Happy Sunday!

Continuing with Tag July (not my best name ever, I know), I decided to do a tag that's been around for a while now - the Project Inspire Tag.

For those of you who don't know what this is, this is a tag created by Jenna that aims to encourage and show appreciation towards writers. It's a genius idea, in my opinion.

So let's do this.

1. Thank and link back to whose blog you first saw the tag on. That would be Jenna's, who is also the creator.

2. Answer the questions given. (When you mention a person in your answers, link to their blog/website if they have one.)

3. Include 5 of the biggest things you've learned about writing and how they've changed you.

4. Don't tag anybody. (Thank goodness, because I struggle with tagging people. XD)

And now for the questions!


Um. *racks brain*

Well, when I was younger, I used to just write for fun. I had a vague idea that I could write for a career, but I had never seriously written before.

Then, in sixth grade, I took a short creative writing course. The teacher (who was also my English teacher) was fine with me writing longer stories or putting different twists on things. And in that class, the prompt for my first "serious" story was given to me. So, if you're reading this, sixth-grade English teacher - thanks. :)


Honestly, the blogging community in general - mostly because I feel like you guys are holding me accountable. XD But also, your posts are super inspiring and give me lots of motivation. <3

But otherwise, I really don't talk about my writing at all outside of online. It still feels weird to me.


ALL THE TIME. Seriously, it's like you guys can read my mind. XD But most recently, Ash's post on not giving up on writing came on a particularly lazy day. *facepalm*


My mom. She's read a LOT of my writing (although most of the time I DID force her to read it). I've had weird book research conversations with her, and she's helped give suggestions for The Inhumans.

But sadly, a lot of writing buddies who started writing around the time that I did have since stopped, so I can't exactly say they've been through "thick and thin." I'm still sad about that.


My mom - again. XD Just recently I had her read the first 10 pages of The Inhumans (let me tell you, I have never been more scared to have people read my writing) and she gave me reassurance that it wasn't as slow and boring as I thought it would be.

But I'll also mention Abbie here, since her videos are so educational and have definitely helped my writing skills grow.


My best friend. I can rant to her about fandom stuff and she'll understand and probably start ranting along with me.

We also have the WEIRDEST text conversations. The other day, we started talking about the Flash, and the conversation ended with me promising to buy a violin. XD Friend, if you're reading this, you're awesome. <3

I don't why I love this quote so much. I've tried this before and it's REALLY hard. But this quote has just stuck in my head and I can't get it out.


Um. Well. Thanks, Mom, for putting up with your writer/fangirl daughter. We're a handful. Sorry about that. XD

And I know they won't read this, but thanks to the girls in my grade who got me into writing. I know you don't write anymore, but still, I appreciate your passion for writing during those couple months. (Your stories were amazing, by the way.)


Shannon Messenger has definitely inspired me to write better stories. The way she crafts her own is just amazing. And Jaye L. Knight has inspired me to write powerful themes.


Twofold:
- Write. Seriously. If you don't write, you won't get better. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
- No writer is perfect, so there's no pressure for you to be. :)

1. Writing is harder than most people would have you believe. You always hear everyone saying, "And the words just fly off my fingertips." Um. Sorry. Can't relate. Writing - at least, writing well - is a CONSTANT STRUGGLE. But it's also awesome.
2. Everyone's writing voice and style are different. That doesn't make them better than you, it just makes them different. I still struggle with this one - my confidence in my writing voice is very, very low. But I'm still working on developing it.
3. The comparison game is a dangerous game. Don't play it. Trust me, you will regret it.
4. Don't be afraid to try new things in your writing. You might discover something incredible. Hey, I mean, a fanfiction of The Inhumans eventually turned into a subplot for The Silver Sword, so you never know. XD (This is actually true. #noregrets)
5. Conflicted characters can make even the worst writing days worth it. I'm actually not even kidding. Conflicted characters give me motivation to write. (They're my favorite character archetype.) Find yours and employ them where you see fit. Just don't make EVERY character a Damsel In Distress, please.

Well, that's the end of this tag! According to the rules, I'm not supposed to tag anybody. So I leave it open for you guys to take and recognize the people in your life who have inspired you!

-Nicole <3