Happy October Friends,
I know I've been a real slug about posting in my blog. My friend tagged me in a Blog-Tag and I thought I'd give it a whirl. I was tagged by Sandy. I admire so many things about Sandy. First, she's very knowledgeable about art. I've been wanting to get into painting for so many years, but it wasn't until one of our visits with Sandy that I actually made the plunge and started painting. Whenever I want an honest opinion about my work, whether it be writing or painting, I go to Sandy. Then I have to pull up my big girl panties and get to work. She catches things that I wouldn't have thought about and I'd like to think that I'm a better artist and writer because of it.
Sandy also motivates me to be more of a minimalist and less of a hoarder. Now, this is hard to do with my lifestyle being what it is. I don't want to get rid of anything I may need in the future. So, I have to honestly sit down and decide--"Is this essential for my lifestyle or will it just get in the way?"
Anyway, if you get a chance to visit her blog, I think you would enjoy it.
http://hoardercomesclean.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/blog-tag-focus-on-writing/
So, here it goes:
1. What are you working on right now?
I am editing Robert's how-to book about home protection with weapons and non-weapons and expect to get this up in the next few weeks. I am also working on an apocalyptic-style survival story about a Mormon girl. This is mostly done, but needs heavy amounts of tweaking, layers and editing.
2. How does it differ from other works in its genre?
I believe the subject matter in itself is different. I feel a lot of adventure, apocalyptic stories published are graphic to the point of being grotesque. Mostly, I would like to think this story will help readers gain enough courage to face their own challenges.
3. What experiences have influenced you?
I was raised in Alaska back when it wasn't as commercialized and a major tourist destination. It was there that we experienced the fragility of life surrounded by the majesty of nature. I have an unquenchable longing for the serenity of the woods and for this reason, I will never feel "at home" in the city.
4. Why do you write what you do?
I keep a blog for friends, family and those who wish to take the plunge into a homesteading lifestyle, but haven't yet. This isn't an easy way to live, but it has its rewards. When I write novels, I try to write the book I want to read, tell the story I want to hear.
5. How does your writing process work?
I don't spend as much time writing as I should because I'm still finishing my college degree and spend hours upon hours studying. When I do write, I usually push through a first draft as fast as I can and then I go back through and layer in details. This process can take months.
6. What is the hardest part about writing?
Just finding the time. There are so many projects that I need to accomplish in a day.
7. What would you like to try as a writer that you haven't yet?
Probably, a historical time travel. I love time travel stories if they are done right.
8. Who are the authors you most admire?
I read a hodge-podge of books from nonfiction, history-based memoirs, fantasy, mysteries, thrillers and romance, young adult to adult and everything in between. I'll usually give an author at least three chapters and if I find their characters too over the top, whiny, weirdly hostile and brash and the story doesn't move me--I stop.
I admire different authors for various reasons. Sue Grafton has the ability to make me laugh and engage my interest from beginning to end with her masterful plotting. Philip Pullman builds interesting worlds that inspire my imagination. Jude Deveraux portrays likeable, everyday characters in her historical romances that if they were real people, I would probably enjoy being their side-kick. If it's a good story, I read it. The last set of books I couldn't seem to put down was the Hunger Games series. I'd heard it was good and it took quite a bit of coaxing for me to start reading, because I didn't like the idea of a sporting event that killed children, but once I started, I was drawn into that world and that was it.
9. What scares you?
Living an unfulfilling, low-quality life.
I'm passing this Blog-tag onto one of my favorite writers--and I know you're gonna love her too. I knew her when she was a tiny sprite and this girl is going places. She's extremely accomplished--Check her out:
http://mjaderivera.blogspot.com/
