The following exclusive Q&A took place in preparation for the Dream a Little Dream Podcast with artist Jessie Taylor, during which she interviewed me in 2020 about writing, creativity, creative habits and challenges, and more.
Jessie Taylor: Tell me a little bit about where you came from.
Cherie Dawn: I was born and bred in Kentucky; I started writing poetry as a form of journaling in elementary school. Writing and dance were my primary forms of self-expression through teens into adulthood (I only recently stopped dancing because of parenting, so writing has come back stronger since I can do that while I’m with my sons vs rehearsing/performing).
Jessie: What is the most important philosophy behind what you are doing?
Cherie Dawn: I have two current projects: Writing a novel that’s still in the revision phase, and publishing a book of poetry before “things get back to normal.”
The most important philosophy for the novel is to get people to think about where they stand in regards to ethics and morals in comparison to others because it’s all relative, and the value of friendship. As with my first novel, “Girl on Fire”, I hope it pushes people out of their comfort zones and that they’re left feeling like they’ve learned something and are newly inspired.
My poetry book philosophy: To give readers a soft, easy way to think about something that’s not in their own heads for a few minutes. [Update: “Personified” has been published since this Q&A took place!]
Both books: to inspire my friends and others who want to write and think it’s impossible because of XYZ…
Jessie: Do you think it is difficult to get noticed for what you are doing?
Cherie Dawn: Yes, absolutely. To get noticed, one needs a marketing campaign that doesn’t let up. Since I already have a full-time career that pays the bills, my personal writing is more of a spiritual quest than a financial one. If I want to get noticed, it’s only so that my work reaches the people that will benefit from it.
Jessie: What do you dream about doing that is big or seems impossible right now?
Cherie Dawn: Getting through the revision stages of my novel draft. There are moments when I feel intimidated by the seemingly enormous size of the content, keeping the details straight, etc.
Jessie: What are you most excited about with regards to your current project?
Cherie Dawn: I get an adrenaline rush when each little stage is accomplished. Today, I’m excited that my novel is with an amazing editor and friend, and for my poetry book I’ve found an editor and learned that the interior layout is going to be easier than I thought.
Jessie: Do you think there is a difference between showing someone you know your work versus showing someone you don’t know? Which one is more inspiring?
Cherie Dawn: Yes; showing it to someone I know is more personal. It feels good because I know they’re rooting for me and it often inspires them to follow their own dreams in some way. When people that I don’t know reach out to me or recognize me or my first novel, it’s a nice little boost for my ego and tells me that I’m on the right track because strangers have no obligation to be kind about my work.
Jessie: What has been the biggest struggle for you with your work and getting it into the world?
Cherie Dawn: The initial rejections I experienced when sending queries to literary agents with my first novel, before I decided to self-publish. Later, having book signings where I would only sell one or two copies. Some were successful and some bombed, and there wasn’t a way to predict which way they’d go. In the end, I had determine how my time was best spent, and that’s where my career and family took priority.
Jessie: What will you need to learn first before you can finish the project or when will the project be finished/released?
Cherie Dawn: For my novel: I think it’s not a matter of “learning” anything specific per se, but rather just putting the work into it since I’ve published before.
For the poetry book: How to do the interior design since I’m going to try to save costs and do it myself.
Jessie: Does your art support you? Are you able to make a living wage? If yes, how do you do it?
Cherie Dawn: Yes; everything about my personal creative writing translates well for my main career at Streamline Publishing, where I’m an editor and writer. By day I work with artists, who often experience parallel challenges and successes in the creative process; by night I explore fiction writing and poetry. (2022 Update: I’m also now leading writing retreats and workshops!)
Jessie: When did you know you were an artist – or this calling was for you?
Cherie Dawn: I think when I started experiencing difficult times in my youth is when I turned to creative self-expression, and I haven’t stopped creating in some way ever since.
Jessie: How do you stay inspired?
Cherie Dawn: I use loose deadlines to keep me focused, and always know what my next step is going to be (even if it changes). I also remind myself of those who have published great books, and those who have published real stinkers (IMHO). I believe that creativity is a gift, and it’s our responsibility to use it, so that helps me stay on the path.
Jessie: Have you had to change your habits in order to achieve your dreams this far? Or have you changed your habits in order to achieve your dreams? Please explain.
Cherie Dawn: Yes, I prioritize my writing in many ways…to get it accomplished, I wake up early on the weekends to work on it, choose to write instead of partying/socializing (this can be difficult – I love my friends), and take my laptop with me to my sons’ rehearsals so I can write then.
Jessie: What is the best compliment you received? Or one that you remember the most?
Cherie Dawn: “You inspire me.”
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