Writer’s Tag

As some of you may have noticed I enjoy sharing stories from my past. It’s fun to find ways to link those crazy times into the stories I write today. On the other hand there are some things I’m not too crazy about which brings me to the topic of today:

I hate asking questions about myself. Yes, I need to work on it.

 

But because two of my favorite people, Lorraine Ambers and Ari Meghlen, created Writer’s Tag there is no way I could say no. See how special you two are.  

 

If either of you two had annoyed me in any way I would not be forced to answer these questions. Unfortunately you have flooded me with kindness, laughter and amazing posts on your incredible blogs.

 

Why couldn’t you be mean to me just once…..groan.

 

This is for Lorraine and Ari.

 

Here I go:

 

Name one novel that inspired you to write.

A long time ago I was recovering from two broken knees. My girlfriend (who is now my wife) brought over a huge book and suggested I read it. I recognized the name, some guy name Stephen King, but I had no clue what this huge book was about.

Since I had nothing else to do, I opened this weird huge book called IT and read chapter one.

When I finished I felt like I knew these people. I begin to ask myself, how did he do that? How did he make such a connection between the characters he created and me? And so began my journey.

 

What’s your favorite genre to write and read?

When it comes to reading I’m open to anything. I’m constantly searching for excellent writing and storytelling. It doesn’t matter the genre.

When I write its comedy/romance. I don’t know why, it just is. My mind will find the funny side of things and find a connection between two people. I use to fight it, now I embrace it.

 

Do you prefer to write stand-alone or series?

Always stand-alone. When I’m done I have to say goodbye.

 

Use 3 words to describe yourself.

Oh no, this is tough…..give me a minute….okay, here I go:

Stubborn

Curious

Laugh-a-holic (that is a word – I looked it up – trust me)

 

Reveal your WIP aesthetics or an image that represents your MC or setting.

I was trying to figure my protagonist out for the longest time. It became so frustrating that I had put the story away. The side characters were solid. The story I liked. But the protagonist was a huge challenge. Who is this guy?

Last February I’m watching the Super Bowl. The following morning I’m reading a sports Blog and I see this picture. His name is Rob Gronkowski and his team, New England Patriots, were on the losing end of the game.

Because of copy right I cannot submit a picture but you get the idea.

For some reason this photo started working in this crazy brain of mine. By the end of the day I realized that my mystery protagonist was an NFL player and a troubled one at that.

 

How long did your first MS take to draft?

From beginning to end? I came up with the idea in 2013. Two editors and tons of drafts later the finished product came out last year, 2017. It was an amazing journey that this little story of mine took.

 

Who is your author idol?

Having one idol is hard for me. There are so many people and so many categories. But I will say this: I admire everyone who writes a story that is special to them and puts it out there for others to read. That takes so much courage and I love courage. So I guess all of you who do this are my idols.

 

Share a writing memory that made you determined to carry on.

I was trying to get into this writers group and we had to submit a piece of our work. The decision took about a week and when I received it I was informed that I was not accepted. I was also informed that the members reading my work agreed I should find something else to do.

 

Tell us something surprising or unique about yourself.

I believe it was January, 1987. Wow, I’m really dating myself here, aren’t I? I worked at a seafood restaurant called Skippers. It was popular in Oregon, Washington, California and a few other states.

 They had an award ceremony in Seattle and I was informed I was going to receive a nice little plack with my name on it. Nothing major but it was Seattle.

A bunch of us employees were invited and we all got to spend the night in a big fancy hotel for free.

Long story short: I win the big prize – National Employee of the Year.

I shook hands with the CEO, who drove a DeLorean by the way, and danced the night away. I don’t think I danced with the CEO? He was dressed in a safari outfit. Did I mention they had an open bar? Oh boy…..

 

Share the hardest part about being a writer and how you overcame it.

Did I lose my writer’s voice? Every time I start something new that is my biggest fear.

 What’s your favorite social media and why? Share your link.

I’m really surprised I’m enjoying Twitter as much as I do. I think the main reason I enjoy it so much is the crowd that I chose. Facebook was a free for all. That was a bad idea. I have an author’s page on Facebook but the crowd on Twitter is a lot of fun. There’s just something special at it. @Bryanauthor62

 

Share some uplifting wisdom in six words or less.

No regrets.

 

Last but not least

My WordPress crashed every time I tried to submit a link which is a bummer. I had six nominations all lined up.

So…it’s getting late….I really need to get to bed….how about this: All of you reading this are my nominations. 

Everybody is a Winner!!!!!

 

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