#WritersCoffeeClub 1.18 — Does your work feature on BookTok? How do you feel about the platform?

While my own work isn't on BookTok (but it is all over Tumblr from people posting my links, sharing, and talking about my stories), I LOVE BookTok. I love love love it. It's a great platform. Admittedly, most of the BookTok videos I see are reels over on Instagram. I'm not on TikTok anymore. I watch people who crosspost to both platforms. It's a lovely community for readers and writers alike.

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.19 — How do you decide on character names?

Ooh! Good question!

I'm the type to do a lot of research on cultures, names, and their meanings. That's usually where I start when I'm building a character and I have their characteristics, a vague plot, and ideas jotted down. Sometimes, it's just a name that I fancy. It could go either way. I'm so curious to see how others do this. Everyone's different. I love that about the writing community.

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.20 — Do you have a blog? Tell us about it and share a link.

I do, actually! It's a recent project of mine and things will added to it as I go. Here you can find my writing and stories, my podcast, even the Instagram account for my podcast, a link for the merchandise shop for my podcast, and my own social links. It's everything that I couldn't possibly fit on here. I've been working away diligently at it.

Here: https://floofpaldi.carrd.co/

This link is on my profile now, too!

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.21 — Do you know the ending before you start writing?

Sometimes, I do. Other times, I go into a writing project without knowing very much of anything. Along the way, the story will develop and I'll eventually discover what the ending should or will be. It all depends on the story I'm working on. Every single one of them is different.

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.22 — Have you ever used storyboarding? When and how?

Oh, god. No. Never. I have no artistic ability at all, aside from drawing detailed maps and things like that for #TTRPG or #DnD / #DungeonsAndDragons games for my players and campaigns. Storyboarding is not for me.

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.23 — Who do you publish through or aim to publish with? How's it going?

I've published #DoctorWho stories with friends, homemade and done with both online versions and printed novels (although professionally done, not just in a binder or something). We do pre-orders for those who want to buy them. It's wonderful and has always worked for our community. Big money, too. When I do publish more stuff, meaning my original works, I'll probably start off with Kindle. It's easier.

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.24 — How often do you ignore your editor / proofreader?

I never do. If they're good at what they do and they're giving you a piece of advice or something to alter, then it must be for a reason. Their advice is warranted and I've never ignored it before, so why start now? That being said, if something ever came up that I flat out refused to change, I would say why. I'd have a conversation with them about it and calmly talk it out. I would explain why. That's what adults do.

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.25 — How do you feel about writers who write outside of their gender, sexuality, race, etc?

It's all fiction. They're stories. We were never meant to write stories that were mirror images of our lives.

I can speak from experience here. I'm pansexual, happily in a relationship with a woman of 11+ years, and consider myself non-binary. I use she/they pronouns. I can write straight characters, ones of different races or cultures, etc. No one wants a boring book. Change it up!

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.26 — How do you ensure that you don't infringe copyright in your work?

Simple, I do this by not plagiarizing or copying anything that he's already been written.

In theory, it all sounds so easy. In truth, it's a rather difficult task. Even if an idea is entirely your own and original, you should still scout the internet to see if anyone's come up with that idea before. It never hurts to check.

But yes, don't plagiarize. That's rule number one, in my opinion. Be original!

Addendum to my #WritersCoffeeClub post:

I have to talk about this a little bit here. I don't think I've ever mentioned it. I have had people steal my writing, and I'm talking about full stories, not just little bits and pieces taken here or there. It's the most frustrating thing in the whole world. It drive me nuts to even think about it. It's so upsetting.

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.27 — Hollywood is filming one of your works. Which actors are playing the main roles?

Oh, goodness. This'll be fun! @DoctorMonkey2 and @strangeseawolf will love this.

Of course, #PeterCapaldi would be playing Alexios. It's always been him in my mind. You guys know me.

Junk would be played by Vince Vaughn.

Trick would be played by #NcutiGatwa.

Lastly, Dr. Death AKA The Angel of Death would be played by Alexander Skarsgård. (Maybe. Hmm. I think so.)

#TheCityOfOpulence

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.28 — How do you format a flashback so the reader knows what's going on?

The reader will /always/ know what's going on. With my stories, I tend to italicize smaller (or shorter) flashbacks. For longer ones, I have other methods. But yes, the reader always knows. They're never confused about what's going on. Flashbacks can be tricky to write.

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.29 — Describe the saddest moment you’ve written. Share an excerpt.

Sharing anything from my original novels would be a MAJOR spoiler. Instead, I'll share this excerpt from one of my many #DoctorWho stories. It's a part of a series that I've been working on since 2017.

(I wrote this YEARS AGO, but I'll ALWAYS love this piece. It got an award!)

The story (Love is Blind) is here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12935418

The full series (#EntwinedTimelines) is here: https://archiveofourown.org/series/888654

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.30 — What genre(s) are not your thing (without insulting other club members)?

I would never insult a writer. Period, end of. If you write, then you're a writer and you're incredible. Go, you!

I write within a lot of genres. Some I would never touch, though? Non-fiction, for sure. While I enjoy reading it, I wouldn't write it. I just couldn't. Young adult fiction would have to be on the list as well. I'm a romance author, although I dabble in many other genres as well.

#WritersCoffeeClub 1.30 — Where do you write?

I write at the cozy desk in my room. I use it for gaming, writing, podcasting, etc. I love RGB lights, as if you couldn't already tell. I have a Himalayan salt lamp as well, along with a Doctor Who bookshelf and a nice handmade TARDIS lamp that lights up, although they're off-camera. It's a space that I find so comforting. It's very /me/, you know?

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.1 — Shameless self-promotion. Tell us about yourself, published work, WIP, or anything else people should know.

I'm an author who dabbles in a little bit of everything. I have #DoctorWho stories of mine that have been published as well.

I'm a paranormal podcaster, too! I have a rather big following, which I'm so thankful for. It's worth all the work. I'm even setting up a merchandise site!

My website (with everything of mine) is here: https://floofpaldi.carrd.co/

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.2 — Do you agree with Jodi Picoult who says you should finish writing a book even if you think it might be garbage?

I think it's different for everyone. You should try, though. What if it DOESN'T turn out to be garbage? You never know. It might turn out to be something wonderful. You never would have known because you gave up. That being said, there comes a point where you could find that this idea or the WIP might just not work. You need to know your own limits.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.3 — What skills / qualities do you look for in an editor?

First off, you should know my writing style well enough. That's why, for now, I tend to go for people that I actually know. Secondly, know how to actually edit and to offer GOOD and worthwhile advice. If you have a suggestion, don't be afraid to say it. Just tell me.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.4 — What software do you use to write?

LibreOffice and GoogleDocs. I use both, god forbid I ever lose anything. If I do, it will be saved in both places.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.5 — Can you feel the emotions of your characters when you write them?

Absolutely. I feel like most writers are that way. I can definitely feel that emotion as I'm scribbling or typing everything down like a madman just to get my thoughts out.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.6 — If you were to write a sequel centered on one of your SC's, which would you pick?

That's a fantastic question.

Either Murk from #TheScarletMirror, mostly for @strangeseawolf, or Junk from #TheCityOfOpulence. Those are my two favorite SC's that I have. Now that I think about it, though, they're all my favorites. I love everyone I write.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.7 — Complete this phrase: I write because…

I write because the voices in my head need to get out somehow.

No, I'm only kidding.

I write because I need a creative outlet. I have so many stories inside of me that need to be told. It's my hobby, my passion, the thing I love doing, what I feel like I'm best at, and it's my everything. I write because I love it.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.8 — Which words do you overuse? Be honest.

Good question. It depends on the genre that I happen to be writing in at the time. Maybe magic or sci-fi devices and all that. Who knows. Normally, though, in my everyday writing... Let me think on it.

Here's a few:
Said
Whispered
Murmured (That's a big one.)

I don't really know. Those words I previously mentioned were ones that I USED to overuse. I'm very careful these days. I try to read and reread my chapters..

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.9 — How do you deal with describing specific character ethnicities?

Diversity is key. I often write about fantasy worlds, even #SFF ones as well as #SwordAndSorcery ones, so this is an intricate question. Details about a character's ethnicity will be peppered throughout the novel, standalone story, or series. I'm descriptive with characters' looks, their speech patterns, dialects, and apparel. These things all help with world-building and the ability to visualize as well.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.10 — What do you say to people who tell you they're frustrated writers?

I tell them that I know the feeling! Everything about being a writer, in general, is frustrating. But seriously, I would suggest that they take a step back, recuperate and relax, get a bit of R&R, and get back to it later. Go outside, smell the fresh air and get some Vitamin D from the sunshine. Writing will always be there to return to. Nothing good will or could ever come from pushing yourself.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.11 — Are some genres taken more seriously than others? How does this make you feel?

Of course. People love to sh*t all over things that they don't like, or aren't interested in. Romance falls into that at times. I happen to be a romance author, although I write far more than just simple romance. I dabble in so many different genres, write complex plots, friendships, and angst. There are good AND bad things in every genre to choose from. People need to be more considerate.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.13 — Do you ever write very short pieces (fifty words, flash fiction, etc)?

Oh, this question was meant just for me... I LOVE writing short pieces. In my world, over on Archive of Our Own, they're called oneshots. They're standalone stories. The tiny ones are also called ficlets, which I think is the cutest sounding word. I write far more than just long original novels or fanfiction as well.

You can read my work here: https://archiveofourown.org/users/agoodtuckering/pseuds/agoodtuckering

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.14 — Does your work feature on Good Reads? How do you feel about the platform?

Not right now, but maybe some day! I'll keep hoping, though. We'll see how it goes and what the future holds. My published work isn't on GR, but I'll keep my fingers crossed that novels will be some day in the future when they're finished. It's a good platform. I have no qualms with it at all.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.15 — What's your field of expertise? What are you most skilled at?

Writing and working on my podcast would have to be it. The amount of energy, the years of my life, research, learning, and whatnot that I've put into all of this is ridiculous. It's ever-changing, ever-learning, and I'll never grow tired of any of it. It's my life. My podcast and my stories are so important to me.

What am I most skilled at, though? The above words. I try my best. I work hard. It all helps.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.16 — If you've read a book series, was there a weak book in the series? What made it weak?

I enjoy western romance and a good HQN series from time to time. I'm a fan of Linda Lael Miller. In her McKettricks of Texas series, there was a trio of brothers she wrote novels for: Tate, Garett, and Austin. Austin will always be my favorite. Garett was the weakest link in the series. I still enjoyed it, but Book Two was a bit boring in comparison to the others. Too bland.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.17 — How much of yourself is in your MC, or do you never write this way?

There is a little piece of me placed inside all of my characters. It's never anything huge. My characters are all vastly different from one another. It will always be tiny things. For instance, the MC might love boba and so do I, or it could just be a small character trait. They might have OCD, or are easily annoyed by imbeciles. I don't know off hand, but there's always something. It makes it fun.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.18 — Do you suffer for your art? Backaches, headaches, writers' cramps, et cetera?

Oof. I'm always in pain. I'll be honest about it with my writer mates here. I have multiple Sclerosis, so it's a lot. My back always aches, plus my spinal issues, all of which my gaming chair probably makes worse. I often get MS headaches and migraines. I get confused (AKA brain fog) from the MS. I have neuropathy in my hands and feet, too. I occasionally have eye issues. But... I keep at it.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.19 — Do you give your characters mannerisms? How do you do this?

Every character has mannerisms. The best characters show rather than tell the sort of people they are.

That’s where character mannerisms come in. They connect storytelling imagery and actions to each character, often without the need for extra dialogue. Each character’s mannerisms can be a mix of expected and surprising elements. I do this in a myriad of ways but all in narrative and often casually added in.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.20 — What's the secret to writing a good blurb?

For context, a blurb is a short description of a book that is usually found on its back cover.

I hope this helps.

1. Grab your reader’s attention with an irresistible hook.
2. Introduce your MC.
3. Establish the conflict and stakes.
4. Use a tone that matches your book.
5. Show off your credentials, if it’s important.
6. Entice readers with comparable titles.
7. Edit your blurb to within an inch of its life.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.21 — Would you ever use emojis in your writing? Why? Why not? 😀

There's nothing wrong with it, but I'm personally not the type to use them. I grew up writing before emojis were a thing, so why should I start now with my novels?

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.22 — Thoughts on chapter length. Long, short or mixed? What's a chapter?

This is a tough question. Number one, it depends on the story or genre. Number two, it depends on the author.

For myself, I keep my chapters on the shorter side. Sometimes they're mixed. I find, at least for myself, that shorter chapters are easier to digest. It makes for a quicker reader. It's all subjective, though. Everyone's different, and there's nothing wrong with any of it.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.23 — Do you format your own work, or hire someone?

In all fairness, I do all of the hard work myself. Everything is done by me.

#WritersCoffeeClub 2.24 — Has feedback from readers ever changed the way you write?

Of course, it has. If the feedback is helpful, I'll be always be appreciative. It can help us grow and become better writers! I love it.

That being said, though, I've also decided and come to the conclusion that my writing style IS good enough these past few months. No more imposter syndrome for me. Honestly, @NeanderthalPride has a lot to do with that for me. She helped me feel so much better about my writing.

#WritersCoffeeClub 3.1 — What inspired you to begin writing?

Sorry I haven't been around. Life's been busy. Time to catch up!

A lot of things inspired me: being big into Ren Fairs, loving fantasy as much as I always have, wanting more from shows and books... I first began writing fanfiction (which I still write to this day because I adore it), and I've never looked back. I write roleplay stories, which is also how I met my girlfriend over a decade ago, and I also write many original works too.

#WritersCoffeeClub 3.2 — Have you ever based a character on a real person? Do they know?

Oh, gosh. Haven't we always? I'll admit this here... In #Unwanted, the MC (whose name is Jeremy O'Leary) is based very loosely on one of my nana's old bosses. The absent minded professor and all that, you know?

But yes, I might base characters on people I know or admire. It happens, sometimes.

@DoctorMonkey2 and @strangeseawolf both know that a lot of my OC's have #PeterCapaldi as a face-claim as well.