Under 21 Interview: Constance and Maggie

Happy Friday, everyone! Today is a special day on Constantly Risking Absurdity. I had the chance to interview two amazing young writers, Constance and Maggie of the blog Twin Moment for the Under 21 blog tour.

Read Constance and Maggie's fabulous answers to my questions and at the end you'll find details for a contest... you can win five books!

1. How do you two know each other and what's it like sharing a blog with a friend?

Constance: We met through Write On!, the blog/forums for teen writers that the mega-wonderful Authoress from MSFV started. Ah...the blog. See, back in the summer, Maggie had a blog, and she was urging me to start one too. It would be fun! It would be a place to express myself! I relented, but I roped her into helping me think up a blog title––it was her idea. After nearly an hour of awful, half-jesting (I hope) suggestions like "My Heart Smiles" and "I Forgot My Thought," our friend André said, "If you both blogged together you could call it "Twin Moment." " So that was that. I love blogging with Maggie. I'm pretty terrible at remembering to post, so sharing the load with someone else at least makes me feel like less of a slacker.

Maggie: It's true, everything Constance said. It's WONDERFUL sharing a blog with a friend, in particular Constance. When I had my own blog I wasn't super thrilled with it, because the pressure to be entertaining/funny/whatever was on me and me alone. Now I have someone to share the burden, and it makes it that much more fun. I love it!

2. Semi-related: Why do you blog? Does it help your book writing, for instance?

Constance: Like I mentioned in the above question, I started blogging because Maggie coerced me into it. But I enjoy it. It's sorta like Twitter, except there's no limit to how much I can ramble––and I love to ramble. I wouldn't say it helps my writing, precisely. It's more purely for sharing my thoughts––which definitely does help my writing in a roundabout way, since talking things out is how I deal with everything, especially writing wrinkles. But it's also for just sharing my joys and grievances (and to show off my knitting, if I'm being honest, hehe).

Maggie: Like Constance, I blog because it's fun. It's a place for me to discuss my opinions, share what I'm going through, and even get advice. I can ramble all I want, about whatever I want. You can't replace that. As for actually helping my writing, yes, it kind of does! More than once I've shared what I'm going through writing-wise and received some truly awesome advice and pick-me-ups in the comments.

3. Obligatory question: You're stranded on a island! It's a desperate situation. The only things that have made it to shore (I assume it was a shipwreck, but it could also be a "Lost" situation, I'm open to interpretation) are three books! What books are they and do you read them or use them for fuel?

Constance: Oooh. Well, I'm not sure what Maggie would say, but as for me, the books would be War & Peace(for fuel, obviously), The Lord of The Rings trilogy––all three books in one, YAY!––for reading, and The Swiss Family Robinson, to inspire ideas of how to race ostriches and raise pet monke––er, survive and thrive on the island!

Maggie: Stranded... hmm. The idea of burning a book horrifies me, but if we really needed that fuel, for kindling, say, then I'd bring Beowulf to burn (I can't decide if I'm kidding or not), Lord of the Rings (3-in-1, like Constance said) to escape into, and the Bible to keep myself sane.

4. Would you two ever consider writing a book together? Why or why not?

Constance: I'd never thought about it, honestly. I think it could be fun! But at the same time, I'm not so sure how well it would work...mostly because I don't really know how people go about writing novels together. How do they decide who does what? I can imagine, but putting it into practice...I dunno. Plus, Maggie is very private about her writings––even I haven't read any of her novels. So who knows? Maybe we will write a story together one day, maybe we won't.

Maggie: I'll begin by saying nothing I'm about to write is personal. *cough* But the answer is a clear "no." I wouldn't (couldn't?) write a book with anyone, not even Constance. Well, I take that back. Nonfiction would be okay! But when it comes to fiction, I can't even imagine trying to share the task of portraying characters and deciding their thoughts and the world and its design... My stories come from within me, and I would probably always want to do things my way, and take the story where I wanted it to go, likely resulting in a very miserable/frustrating situation for the both of us. Yeah.

5. What are some of your non-writing interests? Do they inspire your writing?

Constance: My non-writing interests include, but are not limited to: poi, knitting, high adventure-y stuff like backpacking, foreign cultures/traveling, making others happy, and reading (naturally!). All of these influence and inspire my stories! My first novel I finished was set in modern-day Korea and featured one of their mythical creatures, while my current novel incorporates poi as part of the world-building.

Maggie: To name a few, dancing, photography, tea-drinking, playing guitar. I love so many things other than writing, and I love trying new things. And yes, everything I do in life inspires my writing in one way or another. Every novel I write has at least one area that is specifically tied to a passion of mine. For example, the main character in the novel I just completed is a photographer, and her tastes in photographs and subjects pretty much line up with my own. Not to say that all my main characters have one of my hobbies, but, whether I try or not, at least one of my hobbies/non-writing pursuits always end up in each book I write.

6. What are your future writing goals?

Constance: My first, easy response is "to be published." But really, over that, I just want to write wonderful stories that teach a lesson but still make people happy. I know I'm still pretty far from amazing writing, but that won't stop me from trying.

Maggie: My first goal is publication, but my second goal is to change the world and people's lives with my stories. I want to inspire, encourage, uplift, motivate, help, challenge, and love people through my words. That is my goal, and I'll do whatever it takes to meet it.

7. If you had to describe your latest WiP in one word, what would it be?

Constance: "Aspiring."

Maggie: This is INCREDIBLY difficult. When I think of my latest WIP, I think "ocean." So, "ocean" it is!


I feel like I have so much in common with both of them, and am so glad I got to virtually meet them through this Under 21 blog tour!

Now, contest details.

Everyone in this blog tour was asked to describe his or her WiP in one word. By going to every blog and sending Anna Waggener a list of those words, you're entered to win five books from this list!

Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend.

EDIT: Go here for the official contest rules!

ANOTHER EDIT: Finally found my interview... it's here, given by the fantastic Gracie!

Update: Come Back Tomorrow!

I hope that everyone had a great Leap Day yesterday!

I'm just popping on today to let ya'll know that I'm taking part in a kind-of blogfest thing tomorrow called Under 21, in which a bunch of writers 21 or younger all interviewed each other and will post the interviews tomorrow at noon.

And, in addition to meeting some new bloggers and reading my interview on another site, you can enter a really great contest!

So come back tomorrow... it will be awesome!

Well Look Who It Is

If you guessed that it's me, then you're right!

I tragically left the Internets in the middle of NaNoWriMo... I just couldn't handle it anymore. My book wasn't really being written because, at the time, I was in a class that required me to write and revise two short stories in a month. To me, that was pretty daunting. The NaNoWriMo novel I was working on remains unfinished, but if I couldn't put my entire heart into it, I knew I wouldn't be proud of it even if I did finish writing it by the end of November.

Anyways.

Things are still mad-crazy-busy for me but I'm going to make a conscious effort to post at least once a week because I still like blogging. Also, I'll probably be starting/working on a news blog for one of my classes pretty soon, and that will take a lot more time to write.

Not that I don't like to take time to write things for Constantly Risking Absurdity. Once my brain gets going in a direction, just you try and stop me.

I have some bloggy plans, so stick around and I promise I'll actually complete them!

And now, tell me, how have you been doing? Writing? Reading? I want to hear all about it.

Day 15

So, I didn't do any writing over the weekend. I kinda feel like this:



Also, there's the new trailer for "The Hunger Games". I honestly cry every time I watch it. I end up in a sobbing heap in the floor with flailing arms.

I've watched it, like, twenty times.

Day 7

Wow. I spent my weekend writing like crazy to catch up with the NaNoWriMo word count. *is exhausted*

Here's a Wordle of the first 10,000 words of *drumroll*..... HAVEN!



I need to get rid of some "like"s, apparently.

So Haven is a SciFi about a girl named Vela who lives on her father's spaceship, Haven, and works as the mechanic.

Not only is this my first SciFi, it's the first time I've written a MC this young. She's sixteen. I usually go with seventeen or eighteen, so it feels a little weird. Also, it's written in first person! That's right, no more third person for me (right now)!

This book is already testing me in so many ways. It's nice to have a challenge, though, because I feel like I'm learning a lot from it.

Other NaNoers: How goes it?

Have a great week, everyone!

NaNoWriMo: Day 1

So, remember yesterday's post? I made a whole lot of excuses why I couldn't do NaNoWriMo this year?

Well, I still have those excuses, but I'm doing it anyways! Huzzah!

I've had a SciFi idea since... *checks* May! (sidenote: Why do I get all my ideas in May?) I spent all summer taking notes about it and although I still am not feeling completely ready, I'm going to jump into it like I always do. Why not? NaNoWriMo is addicting.

I seriously doubt I'll actually make it to 50,000 words with this draft, but as long as I'm having fun writing it, it doesn't really matter to me.

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's day one and I have to research engines!

Happy Writing and happy November!

NaNoWriMo?

Okay, I feel really bad about this, but I'm not doing NaNoWriMo this year.

My course load at school is really heavy right now (which is the main reason I haven't been blogging/vlogging like I've promised) and I have multiple other writing assignments.

But do I want to do NaNoWriMo? Of course! I love it, despite the stress it tends to induce. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes December 1st and the new story I have as a result. In fact, I do have a new idea for this year, which makes it that much harder not to do it.

I know that if I do it this year I will end up hating myself and writing, and I don't want that to happen.

So, instead, I will hold my own little NaNoRevisMo. The Quiet Calling is needing yet another aggravating round of revisions and I might be able to revise at least half the book. And since it's the book I started during NaNoWriMo 2009, it feels appropriate.

Are any of you participating this year? What genre? How long have you had the idea?

Good luck to all the WriMos this year... I'll be thinking of you as I slog through my homework!

A Little Longer...

I promised I would have a vlog up yesterday, but things happened and I couldn't get it done. I also won't be doing it today :(

Hopefully it will be up this weekend, but I can't make any promises less vague than that. If you have any questions for me, this means there's still time to ask them! The more random, the better!

Thanks, Universe

First, if you haven't asked me a question to answer in video form yet, go do it now! I promise I'll make it fun by wearing crazy hats or something.

Now, for the main event...

This semester, I've become a regular member of the ballroom dance club on my campus and tonight I'm auditioning to be on the competitive team. I'd get to travel and have an official-like partner.

I'm so, so nervous about this audition. Seriously, trying not to make it a full-blown panic.

But last night, I got a pretty awesome fortune cookie that put things into perspective for me (thanks, cosmic-fully helpful cookie!):

"Find release from your concern and have a good time."

This cookie put me in my place. It forced me to remember that even if I don't make the team, I'll still have fun dancing and I'll be happy for my friends that make the team. Take that, panic!

I hope you can go use this little nugget of wisdom in your own life, too!

Hey There!

Today was a great day for me to come back to The Internets, because...

...SHANNON MESSENGER SOLD THREE BOOKS!

You should go congratulate her! She's seriously one of the best bloggers around and she really deserves this!



*Ahem* Hello. *shuffles feet*

So, I've been gone for a while. No excuses for me... I missed you guys!

To restart blogging, I've decided to do a video. If you ask me questions, I'll answer them in a video! It can be anything, what I've been up to, writing questions, you can ask me to fangirl over something, whatever floats your boat!

Leave your questions as comments in this post by Friday and I'll hopefully have the video up this time next week.

Huzzah Internets!

HOLY CRAP BAD TASTE IN BOYS IS OUT TODAY!!!

I swear, I blinked once at the beginning of June and the summer has been flying past me. But today I get to slow down because HOLY CRAP... BAD TASTE IN BOYS IS OUT ON SHELVES TODAY!




Sadly, I don't have my copy with me right now, it's at my house. Since I can't read it right now YOU should. Sounds like a good plan.

Carrie Harris is seriously fantabulous you guys. I know her in REAL LIFE, so I can say this and know it's absolutely true. She'll keep you laughing all the time without even trying. Read her book and you'll know it, too.

CONGRATS, Carrie. I'm so happy for you!

And guess what, I have some related swag to give away later this week, so STAY TUNED.

Where in the world is Mariah?

As I write this, I'm sitting in my Georgetown University apartment drinking green tea. It's late, I'm tired, but the Internets call to me.

This summer I'm taking classes and interning, so this may be one of only a handful of posts I have the time to write this summer. But don't worry, I'm thinking of you all as I work on my book in my spare time and write down little anecdotes to share with you all about my adventures in D.C..

I plan on having a contest soon, since I've reached 100 followers and I've got some cool schwag to give away. For now, though, I bid you adieu!

Two Years Old

Yesterday was my book's, The Quiet Calling, two year birthday. Two years ago was when I first had a dream that would inspire me to think about Jane, the main character, and August, her love interest.

A few days later, this is what I had to say about it:

"I had an epic dream on Saturday night. One that makes me want to write a new book. This might be a challenge, especially because it's a western. I have no clue when it comes to westerns. Also I haven't even finished The Not-So Meet Cute! Stress!!!"

I wasn't ready to write about Jane and August yet. I didn't end up writing about them until November 2009, during National Novel Writing Month. Even then, I still celebrate the day that the idea first came to me, because where's a book without it's beginning?

The Quiet Calling was easy to write, but it's even harder to revise. I love every minute of it, though. Jane and August have been a constant source of happiness throughout the last two years and I can't wait until the day I'm ready to start querying and share their story with everyone.

Happy Birthday!

Contemp or SciFi?

I my last post, I mentioned that one of my goals before the end of this year is to start writing a different book (preferably while I'm querying, if possible) and I'm at a crossroads as to what I should write.

You see, although when I'm actually writing the book I'm a fly by the seat of my pants kind of writer, I plan characters way in advance. I generally spend months and months just considering characters and all the small things about them before I ever put them on paper.

In other words, planning time starts now. I have an idea for a contemporary novel with a male character POV and a science fiction* with a female character POV. Decisions, decisions! I've been pretty sucky with contemporary YA in the past and I've never tried scifi, let alone read much, so it will be a difficult decision to say the least.

Am I the only one the writes in multiple genres across YA? I like being able to do a little bit of everything.

Also... any good scifi recommendations? Particularly of the YA persuasion? I read Across the Universe earlier this year and loved it.



* I admit I'm leaning towards scifi right now for reasons such as this one:

How Mariah Got Her Groove Back

Hey guys!

First, thanks for the great birthday wishes. I had a great day!

I took a little while off to relax at the end of the school year, and now I'm gearing up for a summer course. It never ends!

However, I'm not going to let myself do TOO much more relaxing because it's been FOREVER since I've done any writing. I miss it. The next couple weeks I hope to reinforce a stricter writer regimen for myself. I had (and still have) so many writing goals for this year and I need to get off my butt (writer's butt?) to get them accomplished.

So I thought that if I posted some of those goals here, I would HAVE to get them accomplished, right?

1. Get major edits of The Quiet Calling done before I go back to school in August.

2. Also work on my kick-*** query letter (same deadline).

3. QUERY (by November). It's scary and I've never done it before, but it's something I definitely need to do.

4. Work on something new while querying so I don't go completely crazy (I already have a couple of ideas!)



Do you guys have any writerly goals you want to accomplish before the end of the year? Let me know and we can hold each other accountable!