Today’s questions deal with writing and blogging.

Jenna Wallace (AKA Dreamstate) is dying to know, “You follow a zillion blogs. How do you have the time to get through them all and still post, teach, write and have a family? And have you always lived in Alaska?

I’ve lived in Alaska since I was four. I’ve moved away twice, but only managed to stay away for six months at the longest. There’s something about this place that I need- I’ve never found anywhere else I’d want to live.

As for the blogs- some days I’m better at following everyone than others. And I have no life. Nada.

Guinevere asked, “When did you start writing and why? Why did you start a blog?”

I remember filling notebooks with stories as far back as third grade. But then a family friend passed away and I wrote a story about a funeral. I read it to my dad and he told me I should only write happy stories. So I stopped writing. Funny how the most innocuous things can jostle you on the road of life, eh?

As for blogging, I started because I used to blog at another site called Panhistoria which is interactive writing, but I wanted to connect with more novel writers. I’m so glad I did- you guys rock!

And from V.S., “When you first wrote your novel did you outline the first draft or did you just write with no outline?

Since I write historical fiction, I outline the main events that need to happen throughout the novel. This kept me on track with HATSHEPSUT because there’s actually a fair bit of stuff she accomplished and I wanted to make sure I got it all in there. Most of the historical events serve as backdrops for the plot. I might be willing to read 20 pages about raising obelisks, but I don’t know anyone else who is.

For Book #2 I have a similar outline, but it’s a little sparse. I’ve gone back to 2500 B.C. so there’s just not as much in the historical record.

What about you? When did you start writing? Do you outline? Do you wish you had more time for blogging?

So many questions, so little time!