I have some quick questions and I'll answer them myself, for full disclosure. There are no rights or wrongs or judgments here, just curiousity and interest. Feel free to answer any or all, one question or the whole bunch. No pushing, no judgment, no harm, no foul. These questions are aimed primarily at writers, whether you consider yourself a beginner or pro, published or unpublished, etc. If you aren't a writer, feel free to answer any questions you like (some could be answered by anyone on Gather).
The questions are based on other articles I've read, conversations with writers and even television shows having on subjects other than writing!
1. If you are currently working on a book or article, how is it going? What is your biggest challenge, if any?
My answer: I'm working on a book and it is going in fits and starts, don't have "formula" like when writing articles, a solid outline or path. Biggest challenge? Shifting from nonfiction to fiction. and figuring out how to make it work.
2. Do you keep a journal? Why or why not? What has been the most unexpected benefit of the journal? Is everything you write in it true (based on events and experiences you have) or does it contain snippets of fiction, writing ideas, etc?
My answer: Yes, for two purposes: surprising myself by getting in touch with hidden parts of myself and to have a place to record ideas, snippets of conversation, new words, favorite books, just about anything. Some things I write in it are not true but fiction, playing around, experimenting with characters and situations.
3. With a nod to The Actor's Studio, what is your most favorite word? Least favorite word? Anything goes. I'll be honest and say that I feel "put on the spot" when asked to answer these two questions and my "favorties' today could change by...well, 10 miinutes from now.
Most favorite word: resilient
Least favorite word: extinct (because I still remember the shock of seeing a model of a passenger pigeon in a musuem and being told it was "extinct" - or perhaps it was a Dodo bird). I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that no one cared enough to notice or do anything about it, something that seems particularly resonant today.
4 .Besides meeting other writers, what is the one unexpected benefit you've gotten from writing?
My answer: The pure joy of learning that writing can be a means and end in itself, even if not accepted and learning (about myself or something new because of researching a topic) , growing and getting better can be rewarding - and challenging!
5. What is the thing you like least about writing?
My answer: Deadlines and feeling that I don't have time to do my best work. On the other hand, deadlines have forced me to write tightly, quickly and edit on the go and GET IT DONE.
6. What one question would you like to ask other writers?
Answer: When did you start writing and why?
My answer: I started as a child, in grade school, and think it was because my mother read to me and I was in awe of certain sentences or books, including a series about a little dog named Angus as well as The Lonely Doll, Charlotte's Web, etc. I wrote stories and my biggest thrill was getting an acceptance letter from a comic book which actually paid children who won their monthly contests. I wrote about lemmings and got a check, still framed, on my mother's wall.
7. Why do you keep writing, even if you have to take breaks or "writing vacations"?
My answer: I"ve never forgotten the thrill of seeing my name in print as a child and knowing that other people, complete strangers, could be reading my article. This was before the internet and children had few opportunities for publication. I was thrilled. I also keep writing because I have learned that there are other rewards, besides financial and seeing my name in print. There are unpaid rewards.
8. What question do you think should have been included here?
My answer: Since this is thrown out there to fill in "gaps" in this questionnaire, I really don't know. I started this questionnaire.
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Comments: 26
2. I don't keep a journal, probably for the same reason. I like the idea of it and I've tried it once or twice, but the habit doesn't form. too lazy to keep at it, I suppose.
3.biodegradable. My seventh grade teacher told me I was biodegradable and I asked him what it meant and he said I was so sweet, I'd melt in the rain. Love it.
4. I love being skinny and beautiful in my books! I get to say and do all the things I can't say and do, I get to break all the rules, it's a blast. I love it. I love taking care of unruly parts of my personality by giving them free reign in writing to be as evil, mean, trashy, tacky...whatever. It's great fun and a huge relief to get out the behavior with none of the consequences. I get to decide how harsh the lessons are, if they even come at all...it's great. I'm learning right now that I am a procrastinating power freak...who knew??
5. I hate that my real life gets in the way. I want to stay home and write all the time but I can't. Can't do that until I make a living by writing, can't make a living by writing until I get off my duff and write...
6.I honestly don't know. I've been writing stories as long as I can remember. It took me a very long time to understand that this was something special. I thought everyone could do this.
7. I don't know how not to write. That's like asking me to take a vacation from breathing. Can't. No idea why, just can't.
8. I would have asked who are your favorite and most hated authors. Although I can't answer that, because I love so many, it depends on my mood. I love Tom Clancy, James Patterson, Lillian Braun Jackson, Nora Roberts, Debbie McComb, the list is so wide it's an ocean of talent. I can't get into Sci Fi, it just doesn't capture my attention. Other than that, I'm pretty much in for all of it~
Great idea, this...love to get into other people's heads!
In of itself this is not writing, so I apply a different standard. If it were a game or a chat, I would have rejected it. If it has to do with writing - as this does - I will accept it, provided it shows effort and care were put into it. You did that. In fact, I thought this would make a good feature in today's group. So, congratulations.
Thanks! :)
I used to keep journals - all true writing. I stopped except for things related to aromatherapy which is what I'd been mostly published for, and it's who and what I am.
I don't have a favorite or non-favorite word, though one non-favorite word that comes to mind is hate, and I don't use it.
I like your questionnaire and this site has helped me, or the people on it have helped me in other avenues of writing by offering constructive critism, without being mean and I truly appreciate that.
Time is always (especially now) a factor with writing for me, as we've got a lot of things going on here and that cuts into everything else.
A question for you. Could you post this, if you feel like it, to my group, www.firsttimewriters.gather.com (First Time Writers), as there are lots of new writers on there that could benefit from what you've just written.
OK, another question for those of you who write regularly - do you have a certain time of day that you write? If so, why and what is it?
Marilyn
I keep several books running at a time so that when I hit a block on one I can still write something on a another. I have a series of legal thrillers that I began writing back in 1984, which I have taken out of cold storage, updated, and am now submitting to agents.
Plus, there is enough work to do on the Arnie Carver Adventures to keep me busy for a decade at least.
2. Do you keep a journal? Why or why not? What has been the most unexpected benefit of the journal?
I have journaled off and on for years now. I think it a great tool for resolving inner conflicts.
3. With a nod to The Actor's Studio, what is your most favorite word? Least favorite word?
Most favorite word, "accepted."
Least favortie word, "rejected."
4 .Besides meeting other writers, what is the one unexpected benefit you've gotten from writing?
Corresponding with insightful readers.
5. What is the thing you like least about writing?
The constant rejection required to be endured in order to get to one acceptance.
6. What one question would you like to ask other writers?
What's your "cha-ching"? What is it that rings your personal cash register in life?
7. Why do you keep writing, even if you have to take breaks or "writing vacations"?
I write because the creativity allows me to overcome--
8. What question do you think should have been included here?
Are you happy where you are? If not, what are you doing to get somewhere else?
About the commenter: Kenneth R. Besser is an author of several books. His most recent is the first in a 16-book childrens adventure series, Arnie Carver and the Plague of Demeverde. Besser is also a lawyer, a motivational author and a public speaker. His motivational parable, Great! All the Time! is also a great read. He is also working on a series of legal thrillers.
Sure, I'd be happy to post it there. How do I post an article or forward it just to a group, as you suggested? Sorry, I'm new here. You might also be interested in the article I wrote about getting published in magazines, included tips.
Currently working on my third book in the Fiction, action adventure catagory. The first two are published thru AuthorHouse, 28 Days in the Coke Works and 97 Evergreen West, by J. G. Weddle
My current stumbling block to editing the completed draft is having my wife's sister, her husband, their kids, and their animals living in my house because they lost theirs.(9 months and counting)
I do not keep a journal, other than the one where I am tracking progress for my new promotional web site, risingstarauthors.com which is intended to get exposure for self published authors thru various venues.
My favorite word is tenacious.
I began seriously writing in 2003, up until then I had just written short stories for my own entertainment.
I write because I enjoy it. I love putting a story together from an idea and expanding until it is a book length novel.
You should have added a section on how everyone is promoting their books or themselves as authors.
I have done the basic book signings, post cards, letters to book stores, newspaper articles, radio interviews, and now the web site I mentioned above.
I hope I answered at least some of the questions. J. G. Weddle
2. I do, but it's more for my dreams than anything else. I have a habit of dreaming several times during a night, and any dream that really moved me or inspired me, I write down. Also, certain chapters of novels or good movies/music are included.
3. Favorite word: Digress…or maybe mollusks. Just because they're both so fun to say…Least favorite word: Ooh…'End'. More precisely, 'The End'. It always makes me so sad.
4. The ability to understand where people are coming from. When you write, you have to be able to deal with your characters and their flaws and thoughts and differences with each other. Doing this helps to give me a sense of understanding towards all matter of people.
5. I HATE getting started, but after the first few minutes, I really get into it. So…the first few minutes that it takes to get into the mood to write are the worst, for me.
6. Where do you draw your inspiration/motivation from?
7. I can't stop writing. It's like an addiction. I feel like, if I had the nerve to give 'birth' to these characters, then I better at least do a good job of telling their story. They came to me, wanting my help in the matter, and I should respect them enough to give it my all. So, I won't stop until I've told the story of every character I can. And…they just keep coming.
8. Mm. Probably "What drives/motivates you." It's just interesting to see where people draw their motivation.
right now, my most pressing project is a YA novel that I'm working on....I have an agent waiting to see the completed first draft - need to get it to him!
2. I love Julia Cameron's The Artists' Way and do try to do the morning pages thing - not always very good at getting to it though :( I do better - at EVERYTHING - when I do the morning pages; it helps me to prioritize and quit procrastinating so much.
3. most favourite word - oh geez...I don't know! writing, I guess :) Least favourite, at least right now, would be sisters-in-law! Definitely.
4. There are so many benefits to writing - I learn about myself and about other people by doing it; I reclaim memories; I make connections - all through writing. Skill as a writer also goes a long way towards academic success in any program :)
5. I tend to be very critical of my own work, and often hate what I write when I write it.... that's something that Gather has helped me a lot with. It's more immediate.
6. I'd love to ask Nora Roberts specifically how the heck she manages to produce so much work so quickly! I wish I could be half as prolific.
7. I write because I write. I can't imagine not writing. It's only been in the last year or so that I've started sharing my writing with others - but I have always written.
1. Yes I am. I am attempting my first novel. I'm only on chapter two but I think its going fine. M ybiggest problems I have will have to be writing alot more detail since I'm used to writing short stories and not using one word sentences that much.
2. Yes I do keep a journal. Actually tow. One of them is for my dreams because you'd be suprized of what I dream and the other is for my story ideas fiction of nonfiction. Since I am only a teenager I havn't really had any unexpected suprizes but I'm looking forward for one.
3. My favorite word to write is probably anything with a deep meaning. Like romance or Pain or something like that. My least favorite words are the ones that aren't in the dictionary. Such as Bestest.
4. Its a really good stress reliever. When I'm angry or sad I write a poem or a story about it and I haven't met any other writers in person.
5. I probably don't like the fact that sometimes I give up ( I do that very often) on the stories I'm writing and pick it up later of never pick it up again at all.
6. How Hard is it to get published? I've always wondered if being freelance is easier or harder than signing a contract.
7. I probably keep writing because its a habit and I can't stop. Even during my writing "vacations" I write a small peom or something like that.
8. I can't think of any questions but I'll answer some of the questions you guys asked.
a. I would have to say I don't have a certain time of day I like to write but I write around 4:00 but if I don't want t oI won't.
b. I wish I could get published but that would require finishing a novel which I plan to do in the near future.
b. My biggest motavation is emotion and exageration of the events in my life. I don't really get motavated by talking but sometimes if I take a walk my ideas are spring loaded.
KENNETH: Good luck with the legal thrillers (I love reading legal thrillers, a recent author I discovered was Jess Walter). I love the question about "what rings your personal cash register in life". For me that would be the thrill of creativity, trying to express myself through writing as well as keeping up an ongoing dialogue with life through writing. My family and friends also ring my personal cash register, plenty. As I deal with an aging parent, I have come to savor every day, realizing that what seems like a "big deal " is usually seen as no big deal in a day or two (with some exceptions).
J.G.: I agree, a section on promotion would be great. I strongly suggest reading Steve Weber's books on that topic, one called Plug Your Book: Online Book Marketing for Authors. You can read more about him at my Blog: http://bookingalong.blogspot.com/
although you may have to scroll down to see the piece. His website is: http://www.weberbooks.com/selling/selling.htm and even though the title is Selling Books he really keep up with the latest deveopments. He is passionate about writing, books and bookselling and promotion. Great guy to network with.
Xigglet: I like words that are fun to say, too, those that just sound exactly right and are even better when said aloud. That is why I read aloud, to hear the sound of words, not just see them. That and the fact that it forces me to read each word, not skim, not go too quickly. I don't like endings either but try to see them as just a new beginning, even if I have to be pushed, kicking and screaming, into the void of that change.
1-I have been living with 2 characters for @20 years. Every time I put something in writing about them, they say "oh no, not me! Try something else." So here the three of us sit.
2-Always kept a journal with snippets of what I've seen or heard or read.
3-Today's favorite word is "supercilious". It has a terrible meaning but just rolls off the tongue: least favorite is "but"- I never remember when it gets capitalized and I use it too-oo--o much!
4-My friends actually liked what I've written. Often they just say "sounds great". Sometimes they get that look in their eyes that says they really mean it.
5-I detest sitting with a great idea on a page and have absolutely NO idea how to fill up that icredibally WHITE, piece of paper.
6- same as yours
7-I've always been drawn to that blank piece of paper
8-Along with Angi R., I would have added who inspires you and why
This is a great way to get to know other people here. Thanks for doing it!
Intriguing titles include:
How I Write: The Secret Lives of Authors, including superstitiions, music tracks they listen to while writing, even a particular painting that serves as inspiration.
Another title: Money Changes Everything: how writing for money affected writers for better or worse.
Bad Girls: 26 Writers Misbehave (hmmm. intriguing title!): This is really a worthy read but those who are prudish should be forewarned, some of this is graphic, very graphic.
There are more. Check out my Blog to see the link and list.
" My son came into the room and hugged me, such a sweet hug, but his hands were covered with mud"
Change that to "My son came into the room and hugged me, such a sweet hug and his hands were covered with mud". That leaves the judgment or interpretation to the reader.
Sometimes by changing "but" to "and" I get a different perspective and other times I want to keep the "but" in the sentence. Make sense? Hope so.
I've kept a journal, almost obsessively, since March 12, 1992. I revisit it again and again for old ideas and stories. Yes, I write bits of fiction in it. This artificial second brain remembers things I can't possibly keep track of.
Flit, Nora Roberts does it by writing 8 hours or more a day, 365 days a year. I love to write, but that doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun to me. Quality is more important than quantity at any rate. (I've read exactly one of Nora's books. The story was interesting, but she misused a common word and made other style mistakes. She could probably stand to spend a little more time polishing.)
2) My Gather writing is a journal of sorts. I regret not keeping a journal consistently over the years.
3) Thumbs up for "gnarly"; thumbs down for "hope".
4) Writing over time has made me come across as at least knowing how to spell. I won't elaborate on that too much, but most people these days can barely type, no less write.
5) Writing takes time. That's probably the number one drawback for me.
6) I'd like other writers to answer, "Do you write for others, or do you write for yourself?"
7) It would make no sense to me to work hard and developing a skill and then not use it.
8) Have you backed up your writings, or is it all sitting out there on Gather? Do you think that's prudent?
2) I wanted to start writing a journal, but couldn't find a journal-writing class, so I took a memoir-writing class instead —and fell in love with it.
3)My favorite words tend to be words I like the sound of — like poignant and ephemeral. I also like borrowing words from other languages. I think 'nada' sounds more like nothing than 'nothing,' and the Arabic word 'yullah' (accent on the first syllable) is better than 'hurry up.' My least favorite word is a nasty word that I won't repeat (it begins with a c). I have a negative physical reaction when I hear it.
4) Writing nourishes me. It is food for my soul. It makes me feel good about myself.
5) I hate writing unpleasant things about people I love. None of us is perfect and my family is no exception. Since all of my family read everything I write, and I need to be honest in my writing, it makes for uncomfortable situations.
6) I don't know.
7)It's the satisfaction. Its the approval and interest of my family and friends. It would be great fun to be published, but that isn't my motivation.
I have been trying to put a collection of my poetry together for the past three years, (currently, it is all scattered throughout various notebooks and journals that i have kept since high school) but my laptop got stolen and i have yet to get another one so the 40 pages i have typed up are sitting on a disk in the back of my dresser.
2. Do you keep a journal? Why or why not? What has been the most unexpected benefit of the journal? Is everything you write in it true (based on events and experiences you have) or does it contain snippets of fiction, writing ideas, etc?
I have kept a journal for as long as i can remember, although not as faithfully as i'd like. If someone were to ever read it, i fear they would think of me as a pretty dramatic person considering i only write in my journal when i'm feeling especially romantic or somewhat melancholic. I can't help it; i just don't feel like writing in it anytime else. BUT it is all true. at the time. feelings you know, they come and go.
3. With a nod to The Actor's Studio, what is your most favorite word? Least favorite word? Anything goes. I'll be honest and say that I feel "put on the spot" when asked to answer these two questions and my "favorties' today could change by...well, 10 miinutes from now.
my favorite word is...freedom
least favorite: tolerant...it's over-used and often used badly
4 .Besides meeting other writers, what is the one unexpected benefit you've gotten from writing?
I can't say writing has ever given me a surprise in any way. i do think there are many benefits to it, however.
5. What is the thing you like least about writing?
It's vulnerable, to write. You put yourself out there and you never know how someone will interpret you. and if they'll even find you worth reading. and if, perhaps, you'll end up saying something you did not mean in the first place. and once it's out there, you can't reel it back in, it's there, in black and white, for the entire world to see. It's a one-way ticket to exposure. But that is also what is so awesome about it.
6. What one question would you like to ask other writers?
Who in this group are actually published writers and what have you written?
2. I dont keep a journal, anoymore.Since i got a decent computer, I've kept a copy of every major revision of book 1. So,that's sort of a journal of the book's growth.
3. My favorite word royalties. My least favotite is infodump.
4. Gaining new knowledge and isnights from the research.
5. Waiting to hear from agents or publishers.
6. how much time do you set aside each day to write?
I was first published commercially at 25. I never dry up; there is not enough time in the day to do everything, but I try. I keep plugging at all my projects.
I work mostly by gestalt, though I plot, as well. But plotting is after the inspiration.
Roh - Don't get me going on spelling. I just read Jacquelyn Mitchard's most recent book and cringed when I saw the words "cinnamon role" on p. 73. Doesn't anyone use people as spell checkers anymore or did the person think that WAS the correct spelling for a cinnamon roll?
I also am confused about question marks as many publications seem to have omitted them entirely. Is this the correct and modern thing?
To answer your question, I think I write both for myself and others, hard to define the dividing line. A major motivation is seeing how a piece is received and if it "grabs" people . If so, I feel like a connection is made and a broader audience is reached. It makes me feel part of a community, in addition to my offline community. Also, let's face it- writers can use all the contacts and connections possible. It isn't always easy to reach one's goals.
I have heard that simply noting that something is copyrighted is enough. What would you suggest for backing up writing, as you note?
Yes, it is "vulnerable", as you put it, to write. Same thing with love, too, similar to writing in that way. You take the risk or you don't, IMO.. Glad you are writing, even if it makes you feel vulnerable. To answer your question, I have been published, primarily in magazines but also on the cover of a book (a review comment that the author thought was worthy of the book cover). I review books so I can constantly published on Amazon. I have a blog.
Subjects I've written about: fiber optics (years ago), The World Wide Web when it was just starting out, personality profiles of memorable people, text to accompany home decor pieces. Finally, I was a health columnist for a local publication for many years, wrote for Weight Watchers magazine and many parenting publications. For me, balancing family and writing became difficult when my children were small. Others manage it well. I did not. I need lots of sleep. LOTS and my kids were prone to ear infections, leaving me feeling exhausted.