Project Inspire Tag

July 14, 2019

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.


The Rules:

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!

Who's someone who's inspired and motivated you to pursue writing?

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. :)

Who encouraged you when you felt like giving up?

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.

Was there a person (or even a blog post) that came at just the right time to give you the boost or motivation when you needed it?

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*

Who's always been there for you, through thick and thin with your writing?

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.

Who's helped you make your writing better, wasn't afraid to give you honest feedback, and helped improve your craft?

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.

Who's given you doses of healthy laughter that brightens your day and brings a smile to your face?

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

What's your favorite inspirational quote?
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.

Is there someone you just want to take a moment to thank, for anything?

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.)

What author and/or book inspired you to write better stories and motivate you to strive to give your message to the world?

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.

What piece of advice do you want to give to other writers?

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. :)

The 5 Big Things I've Learned:
  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

Who's been a major source of inspiration for you guys? Have you done this tag? Let's talk!

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18 comments

  1. I LOVE this award. The blogosphere needed it. Yes, it's a very encouraging community. Also, quick question: is your profile picture Cress from The Lunar Chronicles??? Just wondering since I LOVE that series and Cress and Scarlet are my favorites. Another quick question: would you mind checking out my blogs? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes to ALL of that!
      Yes, you are correct! *fangirls* Cress and Scarlet are AMAZING!
      And sure - I’ll check them out as soon as I can! :)

      Delete
  2. I definitely agree, the Project Inspire tag is such a wonderful idea! I might have to do it someday...XD

    I'm so glad my blog post helped! I definitely agree that the blogging community is just SO good at reading my mind with their posts.

    Yes, the Emmons sisters are really inspirational, and basically all of the blogging community as well! For me, my dad has always been there through my writing struggles and motivates me to keep going. :D

    "Writing - at least, writing well - is a CONSTANT STRUGGLE. But it's also awesome." << yes, I SO agree with this!!! I had so much fun reading this post, Nicole! ♥ (oh, and sorry for the monster comment XD!)

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    1. YES, DO IT! I would love to see your answers!

      Thank YOU for posting it! (You’ve finally stumbled on our secret - all these bloggers have mind-reading capabilities, which they use for others’ benefit. XD)

      Oh, yes - the Emmons sisters are amazing! Aw, and that’s awesome. Your dad sounds incredible! :)

      Thanks, Ash! (And leave all the monster comments you want to - they’re welcome!)

      Delete
  3. Thank you for doing the tag, Nicole! It always brightens my day when I see someone participate in this. :D

    Write on
    Jenna

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    Replies
    1. No problem - and thank YOU for reminding me to do this a few months ago! :)

      Delete
  4. Ooh, I love this tag! It’s so nice to stop and thank the people who have inspired and helped you on your writer journey. I’m totally gonna be doing this tag for my post this week. <3

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    1. Aaaahhhh, yay, I can't wait to see it, Bree! And I agree, it's so thoughtful!

      Delete
  5. I've been seeing this tag around on the blogosphere, and I should probably get around to it one of these days. Ugh procrastination.
    That sounds like you had a really nice teacher! And my family is such a help to my writing too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES, if you get the chance, totally do it! I would love to see your answers! (Haha, yeah, procrastination is awful.) And yay for your family! It's always awesome to hear that families are supportive of writing. :)

      Delete
  6. I MUST DO THIS TAG SOMETIME. IT'S AMAZING.

    Fantastic post!! You actually read my mind with #2 and #3 of your 5 Big Things because I REALLY needed to hear that. :P XD

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    1. YES. DO IT. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.

      Thanks, Lila! *gasp* Have I actually inherited the blogger skill of telepathy?? *cheers* Anyways, I'm glad it came to you at the right time! :)

      Delete
  7. Great tag!! I really enjoyed reading it!

    astorydetective.blogspot.com

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  8. I loved reading this! Fangirls are definitely a handful. Like, no question, get a fandom and you've got the most powerful army right there lol. Also, I flipping adore Jaye L. Knight! Her books are sooo so so inspiring, and the characters are just *heart eyes*. Oh, and I love your Cress profile picture... those books are something else <3 Also, that writing quote is amazing. I'm supposed to be doing school right now, but I got distracted reading different blogs, and now I'm distracted from that distraction because I want to write. Thanks for that. ;P

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    1. Haha, SO TRUE. I think some authors could take over the world with the following they have. XD
      Aaaaaaahhhhh YES JAYE L. KNIGHT!! *flails* Do you have a favorite book of hers?
      Thanks! (The Lunar Chronicles are INCREDIBLE!)
      You're welcome! ;)

      Delete
  9. Love this post! The top five things you learned are so true. Especially the comparison game, I let myself do that too much!
    So glad I got to hang out with you at Realm Makers! <3

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    1. Thank you! And ugh, same. One part of me knows it’s bad, but the other part keeps falling into it. XD
      SAME! It was awesome seeing you and talking to you there! <3

      Delete

Welcome to the comment section! I love hearing what you guys think and seeing you guys talk. Just remember to keep it clean, and as always, check back for my replies! <3
-Nicole