How's the Writing Going?

This post was stolen off of my friend's blog, and I thank her (she knows who she is). This post is supposed to be for NaNoWriMo, but since I'm not doing NaNo, it'll just be about my current novels. Oh yeah, you read that right. You get to hear about both of them.


     Overall, how's your mental state and how is your novel going?

Shadows: I'm rather frustrated that I am not writing this one very much, and also frustrated because I just want to get to the climax and I want things to happen and my characters to get what they want but so much stuff has to happen before I can write those things. UGH. So the novel isn't going great, because it's not exactly going right now. #busy

The Blood Oath: Still as much in love with this book as the day my friend and I started writing it. I am so excited to finish it, but I know I'm also going to be sad because you can never get back the experience of writing your first draft. But it's going pretty good. My friend and I write about once a week, and we usually write around 1,500 to 2,000 words a session.


     What's your first sentence (or paragraph)? 

Shadows: "I scream, and keep screaming as they drag Jacob away."

The Blood Oath: "Esterlyn's breath came hard and fast as her feet flew over the sand."

     Who's your current favorite character in your novel?

Shadows: Ugh, so hard to choose! But I guess I'm going to have to go with Kent. He's so quiet, and mysterious, and handsome, and deep. I love him so much.

The Blood Oath: Esterlyn. Duh. I mean Hanilov is great too, but Esterlyn is my sweet, fierce, passionate, beautiful, strong, vulnerable and amazing heroine.


     What do you love about your novel so far?

Shadows: I love writing in first person as Lila and getting into her messy tangle of a head that is very much like mine. I love writing those moments between her and someone else #spoilers I love the web of secrets and the plot twists that I'm building up to. I can't wait!!

The Blood Oath: I love #spoilers. I love writing it with my friend. I love #spoilers. Haha sorry, but I can't ruin anything!


     Have you made any hilarious typos?

Shadows: No, but I have written something else entirely different than what I wanted to because i was either listening to or thinking about something else.

The Blood Oath: oh my word yes. I was writing about a character and I meant to say they shifted but instead I wrote shited and I cracked up so hard!!! (that's the s word in Scotland).


     What's your favorite to write: beginning, middle, or end? Why?

The beginning because it's the start of a grand adventure. But also the end because you're finishing it (!!!) and that last sentence is just so indescribably amazing to write.


     What are your writing habits? Do you have a specific snack? Do you listen to music? What time of day do you write best?

I don't usually eat while I'm writing, but if I am, it's always bite sized stuff like skittles, chocolate chips, chips because I like to keep something in my mouth. I don't usually listen to music, but a lot of times I do for a "big scene" or if I feel particularly writerish and cozy. Ironically, I'm listening to music right now. As for a time of day, I feel like afternoon or evening.


     How private are you about your novel when you're writing it?

Not private at all. I have an email list that is sent my work chapter by chapter. The exception has been The Blood Oath because all that's been released from that is a synopsis and a teaser scene.


      What keeps you writing when it's hard?

The knowledge that this is what I'm meant to do, and that it's the only thing that's going to make me happy all the time. It's how I deal with life and I need it. It's how I'm going to bring the light that is so desperately needed in this world.


     Top 3 pieces of writing advice?

#1. Write what you're afraid of. Write about those things that nobody wants to write about. Write about your fears. Write about your wounds and your scars.

#2. Write when you are not inspired to. I once saw a quote that said "inspiration is for amateurs." Sound harsh? It's true. You must write when you don't want to or don't feel like it. It will make you a better writer, and I promise that 99% of the time, amazing things come when you push yourself. That other 1% of the time, just take the break. You must need it.

#3. Don't compare yourself to other writers. Only you can write like you. Sure, read things and gain insight and lessons from that writing, but don't put yourself down in the process.

~Clarissa