THE 4-PART WRITING SPECIAL // PART FOUR: THE WRITING EDITION

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1. What do you do to get yourself in the story?


Nothing. I just pick up my pen ... and WRITE. Two or three pages later I'll have "gotten in" to my story.


2. Do you do anything extra - art, covers, character journals, glossaries, playlists, etc. to help you with your story?

Yeah, actually I do! I draw my characters, hand design my covers, write "casts of characters" where I describe them ... I write plot charts and maps and lists and tables of contents.

3. What is your writing process?

1. Let the story idea simmer in my mind for a looong time (this is the easiest part);

2. Dump all that I know (basically 10%) onto paper in random scenes, plot charts, and quotes (the rather exciting part);
3. Plot and plan all I don't know (usually 90% of the story -- this is the painful part);
4. Actually write everything down (I usually have only 25% figured when I begin doing this, and just wing it for the 75%).

I do not recommend my process xD


4. Anything you learned about yourself or your writing that you would like to share?

In this case I've learned that a) I am lazy and a procrastinator and possess only a tenth of the endurance and determination I think I have, but also b) THAT I DO HAVE THE POWER IN ME TO KEEP PUSHING. TO KEEP RUNNING. Even when it hurts.





5. What keeps you going when you start to worry you’ll never finish?

You guys. My family. My friends. God. I keep going because I PROMISED THIS TO OTHERS. Because YOU GUYS INSPIRE ME TO NO END. Because I need this practise. Because out of my hard work someday God will bring forth gold. Because he gave me this gift and WRITING IS THE PRACTISE I NEED -- IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO CULTIVATE MY TALENT.

6. What inspired you to start writing, and how long have you been at it?


My mom once called my sister "broccoli queen" and that was enough. I have been working on this for 7 months.

7. What author is your writing style similar to?

I haven't written enough to know. But. Who do I want to write like? Laini Taylor. Maggie Stiefvater. Rainbow Rowell. Tui T. Sutherland. Cordelia Funke.

8. What writing goals do you set, and how do you reward yourself for meeting them?

I haven't ever rewarded myself? Yet? But maybe I'll get myself a book once I'm done xD I set impossible goals like "I WILL BE FINISHED BEFORE NOVEMBER". *peers around to make sure no one important is listening* yeah :P





9. What does a regular writing day look like for you?

You don't want to know and I don't want to tell. Enough said. (Basically I do everything else and when I get bored I churn out 1 - 2 K.

10. How many ideas do you currently have saved on your computer/flash drive?

Not sure about my computer, but last I counted I had 26 ideas collectively. Since then one or two more may have popped up. So yes. My life's work is all set before me xD



THIS MY FRIENDS WAS THE LAST OF THE AMAZING 4-PART SERIES WHICH YOU'VE BEEN READING. WHAT DID YOU THINK??? Also I should return from hiatus next week so ... I'LL SEE YOU THEN.


Don't forget to go say hi to the rest of my gang *points below* THEY WILL HAVE AMAZING THINGS UP. like usual. BUT STILL.


Till I return -- stay alive .... *ahem* I mean, don't let the impending doom which is NaNoWriMo kill you. XD




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24 comments:

  1. Ah ah ah ah staying alive staying alive...

    *ahem* Sorry.

    But here... *dumps glitter on your head* ...have some inspiration!

    And yet another awesome writer who can draw her characters....seriously, you guys with this ability AMAZE ME TO NO END. *draws a stick figure* *scribbles hair* See? There's my MC. TA-DA!

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    1. I KNOW. Are you doing Nano??

      *dances in the glitter* thanks gril <333

      WELL, in my humble opinion drawing characters is the best thing to do while thinking up their personalities and backstories :) THANK YOU I AM HAPPY TO AMAZE YOU (ahem sorry xD) Stick-figure drawing isn't bad at all -- I do it sometimes because #laziness. But you know, stick-figure drawing is the beginning and the ground work all artists build upon! SO THERE. You are on your way :D

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  2. This sounds incredibly like my process. I procrastinate on everything, it's terrible. I also think it's awesome that you draw your characters.

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    1. HAHAHA PROCRASTINATORS UNITE... ahem. Thank you so much <333

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  3. Please survive nano, Lisa! The blogosphere wouldn't be the same without you!! XD <3

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    1. YOU DON'T KNOW HOW HAPPY IT MAKES ME TO HEAR THAT <333 Don't worry I'll return soooooon ....

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  4. Oooohhh! Drawing covers and characters!!! That's awesome (I wish I was better at drawing...

    I love steps 1 and 2. I'm still in that stage with a lot of my stories. And yes, I will attest to step 3 being hard....SOI is in that stage and it's super difficult....

    I love this series so much...I'm thinking about doing February's!

    Catherine
    catherinesrebellingmuse.blogspot.com

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    1. YES IT IS EVERYONE SHOULD DO IT ... hey, we all begin somewhere and ME TOO I WISH I WAS BETTER EVEN THOUGH I AM PRETTY GOOD (excuse me if I say that of myself). as long as you keep on drawing you're doing awesome!!!

      Eh, steps one and two are like the breezy parts xD Aww I'm sorry *sends you some scones for inspiration*

      OH THAT WOULD BE AWESOME TO READ ABOUT YOUR STORY!!! Do consider it!!!

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  5. That's great that you draw your characters! Are you a traditional artist? Or do you prefer computer art?

    Good luck with your story, Lisa! Your story sounds unique and wonderful. Keep writing!

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    1. I'm traditional artist, actually. Don't ask me about computer art -- my sisters are great at it but have I done any in like six years??? Nooooo .... What about you??

      Thanks so much!!!

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  6. Great post! I love hearing about what other people do for their stories. I like the idea of creating a cast of characters. I might need to do that for one of my upcoming stories.

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    1. Glad you liked it!!! I learned the 'cast' from Shakespeare! I always call mine "dramatis personae" ... haha. It's cool so you should try xD

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  7. I seriously need to read Stiefvater, and Rowell too. O.O

    Great post, Lisa! And I totally agree with you about #5. :)

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    1. Yeah YOU SHOULD. Try The Scorpio Races. And I've read like seven chapters of Fangirl over multiple visits to the bookstore (shh don't tell them I only go there to read) and it's pretty awesome :D

      Hehehe THANKS LILA <333

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  8. Can't wait for your return!!!
    This is awesome!! Its been fun doing this with everyone, though I do look forward to going back to regular posts, too.

    Great job!!

    ~Ivie
    iviewrites.blogspot.com

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    1. YAY! I CAN'T WAIT TO COME BACK (hey I'm technically back already -- replying to all the comments xD)

      *high fives* #nods SO MUCH AGREEMENT WITH YOU HERE <333

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  9. Before November??? *sends motivational lamingtons*

    It's so cool that you can draw your characters, Lisa! :)
    - Jem Jones

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    1. OH YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH I NEED THAT THANK YOU I'LL INCLUDE YOU IN THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS NOW (don't look at me like that of course I'm writing the acknowledgements early or I might forget someone ...)

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  10. Your inspiration stuff is hilarious but relatable. That's how most of my inspiration strikes. XD

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  11. You write 1-2K per writing session? Awesome! Also liked hearing your writing process.

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    1. Thank you ^-^ Some times I do write only ten words at a time, but usually I like to get a decent amount down :D

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