Two Tags | a q&a session

Posted on by evelyn

After my absence, it’s nice to return and have some tags to play with, so here’s a little q&a session. I can’t catch up with ever single tag I have been tagged for and so apologies for those I miss. My hasty records of tags were not sufficient. Some I have lost, some I only included the questions for, forgetting to write down who tagged me or the rules, and then others are just very similar. So to slice it neatly, I’m doing the farthest back tag I have record of, and the most recent.

With that, cheers! Let’s begin.

First, I got tagged by a sunflower – a while ago – but all the same that’s pretty neat. 😉

How do you like to write, by typewriter, pen, or computer?

Honestly, it depends on what I am writing. If it’s poetry, it has to be with pen and paper, if it’s NaNoWriMo, a computer, random notes, I write them out and later type them up.

And recently I’ve been trying to write on the typewriter in order to cure myself of sentence fragments and filler words.

Otherwise generally the computer.

Do you prefer to write in the first or third person? I’ve worked in both about equally, but I think I would have to settle with first person, especially since it holds a special place in my heart after my last big project, 51, which was a big experiment in first person narrative.

The main comparisons between the two I’ve found is that there’s a lot one can do with first person along the lines of shortcuts I would never be able to get away with in third person, as well as fun playing with the element of personality and style of the narrating character. But then on the other side, third person has a lot more room to work in, works better with some logistics, and I’ve read some books that pull off witty and interesting narrating side remarks on a level that doesn’t fit as well in first person.

Do you enjoy doing one POV or multiple POVs?

Both? Is that an option?

It depends on the story, I like to use whatever I think serves the story best.

What’s your favorite genre to write in?

I’ve certainly enjoyed fantasy over the years and as the one I’m most familiar with, that’s probably the closest to a favorite. I can tell you though one I really want to try is Magical Realism.

Who is your strongest writing supporter?

This is hard.

Well, sort of.

Right now it’s definitely 100% a friend of mine (who I often vaguely refer to on my blog since I don’t want to name her without permission and I guess I’ve never really thought about asking…? *shrugs*) Anyways, you have her to thank for directly inspiring the following posts:

  1. The Unicorn Prompt
  2. Favorite Books Read in 2019
  3. Blackout Poetry
  4. The March of the Typos

There are even more that were ideas implanted in my brain through our conversations, and she was the person to first introduce me to the word pluviophile (one of our first conversations I believe).

She is literally the only reason I finished my project 51. Her fawning over snippets, prodding me with forks, yelling at Karen* in support of me, listening to me struggling out of plot holes and watching me make more, and her demanding to know where my characters were every second of the day.**

Boom.

51 came into existence.

And honestly about three different short stories, a couple months of poems, some really good additions to my tbr (to-be-read) list, and that’s just for starters.

(Also she’s honestly way better at writing than I am, so there’s that.)

The reason I said this was hard, is because there are so many other people that have supported me from the moment I wrote my first story.

For example my oldest sister, who I swear has magical powers (she can literally get anyone excited about parsing Latin sentences in an average of about five minutes or less) used to read every single one of my stories without fail for five(?) years and edit them all and quietly listen to me rant and pull hair out over them when I needed to rant and pull out hair, and then her presence would magically give me ideas and I would run off bursting with solutions.

And then there’s my Dad who gets really excited over my stories, cheers me on in every contest I’ve ever entered, whether it be for poetry or short stories, and who even supported the idea of me starting a blog and has helped me with some of the technical stuff.

My mom is always helping me in my artistic endeavors. My grandma reads every single one of my blog posts and asks after my projects when we talk. My brothers give me tons of ideas for free (even though I charge them for every push up they do on my carpet). My other older sister listens and reminds me of things when I’ve forgotten them and who gives me encouragement and sends me writer memes when she sees them. And my younger sister gives me hugs and reminds me that I’ve been sitting at the computer for a long chunk of time, while there’s a sun outside and books to read and games to play and tea parties to have.

There are literally hundreds of stories here about people I know in relation to my writing.

Like how my oldest sister use to print out my stories and sew them together into books for me and I would give them away to people.

Or like when my Dad read one of my short stories to a room full of college students while I turned beet red with embarrassment and wished that I could disappear in thin air.

That was a great day.

*no people, pets, animals, imaginary or real were harmed in the making of the aforementioned art.

**or something like that

What is one thing that gives you inspiration to write?

Forks.

Do you like revision?

Haha, well I certainly like creating lists for when I revise what I should change. I’m actually quite good at that part.

I also enjoy printing things out just so I can mark them up and cross out sentences.

However, I find the actual revision hard because I always end up wanting to add more to the story and plot – which is something I have not learned how to go about doing after the first draft.

(If anyone has perfected that, or even knows one tidbit more than I do on the topic – which is nada – let me know. I shall be in your debt.)

Poems or stories?

Is this an either/or situation?

Can you listen to music while you write?

I usually listen to music. The reasons sometimes vary but are the following, either

  1. There is too much background noise such as a conversation, so I use headphones and music so that I can block out those distractions I am not able to tune out easily.
  2. There is too little background noise. As strange as it might sound, no noise means something is wrong in my brain has grown up in a large homeschool family. This results in me becoming more conscious of my surroundings, thus becoming more distracted. In order to write, I need to hear myself think, but I don’t need to be able to hear myself breathe.

The follow up question of course is what kind of music do I listen too while writing? I can write to almost anything I would listen to on a regular basis excepting musicals (though that’s what I’m listening to right now haha). Those are a bit too much to block out for when I’m trying to concentrate – even if I know every word in the song. But ideally some soundtracks or instrumental orchestra pieces.

Present or past tense?

Funny topic…

I always used past tense until I started my last WIP 51 and my oldest brother had the brilliant idea that I should use present tense. The only confusing thing was that at the same time on the side I was working on a short story, Of Sea and Sky, which was still in past tense. My writing had some serious identity crisis those months and I did not even realize it later, but my short story started switching tenses after. 

My whole body is trembling, while all I want to do is curl up. 
Niklas scoots closer, watching me.
Who would have thought that after all these years I had never been to sea before?
“I’m sorry,” he mouthed.
I was too numb to answer.

As for preference between the two tenses… (not to sound like a broken record) but it depends on the story.

Now for the questions from the amazing Emma.

What is something your mom does that makes you feel loved?

The first thing that came to mind is how she use to randomly make me mocha/hot chocolate drinks. “Used to” because my orthodontist told me that I probably shouldn’t drink it while I have braces.

The second thing that came to mind is how she buys bagels every once and a while even though no one else in our household is very fond of them.

And thirdly I thought of how she went to great lengths during this run on sewing supplies to find white thread for me because I had run out and am in the middle of a quilt.

So all of the above, I suppose. 🙂

What is your favorite natural phenomenon? Why?

How the stars we see at night changes depending on the season, and the phases of the moon, the waves in the ocean.

They’re all just so breathtaking.

^^ case in point.

(none of those pictures are mine for the record, thanks Pexels.com )

What are three of your quirkiest habits?

I can make a list but disclaimer the habits will seem more quirky to some and less to others. 😆

  1. I name my plants
  2. I organize my bookshelf by color
  3. I dip my fries in my milkshake

What do you and ducks have in common?

Apparently ducks and I both enjoy some of the same foods such as peaches, pears, tomatoes, apples, bananas, some nuts and seeds, etc.

(Thanks Google.)

What to people overestimate/underestimate about you?

Hahahaha.

That’s a good one.

I’m short so a lot of people underestimate my abilities at a lot of things. For starters my age, my ability to drive, my ability to be responsible. Things like that.

But since I make fun of my own height often and I don’t have proof that people underestimate all of the above abilities (just some), I decided to ask a friend.

Her answer: “How good you are about comforting me when I’m crying over my dead husband.”

…

…

…

There we go guys. Isn’t that nice?

Two words: Mock Trial.

Do you believe in penguins? (This is a very controversial topic, so please be thoughtful in your answer.)

I have thought it over and yes. Feel free to quote me on this. Evelyn, April 2020:

I believe in penguins.

Just ask my friend Mr. Popper. He has the loveliest penguins.

Published by evelyn

heyo! my name is evelyn and i like things like stories, people, elephants, hot tea, chocolate, dancing in the rain and reading poetry out loud in the dark and also driving with the windows down and music up. i name my plants weird names.

32 thoughts on “Two Tags | a q&a session”

  2. STARS. 😍 The sky is just amazing and breathtaking and…😍
    I am curious about how forks give you writing inspiration. They are interesting twists of metal, to be sure.
    I’ve always pondered which tense I like writing in, first or third. For a while, it was first. Then I switched to third. Now I’ve switched back to first. I’ve also pondered past/present, and I know that I still lean towards past. But I definitely want to try a little of present tense in the near future!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I KNOW RIGHT.
      Stars are so precious. ❤

      Hahaha, never estimate the power of the smallest object over a writer's inspiration. 😉

      Aaah, someone after my own heart. Honestly it's just so fun to keep switching. 😆
      You should try present! It's different for sure, but it's really cool to try. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. THIS POST. I love it, it makes me happy. ❤ ❤
    "Forks." Evelyn, what. xD
    Oh my gosh yes, stars and waves are so incredibly wondermous. *sobs for the pure beauty* Looking into a star-filled sky is one of my favorite things ever. The unimaginable deepness of it is so truly awesome that it sometimes makes me want to cry. God's creation is truly beautiful. 😭💙💜🖤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. YAY YAY YAY
      I love making people happy(:

      Hmm, forks indeed. 😉 They’re sharp and practical in so many ways and a fascinating study – all the different shapes and number of prongs. Also just the word “prong”
      Oh and.
      *mischievous grin*
      They’re also great for poking people with.

      So there’s that.

      ArEn’T tHeY?? *sobs with you*
      Just looking at the pictures calms me down so much and gives me peace.
      Truly. Truly beautiful. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  5. I too believe in penguins.
    This is a lovely post! I loved hearing how supportive your family is of your writing, and it reminds me to be grateful for my own family’s supportiveness. Also there is something so motivating about friends who read your stuff and pester you to keep writing because they want to know what happens next.
    I love that you name your plants. I would name my plants if I had plants. But I wouldn’t have plants, because they would definitely die. And I don’t want that on my conscience.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Let us band together on this important issue. Penguins are real, people.

      Thank you! They are very supportive and I am blessed by them. (:
      Oh honestly. It’s is insanely motivating. It also just gets one excited about making what happens next worth the wait. 😆

      Believe me. It is painful when a plant dies, but even more so when a plant, who has been named and has become part of your life, dies. It is tragic. 😔
      And one begins to question their responsibilities and trustworthiness. 😝

      What would you name a plant if you had one? I’m always open for ideas… 😏

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Mmm yes. Ferndale – I love it. Wow. Can I… um steal that name? xD I have a succulent that has been needing a name and Ferndale fits it so well.
          One of my planets is named Ferdinand. Another I almost named Pineapple…
          I’m still rooting for that name for a future plant.
          (oof excuse the unintentional pun 😛 )

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Absolutely! I would be pleased for you to use Ferndale, seeing as I have no plants of my own to name and I’m not likely to be getting one any time soon. Knowing that there was a plant out their named Ferndale would bring happiness to my soul. 🙂
          Pineapple is an excellent name!
          (Your unintentional pun is excused.)

          Like

  6. THIS IS LIKE THE BEST THING. EVER.
    It’s so random and quirky and happy and agghhhh I just LOVE IT. 😂❤️❤️

    I wanted to start crying when I read about your family supporting you…happy tears, of course, because your family sounds like such wonderful people and support like that is worth more then gold. 😭❤️

    Can we start a club or something for those of us who do not understand the laws of revision? I need help in that area…😂

    FINALLY. Someone who understands that when trying to write silence can be far worse then tons of noise! I don’t know why but if it’s too quiet my brain just will not cooperate with me.

    the stars! the sea! the moon!!! I think I would live a deeper life if I took the time to appreciate the beauty of the world around me. ❤️

    FRIES IN MILKSHAKES. YES. YES. YES.

    I’m glad you believe in penguins. They are adorable and fascinating and meant to be believed in. 😄

    (did I mention that I love this post?)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. THANK YOU EDEN ❤ ❤ ❤
      Awww my family is pretty amazing if I do say so myself.😁

      "Can we start a club or something for those of us who do not understand the laws of revision?" um YES please. I kinda need that in my life right now. 😆

      Hahaha, yesss. You're not alone with the strange state of the disturbing sense of silence. Sometimes it is just plain unsettling… for me there's a big difference between silence and quiet!

      I so feel you. Sometimes I wish I lived in a world where roofs were made of glass and where I could watch constellations all night. ❤

      YES. A KINDRED SPIRIT. It's just the right amount of saltiness and sweetness and it just compliments sooo well. (Now I'm getting hungry…)

      Penguins are meant to be believed in.
      I couldn't have said it better myself.

      (I think so. 😉 ❤ )

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Idk why but YES. Pencil and paper is the the best for poetry. Haha My first drafts and poetry snippets usually come in random moments and I scramble for a pencil and write on a napkin or something. 😉 I’m dying to get a typewriter. The aesthetic of the poetry would be TRANSCENDANT.

    First person rocks. But C.S. Lewis and Lemony Snicket are some of my favorite wacky third-person writers.

    YOUR FRIEND AND YOUR FAMILY ARE CINNAMON ROLLS.

    Forks are definitely was I was expecting.

    …..

    I needed those pictures. The sky is legit medicine. My soul is healed. ❤

    What are your plants’ names??

    Ahh 😀 Evelyn is officially a //smol girl//

    That’s so funny about how people underestimate you because of your height…I’m 5’7” and people sort of do the opposite and think I’m cooler than I am. Then they talk to me and they’re like hold up OBVIOUSLY THAT WAS A MISTAKE.

    XD

    — I will definitely quote you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. There was a point in my life where I decided I wanted to write lots of poetry and so I got on the computer every day and wrote a … *poem*. If I can call them that, none of them turned out at all. I just ended up staring at the blinking pixels of my mouse and throwing down a bunch of random words and phrases with muddled sentences and meanings and emotions. I don’t think a single one of them turned out. 😆
      I feel like we won’t transcend into super-writers or fulfill the ideal state of the calling until we each have a typewriter of our own. 😉 (I actually borrow my brothers to use and I can tell you it is loads of fun and bursting of personality but also clunky and quirky in its practicality. xD It is amazing for brainstorming and writing letters tho.)
      Isn’t wacky third person the best? I’ve heard of C.S. Lewis (quite acquainted in fact 😉 ) but I’ve never heard of Lemony Snicket (I assume a pseudonym? xD) Wait! I just looked him up after having a lightbulb moment of “wait… series of unfortunate events?” AHA. I feel most highly accomplished.
      I need to get around to that series.
      I KNOW RIGHT. My friends and family are literally the best thing ever. 😆
      At least in my opinion. 😉
      Forks. Always forks.
      Aaah I know what you mean. I thought oh! I should find some pictures to show as examples and I got carried away in the most amazing way possible. Life is lovely, isn’t it? The other day we had a giant orange moon just like the one in the picture and I just couldn’t get enough of it. ❤ ❤
      YuP i'M jUsT a SmOl lil girl
      The truth comes out. 😉
      Hahahaha, I've heard stories of that type of thing from friends of that height and it cracks me up. XD
      Thank you! And thank you for the amazing questions. They were wonderful. 😁👌

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ugh I feel that! I think writing poetry requires an aesthetic mood and the computer ruins that. 😂 Recently, I have written a poem on the computer and it did turn out quite nicely so maybe I have triumphed over aesthetic and achieved a new level of creating… 😮

        TRUTH. Typewriters foreva

        Yesss read themmmm. Also, I highly recommend just looking up Lemony Snicket quotes. They’re so entertaining.

        An orange moon. 😍😍😍

        I’m so glad you enjoyed answering them! I loved reading your answers. 😜😁

        Like

        1. It must be something like that. I’ve always wondered what it is, and never managed to put a finger on it. I will keep seeking out the answer though. 😛

          Oooh I will then. *salutes*
          I bet they are so deliciously whimsical and sarcastic. 😉

          Liked by 1 person

        3. I already have. They’re amazing. 😆

          //“Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant filled with odd little waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don’t always like.”//

          Liked by 1 person

        6. Also I just realized I missed your question about the names of my plants. Whoops sorry. 😆 *facepalm*

          Caesar (pronounced traditionally with the hard “c” sound) was the first one, an adorable succulent and a gift from a friend (may he live forever in memory). After he died via the horrors and tragedies of moving, I got Arnold. Then there’s Priscilla the Prickly, and then I saved Archibald from a free table and from his oncoming fate of being thrown out and dying on the side of the sidewalk. He’s a bit… wonky? Okay like A LOT. But he’s a darling thing all the same. ( ❤ )

          Then there's Ferdinand, the prince, who came with Isabel who had, sadly, a poor constitution. (may we have a moment of silence in her honor) and then the unnamed plant I got from my brother's wedding, and then a unnamed little succulent that I pulled off of a bouquet of flowers and it actually grew roots and has sprouted like nothing else.

          Unnamed? I know. It's awful. …I have yet to name them because 1) I've been busy and 2) *hides face* I didn't think they would survive. After the death of just about every succulent I've ever had. But I'm going to name them. I just have to find the //right// name, you know?

          It's highly important.

          Anyways there you go. This happy plant mom could go on longer but will stop there. 😉

          Liked by 1 person

        7. Haha no worries!

          AHHH I love the namesssss. And the backstories–gold. XD (Isabel’s constitution lolol)

          Some ideas for the unnamed plantling: Sigmund, Harold, Bob the Buff

          Quirky and outdated male names are my favorite. lol

          Liked by 1 person

        9. Awesome. ;P
          Just for fun–here’s my favorite Lemony Snicket quote: “One of the remarkable things about love is that, despite very irritating people writing poems and songs about how pleasant it is, it really is quite pleasant.”

          Liked by 1 person

  9. Great Post! It was so much fun to read this. Forks? I think I missed something. You will have to fill me in. 😂, I believe the best kind of people name there plants and other things and objects. I believe penguins, Neverland, Wonderland, a galaxy far, far away, Iron man, talking raccoons, fairies, princesses, pirates, singing animals, Saint Nick, Teribithia, Narnia, Manticores, dragons, unicorns, fairies, fairytales, the never-ending story, Jumanji, toys that come to life, the literal Disney vault, magic hair that glows when you sing, hobbits, the tooth fairy, The Wonderful Land Of Oz, Middle Earth, and all the forms of imagination and magic. PS did I miss anything?

    Liked by 1 person

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