Writer’s Life Blog Challenge

I just love, love, love a blog challenge! I was tagged by Dodgergirl over at The Life of Mr. Piggles (best blog name ever, by the way) for the Writer’s Life Challenge, and it’s a fun one!

All right, here we go!

Write Fuel: What do you eat/drink while writing?

It depends on the season. Coffee is a staple, but I’m an odd duck–I only do decaf. In the autumn I tend to drink a lot of herbal tea–my favorites are Celestial Seasoning’s Caramel Apple Dream and Raspberry Zinger. In the winter, I find myself switching to a classic English Breakfast.

Snacks are usually fruit or baby carrots. Now that I think about it, I really don’t eat too much while I’m writing, though I do stop for meals.

Write Sounds: What do you listen to while writing?

I like to make a list of songs on Spotify that I think fit my WIP well, and then I listen to it while I’m outlining. I don’t, however, like to listen to anything with words while I’m actually writing. Last year I discovered Lindsay Sterling, and I adore her. After finding her music, I went on a hunt for more instrumental. I will listen to that on occasion, but mostly, I like it quiet.

Write Vice: What’s your most debilitating distraction?

The Internet–no question. Especially Pinterest. I just love Pinterest…

Write Horror: What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you while writing?

I was working on a manuscript that needed to be sent to my editor the next day, and I spilled an entire glass of water on my laptop keyboard. I was terrified I’d ruined the whole thing, but it ended up being just fine.

Write Joy: What’s the best thing that’s ever happened while writing or how do you celebrate small victories?

I love it when I’m in the middle of a story, and I’m really struggling to get from one point to another, and then suddenly something will just click.

 Write Crew: Who do you communicate with or not communicate with while writing?

I’m in constant communication with my kids, even when I’m writing, but when I need help, I go to my husband. He’s great at talking through plot ideas, and he is such a problem solver. Honestly, his name should be on my books because he works out so much of the plot.

 Write Secret: What’s your writing secret to success or hidden flaw?

The secret to success is just to write fast. My best work comes out when I’m competing in a NaNoWriMo style event. I wrote Seirsha of Errinton over the course of about three months, and it was so much more difficult for me.

My flaw is that I don’t write every single day. In fact, sometimes a whole month goes by that I don’t write (I’ll often be editing a different project). I feel it works for me, though, because when I do write, it’s usually in great, massive stretches until I’m finished with an entire manuscript. It’s not unusual for me to sit down and type out over six thousand words at a time.

 Write-spiration: What always makes you productive?

Refueling my brain–reading a favorite book, watching a movie. Sometimes even Netflix binges will do the trick. Having a deadline is an enormous help as well.

Write Peeve: What’s one thing writers do (or you do) that’s annoying?

That’s a hard one. I guess what actually bothers me is when other writer’s judge each other’s approach. Some of us are outliners, some are pantsers. There are those who edit while they go and others who don’t. I think everyone needs to find what works for them but understand that it’s a different process for everyone.

 Write Words- Share one sentence from a project. Past or present.

Here’s one from my current WIP, Rosie of the Wandering Gypsies, Eldentimber Book Four:

I’d like to say it’s the first time I’ve found myself behind bars, but it’s not. – Rosalina

This was fun! Thanks again, Dodgergirl, for tagging me! If you haven’t checked out her blog, make sure you take a peek!

Now, I’m going to pass the challenge along to Katy Huth Jones from Life is a Four-Letter Word. Can’t wait to read your answers, Katy!