Words for Writers Wednesday: Let No One Silence You

Let no one silence your spirit.

Let no one silence your story.

You and your words have

tremendous value

and boundless potential.


Write with Heart

Lady Jabberwocky

The Writer’s Life Tag

Found this awesome tag at mylifewithbooks

Thought I’d give it a shot.

1. What do you eat or drink while writing?

This may sound weird, but dry cereal with no milk (Dairy allergy). or greasy potato chips. Yum. Roasted chickpeas are delicious too. I’m also getting into those KIND granola bars. Drink wise, I usually stick with water. Maybe a Snapple. Maybe some mango juice, to lift my spirits. Sometimes you need to eat your stress/feelings when writing.

2. What do you listen to while writing?

I’ll dance in my chair to soundtracks of Broadway shows, Newsies soundtrack specifically. Love Newsies, that music gets my energy up. I enjoy acoustic guitar and ukulele, easy breezy kind of music. I have played Jack Johnson’s “Banana Pancakes” on repeat many, many times.

3. What is your biggest writing distraction?

Somehow, I always end up with like 10-15 tabs open when I write. And I’ve definitely fallen down those YouTube rabbit holes. But yeah, too many opens tabs. Also, having a bunch of writing assignments that take me away from my personal writing.

4. What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you while writing?

Haven’t we all had that moment when a word doc doesn’t save? Or the battery on your laptop runs out? Or you forgot your flash drive? Yeah, I’ve had those moments. I’ve bawled and had panic attacks during those moments. Not fun.

5. What’s the best thing that ever happened to you while writing?

That wonderful burst of inspiration, when my fingers are typing fast and loud on the keyboard. Words come out in a flood. Like I caught lightning in a bottle. And for those of you that have been following this blog for awhile, you’ll know that I recently made a huge change to my plot idea that I’ve been working on. That experience of starting over has been amazing and one of the best things I have done as a writer.

6. Who do you communicate with or not communicate with while writing?

I mean, I don’t talk to anyone while I write. In the dark of the night, It’s just me at my desk. But, if I need to brainstorm, or just work out an idea out loud, I’ll talk to my boyfriend. He’s not a writer, and that can be a benefit sometimes. He sees things through a reader’s lens, not a writer’s lens and he really does help untangle my thoughts.

7. What is your secret to success and your biggest writing flaw?

I don’t know if I’d call it a secret to success. Whatever I write, I try to challenge stereotypes and cliches. I’m always pushing myself to do things differently. I just try to be honest and create 3 dimensional characters and stories that feel real.

My biggest flaw? Well, I am struggling to be consistent. I want to write fiction everyday, but sometimes it’s difficult. Missing a day of fiction writing, turns into a week of no writing very quickly. And then my motivation is low and I don’t know where to start or how to get the ball rolling. Does that make sense? Finding the time and getting motivated are my biggest flaws, and I’m working on that.

8. What inspires you? Or what makes you productive?

Whenever I read, I feel inspired. I try and learn from other writers. I consider what captures my attention and try to apply that into my own writing, so I can become a better writer. I have a tough time being productive with my writing. Being a freelance writer, I’m writing for everyone else but not for myself. I work on my story as best I can. I just know I want to write a novel one day. My dream, for the longest time, has been to have a book on a shelf with my name on it. To write the story that hooks a reader. That’s what keeps me going.

9. What is one thing you do or other writers do that’s annoying?

When writers say dumb stuff like “omg no one understands my art!” or “my story is amazing, you don’t know anything!” Seriously? I know about being protective of your work, but really, take it easy, pal.

10. Are you willing to share something you’ve written?

I have shared some of my old, junk drawer, stories on this blog before. Just some snippets of stories and scenes. I had a four part flash fiction series called The Wizard and His Lady   I’m just making use of rejected pieces and drafts from fiction class. There are a couple other short stories on my blog. One scene I posted actually has the characters from my current fiction project. They’re probably not that great, but a writer has to start somewhere, which is why I share some of my work.

((And be on the look out for a new flash fiction series on Lady Jabberwocky, coming soon!))


Hope you guys liked this tag. If there is another tag you think I should do, let me know! Have an awesome day, lovelies.

Write with Heart,

Lady Jabberwocky

Words for Writers Wednesday: Don’t Judge a Story By It’s First Draft

Don’t let disastrous drafts deter you.

The first draft, the second draft, the twenty seventh draft,

does not define your story, nor your ability as a writer.

That’s like judging a person because they were an ugly baby.

Don’t forget, you are freaking amazing.

Give it time, when it’s ready, your story will speak for itself.


I’m currently writing that mystery story I’m always talking about. I”ve had those moments where drafts look like complete garbage. Trying to remind myself, and you guys, that it’s okay if things don’t look perfect right off the bat. Just keep writing!

Write with Heart,

Lady Jabberwocky

 

 

Lady Jabberwocky Turns One: First Year of Blogging

On August 9th 2017,

I made my first post on this blog.

It’s crazy, it doesn’t feel like a year.

I’ve learned so much about myself by writing for LadyJabberwocky.

Can’t believe I’ve made it this far.

I just want to take a minute to thank every follower, commentor and reader

for being a part of my nonsense ramblings.

Seriously, I am eternally grateful.

I just wanted to create an honest blog about being a writer

and to share writing advice and stories with all the other artists out there.

Being able to support other writers, even if it’s through my tiny blog, is unbelievably fulfilling. I wouldn’t be here without you guys.

So, thank you, THANK YOU!

Side note, you guys; I would love to do a Q and A if I hit 100 followers. It’s not much, but to me, it’d be a milestone, and I want to celebrate in some way if that happens. Keep your eyes open for that.

And thank you again, you wonderful people!

Write with Heart,

Lady Jabberwocky.

 

 

Words for Writers Wednesday #2: Write What You Don’t Know

Write what you know,

So they say.

What happens when you have to write what you don’t know?

You research, and you learn, and you grow and you overcome the challenge.

So that the things you don’t know become the things you do know.

You know?


Sometimes, when you have to write about something you aren’t familiar with, there is a bit of trepidation that comes with that. Whether you are writing fiction or an essay, don’t be scared about writing a topic you are unfamiliar with. Don’t steer away from it, challenge yourself. Just remember, you are smarter than you think you are.

For me, I don’t know what it’s like to be a person from the 1920s, but I research and I try to be as accurate as possible when I’m writing fiction, even if I run into subjects that aren’t up my alley. I didn’t know much about writing about comics, but look at my job now, writing weekly comic book reviews. Never be intimidated to write about the things you are not an expert in.

Also, shout out to everyone who caught my Newsies reference.

Write with Heart,

Lady Jabberwocky

 

Words for Writers Wednesday #1: Commuting to OZ

Choosing to be a writer is like choosing to commute to OZ everyday.

You need brains, to build the yellow brick road for the words in your head.

You need courage, for facing off against the wicked witch of the self doubt.

You need heart, the best stories come from the heart.

In a world of flying monkeys, be Dorothy.


(This is a new weekly series on this blog. Quirky bits of encouragement for writers.)

Write with Heart,

Lady Jabberwocky