Siblinghood of the World Blogger Award

Before we begin, I want to make a quick announcement:  I have a new publication out at Slink Chunk Press! “Margarine” – the almost-butter, or the girl who’s almost-alive.

I hope you give it a read. I would be so grateful. Now, moving on!

My rad friend Tarquin has nominated me for the Siblinghood of the World Blogger Award! Thanks, friend! Tarquin has given me 10 questions to answer, after which I will ask 10 new questions to my nominees. Here we go:

Do you believe in the “You must write every single day” ethos?
A hearty and resounding bellow of “Nope!” I actually have a blog post already about this. Having a routine helps me, yes, but I don’t believe in the self-flagellating that often comes with this practice. Write on a schedule that works for YOU, and if you need to rest and refresh, that’s okay. You’re still a “real” writer.

What was the last book you read?
Currently on “Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain” by David Eagleman and “Where Monsters Dwell” by Jorgen Brekke, both very good.

How do you find balancing time to write with the rest of your life?
I’m lucky to have a pretty open schedule. My jobs don’t command an enormous amount of time, and I don’t have kids or a rip-roarin’ social life. (High five to my fellow introverts out there.)

Are you a Planner or a Pantser?
I wrote my first novel as a Pantser and it was GREAT. I wrote my second novel as a Planner and it was GREAT. My first was entirely character-focused; my second was all about plot. It depends on the kind of book. I find a mix of both to be the best. Even when I was planning I pantsed here and there and vice versa.

What are you currently working on?
I’m almost done with my 2nd novel, a fantasy adventure. Please interpret “almost” loosely… It’s close to the end but there’s still a sizable chunk to go. I’m currently on a sabbatical.

How do you handle criticism of your work?
Pretty well. I like when people give critiques that make the piece stronger, as long as they deliver their critiques in a constructive and friendly way. I do get nervous though. Nervous that a piece I thought was good will turn out to be a complete mess, or it won’t be understood, or I’ll have to change something I really like for the good of the story, or of course, that someone will be a jerk.

When people ask the inevitable “what do you write about?” how do you respond?
I keep it simple. My work is my soul, and it makes me feel squirmy to spill my soul to a first-time acquaintance, or someone who’s only asking out of politeness. Plus, if they’re not a writer or a wide reader it can be hard to describe – like for instance, I don’t write traditional fantasy but I do write a lot of stories based on the unreal or speculative or magical, which can take some explaining, so it’s easier to just say “fantasy,” except that conjures up images of dragons and wizards and I don’t write about dragons and wizards, so…

Who are the writers you admire and why?
David Foster Wallace, Margaret Atwood, Jonathan Safran Foer, Patrick Ness, Jodi Picoult, Marcus Zusak… Because PRETTY WORDS SO PRETTY ❤

How much of yourself is in any of your characters?
I like to make characters who are their own distinct people, but there’s usually a small chunk of me floating around in everyone. The main character in my 1st novel had the most, because the theme of that story hit really close to home.

Where do you write from? What fuels the stories you choose to tell and why?
For my novels it’s often a strong emotional theme that I want to express. For my shorts it’s usually a matter of “Well here’s a wacky idea.”

Alright! I nominate Lorena Black, Nik Eveleigh, Clayton Snyder, Lee Cater, and Jessica Baumgartner. Here are my questions:

1. What was the first story you ever wrote?
2. What book have you read the most times?
3. What are your favorite kinds of characters to write?
4. How about your favorite kinds of scenes? (Action, steamy, tragic death, etc…)
5. Describe what your writing space looks like?
6. What do you struggle with the most as a writer?
7. Any recommendations for good music to write to?
8. What is the most age-worn, tattered and battered book on your shelf?
9. What’s your favorite book-to-movie adaptation?
10. Do you have a notes system for on-the-go ideas? If so, share with us the most random note you’ve jotted down, even if it only makes sense to you. 🙂

Enjoy ~

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