Lighting Up That Writer’s Nook | Book Tag

Let me start off by saying a huge thank you to Eleanor @ Wishing Upon A Star for tagging me with a tag she created herself! She is a great friend and posts the most creative content on her blog. She also very kindly let me make my own graphics for this post!! Check out her post here to use the original graphics.

From Eleanor’s post on this tag

The rules are to:
1.Link back to the original creator’s post. Click here!
2.Thank the person who tagged you and link back to their post.
3.Answer at least 6 out of the 12 prompts (you’re welcome to do all!).
4.Tag 3-5 bloggers.
5.Have fun!

Please note that when linking to others’ posts, to provide the link of that post, and not their blog’s link, or else they won’t receive a notification / pingback.

Also, a list of all the prompts will be given at the end for those who don’t prefer to use the graphics. I decided to do all 12 because they’re all equally amazing!

Getting into it now!

Out of the stories I’ve written so far, the common characteristic that my characters possess is that they have a life outside of the story or plot line. I try to make them seem as real as I can so that others can relate to them. I love books that have relatable characters and tend to do the same with mine. So, if the main protagonist in my story is say, a teacher, I’ll give him/her parts in the book where they are anything but a teacher (I’m TERRIBLE at explaining).

The people, definitely. If it were country, I’d go with language or culture. But when it’s ‘world’, I think the residents would be what makes it unique and different. Not to mention that all individuals are unique by themselves adding more to the versatility.

I like a plot that builds up to something huge gradually. As in, so many questions, doubts and theories would arise over the course of reading; all of which are finally answered at the end. Most of the stories I’ve written so far follow a similar structure, there are a few that start from the end of an event and end at the beginning of it.(um…was that too confusing?)

I have a book where I jot down all sorts of random ideas, beginnings of sentences and endings of poems. I usually write in pencil too, so that book contains doodles and sketches as well. It’s really cluttered and just so very random!

I re-read books by Enid Blyton or The Strange Case Of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde(weird choice, I know) when I feel dry and in need of prompts or inspiration. They’re all such brilliant books that there is always something new to discover everytime I read them.
OR
I wouldn’t call it a ‘technique’ but I usually like to write from more than two persons’ point of view and use too many descriptions. I’ve read a few similar books where the story is told from various perspectives and I feel like that gives the reader a more immersive experience being able to analyse the story from different angles. I prefer to show more than say more and that is possible with the right amount of adjectives and a truckload of details!

Read. Reading has helped me so much in expanding my perspective and giving me an idea of various cultures and eras. This has definitely manifested in my writings and having past knowledge in a subject makes your written work more authentic, informative and captivating all at the same time! Mine isn’t but reading truly helps in making your writing seem more compact.

And maybe reduce the use of slang words? I realise a lot of published authors have done it and so many people do it today. But for some reason, I find words like ‘gotta’, ‘comin’ ‘ and ‘rad’ unsettling.

I never use swear words. Apart from that, I don’t use that sort of style where the characters are oblivious to everything but the reader knows a great deal about everything. I like it the other way around where the reader is kept guessing while the characters proceed with the story line. Or I make sure that the characters and the reader are equally confused. I don’t know, is there an official term for plots like this?

I don’t really have one. I either create a fictional world or write stories set in Europe or America since I have a reasonably good idea of English language and culture having read a disproportionate amount of books by English authors. I once wrote a story set in Asia for school and while it turned out reasonably good, I felt a serious lack of details because I didn’t know the right local terminology to describe certain scenes. When it comes to setting your story in a particular country, I think it is essential to add as many elements as you can that are unique to that place and that includes local terms and objects. It just makes everything seem more real.

Okay, a quick confession. I don’t really like food. And I definitely don’t think resorting to food or drinks would inspire me. I read past works or listen to music and wait for an idea to appear out of nowhere (there is nothing that feels better than having an idea zapped into your head) but I don’t go to any food or drink.

I like to have biscuits while I’m reading or feeling exhausted (why do I sound like a 5 year old?). Listening to music, sitting outside etc. work wonders in clearing my mind.

I usually listen to indie, blues or pop songs while working. That applies to writing as well. I don’t mind any song in the background as long as it is something that I chose. I’ve felt that listening to music while reading/studying works great too!

Preferably a desk but I wouldn’t mind my lap either, a bottle of water, my phone and speaker or headphones, my books and a heap of pencils. I love working on a cluttered desk for some reason, lots and lots of pencils, random sheets of paper…Ah, bliss!

And that was it! Whew! That was one long write! But I loved every bit of it and had a great time designing the graphics and answering the prompts. Thank you, Eleanor!

And a list of all the prompts:

1.Ink — what you always make sure to give your characters
2.Map — what you think is the most unique or versatile element of a world
3.Quill — what kind of structure you give your plot
4.Notepad — where you doodle and flesh out all your ideas
5.Typewriter — an “older” book you turn to for inspiration OR a technique you used that is not commonly found in modern writings
6.Computer — one or two writing techniques you’ve found helpful
7.Eraser — something you never put in your writing
8.Bamboo and dried palm leaves — the type of culture you most like to write about
9.Creative juice — the food or drink you go to for a moment of inspiration
10.Comfort food — what you treat yourself to when part of your work is just. not. fitting.
right.
11.Headphones — the kind of music you listen to when writing
12.Fairy lights — your ideal writing nook interior design

And I tag: (the ”the requirement is 3-5 (you’re welcome to do some open invites or do more than 5 as well“) So…)
Lrose
Big Pine Writings
River Writes
Sarah Thea
Steve’s Country
My Musings
Reese

I genuinely enjoy the above bloggers’ write-ups and would love to learn more about how they write the amazing posts they do! They all write from the heart and have such authenticity and captivating themes. Make sure you check their blogs out as well!

(And just so no one is confused, Introverted Thoughts and I are the same person. This is my book blog and hence a different pen name).

Thank you so much for reading!

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