Sunshine Blogger Award

I am excited to say I was nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award by the wonderful Lucy K. over at Breathing in Freedom. The award is passed between bloggers as a form of "peer recognition to bloggers who bring positivity, joy and creative content to the blogging world.” It's a huge honor to be part of this tradition!

First, to answer Lucy's questions:

1. When did you start writing and why?

I started writing when I was little (I think 7 or 8 but I only vaguely remember). I don’t remember why I tried it in the first place, but simply put I kept it up because I liked it. I enjoyed the wonder and the thrill of creating. Nowadays, I write for more ambitious reasons: to spread some of that joy and wonder with the rest of the world.

2. What do you think the purpose of writing is?

I believe there are a few different purposes of writing. Mainly, it has the ability to entertain and spread truth. Often, authors will focus on one or the other, but the best thing about writing in my mind is that both can be accomplished at the same time in a well-written book, whether fiction or nonfiction.

3. Do you have a writing mentor? 

I do not, but I’ve befriended Dr. Mirarchi over at Benedictine, and I intend to take advantage of his office hours this coming semester (even though he’s being moved from the English Department ;^; All the way across the hallway, how will I ever find him again???).

4. What do you think the hardest part about writing is?

For me, it has always been plot. I struggled for the longest time with figuring out how to write longer works without having the plot drag. Even now, I struggle to label plot points, and so I’m constantly paranoid that my stories are off. I just remind myself that’s what first drafts are for.

5. What is one of the most important things every writer should know?

You have to actually do the writing to get good at writing. Plotting and world building are important, but if you stop there you'll never develop your writing voice, gain the practice necessary to write well, or get into your character's heads. I’ve met too many writers that are always talking about writing without actually writing, and it genuinely makes me sad because these would be amazing stories if only they would write them.

6. What writing advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t ditch your first drafts. At least try re-reading one, even if it’s just for practice. Though back then I had so many book ideas even finishing one was a triumph, so it’s understandable why I got carried away so quickly.

7. What is one of your favorite blog posts you have written?

The first Summer of Strange post, “An Unusual Way to Write”. The Summer of Strange series as a whole was super fun to write, and this was a great way to kick it off. I especially loved learning about this older way of writing; I would love to try it someday even though it would probably drive me crazy if I had to actually write that way.

8. What is your favorite genre to write in? Why?

I always feel like I’m cheating when I answer these questions with “fantasy” because it’s such a broad genre, but I think I love it because it has so much room for experimentation. You can really stretch your creative muscles.

9. Do you mainly write fiction or non-fiction? Which do you like better?

Fiction; I like fiction much better than non-fiction, which I only write for the blog and school. Non-fiction can be satisfying to see all of your thoughts fall into place, but fiction tends to be much more investing and exciting.

10. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Reese’s Peanut Butter ice cream. Reese’s candy combinations have gotten a little out-of-hand, but they really hit the mark with this ice cream.

11. What are your last words of wisdom?

Tomatoes are fruits, but they do not belong in a fruit salad.

But enough talk about me, here are my nominations for the Sunshine Blogger Award:

Eris Cardin at Rhyme and Rhythm (a blog that serves as a tribute to classical poetry)

Hannah Cahoom at Flying Pig Writer (a small writing blog by a humorously-gifted writer)

Anna Claire and Millie Baer at Quills on Canvas (co-authored blog encouraging creativity and beauty)

Anna Kailin Fletcher at her blog (a diverse blog that covers everything from writing, living as a missionary kid, and of course cats)

Grace Schroepfer at The Weaver of Tales (serialized fiction and writing advice, both for the whimsically-inclined)

Kathryn Turley at Faithforteens (encouragement and advice for young Christians)

The rules for the nominees:

1. Ask 11 questions for up to 11 bloggers that you want to nominate, and let them know they've been nominated by commenting on their blog.

2. Answer the following 11 questions in a post on your blog.

3. Display the award logo somewhere on your blog.

4. Link back to this blog in your post. 

My questions for you:

1. Where is your favorite place to write?

2. Do you have any places that you want to write at someday?

3. Do you have a favorite snack or drink to have while writing?

4. What is one of your favorite posts from your blog?

5. What is one of your favorite posts from another blog?

6. How do you start the creative process when you begin a new project?

7. Do you use any different or extra apps for editing than for writing?

8. Who is your author role model?

9. When, in your opinion, is the best time for writing?

10. If you ever published a book, how would you celebrate?

11. If you became overnight famous for writing a novel, what would you want the title to be?