(no subject)

[vr_trakowski]

It seems to be my week for memes. 

Ask me anything you want about any of my stories: how I thought of the idea, what I did to write it, what I was thinking when I wrote it, what I feel about it now, what I wish I'd done differently, etc. Or ask any of the characters from particular stories something you want to know, and get an answer from them. Or both. 

Comments

[geekyfrog.livejournal.com]

May I ask a slightly more general question? I would love to hear about your writing 'routine' - do you only write when the muse tickles, or do you have a set schedule and sit down to write even if you're feeling uninspired, hoping that the act of writing will spark some inspiration?

And are there certain things that you do to set the stage (i.e. favorite spot, reference materials, snacks, whatever...)

I'm still trying to find something that works for me, so I'm interested to hear how someone so accomplished and prolific makes it happen.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Well, my best writing time (unless I'm feverishly inspired) is early evening with my laptop on my lap. On occasion I'll use music in the background, but it generally has to be without discernable words. Sometimes I write at work too, when I'm not occupied.

If I'm feeling uninspired I might go back and reread stuff I've already finished, or old reviews, but I'm afraid I'm rather intuitive and undisciplined--setting a schedule for myself, aside from HTTM's post once a week, has not generally yielded desirable results. Out of a sense of caution I've avoided any "talismans" for writing, as I'm outrageously paranoid that I will end up being unable to write if I don't have whatever it might be. *grin*

That said, unless I'm suddenly and vividly inspired and nowhere near an available keyboard, I type it. Much faster, and so much easier to read afterwards!

[cincoflex.livejournal.com]

Three Small Spheres and Four--what gave you the idea for this story? I've always wanted to know!

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Oh dear! To tell you the truth, I'm not sure I remember any more. I think that I discovered my laptop had a pinball video game (which amused me immoderately) and for some reason I envisioned either Grissom or Sara playing real pinball. My college had a couple of pinball machines in the student union and it seemed to fit Sara the physicist. And of course Grissom grew up when they were much more popular...I don't know if he would have played as a kid, but I could easily envision him perfecting his game in college just for the heck of it.

Clinging to the Truth

[eagertalker.livejournal.com]

I've always like this short story and ofter wondered what led you to write it. If I am feeling down, I can read this and feel cheerful again. anne

Re: Clinging to the Truth

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Sorry I didn't answer sooner! No Internet access at home at the moment.

Heh, this one came from a slightly silly conversation with Cincoflex, in which we were coming up with absurd plots that, in theory, we'd never actually write. *grin* Magical peaches that made those who ate them tell the truth was one such. I got to wondering if I could actually write such a story and make it believable.

I'm glad it pleases you! :D It always makes me hungry.

Re: Clinging to the Truth

[eagertalker.livejournal.com]

It always reminds me of the peaches that my gramma would can every summer. I have never been about to duplicate the taste. Maybe I just remember the taste thru the happy filter of childhood. :)

Re: Clinging to the Truth

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Oh, my mom used to can 'em too, and that's what I based the story on. Yummmmmm. I can't eat fresh peaches any more, but I'm not allergic to cooked ones, and how I wish she still canned. Commercial ones simply do NOT compare.