Writing Secrets - I'M IT !

Donna asked if I would be IT so I completed the task, but I don't know the rules for what comes after this. If you would like to be IT - to take up the challenge and answer the questions about your writing, please feel free to have a go. Let me know. I would love to read your responses too.

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

The section of Near Edgware where Jess, sure that something is very wrong, sets out to walk to Caleb's.
Flower preparing to move from fostercare - being handed over to her Great Uncle Will with the remains of her life in a suitcase and two plastic bags.

2. Write poetry?

If you count Haikus as poetry, then yes, daily.

3. Angsty poetry?

Deeply philosophical.

4. Favorite genre of writing?

Anything with emotion and action.

5. Most annoying character you've ever created?

Jam - James - from Flower is deliberately annoying, but only to Flower herself.

6. Best Plot you've ever created?

The threads that run deep through Near Edgware.

7. Coolest Plot twist you've ever created?

The one that is the undercurrent in Near Edgware.

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

I don't get writer's block I get writer's writing crap and go back later to fix it!

9. Write fan fiction?

No clue what that is.

10. Do you type or write by hand?

When I am writing it is a computer for me, all the way - I don't even like to have to work on a laptop.
I do plan in a range of note books - pocket sized ones for when I go out - larger one when I'm plotting the book before I start - card indexes as I'm writing so I have all facts for each character etc at my finger tips.

11. Do you save everything you write?

Yes. In it's various formats as I'm working. Later versions often start with NEW or the date in the title.


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

I write the starts of things as they come to me and shelve them. I don't abandon anything. I check in on them to make sure I could write them at a moments notice, if I had to.

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

Near Edgware. Having said that STAYING LOST is a favourite in a different way.

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

I share everything I write with as broad an audience as I can reach from day one. Everyone is different. My Writing Circle love Near Edgware.

15. Ever written romance or angsty teen drama?

Near Edgware is YA supernatural romance :)

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

Woodland settings in all kinds of weather and school.

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

One that is ready to actively seek representation for. One that was finished in November but is going through editing. Flower and Found'er.

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

No, but I've never entered anything.

19. What are your five favorite words?

“I want to represent you.” After I hear (read in an e-mail) those five, they’ll change to “I found you a publisher.” I stole this from Donna but it made me laugh and it is, in its own way, true.

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

Jess Trainer's Mum - but she doesn't get to do much except force the issue - in book one. She has, in the past, and will, in the future be much more proactive and centre stage.

21. Where do you get ideas for your characters from?

The physical image of the characters come from the glitterati - I have strong images in my mind when I describe the way they look but their personalities are all their own. They have to be the kind of people who would act and do the things that are necessary for the plot.

22. Do you ever write based on your dreams?

I hardly ever dream - not ones I remember anyway. Only people who get enough sleep remember their dreams. When I'm in a writing fever I keep my note book by the bed because ideas form before I fall asleep and as I'm waking up. Very occassionally I have dreamed about my characters.

23. Do you favor happy endings?

Ultimately, yes. I like the promise of happiness to follow even better.

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

Yes and no. I need to get the story written and my fingers don't keep up with my brain. Thank goodness I can touch type or I would be soooo frustrated.

25. Does music help you write?

Is there a God in heaven?

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

There were at least four people in the house and every one of them could hear the phone ringing, even if they were submerged in water or playing music in the attic. The nausea intensified. I tried Caleb’s house again. This time I counted the rings, and crossed my fingers, and hoped someone would pick up the phone. But it rang and rang, and no-one came.
I felt seriously sick and it had nothing to do with food or drink. Suddenly, I was very sure something was wrong. I couldn’t let my mind follow that thought further than the words. But, something was wrong.
Back in my bedroom I began to change into my running shoes and clothes. I caught sight of myself, in my black tracksuit and trainers, my pale face framed by dark hair my eyes strained and wide. I could run if I wanted to. I could run down the roads to The Old Bridle Way... to Grimm’s End... if I wanted to. I’d see Caleb and he’d laugh at me. Then we’d come back because everything there would be fine. They’d all just be busier than normal.