All 30 Writing Questions.

30 Days Of Writing Questions Start this wonderful journey anytime. Answer daily or weekly or whenever you feel inspired. And experience yourself as writer.

WQ-01:	Tell us about your favorite writing project/universe that you've worked with and why?
WQ-02:	How many characters do you have? Do you prefer males or females?
WQ-03:	How do you come up with names, for characters (and for places if you're writing about fictional places)?
WQ-04:	Tell us about one of your first stories/characters!
WQ-05:	By age, who is your youngest character? Oldest? How about 'youngest' and 'oldest' in terms of when you created them?
WQ-06:	Where are you most comfortable writing? At what time of day? Computer or good ol' pen and paper?
WQ-07:	Do you listen to music while you write? What kind? Are there any songs you like to relate/apply to your characters?
WQ-08:	What's your favorite genre to write? To read?
WQ-09:	How do you get ideas for your characters? Describe the process of creating them.
WQ-10:	What are some really weird situations your characters have been in? Everything from serious canon scenes to meme questions counts!
WQ-11:	Who is your favorite character to write? Least favorite?
WQ-12:	In what story did you feel you did the best job of world building? Any side-notes on it you’d like to share?
WQ-13:	What's your favorite culture to write, fictional or not?
WQ-14:	How do you map out locations, if needed? Do you have any to show us?
WQ-15:	Midway question! Tell us about a writer you admire, whether professional or not!
WQ-16:	Do you write romantic relationships? How do you do with those, and how 'far' are you willing to go in your writing?
WQ-17:	Favorite protagonist and why!
WQ-18:	Favorite antagonist and why!
WQ-19:	Favorite minor that decided to shove himself into the spotlight and why!
WQ-20:	What are your favorite character interactions to write?
WQ-21:	Do any of your characters have children? How well do you write them?
WQ-22:	Tell us about one scene between your characters that you've never written or told anyone about before! Serious or not.
WQ-23:	How long does it usually take you to complete an entire story - from planning to writing to posting (if you post your work)?
WQ-24:	How willing are you to kill your characters if the plot so demands it? What’s the most interesting way you've killed someone?
WQ-25:	Do any of your characters have pets? Tell us about them.
WQ-26:	Let’s talk art! Do you draw your characters? Do others draw them? Pick one of your OCs and post your favorite picture of him!
WQ-27:	Along similar lines, do appearances play a big role in your stories? Tell us about them, or if not, how you go about designing your characters.
WQ-28:	Have you ever written a character with physical or mental disabilities? Describe them, and if there's nothing major to speak of, tell us a few smaller ones.
WQ-29:	How often do you think about writing? Ever come across something IRL that reminds you of your story/characters?
WQ-30:	Final question! Tag someone! And tell us what you like about that person as a writer and/or about one of his/her characters!

read more

WQ-30. Final Question.

30 Days Of Writing Questions Final question! Tag someone! And tell us what you like about that person as a writer and/or about one of his/her characters!

Actually, I already tag this person or better said link to one of her blogs with that little picture above every time I'm answering one of those Writing Questions. I'm talking about C.R. Ward.

You might argue, it's a little unimaginative, but there's more to name her. Both being writers, I currently feel very close to her. She's my beta reader, I'm her beta reader. It's very intriguing to share thoughts about your writings before everything is finally set and done. And how cool is that to find your name written in a book's dedication!

In addition her two blog serial novels:
- Elemental Water on Random Thoughts
- The Shades of Errol Flynn on Random Writings
are so inspiring, that very soon you'll find my own serial novel published here on my blog!

To use Carol's dedication words: 'The best friend(s) I never met. You (guys) rock!'

read more

WQ-29. How Often Do You Think About Writing?

30 Days Of Writing Questions 29. How often do you think about writing? Ever come across something IRL that reminds you of your story/characters?

I'm an owl, no early morning bird. So, when my alarm goes off I give myself another 20 minutes snooze time. Not only to wake up properly, but also to remember and reflect my nightly pictures.

My dreams are always a wonderful source of inspiration and I want to preserve as much as possible in my dream diary.

Now, thinking about it, one reason for my nightly creativity might be those minutes before falling asleep, they are my most favorite time of the day to muse about books, movies and writing projects.

Then, with a brand new writing project in mind, a part of my online time is occupied with research.

You've also asked about 'something IRL that reminds me of my story/characters' ... well, as chance would have it the location of my new WIP requires a town, not too small, not too big, with a river, a castle and a monastery .... and voila: My hometown is the perfect role model. It's an interesting experience being in town with this new focus. Let's see how many impressions find their way into my 'real time writing'!

read more

WQ-28. Characters With Disabilities.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 28. Have you ever written a character with physical or mental disabilities? Describe them, and if there’s nothing major to speak of, tell us a few smaller ones.

One of my good habits (or maybe disabilities) is to focus only on the current question. So, last week in WQ-27 I was a little too eager with my answer.

I've already told you about J.J.! A dear, wonderful boy, just 17 years old. A giant in his look, but a little puppy in his mind. He's like that from birth on. I wouldn't call it a mental disability, he's only a little slow in thinking.

Besides J.J. all my other characters in that particular story are normal ... or what we consider normal. But of course, they all aren't perfect. Everyone has flaws and fears and daemons to fight with. If everything was just too perfect the story would become quite boring!

Oh, and this is very new! Just a couple of days old:
I'm working on the basic design of a new story, the places, the characters, the string of thought. And for this story I'd already included a few characters with mental as well as physical disabilities. As for this moment I don't want to tell you more, you'll meet them very soon. They all will show up in my upcoming weekly serial novel! Stay tuned!

read more

WQ-27. Appearances In Your Story.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 27. Along similar lines, do appearances play a big role in your stories? Tell us about them, or if not, how you go about designing your characters.

Once again I become aware that I'm just a foreign speaker. I'm not quite sure, if I'd understood that question correct. After checking Carol's answer I think I got it.

First, for my understanding, creating the appearance is a part of designing a character. And second, we'd already talked about Creating Characters in WQ-09. So, let's now talk about the look:

Of course, the look is important. How else should Hollywood know, who to cast! Although, sometimes I wonder, if they really had read the same book?!

Let's be serious!

The good thing when you write short stories about cats, everybody knows, how a cat looks like. Most of the time it's enough to write about the little baby tiger kitten or the black cat with green eyes. Sometimes it helps to describe the shiny, soft golden fur or the long, sharp claws or the long, sensitive whiskers. Just the information you need for a particular scene.

When I think on my human actors in my writings the grade of descriptions depends on his/her importance.

Let's take J.J.: He plays just minor role and has one big scene. I described him as 2m (6,5 feet) tall, 17 years old boy. I didn't write more about his look, nothing about his eyes or hair or anything else. It was better and far enough to describe him as this huge giant with the mind of a kid, to compare him to a young puppy who tries to find his way in this big world. I dare to say, everybody can imagine the type of person he represents.

So differently with Cathryn O'Connell, my main character: I have a very clear image of her in my head and I want my readers to have the same - or at least a similar one. And it's not only her look, it's also her mimic and her gestures. Sometimes these little details give her character more depth and support her nature.

But we all know 'Looks isn't everything'. What do I care about the look, when the story sucks?! I'm right, am I?

read more

WQ-26. Character Art.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 26. Let’s talk art! Do you draw your characters? Do others draw them? Pick one of your OCs and post your favorite picture of him!

Frankly speaking, I never came up with the idea to draw my characters - for the simple reason, that my drawing skills, when it comes to people, are just pitiful.

Every passionate reader knows the disappointing experience when a movie is made of a book and you imagined your beloved characters differently. So, I leave it up to my (and my readers) imagination how the characters should look like.

The only thing I illustrate once in a while are chapters of my dream diary:

They are not particular main characters, but I also love to draw cats:

read more

WQ-25. Character's Pets.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 25. Do any of your characters have pets? Tell us about them.

Ah, no ...

... but I do have two purring, four legged roommates, a constant inspiration for some of my short stories. Have a look:

read more

WQ-24. Killing Characters.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 24. How willing are you to kill your characters if the plot so demands it? What’s the most interesting way you’ve killed someone?

One more time I'd like to extend my answer a little, else this post would be rather short.

DEATH TO READ

Since my teenage days I'm a fan of Stephen King. Considering the fact, that death is a constant companion in his books, the cognizance was rather shocking, that I feel quite indifferent about it. This made me think and I came to the conclusion, it's not death, that makes my neck hair tickle or wants me to let the light on ... no, it's more the possible horror in/of everyday situations.

My mind reminded me, that I've even read a boo, written in death's point of view: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Well, I was intrigued by that idea, but frankly speaking, I didn't like the book much.

With eyes on my bookshelves I wanted to find books, where death had really touched me:

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Sirius Black's death in HP5 was already shocking, but that was nothing compared to Dobby's death in HP7. It made me cry and sob, it took me a while before I could continue with the story.

Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward
Lash, son of Omega, was for me one version of the ultimate villain. I was so relieved, when he'd found his end ... BUT somehow it was a little too simple. I fear he might somehow come back.

As no fan of criminal stories, I obviously don't have many books, where death plays a major role. I guess, in that case I prefer the TV series version of CSI.

DEATH TO WRITE

Well, I've murdered one of my side characters in a quite uncommon way ... besides that, when you mainly write adventurous stories or nice little short stories, it's rather difficult to find an appropriate place for a death scene. Amen.

read more

WQ-23. Time To Complete A Story.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 23. How long does it usually take you to complete an entire story - from planning to writing to posting (if you post your work)?

All right, one thing I know for sure, if I have a deadline, I'll deliver perfectly on time ... even if it costs me sleepless nights!

Else ... honestly, I've never given much thought about the combination 'time & creativity'! Sometimes creativity hits you like a bolt and you've written down your idea/scene/story in no time. And some other time ... you stuck!

Okay, give me a little more time to think about time:

THE ONE MINUTE WRITER
It's within the name: 1 prompt - 1 minute. Well, as foreign speaker I grant myself a little extra time to think about vocabulary and grammar.

FREEWRITING
It's a little mysterious, how a ticking stopwatch can stimulate your creativity. Set time, e.g. for 10 minutes and not a second more, and you get a wonderful basic idea.

FLASH FICTION
E.g. Rattles Flash Fiction: A picture and some basic catchwords ... and you can practice your skills by crafting a flash fiction story of 800 – 1000 words. Plus a monthly deadline.

NANOWRIMO
Currently running ... 50.000 words in 1 month ... a good start or a basic draft for a novel.

In my writing history I could manage successfully everything from 1 minute to 1 month ... that includes blog posts, short stories and basic drafts ... if you want an answer of time for a completed book ask me again when I'm done!

read more

WQ-22. Never Written Scene(s).

30 Days Of Writing Questions 22. Tell us about one scene between your characters that you’ve never written or told anyone about before! Serious or not.

If we speak here of 'Deleted Scenes' or 'Bonus Scenes', then...

1. I mainly write short stories, it's a little difficult to cut out big scenes! And when you add bonus scenes, it's no longer a short story, right?
2. When I think of my one and only existing novel, I'm not yet ready to cut out anything ... I'm still adding and adding. Let's later, much later speak about editing and deleting scenes!

If we speak here of literally 'never written' scenes, then I wonder, what the sense of this question is?!? I mean, is it a scene an author considered and never wrote, because it's too ridiculous, too sexy, too embarrassing, too whatever? Honestly, which author wants to talk about scenes like that?

I came up with another 'if': If we speak here of plot ideas, character notes, dream sequences and similar stuff, which are written down somewhere in a notebook to keep it for later, but never published ... well, then I have to say: Yes, I do have such a book, where I scribble down my ideas and notes and dreams, and this one I do NOT publish, never! Not a chance! In the end somebody else 'borrows' my secret thoughts, makes a book out of it and earns millions with MY idea! Don't even think about it!

read more

WQ-21. Character's Children.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 21. Do any of your characters have children? How well do you write them?

Strange question. I slowly begin to wonder, who came up with those questions first?

Anyway, I'd say this question depends on the point of view. When I think of my main characters, none of them has children or cubs. But my supporting acts has children, like in my 'Voodoo Island' Richard O'Connell has a daughter called Cathryn.

Cathryn, who's supposed to be my main character, for her I used several techniques to 'write' her, e.g.:

• Personal CV incl. her look
• Chart with all her connections/relationships to family, friends and other characters in the story
• Profile with strengths and weaknesses, favors and dislikes, abilities and handicaps.

Depending of how important a character is in my stories, I'd use more or less the same techniques, no matter if it's an adult or a child!

read more

WQ-20. Favorite Character Interaction.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 20. What are your favorite character interactions to write?

THE CLASSICAL POINT OF VIEW
My first ideas for character interactions were scenes containing love, romance, conflicts, intrigues, fights, etc. between two or more people. But when I thought about all the various possibilities and the emotions connected with them, I came to the conclusion, that I don't have a favorite interaction ... not in the pretty obvious sense.

MY PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW
What I really love to write are interactions where a character meets nature, environment or objects. I love to play with the impressions, that the five senses give the particular person in such a situation/scene. I indulge to write, what can be seen, smelt, heard, tasted and felt. Plus the characters' reactions (appropriate or not).

I just have to think on 'The Perfume' by Patrick Sueskind. A wonderful book with the focus on the smell. It's amazing, how the author shows us the world of Jean-Baptiste Grenoille through his nostrils. At least I don't know any other book focusing so much on only one sense, this book is really unique and the joy of reading is immense!

This book is one of my role models, where the use of your senses makes a story interesting. That's why I love to write this type of character interactions.

read more

WQ-19. Favorite Minor.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 19. Favorite minor that decided to shove himself into the spotlight and why!

Like already done with Favorite Protagonist and Favorite Antagonist, I'd like to verify this question a little, because the answer is very, very short.

FAVORITE MINOR TO READ
The character I instantly had to think on was Sirius Black from the Harry Potter series. With practically no family I wished to have a godfather like Sirius.

FAVORITE MINOR TO WRITE
I mostly write short stories, that for rarely have minor characters. But maybe from my 'Voodoo Island' the adventures of Richard O'Connell, Catherine's father, and Davis, his best friend, would be interesting to have their own story to be told!

read more

WQ-18. Favorite Antagonist.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 18. Favorite antagonist and why!

Like last week, where the question was about the Favorite Protagonist, I'd like to extend the question a second time.

FAVORITE ANTAGONISTS TO READ

Lash, Son of Omega
The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward
He was the first I had instantly to think on. His character has everything I hate about a person: he's arrogant, a show off because of his wealth, cruel to others for no good reason and simply disgusting! I didn't like him from the very beginning and began to hate him when he was given even more powers. I didn't want to read his passages, because all he planed and did was against my beloved characters ... but of course I HAD TO read on! *sigh* When he finally was defeated I was satisfied, but somehow not really. I thought, his dead was much too easy. I guess, I hope and I fear, he's coming back somehow. He wouldn't be the first Lesser coming back!
And all those loathsome reasons make a good antagonist, because you truly hate him from your deepest soul!

IT & the (un)known evil
IT and other evil in the books by Stephen King
My first acquaintance with Mr. Stephen King was at the age of 14 or 15. Since then his books became my constant companions. To say, that I love his books would be the wrong word, not when you're sometimes too scared to continue reading or even get nightmares from particular scenes. It's more of a morbid fascination. He knows so well to tickle that inner part, that makes the hair in your neck crinkle or want you to look behind you or leave the light on during shadowy nights. He finds the unnatural and scary in every ordinary subject, may it be a car, a dog or a picture. I guess, he's the reason, why I don't like maize fields or shiver at the look of a clown. So, for me Mr. Stephen King is the true master of creating the perfect antagonist. Period.

FAVORITE ANTAGONIST TO WRITE

Well, when you write about cats, the most scaring subject is a big red ball of yarn! And in my other stories I have more physical and inner obstacles to overcome. Speaking, compared to those, who I adore, I have to admit, that I haven't created a true villain or antagonist. Not yet. BUT for instance Indian Jones or Lara Croft had - beside their hunt for treasures - always someone to conquer with. That for I had to give my poor demented Davis a bit more of action. I have to think about that!

read more

WQ-17. Favorite Protagonist.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 17. Favorite protagonist and why!

I know these questions are supposed to be about writing, but I'm free to extend my answer a little to make it more interesting:

FAVORITE PROTAGONISTS TO READ

Edmond Dantes
The Count of Monte Christo by Alexandre Dumas
I've just finished rereading the book, so it's the freshest in my mind. Frankly speaking, the first time I had quite some problems, I was confused by all those different names, titles and disguises for/of the same person and different plot lines, which seemed at first view to have no connection to Edmond's story ... but in the end everything made perfect sense. From the second time on I could enjoy the full capacity of the whole adventure. Especially Edmond's development and his experience living through the whole palette of emotions. That's intriguing!

Edward Cullen
The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
Here I have to make perfectly clear, that I speak of the character IN THE BOOK!!! Not a whiff of the movie actor ... sorry Rob, but you do so NOT fit to the image in my head! I truly love the character described in the book, even more in 'Midnight Sun', where Edward's POV of the story is described. He's just wonderful. This old soul, given with so many talents, struggling with the monster inside him, fighting against the forbidden love ... *sigh* Just wonderful!

Elizabeth Bennet
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Lizzy is just wonderful, she's beautiful, smart and so full of life. Her wit and humor are intriguing. She dares to say 'No', but also is strong enough to confess her faults and change her mind. She's definitely one of my most favorite characters. Well, and I dare say, in that case the movie from 2005 might have influenced my opinion a little, because Keira Knightley playing Elisabeth Bennet is just wonderful to watch!

Lea Goldstaub
Die Goldhaendlerin (The Gold Merchant) by Iny Lorentz
Another strong female character, who does everything to protect and care for her beloved ones. She disguises herself and hides her feelings, fights obstacles, goes on big journey until she gets her well deserved happy end. You can't help, but continue reading, you live, love and suffer with her!

For sure there are many more characters, who are just great to read, but those four came instantly in my mind!

FAVORITE PROTAGONISTS TO WRITE

You might already guess, I have a favor for strong female characters, not only to read, but also to write. Characters like Elizabeth Bennet or Lea Goldstaub can be considered as my role models for my most favorite character. My Cathryn is also a young woman with a strong mind, who tries to find her way in a men's world, but her flaws and imperfections and fears make her loveable and simply 'perfect'!

read more

WQ-16. Romantic Relationships.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 16. Do you write romantic relationships? How do you do with those, and how "far" are you willing to go in your writing?

The only romance you can find in my fairy tale writing is the kiss in the happy end. Everything very nice and innocent before they live happily ever after.

Next, you don't even find a kiss when your main characters are cats. =^..^=

And then there's my current big WIP. In this story my focus is more on adventure, fantasy and mystery. Also growing of age and overcoming your fears play their parts ... but no romance. Well, not in this book! But there lures something like a sequel in the back of my mind, nothing in detail, only some possible shadows, including that my heroine has to find her love or better love has to find her!

So, for the moment I could only give you some hypothetical answers. I'm a highly romantic person, but I don't like clichés and kitsch. I say, that would reflect in my writing. You know, romantic scenes, very decent and elegant, which hopefully makes you sigh, too! As much as I like to read hot scenes, like in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, I can hardly imagine myself to do the same. Okay, I've never tried, but that for I should first find a strong cover story, just like in the BDB books!

read more

WQ-15. Admirable Writers.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 15. Midway question! Tell us about a writer you admire, whether professional or not!

You can't seriously limit that question to just ONE writer, can you?!? Fact is, I adore different writers for different reasons, e.g.:

• J.K. Rowling: I adore her huge imagination. From book to book I was so excited to read about all those new animals, the new magical objects, the curses, the whole world of Harry Potter. In the DVD bonus material I was also impressed by the deep knowledge of her world. The movie makers needed e.g. for 'Order Of The Phoenix' Sirius' family tree and within a couple of minutes she pulled that detailed list out of the hat. Plus how clever she hides tiny little snipes, we just don't understand or don't pay attention to. But then after getting new information, everything makes more sense, like again in 'Order Of The Phoenix' when they clean the headquarter and find a locket, which doesn't let open! And becomes later one of the Horcuxes.
• J.R.R. Tolkien: How can you not adore a writer, who spent his whole life with creating Middle Earth? All those races with their own history and their own language. That's simply mind blowing!
• Stephen King: The master of horror. Even in plain, normal, every day situations he finds something creepy, hidden evil and makes you want to leave the lights on!
• J.R. Ward: There are those strong alpha males, warriors by heart, each of them haunted by some kind of curse. And there are also strong women, who become the appropriate counterpart. Each of these women is able to tame the beast or bring light into the darkness of their mates. There are tricky, damned situations and every time you wonder 'How could that work out well?', but every time she surprises you! I simply love the passion in her books!
• Dan Brown: Intense and intriguing, how he combines real places, facts, tokens with an imaginative story. I love the illustrated versions of his books, where you can see everything with your own eyes!
• Other writers on that list: Stephenie Meyer, Alexandre Dumas, Jane Austen, Erin Hunter, Noah Gordon, William Shakespeare, etc. ... where should I stop?

read more

WQ-14. Map Out Location.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 14. How do you map out locations, if needed? Do you have any to show us?

Like written in my previous post WQ-12. World Building. most of my action takes place in the real world. So, Google Maps is one of my best friends to have a look at unfamiliar places. I sometimes only wished that there's a 'Time Machine Function', e.g. to see a harbor in South-East England around 1900!

Besides the public places there are some fictional private places, like the home of my heroine Cathryn. There I have a very clear picture in my head, how the garden looks like and where the rooms inside the house are located. That's by far enough!

But I've also learnt my lesson: My heroine strands on an unknown island, where the action takes place on different locations. First I thought: 'Well, it's just a simple island, what so difficult about that?' - Thought wrong! Sometimes it's really advantageous to create your own map, especially when you suddenly realize that your heroine stumbles in the wrong direction or visits a part of the island, where five chapters before the environment looked completely different! Then you simply need to map out locations!

read more

WQ-13. Favorite Culture.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 13. What’s your favorite culture to write, fictional or not?

Nofretiri, AKA Nefertari, was one of the Great Royal Wives of pharaoh Ramses II., the Great. I've chosen my online nickname not only by accident. I love and adore EGYPT, I've lived its traditions and culture. That for I would simply love to write about that culture, too! Actually, for a couple of years now, I have a plot idea in mind, but I've never realized it ... well, that's not completely true, I've already written a short intro for Writing Exercises 00: To Write A Beginning.

When I think of traveling these days, only one word appears in my thoughts: INDIA. Incredible India. I've seen those wonderful traditions not only in Bollywood movies, but also in documentaries, and of course I've read a lot about it. In the meantime I can also count a few Indian people to my friends, but as long as I'm not been in India by myself and experienced everything by first hand, I wouldn't dare to write about.

Which is kind of ironic, because I've also never experienced any Caribbean island culture and have already written about it! It was, I have to admit, my most wonderful joy, to describe my Voodoo priest and with him, everything strange and exotic on that island. But in that case, I don't refer to a certain existing culture, it's all mine ... freely, freshly produced by my rice krispies! Well, it has advantages, when you don't have to stick to already existing facts. You produce your own reality and your own culture.

read more

WQ-12. World Building.

30 Days Of Writing Questions 12. In what story did you feel you did the best job of world building? Any side-notes on it you’d like to share?

World building then ... this makes me think of any kind of science fiction, where literally whole new worlds were created and Harry Potter with his magical world and not to forget J.R.R. Tolkien with 'Lord of the Rings'. In my opinion he's the master of world building: Middle Earth including new races, completely new languages and a detailed history.

This time I really can only think of the great work of others, because my own written worlds are plain and simple. Every story I've written so far takes place in the world we know, maybe in a different time and there might be some paranormal activities, but it's still our own world. Nothing really new! Well, I should think about that in future!

read more