Wistful TAG! - M Pax

Wistful Wishes Willingly Wander

Today's TAG! took some digging (on my part) which is funny because I was following her blog before it hit me. I bring you-M. Pax from Wistful Nebulae. She is an awesome author, blogger and nice person all around. I don't know much about her, but her blog is awesome and I've read a short story of hers, which is awesome and well...she's awesome. You can find info about her and her stories here, and she can be found on Twitter and Facebook. Make sure to go check her out (after you read the TAG! of course :) (She even has some free reads on her blog as well.)



1. When did you start writing?
I’ve written in spurts most of my life. The more serious stuff started at least several years ago.

2. What made you want to write?
I’ve always wanted to write. This enduring bout began with a phone call with my mother. I was feeling lost and she said, “You were always good at writing. Go write me something.” I don’t feel lost any more.

3. When did you decide you wanted to write to be published? (As opposed to writing just to write)
About five years ago.

4. What genre(s) do you write?
I write science fiction and fantasy, and delve into general and speculative fiction.

5. Why that(those) genre(s)?
I read a lot of literature and I love science fiction. I like stories that surprise me and make me think.

6. Do you have any particular ritual when you write? (A specific way things are done during the process)
No. Other than I do most of my writing in the morning.

7. Do you use an outline, or do you just start writing?
This process keeps changing. I have a rough outline. I know where I’ll end up and I’ll know what I want to say in general. Now I outline chapter by chapter, and I do more character development before I start than I used to.

8. Is there something you MUST have when you're writing? (Aside from the typical writer tools-computer, pen, paper, etc)
Quiet and inspiration.

9. Do you write out your story on paper and then transfer to a computer, or straight to the computer?
Straight on the computer. Although any planning and outlining is done in journals. I have a journal for each project.

10. How many books/short stories have you written? (Published or not, even those you wrote and then thought-what the hell?)
I lost count. I wrote four first drafts of novels before I started my latest two series. I’ve written at least twelve novellas, and that many or more short stories. Many of the novellas will be later coaxed into novels.

11. Is there, or has there been, anyone in your life (real or online) who thought you being a writer is/was just another hobby? Or that you are/were wasting your time as a writer?
I’m sure some people I know in real life think that. Only they don’t tell me. Which is a good thing.

12. Do you do Social Media sites? If so, which ones? If not, why don't you?
Yes. My favorites are e-mail. the blog network and Twitter. I’m also on Goodreads, FB, LinkedIN, YouTube and Pinterest. Stumble. Triberr. I’m sure I’m missing a few. I don’t really get Pinterest or why it’s popular. I’m not very active on FB or LinkedIn.

13. Any advice for writers that makes you cringe every time you hear it? (I know there is some cringe-worthy advice still worth following, so only advice you don't follow.)
Hard and fast rules of writing. There aren’t any. Know them and learn them, but don’t be afraid to toss them aside in favor of your own voice and style.

14. What's your favorite Sci-Fi book of all time?
Just one? I'd probably pick the Dune series by Frank Herbert. Followed closely by the Confederation Novels by Tanya Huff, and 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke.

15. With all the books you've written, where do you find time to do things outside of writing?
I have pretty strict schedules. Even with that, it's hard to get everything done. Some things just don't or get forgotten about. The cats make sure they get their cuddles. One's sitting with me right now. They don't let me forget about them. Most of my social life revolves around writing or the observatory. The Husband Unit is very supportive.

16. Are you Traditional, Indie, or completely Self Published?
I have a story coming out in an anthology this year. Otherwise I am Indie and do it all myself I love it. After I get my two series launched this year, I will probably start submitting short fiction again. If I find time to write outside of the series. We are fortunate to have options at this point in time. I hope we work together as a profession to keep those options open.

17. Why did you go that route?
I figured it might be the only way to make a living at writing fiction, especially a niche like science fiction. I felt I was ready for that step. After a lot of study, research, and thought, it made the most sense to me. I've always been independent-minded anyway, so this really suits me. I love having control of the product from start to finish. With that said, mine are not the only hands on it. I hire an editor, and thankfully, found one I like lots. I have critique partners, too, and another lovely friend who helps me with videos and book covers.

18. Where did you get the name of your blog, Wistful Nebulae?
It came from a poem I wrote a long time ago in college. It was called DreamPlay. It's on my website, but it goes like this:

Sailing on a comet’s tail
the spinning sun zips by
singeing careless strands of hair
enchanted by its light

S c a t t e r e d pieces of glitter
stain the endless black
pouring through the Milky Way
into the limitless I seek

Tripping over Saturn’s rings
I stumble from my ride
To take a tumble on the Moon
to land on Pegus’s back

~ we cry ~

Lifting wishes from Orion’s belt
while drifting on their sighs
I clasp one tightly and begin to dance
with wistful nebulae

19. What do you do when you aren't writing?
I’m the blog director for my local writers guild. I work at Pine Mountain Observatory in the summers as a star guide. I work.

20. Any words of wisdom for anyone who is thinking of becoming a writer, or just something you think all writers should know?
Write, write and write, and meet other writers to talk with and hang out with now and then.