#amyanda

Hi, y’all. J.fictitional tagged me to answer the following questions, so here we go:

1) What do you consider your most consistent or fruitful source of inspiration?

Life.

2) Have you ever been surprised by the direction a work in progress took?

Not substantially. I usually start with some idea of where I want to go. I’m scared that I’d never get to the end otherwise.

3) What is your oldest story idea you have yet to act upon?

A TV show idea I’ve outlined, but have not written in proper format.

4) Do you try to hold yourself to a particular goal when writing (such as x number of words per day, or hitting a particular plot point before stopping)?

I don’t have set goals unless there’s a deadline. Then I hammer away every available minute until it’s done.

5) How do you read? (For example, I read the words aloud in my head, and give each character a voice, and cast all the parts, and-)

It depends on what I’m reading. When editing, I often get my computer to read.

6) If you were to collaborate with someone on a project, who would your first choice be?

Wow, hard to pick, if you could get anyone.   

7) What is your process for coming up with character names? 

Often I just have a name in my head. If I’m stuck. I use a baby name book.

8) When you’re writing is frustrating you, what do you do to blow off steam?

My writing is my hobby, so I covet the minutes during which I’m privileged to do it. However, I also like to spend time with family and friends, read, swim...

9) With so many other things to do in life, why write?

I enjoy it. From start to finish.

10) When you finish a story, who is the first person you’d want to show it to?

My critique partners.

Then Acebelle tagged me with these questions:

1) Do you ever hand write your stories? Why or why not?

I often handwrite story ideas, but when it comes to the nitty gritty the computer wins out. The invention of word processing was revolutionary.

2) What age group do you write for?

Adult, but I have ideas for picture books.

3) Do you write better with or without deadlines? 

I hesitate to say better, but I’m more prolific with a deadline.

4) What do you struggle most with as a writer? 

Mild processing, atypical brain issues. But this also gifts me an atypical–and I’m told, interesting–perspective. For every cloud, there’s a silver lining.

5) Do you make soundtracks for each story?

No. But I do have one of those brains where if you say three words in a set of lyrics, the song will automatically roll in my head.

6) What is your favorite character you’ve written?

Two were particularly fun to write: Caleb Noh and Shay Jefferson, not that this will mean anything to anyone but my betas and critique partners as of this moment, September 2017.

7) What things (scenes/topics/character types) are you most comfortable writing?

Anything I’m thoroughly familiar with through life experience.

8) Unpopular writing thoughts/opinions?

I’m not sure I understand this question. As far as what I’ve written, I’ve had critics take issue with one main character because she is financially well off but still unhappy.

9) Do you prefer first or third person?

Third

10) Who do you write for?

Me, first. If I don’t find it interesting and entertaining, I don’t see how anyone else will.

I invite any writer who follows me to answer the following:

1. Where are you on your journey as a writer? Beginning, completed your first book, published for the first or fifth time?

2.  What resources have you used on your journey so far? Education, research, tools, people, innate skills, marketing?

3. What resource do you recommend to all your writer friends?

4.  Where have you struggled or still struggle in getting where you want to go with your writing?

5. What has been the most important thing you’ve learned?

To: stmartinspress, dkwliteraryagency, rosettabooks, newleafliterary or any other publishing house or literary agency that might run up on this post.

1. Could you favor the writerblr community with any advice on getting published or perpetuating an established writing career?

2. Is there anything about today’s writing climate or trends that writers should know more about?