Jana, over at Stop Me If I Told You This, was kind enough to include me in her recent blog post that answers questions about her writing process.
If you don’t already read her blog, please do. She is funny and she can make you cry and I love her like frozen crazy.
I guess the way this works is, I answer a few questions and then post 4 bloggers who will in turn answer the same questions and tag four other bloggers. It’s possible this is a pyramid scheme.
Here are the questions:
1) What am I working on at the moment?
2) How does my work differ from others of this genre?
3) Why do I write what I do?
4) How does my writing process work?
What am I working on at the moment? Mostly, I am working on me. I’ve spent the last few years examining myself and trying to understand why I am who I am and more importantly, learning to like who I am. Part of the process includes writing this blog. I have also been working on a book that started out about adult children of narcissists, but has evolved into more than that. It’s called Symptoms Of Shark Bite.
There. I said it out loud. This makes me sweaty.
How does my work differ from others of this genre? I have no idea what this fucking genre is. I’d say it differs because I say ‘fuck’ a lot. But honestly, a lot of you motherfuckers are really foul-mouthed, so that kind of blows that idea. I guess I can say it’s different because it comes out of my head. I’m pretty sure I don’t share my head with anyone else, so the work that comes out of my head has to be different from other writers.
Why do I write what I do? No fucking idea. It’s usually a surprise to me. And that is very nearly true! I guess I write what I write because I’m a little teapot and if I don’t dump the shit that is in my head, steam will come out of my ears and I’ll start whistling.
Or not.
A closer to the bone answer is: I write what I write because it feels good to connect with other people and it has helped me not feel lonely as I try to work through life and the anxiety and depression and uncertainty that I deal with. It also makes me happy when I make people laugh. Like ‘going to the beach and eating all the cotton candy’ happy.
How does my writing process work? In spite of myself.
Here are the bloggers:
Swamp Gas & Moon Lit Reflections The answers will be answered by the CEO of SGMR Industries, Inc. This is a new segment in this blog and I have to say, it’s pretty fucking hilarious.
Rocco’s (fairly modern) Life I love Rocco. I can’t remember how I found his blog, but I am so glad I did. He’s the same age as my older son and he writes about his life, current and past. He honestly examines the ways he falls down and then how he gets back up again. I am endlessly impressed with this young man and I am so cheering for him.
I Am Not Quirky This is a very recent find for me (like in the last few weeks). I love this girl, mostly because I understand the what’s she writing. I can empathize with her. I read her words and I feel understood.
Last but far from least:
It’s A Long Story Stef writes about her family, her past, her life and cake. Fucking hell, she makes some amazing looking cakes. Also, she asked that I make her look tall and thin. So when you read this blog, please know that the writer is tall and thin. And there’s the part about cake.
What I dislike about posts like this is there are about 853 other blogs that I would have liked to include. Some people that I would have asked have already done a post like this and I would hate to be a pain in their ass by asking again.
There are some extremely talented and poignant and funny people out there just waiting to have their words read by you.
Fuckin’ love the way you think and write!
😉
Thank you so much! Seriously, I appreciate it. Especially today..this week has been weird and rough.
We truly ARE a foul-mouthed bunch, but fuck the haters. 😉
HAHHAH…YES! Right in the face. 🙂
IN. THE. FUCKING. FACE!!!!!
Thanks Michelle!!!! I’m so honored that you thought to tag me! I’m looking forward to writing mine (although I have no idea how to answer those questions hah…. ah fuck)!
Dude…just do what I do…first thing that pops in your head…especially if it makes you a little uncomfortable.
And you don’t HAVE to do this, you know..it’s only if you WANT to do it.
Oh! I’m gonna do it!!! Because it makes me uncomfortable 🙂
Good for you!!!! When I look back and see shit I’ve written that I actually think isn’t bad…I was usually uncomfortable writing it.
Foul mouthed? I don’t know about that shit. But as an old boss of mine used to say, “Fuck the fucking fuckers.” (He was quoting from an audio file about “The Entomology of the Word ‘Fuck'” which, if you don’t remember this from the 90s, you should totally Google because you will laugh your ASS off).
Interesting post–I always like to hear about how and why people are involved in blogging, and where their ideas come from.
Thank you! My sister in law and I are still fond of saying ‘fuck you, you fucking fuck’ to each other every time we get together.
Yay, I get to play soon! Do the hop, hop, hop hop hop!
I am so looking forward to reading it!
That’s so nice! And some of these blogs are hilarious and have been added to my feedly! I love having new material to read.
Good for you on your WIP!! And I love “in spite of myself” hahaha you’re such greatness, Michelle.
THank you! That was truly the only answer to that question. 🙂
I’m still laughing about you whistling with steam coming out of your ears… I guess that’s better than your data leaking out? I would definitely read Symptoms of Shark Bite.
Thank you! I’ll finish it one of these days. 🙂
I am so honored that you tagged me! I will totally do this when I get back from camp, although I don’t feel special enough to have anyone care about what I write or why. And I don’t know four bloggers… I know you and like two others, and they have probably already responded. I’ll see what I can come up with though. Even if it makes me uncomfortable…and not in the sense that I’m writing this while kneeling in a camper recliner backwards…
Bullshit!! YOU have a LOT to say and I would love to ready about why you write…
That being said, I’m glad you’re going to participate, but don’t feel obligated! XXXOOO
Don’t die camping!
I am so glad I found your blog, and now you have linked me to four more….pyramid scheme indeed! of the best kind. You, fucking, go girl!
Thank you!! I so much appreciate this.
Thank you!! I so much appreciate this.
Might I suggest a starting a new genre altogether? I put forth the Salty Sailor genre. Replete with cussing and delightfully off-colour nomenclature. And pirates. Really enjoy reading your blog, whatever the genre.
I’ve never written about pirates before, but I did have a boss once who was obsessed with them.
And thank you so much!!
Omg you guys just reminded me of another story I need to write about PIRATES.
*adds word “Blackbeard’s Treasure” to story title list*
hehee p.s. –survived camping– more later.
Can’t wait to hear about it!
I have answered the questions in spite of my lawyers’ protestations (something about “plausible deniability” or some such bullshit). Based on your answers, you would be perfect for our management team. Our managers say “fuck” a lot, too. Of course, they’re usually saying it to me.
Hahhaha…I probably would be a good fit…or I would end up decided to just jump all the way into the crazy pool.
I will buy your book for sure! I have really enjoyed reading your blog, even though I am relatively new to it.
Thank you!!! I really appreciate that!
Every time I write a blog post it just comes out. I keep writing because one day I fear i will hit the writers block wall and have nothing to say. I am always amazed at the comments I get and that people actually read what I write and like it. Love your blog… Thanks!
I feel much the same way! I’m always afraid I”ll run out of words…but then I don’t…
And thank YOU!
I love the way you write – I always know when I come here I’m going to find something good to read !!!
Have the best day !
Me xox