Connecting With the Bookish Community: Writers Tag

 

One of my favorite things about the writing and reading community is, well. . . the community! There are a lot of wonderful people that are creative, supportive, and really positive. I was tagged by two of these people — K.M. Allan and Lorraine Ambers to do the Writers Tag, so let’s hop in!

Here are the rules: 

• Post the Tag and Image on your blog
• Thank whoever nominated you and give a link back to their blog.
• Mention the creators of the award and link back to their blogs.
• Nominate 6+ deserving bloggers and notify your nominees by commenting on their blog

This tag was created by Lorraine Ambers and Ari Meghlen. Ready, set, go!

 

Name one novel that inspired you to write.

I don’t think there was just one! I was typing stories before I could handwrite anything. I didn’t know which direction to write my “e”s, but I did know how to type and I knew I wanted to tell stories. So really, every book I’ve ever read has inspired me.

What’s your favorite genre to write and read?

This is really specific, but I like writing YA contemporary fantasy. The real world with a touch of magic? I’m all there. I love reading it, too, but I’m a lot more broader when it comes to my reading tastes. I’ll pick up anything YA.

Do you prefer to write stand-alone or series?

Stand-alones! I don’t really like to read series (too much commitment!), so I would imagine I have no clue how to write them. Not only that, I don’t get ideas for series. When I get book ideas, the characters come to me for one story, and that’s all I have to tell.

Use 3 words to describe yourself.

Hufflepuff, optimistic, big-hearted

Reveal your WIP aesthetics or an image that represents your MC or setting.

I am currently revising (and looking for betas! see the end of this post for more info):

And currently outlining this for NaNo:

How long did your first MS take to draft?

I wrote my very first MS for NaNoWriMo in 2011 when I was 15. (WHICH FEELS LIKE EONS AGO I’M SO OLD AND SO YOUNG ALL AT ONCE WHAT IS TIME??) So I wrote it in a month! Like I said, from a young age I’ve loved stories, and I’m grateful that I allowed myself to listen to my heart and start pursuing my dream of being published when I was young.

Who is your author idol?

Stephanie Garber! She’s not my #1 favorite author, but I think she’s a wonderful light in the bookish community, and I really admire her.

Share a writing memory that made you determined to carry on.

This is such a broad answer, but almost every time I get lost in a book, I become even more determined to write. I’m inspired by the way books make me feel — that’s what keeps me determined to jump out of bed early and write.

Tell us something surprising or unique about yourself.

I LOVE my coffee dark and sans creamer or milk, but in the fall I’m a sucker for a sugary sweet pumpkin spice latte. 

Share the hardest part about being a writer and how you overcame it.

The guilt I feel when I’m not writing is tough for me to deal with. I used to get home late from school totally drained, and instead of writing, I would pass out on the couch until dinner and then go back to bed. That made me feel guilty about not writing, which attached a lot of negative feelings to writing in general. That made me want to write even less, which made me feel even guiltier. (lots of feelings)

I overcame this by learning how to wake up early and write before the day leaves me drained. Sometimes I still feel guilty for not writing more (like if I get a free hour during the day, I feel like I should be using it to write instead of relax) but I try to tell myself that I am enough, and I’m doing enough.

What’s your favorite social media and why? Share your link.

Instagram! I’m not on the platform yet, but I really want to get into the writing community on Instagram, and I’ll make sure to link that when I finally make the jump. (I honestly don’t know what I’m waiting for)

Share some uplifting wisdom in six words or less.

You are enough.

And to finish off the tag, I’m tagging 6 writers! There’s no pressure to join, and if I didn’t tag you, feel free to tag yourself.

• Michelle
• Zoe
• Kayla Ann
• Amber
• Marie
• Jenn

Oh, and while I’m on the topic, of connecting with writers and readers. . . I’m looking for beta readers for my YA contemporary fantasy about a tarot card reader who can read anyone but herself — and the new surfer boy that just moved in to the attic.

It’s a mix of THE RAVEN CYCLE and BONE GAP, and here’s a one line summary: A tarot card reader has to explore her connection to the mysterious new surfer boy in order to find her missing father and save her sick psychic sister.

If that sounds like something you’d like to read, let me know! And of course, if anyone ever needs a beta reader, I’d love to help. 🙂

What has been your biggest struggle as a writer? Do your favorite genres to write and read differ, or are they the same?