E.M. LaBonte

(Thursday is TAG! on my blog. I do a Q&A with someone. It is still an E, so I'm sticking to the challenge :)
I usually post at 4:30AM Central time, but I apparently forgot to write my post for today. So, my sentence is in light of my forgetfulness :)

Even Experts Experience Errors ;)

Today's TAG! is E.M. LaBonte a fellow writer I met on AgentQueryConnect. You can find her on her blog, on ACQ, and she tweets. She's also a member of the blog ring of power.

1. When did you start writing?

I was born with a pencil in my hand reaching for a pad of paper... um no.  I started writing when my mean English teacher in the 4th grade made us write a short story to test our grammar.  

2. What made you want to write?

I loved coming up with a new idea, and I received praise from my mother and the teachers for the first story and beyond.  I failed the grammar part though. I never did get the hang of that. : (  I enjoyed the experience of coming up with the story as I wrote it. The bonus was making my teacher smile. (Even though I hated her.) So I was hooked. I've been doing it ever since.  I have a folder full of short stories, and incomplete -really bad first drafts- of novels.

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

I had an epiphany. I had that moment, where I was unhappy with where I worked, but didn't know what else I wanted to do.  That moment where I realized there was one thing that I've always enjoyed doing, and would do it to see the enjoyment of others reading my stories.  I wanted to share what was in my head, and see if that could be my career.

4. What genre(s) do you write?

Speculative Fiction. I originally started writing just high fantasy alone, but have since spread out to a bit of Dystopian SciFi.

5. Why that(those) genre(s)?

I started with high fantasy because that was what I read in the beginning. I mixed things up a bit when I had an idea that I couldn't get out of my head.  Found out I can branch out.  I'm excited about it.  Perhaps I'll be able to branch out even more in the future.

6. Do you have any particular ritual when you write? (A specific way things are done during the process)

Eat, make sure the kids have eaten in the morning. Then I settle down at the computer or pen and paper, depending on which draft I'm working on. Not much to it really.

7. Do you use an outline, or do you just start writing?

I have a basic idea of how my book starts and how it ends.  The rest of it is told to me while I'm writing.  I end up being mostly a pantser, but I do end up planning while I'm writing. 

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

A cup of coffee or water, ready and waiting. Wait, does that count as one of the typical writer tools.  Hmmm. ;)

9. Do you write out your story on paper and then transfer to a computer, or straight to the computer?

I always like to write the story out.  There is something to be said of the traditional, no backspace key, writing.  It helps me move forward without worrying about editing till I'm done.  It also helps me when I transfer to do a rewrite when I'm typing it onto computer.  No cut and paste.  Keeps me honest and focused. 

10. How many books/short stories have you written? (Published or not, even those you wrote and then thought-what the hell?)

I've gotten a bunch of short stories written and put away.  I don't remember how many though, never thought to count them.  I've been writing about one a week on my blog. As far as hope-to-be novels, I have three so far in the works.  Second Nature is on it's 8th draft, the sequel Cold Magic his halfway done it's first draft, and the new Dystopian has started taking shape.  I only have a few chapters written on that one so far, but I'm liking the idea.

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?

My siblings and mom, growing up.  We all have our artistic talents, I'm the only one who cant draw, so I built my pictures with words.  They thought, and probably still think that my writing wont go anywhere, cause of my dyslexia, which hinders my spelling and my sub-par grammar.  I know I still have a lot to learn, and relearn, and I'm willing to push through my own short comings to make my dream happen.  To see my book, in all its glory, read by my extended friends.

12. Do you do Social Media sites? If so, which ones? If not, why don't you?

Yes, I'm over here and over there.  LOL To start off with, I joined AQC about 9 months ago, and have learned so much from them.  I've gained critique partners and friends.  
I also have a Author's page on FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/E.M.LaBonte1, a blog http://emlabonte.blogspot.com/, I'm on Linkin http://www.linkedin.com/pub/e-m-labonte/3a/620/689, Google+ https://plus.google.com/106248320069260629559 and a Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/Nemune2 account.  Yeah, I'm all over the place.  I've also got others, but I'm rarely on them. 

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.)

Write every day.  I know as a writer it's good to write as much as you can, but I also know (from experience) that writing every day can burn the mind out.  There are days when it's good to just walk away.  Get out of the house, away from the pen, paper, and computer and just do something, enjoy life. LIVE It's not all about words, it's about the emotions those words inspire, you need to feel them before you can write them. IMHO

14. Why do you write about dragons?

I'm not really sure, except that I've always had a fascination with the noble dragons of the East in the bodies of the ones in Europe.  I like the combo of the two.  I think the dragons with the snarling evil faces just look silly. 

15. What are your dragons like?

Mostly like humans in a giant lizard body.  LOL but really they do have most of the emotions and attitudes of the human race, except they are more feral and their culture is slightly primitive. Picture a stubborn person living over 500 - 1000 years, things wont change much, they wont let it. Yup that's my dragons.

16. If your dragons were real, would you own one?

Um, wouldn't that be slavery? I'd be friends with them, but if they were real, I don't think I would have enough power to bend them to my will, unless I was one too. :)

17. What is the Blog Ring Of Power?
The Blog Ring of Power was put together by Terri Bruce in hopes to give and gain exposure to published authors.  We set up a interview that lasts 5 days over 5 blogs. It's been a great success and the interviews keep coming.  Eventually we are planning contests and other blog fun stuff. It's so great, because we end up meeting so many interesting and wonderful people and they have been keeping in touch with us through out.

18. With a job outside of writing and three kids, do you find it difficult to find a balance between non writer and writer life?

OH yeah! I've only been back to work for 2 weeks, so it's been a bit of a struggle to balance everything.  I'm starting to get back in the swing of things. Right before leaving for work and during breaks, I get some words in. Funny thing is it has been easier to create.  After 2 years being a stay at home mom, I find that even though my time is now limited, I am more focused.  I have found my writing is getting much more inspired and better all around. At least I think so, I'll find out if I'm being a bit biased when my crit partner takes a look.

19. What do you do when you aren't writing?

Spending time with my crazy but amazing family.  Enjoying what life has to offer with those I love most. Oh yeah and working too, gotta earn a living some how. 

20. Any words of wisdom for anyone who is thinking of becoming a writer, or just something you think all writers should know?

To any writers out there, find a writers group, if you don't already have one.  Ask the stupid questions, learn EVERYTHING you can and in the meantime, write, write and write some more. You'll be amazed how much you can grow with like minds rooting for you.  Save your first draft, so when everything is said and done, you can see the proof that comes with a support group. 

Date

(Sticking with my schedule, this is still a To Do List post)


Delightful Dates Don't Dare Disappoint

Date


This may sound like an odd To Do, but really-it's necessary. We don't want to go crazy as we go about our day to day, always busy and never taking time to enjoy other's company. Dating can mean you and your significant other taking time to go to a movie or dinner, just the two of you. It can mean you and a friend (or group of friends) going out to a bar and having a couple drinks. It can even mean you and your significant other having a night in, cuddled up on the couch playing video games if that's something you enjoy.

The point is, we have to have date nights at some point or we'll become lonely hobbits/homebodys bordering a very thin line between sanity and a padded room. Just saying. And while it may be hard to find time for a date night, it's necessary, so make the time. The best thing to do? Pick a day (depending on your schedule, this can be once a week or once a month, but no less than once a month), and stick with it. If you need motivation, just picture yourself alone, in a robe, scruffy hair-day after day. We need interaction, so interact (outside of your online friends, no matter how wonderful they may be-yes, mine are Definitely wonderful :D <3  )

Happy Dating :)

Care

Anyone who has been following my blog knows that today is supposed to be Thoughtful Tuesday. I would normally post a poem or some random thoughts. I'm changing it up just a bit for the A-to-Z. This is another semi-theme that came to mind when I was trying to decide on a poem to post. I couldn't pick, so instead-each Tuesday will be a post about being thankful for our online friends because I am very thankful for mine!

Caring Creates Character

Connect with your followers, they are following you for a reason.
Appreciate that they take the time to think of you, to read your blog (or book(s) because this applies to writers too)
Recommend them. Their blogs or books or both. Their Twitter and Facebook page. Mention them in a tweet or a link on your blog.
Enjoy the fact that you have followers and interact with them as much as possible.

Take the time to care about your followers, your online friends. A simple thanks is all it takes. They care enough to pay attention to what you have to say, so you should care enough to show them you appreciate what they have to say.

Happy Caring :)

Bedtime

This is still part of the to do list, I just didn't include to do list in the post title because today is B on the Challenge.

Beat Bedtime Blues By Being Better


Bedtime


I know some people may think this is an odd topic for a to do list. It's not. Writers and non writers alike have trouble stopping what they're doing and going to bed. It's not always easy to get to bed at a decent time. I will admit I suck at it. Most of my nights go on until at least 2AM and many times well after that. I can't stop writing/critiquing/revising/etc. It's a harder feat when you have kids.

Which is something else that this goes with. Getting kids to bed on time. That's almost as hard as getting ourselves there. Kids want to stay up. They want to play, or watch TV or if they're like mine-they're just plain nosy. My oldest is always complaining about going to bed because she's afraid she'll miss out on something exciting.

No matter if you need to get only yourself, or both you and little ones-decent bedtime is hard to accomplish. I've found that no matter what I try, I can't get to bed early. There are too many things I have/want to get done and I can't do it until my kids are in bed. Plus, I'm a night owl, always have been. I function better in the late hours of the night-or VERY early hours of the morning. Either way, I can't make myself get to bed early.

Things to try...If you're one of those people who can tell yourself you're going to do something, and it actually works, then do that. Pick a time you would like to go to bed-do it in advance so it's on your mind-and then that's when you'll stop whatever you're doing and go to bed. Motivate yourself with figuring. Figure how many hours you have until you need to be up the next day. Then motivate yourself with that. You want to get some sleep, so decide how much you need to really function. No one wants to be a grumpy Gus.

If you have little kids that make bedtime a chore...find something that helps them relax. There are several different things we do over here. Some nights it's an herbal tea (decaf btw) My kids love it, they love that they have their own tea, and it's got natural herbs that help them to relax. Win-win. Something else is music-something without words and with smooth sounds is what helps mine. Reading is another excellent way to get the kids to wind down. For mine, it's the Bible. Any children's books just get them riled up. Finally, a massage. Yep, I give my little ones massages, have since they were infants. It came highly recommended by several health professionals and also two different parenting classes i took. My daughters absolutely love it. I usually just gently rub their backs and they get sleepy within a minute or two. Kids stress out too, ya know.

So, yeah this was a bit longer than intended but, there ya go.

Happy Sleeping :)

An Awesome Author

Today is day one of the April A to Z Blog Challenge. I told everyone a couple weeks ago I would be doing something with each letter. Since I have to keep with my schedule because, well, I just do-I'm adding a little sentence to the beginning of each post. Here's the first:

An Awesome Author Acts Accordingly.

To kick off day one, letter A, I am going to give a shout out to Alex J Cavanaugh. For anyone who usually follows my blog, this is still a Something Sunday post, just All about Alex-so I'm still sticking to the challenge.

Alex is an author of Sci-Fi. His first book CassaStar was released in October 2010 and the sequel, CassaFire came out February this year. Both books have received great reviews and though I haven't gotten a chance to read them-they're both on my TBR and I can't wait.

You can find him on Twitter @AlexJCavanaugh and his blog, which I linked to at the beginning of this post. In addition he is a co-host for this A-Z Challenge AND a Ninja-a very AWESOME ninja.

He interacts with the blogs he follows and with the people who follow him. He's an overall nice, funny, genuine guy who is worth following, mentioning, and you should definitely check his books out.