10. How would you describe your writing process?

Lots and lots of early drafts. Lots and lots of rewriting. Lots and lots of editing.

The standard writing advice is to go ahead and write a shitty first draft. The idea is to just get some words on the screen and then rest of the work won't be so hard. So that's what I try to do. First I write some notes to help me figure out what needs to happen in a chapter. Then I write a shitty first draft. Then I write a slightly less shitty second draft.

Usually I stall somewhere between the second and third draft. From then on it's like I spin my wheels trying to figure out why everything feels wrong. Why is this chapter not working? Why am I not relating to this character? Why is this dialogue so clunky? Are these scenes really in the best order? Are all these scenes even necessary? Did I pick the best point of view character? If I do this thing here, will I have written myself into a corner several chapters from now? Slowly I keep writing, rewriting, editing, and making notes until I'm finally done. Usually I'm happy with the chapter in the end, but I can't help wondering, isn't there an easier way to get the same results? I'm still figuring that part out.

( Read more... )

8. Is what you like to write the same as what you like to read?

I think so. I started writing fanfic because there was a Skyrim story in my head that I wanted to read, but because it didn't exist, I had to write it. My favorite novels are mostly historical fiction, and while my Skyrim fanfic isn't exactly historic, I've taken ideas from authors like James Clavell and Larry McMurtry. I also enjoy classic works like The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and while I don't go out of my way to write in the style of a hundred years ago, I pick up words or phrases that I think help make my characters sound less modern when they talk.

( See all questions... )

6. What character do you have the most fun writing?

Sometimes that's J'zargo. I have to admit it was loads of fun to write him when he was touchy, conceited, and ready to blow up at Rumarin or anyone else who was getting on his nerves. But I love how he's evolved too, and how supportive and brave he can be.

Other times it's Rumarin, but it depends on the situation. I enjoy him most not when he's going out of his way to be funny or clever, but when he's in conflict with himself and trying not to be a smartass. Sometimes he reins himself in because he knows it's the smart thing to do and he'd rather not get punched in the face. But other times he's genuinely thinking about another person's feelings and is trying his best not to be hurtful; those are my favorite moments.

( See all questions... )

4. Share a sentence or paragraph from your writing that you’re really proud of (explain why, if you like).

I kind of like this paragraph about J'argo from chapter 16 of Throat of the World:

( See the paragraph... )

( See all questions... )

I forgot that I meant to do this writing meme!

1. Tell us about your current project(s) - what's it about, how's progress, what do you love most about it?

I'm working on a three-part Skyrim fanfic series called Kyne's Gift. The second "book" in the series, Throat of the World, is now in its third act and will likely be wrapped up in another ten chapters or so. I've been working on this story in some form since February 2016. Although I regret the snail's pace and feel like I should have finished it ages ago, it's still important to me. I haven't given up and I don't plan to.

When I started writing this Skyrim fanfic, it was mostly a character study of Rumarin, a follower from the Interesting NPCs mod. But it grew into something much bigger. Kyne's Gift is a story about three unlikely friends; Mehra, J'zargo, and Rumarin are very different people, but deep down they have a lot in common. They've all faced terrible losses, and they're each burdened with doubt and guilt. But they become important to each other, and they're vital to each other's growth. As they journey together, they meet more people and make more friends (and maybe some enemies) along the way. Though the story eventually takes some dark turns, in the end I hope people find it positive and uplifting.

( See all questions )

Eek, the Snowflake Challenge is over and I think I've only done five. If I try to do them in order, I'll probably never come close to finishing. So here's Challenge 12, because I'm in the mood for some memes!



Challenge #12

In your own space, resurrect an old meme. Have fun with it! Which is the goofiest meme you can think of? Put on your party hat and be silly!! Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

For the I Write Like analysis tool, I fed it several Throat of the World chapters, and it gave me Agatha Christie every time. I'll take it!

For the Nearest Book challenge, here's three sentences from page 123 of the nearest book I had on hand, "The Ionian Mission" by Patrick O'Brian: "Yes. In principle the Navy writes to foreigners in English; but where I want things done quick I send them unofficial copies in a language they can understand whenever I can."

The Which Historical Lunatic Are You test gave me Nicola Tesla. Wow, I had no idea he was so messed up. According to this he had a fear of human hair and pearls, refused to eat anything until he had calculated its exact volume, and insisted that any repeated actions in his day-to-day life be divisible by three or twenty-seven.

The Which SciFi/Fantasy Character Are You test gave me Gabrielle from "Xena: Warrior Princess."