Albert Einstein defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again
and expecting different results.”
In an
effort to keep you and I from falling into an insanity rut, I’ve decided to
combine my typical Thursday Thirteen Meme with something different—Deana
Barnhart’s Gearing Up to Get an Agent Blog Fest.(GUTGAA)
http://deanabarnhart.blogspot.com/2012/08/gutgaa-meet-and-greet-sign-ups-and.html
Week
One of GUTGAA kicks off with a Meet and Greet, where writers connect with
readers, agents and fellow writers. We share tidbits about our writing routines
and aspirations. Deana has thoughtful provided questions and since I’m a fan of
Thursday Thirteen, can guess how many I’ve chosen to answer?
- Where do you write? I have a laptop
so I can write anywhere.
- Quick. Go to your writing space, sit down and look to your
left. What is the first thing you see? My writing kitten. I’m trying to
train him to curl up next to me while I write. So far, I’m not that
successful. He’s playing with a yarn toy, looking cute and being a
distraction.
- Favorite time to write? Mornings
after my children go to school.
- Drink of choice while writing? Tea.
- What was your inspiration for your latest manuscript? The
concept of my novel Dark Bringer came from a childhood game I used to play
before bed where I’d imagine the darkness was real and would take link up
to take different shapes.
- Do experiences in your daily life influence your stories?
Definitely. When a storm knocked out our power for a few days, I realized
how reliant I am on electricity. This birthed the second half of Dark
Bringer, how regular people would use electrical light to keep the dark at
bay.
- When writing , do you listen to music? Sometimes. I’m
a fan of mood music, instrumental background stuff when I write.
- Do you write with others? Sometimes, when I’m doing the
first draft I’ll take part in writing challenges where we type as many
words as we can during a time limit.
- Do you use a computer or a pencil/pen? Computer.
- What’s your
favorite writing craft book? I read a lot of craft books so my favorite
one changes, but my currently it’s Being a Writer by Dorothea Brande.
- Is there a
writing resource site you’d recommend? Yes, here’s one a friend shared
with me recently: http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/
- And another
site that’s fun is: http://iwl.me/ Where you
get to compare your writing with a famous authors.
- What's your most valuable writing tip? Keep at it.
Each time you write, you improve.
Well, you’ve read my answers, but
I’m always collecting advice and suggestions? Do you have a writing tip for me?
A site I should visit? Please share.
Sources:
http://deanabarnhart.blogspot.com/2012/08/gutgaa-meet-and-greet-sign-ups-and.html
Posts
My best tip is to write every day. Writing is so much easier if it's a habit. Good luck with your agent meets.
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm with you. Writing every day is something I try to do too.
DeleteThanks.
Thanks for sharing. My suggestion is the Musings of a Penniless Writer -- Donna Hosie. Great information!
ReplyDeletehttp://musingsofapennilesswriter.blogspot.com/
The Musings of a Penniless Writer? I'll check it out. Thanks.
DeleteGood to meet you. I love it when writers give succinct answers. ^_^ Best wishes with GUTGAA!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think readers, especially blog readers like short answers.
DeleteYour writing kitten sounds downright adorable. And I love your bedtime game...great way to get over a fear of the dark.
ReplyDeleteThanks. My kitty is cute. I hadn't thought of the bedtime-darkness game as a way to calm fears, but I guess it probably was. Hmm. I'll think about that. Thanks again.
DeleteGotta love writing kittens ... until they start pawing at the keyboard. mine usually sits near me, but if he wants my attention he gently taps me on the arm with his paw, like "hey." It's cute but distracting.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of that crafting book -- I'll keep it in mind.
Thanks for telling us a bit about your writing life, Mia. Will have to check out thebookshelfmuse. Thanks for visiting my hunger post!
ReplyDeleteHeather,
DeleteI'm a fan of your blog and against others being hungry so...visiting is my pleasure.
Stephsco,
ReplyDeleteYep, the paws across the keyboard is a problem sometimes. :)
I think I need to get me a writing kitty, that sounds divine. (If only he would cooperate!)
ReplyDeleteYeah, the cooperation thing, we don't have down.
DeleteMy dh has an "inspiration kitty" which trades out depending on which cat wants to sleep in the box on his desk. When he gets stuck, he pets the cat.
ReplyDeleteAww, sweet. I think petting a cat lowers stress and does all kinds of good things for my health.
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog Mia. :) My favorite writing book is, "On Writing" by Stephen King. If you're a King fan at all, it's an awesome book!
ReplyDeletewww.onemagicbeanbuyer.blogspot.com
I've read "On Writing." That's a good one.
DeleteHeather,
DeleteYou're totally right about cats training people. Foolish me, I forget.
Your WIP sounds like it could be creepy but super awesome. And cats aren't trainable. Haha.
ReplyDeleteIf anything, cats train you... :)
DeleteJenny,
DeleteGrin, my critique partners say it's creepy. Thanks.
Wow, that WIP sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteAnd you're a computer writer too. :) I couldn't imagine writing longhand... as it is my brain thinks faster than I can type :)
Thanks Kelley,
DeleteI work hard on Dark Bringer. I'm hoping readers will agree with you.
And I'm with you. I really do like creating on the computer.
Great tip! I've been meaning to try out "Save the Cat"... hear it's awesome for all kinds of writers. Thanks for visiting my blog! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteDo it! I think "Save the Cat,"is worth the read.
DeleteAww... I would love to have a writing kitten!
ReplyDeleteGrin. I like having him. Thanks.
DeleteWhat a great idea for a t-13.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Thanks Harriet
DeleteDorothea Brande's book is one of my favorites. Great TT.
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah. Isn't it good? It's true even though it's so old. :)
DeleteSo great to meet you here! I love your writing advice, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteIt took me a long time to switch over to typing rather than writing. My reason for that is a long story and a sad nod to all scam publishers, so I won't get into that. But, I switched and only occasionally use my favorite pencil and pens to write entire chapters. I do, however, love my index cards, beautiful notebooks and dazzling paper for notes and whatnot:)
ReplyDeleteOh, and hello from GUTGAA:)
Hello back at you. I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience with publishing. I like pencils, pens, notebooks and stuff too, but I create most my stuff on computer.
DeleteI thought I'd skip down to the bottom of the GUTGAA list cause you're probably not getting many visitors in these parts...
ReplyDeleteGreat to get to know you !
Valerie,
DeleteThanks. I appreciate the visit.
We do sprint writing a lot in our group too. It has helped me so so much! Good luck with GUTGAA!
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, sprint writing is fun and useful. Thanks, Wendy.
DeleteI love that you have a "writing kitten." Good luck with the training. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kimberly,
DeleteI love that I have a writing kitty too.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Mia! So great to meet you and thanks for stopping by my blog (thinkingtoinking). To answer your question, I'm originally from Dallas. Texas people are crazy loyal - I have to admit I strike up a conversation with people I see wearing Texas gear. I live in California now, so it's like seeing a little sliver of home.
ReplyDeleteI just checked out the writing site - how fun! Apparently I write like Chuck Palaniuk...whoever that is! Thanks for sharing!
SStokes,
DeleteYeah, I guess Texas people are loyal. It's kinda cool. And I'm impressed you write like Chuck Palaniuk. He wrote The Fight Club and lots of other stories.
When I took the I WRITE LIKE challenge, I was paired with Stephen King. Grin. I only wish I wrote that well.
I have an entire room of my house dedicated to my writing and voice acting - I call it the Word Lounge because studio feels pretentious and office feels too corporate - but where do I write most of my stuff? Sitting on my bed with my laptop, surrounded by my dogs.
ReplyDeleteGreat T-13!
A Word Lounge. Cool. That really sounds fun, and actually so does sitting on your bed.
DeleteHaha! I bet training a cat is a lot like training a rabbit. It's doable, but not always easy. If anything they train you! Dunno about your kitty, but food is a big motivator for Gus. He's still got a mind of his own, but at least I can get him to cooperate so long as I've got noms in my hand. ;)
ReplyDeleteYour WIP sounds fascinating. :)
My writing tip for today: Write what you love, but push yourself outside your comfort zone once in a while and try something new. You might just surprise yourself! :)
Rachel,
DeleteI think you're right about training a cat, my WIP and your writing tip. Thanks. Today, I will try to stretch my comfort zone and go for that surprise.
Hey :) thought I would pop by and take a peek at your blog. As for sharing tea..... I'd have to say my favourite is a little boring, orange pekoe with a little bit of milk. However, if you can find the brand King Cole, you've found gold, it's delicious!
ReplyDeleteKing Cole? I'll look for it. Thanks, Jessica.
DeleteNice to meet you. Good luck with GUTGAA
ReplyDeleteThank Angie,
DeleteI wish you all the best too.
Writing kittens are great. She sounds sweet, but I can use absolutely anything as a distraction.
ReplyDeleteI really love "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott as a craft book. It's amusing and easy to identify with.
I love that "I Write Like" site. I was playing with it with a friend yesterday morning. Good luck with GUTGAA.
Yeah, my kitty can be a huge distraction. I read "Bird by Bird" and I'm with you--it's got some great insights into the writing process.
DeleteI'm glad you like the "I Write Like" site. I do too. Did I mention I'm Stephan King's writing twin?
Stopping by to say hi. Nice to meet you. Love the writing tip. Would love to read your books. Good luck with the contest.
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane,
DeleteI'd love to have you read my books. :)
I love that you have a "writing kitten"! I have two spazzy furballs. I have known them to occasionally sit on my lap, but more often the spend their time chasing each other across my keyboard. Nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteOh Liz,
DeleteIt sounds like your spazzy furballs are a lot of fun. Let me know if you figure out how to keep them from crossing the keyboard. :)
Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Mia. I haven't heard of that writing/craft book. I'll have to look it up. Thanks for tip!
ReplyDeleteBrinda,
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like Being a Writer. :)
Your idea for Dark Bringer sounds really interesting. Love how different parts were inspired by different things! I don't believe I've heard of the resource book you mentioned, so will have to look it up. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse, visiting my fellow GUTGAA participants!
Thanks Shannon,
DeleteI'm really hoping Dark Bringer will be interesting to readers.:)By the way, I love the name of site.
Thanks for visiting Beyond The Hourglass Bridge. Happy to have you as my sidekick. :P
ReplyDeleteKat
Great! I'm thrilled to be your sidekick. Together we can bring our superpowers to the attention of the world....hmmm....or not.
DeleteThanks for the suggestion of Being a Writer by Dorothea Brande. I LOVE writing craft books.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy GUTGAA!
Anthony,
DeleteI'm glad I can help. I'm a fan of writing craft books, too.
I love how you have a writing kitten! If I had my way, I'd have an entire houseful of animals of all sorts.
ReplyDeleteCarrie-Anne,
DeleteI'm with you--I'd have an entire houseful of critters too.
Hi Mia, thank you so much for your feedback on my PitchPolish entry (Tendril). I love the name The Otherworld Diner - it's very Twilight Zone cool.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go "follow" you now. Come say hi on my blog when the GUTGAA craziness has passed. I just started the whole blogging thing in August - feeling a bit behind the old 8ball.
http://rhiannwynnnolet.blogspot.com/
You're most welcome. I think you've got something special in TENDRIL. :)
Delete