Cool Writer's Survey; FILL IT OUT!

Hey fellow writers,

I posted this really cool writers' survey back in May, but I figured since there are so many new contributors on the Table now that it would be a good idea to re-post it. I invite you all to fill it out as well. It has some really insightful questions about who we are as writers, and I hope that the other contributors will follow my lead and post their versions too.

Check it out, and as always, comments are welcome.

-Rob


1.Why do you write?
Because it comes relatively easy to me. I wish the answer was more complex than that, but that's what it really comes down to. Even when I was a kid, the English language just made sense to me, and I soon developed into a credible writer. Since then, I've developed my talent, managed to gain some experience, and acquired a number of writing-related ambitions.

2.When did you realize that writing was what you wanted to do for a living?
I was actually about a year and a half into my undergrad at USF, a Pre-med major (of all things...). I was struggling with my classes and reached the point where I realized I was not a science person. I have this theory that there are math/science, technical-minded people and more creative types. After spending three semesters trying to fit in with the medical crowd, I realized I was the latter. After some soul-searching, I emerged with my answer and officially became an English major, where I soon re-ignited my passion for writing, and the grades followed suit. I had found my niche and began seeking ANY way in which I could gain writing experience.

3.Do you write full time?
I don't have a full-time writing job (LET ME KNOW IF YOU FIND ANY!), but I have several part-time writing jobs that I juggle simultaneously. Together, they add up to plenty of work, though I still do not bring in the money I desire. In my free (i.e. non-paid) time, I also like to try and get some creative writing done. Basically, I'm either writing or thinking about writing 24/7.

4.If you could spend a week with any writer (living or dead) who would it be and why?
This is a hard one, but one of them would probably be Friedrich Nietzsche. I would just love to find out what made him tick because I think his ideas were really ahead of his his time. He's probably one of the greatest thinkers in history, and I am in awe of his unique way of looking at the world.

5.Where does your inspiration come from?
Well, I'm inspired by the art of storytelling. This could mean anything from a compelling article to a great film. I'm also inspired by my environment, the people around me, and my own inner demons. I guess you can also attribute it to my own overly-analytical mind. I'm just fascinated by people, I suppose, and the relationships they create and maintain.

6.Do you have a writing ritual? If so… what is it?
I don't have a writing ritual, per se, but I will usually go online, check my e-mail and B.S. for a bit before I finally turn my attention to my work. I need to have a bottle of water handy, and of course, if I'm hungry, I need to eat first too. Oh, and I always play music while I write, usually a film score of some sort.

7.What is the best writing advice you have ever been given?
There's one quote about writing that I really love. I came upon it a while back, and it often lingers in my head. Ray Bradbury said, "You must stay drunk on writing so that reality cannot destroy you." In a society that exalts homogenization and stifles creative expression, I think that it's vital for us writers to maintain a focus on our writing goals. Oftentimes, this means working on a pet project whilst holding down other, menial jobs to make ends meet. When it feels like the world is against you ever finishing your precious manuscript, this quote helps me stay vigilant and focused, even though I often have no practical reason to do so. That's why I started the Table.

8.What genre or genres do you write?
I'm a fan of all types of writing, and so I usually have a multitude of projects in some stage of development (i.e. that I'm planning on working on). Right now, I am currently an editorial intern for the Tampa Bay Business Journal, a staff writer for The Oracle, and I do advertorials for a company called Dunndeal Publications. I am also working on a screenplay that is a drama/love story/coming-of-age tale, am TRYING to write a mystery thriller novel with a friend, and have a couple other non-fiction works that I have in development. Basically, if I have an idea for a project, I'll pursue it in whatever way best suits my objective.

9.What is the greatest obstacle you face as a writer?
Motivation. I'm a chronic procrastinator, and in order to write well, I need to truly become immersed in the piece I'm working on. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of effort on my part to get to that place. Either I don't feel in the mood to write, or I cant find the time to devote myself to my current project. That's a particular problem for unpaid, creative projects because they're not deadline-based. I'm gradually learning

10. Do you have a “writing” website?
Other than the Table, no. I'm still not too familiar with web design and am kind of learning as I go along. I figured starting a blog would be a good way to network and also give me an opportunity to familiarize myself with web design a bit. I'm hearing more and more about how writers need to be able to work with the internet, and there's no better time to start than the present!

Not Oficially A Writer....

...But I still want you all to read my blog.

http://ambiguouslyunique.blogspot.com/

Thanks, All!

Conversations With Jenn LIVE!

Hey Fellow Table Members:

I'm going to use the space to pimp out my blogsite and my new blogtalkradio show so I hope that's cool.

www.conversationswithjenn.com


Conversations With Jenn LIVE!

Also, the last Sunday of every month I'm going to dedicate the show to writing and poetry.

So call me up if you want to read anything!

:)