The Writer Tag- 20 questions about being a writer

✏️ Writer Tag: 📓

20 Questions about being a Writer

I have been looking for something like this about writing for awhile. Really, I want to show my feelings about being a writer and just stuff like that in a post. I found this on Inkblot and IceBergs blog. It was originally on A Cathartic Method. The link to the page I saw is here: https://inkblotsandicebergs.wordpress.com/2015/04/26/the-writer-tag-20-questions/

1. What type of writing do you do?

I write poetry, fiction, and some nonfiction. Mostly though I spend a lot of time writing fiction. Right at the moment I am writing a fantasy novel that is going to be part of a four part series.

2. What genres and/ or topics do you write about?

I write a lot of fantasy. I have also written contemporary stories but mainly I am focusing on fantasy at the moment. 

3. How long have you been writing? 

I think I wrote my first poem when I was eighth grade. Then in tenth grade I wrote my first short story. So about ten years consistently. 

4. Are you published?

Yes, I have had a poem published in a poetry anthology in 2014. Right now I am working on finishing my novel and will be hopefully publishing that. That is at least what I am hoping to accomplish. 

5. What was the first story you ever wrote? 

Okay, the first story that I actually wrote was when I was about eight. I was obsessed with butterflies and shopping at the time so I wrote a little book of this butterfly named Go-Go the butterfly who went to the mall. I still have that little book too.

6. Why do you write?

I write because I have story ideas that I have always wanted to read that have never been written. Writing to me has always been a way for me to cope with the good and bad in my life. In middle school and high school I would write poems as sort of journal entries. They were my way of getting out all my feelings. They were always so personal for me. I write because I love it so much. I write to let some of myself out to the world. I used to be very shy when I was younger and this was my way of getting out my opinions. Writing is a passion of mine and I adore the way I feel when I create worlds. I write because I have these characters that feel so real and have become a part of my life just as much as the real people in it. 

7. How do you find time to write?

To find the time to write you really need to set time aside to write. This might be difficult for some people and it has been for me at times during my life. But if you really do care about writing you have to. 

8. When and where are the best times to write? 

I like to write more mid-morning and and early afternoon. Mainly, I write at the kitchen table and also in my bedroom. 

9. Favorite food/drinks while writing?

Tea/ water. I really do not eat too much while writing. 

10. Your writing playlist?

I listen to so much different music. I listen to pop, 80s, country, rock, oldies, Disney music, Broadway, Glee covers, and so many other things. When I am writing I am always listening to music because it helps me focus on what I am doing. One of the songs that I basically listen to every time I am writing is "Burning Love" by Elvis Presley because I adore that song so much. I listen to this song constantly. So yeah. Music is one of my greatest loves.

11. What do family/friends/loved ones think of your writing?

My family and friends are supportive of my writing. They know that it is an important part of my life and try to be as helpful with it as they possibly can. 

12. Parts of writing you enjoy the most?

When I get really big ideas that grow overtime. I love sitting down not expecting to write a lot but then getting ten pages written. 

13. Parts of writing you find challenging?
Just the loss of ideas. When I draw a blank and am trying to figure out what to do next. For instance in the book I am writing now I have plenty of ideas for different parts of the plot but I am now having to fill in parts that I really have to think about.

14. What do you write with and on?
I write in a journal and with a lead pencil for basic notes and when I am not at home. Most of the time I write on my laptop at home. 

15. How do you overcome writer's block?
Usually I'll try write a little bit even during a writer's block. I feel like I should always try to write everyday. If I have writer's block though I will not try to force myself too much because it never really works. 

16. How do you motivate yourself to write?
I try to leave time during the day to write every single day. I like to listen to music which helps me focus on it. 

17. Authors who inspire you as a writer?
Lewis Carroll, J. K. Rowling, Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, Chris Colfer, Audrey Niffenger, 

18. Books that inspire you as a writer?
So these are going to go along with my authors above: Harry Potter, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, any Terry Pratchett book (especially his Discworld series), The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Land of Stories series (an absolute favorite of mine), The Time Traveler's Wife, and so many others. 

19. Best advice you've gotten as a writer?
I met the author and poet Nick Flynn at my university a few years ago. We got to talk to him and get our copies of his book signed. He told me to always keep writing and gave me a special little message in my book, "Be moved." Keep writing what is important to me and be moved by it. It was awesome to talk to him about my writing and just to have his advice as a keepsake. Also he is an amazing author and person. 

20. Writing goals this year?

Finish the novel I am writing now, edit it and then write the second novel. Big goals.