Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Monday, March 31, 2014

Back at the Keyboard Again!














Ta-da! We're back again! My computer has had it's brain washed, guts colonoscopied, and programs neatly reloaded. Looks like I won't have to break out the old typewriter after all. Am I ever dependent on this little old keyboard and tower. Hopefully they won't go all wonky on me again anytime soon.

Meanwhile, while I was down and out, my writing friend and critique partner, Mary Horner, tagged me in a quickie blog chain, after she was tagged by another writing buddy, Donna Volkennant. I've been asked to answer 4 questions about my writing process, then tag two other writers to do the same. I promise to make this quick and painless. After all, I only have a kabillion emails to catch up on. : )

   1.  What am I  working on?

Nothing. My computer has been on life support. I hope to get back on track after answering all those emails.



   2.  How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I typically write personal essays and fiction. I'm not sure my work is exceptionally different from other essayists or fiction writers. I simply focus on trying to write something I think a reader would enjoy.

   3.  Why do I write what I do?

I like the digging down into the dirt of writing an essay. It's a lot like self analysis, and I always learn something. On the other hand, writing fiction is fun. You can create any world, character, or situation you want. Sort of like being God with a keyboard.

   4.  How does your writing process work?

I nearly always start with a broad outline. I need the structure, although straying in other directions if the story takes me there is okay, too. 

Done! Now I'm tagging two wonderful writer friends to carry on the chain. First, I'm tagging Becky Povich, author of From Pigtails to Chin Hairs. Her funny and poignant memoir will definitely make you smile. So will her blog.

My second tag is the incomparable Molly the Wally. I don't know any other four-footer who can write an entertaining and delightful blog post every day, not to mention all her numerous other writing credits. She's pawsitively prolific.

Here's hoping both Becky and Molly will have time to fill us in on their writing process, too.

And with that, it's off to my inbox. I'm not complaining one bit. At least now it's possible to get there.

12 comments:

Sioux Roslawski said...

Pat--I'm glad you got your computer back.

However, that typewriter is quite intriguing. (And there are some Nancy Drew books in the corner of the photo. Those books used to be like crack cocaine to me.)

I take my hat off to you. Fiction is not my thing. I'm never god with a keyboard--I'm a klutz with a keyboard when it comes to made-up stuff.

Write well. Write swiftly. Write surely.

Unknown said...

OMD thank you for your kind words. That was so sweet. Welcome back. We will answer your questions on Thursday. We so like the God with a keyboard. Have a terrific Tuesday.
Best wishes Molly

Two French Bulldogs said...

Nothing worse than computer sickies
Lily & Edward

Sketching with Dogs said...

Whew, that's a relief, those old typewriters nearly break your fingers - I remember from school!
Lynne x

BECKY said...

I understand your pain...and your joy! We just can't live without our computers, can we??!! Glad yours is up and running again. And thanks so much for the "tag." I'll have to see if I can come up with short and sweet answers, too.

Lynn said...

Love the typewriter. It might be fun to knock out a story on the ole thing! It will be fun to hear other people's writing ways...

Unknown said...

I hate computer troubles. We depend on them so much and yet they let us down.

Tammy said...

So glad you're up and running again! "God with a keyboard" - love it!!

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

God with a keyboard. lol I love that! I've never thought of it quite that way, but you're right. :)

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Pat,

Yay! I'm glad you're back. Love the photo of the typewriter. I enjoyed your answers to the blog chain.

And I hope it's okay for me to mention here that your "Take Ten" interview has been posted on the Coffee and Critique blog.

Happy writing!

Ryker said...

We have an old typewriter just like that one. My dad used it up until he passed in 99'

Terra said...

I came over from Becky's blog to say hi. I enjoyed your answers to the questions. I am a writer too, with two books published so I enjoy finding other writers with blogs.