Your imagination is powerful, but your imagination is not enough.
There is nothing wrong with you as writer following your intellectual curiosity and seeing what you come up with! Look up new words! Find a YourTube rabbit hole and see what comes up!
Research the world around you.
One of the greatest things about writing is that you are always in this constant state of researching, asking questions, and figuring out what fits where.
Intellectual curiosity is an open door, don’t lock it.
One of the best things about research is what you might find, find outand the development of the rest of your walking around knowledge.
Research allows you to expand your knowledge base, which enables you to write the work you desire.
Enjoy the research. Enjoy the questions that come up! Understand that as a writer, reading and research will always be a part of what is required of you.
Follow Dani Skye on social media! Follow your new favorite spoken word artist on Instagram (@iamdaniskye), by clicking here. Also, find her on Facebook by clicking here. If you are interested in her Smokin Da Mic series (which you should!), find her every Wednesday from 2:00-2:45 PM CST by following her here.
“You have to cater to everyone so you relate to them.” -Dani Skye
Note: Dani Skye’s work is also on The Writers’ Block Podcast! She submitted a poem for the SEND FOR A POET SEGMENT. Click here for that show (This is Episode 36: Legacy, Ink & Pages). As of this posting, The Writers’ Block podcast is in its fourth season! Follow it on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify and Anchor. Thank you.
Dani Skye is not new to poetry, spoken word or the worlds both create. As a spoken word artist, she is used to having her voice, powered by her words, front and center. This love of words started around age 10 when she started writing short stories, plays and even songs! This love of words increased after seeing the movie PoeticJustice (Aside: this movie starred Janet Jackson, Regina King, and the late Tupac Shakur. Watch it. Soon!). When asked what inspires her to write, she confesses that her muses come from many sources. “When it comes to writing, many things inspire me. It depends on my mood.”
One of the best things about being a writer however, is that you can have a favorite genre and try on several others. Dani does admit one thing however. It takes a little more effort to write erotica. “I love writing about everything but erotica. It’s a very uncomfortable writing process for me. I have to get into the zone. Candles, incense, and romantic music gets my mind prepared to be in that space.”
Take note of that, fellow writers. Atmosphere setting is everything, especially when writing in a genre you don’t write often. Details matter: don’t overlook what you need to create–and be aware of what you might need! This is one of those invisible things that makes writing an art as well as a skill.
To date, Dani Skye has written 13 books under the names Dani Skye and Danie James. When asked how does she describe or define success, Dani Skye gives us a reminder of what it means to be a writer in three parts.
Success for me as a writer is many things: (1) writing from the heart, (2) inspiring people with your work, (3) loving what you do and feeling good about it.
Dani Skye, writer, poet, spoken word artist
I don’t want you to miss this second set of jewels Dani has dropped on us! Writing can be hard, yet those of us who call ourselves writers all know this. Yet, from that toughness–the goal we all have is, should be, to writer from the heart. With what we pull from out hearts, we give to the world–that it may reach, teach and inspire!
With this inspiration, Dani was asked what the best piece of writing advice she has received. This advice came from one of her college professors, Dr. Shabazz. This advice reminded Dani to write in a way that people from 2 to 92 can understand it. “Ever since, I make sure to remember when I am writing anything new, you don’t want your audience to feel stupid using all these big words they can’t understand.”
With that wisdom in mind, Dani Skye is still creating. Her creative energies are focused on taking her latest project, on the road to Kansas City, MO. The name of the show: Erotica Avenue: A Night In Stimulation (August 21-22, 2021). The tickets go on sale May 1, 2021 through Eventbrite! Make sure you are following Dani on all her social media so you get all updates about this event!
Dani Skye has definitely is one to watch and we know the sky isn’t even her limit!
It is every bit as important as what you decide to write!
Whether it is academic writing, or non-academic writing, understand that research matters! Whether it is the correct spelling of a word, or the correct time zone for your fiction, research matters.
Note: This segment will be on The Writers’ Block Podcast as well, starting March 2021.
One of the reasons why I love what I do, is that I can introduce the world to those who it may need to hear about! So introducing, the newest segment, Writer’s Spotlight.
The purpose of this segment is to introduce new writers to the world, making you aware of what indie authors you need to take notice of, and what work you need to pick up!
These authors will span genres, ages and ethnicities! I am excited about this segment because it is a chance to showcase new authors, giving them the shine they deserve!
If you are interested in being featured for this spot, email writelife.jbharris@gmail.com or circlethewritersblock@gmail.com using “I NEED SHINE” in the subject line.
Writing isn’t going to be easy. If it was more people would be confident enough to do it. What I want you to remember today, and if just for a moment, you can do it.
