#ScribesAndMakers 12.28 — Can you describe the flavor of one of your favorite foods?

For me, it's anything that's spicy AF. (That answer was provided by my girlfriend, so thank you for that! LOL.)

#WwritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 12.29 — How many roads must a person walk down?

We're all so vastly different. The answer is simple: As many as it takes to finally arrive at your destination, and the answers will be varied and unique to everyone. Thought-provoking, isn't it?

#ScribesAndMakers 1.1 — Does the change to a new calendar year affect your creativity in any way?

Not really, honestly. It's just another day on January 1st, but I do set new goals for myself. That goes for both reading *and* writing as well.

#WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 1.2 — Vivid?

Let's talk about vivid verbs. They enrich our writing for readers. "Vivid verbs" are active words that convey a clear, concise, and evocative action, and are strong enough to stand alone without additional description (or adverbs). Characters doing, wanting, going, destroying, creating, etc. It's easy to fall back on broad, boring verbs that paint the characters' actions in wide, clunky strokes. However, that generality holds our readers at a distance from the story. For example, "shuffle" and "saunter" are two vivid verbs that describe the act of walking, each with different connotations and imagery, that we can use instead of saying "walked slowly" or "walked lazily." I could go on, but I'll refrain. I love being nerdy about this kind of stuff.

#WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 1.3 — Write instructions from the perspective of someone who has never done the thing they're giving instructions for.

I'll post this funny thing I showed my podcast followers once...

To make a demon yours, you can follow these steps:

1. Take the situation seriously and consider if you're serious about summoning a demon.
2. Move into a home with a dark past.
3. Get into the occult.
4. Start using a Ouija board.
5. Cultivate an obsession with death.
6. Keep your expectations in check.
7. Seek out haunted items.
8. Become as ungodly as possible.

Hopefully, things go well! Let me know how it works. 🤣

#Funny #WritingCommunity #PandasDen #Podcast #PodcastLife #Podcaster

#ScribesAndMakers 1.4 — Share a mondegreen (misheard lyric) you like.

While most people don't belt out ancient English poetry in the shower, they have misconstrued Jimi Hendrix's sexual orientation on the iconic hit "Purple Haze" with this one: 'Scuse me while I kiss this guy... Among many other offenses. The reason why I mention this is because I'm a *huge* Hendrix fan and "Purple Haze" is one of my favorite songs.

#ScribesAndMakers 1.5 — Make a story or art based on the misheard lyric you shared yesterday.

The misheard lyric: 'Scuse me while I kiss this guy...

I gotta be honest here, as a romance author this is the exact scenario you'll find in a lot of my stories. Let's talk about my WIP right now. I'll leave a little something down below. It's from an upcoming chapter.

(This is just an unedited / unfinished piece.)

#WingsOfQuietLonging #ParanormalRomance #Romantasy #Fantasy #Vampires #Werewolves #Ghosts #Romance #Victorian #Worldbuilding #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 1.6 — How long does it usually take you to decide if you like a piece of visual art?

For me, it's instant. I either like it or I don't. And just because *I* might not fancy it, doesn't mean someone else won't. Art is subjective. That's the beauty in it.

#WritingCommunity #Art

#ScribesAndMakers 1.8 — How long does it usually take you to decide if you like a piece of music?

Probably right after it's finished playing. If I play it again, then you *know* I probably like it and I'm trying to decide how much I do or if it's just a passing fancy.

#ScribesAndMakers 1.9 — Is there a difference in how long it takes you to decide if you like different mediums? Why do you think that is?

Alright, I'm gonna make a joke-not-joke here. I have a paranormal podcast AKA #PandasDen. *I'm* a medium. I can communicate with spirits. It takes me less than ten minutes to feel out whether someone else is a medium or not, if they're lying for attention or not, etc. You can *always* tell.

But more to the point, in reference to writing, films, photography, and art, it always takes time. Pictures are easier to digest, art takes longer, and novels take even longer. Nothing is ever the same when it comes to taking things in.

#ScribesAndMakers 1.11 — Is your creativity ever inspired by dreams you've had? If so, can you give an example.

That's usually the case with me. Dreams inspire me. I have very vivid ones. I watch a lot of TCM and older films or television, so sometimes I'll even dream in black and white. I'm also a fan of musicals and am myself a musician, so I'll occasionally dream in musical or Broadway format as well. But I do have very intricate, interesting dreams. Plots or characters for some of my stories might come from them. My current WIP, which I talk about quite a bit, actually originated from a dream. There's a good example.

#WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 1.17 — What's an animated movie you love?

Oh, gosh. Can I list three? Because I can't just narrow that down to one. Let's go with Spirited Away (2001), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), and Monsters, Inc. (2001).

#ScribesAndMakers 1.18 — Have you ever experienced interactive art? If so, can you tell us about it?

Not really, no. But I *am* looking forward to reading everyone's responses to this prompt. That'll be fun.

#ScribesAndMakers 1.20 — When it comes to theatre, do you prefer tragedy or comedy?

Tragedy, always. Comedy is fun, and I do love it, but there's something special about tragedies. I say this as someone who is a massive opera lover as well.

#ScribesAndMakers 1.21 — Share an author quote you find meaningful.

It'll always be something from Mary Shelley when it comes to me.

"Nothing contributes so much to tranquilize the mind as a steady purpose - a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye."

This reflects Shelley's belief in the importance of purpose and focus in life, and I can heavily relate. It's something I should remind myself of more often as well.

#WritingCommunity #MaryShelley

#ScribesAndMakers 1.25 — You're going on a creative retreat. What's the most important thing you need to bring with you?

Books for breaks, packed clothes and stuff, CBD, laptop, notebook(s), lots of chargers, and a few pairs of my bluetooth earbuds, etc. You gotta be prepared!

#WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 1.26 — Tell us about a memorable live music experience.

It was 2015 and I spent the entire weekend camping on the beach in Seaside Heights, New Jersey for a music festival of sorts. They're called stopovers. Long story short, Mumford & Sons get their buddies together, all their friends and their bands, and put on a hell of a show for a few days. It's brilliant. Local bands play for a few days before as well for those who are either in the area or camping, and it brings in a ton of business for the area. I had the best weekend ever, made a ton of friends, danced my heart out, enjoyed the time with my dad, and had such a blast. What a lovely time that was.

#ScribesAndMakers 1.27 — Are you good at threading needles?

Heck no. I have Multiple Sclerosis. I'll be honest here... Neuropathy and nerve damage keep me from doing work like this with my hands. I do miss it, though.

#ScribesAndMakers 1.28 — What's the most stressful thing about your creativity?

This ties in perfectly with the #WritersCoffeeClub answer that I just wrote, but the answer genuinely is the same thing: patience. Having patience, or rather, *finding* it can be the most stressful thing in the world when it comes to the creative process, but it's integral. You can't rush yourself.

#WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 1.29 — What's the most rewarding thing about your creativity?

It's seeing and rereading the finished product. Not only that, but let's add in the comments from my readers. Just knowing that your writing can bring others joy and comfort makes the entire process and the chaos of it all so worth it.

#WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 1.31 — Share something about your creative work this month.

I can definitely do that. This is a bit of a funny scene in the midst of the chaos.

#WingsOfQuietLonging #ParanormalRomance #Romantasy #Fantasy #Vampires #Werewolves #Ghosts #Romance #Victorian #Worldbuilding #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 2.1 — What's one creative thing you'd like to get done this month?

More editing for "Wings of Quiet Longing" and to get some new chapters uploaded. I know and understand myself well enough to know that I should never ask for more. Now, if I get more done, that'd be great too, but I won't put any pressure on myself. It never ends well. 😅

#WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 2.2 — Do you have any annual traditions not tied to holidays?

Let's talk about my story... Vampiric holidays, of course, and ones for the werewolves. Pagan holidays. Things of that sort. My current WIP is a gothic and paranormal romance. It calls for the scarier things when it comes to traditions and holidays.

#WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 2.3 — What's a creative project you would give someone for their birthday?

I have a small circle of friends from Discord and we're all authors and artists. For birthdays, we might write or create things for each other. We also do a Secret Santa project as well every year! These are friends I've had for a decade or so.

Usually, for the friends I've done things for, my gifts have been stories related to Doctor Who, just because I *know* what makes my friends smile and what they really love. Giving is fun. Creating something to give someone is even more fun. It comes from the heart.

#WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 2.4 — Our next featured creator is a comic artist. Tell us about a comic strip or web comic you enjoy.

If you asked me about an artist for comics I love, I would have said Rachael Stott. But for comic strips and the like, my heart says Calvin and Hobbes or The Peanuts. Always. Reading the funnies/funny pages in the newspaper gives me an insurmountable joy.

#ScribesAndMakers 2.5 — You now have the same occupation as the main character of your current WIP (or book you are reading/last read) What job are you doing?

I'm an author! How ironic is that?! Also, I'm suddenly amazing at painting. That one's a surprise.

#WritersOfMastodon #WritingCommunity #WingsOfQuietLonging

#ScribesAndMakers 2.6 — Our featured creator makes graphic novels. As a reader, which do you think is more important in a graphic novel, art or words?

Every single part of a graphic novel is important. But here's the thing... It would only be a novel if the art wasn't there or wasn't even worth looking at. Just food for thought.

#WritersOfMastodon #WritingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 2.8 — How do you define a book? Do audiobooks and graphic novels fit your definition?

First off, I hate when people say that audiobooks don't count as reading. I roll my eyes so far back that I can see my brain. In my eyes, even comics count as reading as well. Why shouldn't they? It's ALL reading. They all count. They're all a part of the creative writing process and enjoying the work that others have labored over. It's all literature.

#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon

#ScribesAndMakers 2.10 — What is the most out-of-character creative thing you enjoy? That thing that never matches the assumptions about you.

Ooooh, what a fantastic question. My friends and family know me so well, and that makes this one really hard to answer for me. I might have to say (in reference to new friends) that it might be my affinity for #LEGO. I was featured in the magazines as a kid, had a fully built LEGO city (which was all original), even made a few sets that they sold, and still go to conventions and stuff these days. I'm a big ol' nerd.

#ScribesAndMakers 2.11 — Aside from the official birthday song and the ubiquitous Beatles song, is there a song about birthdays you like?

Does 50's In Da Club count? Because, hell yes. I'm a big fan, always have been. 🔥

https://youtu.be/5qm8PH4xAss?si=nJomq2aA6ytOU1EE

#50Cent #Music

#ScribesAndMakers 2.13 — How well do you sing? If you don't consider yourself a good singer, do you sing anyway?

I was in choir when I was younger and then even select choir as well. I still sing, but not *nearly* as well. I'm probably yucky now. Also, random fact, my girlfriend is actually a classically (opera) trained singer.

#ScribesAndMakers 2.14 — How are things going for you this month, creatively or otherwise?

I wrote a bit yesterday and today for the first time this month. It was absolutely therapeutic. I also read the other day for the first time this month as well. That was nice. And I've read some more since then, too. I had to say goodbye to my sweet girl earlier in the month, so it's been a tough one. I'm missing my pretty black kitty, Esmeralda. I've also had a lot of medical procedures. All in all, it's been a hard month for me. 💔

#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon

#ScribesAndMakers 2.16 — Do you have a favourite decade of music? Which one(s)?

Of course. 50s-60s music will always have my *entire* heart. It's my favorite time period. Some of my favorite groups: the Drifters, the Platters, Solomon Burke, the Four Seasons, Elvis, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, etc.

#ScribesAndMakers 2.17 — Share a fun memory from a past SAM prompt.

I could never ever choose just one! That's so totally not fair. This entire project has given me so much joy. It's such a fun hashtag to take part in, and I've made some great buddies from it.

#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon

#ScribesAndMakers 2.18 — Our next featured creator has done her own book covers. Have you ever or would you ever do your own cover?

I do! I make all of my own covers. Ironically, mine are also done similarly to hers. But I'll say this a million times, @Firlefanz has the best book covers in the world. And not only that, her *books* are the best as well.

Anyway, here's a few of mine that I'm particularly fond of. I've made so many over the years, but there's a handful that I love dearly.

#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon

#ScribesAndMakers 2.19 — Our featured creator is an avid gamer. Does gaming affect your creativity?

Always. I'm a heavy, heavy gamer, anything sci-fi, fantasy, horror, etc. I also love Animal Crossing. I'm a huge fan of the The Witcher in general, books and games, for example. We have Baldur's Gate 3, The Witcher 3, Diablo 3 or 4, Stardew Valley, Mortal Kombat 11, Skyrim, LotRO, Call of Duty Zombies, and many others.

Gaming only further grows my creativity; it never smothers it. There's nothing better for writers, I swear. A lot of my author friends are also gamers as well.

#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon #Gamer #Gaming #GamingCommunity

#ScribesAndMakers 2.20 — The alpha male is a misconception perpetuated in popular media that our featured creator works against in her wolf books. What's a misconception that bothers you in popular media?

Oooh, I could say so much about this one. *cracks knuckles* Let me gather my thoughts first. I write both spicy and sweet romance. Paranormal romance, romantic fantasy, romantasy, dark romance, etc. The whole shebang. Let's talk about somethings that bother me about the genre, or common misconceptions you'll find. I'll list them.

• Romantasy is only about dark themes... While some romantasy stories may have darker themes, there are also lighter and more lighthearted stories within the genre.
• Romantasy is only about love... *rolls eyes* This is a misconception, as romantasy can explore various aspects of love, including relationships, love triangles, and even love for magical creatures. Basically, understanding these misconceptions can help our readers appreciate the depth and variety of romantasy stories available in the market.
• Romance novels are all the same... This is a common belief that romance novels follow a formulaic structure, but in reality (as we as writers obviously know), they can vary widely in plot and character development.
• Romance is only about love at first sight... Ugh. Romance novels explore a wide range of love stories, including misunderstandings, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships.

#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon

#ScribesAndMakers 2.21 — Talk To Me Day. Featured Creator: @Firlefanz

From one author with "wolf shifters" to another, something along the same vein, I have two questions for new readers to see...

• How does the full moon affect your wolf's behavior, or do you give them control over their transformations?

• What's the most challenging part of living with a wolf identity in your world?

I thought they might be interesting for others to read.

#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon

#ScribesAndMakers 2.22 — Create a poll giving a line from a book you wrote (or a favorite if you haven't written one) along with lines from two other books. Ask people to choose which was from yours.

1. “Soft hearts don’t survive here.”

“What kinds of hearts do?”

He leaned down until their eyes were level. “Hearts with teeth.” He reached out and gently gripped her chin in his hand, rubbing the pad of his thumb across her full, bottom lip.

She was frozen in place.

“C’mon, angel, show me your teeth.”

2. “Stay out of trouble, Curious Moth,” he said, as he strode for the door. Curious Moth. A nickname. A fitting one, too, given the fact that she had no intentions of avoiding the flame.

3. She laughed suddenly, the sound flighty and dizzying. “Stop it. I’m honestly dreaming. I must be. You would never say those words to me.”

“Wouldn’t I?” His eyes were defiant. “I have half a mind to ravish you here to prove it.” 

“Then do it,” she breathed, chin tilting upwards. She met his stare with a look of pure rebellion. “Touch me. Unravel me. Rediscover me.”

#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon #WingsOfQuietLonging #ParanormalRomance #Fantasy #Gothic #Victorian #Vampires #Werewolves

#ScribesAndMakers 2.23 — Reveal the answer to yesterday's poll.

1. I'm really honored that some of you thought this one was from me. Even my girlfriend did as well. This passage was from my favorite author, Kaylie Smith, and takes place during Phantasma. I could have chosen a hundred different quotes from this book. Gosh, I can't get enough of her writing. I just want to drown in her books. Her writing style is the closest thing I've ever found to my own as well, which she actually told me before. That touched me deeply. We've gotten to know each other and she's become a rather big fan of my Wings of Quiet Longing as well, which makes me happier than anything else in the world ever could. She's the coolest cat ever. 100/10 for her writing, highly recommend.

2. This one I had to tweak ever so slightly, only because the book is First Person POV. It's from Nocticadia by Keri Lake. She's another favorite author of mine, honestly. This particular book was a wild ride, and it was also my introduction to her writing as well. Again, I could have used any number of quotes from this one as well. So, so good. 12/10, highly recommend if you enjoy romance.

3. This one is from my own WIP. It's from a conversation between Alistair and Fenella, and it takes place during a dream sequence. I love this chapter so much, and it inspired my entire story.

#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon #WingsOfQuietLonging #ParanormalRomance #Fantasy #Gothic #Victorian #Vampires #Werewolves