Tag--you're it!

I was tagged by Tina, so this is a two post day. I'm supposed to answer these uber personal questions and tag two other people. (What were the odds that I wouldn't tag Diana?) Diana--you're it! Hah! Girl with One Eye--you're also it. Neeners.

1. What's the last thing you wrote? What's the first thing you wrote that you still have?

The last thing I wrote is Honor Six. I won a bunch of contests in creative writing in high school, so they were published in school-wide stuff. That the first "real" writing I did. This question is so vague. When I was young, my favorite first word I learned how to write was "pin." I don't know why, but I just liked the way it looked.

2. Write poetry?

Yes, some. I'm not a poet, though.

3. Angsty poetry?

Nah.

4. Favorite genre of writing?

Paranormal Urban Fantasy--both to read and write.

5. Most annoying character you've ever created?

I once wrote a story about a knight who went up against another and refused to joust because he was an affirmed coward. The council of wizards kept trying to get him to do it, but he just kept refusing before walking off the field. He was boldly cowardly--and there was just something so annoying and charming about him.

6. Best Plot you've ever created?

Umm, I really like the Honor book's plotline, but Scorched is pretty good too. I don't know--this might be a better question for people that have read my books.

7. Coolest Plot twist you've ever created?

I think the plot twist in the first Sarah book is still the best one I've come up with. I had my two protagonists stuck, safely hiding, in their apartment, and it was a challenge to get them out--when it wasn't logical at all. My villain managed a twist so cunning that I still rub my hands together a little when I read it. BAWAHAHA!

8. How often do you get writer's block?

Twice a month at least for twenty-four hours each time when my mind is fuzzy from girly hormones. It's a total black-out, and it terrifies me each time--I feel like I've lost any talent I might have. I've been struggling with writer's frustration with several of my stories, but I think it's because I had too many WIPs.

9. Write fan fiction?

No. I just find it weirder than weird myself.

10. Do you type or write by hand?

LOL. Type. My hands cramp up with even a little bit of writing. I've become a huge sissy. Plus, I'm dependent on spell-check and all the other wonderful things that come with technology.

11. Do you save everything you write?

Sure. Why not. My OCD would freak out if I threw anything out.

12. Do you ever go back to an idea after you've abandoned it?

I never leave a good idea behind.

13. What's your favorite thing you've ever written?

Umm, tough one. I really like "Stories and Magic" because it's first person written from the perspective of an agoraphobic person who never leaves her apartment. It was a challenge, and I liked it.

14. What's everyone else's favorite story that you've written?

No idea. You'd have to ask them.

15. Ever written romance or angsty teen drama?

Abso-freaking-lutely. I love me some angst. Scorched--full of lovely angst. No straight romances, though--not in my opinion.

16. What's your favorite setting for your characters?

I set a bunch of stuff in either Vegas or Seattle. I've spent so much time in both places that I know them well. Scorched is in Vegas. Honor is in Seattle--but she's been all over. This may seem weird, but I keep track of the weather in the locations I use in stories. I don't know why, but it feels like I'm keeping track of my characters' lives that way. I'm fairly certain it's psychotic actually. So, I'm currently watching the weather in Miama, Houston, Seattle, Vegas, and L.A. No, I know. It makes no sense.

17. How many writing projects are you working on right now?

I have three I consider to be WIPs (listed at the bottom), but I have the Company of Him eleven and a book called Tables Turned that are there and waiting should I come up with enthusiasm for them.

18. Have you ever won an award for your writing?

In high school. Actually, like Tina, I just got passed over on a contest. Thanks for making it burn like a paper cut with lemon juice in it.

19. What are your five favorite words?

For right now: "Can I be your agent?" :) I'm so clever.

20. What character have you created that is most like yourself?

This may or may not shock the crap out of people that have read all my books. Johnna--without a doubt. Her voice is the closest to mine and it was easiest to write her dialogue.

21. Where do you get ideas for your characters?

I have no idea. I've heard both Stephanie Meyer and J.K. Rowling say that their characters seem to walk into their minds fully-formed (or something like that.) That's how it is for me. They seem as real to me as other people I meet. Jake seems particularly real for some reason.

22. Do you ever write based on your dreams?

Yep. My dystopian is based on a dream.

23. Do you favor happy endings?

I favor good endings that are happy. I don't like things tied up--nice and tidy. I like real endings where things are good and right. I don't like sad endings--at all. NO WAY. If something has a sad ending, I won't watch it or read it. It's my policy. Sometimes, I read the end of literary novels just to check. (That seems to be a common trend among literary novels.)

24. Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?

Yes. Yes. Yes. I'm obsessed with it. I double-check and triple-check. It's why my sister gets so excited about "Beta Easter Eggs" when she finds my typos.

25. Does music help you write?

Sometimes. Sometimes I need total and complete silence--which is why I write at night so much. Right now, our saltwater fish tank is way too loud for my comfort level, so I'm going to have to move to another room. (I have strong auditory aversions.)

26. Quote something you've written. Whatever pops into your head.

"I think I might be able to drive with you on my lap." Reeve--Honor Within It makes me laugh every time I read it.