Fighting Prose Interview with Dana Armstrong!
Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.
Dana Armstrong
is my interview this week!
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing since I was in high school, but nothing serious until about four years ago when I began a historical romantic fiction. Then, I decided to pursue my MFA in Creative Writing and actually finish a book. Through that process, I finished my first book which was a YA paranormal romance and published that independently.
If you've written several books, which is your favorite?
Wow! That's a tough one. I have quite a few in the planning stages, but of the ones I've finished, I couldn't choose one. I've finished three, two of which are YA and the other my historical fiction. They are so different and I love each of them for very different reasons. I guess that speaks to my wide and varied personality!
What's your favorite genre to read? Write?
Romance. Hands down. But romance in all its wondrous varieties of subgenres. Sometimes I like a sweet romance, sometimes some steam, and other times I like the vamps. But I also enjoy other genres, too, such as thrillers and mysteries. I also like True Crime.
How do you get in the mood to write?
I don't really have a routine I follow to get in the mood. I'm a very practical person so I typically set aside time to write and I know when it's that time, it's that time. I also don't force it if it's just not coming. Those are the times I know I need to step away and get re-energized.
How do your characters come together?
Many times they just form on their own in my head. I see them there in all their fabulous glory. But I also like to dig below the surface and see what really makes them tick so I use my Novel Planner's character development worksheet to flesh out their personalities. I've also been known to use a personality test here and there and will often tweak those if I do.
How do you get your ideas?
My ideas often just pop into my head. Some come from dreams. Many come from music. I'll hear a lyric or a song title and it will spark something.
Who do you admire the most in the writing world?
Right now, I'd have to say Sarra Cannon. She's an indie author who has truly made a life for herself and her family by self-publishing and growing her author business. It's something I strive for and she is full of information.
If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?
Creating journals, notebooks, and planners. I've discovered that this is something I really love to do. I've also loved graphic design and have recently started putting the two together. Imagine that! But when I'm not doing all that, I'm typically binge watching some show or just hanging out with the fam.
Have you always been creative? Has it always been writing?
I've never thought of myself as being creative but I guess I do have that bone. I've loved writing since high school, but I've also been known to dabble in a few others things like crafts. I used to make wreaths way back when. I've always been into creating things like newsletter, brochures, websites, and things like that. Is that creative? I guess in a way. LOL
Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, how did you get out of it?
I do have writers block sometimes. I think all writers do. I just remove myself from it for a while. I just do something else - there's always laundry to be done or a floor to sweep. Or I might concentrate on some other creative outlet like my journals. Sometimes I do free writing or I'll take a passage from one of my favorite books and just write it word for word, just to get in the flow of things. Of course, it's deleted after that but I've found that to be a good way to get out of a slump.
When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?
It's hard sometimes. There are so many other things that pull at my attention. But I can also see the end goal. I break my goals down into small steps that are easily attainable and that helps. But then, sometimes the writing is easy and it just flows. My characters often beat against my brain so I have to let them out, y'know.
For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?
Keep writing. Even if you think it's crap - and it probably is - keep writing. Learn from others and always try to get better. It's as basic as that.
What is your dream writing location?
Ha ha! This is definitely a dream because I live there only inside my head. But my dream writing location would be my own large room with white walls and a huge picture window that overlooks the forest. The room would be filled with bookshelves and a comfy overstuffed chair that I could curl up in to read. The room would be far away from distractions so I can get those words down!
In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?
When is your next one coming out? I've had so many people ask me that since my first book was published. I'm like, "What? You actually liked it enough to buy my second one? Wow!"
If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?
Dominic Calmet from Crimson Ties - because, come on.... he's a vampire.
What do you think makes a good story?
It just depends really. I've read books that I never thought I would like and ended up loving - Water For Elephants being one. Memoirs of a Geisha. I think it's about whether or not we can connect with the characters or maybe see ourselves in the story with them. I love simple stories that don't make me think too much, but I also love stories that dig really deep and shake you to the core.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Be a model. I was obsessed with it. My walls were covered with Cosmo girls because I wanted to be just like them. I did model for a while in my 20s, but it didn't go far. It's okay, though, my world is much bigger now that I'm a writer.
“Thank you for letting me interview you and Good Luck with everything Dana!”
If you happen to know an author that would be great for my Fighting Prose series be sure to send them my way!
Thanks for reading!
