Because I read FemaleKyoya's book, I now have to do this tag.

1. Is there a story I'm putting off for some reason?

No, not currently. I have a bunch of story ideas in my head, but I'm doing them one at a time and plan to do each of them as soon as possible.

2. What work of mine am I most embarrassed about existing?

My cringey Warrior cats fanfiction.

3. What order do I write in?

I don't write in chronological order. I write the scenes I want to write and I jump around the timeline. I usually write the beginning and then the end, then jump around writing scenes in the middle. 

4. Something I'd like to change but it's too late/ too complex?

Nothing I can think of currently. I usually think it's never too late to change things, and even if I don't end up with something I wanted to happen, I usually discover something better.

5. Enthusiastic or embarrassed to tell people I write?

I like telling people I write, but when they ask me what my books are about I get super embarrassed. This is partially because I'm horrible at summarizing things and I don't know how to condense something I've written into a quick one or two sentence synopsis.

6. Favorite genre to write?

I love science fantasy in general. Hard science fiction isn't for me because I love the fantastical, but I like science fiction elements more than traditional swords and castles. I usually end up with impossible elements that have vague "scientific" explanations, and I like to focus more on the society and sociological part of it rather than the cool technology.

7. WYD for inspiration?

My main inspiration is music. I've come up with a lot of ideas just from daydreaming while I listen to songs. History also really inspires me. I've had several times where I know what I want to happen but can't see how it would work, then will be reading about something in history and find my solution there. Historical precedent is surprisingly helpful, and I think knowledge of history is an excellent tool for writers.

8. Music or silence? Alone or with people?

It depends for music. If I really need to concentrate on coming up with things to write as I'm writing I will put on ambient music without lyrics, and this really helps. If I already know what's going to happen, I can listen to music with lyrics, unless the scene is extremely important.

I have to write alone. If people take a step near me I freak out. Staring at what I'm writing is a very easy way to upset me.

9. Weakness as a writer?

Consistently good descriptions. Setting and appearances don't interest me that much. I'd much rather focus on character interaction and dialogue, which can often leave my descriptions lacking and my writing a bit too simple.

10. Strengths?

I'm good at worldbuilding. I can really flesh out a world's background and history and weave it into the story without info-dumping, although some times I'll launch people into it a bit too quickly without enough information. It takes a while, but I can come up with very immersive worlds.

11. Playlists for your work?

I don't have specific playlists because I want to leave myself open to inspiration, but there are some songs that have definitely inspired scenes and plot elements in my work.

12. Why did I start writing?

It actually started from me playing games as a child. I was obsessed with this book series known as "Warriors" about feral cats living in clans, and I would play games based on the series. Whenever I would play the games I would make up elaborate stories and worlds, and I wanted some way to preserve them, so one day I started writing the events down, which progressed into actual fanfiction, and then one day I decided to turn to traditional fiction. I found it so enjoyable that I've never stopped, even though I've stopped playing with toys.

13. Advice for a young writer like me?

Don't wait for the magical "inspiration." Inspiration comes only in short, infrequent bursts. It might provide a spark, but you have to write even with no inspiration. If you don't work at it, it won't come. Force yourself to write, even if you don't think you know where you're going. Just write. You can edit even the worst writing, but you can't edit what's not there.

14. Read anything that changed my writing style?

Nothing that made me consciously change it, but reading really helps me learn how to write better and develop a writing style that works more.

15. How do I keep track of my characters and outlines?

I usually have a very basic plotline, and in all honesty I have terrible organization. I have some stuff saved on Wattpad, some stuff saved on Google Docs, some saved in Grammarly, and some in random physical paper notes. I will end up discovering old ideas I completely forgot about. In Google Docs I'm the most organized, and I've found that commenting really helps. If I have an idea I'll leave a comment so I can go back to it when I need to.

26. Long writing sessions or spurts?

It depends. I often do spurts, but if I have the time I love to have a long writing session.

17. Opinions when I look at my old writing?

It's really embarrassing and cringey, but it also makes me feel better because it makes me realize how far I've come.

18. Subjects that make me uncomfortable to write?

I don't mind reading sex scenes, but I don't really know how to write them and it makes me uncomfortable, so I steer clear of it. I really like exploring dark themes, and they make me feel uncomfortable, but it's a good thing. However, I have a problem with feeling extreme empathy. I will sometimes literally feel the emotions of characters, so I need breaks when writing more intense scenes or I'll end up feeling distressed.

19. Obscure life experiences that help my writing?

I don't really have anything specific here, but people I know and things I hear about have helped me. I don't know about "obscure." This question confuses me a bit.

Tags:

Katherina_Michels

violet_storm

Oceane_Breeze