Monday, January 18, 2010

a writey taggy post


I don't usually do the tag thing, but this week I was quite
flattered to be tagged by a new blog friend, the talented writer and
published author, Roz Morris. You might like to visit her super
blog Nail Your Novel to see how she expertly answered these
questions, as well. Thanks Roz, this was fun.


1) What’s the last thing you wrote? What’s the first thing
you wrote that you still have?
The last thing I wrote was a poem for last week's Theme Thursday
called Oscar Performance, dealing with people who make it a habit
of fooling the public, when their private lives are insane. We all know
them. And you know, I couldn't tell you the first thing I wrote.

2) Write poetry?
Yes, I've recently started writing poetry, as my gentle readers are
well aware. I bombard them with it weekly, poor souls.

3) Angsty poetry?
Although angst can fuel all kinds of art, especially song lyrics, I
wouldn't consider mine to be in this category. I've always thought
angst poetry to be a tad on the inferior side, when it comes to what
I consider to be good poetry.

4) Favorite genre of writing?
Poetry, most definitely.

5) Most annoying character you’ve ever created?
Since I write mostly poetry, I would have to say the most annoying
character in my pieces would have to be the bizarre clown in my
parody piece Anti-Clown.

6) Best plot you’ve ever created?
I have a plot outlined for an autobiographical novel full of curses,
blackmail, and even an attempted murder. Truth is sometimes
stranger than fiction.

7) Coolest plot twist you’ve ever created?
Well, if you can call a poem "cool", I think one I wrote called Back
Alley is pretty cool. It's an after death piece, in which my light-
-and-tunnel-thing happens to be a back alley.

8) How often do you get writer’s block?
I don't really get writer's block. For me, it's much like talking. I
can talk to almost anyone about anything. And it's like that with
my writing. Sometimes inspiration comes in the bath or in the
middle of the night. I keep a pad and pencil by the bed, if I can find
it in the dark. I also keep a notebook with favorite phrases and words.
I'm not ashamed to write simple sentiment.

9) Write fan fiction? No.

10) Do you type or write by hand?

Type. I type as I think, and it's much easier than writing by hand.
If I happen to jot down an idea or two, I sometimes have a hard
time reading my own silly writing, especially if it's written in the
dark.

11) Do you save everything you write?

Yes. Poems don't take up much space.

12) Do you ever go back to an abandoned idea?
I usually like my ideas. It if doesn't work for one piece, at least part
of it will work in another. I never throw them out completely.

13) What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever written?
I don't really have a favorite. There are parts of many of my poems
that sing to me, but there is no one piece that holds that special spot.

14) What’s everyone else’s favorite story you’ve written?
I would be flattered to think my readers might have favorites.

15) Ever written romance or angsty teen drama? Never.

16) What’s your favorite setting for your characters?
My novel is set in the Midwest, since that's what I know best.

17) How many projects are you working on now?
I write at least one piece of poetry a week, plus my blog posts,
of course. My book? Well, I need to get busy, don't I?

18) Have you ever won an award for your writing?
I was chosen "Blog of Note" by Blogger in December of 2008.
Does that count?

19) What are your five favorite words?
I don't have faves, but I like plethora, putz, panties, ping-pong
and ponytail.

20) What character have you created that is most like
like yourself?
Me.

21) Where do you get your ideas for your characters?
From the people in my life. Like I said, truth is stranger than
fiction.

22) Do you favor happy endings?

No. A happy ending isn't necessarily a good ending.

23) Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as
you write?
Absolutely.

24) Does music help you write?
I love music, but I can think more clearly in a quiet atmosphere.

25) Quote something you’ve written. Whatever pops in
your head.


"She beckons me with withy broom, sweeps circled heaps of embers,
St. Brighid offers solace in her cinders." from my poem Patron Saint.



I'm not going to tag anyone, specifically, but it would be fun to
see how Jen Chandler , Vicki Lane and Tina Lonergan might answer.

41 comments:

  1. Sorry I am just not a writer,
    my husband was.I enjoy you.

    yvonne

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  2. Willow, I knew you'd be interesting. I especially liked your answer about the character you'd created who was most like you. A pleasure to have tagged you.

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  3. Love your answers! You are really more talented than you let on in your interview, though!

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  4. I did enjoy that myself Willow. I love to write but have no rhyme or reason for anything I write except for the grand's stories. I have ordered me a copy of my one year blogs as a book. Paid dearly, I'll tell you. Better than keeping a journal.
    QMM

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  5. I am *very* intrigued about your novel now. Get on it! your back alley piece sounds interesting, I'm headed there now to check it out. Also the quote from Patron Saint struck me. I think that's when I first started following you. I don't remember if it was the first time or not, but I remember where I was sitting while reading it. Funny, huh?

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  6. Very interesting, Willow. I can't wait to hear more about the novel...

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  7. The Blogs of Note definitely counts.

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  8. TRUTH is indeed STRANGER than fiction!
    Fun meme.

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  9. Interesting answers, Willow, Now about that novel . . .

    And I find it hard to resist your back-handed tag. (What a surprise to see my name!) I already have a post for tomorrow-- MLK Day -- but will answer those questions over at my place on Tuesday.

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  10. I really enjoy your poetry and Back Alley was one of my favorites. I agree w Otin...you are more talented then this lets on to. :)

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  11. i used to write poetry when i was young and romantic, and hopeful.
    and then i read them.....
    like i said,
    i USED TO WRITE poetry - past tense
    all these questions sound so...
    um....too official sounding for me.


    AND...btw, i love your creepy clowns!!!

    xxx

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  12. Willow, did you ever read Olga Broumas's poetry. I was at a recitation of hers years ago, and when she would begin to recite one of her poems, she'd cross her arms across her chest and lean her head back, close her eyes and begin... It was unbelieveable. I'd never seen anything like it. Later, I learned that Stanley Kunitz was her mentor. Oh, and I loved your answers and your poetry.

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  13. Donna, no, I haven't. I must check her out. Off now to google...

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  14. Oh I'd forgotten about Clown until now Willow - see how good you are, I'm getting that very uneasy feeling again. Put me down for a copy of that autobiographical novel you're sketching out - sounds fabulous!
    Millie ^_^

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  15. I agree with Otin;-)keep it coming-c

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  16. I had to smile at the thought of you writing a romance. A bodice ripper by Willow! I enjoyed reading your answers here Willow! xx

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  17. Interesting meme. And answers.

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  18. how very cool. i love to hear about writers and their craft. all mine are by hand in my notebook usually then transferred...

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  19. Hello Willow,

    Nice that you could give answers to this sensible kinda tag!

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  20. Interesting and insightful, Willow.

    And, like others, my interest in your novel has risen many degrees.

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  21. You need to add PUDDLE to #19. You know, as in "a puddle of ketchup"...{wink}!
    And your answer for #20 is so perfectly YOU!
    Well done, Miss Willow.

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  22. It was very interesting to read all your answers. You are so clever and you have a wealth of talent!I can't wait till you come to San Francisco on your book signing tour!!

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  23. Love that your favorite words all begin with P! Thanks for the insightful look into the writing part of your brain, Willow.

    I'm with you on needing absolute quiet when I write!

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  24. Oh, FireLight, you are so right. Puddle is one of my words!

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  25. Something about writing down simple thoughts, I too recently started writing them down and have never looked back...they are my mind...as I stumble for the pen in the dark...

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  26. I found this post interesting to read. I like poetry, especially the older styles, but I can't do it.

    I do like to write but the stuff I write and sell isn't something you'd find on most shelves. LOL

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  27. Willow,
    Can't wait to see some of your writings published along with your photo and illustrative talents! :) The Bach

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  28. Good answers...couldn't help but answer along with you, but that's the fun, I guess!!

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  29. Josephine, yeah, bodice rippers just like Maggie Smith as Emily Delahunty. Pour me another grappa!

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  30. And how about "pa-leeese!" :)

    Yes, truth is stranger than fiction, that is SO true.

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  31. In keeping with your favorite words...PERFECT!
    I'm anxiously awaiting the novel and would LOVE to see a book of poetry : )

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  32. Hey, LadyCat, I'm going to try to put together a chap book of my poetry this year!

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  33. Oh, the places and people you meet in blogland. I'm glad you accepted the tag and learned even more about you and your writing life. I don't remember Back Alley and will look it up!

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  34. i like this...perhaps i'll give it a go later on.

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  35. Your answers seemed totally honest; I enjoyed reading them.

    Also, you appear to like your Ps more than your Qs.

    Oh, that fell dead flat! So solly.

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  36. No, it didn't fall flat, Philip! It made me giggle. Yes, I do like my "P's" better.

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  37. Hi Willow! Thank you for the tag. It's an honour.
    Tina xx

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  38. Loved this. And I can't wait to read your poetry.
    And see how Jen Chandler answers , so ( if you're reading this...please do! )

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  39. Wish my computer friend Charlie would stop mucking with my font size. I couldnt read your blog. I do have an XToff virus which means, I have to find a nice netpad to peruse your fine wine of verse. Looking forward to it; tell Charlie aka "notie". Bewitching poetry (from what I can read due to font being...altered). Not sure about the comment of the socially inept; are you talkin' about me again?

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  40. "23) Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as
    you write? Absolutely."

    --Oh dear, it must be horrendous reading my horrbly typed comments then. :)

    Love these sort of tags ans am glad you did it here.

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  41. Why Willow, you'd really be interested in what I'd have to say? Hmmm, I think there will be a special taggy post just for you today :) Thank you, dear friend. I enjoyed reading your answers. And I'm very interested to learn more about the attempted murder. Truth IS stranger than fiction.

    Jen

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Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)