Thanksgiving is done and Christmas time is officially here. I’m swamped with directing Christmas plays, performing in one, writing my novel proposal, editing, cleaning the house for family coming, and all of my other normal activities. But I’m loving every busy minute of it! Except for the cold weather. Truthfully, I would work a lot father if I was warm!

So as I sit here shivering, in my thick wool socks and under a heavy blanket with the heat cranked up to max, I smile thinking of all of my bustling blessings. I’m so beyond blessed to have so much to keep me busy and satisfied. I love everything I do – especially all of the “work” that lets me write and create.

As I reflect on these benefits, I came across this questionnaire for writers. I thought it’d be fun for you all to get to know me a little more, my motivations, and what I’m working on.Well, at least one thing I’m working on. After the Christmas bustle I hope to share more of what has been keeping me away from my regular blog posts.

Stay tuned! In the meantime, this is a snapshot of me…

1. Age you started writing:  I wrote my first make-shift book when I was 8 I believe. I made a yellow cardboard cover tied with yarn, and had lots of pictures. I don’t remember much of the story excepted that at one point I had the main character walking and walking and walking…somewhere. LOL I fell in love with writing poetry during my depressed teen years, but never thought I was any good at it. It wasn’t until I was a stay at home mom at age 26 did God ignited the writer within me and I began my novel, wrote playwrights, more poetry, and started another novel that’s now on the back burner.
2. Story that inspired you to write: I’ve always loved books! Ask my parents and they’ll tell you how I always had a book in my hand growing up. Whether it was the Boxcar Children, Mandy Mysteries, Nancy Drew, The Chronicles of Narnia, Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Cooper Kids Series by Frank Peretti, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, classics of all kinds, etc. I just couldn’t get enough of them! I don’t know of a specific story that inspired me to write though. I’d say each book had it’s own part to play!
3. First WIP (work in progress) title: “The Judas Killer”
4. First, Second or Third person: Definitely prefer first person. I believe it makes the story more personal to be told through the character’s point of view.
5. Favorite time of day to write: The afternoon is my preferred time. It tends to be when Riker naps. The house is peaceful and quiet. And (hopefully) the house is clean by then since I had all morning to work…hopefully.
6. Favorite place to write: Anywhere that’s warm and comfy! My office/art room is the popular spot since it has our desktop computer, but sometimes I’ll snuggle on the couch with my laptop. I enjoy going outside on our porch in the summertime, but I tend to get distracted by the beauty out there. 😛
7. Most overused word: I’m CONSTANTLY having to catch myself and edit out the word “though” from my work. It’s definitely a clutch of mine (though).
8. Most overused punctuation: Possibly the comma, but lately the semi-colon has been a favorite.
9. Long or short sentences? Gotta love short. I chop up the sentence if it runs too long. Hate run-on sentences.
10. Your first MC (Main Character): Loralie Amelia Campdon, 27, auburn hair, starving club singer, coffeeaholic, thinks the worst of herself but the best in others.
11. Worst writing habit: Snacking WAY too much while I work…or to help me stall instead of work.
12. Weird personal writing quirk: I write better if I have my Steeler’s blanket wrapper tightly around my shoulders.
13. Notebook or computer: Computer!!! Spell check is a close personal friend of mine. I have written many notes for myself in little notebooks though. Gotta have both to further your writing skills.
14. Favorite setting to write in: Hot tea or coffee by my side and complete quiet. Can’t even have the sound of classical music, let alone Andrew playing a video game in the background. It’s not impossible to write, but it truly makes it ten times more challenging for me.
15. One word that would describe your WIP: “Hypocrisy”. It’s the name of the game in The Judas Killer. “Hidden” is another good word. Things are not what they appear to be…
16. Describe the setting for your WIP:  My setting is Scranton, Pennsylvania in early Autumn. It’s a small city full of history, secretive people, and dark alleys.
17. Are you a planner or a “pantser”?  I’m definitely a planner, but that flies out the window when I get new ideas for chapters 10, 3 & 17 all in one day. Oh dear.
18. Pick three characters that describe you:  1. Elizabeth Bennet: Pride and Prejudice (Like her I’ve tended to judge people too harshly. I’m observant, but bold, and am a hopeless romantic.)  2. Jo March: Little Women (I have always found myself relating to Jo. She was an avid reader, tom-boyish, put her foot in her mouth, and loved adventure) 3. A mix of Lorelai & Rory Gilmore: Gilmore Girls (If you know Gilmore Girls, and you know me, I don’t even need to explain why… 😉 )
19. Biggest Writing Fear: That it might take me months or years to get my first novel published.
20. Biggest Writing Hope: That I’ll see my works at Barnes & Noble on their best seller shelves. *Happy sigh*

I leave you with a couple actual snapshots:

Thanksgiving was held at our house again this year, and what a fantastic feast it was!! I’m still kinda full… oh, another slice of pie!

After the meal my husband, Andrew, fell asleep with his kitten, Alixia, joining him. I would have never forgiven myself if I failed to get this picture.

With the addition of our two little kittens, we knew an actual Christmas tree this year would be an accident waiting to happen. So I created a book tree for our living room! What do you think? 🙂

Hope you enjoyed this post. Blessings until next time!

P.S. My featured pic is the newest picture of myself taken on picture day at the school I work part-time at, Rock Solid Academy. I’m thinking of using this as my author photo, or at least the pic I send to the publisher. Do you guys think it looks professional enough? I love hearing from all of you! 🙂 Merry Christmas!