I don’t have any news or updates today so I thought I’d do a fun writing meme. I’m not going to tag anyone, but if you want to take this and do it on your own blog, let me know!

What’s Your Writing Style?

1. Are you a “pantser” or a “plotter?”

Neither. I’m a plantster. I do both a little plotting and a little pantsing(?) when I write. Usually, I start out with a brief outline. I always know how the story will generally end, but I sure do learn a lot on the way there. A lot of subplots pop up during the process that I have no idea are going to happen when I begin. From what I’ve found so far, they make the novel better.

2. Detailed character sketches or “their character will be revealed to me as a I write”?

I tried detailed sketches a few times. Didn’t work. So, I start out with a general idea in my head.

3. Do you know your characters’ goals, motivations, and conflicts before you start writing or is that something else you discover only after you start writing?

For the main character, yes. And some for other minor characters, but some of this does only come to me after I start writing.

4. Books on plotting - useful or harmful?

I’ve never read one myself, but I don’t see why not. As long as you don’t get too caught up in the “formula” of it.

5. Are you a procrastinator or does the itch to write keep at you until you sit down and work?

Both? I’m always itching to work on a manuscript. Buuuuuut, sometimes I’ll sit down and procrastinate using the internet.

6. Do you write in short bursts of creative energy, or can you sit down and write for hours at a time?

I can do both, but I prefer to write for hours at a time. Usually two or three. I’ve really enjoyed Sundays I’ve spent working on the novel for around six hours at a time. That doesn’t happen as often as I’d like.

7. Are you a morning or afternoon writer?

Neither! I usually end up writing after 10pm.

8. Do you write with music/the noise of children/in a cafe or other public setting, or do you need complete silence to concentrate?

Music is nice. The hum of people I can ignore is nice. It needs to be background noise though.

9. Computer or longhand? (or typewriter?)

My laptop.

10. Do you know the ending before you type Chapter One?

Yes. At least for the one I just finished and the one I just started. I even knew the very last line of the last one when I was around Chapter Four or so. And I’m still in Chapter One of my current WIP, and I already know the last line of it.

11. Does what’s selling in the market influence how and what you write?

Eh. Not in the sense that I search out the market and write accordingly. But what’s selling in the market right now - YA fantasy and paranormal - are the genres I’ve really been getting into lately. I absolutely love reading this type of book. And so that’s what I’m writing. But strictly because it’s what I enjoy. I do want to sell, but that isn’t driving my choice of genre. I tried mystery, and it isn’t working for me at this point in my life. Maybe someday.

12. Editing - love it or hate it?

I don’t love it or hate it. Editing can be fun. I had some fun with this last one. It can also be draining. I think I read this past manuscript at least four or five times within a two week timeframe. Maybe more, I don’t know. I scribbled and revised. And revised. And scribbled some more. Then, I read it again. Scribbled some more. Maybe if I hadn’t crammed it in such a short time frame, it wouldn’t have been so draining. Next time, I’ll know better.

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Filed under: me, writing