Lol...just kidding.
But I have neglected it...
So...without further ado:
1.Why do you write?
What....do....I....write? Gah! That's a tough one! No wonder I've neglected this for so long! Basically, what do I not write? Seriously. My writing's funny in a sense that I don't always necessarily write about things that I know. Sometimes I write something about something I've never experienced before. And for some reason, people tend to compliment those pieces a lot. I remember my first published short story, "A Bad Trip." It's essentially about a bad acid trip (with underlying main character development lessons of course) and I've never done acid in my life. Nor have I ever witnessed a bad acid trip. I've known people who've had them but they've never really talked to me about them. I don't know. I tend to just get a line or two of dialogue that just jumps into my head and then the next thing you know there's a story.
My poems? Those are about 85% based on real experiences. It's funny...when I'm single is when I write the most of my lovey-dovey pieces. Maybe it's a longing thing... *shrugs* A lot of times my poems are a product of people-watching.
My blogs are usually full of thoughts on things going on around me or in the news, etc. Or funny things that really did happen.
And last but not least...I do current event articles, famous women profile, and band and cd reviews.
2.When did you realize that writing was what you wanted to do for a living?
I was six. Seriously. I wrote a story about two squirrels fighting in my front yard and then I was hooked. I turned it in to my teacher and she gave me extra points toward my grade. I started doing that all through elementary school. In third grade my teacher told me I was going to be a novelist. Then in fifth grade I was given an old typewriter as a gift and I was beyond ecstatic. I used to put "Do Not Disturb, Writer at Work" signs on my bedroom door. Every "What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up" essay was about being a writer. Even my high school senior project.
3.Do you write full time?
Do I get paid to write full time? No. Do I do it full time? Yeah. I'm always writing something even if it's just in my head. It'll get to paper and/or screen eventually. I always see something that sparks some creative candle within me and then the next thing I know a story or poem or something is written. It's like a writing demon possesses me, lol. Then sometimes he goes away and I get depressed because then I'm blocked. I do have a couple of freelance gigs that pay me a little bit though.
4.If you could spend a week with any writer (living or dead) who would it be and why?
So hard!
I'm going to do both though.
I really would like to spend a week with Brad Listi (alive) because come on...he's a witty guy. I'd want to totally smoke a bowl with him and just listen to his diatribe...about well, everything. He'd have me laughing the whole week and I love laughing. It's my favorite.
Dead: Hunter S. Thompson of course. Mainly because of all the drugs he'd have me try. (Kidding!) No, seriously. He's just so out there! Even if you don't write....you'd still want to have at least met him once in your life.
5.Where does your inspiration come from?
*currently wearing a tee shirt that reads "Find Inspiration Everywhere"*
And it's true. There's no specific thing really.
6.Do you have a writing ritual? If so… what is it?
Not really. Whenever it hits, it hits. I usually put music on if it's just a blog or article. For stories or poems though I need to turn the tunes off. I don't know why, I just do. I might have a drink or some "herbal inspiration" if I'm sitting down specifically to write and I do most of it on my computer. However, if I'm out and about and I have my notebook, I'm constantly jotting things down.
7.What is the best writing advice you have ever been given?
"If you want to know if you're really a writer, try doing something else."
Brad Listi told me this on a blogtalkradio show that I called into one time when he was the guest. He stole the quote from someone else but I can't remember who she was. He also told me what a "cocktail party writer" was and that the best thing to do is just work at writing. ("Cocktail party writer": People who say they're writers at social gatherings but don't really have anything substantial to rest their foundation on. Like...when you go to their "office" they're never there. Get it?) So, ever since then...I've seriously worked at putting myself out there and it's starting to pay off!
8.What genre or genres do you write?
I generally write coming of age type stuff. Always some deep dialogue driven story where something really crazy happens but everyone comes out ok in the end...if there's an ending at all. I like to leave readers wondering.
I also love writing inspirational stories and poems. It means something to give back some inspiration to someone else.
9.What is the greatest obstacle you face as a writer?
Right now a huge obstacle is that I need to still pay my electric bill. I can't focus on writing as much as I want to because right now I'm not getting paid enough to do it. I have to work a "job" to live, ya know? I manage my time pretty well but I haven't seriously done any freelance searching or submitting in a long time. I'm getting things done I just need to send them off ya know? So, money, or lack there of is a huge obstacle for me right now.
10. Do you have a “writing” website?
Umm...it's not a "writing" website persay. But I do have my own personal blogsite called Conversations with Jenn. (www.conversationswithjenn.com) and I even have my own BlogTalkRadio show with the same name!
Be sure and check them out!
I post all of my "writing stuff" here on The Table.
Well, that was fun and made me think about things a little. I never really thought too much on the things that I write. I just sort of...write them?
Believe it or not doing this survey gave me a little bit of motivation.
So, for that I thank Robert for posting it again!
Happy creating everyone!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Writing Wisdom - Lesson #2: The Perils of Partners
As all writers are painfully aware, the writing process can be excruciatingly slow, and oftentimes, finding the motivation to actually make progress can become a problem. In some cases then, working with a partner can be a smart move.
In this scenario, writing together can potentially make the entire process so much smoother. When two people collaborate on a project, you're usually less likely to get stuck, as your partner is always there to re-focus you and offer his or her own ideas. You can also divide up the work, assigning certain sections or aspects of your story to each of you in order to expedite your project's progress.
However, despite the undeniable benefits of writing in pairs, I have found a number of problems which can only hinder the creative process and lead to frustration or even disrupt a meaningful friendship.
Now, I'm not even going to pretend to be some kind of expert on this or anything, but let's just say I've had difficulties finding a reliable writing partner. A couple years back, a friend and I were working on a screenplay. We had developed the story, devised an outline, and were about thirty pages in when time began to run out. You see, my friend is now in his second year of med school, and while I totally understand that he did what he had to do and I have zero resentment towards him, part of me is still disappointed that we did all that work and never got anywhere with it. I keep doing my own writing anyway, but I still hope one day we can get back to that script.
As if this one experience with writing partners is not enough, another friend and I have been wanting to get a novel together for the past several months, but once again, life keeps getting in the way. Frustration ensues as the months roll by. Thus far, we've completed a prologue and the very first chapter. That's it. Now he is now planning on trying to get into law school. So the destiny or lack thereof for this project is becoming all too apparent. Again, it's not like I haven't been through this before, but that just makes it suck that much more.
If there's anything I hope to convey with this post, I guess it's this: Having a writing partner can be an awesome experience (so I'm told) and can oftentimes speed up the writing process, but it's important to make sure that your partner is in it for the long haul. You might be all gung-ho for your story, but be careful or you might end up with a lifetime supply of half-written projects that will only take away from your solo efforts.
I'd still love to team up with a writer for a project, but I now know to be more choosy who I work with. I just want to get something finished and out there already! If any of you are willing to collaborate on something this summer, let me know, as I will have much more free time during my hiatus from classes!
ttyl everyone and happy writing,
Robert
In this scenario, writing together can potentially make the entire process so much smoother. When two people collaborate on a project, you're usually less likely to get stuck, as your partner is always there to re-focus you and offer his or her own ideas. You can also divide up the work, assigning certain sections or aspects of your story to each of you in order to expedite your project's progress.
However, despite the undeniable benefits of writing in pairs, I have found a number of problems which can only hinder the creative process and lead to frustration or even disrupt a meaningful friendship.
Now, I'm not even going to pretend to be some kind of expert on this or anything, but let's just say I've had difficulties finding a reliable writing partner. A couple years back, a friend and I were working on a screenplay. We had developed the story, devised an outline, and were about thirty pages in when time began to run out. You see, my friend is now in his second year of med school, and while I totally understand that he did what he had to do and I have zero resentment towards him, part of me is still disappointed that we did all that work and never got anywhere with it. I keep doing my own writing anyway, but I still hope one day we can get back to that script.
As if this one experience with writing partners is not enough, another friend and I have been wanting to get a novel together for the past several months, but once again, life keeps getting in the way. Frustration ensues as the months roll by. Thus far, we've completed a prologue and the very first chapter. That's it. Now he is now planning on trying to get into law school. So the destiny or lack thereof for this project is becoming all too apparent. Again, it's not like I haven't been through this before, but that just makes it suck that much more.
If there's anything I hope to convey with this post, I guess it's this: Having a writing partner can be an awesome experience (so I'm told) and can oftentimes speed up the writing process, but it's important to make sure that your partner is in it for the long haul. You might be all gung-ho for your story, but be careful or you might end up with a lifetime supply of half-written projects that will only take away from your solo efforts.
I'd still love to team up with a writer for a project, but I now know to be more choosy who I work with. I just want to get something finished and out there already! If any of you are willing to collaborate on something this summer, let me know, as I will have much more free time during my hiatus from classes!
ttyl everyone and happy writing,
Robert
Thursday, December 13, 2007
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!
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!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Not Oficially A Writer....
...But I still want you all to read my blog.
http://ambiguouslyunique.blogspot.com/
Thanks, All!
http://ambiguouslyunique.blogspot.com/
Thanks, All!
Monday, December 3, 2007
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!
:)
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!
:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)