Beautiful People - Rose {May 2016}

Yes, I am quite late to the party for this month’s Beautiful People. As in. . .the linkup closes in less than two days. In my defense, I’ve had quite a few exciting things that went on the blog this month. Annnd I’m always late for BP. But I do like to make excuses every now and again. I’m quite good at it.

ANYWHO. I am here now with a BP post and very excited! April did not have BP due to Sky and Cait having lifely stuff going on (don’t worry, girls, I understand!). But it is back this month. Woot, woot!

If you’re like me and put things off to the very last minute (we like living on the edge. . .of deadlines *puts on sunglasses*), you can skiddly doo over to Sky's post or Cait's, grab them questions, and interrogate any one of your characters of your choosing. You know you waaant toooo! (And yes, you must skiddly doo. It’s a requirement.)

For some reason, when I read this month’s lists of questions I automatically knew which character I’d choose. It wasn’t even a question. I don’t know why. Some questions are just meant for certain characters. This month’s list perfectly suited my female protagonist from Burning Thorns, Rose. What’s hilarious is the last time I did a BP for her was last May. Which I didn’t even realize until writing this post. I suppose May just makes me subconsciously think of Rose. It’s very suiting. As the April showers leave and May flowers and warmth arise. Very suiting for my sweet and sunny Rosie girl. (And, ya know, her name is a flower, so there’s that.)

Sheesh, Christine, are you actually going to do BP? Oh yeah. . .

“Is this all yours?” she asked, eyes wide in awe.

He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Yes.”

“I just love roses!” She stepped over to a white one and caressed its petals as if it were a cat. “They were my mother’s favorite flowers. That’s how I got my name.”

The Beast stiffened, didn’t even breathe. “Your name?” he said slowly, cautious.

“Mhm.” She bent down and took a long whiff of the flower. “My name is Rose.”

~ Rose ~

1. How often do they smile? Would they smile at a stranger?
All. The. Time. Rose’s smile is practically a permanent part of her face. (Until her evil author started her story but YA KNOW.) Rose would absolutely smile at a stranger. She basically smiles at everyone she comes across. You can just glance at her and she’ll offer a kind smile.

2. What is the cruelest thing they’ve ever been told? And what was their reaction?
That she’s worthless. It’s the lie she believes about herself, it sticks deep. Her reaction is dejected acceptance to it.

3. What is the kindest thing they’ve ever been told? And what was their reaction?
Mm. . . That’s a bit spoiler-y. But if you think about my answer to the last question you can probably guess what it is. She reacted with tears of joy and laughing sobs.

4. What is one strong memory that has stuck with your character from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
There are two events that changed the entire course of her life. One is that her mother died when she was nine. I obviously don’t need to explain why that was powerful and lasting.

The other is the moment her father said she’d inherit everything from him instead of her oldest sister, Anya, even though Rose is the youngest of three girls. She had spent all her life before expecting Anya to take over his occupation, and was both shocked and in awe that her father saw so much potential in her. Her life changed ever since that day, for the good and bad. On the one hand, it made her feel like she did have some worth and brought her closer to her father. On the other hand, it caused her older sisters, Anya and Marigold, to loathe her and make life miserable.

5. What book (a real actual published book!) do you think your character would benefit from reading?
Ooh, what a question! Rose is a reader. She loves nothing more than to escape into an adventurous book. There are so many books she’d love, but benefit from? Perhaps The Chronicles of Narnia. Seeing others endure adventures and hardships, and getting a beautiful portrayal of Jesus’ love through Aslan would give her the hope she needs right now.

6. Have they ever been seriously injured? How severely? How did they react?
Heh. One of the last scenes I edited was her getting badly hurt. *cough* Thorny vines caught her, made her trip and fall, and wrapped all around her. Needless to say, she’s got some pretty nasty cuts.

I suspect she contracted quite a few bumps and bruises and maybe even breaks during childhood. She’s the type who romped through the streets and climbed trees and explored all sorts of places she wasn’t supposed to be. I mean, that’s what childhood is for. Duh.

7. Do they like and get along with their neighbors?
Rose likes basically everybody. She’s a firm believer in seeing the good in people. (Perhaps too much.) In turn, everyone is charmed by her. She gets along with just about everyone. (Her sisters are another story though.)

8. On a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being easy and 10 being difficult) how easy are they to get along with?
Probably 2, maybe even 1. As I said, she gets along with all she comes across. Though certain people claim she’s tiring and annoying and would probably put her around a 7. She is very bouncy and overly talkative. So it really depends on the person.

9. If they could travel anywhere in the world, where would they go?
She lives in a made-up world. One in which needs some serious worldbuilding (#worldbuildingfailure) soooo. . .I’m not sure. I’m gonna cheat (#rulebreaker) and say when in the world. Which would be some 30 or so years back when the Forest, the land of the fae, was in its glory days before a dragon took it over and turned it into a dark place. Rose has always been fascinated by the fae but, unfortunately, lives in an age where such creatures are very dangerous beings.

10. Who was the last person they held hands with?
That would be the Beast. (This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling which I’m pretty sure everyone and their mother knows by now I blabber about it so much.) Or. . .she took his hand into both of hers. I guess that counts? This was before he went into a raging maniac and tried to kill everyone in sight but, ya know, details.

And there we have it! My Rosie girl. What do you think? Have
you joined in on BP this month? You shoooould! And, just for fun,
if YOU could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

Interview with Jack Lewis Baillot

Fabulous things are happening! Remember back in March when I did a cover reveal for my dear friend Jack’s soon-to-be-published World War II book Brothers-in-Arms? Well, in celebration for her upcoming book, I got to interview her and get some inside scoops into Brother-in-Arms and her writing process. Fun stuff, people. Fun stuff!

So, without further ado, I present to you Jack Lewis Baillot!

Jack is one of those strange people who calls herself an Author. She spends a lot of her time writing and even less time editing. She likes to write about friendships which is partly how Brothers-in-Arms came to be. More than ten years in the making, this is the book she dreaded the most writing, but which also has the most meaning for her.

When Jack isn't writing, which doesn't happen too often, she keeps busy with various other hobbies – such as reading, playing the bagpipes to the dread of her neighbors, and drinking tea – which might not be considered a hobby by most but which should be.

She lives in a cabin in the woods with her dog and a library which isn't quite equal to Prince Adam's but will be given enough time and a secret doorway.

Visit her: Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Blog | Brothers-in-Arms GoodReads Page | Brothers-in-Arms Pinterest Page

What was the first spark of an idea for Brothers-in-Arms?
I read a book called While Mortals Sleep. It was set in WWII Germany and it was the first time I'd ever heard of the Germans side of the war. Before that I'd assumed all Germans were Nazis and spent their days killing Jews. When I realized some of them didn't even know about everything the Nazis did I felt a spark of a story.
I kept the story at bay for years, at least ten. I refused to even think about it because I didn't want to write a WWII story. I knew it would be painful and I don't deal well with pain. As you can see, I wasn't able to keep the idea back forever.

Which of the Brothers-in-Arms characters would you say you relate to the most?
That is hard. I think I relate to both Franz and Japhet the same, but I've been told I seem more like Japhet. I guess, if I give it enough hard thought I do relate to him more. In that situation I might become more like him than Franz. (Though, personally, I think I'd end up more like Jimmy than either of them. Unless grenades were involved. Give me a chance to blow things up and I'm there.)

Who was the hardest to write and why?
Caleb Webber.
When I first added Caleb to the story I had no idea how he would turn out or what his back story would become. By the end of the book I think I had used him to show how the war really effected some people. How much some suffered and lost and what it cost them to keep fighting.
Whatever the reason, Caleb showed up and left me a pile of tears in the corner.

Tell us a little bit about your writing process.
I don't know if I have one. I lock myself in my room and pound out a rough draft, then I let it sit in a dusty folder until I miss the characters and begin to edit. Then I whine and complain over editing and wonder what possessed me to become an Author in the first place. Then I edit even more and then some more. Then sometimes I publish. Or in this case I let someone publish for me.
When that is done, I start all over again.

What part of the writing process is your favorite (first draft, editing, polishing, being done and celebrating with cake, etc.)?
First draft. I love getting to write down an idea and not have to worry about over using “was”, or grammatical errors, or the over use of commas. I get to go on adventures with my new friends, and then I get to cringe and judge my writing later.
To be honest though, celebrating and cake rates equal with first draft. Because cake.

Do you have any authors that particularly influence and inspire you?
I had some but they betrayed my tiny trust. The ones I like now are the not so famous kind. Arthur Slade, Derriell Pitt, Jaye L. Knight, J. Grace Pennington, Jenelle Leanne Schmidt, Jessica Greyson, Stefan Bauchmann to name a few. Of course, then are the classic Authors...if that is the right name for them? C.S. Lewis who continues to inspire me, and J.R.R. Tolkien. These are all Authors who have done things which shouldn't have worked in books, and managed to make them work. For that, I admire them

Brothers-in-Arms is of course set during World War II. What made you decide to write a WWII story? And what other time periods do you enjoy? Do you have any more delicious historical fictions cooking up?
Just the fact that I wanted to tell a WWII story from the Germans side. I wanted to show that not all of them were on Hitler's side, determined to kill anyone they saw as less than perfect. There were those who stood up and fought against him, in spite of the grave danger this put them in. Then, the more I read about the men and women who lived during that time period, the more I wanted to write about it. Hence, the appearance of Jimmy and Danny. (That and I've always loved the Tuskegee Airmen.)
The other time period I enjoy happens to be Scotland in the late 1200's and early 1300's. (The days of Sir William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.) I enjoy stories about the pioneers as well.
Yeeeeeeeeeees, I do. My next book might be another historical fiction in fact....

For us aspiring writers, what has been your favorite part of getting traditionally published thus far? What about least favorite?
Getting an editor 8-D. Finally, someone to help me with that dreaded task. (Editing and dyslexia don't mix.) The least, not being able to work at my own pace. While it is nice to have someone take care of that for me, I sometimes miss being able to decide when things will happen – such as release dates, cover reveals, and so forth.

What sort of themes will we find in Brothers-in-Arms?
Pain? Tears? Oh wait....you didn't mean that? How about...AGONY! (Prince Charming and his brother can show up and sing for you if you like.)
Okay, seriously now. Friendship is the obvious one, but also family. How God helps us through the hardest times in our lives. Standing up for right no matter the cost.
(Also tears. It is my wish all readers will cry. Since I cried while I wrote it and edited I feel I shall only be happy if I pass on all the pain and tears to the rest of you.)

Finally, but most importantly, what do you fuel yourself with while writing? Coffee? Tea? An entire bag of potato chips (not that *I* would ever do anything like that *cough*)? All the above?
Hmmmm...potato chips. I don't typically like them, but I kind of want some now...
I drink a ton of tea. And I mean a TON. More than the Doctor when he's in England. I also have a special coffee. I call it my BIA coffee. It is mostly sugar and flavoring with coffee on the name, but I can call it coffee if I wish. I had a cup every time I worked on the book. Along with green olives. (Fellow Authors likely understand.)
I have a bad habit of munching when I am sad. Therefore, I did a lot of munching with this book. I didn't really care what I ate, so long as I ate. So I tried not to buy sweets but healthier things. My fuel turned out to be dried banana chips, nuts, carrots, apples, and then whatever I could find in the back of the cupboard.

Thank you for having me, Christine! It was fun!

~ ~ ~

Thank YOU for agreeing to be interviewed. I am so honored to have you here! And now even more anxious to get my hands on Brothers-in-Arms! Even though there shall be so much pain. (Like we’d want it any other way.)

Can a Jew and a Nazi survive Hitler's Germany?

Franz Kappel and Japhet Buchanan never expected their friendship to be tested by the Third Reich. Friends from early childhood, the boys form an inseparable, brotherly bond. Growing up in a little German village, they escape most of the struggles of war until the day Japhet is banished from school for being a Jew, and later has a rib broken when other village boys beat him up. Franz learns he is putting himself in danger for spending so much time with Japhet but continues to stand up for his Jewish friend even at the risk to himself. Then one day their lives are shattered when they see first-hand that the price of being a Jew is dangerously high.

With the war now on their doorsteps, Franz and Japhet come up with a desperate plan to save their families and get them out of Germany alive. Leaving behind the lives they've always known, they move into Berlin with nothing to protect them but forged papers and each other. Convinced their friendship can keep them going, the boys try and make a new life for themselves while trying to keep their true identities and Japhet's heritage a secret. Taking his best friend's safety upon himself, Franz joins the Nazis in an attempt to get valuable information. At the same time, Japhet joins the Jewish Resistance, neither friend telling the other of their new occupations.

With everyone in their world telling them a Nazi and a Jew can't be friends, it is only a matter of time before they believe all the lies themselves, until neither is certain if they are fighting against a race of people or fighting for their homeland. Somehow they have to survive the horrors of World War II, even when all of Germany seems to be against them.

But there’s more! The release date for this fabulous book has been announced. Get your copy of Brothers-in-Arms on. . .

May 31st

Just a few short days away, people! AND if you hop on over to Jack's blog you can enter a GIVEAWAY to win a SIGNED COPY, as well as find links to the other spots of the book tour. Obviously you need to get yourself over there immediately.

What do you think, guys? Does this story whet your
appetite or what? Do you have any more questions for
Jack? Don’t forget to check out her blog for the giveaway!

Book Tour: Paper Crowns by Mirriam Neal

I have utterly thrilling news! I’m talking run around the house squealing and jumping up and down news. One of my absolute favorite writers on this planet HAS A BOOK PUBLISHED. Not just a book, but one of the most delightful books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve gotten to know the amazing Mirriam Neal through my dear writing group. I was given the complete honor of reading her novel, Paper Crowns, in its earlier stages, and I can honestly say I’ve never read a book with such whimsy and beauty. Not to mention Mirriam’s trademark of utterly loveable and charismatic characters. Seriously. I can’t stress enough how amazing her characters are. Luckily for you, I’m here to share a little about Mirri and her newly released book!

The Author

Mirriam Neal is a twenty-two-year-old Northwestern hipster living
in Atlanta. She writes hard-to-describe books in hard-to-describe
genres, and illustrates things whenever she finds the time. She aspires
to live as faithfully and creatively as she can and she hopes you do, too.

Find her at her: Blog | GoodReads | Email

The Book

Ginger has lived in seclusion, with only her aunt Malgarel and
her blue cat, Halcyon, to keep her company. Her sheltered,
idyllic life is turned upside-down when her home is attacked
by messengers from the world of fae. Accompanied by Halcyon
(who may or may not be more than just a cat), an irascible wysling
named Azrael, and a loyal fire elemental named Salazar, Ginger ventures
into the world of fae to bring a ruthless Queen to justice.

Find and Purchase on: GoodReads Page | Publisher's Page | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

And we’re not done yet! Mirriam herself is hosting a GIVEAWAY for a signed copy. Check out her blog post HERE for all the details. And you can also find all the other stops for the blog book tour HERE. There are interviews, reviews, and all sorts of fun stuff going down every single day this month. So do check it out!

So! Don’t you want to get yourself a copy of Paper Crowns?
(Pst. If you want a whimsical story with a sarcastic shape-shifting
cat, an enchanting world of faerie, and beautiful and unique storytelling
then you definitely, definitely do.) Do you like original fairytales? What’s
one of your favorites? (Paper Crowns is one of mine. *wink, wink*)

That Time I Got Over 100 Books in Two Weeks

So things happened in April. Delightful things. And by that I mean BOOKISH things. (What else would be delightful? Books = Life. Duh.)

You see, our library had a sale to which I obviously had to attend. . .three times. It took place for the whole second week in April, and each day the price on the books got lower and lower to the point that they were practically giving them away.

As my dad said, I was worse than a kid at a candy store.

Our library is pretty small, so I honestly wasn’t expecting much. But then I walked in there. The first thing Mom said when we stepped foot inside was, “Heavens, we’re going to be here all day.”

Mom was right (as moms always are, of course). But it went further than a day. We visited the sale three times that week and stayed until closing every single one of those days. My family maaay have had to drag me out each time. (And I had to drag out my boxes and boxes of books. . .)

So. Many. Books.

Dad’s kid-in-a-candy-store analogy was right. I was grabbing anything and everything that looked even remotely interesting. And I may or may not have ended the week with 74 new books.

I did mention they were practically giving them away, right?

Yeah.

I bought so many books I still can’t remember everything I got. It’s a surprise every time I go through them. Which is a lot of fun. Having a memory the size of a peanut has its perks!

Well, obviously I was on a book high after that escapade. But it doesn’t end there.

The very next week we went out of town for the weekend and ended up visiting a. . .you guessed it. . .bookstore! A bookstore that just happened to be enormous with a bunch of used books for cheap. Because I obviously didn’t have enough books. Never.

To make a long story short, I ended that weekend with 29 new books.

103 books. All of which I got for insanely good prices.

Saying I was happy is the understatement of the year. I’ve been on a book high ever since. The funny thing is, I haven’t had time to read any of these beautimous new things. I’ve been too busy finding room for them instead. Eheh. I literally had to buy myself a new bookshelf, which turned into a huge rearranging of my room adventure. All because of a library sale.

Lotsa books

And the others

Also 3 new Alice in Wonderland books because I collect those. *grins*

When I said I grabbed anything and everything, I meant it. I honestly have no idea what over half of this stuff is. It’s bad. If you guys recognize any, give a shout out. Actually, tell me what to read next! Do you have any favorite books amongst all this? Any least favorites? I’d love to know peoples opinions on some of these. On the flipside, if you see any you’ve been interested in but haven’t read, speak up and I may do a book review of it or something. Because having this many books and being as indecisive as I am is a PROBLEM. I need help, guys!

Another problem is the actual cleaning and cataloging and organizing of said new 100+ books. I can be quite OCD over things. I do not want stickers and library binding on my books. Unfortunately, almost all the books I got from the library have either or both, some stickers to which have been on there probably since the beginning of time. Turns out peeling off these stickers and then cleaning the goop leftover from them takes a looooong time. So the poor books haven’t found permanent homes on my shelves yet as I very, very, very slooowly work on de-librarying them. I’ve decided I’m going to become queen of the world for the sole purpose of banning stickers and tape from books forever. (And possibly just banning stickers in general.) Just wait, it’s happening. But until then, if you have any suggestions on how to easily get 20 year old stickers and goop off of books, do share!

Once the books have been properly cleaned, I’ve been adding them to my GoodReads so I can actually keep up with what books I own. (Again, memory like a peanut.) Then I shall do the great rearranging of my bookshelves escapade. I currently have three bookshelves and I’m not sad about it one bit. I may even buy a fourth, because I have a book addiction and have absolutely no intention of being cured from it. #bookaddictandproud

Anyways, between all the book cleaning and life deciding to be crazier than Alice’s trip to Wonderland, I haven’t had a chance to actually read all my new goodness! *pouts* I feel like I’m going to die before I read all the books I own. And I have no plans to stop buying more. I’ll just have to find a time machine. Problem solved. *nods*

Speaking of buying more, I finally got Bryan Davis’s Omega Dragon, the last book in the Children of the Bard series. Why is this significant? Well, it’s the last book in the whole Dragons in Our Midst collection. The end of what has been my favorite books since I was a pre-teen. Rather bittersweet. But what’s more is by receiving that book, I succeeded in making a goal I’ve wanted to since I was a young teen.

You see, when I first discovered Bryan Davis’s amazing books and had acquired a fair amount, a thought popped in my head: “Wouldn’t it be funny if I one day filled an entire shelf of my bookshelves with his books?” Well, amidst moving my books and putting Omega Dragon on the shelf, I realized. . .I had done it. The entire top shelf of one of my bookshelves is officially filled up with Bryan Davis books. My young teen self would be so proud.

A shelf devoted to Bryan Davis

Hey, what’s life without some silly goals to work toward?

But wait, there’s more! (You just thought of your least favorite commercial, didn’t you? You’re welcome.) With all this glorious bookishness going on and a fairly recent purchase of a new smartphone that has a really good camera (unlike my old phone. . .), I’ve discovered a new love of book photography. I’ve been having fun taking pictures for each of my blog posts, and a few weeks ago an idea popped in my head. Why not make a book photography Instagram account? I’m no photographer, but I’m learning, and I adore drooling over admiring pictures of books. What bookworm doesn’t it? We’re a strange species. With my nice camera on my new phone and my love for books, I decided an IG account to combine these things would be loads of fun. It’s been a while since I’ve let myself have a little creative outlet that doesn’t entirely involve staring at a computer screen (i.e. writing/blogging/emailing/etc.). Taking pictures of my books will be just like a mother photographing her children. (We’re pretending that’s not a creepy comparison, okay?) So this week I took the plunge!

You can find me at thebookishchristine if you’d like. I plan to use it as a reading/blogging/writing outlet. So while mostly it’ll be book photography, I might do updates on my writing and when I put up a new blogpost as well. I’m also thinking it’d be fun to occasionally do mini reviews for the books I’m reading at the time. I don’t know how it’ll all go down, we’ll just have to see. But I’m excited!

Now I have a question for you. Do you follow any prettyful bookish IG accounts? I’ve always just used Instagram for personal use to follow friends and family. The book community there is new to me. So do point me to any accounts you love! And YOUR accounts, too. I’d love to follow all my blogging buddies. ^_^

To sum this rambly post up, April and on through May have been like one amazing pool party in which the pool is entirely filled with books. (What do you mean that’s a lame analogy? Don’t be silly. I’m brilliant.)

Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll be cleaning, organizing, photographing, and reading books. (Or petting and sniffing them. Shhh.)

So who loves library sales? (The answer is: We all do.) Have you
ever hit gold at a library or bookstore sale? What’s your favorite
Instagram bookish account? And TELL ME WHAT TO READ NEXT.
Decisions and I do not go hand-in-hand. So many books, so much decision making! D:

(P.S. Have any of you had trouble seeing the images on my posts these past few weeks? Someone has said she hasn’t been able to see them and I’m trying to figure out if it’s her end or mine. Google recently switched which servers they use to upload photos (*grumble, grumble*) and I’m wondering if that’s the problem. Figures I get into book photography right when I’m having image trouble. >.>)

'Tis a Writer's Life (Tag)

A while back (and by that I mean. . .in Janury) the amazing Jameson @ Lovely Whatsoevers (doesn’t she have the sweetest blog name?) tagged me for the Writer’s Life Tag. A tag about the writer’s life? Obviously I had to do it! Because, ya know, sometimes I consider myself a writer. *she says as she’s sprawled out alone in her room with her laptop blogging and drinking coffee* Yeah. Only sometimes. . . #thewriterslifeistheonlylife

Ahem. Shall we?

Questions

Write-fuel: What do you eat/drink while writing?
Being as how I literally have a cup of coffee in my hand while typing this answer, we should probably go with coffee. (Also ever since a couple NaNoWriMos ago, I’ve taken up attempting to type with one hand, because my other one refuses to let go of the coffee. I’m getting faster at it.)

It’s very rare I eat while writing. “Having a break” is synonymous to me as “getting food.” I like to have a snack and then get back to writing. Though on occasion I have munched on a bag of chips while writing/editing and don’t want to stop. (Or it’s NaNo and I refuse to stop.)

Write-sounds: What do you listen to while writing?
Soundtracks is my writing blood. I have to have music while writing—it immerses me in the scene and makes me forget I’m even writing. But it has to be very specific music. Lyrical music distracts me too much (though it’s fine while blogging and such, just not writing fiction). I love soundtracks, epic scores, even quite a bit of video game music. Just any and all great instrumental pieces I can get my hands on. I like to have a piece or two that fits each scene while I’m writing it. Such as the big, dramatic epic scores for battle scenes, or melancholy violin solos for sad ones, etc.

Write-vice: What’s your most debilitating distraction?
Without a doubt, the internet. I always have good intentions. But then I get stuck on a word and need to check thesaurus.com, which leads me to other places, and then next thing I know I’m reading a list of peculiar words for no apparent reason. Or my phone will notify me I have an email, so obviously I have to go check it. Or I think I should tweet or Instagram that I’m writing. Well. . .you can guess what comes next once I’ve opened the twitter or IG app. The worst is when I pop over to Pinterest “real quick” to look up an article or writing tip I have pinned, or glance at a pic of one of my characters or scenery to get a visual. Let’s just say there’s a door to enter Pinterest, but there’s no exit. . . Basically, I should ban the Wi-Fi while I’m writing. Or, ya know, have more self-control, but we all know that’s not happening.

Write-horror: What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you while writing?
Hm. . . Oddly enough, I don’t really have any major writing horror stories. I don’t have the normal tale of losing my writing. I’m obsessed with backing up my stories because I’m super de duper paranoid about losing things. I have all my writings backed up in so many different places, it’s getting kinda ridiculous. XD Better safe than sorry?

I guess self doubt is my worst enemy. Those times where I look back through my writing and just want to vomit are. . .not fun. I also get so overwhelmed with all the things it takes to get published. Sometimes I wonder what’s the point? Those are definitely some of my worst writing moments. But then I realize writing is life and I’d probably stop breathing if I ever stopped. So I get over it and keep on writing.

Write-joy: What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you while writing, or how do you celebrate small victories?
Oh, there’s so many joyful moments with writing! Finishing a novel is one of the best feelings in the world. Getting encouraging feedback from my writing makes me feel all fuzzy and giddy, and helps me keep pushing on when those doubts start creeping in.

I usually celebrate victories with food. Duh. Or just feeling satisfied and allowing myself to do something fun like read or watch a TV show.

Write-crew: Who do you communicate with or not communicate with while writing?
Every single Monday my dearest Deborah (or Celti as I call her) and I do “writing reports”, where we email each other all the writerly things we got done that week. We’ve been doing it for years now and I would not be nearly as far with my writing or have as much written if it weren’t for those reports. It keeps me accountable. I can’t bear reporting in on Monday and having to admit I didn’t do a thing productive writing-wise all week. My writing literally took a turning point the day we started doing it. I highly suggest getting an accountability partner. It’s the best! Also just fun. I so cherish our Monday reports, where we talk about writing and everything else that has happened through the week. I wouldn’t be the writer or even person I am today if not for my Celti. <3

I also chat quite a bit with Tracey, a.k.a the nicest person in the world. And then there’s blogging and talking with you all via blog comments.

Basically, I have the bestest writing internet buddies ever and I don’t know what I’d do without each and every one of you.

Write-secret: What’s your writing secret to success or hidden flaw?
Secret success? Hahahaha! I don’t think I have one of those. XD Except having an accountability partner to keep you writing like I mentioned above.

Hidden flaw? Mmm. . . I have so many flaws. You could probably just name something and I’m flawed at it. I think having the initiative to actually take the steps needed to getting published would be a big one. I’m, sadly, not the best at picking myself up and doing hard things. I can churn out a first draft, but the whole editing and searching for literary agents and querying type stuff. . .well, I could use a good shove. (I am trying to work on the editing part at least though. One step at a time, right?)

Write-spiration: What always makes you productive?
Goals! Goals, goals goals. If I’m not working toward a goal, I’ll probably just have a Netflix marathon. But if there’s a very specific goal in mind, I’ll get all OCD about it and obsess over making that goal. Such as during NaNoWriMo. Like I said, I need a shove to get things done. Only having myself to keep me accountable and productive gets me nowhere.

Write-peeve: What’s one thing writers do (or you do) that’s annoying?
Most things I do annoy me. I just annoy myself in general. Heh.

As far as other people. Um. . . I’m getting super tired of all these immoral heroes we’re supposed to “look up to” these days. Which I mentioned in my post last week and you guys probably don’t want me ranting again. XD

Write-words: Share one sentence from a project, past or present.
Okey dokey. This is from Burning Thorns, the story I’m currently (or should be currently) editing. And I’m too lazy to go through the document and choose one sentence out of the whole thing, so I’m just gonna do the very last sentence I typed.

“She caught one hazy glimpse of the torches heading for
the castle, her Dragon, before her vision faded into the dark.

~ ~ ~

This was too much fun to fill out. Huge thank you to you, Jameson, for the great tag! Sorry it took me a million years to get to. I’m bad about getting to tags, guys. . . I’ve got to do better.

Tagging

Tracey Dyck @ Adventure Awaits

Katie Grace @ A Writer's Faith

Skye Hoffert @ Ink Castles

Deborah O'Carroll @ The Road of a Writer

Mary Horton @ Sunshine and Scribblings

and any and all of you who want to join. It’s a free-for-all! *throws tag out to all* Also, if I tagged you and you’ve already done this one before, feel free to ignore me. My memory is smaller than a peanut, so. And of course there’s no obligation to actually do the tag! Goodness knows I don’t always get to the ones I’m tagged for. Shameful.

So! Do we share any of these experiences? I’m going to
make all of you answer at least one or two of these questions. *cackles*
What helps you stay productive while writing? And how do you
celebrate your writing victories? (Does it involve food? Pst. It should.)