Music

In keeping with the last, fantastic post about sharing where we write, I thought I’d pose the question–do you listen to music when you write?  If so, what?

I often don’t unless I have an emotional scene or a difficult scene.  Then I try to find something with the right mood to really help me get into it.  I usually try to make the music I listen to something sans words, or in Spanish (I don’t understand too much Spanish), so that the words don’t influence me, but I still get the mood.

How about you?

Favorite place to write?

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to try and start some bloggy convo with others about their habits and inspiration for writing.

Where is your favorite place to write? Do you find it hard to get “in the zone” anywhere else?

Me, I like to write outside mostly. I find it hard to write in my home, simply because there’s always something else that needs to be done. Coffee shops and parks are 2 places that I always feel compelled to pull out my journal and jot down thoughts.

word nerd questionnaire

I’m sorry I’m posting this late, I’ve been so busy! mine is here and my partner has seen it!

Food for Thought

Amy sent me a link to this article to encourage me in my writing, and I thought it was so good that you should all have the chance to read it.  Feel free to discuss!

Matches Have Been Sent!

Check your e-mail, and please let me know if you have any questions.

Happy Writing!

My Word Nerd Questionnaire

Sorry it took me so long to figure out how to use wordpress.

My questionnaire is here.

Word Nerd Co-Op Questionnaire

Hi everyone,

My questionnaire is online here: http://www.typepad.com/t/app/weblog/post?__mode=edit_entry&id=50939578&blog_id=1606628

Looking forward to a productive summer!
Amy

SAgustoCox’s Word Nerd Questionnaire

1. At what level would you describe yourself as a writer (for instance, just starting to take myself seriously; searching for a graduate program, etc.)?

I would love to finish a novel. I have three started, and none are finished. I am a published poet with several poems in online and print journals. I am also currently working on a short story as well, which is humming along.

I would love to get into a graduate degree program as well, but with money tight, I doubt that will happen soon.

2. What genre(s) do you write?

Poetry, novel, and short story

3. How do you fit writing into your life right now?

Usually on Wed. nights because the Hubby is off at class.

4. What is your goal for this project (June 1-Aug. 31)?

To finish a novel or get so close I can taste it. To stick to writing three days per week at least.

5. What steps do you plan to take to reach that goal?

Set aside more writing and editing time, make definitive efforts to keep to a schedule.

6. How do you reward yourself (or how would you like to be rewarded) when you meet a goal?

A stop at the library or bookstore for a book I am dying to read.

7. What writing craft books do you have/like?

I have a ton of writing books, but the 3am Epiphany has helped with my writer block.

8. Any craft books you’re interested in checking out?

I’m open to most any book, particularly those dealing with the long haul of writing novels, though I cannot outline to save my soul.

9. What inspires your writing?

My muse; honestly, I have no idea…things I observe in life. Music on some occasions.

10. How would your author’s blurb read?

Small town girl with big dreams writes larger-than-life stories

11. Tell us about your family (partners, kids, pets, etc.)

One husband, one dog, two cats; that’s enough; some great friends.

12. Have you ever participated in Nanowrimo (finished or not!)?

twice, never finished (one of the unfinished novels is a result of Nanowrimo)

13. What can you do to make it easier on yourself to meet your goal for this project?

Set an achievable writing goal for three days out of the week.

14. What are you looking for in terms of support from a writing partner (ex. Exchanging work for critique, being held accountable for meeting a word count goal, etc.)?

critiques and being held accountable to the writing times

15. What crafty pursuits do you enjoy when you’re not writing?

Photography and scrapbooking

16. What other hobbies/past times do you like?

Reading and tennis and hiking

17. What non-writing-craft books have you enjoyed?

Pride & Prejudice is my favorite, and I love the Twilight book series.

18. What else would you like to share with us?

I cannot wait to get started. I am looking forward to this project and can’t wait to see who my match is.

Seriously, I’m Matching

I’m waiting on one more questionnaire, which I forgot to send to the person.  I’ve got a good number of you matched up, so please, please, be just a little more patient with me!

Once the matches are done and sent out, I’ll get the blog roll updated with everyone’s writing blog, and I’ll also build up the resources links–feel free to let me know if there are any I should add.

I also thought we could do a weekly writing prompt here.  I’ll be glad to provide the first few; anyone else willing to post one?

Finally, I’d love to have book reviews of your favorite writing craft books.

I hope you’re working away on your goals as I work away on the matches.  Soon.  Pinky promise.

Questionnaire

1. At what level would you describe yourself as a writer (for instance, just starting to take myself seriously; searching for a graduate program, etc.)?

I would call myself a beginning writer. I’ve written fiction in the past, but it’s been a while. I am really hoping that this will get me moving with my writing once again.

2. What genre(s) do you write?

I don’t even know if I can answer this question right now since it’s been a while since I’ve really focused on my writing. I suppose that it would likely be in the chick lit type category, but who knows!

3. How do you fit writing into your life right now?

I am planning to wake up earlier in the morning in order to write. My job is changing, which will also allow for this transition.

4. What is your goal for this project (June 1-Aug. 31)?

My goal is to write every day. I am not entirely sure how much I will be writing every day since I haven’t been writing at all recently. So, perhaps I will start with writing every day for June and then establish a specific amount of writing that I want to do on a daily basis for July and August.

5. What steps do you plan to take to reach that goal?

Create a schedule, establish specific yarn/book rewards, and check in with my writing partner to keep myself accountable.

6. How do you reward yourself (or how would you like to be rewarded) when you meet a goal?

I’m a sucker for yarn (in love with Malabrigo!) or a new book. Maybe some sushi, too…

7. What writing craft books do you have/like?

”Writing Down the Bones” and “Bird by Bird”

8. Any craft books you’re interested in checking out?

I am open to suggestions!

9. What inspires your writing?

My life, my family, my work.

10. How would your author’s blurb read?

This is a tough one, but…Mandy lives in Chicago with her partner and three

cats. She tries hard to keep up with her housekeeping and bills, but spends most

of her time knitting, reading, and writing.

11. Tell us about your family (partners, kids, pets, etc.)

I live with my partner and our three cats in Chicago.

12. Have you ever participated in Nanowrimo (finished or not!)?

I participated once, but did not finish.

13. What can you do to make it easier on yourself to meet your goal for this project?

I’m going to create a schedule for myself, which will then become part of my

regular daily routine.

14. What are you looking for in terms of support from a writing partner (ex.

Exchanging work for critique, being held accountable for meeting a word count

goal, etc.)?

I would love it if someone was checking in with me to make sure that I’m writing

every day, and then that I am achieving the word count that I determine by the

beginning of July.

15. What crafty pursuits do you enjoy when you’re not writing?

I am a knitter and a crocheter.

16. What other hobbies/past times do you like?

I enjoy reading, swimming, and hanging out with my friends and family.

17. What non-writing-craft books have you enjoyed?

I love most books, but some of my faves are “Bel Canto,” “The Time Traveler’s

Wife,” “The Power of One,” and “Prodigal Summer.”

18. What else would you like to share with us?

I think that’s it for now.