A Perfect 10 with Deanna Kahler

Today we sit down with author, Deanna Kahler. She did a great job of answering my ten questions and through those responses, we will get some insight into her life and work.

I hope you enjoy this week’s edition of A Perfect 10: A Conversation in 10 Questions with Deanna Kahler.

If you want to check out past interviews, you can find them in the following links:

A.C. Flory, Steve Boseley, Kayla Matt, Mae Clair, Jill Sammut

Also, if you are an author and you want to be part of this feature, I still have a few slots open for 2017. You can email me at don@donmassenzio.com

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

I would definitely say it energizes me! Writing enables me to share my experiences with others and touch lives, so it is very rewarding. When a reader contacts you and tells you how you’ve helped them in some way, it is an incredible feeling. Words are powerful and transforming — I’m happy to do what I do.

Do you ever write under a pseudonym? If not have you considered it? Why or why not?

No. I’ve never written under a pseudonym and don’t intend to. I understand that some authors want to maintain anonymity for privacy purposes. However, I believe strongly in honesty and being genuine with yourself and others. I have nothing to hide and believe that putting a name and face to your writing is beneficial. It makes you more relatable and is easier to connect with readers.

Does a big ego help or hurt writers? Why or why not?

I think it hurts. It’s okay to be proud of your work, but having an over-inflated sense of value is a turn-off to readers and can lead to disappointment on your part. If you think you’re so amazingly awesome that people should love you, then you’re in for a rude awakening. You may be very talented, but don’t take your gifts for granted and don’t expect others to think you’re great. They’ll like you for you — your personality, your kindness, your sense of humor, etc. — not because you wrote a book.

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

I would have to say it was the money I spent on cover design. Having a professional cover does make a difference in the look and feel of your book. But money aside, I think what is most important as a writer is to get your work out there as much as possible in as many places as possible. Exposure gains fans and followers. The most stunning book cover in the world can’t do that.

What does writing success look like to you? Have you achieved it?

To me, writing success means touching lives and making a difference. Yes, I have achieved that. My first book has helped many people cope with the struggles of infertility and miscarriage as well as learn how to successfully navigate the adoption process. Being able to share my experiences and offer some advice and insight to those who are hurting is the biggest reward of all.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? What sources do you use?

I don’t do a lot of research because most of my writing comes from my own personal experiences. When I do research topics, I reference websites and books to make sure I get the facts right. I probably only spend a couple of hours researching prior to starting a book and then do a little more digging throughout the writing process.

How do you select the names of your characters? Have you ever regretted choosing a particular name? Why?

The names I choose are either ones I like or something that I think fits the character’s personality. Celeste, for example, reminded me of “celestial” or “other worldly,” so it was a good fit for a woman that has a connection to the spirit world and the afterlife. So far, I have not regretted the names I have picked.

What is the hardest type of scene to write?

A sex scene, for sure! I am pretty modest, so it is difficult to create a scene that is too steamy or risqué. You won’t find X-rated content in my books; I’m more of a PG-13 kind of writer.

If you could have dinner with four people, living or dead, who would they be and what would you want to ask them?

I would choose four deceased people that I have had the most paranormal/afterlife encounters with — Grandma, Papa, Aunt Fannie and a former boyfriend. I would ask them what it’s like on the other side and what advice they have for me.