Writing Process Survey

I got this from Lori who got it from who got it from Bettie, who got it from Isaac Espriu's Place. It's orginally from the site Got Muse? A Writer-To-Write Meme.

1) Where do you write?

I write in a few different places. When I'm laptop is working (which isn't very often) I'll write in my bedroom on my bed or on the couch. I usually write in a really uncomfortable chair in the dinning room on a table surrounded by other people's crap. It's the penalty of not having my own place anymore.

2) When do you write?

That also has a tendency to vary. Usually though it's from about midnight to 2 a.m. or however long it takes me to reach my word goal. I wait until after my dad has gone to sleep so I have full use of our desktop computer. Or if I have some free time during the day (which I don't anymore since I'm taking a few internet courses) I'll write a little here and there. If I do work during the day, it's usually working on outlining.

3) Planner or Pantser?

I used to be a pantser but after C.F.W is done I'm going to try my hand at outlining. I have a feeling it will be what I do for now on. College for Witches is suffering some because I didn't plan it out enough.

4) Coffee or tea?

I'm a coffee or soda gal. I hate tea.

5) Pen and paper, or computer?

For outlining, I use pencil and paper. For the story itself, I use the computer. If my creativity is jammed I'll try switching to paper to see if it helps, which is usually does. I just wish my handwriting didn't suck so bad.

6) What gets you in the writing mood?

Listening to music and reading posts on AW about other people doing well. It makes me want to succeed. I write every day though even if I'm not in the mood. Because even if I'm not in the mood and have to force out every word, a little progress is better than none. And I know the effort is worth it because it means reaching The End is a little bit closer.

7) What pulls you out of the writing mood?

Fear mostly. The fear I'm going to fail and my writing will never amount to anything. But like I said, I write anyway. It's like pulling teeth sometimes but it will be worth it eventually. I just repeat that to myself over and over, and eventually the fear fades.

8 What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever read/heard/received?

Shut up and write. Don't bother bitching about not having time or your muse isn't around. Just put your butt in chair and write.

9) Got muse?

I do. But I don't use him as an excuse not to write. If he's on vacation, I sit down at my computer and write anyways. He usually figures out about half way through the session that I'm not giving up so he might as well help out.

10) Who is the biggest supporter of your writing?

Well sadly, I don't really get much support. My dad thinks it's a waste of time and I should give it up and focus on a real career/school. My sister and my mom are better but they never really know what to say. But they do the best they can and I love them for it. I really wish I had another writer friend who understood and kicked my ass when I'm sulking. Listening to Lori and Scarlett push each other via their blogs has really made me realize that.

11) Sound or Silence?

I need music. I don't do well in silence in any situation. Usually just putting my Ipod on shuffle is enough but sometimes I need theme music to match the scene I'm working on. I hate when other people are around when I'm trying to write. If it's unavoidable I'll put on head phones and just play music REALLY LOUD to drown out there voices. I can sometimes work with the TV on but usually only if I'm outlining and not really writing the story yet.


So there you have it.