Thought it would be fun to get to know each other, and our writing, a bit better. Feel free to answer these questions in the comments, or post them on your own blog and put a link in the comments.
Do you write fiction or non-fiction? Or both?
I write both.
Do you keep a journal or a writing notebook?
Nope – though I usually keep a notebook with me to jot down ideas I may come up with.
If you write fiction, do you know your characters’ goals, motivations, and conflicts before you start writing or is that something else you discover only after you start writing?
I know some of it when I start–usually. My characters will sometimes surprise me, though.
Are you a procrastinator or does the itch to write keep at you until you sit down and work?
Definitely NOT a procrastinator, though I am often stopped from writing when I want to because of my “life.” And, unfortunately, because of that, I have lost some ideas. 
Do you write in short bursts of creative energy, or can you sit down and write for hours at a time?
I’ve never really had much opportunity to sit down for a very long time – I don’t think I’m wired that way. An hour – maybe. Much longer? I doubt it.
Are you a morning or afternoon writer?
I can, and do, write whenever I get a chance, but if it were entirely up to me, I think my best writing would be done in the morning. I am definitely a “morning person.”
Do you write with music/the noise of children/in a cafe or other public setting, or do you need complete silence to concentrate?
If I couldn’t, I would never get any writing done. I must say, though, that I write BETTER, and with better focus, when there is less background noise rather than more.
Computer or longhand? (or typewriter?)
I can do either (LOL not typewriter!)–not sure I really have a preference. Whatever is convenient and available.
Do you know the ending before you type Chapter One? Or do you let the story evolve as you write?
Half the time I know how my stories will end, and half the time the story will evolve (and occasionally, I’ll “know” how my story is going to end, and then have my characters disagree and win the argument).
Does what’s selling in the market influence how and what you write?
Nope. Maybe I should, but I just write whatever I feel called/motivated to write.
Editing/Revision – love it or hate it?
I LOVE editing other people’s stuff, and I LOVE a GOOD edit from someone who knows what they’re talking about. I do get a bit defensive sometimes, but I can usually get over it. Doing the actual revisions can be tough, though.
Share a bit about yourself and your writing. We’d love to learn more about you!
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11 Comments until now.
Morning!
I write fiction and I usually write for long periods of time instead of short bursts.
I don’t always know the end of the first chapter. I’m a morning writer who loves revision.
Have a great weekend!
Hi from Cape Town
When I wrote my book (non-fiction) I got so carried away re-living it that half a day would pass before I would realise there were actually other things that needed to be done. Now, writing articles, it varies. Sometimes I get totally absorbed and at other times it is a chore.
I write at any time, but am best in the morning — with background music — and on the computer.
I write both fiction and non-fiction. I do keep a journal now, although for many years I did not. In writing fiction I usually become acquained with the inner personality of my characters as I write them into situations and figure out how they should respond.
Procastinator? Me? I’ll answer that one tomorrow!
I am a short burst of creative energy writer. I have tried disciplined writing, but all it produces is blank word processing screens.
I write best in the evening, although I have written at all times of the day or night. I writ best when the house is quiet. I don’t want music distracting me.
I do all my writing on the computer. I don’t even own a typewriter! And longhand writing would prevent even me from reading it a few days from now.
I know where I want the story to go before I begin writing, but the story sometimes takes me places I did not intend to go.
I don’t really care what is going on in the market place. I write primarily for me. If anyone else wants to come along for the ride, they are welcome to do so.
Do I love or hate revisions? Yes.
I write fiction, non-fictionm, fiction based on fact and devotions; mainly devotoins. I write best when it’s quiet, I do keep a small notebook to jot ideas down (actually, several–one in my purse, one on my desk and one in my nightstand).
I write fast in sudden inspiration and I can write for hours on end without looking up from my keyboard. Editing is my passion—-and I can edit something to DEATH! (rolling my eyeballs)
That was fun to read, Joanne! I have my answers for a post next week. The URL for the 16th will be http://juliearduini.com/2012/02/16/some-fun-writing-answers/
I write fiction and non-fiction, but love fiction most. I have one main character who I know better than I know myself, but many of my characters are shy about letting me see deepest secrets.
I can write for hours and hours, and until my hands are numb and my shoulders are knotted, and as much as I love writing, I LOVE to edit! To a fault, really.
I always know the point of what I’m writing, but half the time I don’t know the ending until it comes.
Oh, and I absolutely must have a calm and silent atmosphere for writing, which makes writing in the summertime, when kids are on break, a challenge.
I write fiction and non fiction, mostly poetry. My characters develop as I go. I get ideas in the night and have to go to another room so as not to wake my husband who thinks it is an emergency.I write better in the morning but prefer it quiet, preferably when my husband is not around needing me. I write to please myself or to answer questions on my blogs.
My middle name is Elinor. Iwrite poetry, fiction, devotions and comments on blogs.I am fairly responsible and down to earth. The last book is read is Mills and Boon In Dr Darlings Care. I read mills and Boon to see how published writers write. The first job I had was in a bank which lasted three months because I am not good at maths. My greatest fear is turning my car over on a slope. I have changed locations 8times. My best holiday was five and a half month trip around Australia.
Thank you so much for the inquiry, it served as a great prompt for me to write today.
I mostly write non-fiction devotional articles. I am a daily “jotter” since my writings are prompted by my everyday life experiences-highway scenery, morning bible study, workplace situations.
I regularly write in one of several journals since I capture my thoughts by areas of interests (e.g. prayer, great life lessons, bible study groups, things to remember from books read). In addition, I write a lot on post-it notes or notecards often found in my car,on nightstand, purse and anywhere I can stack them.
I do most of my writings as short bursts. However, once focused, I can spend hours at a time writing.
Noise is welcomed when I need the discpline and unwelcomed when I have made up my mind to complete the assignment.
So far, I have written only non-fiction,mostly relating to my 25 years as a caregiver.
I have a secret dream to write a children’s fictional story. The dream began with telling bedtime stories to my children and grandson. I would also like to try my hand at devotional pieces.
I have never kept a journal but have lately decided that a notebook would be helpful. I have kept a notebook/journal of clippings that “speak” to me — usually encouragement.
I’m not necessarily a procrastinator. I want to feel ready to create and that’s usually after midnight when the house is quiet. I love to create directly onto the computer screen since I am able to edit so easily. I enjoy editing my work and I also enjoy seeing the result of editors editing my work. It’s such a learning experience.
The market has never really played into what I create. I am given assignments as to the topic but I usually pray that God will give me the content. I don’t know the ending when I begin. In fact, I usually am amazed and think to myself, “Where did that come from?”
I really enjoyed these questions. They made me think! And I totally enjoyed reading all of the other responses.
I would lose a journal. I had a character who I had planned to be a nasty young woman refuse to be her. She has ended up as the lead female in the second book of the series.