A response to a writing prompt
The Things I Write and More of the Inside Scoop
Let me tell you a little story
- When did you start writing? Is there a specific story?
I first started writing when I was very young. I have always had a very active imagination, and I used it to help me go places I would rather be than where I was at the time. At some point, I realized I had the power to entertain other people with my “cartoon character” ways, so I learned how to ham it up and put on a show before I could even read, let alone write.
That quickly blossomed into me writing skits that I would act out once I could write (for close family only — I froze when people I didn’t know were around), after which I moved on to short stories, usually with tragedy and death followed by a young heroine riding in (there always had to be a horse — I was obsessed from age five till well into adulthood) and saving the day.
2. Do you have rituals in writing? If yes, then please share them with us.
I don’t guess I have anything that is a hardcore ritual. I often listen to jazz when I need to focus, whether I’m writing for myself or editing for other people. I also write best when I am on my laptop. I only create things on my phone when I am desperate. Sometimes, an idea demands to be born when I am on the go, in which case my phone can be used, but that is only in a pinch. I get the best ideas when I am out and about for some ungodly reason, but to flesh them out usually requires my bum being in my desk chair and my fingers being on my trusty laptop’s keys.
3. The ugliest monster that writers are afraid of is writer’s block. If you have a recipe to deal with it, kindly share it with us.
Hmmmm… I’ve got nothing here. Sometimes, if I really need ideas, I will beg my family to give me a topic. :P I have the best ideas when I am outside, usually, so going for a nice walk can shake things loose in my head.
4. Describe the process of finding ideas for your stories. Please elaborate.
Hmmm… this seems very closely related to the previous question. Usually, I just have ideas pop into my head. They pop in. I write them down. That is about it most of the time. Other times, I use writing prompts that awesome people create and provide. My favorites are Ravyne Hawke, Christine Graves, and Keeley Schroder, but I will take up others that spark my interest at times. :)
5. As humans, we suffer without knowing it by choosing not to move outside our comfort zone. Do you have a “comfort zone” in writing ( i.e a topic that you always like to write about)? Have you tried to step outside your comfort zone and write something drastically different?
I don’t have a comfort zone, I suppose. There are some things I won’t write about. I don’t like graphically violent things or sexually explicit stories, so I don’t write those kinds of things, but other than that, I am pretty much a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants gal. I write whatever pops into my head. Topics that pop up most often would include my kiddos, my brother (I lost him to suicide), mental health topics in random order, and my hubby of almost 22 years. If you want consistency, you probably shouldn’t follow me. :)
6. Besides Medium, do you use other writing platforms? Please share our experiences.
Not so far. I did join Newsbreak when I heard it has more earning potential, but it bores me. :)
7. Have you published a book? If yes, how and where…etc. Feel free to share your links with us.
I have not. But it’s in my future, for sure. Right now, life is so hectic that I often wonder if I have time to breathe, but I know life chapters are coming that will need to be filled with something, and that, my friends, is when I will bring the books (yes, plural) that I have been plotting for years to life.
8. You write because writing provides you with something special. Could you share your experience?
I write because I want to spew onto paper some days, and I have no choice. Happiness. Anger. Depression. They demand that I share them sometimes. Other days, I write because I know you have to do something regularly to grow in that skill. Other days, I write because I said I would publish every day for at least a year, and I don’t like to lie. :)
9. Do you write a paragraph, a chapter, or a story with the end in mind or not? Please explain.
Well, that just depends on what mood I’m in. Again, consistency is not really my thing. :P
10. Every writer has an idol. Who is yours? And what do you find inspiring in her/his trajectory?
I wouldn’t say that I have an idol, per se. I love John Grisham. Dean Koontz. Jodi Picoult. Nicholas Sparks.
11. Does being on a writing platform like Medium help your writing plans?
I honestly don’t know. That’s all I have for that one. Practicing always helps, right? Medium is a great platform, and I am happy I have connected with so many people here, but as far as helping my future, no clue. :)
I believe this prompt originated here with Subhi Najar, and I am inviting a few of you to join us if you’d like to. :)
Calling . . . Grace Bianco, Jill Eng, and Carrie for the moment. If any of you three can’t be bothered, no worries at all. :D
Any of you lovely folks are more than welcome to join, though, and please tag me when you do. I would love to read your stories as well.
Peace and love, y’all. ❤