The Interview - Dana Maor

My process usually starts with a spark—an idea, a character, or a question I want to explore. From there, I outline the broad strokes of the story, though I leave room for discovery. I draft in stages, focusing on getting the story down first, and then I edit for structure, pacing, and detail until I’m satisfied with the final draft.

I hope readers leave my books feeling like they’ve been on an emotional journey. Whether it’s a new perspective, a sense of empathy, or even just a feeling of being entertained, I want them to close the book with something they didn’t have before.

Time management can be tricky, but I stick to a schedule. I try to dedicate a certain number of hours or words each day to writing. It’s important to set boundaries and treat writing like a job, but also to be flexible and forgiving when life gets in the way.

Absolutely. My characters feel like real people to me, and I often get emotionally invested in their journeys. There are times when I struggle to put them through difficult situations, but it’s part of the process. Sometimes, finishing a book feels like saying goodbye to friends.

My love for storytelling keeps me going. Even on days when the words don’t flow, I remind myself of why I started the project in the first place. Connecting with readers and seeing their reactions to my work is also a huge motivator.

Not during the first draft. When I’m writing, I try to focus on the story and the characters rather than thinking about external reactions. During revisions, I might consider how certain scenes will resonate with readers, but I try to stay true to the story first.

One of the most challenging scenes was an emotional confrontation between two characters who had a deep history. It required a delicate balance of tension, heartbreak, and resolution. It took several drafts to get the emotions right without tipping into melodrama.

When I feel burned out, I allow myself time to recharge. Sometimes that means stepping away from writing entirely for a few days or weeks. I might watch movies, read, or do something completely unrelated to writing. Inspiration often strikes when I’m not forcing it.

My favorite part is hearing from readers once the book is out in the world. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that something I created has resonated with someone, whether it’s made them think, feel, or see the world a little differently.

I’m somewhere in between. I start with a loose outline, knowing where I want the story to go and the key plot points I want to hit. But I also allow myself the freedom to explore new directions if something unexpected happens while writing.