Behind the Scenes Writing TAG.

It's been awhile since I've done a tag over two months is awhile, right? and it is time to CHANGE that.

I was tagged for the behind the scenes writing tag by Abby over at Writing Abby. (You must all go check out her blog now. Done? Let's proceed with the post.)

is there a certain snack you like to eat while writing?

I like snacking on all foods. But for writing, I don't tend to eat a lot, because then my fingers will get messy and I'll mess up my keys and touchpad. I do like eating cookies and drinking lemonade, though, if I had to choose something. 

when do you normally write?

Normally I write all day. Seriously, I write whenever I can. Mornings, afternoons, and in the night. I write best at night, though. I'm not exactly sure why, but after ten I get my best writing done. My brain can think easier (as odd as that sounds) and I will be able to write 500 words in ten minutes instead of my usual 250. 

where do you write?

EVERYWHERE. 

(I'm already failing at this tag because my answers are so general *sigh*) 

Well, anywhere comfortable.

At night, I write in my room. In the dark. Just the dim, computer light shining. 

In the day, there's this red chair that's super comfy in our living room, and the sun always sometimes shines on it which makes me happy.

So basically, I write in utter darkness or pure sunshine.

Yes, this picture is supposed to be dark. This is what it looks like to write in utter darkness, peoples. (In case you didn't know.)

how often do you write a new novel?

I don't allow myself to start a new novel until I've finished writing my current one. Otherwise I have
too many projects and not enough time, and my brain will get confused. 

I would say that I write and finish around two-three a year? I can usually write a novel in a little more than a month, so it gives me time to edit, rewrite, and all those fun things. 

do you listen to music while you write?

Wait, people don't listen to music while they write? 

*shocker* 

I think writing with music is very important. It sets the mood for the scene, and can also block out any other distractions. So, I obviously listen to music. 

I used to write with JUST instrumentals, but just recently have started listening to songs with lyrics, so it depends on what I feel like. :p

what do you write on? laptop or paper?

My answer to this question just changed in a matter of a week ago. 

I've written two novels on the computer (and have completely rewritten both of them). Writing on the computer is fast. I type fast, so this works out well. 

BUT, writing on the computer is always mind-draining with the glow of the screen, and the constant distractions right at your fingertips. I started a novel by hand recently, so that's a new experience. Lot less distractions, but it takes way longer to write even 300 words. I plan on writing up a blog post once I complete the novel. :D

is there a special ritual you have before/after you write?

Before: Become super excited about writing said plot twist and feels-y scene. 

After: Cry because there's so much editing there's to be done.

what do you do to get into the mood to write?

Writing/editing when you don't feel like it is absolutely the worst thing ever. It's hard to create something that's good when you have no passion for it. 

My biggest help is my word war buddies. (You guys are awesome.) Next, deadlines. (Deadlines are not so awesome, but necessary.) Third, music. (Because epic soundtracks usually are inspiring in one way or another.)

what is always near the place you write?

Distraction in one form or another. *cough* Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook are usually open. *whistles innocently* 

Alllll the procrastination at my fingertips.

Otherwise I always have headphones, and I like having a blanket to warm my cold feet, but usually I'm too lazy to go get one. xD

do you have a reward system for your word count?

If I could reward myself for all my words with pizza, I would. 

But, I can't, so I don't reward myself. *le sigh* 

Honestly, I'm not sure how I would reward myself. I mean, I already waste enough time on social media, so I don't want to give myself more time with that. I think the reward is just being done. :p

is there anything about your writing process that others might not know about?

Uff, this is a hard one. I'll try to think of a couple random facts: 

1. I struggle with dialogue. Dunno why. Just always have had a hard time with it. 
2. For my second draft, I usually rewrite the book completely. It's a pain, it really is, but I can always see lots of progress. 
3. I write my first draft as fast as I can. I just want to get it over with. 
4. With each draft I write, I file it under a new name. Example: Song of the Desert - Draft One. // Song of the Desert - Draft Two. 

Who knows if those were remotely interesting, but, eh. *throws them at you anyways*

I tag... (Feel free to steal this if you're not tagged.)

 Ana - Butterflies of the Imagination || Heather - Sometime's I'm a Story || Aimee - To the Barricade || Victoria - A Gathering of Dreams || Faith - Story of Fire || Annie - Curious Wren ||  Opal - Opal Swirls || Emily - For the Bookish

questions:

• Is there a certain snack you like to eat while writing?
• When do you normally write? Night, afternoon, or morning?
• Where do you write?
• How often do you write a new novel?
• Do you listen to music while you write?
• What do you write on? Laptop or paper?
• Is there a special ritual you have before or after you write?
• What do you do to get into the mood to write?
• What is always near the place you write?
• Do you have a reward system for your word count?
• Is there anything about your writing process that others might not know about?

- Katie Grace 

Now I want to know something about YOUR writing process that I might not know about. And what time of day do you write best?