Being Tagged and Tagging Others

So I got tagged yesterday for the first time by Christine H. In turn, I sentence the following three people to also be tagged, because I'm ruthless that way:

Katie Ganshert
Jessica Nelson
Eileen Astels

(Because the three of you have absolutely nothing better to do, I know.) :)

1. What's the last thing you wrote? What's the first thing you wrote that you still have?

The last thing I wrote was chapter 7 of my new WIP, The Character Therapist. This was about a week and a half ago. The first thing I wrote that I still have was this story about Mrs. Diamond (an actual diamond with arms and legs) who almost gets stolen. It is accompanied by a lovely crayon drawing from an abstract design the teacher made on the page that was converted into said Mrs. Diamond with arms and legs.

2. Write poetry?

For special occasions

3. Angsty poetry?

Never.

4. Favorite genre of writing?

Contemporary romance/romantic suspense

5. Most annoying character you've ever created?

Oooo...my new one, Jorja Patterson (same aged, ex-step mom of the heroine). I call her my botox villain.

6. Best Plot you've ever created?

My character therapist plot is rocking so far. It's very different and really creative.

7. Coolest Plot twist you've ever created?

After reading Maass and hearing him speak, I went back and connected my villain in Blessed to the hero in a fairly surprising way.

8. How often do you get writer's block?

Usually once per book during the brainstorming stage. I just hit a wall. But I can get past it fairly easily with using critique partners and family as sounding boards.

9. Write fan fiction?

No, but I devoured all the Southern Vampire fan fiction I could get my hands on.

10. Do you type or write by hand?

Type. Only.

11. Do you save everything you write?

Absolutely. See post here on Therapeutic Writing.

12. Do you ever go back to an idea after you've abandoned it?

Oh yes. I don't like to use the word "abandon." Usually, though, one idea far outshines the others in my idea notebook, and that's the one I go with.

13. What's your favorite thing you've ever written?

I'd have to say the chapter in The Character Therapist when my heroine realizes that the character therapist is using her anonymous submission as an example at a speech to a writing organization. Hysterical.

14. What's everyone else's favorite story that you've written?

I guess Blessed. Its the one most have read and enjoyed...although honestly I don't even think my crit partner has read it in its entirety. Have you, Katie?

15. Ever written romance or angsty teen drama?

Yes to having written romance. Yes to having a fetish to READ teen drama (hel-lo Twilight).

16. What's your favorite setting for your characters?

Places I've lived and know about.

17. How many writing projects are you working on right now?

One fiction novel...when I have time, that is...and monthly articles for Sage Girls Ministry Online. You can read my latest one here.

18. Have you ever won an award for your writing?

Not in the proper sense, no. But

19. What are your five favorite words?

That's a hard one. I love words, so have many favorites. The ones I probably like the sound (and meaning) of the most are some of the following: eclectic; cacophony; iridescent; juxtaposition and gregarious.

20. What character have you created that is most like yourself?

Without a doubt, Shannon Hughes from my first book, What Might Have Been. It was written about a situation I went through, and she looks and acts a lot like me.

21. Where do you get ideas for your characters?

From my professional background as a licensed marriage and family therapist.

22. Do you ever write based on your dreams?

I haven't yet. That said, if I did write a book based on a dream, I don't know that I'd advertise it like Stephenie Meyers did. I wouldn't want someone saying that I had my "dream" after reading someone else's book, like Stephenie probably did when she read *cough* L.J. Smith's Vampire Diaries before she fell asleep.

23. Do you favor happy endings?

Yes. Romantic at heart, so I better have a good inclination from the author that they get together at the end if it's not blatantly obvious (like with a ring or white dress).

24. Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?

Probably a bit too much so.

25. Does music help you write?

Not really. Haven't written much with music, although it was always classical music. I'm too easy to distract if I know the lyrics to something.

26. Quote something you've written. Whatever pops into your head.

Here's one of my most favorite sentences:

Threads of uncertainty weaved a light tapestry of optimism over her heart.


So there you go. A bit more about me. Happy writing this weekend!