Who, What, When, Where, Why
The Five W's.
Today I'm turning the Tiki Hut over to you.
Answer any or all of the questions. Or comment about something else entirely. I'm easy :)
Who do you like to write about - fictional characters or real people?
What genre does your work fall in, for the most part? Is it the same genre you prefer to read?
When is your favorite writing time? Your most productive time?
Where do you write? Are you desk bound or do you grab your laptop and head to the coffee shop or beach?
Why do you write?
I'll start.
I prefer to write about fictional characters because I can make them as interesting or as boring as I need them to be. And I don't need to wonder if they'll still speak to me the next day.
I write mystery, suspense, and romance blended together. It's my favorite genre to read.
I love to write late at night, but when I do, my brain won't turn off and I don't sleep. So I write a little each morning, and do most of my writing in the afternoons.
I'm not desk bound, but my desk is my favorite place to write. If I venture out with the laptop, it's more difficult for the writing part of my brain to open up. Probably because I don't do it enough.
As someone else said on another post ... I write because I can't not write. I write to get the stories out of my head, but writing is definitely a path that chose me.
Your turn!
Comments
okay, on to the questions:
Who do you like to write about - fictional characters or real people?
I like to write about fictional characters because I love to test human nature. Yeah sure, it's all make believe but behind every fiction tale/story/character, is a real example and test to life.
What genre does your work fall in, for the most part? Is it the same genre you prefer to read?
Mostly my work would fall under the horror category. I dabble in magical realism and paranormal suspense. My last book could be put under the horror, dark fantasy, paranormal suspense categories. It's got a bit of everything. I do not only read in those genres. I read EVERYTHING of the fiction variety. I'm not a big commercial fiction fan but that doesn't mean I haven't read and enjoyed commercial fiction.
When is your favorite writing time? Your most productive time?
I would/could write all day. I think I'm most productive after food and caffeine so I take a lot of breaks. ;P
Where do you write? Are you desk bound or do you grab your laptop and head to the coffee shop or beach?
I write at my desk if I'm on the computer. If I'm handwriting, I'll write anywhere as long as I'm comfortable.
Why do you write?
see above...
Sorry if this ended up too long...
First thing in the morning, after I drop the kids off-- and late at night, after they've fallen asleep!
When - Morning and evenings are the best. Afternoons I drag a little.
Where - Mostly at home, laptop and desk. Sometimes on campus if I go in with my daughter.
Why - Often it's all about the connection I make with readers. I like that meeting of the minds.
Hannah - YOU :)
I would love to be able to write all day, too. And not too long at all.
Lydia - I'm jealous that you can write late at night.
Joanne - I love my connection with readers here at the blog.
1. Fictional, ahem...
2. Womens fiction
3. Morning, lunchtime and late late late evenings...I know, what a loser!
4. Desk, writing room, sofa, garden...depends on the season and time of day.
5.I have to! Voices in my head, and I love it, writing that is. ;-)
I'll write anytime, but my best hours are early morning. By evening I'm tired (I do have kids so that figures in) so I'll write if I'm on a time crunch...otherwise I'll read.
I like to write in my home office at my desk, but if my brains clogs up, I take to pen and paper. It's like Drano for my muse ;)
And like most writers, I write because I can't not. I love the characters, the escape, the psychology, the story telling, the everything.
*I think of my genre as angst, but I'm supposed to say I write suspense and thrillers - so, of course, that's what I write. :) My preferred reading genres are psychological and literary mysteries.
*Best time to write is after everyone else has gone to bed.
*I usually write at my desktop or with my laptop on my (b)editing bed. I'm going to blog on bediting one day.
*I write because I always have, long before I sought publication. Suppose I always will.
Love fantasy and I write it because the real world is, boring.
I have one computer that is attached to the office wall.
I have too many people around including a 4 year old. So I must be disciplined about my writing and turn on grandma blinders.
I write to avoid an explosion from the brain out. Where would the voices go if I didn't release them?
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium, Special .99 through April 30
What: Primarily, I write mystery, but I have ventured into romance and YA. Also have a humorous memoir.
When: I write in the mornings and afternoons, but am most productive in the late afternoon. About the time I need to stop and think about starting supper. Luckily, my husband doesn't mind handling the stove if I am on a roll and don't want to stop.
Where: In my office on my main computer. Have a hard time concentrating if I take the laptop outside and try to write. I thought that would be a great idea when we got this house with the deck and the lovely view. I end up staring at the lovely view. LOL
When - when the kids are at school. I can't write and be Mom at the same time. However, I am plagued by the best snippets of dialogue and next scene popping into my head the second I turn out the light at night.
Where - usually at my desk.
Why - Honestly? Because I seem to be okay at it and I enjoy that feeling that comes right *after* I know I've written something well.
But in answer to yours:
Who do you like to write about - fictional characters or real people?
Fictionalized versions of real people.
What genre does your work fall in, for the most part? Is it the same genre you prefer to read?
Like the rest of my life, I'm all over the place in writing and reading. I probably lack focus, but I get bored easily with the same things.
When is your favorite writing time? Your most productive time?
Whenever the mood hits me, but it's often at night.
Where do you write? Are you desk bound or do you grab your laptop and head to the coffee shop or beach?
At my desk in my home office. I don't think I could focus on what I'm doing elsewhere.
Why do you write?
So I can clear out my brain. It's like putting my thoughts in a filing cabinet to be referred to as needed.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Cool idea for a blog post! I enjoyed reading everyone's answers, and yours, too, Carol.
What - romantic comedy, baby!
When - Morning are defo the best.
Where - In my office, 'cos I never leave the flat.
Why - I love living in my mind.
Rula - "Drano for my muse" - I love it! I'll write late in a crunch, too, but my brain doesn't much like it :)
VR - My characters are SO real. So are their stories sometimes. It's a little scary. Looking forward to reading about bediting :)
N.R. - Yes, the voices keep coming.
Maryann - Live-In Handyman is an excellent cook :)
Elspeth - I know that feeling. I wish I experienced it more often.
Arlee - I find it much easier to focus at my desk, too.
Elizabeth - I've never tried to fictionalize real people. I start from scratch. I'm enjoying reading everyone's answers, too.
I write as a means of escape and to let out the voices in my head. It's therapy. =D
My books are mainly contemporary women’s fiction, but I like to read a variety of genres.
My best writing time is early afternoon, and I’m most productive if I make myself sit at the desk in my writing room.
I write because I find it entertaining (though often frustrating, too).
Fictional, science fiction, evenings, desk with writing tablet, and because it relaxes me as I create a story I've yet to read or see elsewhere - and I hope others enjoy as well.
Who do you like to write about - fictional characters or real people?
A mixture of both. :)
What genre does your work fall in, for the most part? Is it the same genre you prefer to read?
Sweet romances/romantic comedy
What I like to read but I also like read YA and women's fiction too.
When is your favorite writing time?
I love that 9 to 11am time. I guess I'm a morning person--once I've had my coffee kick in. :)
Jane - I found a big tube of Super Glue at Target. It's great for keeping my butt in the chair.
Alex - I always hope someone else will enjoy my work, too.
Holly - Ooh...try the Super Glue I told Jane about :)
Jennifer - Another romantic comedy. I wish I could write one.
My favorite books to read would all be considered "literary fiction" I guess. I would never refer to my own work as such because a.) it sounds pompous and b.)it scares agents. So I would call it crime or mystery.
Best writing time is night, with no distractions. Morning is good for editing. Afternoons I'm totally useless and don't even try.
Where: in a little corner next to a window. Got a nice tree outside and birds chirping. Am moving soon though and will have a bigger desk (yay), one that papers/pens don't constantly spill off of.
Why write: have to write! Isn't negotiable.
My stuff is mostly romance and suspense - together and separate. I read a lot of both, but a lot of other stuff as well.
Unfortunately, for some odd reason, my writing brain is most productive between 2pm and 6pm. Just in time for the kids to get home from school/homework/dinner etc.
I write on the computer at the kitchen desk.
I write because the story/characters make me. If I don't get them out, they won't leave me alone.
Fun post. Thanks :)
Tara - Your characters are like mine ... nag, nag, nag. Then come the threats - LOL.
Fictional
YA, Contemporary, Multicultural, Humor--Yes, I read these genres and many others.
Early morning and late at night.
I prefer my desk. Sometimes I take the laptop to my sofa or balcony.
It's an addiction. I can't help it.
Okay, I'll play. I like to read and write fiction. I love to write romantic suspense and YA novels. My best time to write is before my brain wakes up, so put me down in the morning camp. I'm anchored to my desk because I'm easily distracted. I write because that's the way God made me. I can't image not working on a book. So much confessing has me tired. Must be time for a bite of chocolate. :)
I write for children, poetry and a few short stories
I write in the morning and really just about any time I get the chance, since I don't have a job outside the home
I write at my desk
I want to put down in words the stories in my mind
Kathi - I've heard other writers say they like writing before their brains wake up. Enjoy your chocolate.
Janet - I write bad poetry. Does that count :)