Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Meme? What is this Meme you speak of?

I'm throwing this out there right now - I stole borrowed this questionnaire from the lovely @CourtneyReese86 's blog. If you would like to check it out (and you should), go here: http://courtneyreese86.blogspot.com/
I have learned from HER entry (of learning this as well) that a meme is kind of like a questionnaire (I'm guessing) and after reading hers I figured I would do one as well! (So thank you @CourtneyReese86 :) )

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

What’s the last thing you wrote? What’s the first thing you wrote that you still have?

The last thing I wrote was a scene in mine and my bff's "Trilogy" thinger (X-Isle for those of you who haven't read about it on my blog) last night. The first thing I wrote ("creatively") was when I got my very first diary at the age of 6. I still have it and read it from time to time. It's amazing how big of an imagination I had even back then (there are many entries regarding an 'imaginary friend' I apparently had named Pinky).


Write poetry?
I haven't for a while because I've been focusing on fiction, but I used to write poems a LOT (even won a creative writing contest with a collection of poems in high school). I have a book filled with most of them and some are on random pieces of paper, or even the back of receipts or restaurant napkins, etc. I look back on them now and then and it REALLY takes me back to what I was feeling at that point in time and (not to sound too egotistical) some of them are pretty good.

Angsty poetry?

Some of them were very dark or 'angsty' (I prefer to describe them as emotional), but some are also happy or just are.

Favorite genre of writing?

Probably fiction/suspense, but beginning to dabble in other areas. I think I may start my first SF/F project here sometime soon :)

Most annoying character you’ve ever created?
The only one that comes to mind right now is a character in X-Isle 2, Allison. She's snobby, rich, goody-two-shoes type and also was one of the reasons keeping two of my favorite characters apart (you have to give your favorite characters issues and hardships to overcome, else it would make for a pretty crappy story!)

Best plot you’ve ever created?
I like all of them (*cough* biased *cough*), but I think the one I thought of that will be the next big collaboration between my bff and I is probably the best one I've thought of. Mainly because I haven't really seen the idea done before, and if done right will be an incredible novel.

Coolest plot twist you’ve ever created?

Oooo... Well, any novel that DOESN'T have some kind of twist isn't a very good novel. I don't know if I can choose my best plot twist that I've written, but I always love having the surprise endings or that huge turning point where a character is suddenly showcased as someone none of the other characters (or the reader) thought they were!

How often do you get writer’s block?
Sometimes I do. Actually it's more like a part of my subconscious is being incredibly stubborn and not producing any creativity or inspirational ideas out of spite. I think it's partially my own fault for always having multiple WIPs going on, but this usually battles the Block (when one project blocks you, turn to another!)

Write fan fiction?
I admit that I used to (only for my beloved Criminal Minds) and it was mainly for something to write when I had nothing else to write at the time (have to keep those creative juices flowing somehow!)

Do you type or write by hand?
Both, but honestly I prefer by HAND. I love having an actual notebook (I have about 50 of them and always have at least one in my purse) filled with point form notes and handwritten prose (I think part of it is being able to see it in your own hands, see the work put into it). Also it's better for planning/outlining because you can draw and put arrows and side notes, etc, etc. The typing is great for when you need to write it all out (or in general, just to have it on the computer) And it is faster to type. I like both ways (hand for planning/outlining/inserts/anything, but computer for actual story writing in general).

Do you save everything you write?

Absolutely. I love going back and reading things, even if it was just a 1 page story. I still have all my "diaries/journals", scrap paper poems, creative writing exercise notebook from high school. I save it all <3
Do you ever go back to an idea after you’ve abandoned it?

Abandoned is never really a word in my writing vocabulary, more like "postponed" or am "ignoring it in frustration". I have gone back to past ideas and rewrote or continued with them. Most of the time all you need is a little space/time and when you go back to it, it's like a whole new story! Plus you get excited about it all over again and the ideas start flowing.

What’s your favorite thing you’ve written?

There are a couple poems that I wrote and will always love (and am surprised at myself each time I reread them, it's almost as if I didn't write them) - I think one of them is posted on this blog somewhere actually. Of course, my (our) beloved baby, the X-Isle 'trilogy' because so much time and conversations and effort has been put into it (even though it is mainly just for funzies)- I love those characters! They've been developed so well and you actually start to really care about them (if that doesn't sound too creepy...) It will be a sad, sad day when we finish this one, when the characters come to an end.

What’s everyone else’s favourite story that you’ve written?

I'm not sure because not many people have read my stuff (beside my bff who is a writer like me). I actually gave what I have written already of my NaNo to a friend to read and let me know what she thought and she really liked it. Also, another friend was reading a story I was really into writing (and actually got a lot done) a few months ago and liked that one as well!

Ever written romance or angsty teen drama?
It's pretty much what Junior High was filled with, so that's what I wrote about!

What’s your favorite setting for your characters?

Already written would probably be X-Isle 1 because it was mainly set on an island. But I have a feeling my new plot bunny will have the best setting so far :)

How many writing projects are you working on right now?

Gosh, does this mean how many unfinished projects do I have written that aren't finished (ie: doesn't have an ending yet)? If so, then that answer is a LOT.

Have you ever won an award for your writing?
A couple actually, my best is an actual TROPHY from winning 1st place in high school creative writing contest for a series of poems.

What are your five favorite words?

Um, wow. I can't narrow this down. All words are my favorite, because put together they can tell a damn good story.


What character have you created that is most like yourself

I don't know if I have a character EXACTLY like myself, but a lot of a couple similar characteristics.


Where do you get ideas for your characters?

They kind of come to me. Like they want ME to write something about them and it just goes from there-for the main character at least. The others are based off of that main character - who could compliment this MC well? Who could totally offset them? Who could throw a curve into the MC's plans?

Do you ever write based on your dreams?
I get a LOT of ideas from my dreams (I have REALLY messed up dreams sometimes). Actually my new idea came about BECAUSE of a dream and the very first chapter will be an expansion on that dream. Dreams are an amazing tool for writers! Always have a notebook beside your bed, you never know when the inspiration will hit (conscious or unconscious!)

Do you favor happy endings, sad endings or cliff-hangers?

I like surprise endings the best, the ones where you're reading and get to the end and actually say out loud "WHAT!! I never would have expected that!!"

Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?

Definitely. A lot of my friends refer to me as the grammar nazi. 'Nuff said.

Does music help you write?

Absolutely. Music is one of my BIGGEST inspirations (I have a post all about this specific question). It's amazing how many scenes/ideas you can think of just by closing your eyes and pressing play on your iPod. I have a playlist on my iPod specifically created with songs that I feel are inspirational or are good for writing, could possibly make me think of a great idea.

Quote something you’ve written. Whatever pops into your head.
"Why did you have to hit him so hard?!" -very first line of my Nano.

No comments: