So I asked you guys on my Instagram to give me questions for a Q & A. But what I didn’t say was that this Q & A is to celebrate my blogiversary (one year on germainehan.com!) My actual blogiversary is 22 November, but this is as close I can get =)
What’s your favorite genre to write in?
Oooh, I love this question. I actually don’t really have a favorite genre because I write in so many, but I enjoy mashing up genres (terrible for trying to tell someone what your book is about) like sci-fi and fantasy. I also like writing contemporary.
Plus, I do enjoy writing mystery, but I think that works best for me when I mash it with another genre — e.g. contemporary/mystery, fantasy/mystery, sci-fi/mystery.
And, yeah, I’m one of those people who write in that fluctuating and sometimes dying genre, sci-fi. Yay 🙂
What is your favorite thing about writing/stories?
Okay, so I thought about this for a bit and it’s really a lot of things.
First of all, I love creating characters — every main character holds a piece of me — developing them, and watching them grow as they travel down their character arcs. Similarly, I enjoy writing twisty plots and sending both my characters and readers through a (hopefully) thrilling journey.
On a more serious note, writing helps me to explore themes and messages that I really want to put into the world. So far, I’ve addressed themes like finding home, belonging, self-hatred, self-harm, and anxiety. I also plan on exploring similar themes such as body dysphoria and social anxiety. A lot of these themes are pretty close to my heart, and that’s why my stories generally lead to at least one of these themes (although it’s usually finding home).
I think stories need positive messages, because like it or not, fiction and story do find a way into real life. Stories are powerful. They can inspire, encourage, and teach, and you hold that power in your words.
How do you find inspiration / where do you find inspiration?
A lot of the time, I find my inspiration through reading or watching movies. Honestly, a good story is so, so good for my well of inspiration — when I read an amazing book or watch a movie that I actually really like, I pick out things that I enjoyed and think about how I can work that into a story or two.
But you know, twisted in my own way.
Sometimes, ideas also drop in at the most random times, and if they’re good I’ll note them down somewhere. Same goes for story ideas — if a plot bunny sticks, I’ll probably end up writing it at some point. If it goes away and I lose inspiration, I’m likely not going to write that book.
How do you not over analyze and criticize your ideas?
Again, a lot of the time, what makes an idea good for me is if it sticks. I tend to forget a lot of ideas because they come at the most inconvenient times possible, but if an idea stays after a while, it’s generally going to be one that I quite like.
I am sometimes hit with thoughts like my story isn’t original enough, or this book is exactly like this other book. Most of the time, my mind is right and I need to listen to that inner critic, but to be honest, no idea is going to be exactly the same. Two people can come up with the same idea, but when asked to expand, they may explore it in two completely different ways.
Besides, a lot of ideas need polishing anyway — so you can make it the best it can be.
For ideas relating to plot and character, I will give the idea a good think-through, but honestly, if it doesn’t resonate with me, I’m probably going to drop it. A lot of ideas tend of be pretty bad, but you find hidden gems here and there. Some ideas work and some don’t. Some need to be combined into a new and better idea. If I’m not sure about an idea, I might explore it in my head, or I might try it out on paper by drafting a scene or two. In my planning and development documents for my books, I actually have a section for scenes or pieces of dialogue that I consider adding later.
If you’re doubtful, it’s always helpful to ask a trusted writing friend. In the end, it’s your decision what to do with your idea, but feedback will generally show you which way to take.
Favorite book?
Ahahahaha yes. This question.
I think most, if not all book bloggers and writers have quit reading this question as ‘book’ singular rather than ‘book’ plural. And I am no different 🙂
My top favorite books (at present) are probably:
- A Thousand Perfect Notes by C. G. Drews
- 100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons
- Skyward / The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Favorite tea?
Ooh. I love both tea and coffee, but since we’re focusing on tea, I’m going to go for a nice earl grey (it smells amazing). I also really like masala tea =)
Thank you for sending me questions!
Thanks for coming along with me to celebrate my blogiversary + 3 years of blogging, I truly appreciate you <3
Tell me your favorite tea / coffee and your favorite parts about writing / blogging!
Make your mark,
