Ask Alyse: The Writer World Questions Answered

**These are not answered in any particular order.**

Considering Amazon prohibited many reviews by "connected persons" judged by social media connections, what are the options for networking success, in your opinion?
--Create more ties and have them promote your work as much as you do by communicating with their own people, and ask them to boost reading status and hopefully the reviews. Amazon cannot fault all of us for our connections when in reality, most everyone is connected. I come from a small town, I know there are plenty who know of me, but I've no idea who they are; are we considered "connected persons" just because we live in the same town? No. We are connected by persons in the middle which create overlaps.

What do you like about writing? What do you not like?
--I like the creative process and the getting emotions or ideas out that may be bombs on the inside of the soul. I don't like that I work better with people not interrupting me but yet that's all that ever happens anymore...so I suppose the lack of respectability from others when you're actually in the zone.

What are your other interests?

--I like to help others, hanging out with loved ones, reading, traveling, anything creative catches my eye.

What were the early influences on your writing?

--Well, probably the fact that I've loved to read since before I can remember. I suppose some of the earliest influences would be the books I read as a child. I loved poetry, still do. And if you don't include the picture books from back then haha, then I suppose you could consider The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner a major influence. I actually collect books in that series still, if I don't have one of them, I'll add it. There's so many, and I have always loved a good mystery as well as character strength and adventure. Oh, to have adventure.

Do you have a muse, like music?/What inspires your writing?

--I don't really have any one particular muse, unless I suppose you count the people in my life. I will play music sometimes when I write, but it's not a muse...I mean, I'll play a television in the background too as long as it's not too distracting nor news/westerns. Life events, literature, my travels, anything that sparks an idea that I can run with and bend inspires me.

What are you working on now, if anything?
--My projects haven't really altered in the past year. They've been at a stand still for awhile, but I hope to get back with them. It's driven me a little twitchy not being able to write and work on wips. Two novels, poetry book that I plan to encompass a long span of time. I've other short stories but unless asked to work on them, I want to work on the novels and poetry for now when it comes to my own creations.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

--I want to do more editing for others and make a name for myself within that context. I want to publish my novels and my poetry book, and maybe compile my short stories into a collection. I wish to work with other writers for books, and maybe work with some people in the film industry to create plays or pieces fit for the screen. I'd also like to collaborate with singers and help create the lyrics. I want to conquer and have my hands in multiple aspects of the writing world over the years.

Which writers inspire you?

--There are really too many to count. Definitely J. R. R. Tolkien. And pro-female writers...I mean, have you read pieces by Libba Bray or Tamora Pierce? Strong characters that you can connect with.

How does writing change the writer?

--It can be a lifeline. And I don't mean in terms of money.

What genre are your books?

--The novels I'm writing I haven't type-casted into a category yet. I mean, they aren't fantasy or sy-fy though, I can tell you that. My short story that was published could probably be urban fantasy and/or sy-fy kind of...I don't really think about that.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
--In Slayers? You know, I never thought about that.

How much research do you do?

--Depends on the piece or even the part of the piece. When I do research however, I love going on a tangent of it. I'm a research junkie at times.

Do you want to work with other writers on a book again in the future?
--I'd consider it.

Have you made much money writing?

--Not a single penny yet. And no, haven't seen it from Slayers and I think it's best not to dwell on it. However, there is a possibility I'll be doing freelance articles for the local newspaper at some point.

When did you decide to become a writer?

--I was seven.

Why do you write?

--It's a sanity thing at times. And my favorite form of expression. That, and it gets A LOT out of my head. And I just love it.

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
--When?

Do you write full-time or part-time?
--Whenever I can...

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
--No, but I would like to; I work a varied schedule and don't have the space or respect to be able to create that yet. I hope to one day. I like deadlines and such, so I know it would be helpful.

Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
--Only if I'm on a deadline for something.

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

--Computer mostly, but I do carry multiple notebooks places so that if I have something come to me and I'm not near my laptop, I can jot it down. Sometimes you'll see me scribbling while I'm at work. And I have a voice recorder that once in a while I'll record into that while I do other things, but only if I'm by myself and not in public. I just started that actually.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

--I have a relative outline in my head of some points I want to happen in a certain order, but normally I go where the idea takes me and then put together things like a puzzle or written quilt.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

--Getting the words from my brain to the paper or given the chance to even do it.

What is the easiest thing about writing?

--The grammaticism.

Do you ever get writer’s Block?

--Often.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

--I used to say to leave it and do whatever to distract your brain to stop obsessing, and then return and try again. I still hold true to that, even though I don't practice it like I used it. Shame on me.

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
--I've thought about it, but let me get through the projects I've so far.

Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors.
--I read as often as possible...and there's too many to list.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?

--I prefer traditional. I've nothing against ebooks although my brother will pick arguments with me forever on them, but I remember a book better and enjoy the tactile-ness when it comes to having real paper and ink in my hands instead of an electronic reader.

What book/s are you reading at present?

--I'm trying to finish Black Wings Has My Angel by Elliot Chaze, I just started reading The Diviners by Libba Bray while I was in the hospital, The Beedle and the Bard by J. K. Rowling, and Chasers of Light: The Typewriter series by Tyler Knott Gregson.

Who came up with the cover to Slayers?

--I've no idea, you will have to speak with the higher ups at 7DS Books. It's a pretty sick cover though, which makes me happy.

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
--Yes. While I believe the saying not to judge a book by its cover, it is an essential because when people are browsing online or walking through the store, that's what catches their eyes to make them stop and check it out.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

--Advantage: you've more say in the format process, cover, etc. Disadvantage: less help advertising/marketing and you have less people likely to help edit so there's a chance of it being lower-quality...however, the latter is not always the case because those Fifty Shades books were mass-produced and were utter crap. (Yes, that's where I stand, be pissed if you wish.)

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

--Network. Network. Network. And not just online. Connect with people.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
--Take them for what they are but don't let them get in your head.

What’s your views on social media for marketing?

--It's extremely useful, but for any feedback, take it with a grain of salt. Also, practice respect and humility and be humble. Just because you're using social media to put it out there does not mean that you need to take less care of others. Don't be a troll, but also don't listen to the trolls.

For editing, what’s your training?

--I've always had major attention to detail and been a grammar nerd, and I have a Bachelor's in English Creative Writing.

Do you consider yourself a confident or an anxious writer?

--Depends on my mood and what's going on in my life or mind.

Do you consider yourself a slow or a fast writer?

--Circumstances tend to matter; it can fluctuate.

Do you work from any kind of a plan?

--A somewhat organized mental one, but a messy one in written format. Unless it's for editing, then it's all organized.

Any tips on what to do and what not to do?

--You need to find things out for yourself and respect your audience. Show thankfulness, but I mean, don't think about your audience in every piece you write, because then you won't stay true to what the possibilities and honesty that your work can become. Don't ruin the potential. Oh, and explore, in both reading/writing as well as in your life, you'd be surprised what can become of it.

In what formats is your book available?

--Slayers is available in both ebook/kindle format I believe as well as hardcopy.

How can readers discover more about you and you work?
--Twitter. Youtube. Amazon. My blog. My like page on Facebook. Search for AlwaysAlyse and you should be able to hit at least one of them.

Ask Alyse: The Random Questions

I'm sorry folks that the Q & A that I asked for over the summer is being late in posting. Life hit hard this summer and I'm out of work for this week due to a brief stint in the hospital for my health, so I'm taking the time to finally catch up on here and do some writing, crocheting, editing, and if I have enough energy...cleaning because I need to stress clean. Want to stress bake too, but I don't know what to make since we don't need many sugary substances in my home. I'm doing better in case you all are wondering, but enough about why I haven't been posting and get on to answering the questions that I was asked. Get ready for a long post!

**Note, I'm going to have to do the answering in sections. Next up will be answers to the writer related questions.**

How do you pronounce your name?
Uh-lease

Are you right or left-handed?

Right

Are you in a relationship?

Haha, well yes, yes I am. I don't know why I'm being asked that, but there you go.

Do you have a favorite piece of clothing? If so, what is it?

Probably my cardigans that are all loose and soft and comfy, they let me be a bit warmer and lazy but dressy at times. And my boyfriend's Family Guy t-shirt that's nice and big and okay, I love me some comfortable stuff. And I've a few hats I love to wear. I have an artsy style I guess. Hahaha.

What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?
Well honestly, I don't own an iPod. And I don't listen to any of my playlists on my computer as much as I used to anymore. But when Pres, my boyfriend is with me and we're riding around, we hook up his player and there's a lot of MGK, "Cruise" by FGL (I think...), the song where the singers say they'd hang a noose around their neck, the song that was written in memory of Paul Walker for Furious 7 that I'm drawing a blank on at the moment, and then when he's being an extra sweetheart...he'll have "Angel with a Shotgun" by the Cab play just for me. There's also a lot of rap or gangsta or stoner music to categorize the music most of the time, but those are what top the most played usually.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
Outdoor work. And garbage. I hate mowing and feeding cattle and weeding. I mean, I like growing plants and having my windows full of plants, but I don't have to weed those and I like that.

What is on your bedside table?
A daisy ceramic dish I made in high school, a book light, tissue box, a coaster my youngest nephew made me, mardi gras beads (they overflow from the dish), a dagger, a flashlight, dvds I haven't watched yet so they're seperate from my collection, season 6 of Friends on dvd, and...a water bottle. Wait, no, I tossed that last one this morning.

Who is probably the biggest name(s) that you've seen in person? (Event, concert, met)
I never met any of them in person, but I did go to events and concerts for MGK, Loretta Lynn, Montgomery Gentry, Phil Vassar, the guy that sings "Impossible" (country genre and my brain is having some road blocks), a well-known transgendered writer who is a professor that visited my alma mater for a speech, and I got to attend a Planned Parenthood event that honored Gloria Steinam. I've also met some writers while I was in college aside from the ones that I network and am friends with or that I learned from, including the hilarious essayiest I suppose you could label her as, Aynn Halliday.

What was the last book you read without skipping through anything?
I just finished reading The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.

What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
I'm best at the afternoon. I normally love Saturdays because even though I don't get a set day off each week, it's my boyfriend's only day off and we try to make that the day we get some time together if possible, which is important. And month....I don't know, November? It's my birthday month and it's a month of thankfulness and even though I believe you should find something to be thankful for every day, I appreciate that others at least force themselves to look at the blessings in this world at one point in the year.

What is your most bizarre talent?
I don't know if it's bizarre, but if I'm not laughing or looking at myself to do it, I can do the bewitch twitch. It makes a friend's of mine's daughter giggle when I do it, and Pres seems to think it's cute. I never used to be able to do it that I know of, but then there was a time I binge-watched the entire series of Bewitched.

If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
I wouldn't. There's been less than favoring aspects to each age and besides, where would there be growth? I don't do well being at stand stills, I like moving forward.

What is the first thing you would do if you won the lottery?
Probably pay off my student loans. Then any other debts. Put some towards the future like a home of my own, for my future children, just to be like a little nest egg to secure some goodness down the road. And then splurge a bit on myself and my loved ones.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Yeah...I won't shut up if I answer that one. I suppose the biggest could be hypocriticalness in others; closed-mindedness; and people using texting to convey important information that should be done in person or if worse case scenario, over an actual phone call.

Which would be harder for you to give up: coffee or alcohol?
Coffee is easy-peasy since I don't drink it. Alcohol...well I don't drink like I used to when I was a college student, but I am going to have to almost cut it out completely now due to health issues, and that's going to be hard with stress levels. I don't think a friend of mine was kidding recently when she said she'll have to serve me a constant supply of chamomile tea via an IV.

How did you meet your best friend?
Which one? I've a good handful. I met my boyfriend online originally but then we met up one day after I got out of my old job at a liquor store and we went out to a rez and hung out at his old campsite. I met my Yoda on a car trip to the mall. I met my Wifey originally at a water park field trip and then again where we actually became friends in one of our classes in the beginning of high school. I met my wise one in study hall. My lovey in a basic Creative Writing class. My artist in both study hall and a stained glass art class. And I don't know...I collect my people and never let them go.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Finishing college. Slayers. Not too much else I guess, from my perspective.

What is your favorite physical attribute about yourself?
My hair. I won't lie to you, it's my vain spot.

Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken.
Hmmm...both of the major times I went to Nashville which is my favorite city and I hope I can move there at some point and it's just magical there. Creativeness everywhere. And I really loved my trip to Chicago when I was 19, blisters and all.

What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?
Fighting with my sister, Ashley. Other than that, I normally tried hard to avoid trouble. I do that more as an adult now.

Do you prefer to buy and keep the books you read, or do you borrow them from the library?
I don't have any problems borrowing books, because I think it's important to share the greatness that they are, and I'm getting to read a fantastic tale usually. However, aside from borrowing from friends and the college library when I was still a student, I haven't utilized the library in my area in a long time I'm sad to say, but they also removed most of the collections that I spent my childhood in aside from the actual childrens' books and it breaks my heart to walk in there. So I guess I like to keep the books I get, either by buying or when I'm given them. I have a good size library growing of my own, and my dream home will have a library with a study connected to it.

What were you like at school?
I was a mixer of sorts, getting along with most everyone in the different clicks. I focused hard on my studies and only hung out in low-key functions. Good grades mostly. I was a goodie goodie I admit, but tried to be a caring friend. My neuroticness was less. I was sheltered and naive. I don't know...I wouldn't go back even though some core things of who I was and was like have remained. The me now is awesome. Generally.

Were you good at English?
Yes. I took AP level classes my last two years just so I could be challenged. And then went on to study it in college.

Who was someone you really looked up to when you were little — someone you considered to be a mentor?
I don't know about when I was little, but I know when I was younger and I still consider them my mentors. My friend Rachel who was actually my student teacher in history when I was in high school. My friend Amber who was my professor twice in college for Women and Gender Studies and Girl Studies. My writer friend Kevin James Breaux who has helped teach me things in the writing world. I don't know to be honest, I've many that at times I look up to and you just have to take a little from each person when they inspire you or can teach you a good lesson and use that to shape you into a better person than you were before and utilize the connections and well, create and maintain friendships that will support you and help you to grow.

How do you relax?
Reading. Television. Writing. Working in a way that distracts my brain. Crafty activities. Spending time with Pres, he's a major diffuser for me and brings me back to a better place. Spending time with family and friends. Dancing it out. Singing. Going for car rides. Snuggling into comfy-ness (I wasn't kidding, I like comfort).

What is your favourite motivational phrase. What is your favourite positive saying?
I don't have a set one anymore. Be kind? Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you. Never give up. Fight like a girl (refer to song by Bomshel).

What is your favorite book and why?
I don't have an exact favorite, but I am a major Tolkienite. But I also love some books by Sarah Dessen, such as The Truth About Forever. Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle trilogy. Michelle Hodkin's Mara Dyer trilogy. The Harry Potter series. I can only say that the reason why is because they awaken something inside, inspire, and I am always able to get something out of them at the right time that I need to at different points in my life.

What is your favorite quote?
I don't have one, I'm sorry.

What is your favorite film and why?
Don't get me started, I'm the same way with film as I am with books.

Where can you see yourself in 5 years time?
I'm praying that I'll be further in the writing world, married, living in Nashville even if it's not forever, a mom. I don't ask for much really.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't be so hard on yourself, things will be harder in the future but know that you'll find people who truly love and support you and for who you are. Life happens in steps, ride with it.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

Milo Ventimiglia, because he's a hard worker, inspiring, and I love his work. That, and have you seen him? Damnnnnnnnn. Colin O'Donahue and Reeve Carney rank up there too. I may be speechless if I ever get lucky enough. *Swoons* And more authors, like Sarah Dessen, Libba Bray (can you tell I admire their work). And Reese Witherspoon, she's amazing. But yeah, so Milo Ventimiglia, I'll blush and I may faint, but I want to work with him. After I stop staring. (Pres, if you're reading this, I love you.)