#WritersCoffeeClub 1.25 — What comes first: setting, character, plot? What comes next?

Sometimes it's the plot. More often than not, it's the characters. They'll come to me first. A lot of my characters were created for either the purpose of TTRPG stuff (tabletop roleplaying games) or roleplay stories (which is just collaborative writing that I do with friends or my girlfriend), so I've already written a plethora of stories with these characters. The plots come to me later if I finally decide to knuckle down and write a long serial or just a novel with them. C'est la vie.

Edit: I should add this... It's usually a scene between characters that I've already created, and then I have to write an entire story around said scene. It's funny how that works out sometimes, isn't it?

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#WritersCoffeeClub 1.26 — Do you include things you personally find repellent in your work?

I do, only because the story isn't about me, it's about the characters. Sometimes a story calls for something that I might strongly dislike. It isn't a perfect world, after all. As much as I love *reading* cozy fantasy, it isn't actually the genre that I'm writing within.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 1.27 — What’s a technical skill you think should be more widespread?

As a game or dungeon master for many TTRPGs (including DnD), I'll say this... It's drawing your own maps and things. Not enough people do it anymore. Draw stuff! Even if it's bad, *especially* if it's bad, do the thing! It's more fun that way, I promise. It's become a lost art these days, no pun intended.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 1.28 — What resource (book, podcast, tool, conversation) unexpectedly helped your writing this month?

I read a (big) handful of books this month, too many to list, and they've all helped me in some way. If you're ever feeling unmotivated or your muse is low, read. Just READ. It always inspires me, and it does the same for so many other writers.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 1.29 — Which phrase, paragraph, or page are you most proud of writing this month?

I'll share a snippet with everyone. 🤍

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#WritersCoffeeClub 1.30 — This month, how did you successfully navigate a challenge or a sticky point in your writing?

Patience. Patience is honestly the key, and that's what helps me through the sticky stuff. If I'm stuck, the issue always resolves itself. I just need to take my time and be patient with myself. The muse always returns if it's disappeared for a while.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.1 — How satisfied are you with your current writerly 'voice'?

I rather think I *should* be satisfied with things by now. But I'm happy with the way I write, though. We all do our best as writers.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.2 — How satisfied are you with the rhythm of your works?

We have a tendency never to be satisfied by *anything* of ours as writers. I'm trying to change that. I'm happy with my work. I'm trying to *enjoy* the process of writing, of creating something, and not to stress over it. So, yes, I'm satisfied.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.4 — How much detail do you use to describe your settings?

As much as I possibly can without overdoing things. I never used to describe things to the level that I wanted, for imagination, and I'm trying to change that. I'm trying to go into detail about the surroundings and settings that my characters are dropped into, but by being subtle about it. There's nothing pushy about my descriptions. I hope so, anyway. That was the old me, years and years ago, but writing is always a work-in-progress journey.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.5 — What's a trait of other written works you admire, but don't seek to incorporate in your own works?

I've been stewing about this one, and I really don't think I have an answer for it. If one comes to me later on, I'll edit my post. There are so many things I admire about other writers, genres, or stories. I've written a little bit of everything, so this is tough for me to answer.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.6 — From start to finish, how much time elapses in your current WIP?

Well, I can't give away any spoilers to my readers here. I suppose you'll just have to wait and see. But I will say this, that it's a sizable chunk of time, at least.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.8 — How imperfect is your pacing? Do you consider imperfection a sign of your humanity?

These questions are rather thought-provoking. Maybe that *is* a sign of our humanity, and mine, of course. No one can be the perfect writer. I don't mind my pacing, though.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.9 — Do you subscribe to 'show, don't tell?' Why, or why not?

Not really. I never overdo the "telling" part, though, but maybe that's just because my writing style is a bit different. You can do both in moderation without giving away too much. As an author, we're "telling" the story.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.10 — Talk about a work which subverted your expectations, in a good way.

This one's giving me a tough time of things. I do one of two things, either go into a book without expectations, or I'm drawn to something that everyone's talking about (and they seem to adore) and I genuinely end up loving it as well. So, that doesn't help. In general, I try not to get my hopes up or to have expectations.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.11 — What time of day is most productive for you? Why?

Nighttime. I'm a little night owl. It's when I have my peace and quiet, when I'm all alone and can be left to my own devices (which is sometimes dangerous).

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.12 — How unique is the setting of your current WIP?

The year is 1890, and this story takes place in Moray, Scotland. It's the perfect spot in Scotland for a paranormal romance to take place. How could I *not* choose it? It's such a beautiful area. Sprinkle in supernatural/paranormal creatures, of course, and that's the premise.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.13 — Do you use maps as reference materials as you write?

Coming from my background of a game master for TTRPGs, yes, I usually do. Visuals often help me as I build a story and begin writing. They're good for references later on as well.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.15 — How big are your settings?

To make this one easier on myself, I'll talk about my current WIP. I won't mention everything else of mine in my writing portfolio. The setting in this story is a small area in Scotland. It takes place in Moray. It made things easier just to focus on something smaller rather than a huge, vast continent or an entire world for once.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.16 — What's the most ridiculous place you've tried to sneak in some writing?

It was the hospital last week just before I had my endoscopy procedure. I think that's either at the top of the list or somewhere nearby. 🤣

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.17 — How do you write about ecstasy, in a spiritual, artistic, or sensual context?

I'm a romance author, so I feel called out by this prompt lol. Combine all three of those (spiritual, artistic, and sensual), and then you've got my writing. Because emotion should fill every page, and every single one of those words and what they mean should be included when you're writing romantic scenes, especially when it comes to the dark romance, paranormal romance, or romantasy genres.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.18 — How balanced are your finished works? What do you do to achieve that balance?

Balance looks different for every writer, every genre, every "type" of piece, whether it's a standalone story, a long chapter story, or only a few chapters, all of which I write. I do my best to achieve it every time. It takes time, tweaking, and planning.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.19 — What’s your biggest challenge when crafting a satisfying ending?

Honestly, it's saying goodbye to characters that I've followed along their various journeys. It's never easy to do, and there's a grief that comes with it.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.20 — How has a setting surprised you?

Oooh, let's talk about #TheCityOfOpulence here, from the #DigitalDystopiaSeries. Every single thing about the setting where this series takes place surprised me, especially in the first story, which I eventually have to finish posting on AO3. Everything about it came as a shock. It developed as the story grew and blossomed. Things changed. Areas became bigger. Business came to be. Battlegrounds made themselves known. This entire setting came from a homebrew (original) #TTRPG I ran, something #cyberpunk, dystopian, and #SFF for my players, and that's also where my characters came from. They were NPCs that I created. As I began writing the story itself, attempting a novel that slowly became a series, things only grew all the bigger. I love love love this setting to death. Ethera is a beautiful, terrifying city. Citune is a gorgeous planet with tons of lore. This is my favorite setting I've *ever* created, hands down.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.21 — Share an unexpected critique you’ve received. Why did it surprise you?

This is a *really* good prompt, but I can't think of anything in particular to write in response. I will say that I've had so much help from friends here on Mastodon in our writing community. Every little bit helps. However, I can't think of anything super surprising or unexpected. Whenever I've received a bit of help, whenever I've gotten some critiques, it's because I've asked for it.

Edit: Something finally came to mind. Someone told me that I should change the way I write, but she didn't understand that the particular POV I used was actually a thing. She was very critical and confused. It actually almost had me changing the way I write. This happened years ago but it still kind of sticks with me, sometimes. It was on another site.

I enjoy writing either of these:

Third Person Omniscient POV: The narrator has full knowledge of all characters' thoughts, feelings, and the story's past and future, enabling a god-like perspective. While less common in modern novels, it is used in classic literature and genres requiring a broad narrative scope.

Multiple (Third Person) POVs: Involves shifting between different characters' perspectives, often across chapters or scenes. This approach allows for a broader story scope and deeper character development but requires careful structuring to avoid "head-hopping" and maintain reader clarity.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.22 — Are there types of settings you avoid writing? Why?

Honestly, there are so many different types of stories that I write, so very few things are hard limits for me these days when it comes to possibilities in settings.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.23 — What techniques help you write a difficult second act?

Music. Relaxing. Reading. Watching TV. Gaming. Anything, really, to help inspire me. Any creative activities are helpful. Sometimes taking myself out of "writing mode" is actually the key. I can't force the writing to happen. The muse will return, the ideas will come, but I just have to patient with myself in the meantime. Then, after, the second act will come for me.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.24— What’s your greatest challenge in fleshing out your setting?

For me, it's creating an internal (in my mind) and real (hand-drawn or commissioned) map of the area, so no inaccuracies are ever included while I'm working on the story itself, and that includes the layout of castles or streets. Just things like that. It's very easy to make mistakes. I'm nitpicky like that, and it helps me with the writing process.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.25 — What’s a unique habit you have while writing?

Good question, honestly. The only thing that I can think of is the fact that I can easily sit down and write 10-20k words in one setting. Sometimes even more. I've heard a lot of people say that 5k is a good day, and while it truly *is,* I tend to write far more in one session. It just depends on how easily the words are flowing for me on any given day. Some days they just don't come at all.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 2.26 — Does your current WIP have an antagonist? Why or why not?

"Wings of Quiet Longing" has two antagonists. They're traditional villains as well. One is worse than the other, but not by much. Then again, it's all a matter of perspective. They aren't black and white. No antagonists should be. It's boring.

Isma (another vampire): He's the big baddie and is far older than Socrates (c. 470 — 399 BC), among many others that are mentioned within the story. His age is never stated. He kept the vampires he sired as toys, just playthings. He's a horrible man.

Duncan (another vampire): This was the man Alistair sired. He's an absolute bastard, obsessive and possessive, impulsive and animalistic. He's a beast in every sense of the word.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.1 — What is the fundamental goal you seek to achieve with your current WIP?

To enjoy writing it, and to also write something that others enjoy reading. It's simple for me.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.2 — Does your overall goal differ from project to project?

Never. Yesterday, I said my fundamental goal was to, and I quote, enjoy writing the story, and to also write something that others would enjoy reading. That doesn't differ from project to project. I love the process.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.3 — On what are you unwilling to compromise?

Changing storylines to fit what *others* want to read. I don't need to fit into genres or tropes, I don't need to cater to certain people, etc. Never. No thank you.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.4 — Share a recent experience where something just 'clicked.'

I can't *actually* talk about it because it would be a major spoiler, and I have readers for that particular story here on Mastodon. Readers who are close friends of mine, at that. What I'll instead say is that it was the best idea I've ever had, and it all came about one night as I was talking about a certain plot point (for a character) and a "what if" with my girlfriend. "What if" slowly became "why not," and now here we are. I made it work. I'm rather proud of myself for thinking of it in the first place.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.5 — How do you make sure you don’t leave plot holes?

There's only one way for me, and even then, a few things might occasionally slip through the cracks. My "note board" looks like this these days...

(Also, this photo isn't mine.)

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.6 — Is there a local writing community near you? Do you participate in it?

I do~! I live in a condo village, and we have a writing club right here. I'm a part of it, and I love it so much. I'm the youngest member, and our oldest is actually 94 (and lived through the Nazi-occupied country where she comes from). She's a warrior, I swear. I adore her to pieces. She's even published her own book with her life story.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.7 — What have you given up in order to write?

A social life, maybe? Nah, I'm just joking. I didn't have to give up anything because I've always wanted to do this, ever since I was a kiddo. Storytelling was always my first love.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.15 — Talk about an experience you've had sharing your writing with a group.

I'm in a writers group here in the 55+ condo village where I live with my nana. My fellow members absolutely adore me, which always feels like a shocker for some reason. I'm too down on myself sometimes, and I really shouldn't be. It's such a positive experience, and they really enjoy listening to my stories or reading my prompt answers that I'll write up. Our prompts in that group are usually a word or the start of a sentence, and we'll continue it and write 500-1k words about it.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.16 — What's the largest cast you've ever written? What made it challenging?

It's actually some of my Doctor Who stories that feature quite a few of the characters, but I'm so proud of those stories as well. Getting their lines down perfectly, along with their mannerisms, always feels difficult when I'm trying to nail a scene with a ton of people in it. The more characters that you have, the more difficult things will become. I prefer smaller groups of characters in scenes, but that's just me. That's how I *usually* write, but not always.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.17 — What's an experience or sensation you've struggled to convey to a reader?

This is a very good question. I think there were a lot of things that I *used* to struggle with when it came to finding the right words for experiences or sensations on paper. I'm trying to broaden my horizons and write more things. It helps to try a little bit of everything. I've grown a lot, even over the past few years. We should all continue to grow as writers.

If there's anything that comes to mind, I'll edit this post later and add my thoughts.

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#WritersCoffeeClub 3.18 — What's a writerly gift you've received?

Friendship, actually. A good number of my closest friends are fellow writers. That's the best thing I could have ever asked for. The mutual support, fun and shenanigans, conversations, love, companionship, help with proofreading and editing, helpful suggestions, etc.

And hey, one more thing... I met my girlfriend through writing. I love that gift as well. It certainly felt like one.

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