A Writer’s Life Blog Tag

My good friend Heather@Sometimes I’m A Story tagged me for the ‘A Writer’s Life’ Blog Tag. Many thanks to you Heather. And, since I am indeed a writer and this is indeed a writing blog and occasionally I like to share things about myself, I decided it might be fun to do the tag and let you all know more about me personally as a writer. So, without further ado, let’s get right into the questions and answers.

What Kind of Writer Are You?

An introverted crazy one! I’m the sort of person who is addicted to challenges like NaNoWriMo (also making them infinitely harder for myself, because that’s how I roll). And I would much rather stay home and wrestle with fictional characters than socialise. Characters are people too! I’m also a writer who likes writing sci-fi, fantasy, and thrillers (though don’t ask to read the thrillers. I like writing them. It doesn’t mean to say I’m any good at them). All round, your average weird writer.

When Did You Start Writing? What Made You Want To Give It A Go?

It’s a bit cliché, but I can’t remember how long I’ve been writing and making up stories, it’s been that long. I also frequently maxed out my library card, and tried to turn our bookshelves at home into a family lending library with plastic covers library cards and everything. But I started writing novels when I was 13/14, when I started inventing a character whose bio turned into a full blown novel. Which was terrible, and shall never see the light of day, but taught me how much I adored writing.

What Inspires Your Stories?

Lots of things. Random conversations. Other books. Going to the movies. Random facts. My own brain being weird late at night. Long walks with the dog. Staring at a blank wall for five hours. My stories gather inspiration from some odd places.

What Themes Do You Like To Explore In Your Stories?

I like exploring themes about families and sibling relationships. Even when there aren’t actually any families in the book. Also I like exploring the idea that the hero doesn’t have to be a specially chosen little snowflake, but that anyone can be the hero if they have the courage.

Are You A Panster, A Plotter, Or a Bit Of Both?

In my heart I am a full blown pantser extreme. As my family can attest, I frequently start writing with no idea what’s going on, and end up with something that resembles a book. This could also be why my editing process takes. So. Long. I am currently attempting to be a more organised writer and plan some things before I start writing, but jury’s still out on how well that is going.

Where Are You In Your Journey? Querying, Agented, Published?

Editing. Forever…

Have You Ever Entered Any Writing Contests? Finaled? Won?

No, I’ve never tried any contests. Mostly because I’m never happy enough with my writing to even think about entering anything. Also I can’t write short stories to save myself, so between awful short stories and never finished novels, I don’t have anything to submit.

Who Are Your Writer Heroes?

For published writers, I am in awe of writers such as Marissa Meyer, Maggie Stiefvater, Derek Landy, and Rick Riordan. I am also huge fans of the amazing bloggers and writers Cait@Paper Fury and Heather@Sometimes I’mA Story, who are just all roundly awesome.

Have You Ever Been To A Writers’ Conference? Share Your Best/Worse Conference Experience

Alas, no conference experiences over here. Instead I stalk other people’s experiences, hide out in my writer’s cave, and plan to take over the bestsellers list. One day though, I’ll be a real writer and attend one…

Top 3 Tips You’d Give To Newbie Writers

Ooh, tips. I can do these.

1)Your first book is going to be bad. So are all your first drafts, forever and always. Everyone’s are. Don’t expect things to come out right the first time. Most of writing is rewriting, over and over and over, anyway. It’s the same for everyone. You’re not alone.

2) Don’t compare your writing to anyone else’s, especially to the books of published authors. Everyone’s at a different point in their journey. Everyone writes differently. Comparison does nothing but get you down. Concentrate on making your writing the best you can rather than working out all the ways other people’s is better. It’s a lot more productive.

3) Write what you love. There’s no pointing in writing if you don’t love what you’re doing. Writing a book is a long enough, hard enough process without forcing yourself to work on something you don’t enjoy. If you love what you’re doing, no amount of time you spend on it will be time wasted.

Bonus) (because I’m sneaky like that) Surround yourself with people who will cheer you on, celebrate your achievements, commiserate your misery, and who believe in what you do. These people are the most valuable addition to your writing process. Trust me.

And there you have it, a bit more than you ever wanted to know about me as a writer. Now it's your turn! Share your answer to one of these questions in the comments!