time, I simply stare at the white screen on my monitor, and words would come together in my mind, even when I have no idea what they’re about. True pantsing. I love it when this happens.

If you're having trouble writing, what do you do to get over the writer's block?

I take a break. Usually to draw or make sketches. Or, I read books, though I’m careful not to read too much because I don’t want to unintentionally inundate myself with the author’s voice and story.

I did find that when I’m under pressure to finish because of a goal or a deadline, I would force myself through the block until my head hurts. (Is that masochistic? Hm. It works, though.) Write, write, and write some more until the muse comes back.

What's your best editing tip?

I’m no expert at editing. I’m good at proofreading, however, since my HS school paper days. J I have a knack for spotting typos and punctuation woes in other people’s work. Not so much with my own. LOL! My writer friends gave me wonderful editing tips here.

What do you hope, at the end of the day, you and others take from your novels?

I’m no Socrates, so I only aim to please and entertain. J If my stories make someone smile or be sad or feel anything, then I’m good with that. If it makes them think, that’s even better.