My responses may have to be the most lame. I was not sure on how to get too creative with these answers. I guess I avoided delving into my creative process by avoiding answering these in detail. I went into default must-answer-these-as-succinctly-as-possible mode. But it was refreshing to think of these things when I don't usually think of them at all. And it is a nice kick start to this semester which will jump start my muse.
As far as my creative process goes it usually starts with a line or an idea getting stuck in my head and building around that word or line. I'll post my answers for all to see.
1. What is the first creative moment you remember?
Writing a short story in fourth grade about the loch ness monster and then illustrating it. But I can’t remember if I wrote the story about Alladin first or not. Anyway my first was Loch Ness
2. was there anyone there to witness or appreciate it?
My mother and my teacher Mrs. Hassenfuss. I had them both read the story and mrs. Hassenfuss even wrote a note of encouragement to me.
3. What is the best idea you’ve ever had?
I have always started stories and never finished for lack of plot. I have wanted to write a story with Lucifer actually being a misunderstood, framed character. His descendants would be setting out to avenge/clear his name
4. What made it great in your mind?
In high school, when this idea germinated, I was transfixed with Lucifer as a tragic character and his story. Therefore I wanted to write more about it. It would’ve been awesome because of the three main characters and their interactions and journey.
5. What is the dumbest idea?
Writing a story using my friends’ names and having it be a murder mystery and characterizing them perfectly and then asking them to read it and give me input.
6. What made it stupid?
Using their names!
7. Can you connect the dots that lead you to this idea?
I can’t remember clearly. I do remember writing it in the Parlin Library and brainstorming there but that’s about it
8. What is your creative ambition?
To be published and read widely and to help young adults strive to find their own way.
9. What are the obstacles to this ambition?
Myself. Myself. Myself.
10. What are the vital steps to achieving this ambition?
Forming an amazing, relatable story and starting and finishing it. Crafting it well, above all else. THEN finding a book deal.
11. How do you begin your day?
I get up, pee, make my bagel, eat my bagel and OJ and check my websites. None of which include one about writing.
12. What are your habits? What patterns do you repeat?
Laziness. Reading. Wasting time on the internet on silly sites. Playing video games. Repeat.
13. Describe your first successful creative act
That would have to be the Loch Ness story
14. Describe your second successful creative act
It had to have been when I started writing poetry. But in fact it was really spells because I was Wiccan and I was very good at it. Then it evolved into poetry.
15. Compare them.
The first was innocent, and prose with illustrations. The second spawned from my religion and the need for spells that just sparked the fire.
16. What are your attitudes toward: money, power, praise, rivals, work, play?
Money: I enjoy it when I have it and wish greatly it wasn’t necessary
Power: it’s strange. I don’t think I’ve ever felt real power. Just the fake kind like being a teacher
Praise: delightful and I love it and am always never sure how to receive it
Rivals: no use
Work: depends on the work doesn’t it? I love not having to work and worry and am very jealous of my fourth graders
Play: is what I always long to do
17. Which artist do you admire most?
That’s difficult because I love a lot of art. Out of poets—I haven’t read enough. The one I most identify with is Regent St. Claire and Billy Collins. My boyfriend is admirable
18. Why are they your role models?
I wouldn’t say role models.
19. What do you and your role models have in common?
Poetry and Love
20. Does anyone in your life regularly inspire you?
Victor, with his crazy thought processes and mind and art
21. who is your muse?
That faint voice in my head
22. define muse
An overwhelming need to write. The tingle on the back my neck
23. When confronted with superior intelligence or talent, how do you respond?
Anger that’s rooted in shame
24. When faced with stupidity, hostility, intransigence, laziness, or indifference in others, how do you respond?
As non-hostile as I possibly can
25. when faced with impending success or the threat of failure, how do you respond?
Excitement or dread
26. when you work, do you love the process or the result?
I’m assuming this is in regards to writing—I love both. Figuring out the words and seeing the form they took
27. At what moments do you feel your reach exceeds your grasp?
What?
28. What is your ideal creative activity?
Writing and reading around a bunch of supportive people
29. What is your greatest fear?
Dying
30. What is the likelihood of either of the answers to the previous two questions happening?
100%
31. Which of your answers would you most like to change?
I skipped this and I’m not sure
32. What is your idea of mastery?
I don’t believe in it
33. What is your greatest dream?
To be successful and happy
