I’ve had this writing meme saved in my drafts for ages, unread and untouched, so what better time than now to procrastinate with it?

The rules are simple:

• Copy paste the questions below onto your blog;
• Fill in your answers;
• Drop a link to your post in the comments here.

My turn!

The Writing Meme

Which words do you use too much in your writing?

The classic culprits: just, little, up, down, in, out, but, then, and of course and. I have to cull through my work to remove anything unnecessary.

Which words do you consider overused in stuff you read?

Same as above, which is why I ruthlessly delete them when I’m editing. Also, ‘suddenly’ and ‘all of a sudden’ can be annoying – the latter more so.

What’s your favourite piece of writing by you?

It’s hard to pick; my favourite changes with my mood. Most of the time, I would say it’s one of the short stories in Hungry For You. Particularly the eponymous story, “Alive”, or “A Dead Man’s Rose”.

Regrets, do you have a few? Is there anything you wish you hadn’t written?

When I read through old stories – and particularly old fanfiction! – I cringe with embarrassment, but I don’t regret writing them. Every story I write makes me a better writer.

Name three favourite words

I honestly struggle with picking favourites.

…And three words you’re not so keen on.

And equally struggle to pick words I don’t like. Words are words.

Do you have a writing mentor, role model or inspiration?

I have favourite authors, but I don’t see myself becoming them, so I’m not sure. I think we’re all trying to find our own path.

What’s your writing ambition?

To do justice to the stories I want to tell.

What’s the last thing you wrote?

A scene from my current WIP, a werewolf novella.

Was it any good?

I hope so. I’m not at the editing phase yet so I’m not letting myself think about that.

What’s the first thing you wrote that you still have?

A short story I wrote in 6th grade about a horse escaping from a zoo. With pictures.

Write poetry?

I used to, then realised I’m crap at it.

Angsty poetry?

Yep! That’s why I was crap at it.

Favourite genre of writing?

Anything speculative.

Most fun character you’ve ever created?

Mort, from Hungry For You. He’s a total stereotype (overweight policeman, always eating, a bit crude), and yet I had fun using him as a counterpoint to the zombies.

Most annoying character you’ve ever created?

Lilith, the protagonist of Above Ground. She’s so hard-headed sometimes it defies belief.

Best plot you’ve ever created?

I’m not sure about best, but I really liked the set up in “Hungry For You” – female policeman who killed her zombified boyfriend ends up entangled with what might be the last male zombie alive.

Coolest plot twist you’ve ever created?

I loved the scene in Above Ground where you discover the truth about Liam’s parents. I felt positively evil writing it.

How often do you get writer’s block?

Never. I do get writer’s laziness though.

Write fan fiction?

Not anymore!

Do you type or write by hand?

Typing all the way.

Do you save everything you write?

I try not to. If I find myself doing it, I create an archive folder and shove things in there. Keeping everything isn’t healthy; you need space to become a better writer.

Do you ever go back to an idea after you’ve abandoned it?

So far, I haven’t. But maybe one day.

What’s everyone else’s favourite story that you’ve written?

Most people pick “Hungry For You” (the story, not the entire collection).

Do you ever show people your work?

That’s the point of this website. :-)

Have you written a novel?

Yup. See Above Ground.

Ever written romance or angsty teen drama?

Only in fanfiction.

What’s your favourite setting for your characters?

A contemporary/urban setting.

How many writing projects are you working on right now?

Actively, two. I’ve got another half a dozen on the backburner.

Do you want to write for a living?

Yes.

Have you ever won an award for your writing?

No.

Ever written anything in script or play format?

No.

Do you ever write based on yourself?

Everything I write has a piece of me in it.

What character have you created that is most like yourself?

Maeve, from a WIP. I’m still working on piecing that story together.

Where do you get ideas for your characters?

From my head!

Do you ever write based on your dreams?

Often.

Do you favour happy endings, sad endings or cliff-hangers?

Bittersweet endings. Happiness comes at a price.

Have you ever written based on a piece of artwork you’ve seen?

Only for small writing prompt exercises.

Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?

To an extent.

Ever write anything in chatspeak (how r u?)

Eugh, no. Drives me mad.

Entirely in L337?

Nope.

Was that question appalling and unwriterly?

Yes. Except now I’m tempted.

Does music help you write?

No, but it helps me prepare to write.

Quote something you’ve written. Whatever pops into your head.

“When I’m lonely for boys what I miss is their bodies. The smell of their skin, its saltiness. The rough whisper of stubble against my cheek. The strong firm hands, the way they rest on the curve of my back.”

– “Alive”, in Hungry For You

Your turn!