This is a post that is tough for me to write. It might sound mean. It might sound cruel. It might sound selfish. But I'm going to write it anyway because it has gripped me around the throat for far too long, and I am done suffocating. I am ready to breathe again.
This post is about friendships. A certain type of friendship. A friendship that hurts you. And you might not even realize it. This post is probably going to end up being partially a rant and partially a plea and I'll probably throw some advice in there too.
This year has been a tough year for me, as far as friendships go. My friends mean the world to me, and sometimes it feels like they mean more to me than my family does (that isn't how it's supposed to be, but that's life people). So when I lose friends, or my friendships change, it's pretty hard on me.
Now, I already wrote earlier this year about losing a best friend (you can read that here). While that is very painful, the friendship I'm going to talk about today causes a pain that is not readily apparent.
I call this the suffocating friendship.
I recently realized after a get together with friends that I didn't have fun. Mind you, this wasn't the first time. The problem was, the previous times I had thought that there was something off inside me that was preventing me from having a good time. Being as emotional as I am, it is pretty common that the not having fun factor is myself, but I finally realized that this was not the case.
This is the first example of a suffocating friendship. When you can only sit and listen to a conversation that doesn't include you, it's not fun. Now, I'm not saying that you should never tolerate conversations that don't include you. It's going to happen, and everyone does is guilty of it. I've done it. The difference is when the people continue to do it time after time, and it becomes apparent that they don't care that they are excluding others (you).
Now, why do I call this suffocating? Well, shortly after the aforementioned get together, I went out with some different friends. And I came away from that get together feeling good. Feeling happy. I giggled and messed around and enjoyed myself. I felt like I was there for my friends, and they were there for me. It felt like a breath of fresh air.
The second example of a suffocating friendship comes from a series of conversations I had with a friend. I was staying up late and talking about their problems, and waking up tired the next day. I love being there for my friends emotionally, and it's very hard for me to turn people down. However, this friendship felt very one-sided because whenever I would talk to this friend about my problems, their response was never in-depth, sacrificial, or helpful. *Just a side note: sometimes friends have different needs when they're going through tough times and that should be something friends should learn about each other* I felt drained, and I wasn't being filled back up.
The contrast is an email conversation I had with a different friend where one of us started out talking through our problems, and that opened us up into exploring similarities in our struggles and we went back and forth discussing them and offering encouragement. It helped.
The third example developed over multiple instances, but eventually it came to a head as I realized just how tired it was making me. I was the one making the effort, initiating conversations, planning things, making them happen, and trying to think of things to say. And I was tired. I was so tired. I stopped making an effort. The friend didn't make an effort. But you know what? I've learned to be okay with that.
Thank you to all the friends who text me first, say you miss me, plan get togethers and make an effort. I appreciate it more than you know.
As I think about what I've written, I am afraid that this is completely selfish. I am afraid that I overreacted in every one of the situations I described. I am afraid that is wrong to stop making an effort. But I tell that voice to be quiet. Because while friendships are hard, and they require work, and sacrifice, and time, and effort, they are a two-way relationship. If you are:
1. Not having a good time when you hang out with this friend,
2. Are being excluded for sustained periods of time by this friend,
3. Are giving of yourself and receiving nothing in return,
4. Are feeling drained from making a constant effort to maintain the friendship,
please prayerfully consider extricating yourself from this relationship. It is not selfish to take a stand against something that is hurting your emotional and mental health. Is it going to hurt? Yes. Are you going to want to blame yourself? Maybe. Will you feel guilty? Possibly. Is it the healthy thing to do? Yes.
This was not an easy post to write, but it needed to be written. I hope this helps.
~Clarissa
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Saturday, September 2, 2017
The Courtship Book Tag
I stole this tag from my friend Brittany's blog because it looked really cool and it'll give you some insight into what kind of books I love and the writing styles I like. I also find the set up an interesting analogy. Here goes.
Initial Attraction (a book you bought because of the cover): Jane Eyre. I had already read this book when I bought this edition, but I was looking for a copy to buy and I chose this one because of the pretty cover.
First Impressions (a book you got because of the summary): The One Memory of Flora Banks. I haven't read this book yet, but I want to read it because of the synopsis.
Sweet Talk (a book with great writing): The Book Thief. This book has amazing writing. It's so poetic and full of imagery with a healthy dose of sarcasm and dry humor. Plus it's narrated by Death.
First Date (the first book of a series which made you want to pursue the rest of the series): The Final Empire - Mistborn #1. Brandon Sanderson is a fantastic (seriously) writer and Vin remains one of my top two favorite characters of his. She's so awesome. And so is Kelsier. It's just an awesome book and an awesome series.
Late Night Phone Calls (a book that kept you up all night long): The Lunar Chronicles: Winter. Because I just had to get to the climax and see how everything turned out!!!!! It's the last book in the series after all.
Always on My Mind (a book you could not stop thinking about): Ender's Game. I remember being in awe that Orson Scott Card could create a character like Ender that was so incredibly complex and wise and knowledgeable. This book also has so many nuggets for thought about pain and love and war.
Getting Physical (a book in which you love the way it feels): The Revenge of the Sith. I like it because it's small and I can hold it and palm it easily. It's a paperback and it's bendy and worn and highlighted and loved because it's one of the best books ever. It really should go as an answer for Sweet Talk along with The Book Thief because Matthew Stover's writing is freaking amazing. This book is the only one I've highlighted and dogeared and it grabs my heart every time I read it even though I've read it like fifteen times.
Meeting the Parents (a book you would recommend to your friends and family): The Bronze Bow. It's suitable for pretty much any age, and it's such a beautiful story of forgiveness set in the time of Jesus.
Thinking about the Future (a book you know you'll re-read many times in the future): Anne of Green Gables series. Especially Anne of the Island and Rilla of Ingleside. This is in addition to the ones that I already mentioned that I've read more than once.
Thank you guys so much for reading! And thanks for the tag Brittany!
~Clarissa
First Impressions (a book you got because of the summary): The One Memory of Flora Banks. I haven't read this book yet, but I want to read it because of the synopsis.
Sweet Talk (a book with great writing): The Book Thief. This book has amazing writing. It's so poetic and full of imagery with a healthy dose of sarcasm and dry humor. Plus it's narrated by Death.
First Date (the first book of a series which made you want to pursue the rest of the series): The Final Empire - Mistborn #1. Brandon Sanderson is a fantastic (seriously) writer and Vin remains one of my top two favorite characters of his. She's so awesome. And so is Kelsier. It's just an awesome book and an awesome series.
Late Night Phone Calls (a book that kept you up all night long): The Lunar Chronicles: Winter. Because I just had to get to the climax and see how everything turned out!!!!! It's the last book in the series after all.
Always on My Mind (a book you could not stop thinking about): Ender's Game. I remember being in awe that Orson Scott Card could create a character like Ender that was so incredibly complex and wise and knowledgeable. This book also has so many nuggets for thought about pain and love and war.
Getting Physical (a book in which you love the way it feels): The Revenge of the Sith. I like it because it's small and I can hold it and palm it easily. It's a paperback and it's bendy and worn and highlighted and loved because it's one of the best books ever. It really should go as an answer for Sweet Talk along with The Book Thief because Matthew Stover's writing is freaking amazing. This book is the only one I've highlighted and dogeared and it grabs my heart every time I read it even though I've read it like fifteen times.
Meeting the Parents (a book you would recommend to your friends and family): The Bronze Bow. It's suitable for pretty much any age, and it's such a beautiful story of forgiveness set in the time of Jesus.
Thinking about the Future (a book you know you'll re-read many times in the future): Anne of Green Gables series. Especially Anne of the Island and Rilla of Ingleside. This is in addition to the ones that I already mentioned that I've read more than once.
Thank you guys so much for reading! And thanks for the tag Brittany!
~Clarissa
Monday, August 21, 2017
My Plot Bunnies
If you're a writer, you're probably no stranger to the phenomenon called "the plot bunny." Most writers have a love/hate relationship with plot bunnies. They're often wonderful, fascinating ideas that grab you and demand your attention. And a lot of the time, they seem much more interesting than your current WIP.
When I was younger, I had a lot of beginnings of novels lying around that I started and never finished. As I got older, I've learned to write the idea down but suppress its tug on me to continue working on my current project. My thinking is, if it's a novel worth writing, the magic will still be there when you pick it up again. Plot bunnies may seem irresistible, but if you want to finish anything, resist them! Unless you're a superhuman writer who can work on multiple projects at once and still finish them. AKA not really me or any of my writer friends.
But nevertheless, we love our plot bunnies, and today I thought I would show you some of mine! I hope you enjoy :)
Title: Mutata Bellator
Genre: Science Fiction
Word Count: 1,200
Summary: War. It has been around since the beginning of time. Each time, weapons have become more and more technologically advanced. Until one army decided to go back to the roots of warfare: mankind. Maisie and Jack are part of Project Bellator, which has given them abilities that make them super soldiers. But when Jack discovers they are to be terminated, he and Maisie must escape. On the run in a world that does not accept them, it seems impossible that they will ever find the one thing they've always wanted: peace.
Title: Chance Encounter
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 1,690
Summary: I don't have a synopsis right now that would do it justice.
Title: Hidden Hearts
Genre: Fantasy
Word Count: Undetermined
Summary: Alendil is a beautiful woman. And a deadly warrior. She has no time for love, for she fights to keep her people safe like her father could not do when she was five years old. Now she buries the dark memories in battle. Rodin has everything he could want: a doting family, the glory of a handsome warrior, and the promise of one day becoming king. But one thing stays out of his reach: the heart of the woman he loves. When Rodin's beloved younger sister is taken captive by warriors with a connection to Alendil's past, the two set out to find them. Could it be that this journey might uncover their hidden hearts?
I hope you guys enjoyed this post! I hope to make each of these plot bunnies into novels someday.
~Clarissa
When I was younger, I had a lot of beginnings of novels lying around that I started and never finished. As I got older, I've learned to write the idea down but suppress its tug on me to continue working on my current project. My thinking is, if it's a novel worth writing, the magic will still be there when you pick it up again. Plot bunnies may seem irresistible, but if you want to finish anything, resist them! Unless you're a superhuman writer who can work on multiple projects at once and still finish them. AKA not really me or any of my writer friends.
But nevertheless, we love our plot bunnies, and today I thought I would show you some of mine! I hope you enjoy :)
Genre: Science Fiction
Word Count: 1,200
Summary: War. It has been around since the beginning of time. Each time, weapons have become more and more technologically advanced. Until one army decided to go back to the roots of warfare: mankind. Maisie and Jack are part of Project Bellator, which has given them abilities that make them super soldiers. But when Jack discovers they are to be terminated, he and Maisie must escape. On the run in a world that does not accept them, it seems impossible that they will ever find the one thing they've always wanted: peace.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 1,690
Summary: I don't have a synopsis right now that would do it justice.
Genre: Fantasy
Word Count: Undetermined
Summary: Alendil is a beautiful woman. And a deadly warrior. She has no time for love, for she fights to keep her people safe like her father could not do when she was five years old. Now she buries the dark memories in battle. Rodin has everything he could want: a doting family, the glory of a handsome warrior, and the promise of one day becoming king. But one thing stays out of his reach: the heart of the woman he loves. When Rodin's beloved younger sister is taken captive by warriors with a connection to Alendil's past, the two set out to find them. Could it be that this journey might uncover their hidden hearts?
I hope you guys enjoyed this post! I hope to make each of these plot bunnies into novels someday.
~Clarissa
Friday, August 11, 2017
"Caged"
Hi guys. Here I am again, having not posted in awhile. My excuse is that I've been pretty exhausted lately. Anyway, I thought that I would share another one of my poems with you. If you don't like depressing things, I would suggest not reading this.
This poem is called "Caged" and it was captured because of a moment, but I think it also sums up how I have felt throughout my life. I have often felt trapped, like I cannot be myself, or I have no choice. It is very hard feeling like you are in a cage, and there is no key or even lock. It is simply something you cannot break free of.
One of the things that I've tried to learn is to appreciate even the small moments of freedom. I have also tried to learn how to be free within my cage, which is a rather contradictory sentence. However, it is possible. But this poem doesn't speak of that. It speaks of the most helpless moments in my life. Maybe later I can write a more hopeful poem. But right now, this is me.
This poem is called "Caged" and it was captured because of a moment, but I think it also sums up how I have felt throughout my life. I have often felt trapped, like I cannot be myself, or I have no choice. It is very hard feeling like you are in a cage, and there is no key or even lock. It is simply something you cannot break free of.
One of the things that I've tried to learn is to appreciate even the small moments of freedom. I have also tried to learn how to be free within my cage, which is a rather contradictory sentence. However, it is possible. But this poem doesn't speak of that. It speaks of the most helpless moments in my life. Maybe later I can write a more hopeful poem. But right now, this is me.
"Caged"
Deeper and deeper
Into the floor I sink
Chains no longer strain
In freedom desperation
I lay my head down
Submission finds my soul
Through my walls tears slip
Overwhelming helplessness holds them
Suffocating and drowning
My mind and soul hide
Bars hold everything in
Longing to be outside
Powerless to resist
Rules set long ago
Determine my fate
I am caged
~Clarissa
Monday, July 24, 2017
Identity: Who We Are
Identity. A place to belong. Somewhere to fit in. A definition of who you are. Some people spend their whole lives trying to find it.
Identity is usually a label. Jock. Gamer. Nerd. Dancer. Musician. Writer.
Writer is what I used to identify myself as. I would use it to explain my character traits. I would use it as an excuse for behavior others found weird. I would use it as a way in socially. I used it to identify myself.
I thought that if I found other writers, I would find my place to belong. I sought out other writers because I thought, if I find other writers, I will be understood. I'll make an automatic friend!
And then, as I began to meet more writers, I realized something. Writers are a very diverse group of people. We come from different backgrounds. We have different beliefs. We have different personalities. We just happen to have one thing in common: a passion for characters, plot outlines, Pinterest, a fresh twist to an old story......you get the idea. We're all writers, but that's not who we are. I'm not going to end up friends with someone simply because they're a writer.
There are many Christian articles about this topic, but I'm not quite sure they say what they mean to. They all say the same thing. And I'm sure we've gotten the advice from at least one friend: find your identity in Christ. But what does that actually mean? Does that mean my new identity (label) is Christian?
Throughout high school, most people go on an often difficult journey of discovering who they are. I know I did. Once I found out who I was, I gained confidence. (If you want to read my post on confidence, it's here). And the key to having confidence is loving yourself.
And that, my friends, is the answer to the identity question.
Your identity is you. It is as simple and complex as that.
In a way, those articles are correct. Your identity is in Christ because the most important part of you is that you are a child of God. In a way, your label may be correct. I am a writer. But there is so much more to you than that. You are a grand, amazing, beautiful, tangle of you.
Identity is a funny thing. If I say that my identity is a writer, but you take everything else of me away, I would no longer be me. On the other hand, if you took that writer part of me away, I would also no longer be me.
There is nothing wrong with finding people who have the same passions as you and surrounding yourself with them. Just don't be afraid to be friends with people who don't share that passion. There is also nothing wrong with identifying with a certain label or personality type or genre or anything. But you can't let it define you.
People often use identity as a way to hide their insecurity about themselves. Ashamed of knowing so much about Star Wars, people will laugh it off and be like, oh yeah I'm a nerd. That hides the fact that they feel embarrassed about this particular part of themselves. Embrace yourself, your whole self.
No one fits in a box. No one can truly color inside the lines. No one completely fits a label. No two people have the same identity. You are you.
~Clarissa
Identity is usually a label. Jock. Gamer. Nerd. Dancer. Musician. Writer.
Writer is what I used to identify myself as. I would use it to explain my character traits. I would use it as an excuse for behavior others found weird. I would use it as a way in socially. I used it to identify myself.
I thought that if I found other writers, I would find my place to belong. I sought out other writers because I thought, if I find other writers, I will be understood. I'll make an automatic friend!
And then, as I began to meet more writers, I realized something. Writers are a very diverse group of people. We come from different backgrounds. We have different beliefs. We have different personalities. We just happen to have one thing in common: a passion for characters, plot outlines, Pinterest, a fresh twist to an old story......you get the idea. We're all writers, but that's not who we are. I'm not going to end up friends with someone simply because they're a writer.
There are many Christian articles about this topic, but I'm not quite sure they say what they mean to. They all say the same thing. And I'm sure we've gotten the advice from at least one friend: find your identity in Christ. But what does that actually mean? Does that mean my new identity (label) is Christian?
Throughout high school, most people go on an often difficult journey of discovering who they are. I know I did. Once I found out who I was, I gained confidence. (If you want to read my post on confidence, it's here). And the key to having confidence is loving yourself.
And that, my friends, is the answer to the identity question.
Your identity is you. It is as simple and complex as that.
In a way, those articles are correct. Your identity is in Christ because the most important part of you is that you are a child of God. In a way, your label may be correct. I am a writer. But there is so much more to you than that. You are a grand, amazing, beautiful, tangle of you.
Identity is a funny thing. If I say that my identity is a writer, but you take everything else of me away, I would no longer be me. On the other hand, if you took that writer part of me away, I would also no longer be me.
There is nothing wrong with finding people who have the same passions as you and surrounding yourself with them. Just don't be afraid to be friends with people who don't share that passion. There is also nothing wrong with identifying with a certain label or personality type or genre or anything. But you can't let it define you.
People often use identity as a way to hide their insecurity about themselves. Ashamed of knowing so much about Star Wars, people will laugh it off and be like, oh yeah I'm a nerd. That hides the fact that they feel embarrassed about this particular part of themselves. Embrace yourself, your whole self.
No one fits in a box. No one can truly color inside the lines. No one completely fits a label. No two people have the same identity. You are you.
~Clarissa
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Fiction Q and A
I did a Q and A about writing related things, but this Q and A is more about reading, movies, and the like. I hope you guys enjoy!
1. Who is your current book crush?
WOLF!!!! He's from Marissa Meyer's series The Lunar Chronicles. Fantastic series. I highly recommend it. It's four fairy tale retellings (Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White) that are all woven together in the most amazing way.
2. Who would you rather hang out with for a day: Lila, Kent, Jacob, or Alya?
For those of you who don't know, those are the main characters from my book Shadows. I would probably say Alya. She's super bubbly and fun.
3. What was the last fandom you fell into?
I've recently come to love Agents of Shield, but I wouldn't say I'm quite in the fandom. Therefore the answer is probably The Lunar Chronicles or Brandon Sanderson. Not sure which came first.
4. What is your biggest reading pet peeve?
Umm.....not sure how to answer this one. Regarding story pet peeves, I hate lack of character development. HATE IT.
5. Bookmarks or turning down the edge of the page?
Bookmarks. If you can call the hold slips from the library bookmarks.
6. Hardcover or paperback?
Paperback. Exception is some older books or for some reason, I really wanted The Lunar Chronicles hardcover, so I bought the whole series that way.
7. Would you rather be forced to read a book that doesn't have a sequel and never will or a book that doesn't need a sequel but has one?
The latter, most definitely.
8. Thomas, Newt, or Minho?
I haven't read the books in awhile, but.....Thomas? I really liked Minho's sarcasm, and Newt was great too. But I guess Thomas.
9. If Hufflepuff didn't exist, which Hogwarts House would you be in?
Considering that I haven't read Harry Potter, I have no idea haha.
10. What three books would you take with you on a trip to Mars to help you pass the time?
Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson.
11. Where in Middle Earth would you like to visit?
I guess either Rivendale or The Shire.
12. If you could only read three books for the rest of your life, what would they be?
THAT'S TOO HARD.
13. What is your favorite movie you've seen this year?
Oh gosh. Conspiracy Theory was really good, as was Gladiator. Young Victoria was also a favorite.
14. Have you ever fallen in love or hated one of your own characters?
I don't think I've hated any of my characters. I have fallen in love with Esterlyn and Hanilov, the protagonists from The Blood Oath.
15. Which fictional place would you like to visit?
Narnia!!!
~Clarissa
1. Who is your current book crush?
WOLF!!!! He's from Marissa Meyer's series The Lunar Chronicles. Fantastic series. I highly recommend it. It's four fairy tale retellings (Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White) that are all woven together in the most amazing way.
2. Who would you rather hang out with for a day: Lila, Kent, Jacob, or Alya?
For those of you who don't know, those are the main characters from my book Shadows. I would probably say Alya. She's super bubbly and fun.
3. What was the last fandom you fell into?
I've recently come to love Agents of Shield, but I wouldn't say I'm quite in the fandom. Therefore the answer is probably The Lunar Chronicles or Brandon Sanderson. Not sure which came first.
4. What is your biggest reading pet peeve?
Umm.....not sure how to answer this one. Regarding story pet peeves, I hate lack of character development. HATE IT.
5. Bookmarks or turning down the edge of the page?
Bookmarks. If you can call the hold slips from the library bookmarks.
6. Hardcover or paperback?
Paperback. Exception is some older books or for some reason, I really wanted The Lunar Chronicles hardcover, so I bought the whole series that way.
7. Would you rather be forced to read a book that doesn't have a sequel and never will or a book that doesn't need a sequel but has one?
The latter, most definitely.
8. Thomas, Newt, or Minho?
I haven't read the books in awhile, but.....Thomas? I really liked Minho's sarcasm, and Newt was great too. But I guess Thomas.
9. If Hufflepuff didn't exist, which Hogwarts House would you be in?
Considering that I haven't read Harry Potter, I have no idea haha.
10. What three books would you take with you on a trip to Mars to help you pass the time?
Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson.
11. Where in Middle Earth would you like to visit?
I guess either Rivendale or The Shire.
12. If you could only read three books for the rest of your life, what would they be?
THAT'S TOO HARD.
13. What is your favorite movie you've seen this year?
Oh gosh. Conspiracy Theory was really good, as was Gladiator. Young Victoria was also a favorite.
14. Have you ever fallen in love or hated one of your own characters?
I don't think I've hated any of my characters. I have fallen in love with Esterlyn and Hanilov, the protagonists from The Blood Oath.
15. Which fictional place would you like to visit?
Narnia!!!
~Clarissa
Monday, July 17, 2017
Writing Q and A
Since I haven't posted in awhile, I asked my friends to give me questions to answer for a blog post. These are only the questions that had to do with writing. There will be more posts with more questions answered. Hopefully you get to learn a little more about me through these ten questions. Enjoy!
1. What are your ideal qualities in a villain?
I was actually startled by this one, and I had to think about it for awhile. I would say the most important quality in a villain is motivation. There has to be a believable reason for why they see the world in the twisted way that they do. I like villains that make you believe, even if just for a second, that they could be right. Villains should raise hard questions because most things aren't black and white in this world. I also think that villains should cause the protagonist to question themselves.
2. What was the first story idea you ever had?
If you want to go way way back, the first idea I had was about a girl who went to a "one person party." I dictated it to my mom when I was around four or five. But if you're talking about something a little more concrete, I think "Opposites" was. It came from a story I acted out with my dollhouse. Want the synopsis? Sure why not.....it'll be great to embarrass myself!
Leigh Ann and Charlotte have two very different lives. Leigh Ann is a lonely rich society girl. Charlotte is poor, but happy because of the close relationships she shares with her mother and brother. While her parents are away, Leigh Ann is allowed to see Charlotte. But when her parents come home, Leigh Ann has to keep her friendship with Charlotte secret. So as they can't visit Leigh Ann's house, she begins to see more of Charlotte's life. Leigh Ann soon comes to realizations that will change her perspectives, but can she find the courage to tell her parents before something terrible happens to Charlotte and her family?
I know, it sucks and it's cliche, but cut me some slack. I was like ten when I wrote that.
3. Which of your books has the most flail-worthy cover?
Well, considering that I haven't really thought at all about book covers, I'm going to say Shadows. Just because it's dark and mysterious and cool.
4. If you couldn't write your novels by hand, how would you cope?
I love writing my novels by hand. Don't ask me why, I just do. I have had to write on the computer only for NaNoWriMo because there was no way I had time to handwrite and then type on the computer. I guess I would cope by just getting used to it, but I would reaaaaaalllly miss my hand written manuscripts.
5. What is the hardest thing about writing for you?
I don't really know. Probably the fact that sometimes what is in my head simply WILL NOT translate onto the paper! Also I think that it's hard to love something this much and always have the thought in the back of your mind that it may not work out into anything for you.
6. What is your favorite thing about writing?
I can't even begin to express this answer in words. Falling in love with the characters, going on a journey with them, learning about yourself and who you are through writing, spilling out your heart into your story, wrestling with ideas and challenges through the plot, etc.
7. Do you listen to music when you write?
Not usually, which might seem kinda surprising. I have listened to music for certain scenes though, when I want the extra emotional kick. Usually that piece of music becomes associated with that scene. For example, Rue's Farewell (from Hunger Games) will always be connected with the last chapter of my completed novel.
8. When starting to write something new, do you think of the entire plot first or go in from the beginning and see where it takes you?
I normally have the ending in mind when I write a story and usually the general arc of the story, but I never know exactly what is going to happen. I let the characters take over. I'm mostly a pantser, so I don't use outlines very much.
9. What was the first official story that you wrote?
Lingering On was the first official book that I wrote. I think I started when I was around twelve or so, let it drop, and then picked it up back up (rewriting what I already had) when I was fourteen. It has since fallen by the wayside, but who knows, I may eventually complete it.
10. How was your writing style changed?
I can tell you that it has, but I'm not sure I can tell you exactly how. I think the most noticeable thing is that I'm not quite as dramatic and flowery as I used to be. And it just has become more mature as I've gotten older and written more.
Shout out to all the people who gave me these questions!
~Clarissa
1. What are your ideal qualities in a villain?
I was actually startled by this one, and I had to think about it for awhile. I would say the most important quality in a villain is motivation. There has to be a believable reason for why they see the world in the twisted way that they do. I like villains that make you believe, even if just for a second, that they could be right. Villains should raise hard questions because most things aren't black and white in this world. I also think that villains should cause the protagonist to question themselves.
2. What was the first story idea you ever had?
If you want to go way way back, the first idea I had was about a girl who went to a "one person party." I dictated it to my mom when I was around four or five. But if you're talking about something a little more concrete, I think "Opposites" was. It came from a story I acted out with my dollhouse. Want the synopsis? Sure why not.....it'll be great to embarrass myself!
Leigh Ann and Charlotte have two very different lives. Leigh Ann is a lonely rich society girl. Charlotte is poor, but happy because of the close relationships she shares with her mother and brother. While her parents are away, Leigh Ann is allowed to see Charlotte. But when her parents come home, Leigh Ann has to keep her friendship with Charlotte secret. So as they can't visit Leigh Ann's house, she begins to see more of Charlotte's life. Leigh Ann soon comes to realizations that will change her perspectives, but can she find the courage to tell her parents before something terrible happens to Charlotte and her family?
I know, it sucks and it's cliche, but cut me some slack. I was like ten when I wrote that.
3. Which of your books has the most flail-worthy cover?
Well, considering that I haven't really thought at all about book covers, I'm going to say Shadows. Just because it's dark and mysterious and cool.
4. If you couldn't write your novels by hand, how would you cope?
I love writing my novels by hand. Don't ask me why, I just do. I have had to write on the computer only for NaNoWriMo because there was no way I had time to handwrite and then type on the computer. I guess I would cope by just getting used to it, but I would reaaaaaalllly miss my hand written manuscripts.
5. What is the hardest thing about writing for you?
I don't really know. Probably the fact that sometimes what is in my head simply WILL NOT translate onto the paper! Also I think that it's hard to love something this much and always have the thought in the back of your mind that it may not work out into anything for you.
6. What is your favorite thing about writing?
I can't even begin to express this answer in words. Falling in love with the characters, going on a journey with them, learning about yourself and who you are through writing, spilling out your heart into your story, wrestling with ideas and challenges through the plot, etc.
7. Do you listen to music when you write?
Not usually, which might seem kinda surprising. I have listened to music for certain scenes though, when I want the extra emotional kick. Usually that piece of music becomes associated with that scene. For example, Rue's Farewell (from Hunger Games) will always be connected with the last chapter of my completed novel.
8. When starting to write something new, do you think of the entire plot first or go in from the beginning and see where it takes you?
I normally have the ending in mind when I write a story and usually the general arc of the story, but I never know exactly what is going to happen. I let the characters take over. I'm mostly a pantser, so I don't use outlines very much.
9. What was the first official story that you wrote?
Lingering On was the first official book that I wrote. I think I started when I was around twelve or so, let it drop, and then picked it up back up (rewriting what I already had) when I was fourteen. It has since fallen by the wayside, but who knows, I may eventually complete it.
10. How was your writing style changed?
I can tell you that it has, but I'm not sure I can tell you exactly how. I think the most noticeable thing is that I'm not quite as dramatic and flowery as I used to be. And it just has become more mature as I've gotten older and written more.
Shout out to all the people who gave me these questions!
~Clarissa
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