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!
I started writing about 16 months ago. I started blogging about 12 months ago. It's been an interesting and enlightening experience.
Sure, I wish I had a bit more time in my day, and it would be nice to feel less rushed through the blogging experience, but I feel like if I had 15 more minutes, I wouldn't spend them on a blog.
I started writing when I was in the 7th grade. It's kind of a strange story, actually–I always loved books, and wished that I could be an author, too, but I didn't think I had the creativity or the ability to fill a page with words. Then, one day, I saw my older brother writing something. A chapter. I don't think it ever turned into a book–but I always remember that day. Because I figured, if he could do it, so could I.
And then I started.
I can't remember a time when I didn't write–poetry, short pieces, epic lyical poems that my girlfriends and I made into songs. But as for writing a serious novel, that started in the late 70's, I wanted to cash in on the romance novel money wave. Needless to say, I'm still surfing but not beaching any dollars!
Oh, you mentioned Hawass in a post or two back… I got lucky and heard him speak in Lake Tahoe. Very interesting man, he has found a lot of cool stuff including King Tut's little mummified, ahem… I think I would be sensored if I wrote it, but I think everyone gets the picture. *smile*
When I'm wearing my lazy writer hat, I tend to blog more and write (really *write*) less. I like interacting directly with the blog "authors" and feeling that connection.
Alaska has got to be a crazy cool place to live. Almost as crazy as Las Vegas (my home town).
I wrote a story about my cat in first grade and stood up in front of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade classes to read to everyone. Good times.
I don't really outline, although when I get toward the end, I sometimes lay out the final bullets of stuff I want to include. I wish that I did outline–but I have this fear that if I know where I'm going, I won't have any drive to keep moving forward.
Where did you go when you moved away twice?
I started writing YA about six or seven years ago but really started devoting more time to it 2 1/2 years ago. I've always done some type of writing. Poetry in college, some bad short stories after that, then some nonfiction.
Thanks for sharing. I haven't outlined in the past, but I'm planning on it for my next project.
Just wanted to let you know I have an award for you over at my blog. If your blog is award free or you choose not to participate, no worries – just my way of saying I enjoy your blog!
I'm so glad you're doing the FAQ — it's a lot of fun to read! Not to jump on the bandwagon, but I also left you a blog award on my site.
http://thisisnotnotmydayjob.blogspot.com/2010/01/over-top-blog-award.html
Great answers 🙂
I'd love to have more time for blogging! I've a crazy busy life too and there are so many great blogs to visit!
Time! I want more of it!!! Days like today I wish I could spend my morning catching up with blogs, but I really can't, not if I want to get any writing or editing done. It's a trade off. I love the writing community, but I can't honestly consider myself part of it if I don't write!
I can't remember when I started writing. I got serious about it a few years ago, but it's difficult (as you know) juggling it with a teaching career and a family. 🙂
Aw I missed out on asking you questions! Maybe next time 🙂 I started writing a long time ago and I'm not sure exactly when, but my first "novel" was finished when I was 8 or 9. I have OCD and need to outline everything before I start, but it usually helps me. I do wish I had more time for blogging or just writing in general! Work? Cleaning? Calling my mother? Pffft! Secondary priorities… 😉
I've said it before and I'll say it again; I can't imagine starting to write without an outline. With mysteries, you've got to be able to drop clues and that would be impossible for me if I didn't know where I was going.
Outline rarely, but I wish I had more time (though I'm not sure I'd devote that to the blogging part :)… you do a nice job, Stephanie.
I starting writing for Faithwriters in 2007, and began pursuing novel writing last year. Blogging is my safe haven, and I relish every minute of it!
We started writing 18 months ago. I honestly can't remember what we did before!
And LOVE the new look of the blog. So pretty.
The first story I wrote (and seriously submitted) was about the death of my husband's gandmother and my grandmother's funeral. I combined them into one story. I had some good rejections, but alas it's still unpublished. I should revisit the ms and make some improvements. I wrote it four years ago.
This is my first visit to your blog. Nice post. Sorry your family told you to write happy things. I think stories that evoke emotion are good for the readers. It helps them heal when they have a need to get through something. I read ALL THE NUMBERS after a friend of mine died. I was at a writer's conference, away from all the people I was supposed to be strong for. I cried every night, it was so good for me. It helped me get through a sad period in my life.
Thanks for answering my question!
now we know so much about you. 🙂 🙂 <3