Writing Process Blog Meme

April 28, 2014 by Let's CUT the Crap! 62 Comments

The supportive and generous Jacqui Murray at http://worddreams.wordpress.com nominated me for this blog meme. Thank you, Lady. Long ago, I bowed out of any manner of nominations or awards, but this is a tad different.

I cannot recall how or when I stumbled upon her site, but that was my lucky day. Jacqui’s blog is a writer’s premier resource, chockfull of valuable writing advice and guidelines galore. Please check her out.

The rules for this meme are to answer four questions about your writing method and nominate three new people. You can accept or not, but come on, this will be fun, won’t it?

 

What am I working on at the moment?

I’m sorting through and sprucing up short stories for submission before summer reading close. Matching the correct magazine to the story is my biggest headache and time consuming. Do I do contests or pay fees? At first I did for a couple, but no longer. I am retired after all and fees add up, although submitters usually receive a ‘free’ subscription in return.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I’ve only a simple and unexciting answer to this question. I believe my writing fits into general fiction and not any sub-category. I tend to write about a variety of subjects which don’t include fantasy, sci-fi or horror etc. I’m more into everyday common-man-situations readers might associate with and cheer. However, I am tickled if the stories are entertaining when I release them.

Why do I write what I do?

I write to entertain myself, to analyze situations to better understand them, and to sort out the clamour in my head. I write what interests me most at any given time.

How does my writing process work?

The middle of the day works best for me because I use up mornings to ease into the work after I’ve read the paper, my e-mail and blogs, and swept away diversions so I can concentrate.

I have a spiral notebook within reach to scribble fleeting ideas before they vanish. However, my handwriting has degenerated to chicken scratch and is difficult to decipher if I don’t slow down. Most of the time I write like a demon and can’t make it out later. My favourite writing tools are my laptop from draft to finish and real deadlines.

I don’t accomplish as much as I should because I’m disorganized and easily distracted. Sometimes, I type as fast as I can to capture what’s going through my head and then leave it for another day because I’m not always sure what to do with the information right away.

When the going is hot—not often enough—my day vanishes. I’ve typed the first draft and filled in holes, patched bridges and edited as much as I can. I then put away the piece for another day when I can read it like a stranger. Only once or twice have I written a short story from start to finish in one day and been satisfied. Believe it or not, I enjoy editing the most because then I take my time.

These are my three nominees. You are not obligated to join in. Remember no-one will come to your house if you’re not up for participation.

http://kanzensakura.com/  sakura

http://chasingrabbitholes.com  Huntmode

http://mikeallegra.com/  mike

Answer the four questions below on your blog on May 5, 2014 (and on consecutive Mondays thereafter as long as this meme keeps going) and add three new nominations.

What am I working on at the moment?
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Why do I write what I do?
How does my writing process work?