I was ready to pull out my hair and throw my notebook out the window. But reality set in, told me I was being to dramatic. I took a deep breath and took a moment to look at the messages coming in on the BB (it had been beeping for the past 45 minutes but I was trying to ignore it to get in a creative zone), only to stumble across an email from a young follower of mine. It really touched me. As writers, it is easy to get ladled down in the hustle and bustle of creating. Crafting words, editing, linking thoughts together, wordplay, sweating over deadlines and striving to “one up” our writing styles that in the haze of trying to say something…we forget that we already say it. Our words become the insight or encouragement to other individuals that graze our blogs, books, essays and tweets…and I only became aware of this after I read the email. For me, I write to remove the cluster of images that clog the mind. Its not about being deep or attempting to claim the title of master griot; I write to later sort out who I could potentially become. Who knew, that while searching for the words to embody ones true essence, that I would have the words that someone else was in need of. Wow, it feels really good to help someone with my craft. Aiding someone with my words was always something I hoped would happen down the line in my writing career but it came sooner than expected. It is truly eye-opening. Any other writers have a similar experience? Please feel free to share!

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1. Are you a “pantser” or a “plotter?”
I tend to have an idea of the beginning and the end and, of course, the characters, but I sit down to write and a scene plays out in my head and I just write it. I’ve no control. People die, crazy things happen, I find out things about my characters that I had never even considered…. And I love it all. But, that said, I definitely have an idea about what’s going to happen. I just have no clue how my MC is going to end up there.

2. Detailed character sketches or “their character will be revealed to me as I write?”
I did one character sketch and it worked all right, but she was my first *real* character. Once I got down how to portray a character, I realized I didn’t need the sketch. I have a great one — super detailed and I can see how it can help a lot of writers, but I learn about my characters as I go. They definitely reveal themselves. Even with the girl I did sketch out, I ended up finding out later that she was a cutter at one point and now has blood lust going on…definitely didn’t plan either of those, but it’s who she is..

3. Do you know your characters’ goals, motivations, and conflicts before you start writing or is that something else you discover only after you start writing?
Only for one book. The first one. It *might* be my best, but it also has allowed me the freedom not to have to work so hard on the subsequent ones. I have more confidence. Once an idea enters my head, I take a few notes and let it all simmer ’til I can sit down and then I just write. I suppose I do have a good idea of what’s going on, but really only in the back of my mind. And it’s the knowledge the characters give me…not anything that I hyper aware of.

4. Books on plotting – useful or harmful?
Books on plotting are probably not all that harmful. Maybe not super useful, either, but what’s wrong with learning something new? As long as you’re not reading a book about *how* to write, in general (because, let’s face it, if you have to be taught how to write, you’re probably not a writer), I don’t see the harm. [Sorry, I'm not one of those people who believe writers can be made...]
I do believe that learning how to *tell* a story is super important. A writer must know how to portray the action and have reason for everything. If a character can easily get out of a situation, then something in your book needs to change. There has to be a reason for everything. Otherwise there’s no point. And I mention this mainly because a good friend read a few books on storytelling and he made me realize that that’s key. I’ve always asked questions about plot holes in movies and such—ever since I was little. If a character has a choice, but only make a certain one just to keep the story going, then something needs to be done…. Motivation/necessity — crucial!

5. Are you a procrastinator or does the itch to write keep at you until you sit down and work?
I’m a procrastinator, but only because I have no choice. If I could sit down and write constantly, I would. And I’ve done it before. But it caused some problems with the family, and now I’m taking care of my child completely by myself so I just don’t have the opportunities that I used to. But the itch is definitely there. It kills me.

6. Do you write in short bursts of creative energy, or can you sit down and write for hours at a time?
It completely depends. I *can* write eight hours a day and churn out chapter after chapter. But I just don’t have the chance. Now, if I was getting paid to write novels rather than articles, I’d have my child in day care after school and I’d work a *normal* work day and get a ton accomplished. But I don’t have that luxury

7. Are you a morning or afternoon writer?
Neither. I’m an ‘everyone’s gone to bed and I Finally have no responibilities’ type of writer. Along with the fact that I work better at night. I don’t really wake up ’til about 3 or 4 in the afternoon (I mean, I’m awake and up, but my brain isn’t functioning properly) and I’m raring to go at around 9-10pm. I stay up ’til 3, on average, but some nights I don’t even go to sleep. My personal filter tends to disappear then and I can just be me and let the characters flow through me at the same time. I don’t have to be a mom or a daughter or whatever else I’m supposed to be. I can just be a writer.

8. Do you write with music/the noise of children/in a cafe or other public setting, or do you need complete silence to concentrate?
I can write with about any noise besides music. Only because I’m way too into music and I’ll start listening to the lyrics and then my thoughts get all jumbled. I edit with music, though. Editing is like doing the dishes to me. Just second nature. Even though my characters write for me, it still takes more effort to churn out the draft than it does to revise/edit.

9. Computer or longhand? (Or typewriter?)
Computer. I’ll sometimes write scenes in my notebooks or journals, usually the beginning of a book — to become more personal with it. If I write it out longhand, I create a stronger bond with the brand new characters. But once that part’s done, it’s off to the computer I go. Even typing, it’s hard to keep up with my thoughts. I cannot write fast enough.

10. Do you know the ending before you type Chapter One?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends. My first book, yes. The other three I have going…I’ve not a clue. But I have others in my head that I know the ending to. I’m really not a type of writer you can pinpoint. I am how I am and that means jack…which can be rather annoying at times.

11. Does what’s selling in the market influence how and what you write?
I’ve honestly only considered the market once, and it was more about what was best for my character more than the market. But the decision was huge and market did factor in. Otherwise, an emphatic NO! If you’re writing for the market, well, nevermind. I won’t go there….

12. Editing – love it or hate it?
Adore it. I love making something better. It’s so great to me. But hey, I went to school to be an editor so I’m a little different than other writers. I know most aren’t the least bit fond of revisions.

13. Why do you want to write?
It’s not so much that I want to — I have to. It’s just me. Even if I’m just making a list for the store…I love writing. I love putting words together. I can do that with speaking, and I do — I don’t shut up half the time — but writing is just so much more. It’s a life in itself. Whole other worlds…. It’s just the best. I can’t Not write.

14. Do you want to publish your work? Why?
Of course! Some things are just for me, but I love sharing what I’ve written with others. I’d adore it if that could happen on a larger scale.

15. Do like to write alone or do you like to work with others?
Alone. Yup. I like advice from others after the fact, but while I’m writing I like to be alone. But heck, even if I’m not alone, you’d think I was. I ignore everything else going on around me. I can’t help it. Writing sucks me in and has more of a hold on me than pretty much anything else in life. Seems writing is my life.

Since winning her first writing competition at a young age, Eden Tyler, has only fallen more in love with the written word. She uses her English, Psychology, and Sociology backgrounds to create depth to her own stories and novels while contributing to and running websites about writing. This is what fulfills her, along with working as Co-Editor for Fuel Your Writing, but she also enjoys the freelance work that puts food on the table (and that ever-essential roof overhead) for her family.

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ENCOURAGE: 1483, from Old French encouragier, en (make, put in) + corage (courage).

COURAGE: 14th century, from Latin cor, heart, a common metaphor for inner strength.

When we encourage someone, we offer them courage, strength, and heart. These elements combine to give that person something even more spectacular—the ability to move on in the face of struggle, sorrow, and pain.

You may be wondering how this relates to writing since this is, of course, a site for writers. Life can be hard. Sickness pervades. Love dies. Hardships loom. But in spite of all that, we carry on and pick up where we left off the day before. So today I would like to offer you (yes you, the one with your fingers on the keyboard) the inner strength you need.

I want to give you courage to sit down at the computer one more time to hash out those words that just won’t seem to come. I want to give you heart that all is not lost when the inevitable rejection arrives—three times in one day. I want to embolden you to face your dreams and your fears, which are probably one and the same. I want to encourage you, dear writer, to do what must be done so you can fill the screen with words—glorious, meaningful words—by the end of each day.

So tell me, friends, what I can do to encourage you? And, more importantly, what can you do to share that inner strength with others?

I’m very much the type of person who needs music or background noise to write by, which is why I’m collecting a rather vast and odd array of music to go along with each of my projects.

The reason I think of this is that my latest choice in writing soundtracks is rather odd: Video game soundtracks. Yes, you heard me. I’m playing the soundtracks for medieval war/role playing games while I write. The reason for this is the topic of my book, a fantasy novel set in a medieval-type world where there will be fighting and battles.

So to help me set the mood for my writing, I’m surrounding myself with sounds that elicit that atmosphere for me. Another way I do this is to print off pictures that remind me of places where I imagine my book would take place so when I gaze off into the ether as I write, I’m reminded of the world I’m trying to build.

This brings me to a question: How do you create a mood for when you write? Or do you even need to set the mood while writing?

We all know how a scene or song can inspire us. How dreams can turn into a novel. So I want you to come up with something that can turn into the next best seller! Whether it be from an actual dream, or from one of the pictures, I don’t care, but write something related to a dream, and post your work here. No more than 500 words please.

Go!

Sarah is writer looking for an agent. She is currently working on novel # 4, editing novels 2 and 3, and querying novel # 1. For more insight to her work, visit: http://legendoftheprotectors.wordpress.com/ or http://legendoftheprotectors.blogspot.com/

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*So, this song gets to me every time I hear it. And I doubt I’m the only one.

I’ll bet others on here have wanted a boyfriend, girlfriend, heck–even a close friend to stay. Just one more day. One more night.
To ‘lie’ a little bit longer.

How would a character of yours react/deal with this situation?
Write a short story depicting his/her pain and progress–or downfall. I’ll post mine in the comments, as well.
Have fun with this!

Since winning her first writing competition at a young age, Eden Tyler, has only fallen more in love with the written word. She uses her English, Psychology, and Sociology backgrounds to create depth to her own stories and novels while contributing to and running websites about writing. This is what fulfills her, along with working as Co-Editor for Fuel Your Writing, but she also enjoys the freelance work that puts food on the table (and that ever-essential roof overhead) for her family.

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