My biggest challenge with writing is being fatigued. I work full time and my job is physically demanding, and then I come home to three children. Time isn’t on my side, and when I’m able to sneak in some writing my brain is on the fritz. What helps me is eating a healthy supper, allowing myself some “me” time, and taking a ten-minute power nap. When I can think clear again, I begin to write, but that mostly happens after the kids go to bed. Writing any amount of words is better than writing no words at all.
I’m the type of person who can’t sit still, so I have to limit my computer time to about two hours at a time. If my body becomes stiff from sitting to long, I know it’s time to move around a bit and take a writing break. There’s no point sitting at the computer only to stare at the screen. On my days off I’ll go for a hike or take the canoe out. I always feel better when I’m surrounded by nature. If it’s a work night, I’ll do a short yoga routine, or take my dog for a moonlit stroll.
Emotional Wellness
I think all writers have inner demons that rear their ugly heads from time to time. For me there was a fear of rejection. Was my writing taking time away from my family for nothing? What would they think if I didn’t succeed?
On the other hand, there was a fear of succeeding. What if I did publish a book? Could I live up to the expectations? These were heavy burdens to bear and really put a damper on my writing.
I’m a write-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of girl. When I started overthinking my fears, I would go back and start editing my story, which was a bad thing. When my inner demons get the best of me, I listen to music. I love all kinds of music and my playlist switches from rock to pop to classical. I also spend time with my family and friends. They have a way of grounding me and bringing me back to reality.
It took some time for me to let go of the things I had no control over and let the journey of my becoming a published author unfold. Now the stress of failure and success is buried by the fact that I did it, and I’m giving it my all.
The Darkest Moment
I feel fortunate that I haven’t had any big, bad, dark moments. I’m working with a great publishing company and things have been going smoothly.
The One Thing That Has Kept You On Your Path
Writing and expressing my creativity with words is who I am. It’s something that just is. Besides, if I didn’t write about all the characters in my head, it would start screaming until their stories came out anyways. EEEP!
What keeps me motivated is looking at my book covers on my website. The thought of having my completed series to the Deadly Darkness Trilogy on my site drives me to the finish line. I’m already planning the launch party with cake, balloons, and more. I can see even more books on there, too!
Advice for a Young Writer
I love talking to young writers and encouraging them to dream big! They can do anything they put their mind to. Writing is all about sheer will power—if you want it bad enough, then you will find a way.
Kerri Cuevas was born in Rhode Island, but now resides in New Hampshire, where the country air has sparked her imagination. She is the author of Deadly Kisses (Book 1 of the Deadly Darkness Trilogy). The sequel, Deadly Darkness, is scheduled for October, 2014 release. When she’s not writing books for young adults she enjoys hiking, fishing, canoeing, music, watching horror flicks, or making crafts with her kids. You can visit her website at kerricuevasbooks.com.
Like all of the WiDo authors on our recent publishing blog posts about writing and health, Kerri’s article first appeared on Colleen Story’s Writing and Wellness blog and is used here with her permission. If you are a writer, be sure to check out all the informative articles on Colleen’s site!