13, 30, 38

13.  hardest character to write.  I think maybe Bleary!Zach.  I wrote all of Bleary from Chris’ perspective.  I had a pretty strong sense of what Zach was going through and what his concerns and motivations were, but I wasn’t in his head. I think maybe one of the subsequent shorts was from his perspective (The Other 364), but that’s really it.  So when I switched to him for Cleaving, which really had to be from his POV, I think it’s taken me a while to find his voice, and I’m not sure it’s as strong as I wish it were, even now when the story’s almost finished.

30. hardest part of writing.  Finding time to do it when I’m not fucking exhausted.  Sorry, but it’s really true.  I work full time, have two kids, am PTA president, and have social engagements with friends and family.  And a husband I enjoy spending time with occasionally when we can both set aside our other obligations.  I feel bad for my readers that they have to wait a month or more for chapters, but that’s just my life right now.   Writing comes last in the list of priorities.  It’s my hobby, and by the time I get to it in the evening, sometimes all I have the energy to do is tumble or read.

38.  do you reread your own stories?  If someone starts commenting on a story that I wrote a while ago, I’ll sometimes reread so I can understand what they’re reacting to and respond intelligently (and enjoy their enthusiasm). It’s almost always in response to another person, not just because I want to revisit the story.  And sometimes I cringe, but mostly I look to see what THEY enjoyed and revel in that a bit. 

asks for fanfic writers

ibuzoo:

drop a number and a fandom in my askbox and I’ll answer:

  1. things that inspire you
  2. things that motivate you
  3. name three favorite writers
  4. name three authors that were influential to your work and tell why
  5. since how long do you write?
  6. how did writing change you?
  7. early influences on your writing
  8. what time are you most productive?
  9. do you set yourself deadlines?
  10. how do you do your researches?
  11. do you listen to music when writing?
  12. favorite place to write
  13. hardest character to write
  14. easiest character to write
  15. hardest verse to write
  16. easiest verse to write
  17. favorite AU to write
  18. favorite pairing to write
  19. favorite fandom to write
  20. favorite character to write
  21. least favorite character to write
  22. favorite story you’ve ever written
  23. least favorite story you’ve ever written
  24. favorite scene you’ve ever written
  25. favorite line you’ve ever written
  26. story you’re most proud of
  27. best review you ever got
  28. worst review you ever got
  29. favorite story/poem of another author
  30. hardest part of writing
  31. easiest part of writing
  32. alternate title for (insert story title)
  33. alternate ending for (insert story title)
  34. alternate pairing for (insert story title)
  35. single story or multi-part story?
  36. one-shot or multi-chaptered story?
  37. canon or AU?
  38. do you reread your own stories?
  39. do you want to be published some day?
  40. which one of your stories would you most like to see as a movie/series
  41. one song that captures (insert story title)
  42. do you plan or do you write whatever comes to your mind?
  43. would you ever write a sequel for (insert fic title here)
  44. do you write linear or do you write future scenes if you feel like it?
  45. share the synopsis of a story you work on that you haven’t published yet
  46. share a scene of a story that you haven’t published yet
  47. how many unfinished ideas/stories are you working on at the same time?
  48. three spoilers for (insert story title)
  49. writing advice
  50. open question to the writer

Six(ish) Sentence Sunday

From Chapter 7 of Cleaving, which is now past 6k words and sneaking up on its close…

“Better use the thick socks,” Zach suggested.  “We’ll be outside a bit. In fact, bring extras.”

Chris grabbed two pairs with a raised eyebrow.  “You going to let me know what our itinerary is for the day?”  Zach was glad to see Chris was dressing in layers, preparing for anything.

“Nope.  It’s all a surprise.”

“But we are going to Carnegie Mellon.”

Zach smiled, pleased that Chris was so adamant about seeing his alma mater.  “Yeah, we’ll get to CMU, but not until later this afternoon.  There are a few things I want to show you in town, first.  And you’ll want the good camera.  There’s some great architecture.  I’m going to have to bring a book or something, because you’re going to get all engrossed.”

Chris gave him a crinkle-eyed grin that made Zach’s heart skip a little.  And made him smile in a way he knew looked a little goofy and a little shy.  Which, considering what they’d been up to the last 12 hours, was patently ridiculous.  Chris’ grin grew wider.   

“Let’s get some food in you.  You’re going to need stamina.”  He started toward the door, but Chris stopped him as he passed with a hand on his hip, pulling him into an embrace and a sweet kiss that lasted long enough to make him sigh.

“I love you,” Chris whispered against his lips.

“Because I offered food?”

Chris snorted a laugh, and it felt good to have Zach’s teasing interpreted correctly, without the awkwardness or hurt feelings that had been coloring everything lately.

“No.  Though if you tell me we can have the rest of the tiramisu for breakfast, I might love you even more.”