Hey friend!
Okay, so I know this is Monday, and I don't normally post on Mondays (like... ever), BUT I have some super exciting news:
All of December and some of January, I will be posting interviews with young writers, along with my normal posts!! I am so excited to be doing this and cannot wait for you to listen to me talk with a whole bunch of very talented young writers. First up is the lovely A. Y. Daniels!!
And now that that has been stated and you have been forewarned, here's the interview!
Q: So, for starters, how long have you been writing?
A: Oh! Hmm, probably since I was about 8 or even younger. 😁
I wrote short stories about an imaginary friend before branching out into fanfiction and a story about young knights.
Q: Oh, how fun! That sounds like it would be super cute! Now, what’s your favorite thing about being a writer?
A: I love the ways ideas connect, and that stories can bring encouragement, smiles and even some heart-ache to relate to.
I like the freedom to write what you want to read, and the honor I have as a daughter of God to write for Him and His children.
And, I get to do what I love! 😃😄
Yeah, I'm terrible at picking a favorite thing. 😆
Q: Oh, that's beautiful, Vonnie! I love that so much <3
Speaking of writing what you want to, what genre do you primarily write in?
A: 🤔 I think I write mainly Contemporary. 😄
I'm terribly unfamiliar with genres, so that's why I say I "think" 🤭
Q: What is your most current work-in-progress about?
A: I actually have one of those out right now!
I'm working on a story for the upcoming KDWC Everything Collection. It's about a Mom and her daughter learning to trust that God has everything in His control. 🐶
Q: Ooh, that sounds super cool! Oof, now the dreaded question: How do you deal with writers’ block when it comes on?
A: 😬 Hmm.... It's probably not a good idea, but I tend to try to turn to other stories (new or older).
I also talk with some writer friends I know, and my family when things get rough. My sister is amazing at coming up with ideas, and my mom's encouragement is the greatest. 🥰
Sometimes though, I get overwhelmed and discouraged and give up. That's not the way to go. Not at all. You'll lose too many opportunities and shut too many doors (ones that God may have opened for you) that way.
Breaks are nice too! And chocolate. 😇
Q: Kind of going with the chocolate thing, what are some of your favorite writing resources?
A: Hmm. As before mentioned, chocolate. 😜 Fitting music in the background (classical, calm, epic, adventurous!).
A writing buddy (either another writer or someone working with you).
And I don't do this often, but frequently writing on paper rather than screens might help your creative flow. It has you connect your ideas to working with your hands. It almost makes writing more of a craft (like smithing or woodworking) than a career.
Me and my deep philosophical thoughts. 😜
Q: And finally, if you could give one tip to any writer, what would it be?
A: Don't be afraid of what might happen.
I allow myself to be ruled by anxiety too much. I recently had a goal to write a short story (which turned out to be a novelette) and publish it by early, early December. That caused anxiety, and I was afraid that I wouldn't get it done in time.
I finally accepted that, and I feel great about setting aside for a bit.
I'm now working on two short stories for two different collections. I could get anxious that I won't finish them, overload myself with tasks and planning, or even be afraid of what people will think of my story. I could be afraid that they won't get included in the collections, that readers won't like the story and give me bad reviews, or I could even be afraid of the idea of having my work out in public.
You can be afraid of the negative and the good. But fear only freezes you--it renders you useless to God. And that is worse than getting bad or good feedback.
Pray about your project, work until the answer to your prayer is clear, and proceed accordingly. 💖
Wow, I couldn’t have said it better myself. <3 Thank you so much Vonnie for participating! The best of luck with all your writing projects!
Want to learn more about Vonnie? Check out her blog at:
I’m sure she’d love it ;)
Okay, so I know this is Monday, and I don't normally post on MOndays (like... ever), BUT, I have some super exciting news:
Tallyho!
Deigan
This was great! Thank you for sharing, girls!
Wonderful interview!!! I loved Vonnie's answers to all those questions, and amen to her advice to writers!! Thank you for sharing this!!!
Such wonderful advice. Fear really does freeze you - so we must give all of that to the Lord, and as you said, proceed accordingly. I love that!