Behind the Scenes Writing TAG.

Sunday, October 4, 2015
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?

34 comments :

  1. Maybe this is off subject... but, oooh! You have a picture of yourself up now! You're so pretty!
    :)

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    1. I do! My mom took the picture, and I figured it was time for people to know I wasn't some random faceless person. ;)
      Thank youuu. <3

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  2. I basically internally stood up and cheered when you showed incredulity that some people write without music. Honestly, in my experience, I don't know a lot of writers who do...but I gotchu, sister ;) I make playlists for every single piece of writing I create it (be it novel or short story), with songs that convey either the plot or the feel. I love when I stumble across a song that just fits PERFECTLY. And music is the number one weapon to combat writer's block. Well, maybe number two, losing only to Pinterest!

    Also, great picture of you! You're super pretty! Glad to know you're not some random faceless person ;)

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    1. oh my gosh i am with you on the scepticizm over who doesnt write with music, real question is who doesn't listen to it when you're reading. And you are sooooooo pretty Grace!

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    2. Yesss. Music people forever. *high fives* Ooh, I absolutely love the idea of making a playlist! I'm not sure why I didn't think of that before, but I'll have to do that now. Thanks for the idea! :D

      Aww, thank you both. :)

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  3. Aw, thanks so much for tagging me! I look forward to doing this. =D
    And I love your answers and getting to know more about how you write. Behind-the-scenes stuff of anything always fascinates me for some reason. xD

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    1. You're welcome! I look forward to your answer. :)
      That's my favorite type of blog posts -- seeing other people's writing processes. It is so interesting to compare and get ideas for your own novels.

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  4. Great answers! I'm halfway tempted to steal this . . . but I think I'll wait and see if someone tags me.
    I know exactly what you mean about handwriting vs. computer writing! That's why I always write my first draft by hand: the creative flow is better, and I have fewer distractions. (That's also why editing goes a lot slower than drafting . . .)

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    1. STEAL IT! And otherwise I can always go ahead and tag you if you'd like. xD
      Ooh, you write by hand? That's so awesome. :D How many novels have you completed that way?

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    2. Heh. I do know one of the people you tagged, so I'm hoping she'll tag me. If she doesn't, yeah, I'm stealing it.
      Quite a few, actually: seven novels (and one ridiculously long one in progress), plus at least a half-dozen novellas. Does it take me at least a few months to finish just about anything? I do write slower than a lot of people, but I also write fairly steadily, particularly when I have a goal to meet.

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    3. Whoah. o.O That's... That's a lot. *hands you my full admiration*

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  5. Yes, handwriting tends to help with distraction. I write at night a lot, too ... though not in utter darkness :).
    And I agree with everyone else, you're very pretty Katie!

    ~Savannah P.

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    1. Yay for night writing! I think a lot of writers tend to be night owls. ;)
      *happy feelings* Thank youuu. <3

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  6. Ugh, that picture of your tabs is the story of. my. life. I LIVE THAT LIFE EVERY DAY. It is so easy to get distracted. Like you, I don't usually reward myself either because I don't have that kind of self-control. It's easier just to push on through no matter what. *nods* Thanks so much for tagging me, Katie! I'll be sure to do this one soon. :)

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    1. I knowwww. I can't seem to close them out, 'cause I'll just open them right away again. xD
      Of course! I look forward to seeing it. :D

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  7. So. Many. Distractions. *flops* I've been having a ton of internet issues lately, so that eliminates that distraction aspect, but still. My brain gets creative about ways to mess up my focus. But I totally get you about not wanting to get food on the keys and the touchpad. That's usually why I just go for a drink, usually caffeine, usually coffee. I also don't like have to eat something with one hand while typing with the other hand, because the means I won't be able to type nearly as quickly. Like you, also, I tend to write all day, when I get the time, and I seem to do better later on in the day, especially after it gets dark. I usually listen to lyrical music, though sometimes I'll break out the instrumentals. And I only edit one book at a time, but I will write rough drafts more often, just so they can sit and mature in my subconscious--if that makes sense.

    Great tag!

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    1. Ooh, internet issues are basically the best and worst thing that can happen to an author. xD I was somewhere recently where there wasn't any internet, and I actually became more distracted 'cause I kept checking to see it the internet was fixed. :p

      *nods* Yeah, it would be hard for me to edit more than one book at a time. Too. Many. Different. Stories. :p

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  8. I still can't believe you are writing a whole novel by hand. That's some serious dedication right there and something that I definitely want to do once I gather up the courage to do so. I'm not going to say much about my answers to these questions since this is a tag I really want to do, but I will say that our writing processes are pretty similar. I also struggle with dialogue which is weird since I do more listening than talking. And I also completely rewrite my novels when I revise. I go crazy trying to fix a mess without just keeping it away from my sight and starting on a fresh page. I also use the same naming system for my files!

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    1. Oh yes, and thanks for tagging me! :D

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    2. I'm excited to see your answers. :D
      And you're very welcome!

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  9. Yes, I have to agree - it's nice to see your face! And to get to know more about your writing process too!
    I write better at night too. I think it's because I'm not distracted by thinking about all the other stuff I have to get done for the day...
    And also, just to shock you, I don't listen to music when writing. :) Any music, I find distracting. I prefer just silence, as quiet as possible, or the sound of crickets or frogs outside, nice peaceful sounds of nature.

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    1. Definitely. Night is after I've finished all I can that's not related to writing, and so I can think with a clear conscience. ;)
      *is shocked* That is nice. Usually I can't find a silent place to write, so I use music as a distraction. But I do like writing outside when there are no lawn mowers or noisy neighbors. xD

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  10. LOL, I love this tag!
    I've written a novel by hand too! It's kinda hard (as you probably already know), but it's fun, and it has it's own kind of rewarding feel that's completely different from what you get when writing a novel on the computer.
    That may not have made any sense. But when you finish yours, you'll get it, lol :D

    I write basically at any time of day, too, though normally it's either in the morning or the evening/night because that's when I happen to have time. But I don't think there's a particular time of day when I feel most creative.


    Alexa
    thessalexa.blogspot.com
    verbositybookreviews.wordpress.com

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    1. Isn't this tag awesome? I was so happy when I was tagged. xD
      Ooh, you have? *hands you loads of chocolate* That's so awesome! I've heard that it's so rewarding, and I think looking at the filled notebook when I'm finished will be SUCH a good feeling.

      *nods* That makes sense. I wish I was that way. xD
      Thanks for commenting!

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  11. This was such a cool post! I struggle with dialogue too, especially in first drafts. That's when I feel like I might have a general idea of what I want my characters to say,l but no idea HOW they should say it. Writing playlists are a must, especially when I need to get motivated/inspired.

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    1. Thank youuu!
      And oh my gosh, that's my problem, too. It's like painting or drawing. I know WHAT I exactly want it to look like, but then when I try to transfer it it just turns into a blob or something undecipherable. :p

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  12. Omg I want to steal this so bad. BUT YOU SAID I COULD SO MAYBE I WILL?!?!? XD And *raises and guiltily* I don't listen to music while I write. I just CAN'T. I get too distracted!?? I actually don't listen to much of any music anymore. o.O I sometimes reward myself with like 5min pinterest breaks but pizza would be so much better. You are so totally spot on there.
    I write best in the VERY early morning but then I'm exhausted by, like, 10am and just want to nap and apparently that's not socially acceptable??? Sheesh. THIS WORLD. xDXD
    Loved reading this post!! :D

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    1. DO IT. STEAL IT.
      *gasp* You don't? I'm actually surprised at how many people don't listen to music when they write. I could see how it could get distracting (especially with lyrics) but I feel like the things going on around me is even more distracting. xD
      Yes, pizza. Always pizza.
      Pfft, who cares about what's socially acceptable? I stay up super late and then sleep in until 10am soooo. xD
      Thank youuuu!

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  13. Thank you so much for the tag! :)

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  14. Ooh, I'm going to have to steal this. I'm a writer, too, so this post was rad to read. I can't believe you write so quickly! I have the persistent problem of re-writing...I'll get almost to the end of a draft, panic, and start at the beginning again with a new draft. Maybe that's why this current novel is still in my mind and heart and not yet completed....but soon, I pray. GOODNESS! But yeah, this post was awesome. I write at night too, and in the early morning...which are conflicting goals. Egad.

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    1. DO IT. STEAL IT. I want to see this. xD
      Yeah, I WRITE quickly, but I edit/rewrite insanely slowly and I'm trying to speed up that process by giving myself deadlines but gosh it's so hardddd.

      Ha, yeah. I can't imagine writing both at night and early morning. TOO MUCH. *shivers because ew mornings*

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  15. Great post! Very helpful.
    R. J. Steele

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  16. It's really neat seeing in your writing process, Katie. ^ ^ I'm primarily a nighttime writer and lemonade and cookies for a writing snack. Yummy. ^ ^

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

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