A lot of people, strangers even, are reading my blog. It’s the coolest thing ever! To celebrate, I thought you all should get to know me, as a writer, a bit better. Are you ready?
A Survey For A Writer
1.) What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
I have never gone on a literary pilgrimage per say. I am lucky enough to travel often though, and many of my trips have inspired my writing.
2.) Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Honestly, both. Writing is hard. Writing is easy. Even when the words come easily, expressing yourself can be downright exhausting.
3.) What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Trying to copy some else’s style. I feel as though writers mature and find their voices, but so often I see writers trying to emulate others. Just do your thing. Find your people, and you’ll be successful.
4.) Does a big ego help or hurt writers?
I’ve been told more than once that I have a big ego. Believing that you can make it in the writing industry requires an ego because it’s impossibly difficult. I think the ego can drive you and create opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise have, but having an ego doesn’t make you a good writer.
5.) What is your writing Kryptonite?
My puppy. She’s way too cute.
6.) Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
After graduating from a rigorous English program, I took a reading break for a bit. I find now that I read in spirts. I can finish an entire novel in a weekend, and then not read for about a month.
7.) Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
I write using the name R.R. Noall. It’s not much of a pseudonym though – they’re my initials!
8.) Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?
No, I don’t. Writers have to allow themselves to feel everything. The key is having the ability to disconnect yourself enough to get the words right.
9.) If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
To not be afraid.
10.) What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?
Poe. Always Poe.
11.) What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
When I was first listened to. It is so validating to know that your voice, however soft or loud, is actually being listened to.
12.) What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
The Book Thief. It’s the best.
13.) How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Two. Cheeky, I know.
14.) What does literary success look like to you?
Readers connecting with my work. Ultimately, regardless of if I have success as a writer, that is the most important.
15.) Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?
In high school, I read The Song of Solomon in my AP Literature class. It’s a book layered with meaning. That is when I realized that good fiction is more of a piece of artwork than literature.
16.) Do you Google yourself?
All the time.
17.) How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I don’t know yet. For now, I’m tackling the world of poetry. But we’ll soon find out.
Any questions? Comment? Ideas? Things you want to hear about? Let me know!