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/