R.M. Archer's Blog, page 20

Enneagram Authors: Type 7 – The Enthusiast

About the 7

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in painBasic Desire: To be satisfied and content—to have their needs fulfilled

My sister is a 7, so she’s this week’s interviewee!

Interview with Sophia

Hi, Sophia! Can you share a little bit about yourself and what you write?

I’m a Christian homeschooled teen and I enjoy music and video games. I sort of write a range of stuff, but mainly just variations on speculative fiction. My NaNoWriMo project was a historical fantasy, and my other projects so far are portal fantasy.

What is your enneagram type, and how do you feel about it?

I am a 7w6, and I mostly enjoy both. I appreciate my dramatic ability, my goofy personality, and my ability to think ahead and be prepared for the worst case scenario sometimes. However, I obviously still have flaws, and the two things I tend to most get frustrated with myself over are my inability to know what I’m feeling or why, and the fact that oftentimes if I don’t feel like doing something I just don’t do it.

Do you find that your enneagram type impacts your writing process? How so, or why not?

I definitely feel like the part about me where I just do what I feel like comes into play. When I decide that I really want to develop a particular character or part of the world, I may dive deep into it, while I kind of try to avoid the parts that I don’t want to develop as much. I also find that the 7ness of starting a ton of projects and never finishing them definitely applies to my writing.

What strengths do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

I truly cannot think of anything in particular. XD Most of the stuff that I didn’t suck at were because of other authors’ writing advice and not because of me or my enneagram type. XD I suppose my imagination comes into play a lot when I’m starting new projects. Often a story idea will come from something basic like a journal I own.

What weaknesses do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

Definitely my habit of starting a project and then leaving it for months and months before I’m like, “oh yeah, that was a thing.”

Do you think your type impacts how you create characters?

I definitely have a tendency to create 7 characters (unintentionally). I like characters that are fun and upbeat, and I probably subconsciously do it in part because they’re, of course, easier to write because I am a seven, so most of their thoughts and reasoning will be similar to my own.

Do you think it impacts how you worldbuild?

I mean, it impacts how I don’t worldbuild. Because I don’t want to because it’s really hard. XD Um, probably some in the fact that I tend to mostly come up with interesting flora and fauna that I think are cool (often things that I think are cute, too, lol), and not much of anything else because I don’t find it as fantastical.

Do you think it impacts how you outline?

You might expect me to be a pantser, being a 7, but I actually do outline my stories. XD I mostly just do the main plot beats though and fill in the rest as I write, so I do tend to keep it fairly loose, largely because I get excited to just write the book already, which definitely does sound like a 7’s excitement and enthusiasm over a project. ;D

Do you think it impacts your prose or writing style?

I feel like I don’t really have a particular writing style, which is a little unfortunate. I try to write like the character talks (I usually write in third-person limited) when I think about it, but I usually just… write words that show what’s happening, for the most part. So I can’t really think of any way my enneagram type affects my prose.

Do you find that many of your protagonists are a similar type to yours, or very different?

I think a lot of my main characters are 7s, and even when the main character isn’t one I often find that the 7 characters are my favorite.

If you have a strong wing, how does it impact your writing process, if at all?

My 6 wing may influence the fact that I do outline, as I feel like I have to know where I’m going so that I don’t crash and ruin the story. I’m not really sure how much of it is 6 wing though, because the main reason I outline is because I tried writing a story once where I had absolutely no idea where it was going, and it’s still a mess and I still haven’t been able to bring myself to try and pick up its pieces yet.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process (plotting, writing, editing)?

The planning is probably my least favorite. I tend to have a hard time developing the world, and the characters, and sometimes the plot too. While I haven’t reached this stage yet with my novella, which is the one story I’ve actually finished, I feel like I tend to enjoy editing. I’ve gone back over some of my old writing and am always picking out things that I should have done differently, and I really enjoy it. So I’d say that planning and pre-writing is probably my least favorite, and editing is my favorite part of the writing process.

What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the writing craft (setting, characters, theme, plot, prose, etc.)?

My favorites are probably character and plot (they kind of go hand in hand), and my least favorite is probably setting.

Do you have any writing “rituals” (drinking tea, lighting a candle, putting on music) to get you in the mood to write?

I don’t. Usually I just sit down and write, but if I’m having a really hard time getting into the story and knowing what to write, putting on an ambience that matches the tone of the story or the particular scene I’m trying to write usually helps me.

What most inspires you to write?

Ordinary things around me often inspire stories. The thing that keeps me going and sticking with my story ‘til the end (because as I mentioned earlier, I tend to just sort of abandon projects and never come back to them) is other writers. I have a group of online writer friends who encourage me and help me a lot with my writing when I need it, and Abbie and Kate Emmons’ YouTube channels help me remember that I’m working on a story, and they remind me why it matters and why I should be writing it.

What is your reason for writing?

As difficult as it can be at times, I largely do it because it’s fun. I first got into it because you’d been writing for a while and once I could read and write I was like, “ooh, she writes stories! I want to do that too!” The reason I stick with it is because it is fun, and when it’s hard it’s a learning experience. I’m learning how to write better, and I’m building some level of diligence and discipline for sticking with it when it’s hard.

Anything else you want to share?

I think you pretty much covered everything!

About Sophia

Inspired by her older sister’s love of story, Sophia has been writing since she was 6 years old. She spends most of her time working on her music, playing video games, or baking something sweet. She’s been homeschooled her entire life and strives to make Jesus her biggest passion.

The post Enneagram Authors: Type 7 – The Enthusiast appeared first on Scribes & Archers.

March 2021 Wrap-Up

Writing

With Calligraphy Guild off to sensitivity readers this month (yayyyyy!), I’ve done a lot of blogging to keep myself sane between projects. XD I’m working to write and schedule alll of the posts for the three months I’ll be gone this summer, not only for this blog but also for Within the Static, and that’s been going well. This past week I also decided for certain on my next big project! I’ll be rewriting The Masked Captain, ironing out the theme and adding a second POV/plotline to fill it out. I started drafting it yesterday, so I’m pretty excited for that. :)

The Enneagram Authors series has continued through this month! In case you missed those, you can find this month’s installments here (and last month’s installments in my February wrap-up):

Type 4

Type 5

Type 6

Next month we’ll wrap up with types 7-9!

Reading

Finished

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things by Lev GrossmanMistborn by Brandon SandersonPerelandra by C.S. LewisKingdom Calling by Amy L. Sherman

I fully understand the Sanderson hype now. Mistborn was excellent and the ending was so goodddddd. I’m excited to read Well of Ascension now, but my opinion of my library isn’t great right now so it’ll probably be a while. :P

Perelandra was just as thought-provoking as Out of the Silent Planet, and in some ways more so. It posed some interesting theological points that I’m still mulling over.

I read The Map of Tiny Perfect Things after watching the movie and I highly recommend both. (Although I must warn you there is mild language throughout and an F-bomb in each. :P) The story is super well-done and (especially in the movie) poses some interesting theological concepts… though of course the secular writers don’t acknowledge them as such. I found it to be a great blend of fun and depth, and it also spawned a blog post idea for Within the Static. (The post it inspired will be going up in late May, if anyone’s curious.)

Currently reading

The Riven Realm by Deck MatthewsThe Tropic of Serpents by Marie BrennanThe Productive Writer by Sage Cohen

I am taking entirely too long to get through these two fiction books. I don’t know why, since I really enjoy them both, but I’ve just been struggling to stay consistent with them. I’m hoping to finish them both next month.

The Productive Writer, on the other hand, has been a fast-paced read and super insightful. It’s been really helpful as I work to solidify the purpose of my writing/blogging platform and funnel that into what I write and post and create. I’m hoping to write a brief review of this one when I finish.

Life

I passed my first CLEP test today! I’ve been working on these tests for a while now, and it’s been impossible to schedule the tests due to COVID restrictions, but I finally had a chance to take my U.S. History I test. And the lovely drive there and back was a nice bonus. ^-^

Plans for April(Re)Drafting The Masked CaptainPrepping future blog postsWorking on platform/engagementReading

How about you? How was your March? Are there any accomplishments we can celebrate with you? Do you have any writing goals for this month? I’d love to chat with you in the comments!

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Enneagram Authors: Type 6 – The Loyalist

About the 6

Description from The Enneagram Institute

The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.

Basic Fear: Of being without support and guidance

Basic Desire: To have security and support

Today I’m interviewing author Anne Rhys!

Interview with Anne

Can you share a little bit about yourself and what you write?

I’ve been writing on and off since I was 12, but I’ve been writing seriously for the past 6 years. I’m a short girl and chai tea drinker. I’ve had experience with several genres in short story form, but for the moment I’m writing contemporary and historical fiction. 

What is your Enneagram type, and how do you feel about it?

6w7. From what I’ve read, it seems to fit, though some others seem to vaguely fit in small ways.

Do you find that your enneagram type impacts your writing process? How so, or why not?

I think it does, in a way, with my personality, but I don’t stop to consider if I’m acting like my type.

What strengths do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

I suppose the eagerness, or how I slowly process drafting and planning as I go.

What weaknesses do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

I’m a pantser, which for a 6 is not the best, since we like plans. 

Do you think your type impacts how you create characters? 

It may, but I’ve never stopped to consider if it did, or how it did. 

Do you think it impacts how you world-build?

I’m not that great at world-building, nor do I do it much with contemporary. So I guess it might a little bit, because I don’t want to plan out so much? 

Do you think it impacts how you outline?

I think it does somewhat. I’m a “Pantser” so I don’t really plot or outline. But sometimes I get so caught up in planning (or back story) that I don’t want to write the story yet!

Do you think it impacts your prose or writing style?

I’m not actually sure with this one! 

Do you find that many of your protagonists are a similar type to yours, or very different?

In general, I think most of my characters have at least a few things in common with me, whether it’s personality, quirks, or dislikes. I’ve never tried to type them myself.

If you have a strong wing, how does it impact your writing process, if at all?

Good question! I suppose the spontaneity affects the way I write my projects.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process (plotting, writing, editing)?
Basically I would love to skip every aspect of writing a book except the drafting. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m less perfectionist while writing, so drafting comes so much easier than other parts of writing. 

What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the writing craft (setting, characters, theme, plot, prose, etc.)?

Characters and back story are my favorite, sometimes dialogue.

I am not the best at plot, especially ahead of time; though sometimes all I want to do is plan, and never write. 

Do you have any writing “rituals” (drinking tea, lighting a candle, putting on music) to get you in the mood to write? 

I have a writing playlist for some of my projects, so most times I’ll have that playing in the background, or I’ll drink some tea and eat some trail mix. 

What most inspires you to write?

Prompts and concepts of stories, brainstorming, and talking to other writers.

What is your reason for writing?

To inspire others and bring a light to others through my fiction writing.

Anything else you want to share?

In conclusion, my 7 side is my writer side and my 6 (dominant) side is real life.

About Anne

Anne Rhys is a twenty-something Christian writer with a passion for stories that entertain, inspire and provide God-honoring content. You can find her at her site Inspiring Joy Through Writing.

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Enneagram Authors: Type 5 – The Investigator

About the 5

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.

Basic Fear: Being useless, helpless, or incapable

Basic Desire: To be capable and competent

I got to interview my friend Farren for this week!

Interview with Farren

Hi, Farren! Can you share a little bit about yourself and what you write?

Like my bio says, I’m a Christian teen from California. I live in a noisy, happy home with a cat, a dog, and four chickens. I like to dance, read, draw, write, play piano, and outsmart my geography textbooks in their knowledge of Eastern Europe. I write fantasy mainly, but I have been testing out fanfiction recently.

What is your enneagram type, and how do you feel about it?

My enneagram type is 5. I don’t even know where to begin. I relate so hard to so much of what I’ve read about 5s. It’s like I never truly knew myself before, if that makes any sense.

Do you find that your enneagram type impacts your writing process? How so, or why not?

Yes and no. It definitely seems to impact the way I research and prepare my story, but it doesn’t affect my actual writing.

What strengths do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

Research! I love love love learning about new things and topics.

What weaknesses do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

I don’t know if this is tied in with my type, but I definitely have an issue with letting my Inner Editor get the best of me as I write.

Do you think your type impacts how you create characters?

Let’s just say, I have to do a lot of revising so all my MCs aren’t 5s.

Do you think it impacts how you worldbuild?

I’ve probably done a fair share of worldbuilding, but I’ve never reached draft two on any of my projects, and I don’t tend to notice or care about details like that. I’m just aiming to get the story written out, plot holes and typos included. ;D

Do you think it impacts how you outline?

Call me crazy, but I don’t outline. At all. Ever.

Do you think it impacts your prose or writing style?

No.

Do you find that many of your protagonists are a similar type to yours, or very different?

Yes. Like I said earlier I have to review my characters a few times before I can be certain they don’t have clones of my personality.

If you have a strong wing, how does it impact your writing process, if at all?

I have a 4 wing. ^-^ It hasn’t affected my writing, at least not that I’ve noticed.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process (plotting, writing, editing)?

My favorite is plotting. I love coming up with new worlds and characters. My least favorite is the actual writing process. I can’t for the life of me ever get enough motivation to write.

What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the writing craft (setting, characters, theme, plot, prose, etc.)?

Favorite is definitely characters. They’re one of the easiest to come up with. I don’t really have a least favorite, but going off the rough list you gave, I’d have to say prose.

Do you have any writing “rituals” (drinking tea, lighting a candle, putting on music) to get you in the mood to write?

No, not really.

What most inspires you to write?

Books, music; it varies depending on my mood. Sometimes even sleeplessness.

What is your reason for writing?

Now, this is a hard one. I’ve gone over this question quite a few times in my head before, but I’ve never came out with a solid answer. I wrote because it’s something that brings me joy. I want to give the world the same joy I receive when reading stories that I love.

Anything else you want to share?

No. You covered quite a lot.

Thank you, R.M. Archer! I wish you all the best in your own writing and blogging. ^-^

About Farren

Farren Green is a Christian teen living in the suburbs on the coast of California. She reads a vast variety of genres, but tends to stick to fantasy in her own writing. When she’s not writing or in school, she enjoys reading, drawing, playing piano, and hanging out with friends.

If you want to read more of Farren’s work, check out her blog The Starry Eyed Dreamer!

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Enneagram Authors: Type 4 – The Individualist

About the 4

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of living. They typically have problems with melancholy, self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their Best: inspired and highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their experiences.

Basic Fear: That they have no identity or personal significanceBasic Desire: To find themselves and their significance (to create an
identity)

For the 4, I loved having the chance to interview author and writing coach Abigail Hays!

Interview with Abigail

Hi, Abigail. Can you share a little bit about yourself and what you write?

My name is Abigail Hays, and I’m a Creative Writing Mentor and Science Fiction Author. I’m an Enneagram Type Four, the “Romantic Individualist.” My number says that I, and others like me, really strive to make a difference in the world, and that we are afraid of failing to create an identity for ourselves. Because of this fear, we can be susceptible to burnout trying to do everything that we want to. Healthy Fours are capable of analyzing their situations, then deciding how to prioritize their lives. These attributes help me continue to push myself to do better by structuring my life around my strengths and capabilities.

What is your enneagram type, and how do you feel about it?

As a Four, I spend a lot of time in my head, and I think about everything. I have an intense desire to explore the lesser known and understand it. I am a puzzle-solver by nature, and I use this to achieve various ends with writing and mentoring. I enjoy the process of breaking ideas down and understanding them, and being able to share them with others.

Mentoring people from all over the Enneagram scale forces me to continually expand my horizons to accommodate for what’s going to work best for my students, and I appreciate every single number. I just couldn’t be them, and am perfectly content with being a Four.

Do you find that your enneagram type impacts your writing process? How so, or why not?

One disadvantage of being a Four is that my view on something may not resonate with others, may give people the opposite idea that I intended, or simply isn’t understandable based on their own lives and experiences. The fear of being unable to communicate my exact meaning through prose is directly related to the core fear of the Type Four, (lacking a sense of identity). Those are certainly awkward situations, but I do make a point to use those times to challenge myself and those around me. Making a point of saying things more clearly, better emphasis on a certain point, or simply reevaluating my own view on something. I know that those will, in some way, help me grow as an author, and I want to make the most of that.

What strengths do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

“Expressive and Dramatic” are two of my number’s prescribed antics, and I have to say that they’re pretty accurate! Even as I’m sitting here typing this out, I’m making faces like I would were I speaking to you in person! When we’re face to face, you can hear the enthusiasm in my voice, and I do my best to make you smile.

What weaknesses do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

As an Author, my writing is impacted both positively and negatively by my Enneagram Type. I recognize the signs of perfectionism and other common author struggles, and am able to talk about why they occur and how to get around them, but I can also harbor perfectionistic views towards my own creations because my writing isn’t original or “creative enough.” Yet as I’ve grown older, my inward desire to stand out has kept me constantly searching for unique answers to problems, which is definitely a benefit for my writing. This likewise impacts my Mentorship students, because I’m able to teach them how to bring out the most unique and creative elements in their writing.

Do you think your type impacts how you build worlds or characters?

My type makes me very empathetic, which greatly impacts how I view characters and students. I love working with characters that bend the rules of their stereotypes, and likewise, showing other authors how to make their characters do the same. I handle the setting and worldbuilding elements of stories in a similar fashion, latching onto a certain angle or detail that isn’t as commonly touched on, and looking for ways that it’s enhanced through the rest of the scene or book (or how I can emphasize it in my own writing).

Do you think it impacts your prose or writing style?

My prose and writing style are interestingly affected by my personality, and as a pretty outgoing Four, my style changes quite a bit the more I live and learn. I personally enjoy the idea of my developing prose and style being a life-long journey. I’m also someone who hates repetition, both in life and in writing. After all, a good story flows: it shouldn’t repeat things like it’s on a spin cycle. (That’s for homework textbooks only! Just kidding.) In my own life, I need the regular things in my life to continually change. If they don’t, I get bored. I find people who take comfort in simple, repetitive lifestyles very interesting, as that’s something I cannot do myself. I have to continually be thinking through new ideas, because that way, I’m constantly gaining knowledge.

Do you find that many of your protagonists are a similar type to yours, or very different?

Protagonists are always tricky to create in my case, primarily because it’s very hard for me not to just insert myself in their places. (I do this for preexisting books and movies, too, where I will just create a character in my head for myself and imagine what things would be like if I was there and how they would change. I’ve been told most authors don’t actually do this, which is hilarious to me!) The problem is that there’s still a lot about me that I probably couldn’t put into words well enough for them to be an acceptable Main Character. It’s a fascinating concept to me, as I often have to force myself to take on protagonists who are distinctly different from me in some way. Then it feels like I’m understanding them, and not just trying to wrap my head around writing “myself.”

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process (plotting, writing, editing)?

I love plotting and revision most out of the book-writing process, so delving into mentoring other aspiring authors felt natural. Oddly enough, I don’t enjoy the drafting process as much, because as a Type Four, I am more fascinated by ruminating on new ideas and discovering exciting possibilities than I am actually excited about committing to the act of writing out those fantastic ideas onto paper. I love thinking things through, so everything from brainstorming and plotting to editing, revising and teaching are all things about fiction writing that I enjoy.

Do you have any writing “rituals” (drinking tea, lighting a candle, putting on music) to get you in the mood to write?

As someone who is not keen on routine, I do not have any writing “rituals” in my life. Many authors I know like having a certain snack or drink while they write, or they set up their environment by lighting candles or listening to certain music. But everything I do is random in an effort to avoid becoming so familiar with the setting that I get distracted. Even the place that I sit and write from can change pretty drastically depending on what I’m feeling like that day – changing up my environment is a critical part of avoiding restlessness. I do need complete silence if I’m going to make progress, though, so I do not work on my books in public places. However I don’t feel like that’s a Four-specific ideology.

What most inspires you to write, and w hat is your reason for writing?

In my own reading adventures, I find myself getting enraptured with the details of a book: a certain aspect of this character, or an element to this use of worldbuilding, or this challenging thought in the theme. I hate stereotyped cliches of almost any caliber, and avoid them at all costs. (Shocking, I know.) I believe my reasons for writing and my sources of inspiration are relatively straightforward when you consider the name of my Enneagram type, but to reiterate: I love pulling out the most unique aspects of life. I love working with “the possible,” or the “what if.” I love asking, “how would this actually work?” and I enjoy challenging others who share my love for quality in writing to do the same.

My version of “impacting the world” is my helping others find ways to get around the notorious obstacles of author life, no matter where they’re coming from. Whether that’s through my mentoring or my books. And now, you’re part of it, too! Thank you for taking time to get to know me and learn about my writing process!

Anything else you want to share?

If you empathize as a fellow Enneagram Type Four, or simply want to hear more about my own writing or mentorship program, send me an email at tomorrowsauthors.inspire@gmail.com, join the Facebook group below, or message me on R.M. Archer’s Discord server. We’ll see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringauthorsbreakthrough

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February 2021 Wrap-Up

Writing

Last month was kind of hit-or-miss as far as my mental health is concerned, so my writing saw some ups and downs. I did edit 30 chapters of Calligraphy Guild, however, finishing one draft and getting a significant chunk of the next done. I’m currently editing the worldbuilding and bringing it all together, and I’m most of the way there. I still have a new scene I need to write and a handful of details I need to fix throughout, but it’s coming along! I’m a little behind schedule, but I should be able to get this completed draft to sensitivity readers within the week. :)

I’ve also been working on blogging, especially cleaning up some behind-the-scenes stuff to hopefully make Scribes & Archers more helpful to readers. I’ve written a couple of posts to go up during the time I’m gone this summer that I’m super excited about. I’m bummed I won’t be here to see the comments right away, lol. I’m really excited to share those with you.

And, of course, I started my Enneagram Authors series in February! You can read the first three installments here:

Type 1

Type 2

Type 3

The type 4 interview is going up tomorrow, so keep your eyes open for that!

Reading

Finished

Malfunction by J.E. PurrazziDear Author by Laura A. Grace (reread)New Worlds: Year One by Marie BrennanLove Riot by Sara BarrattReading People by Anne BogelOut of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis

I loved everything I read last month!

Malfunction is probably my favorite Purrazzi book thus far.

Dear Author was encouraging, as always (I highly recommend it to any author at any stage of the process).

New Worlds: Year One managed to bring up some worldbuilding areas I hadn’t thought of before! It was such an interesting, inspiring read, and it’s definitely a new favorite worldbuilding resource. I’m looking forward to getting Year Two at some point.

Love Riot was a great look at, essentially, what Christian youths’ worldview ought to be and how they ought to live that out. Most of it wasn’t new to me, but I needed to be reminded of a lot, lol.

Reading People was an excellent personality typing book. Bogel is a Christian, so she’s coming at it from the same basic worldview I am (plus she’s also an enneagram 9 and an INFP, so even though I’m an ENFP we think a lot alike), and she understands that personality types are intended to be used to understand oneself, not to slap on labels. She had a lot of great insights, and I’d love to get my own copy of this book so I can make notes in it.

I can’t believe I’ve only started diving into Lewis’s non-Narnia works within the past three months. Out of the Silent Planet was amazing. Lewis explores humanity and spirituality so effectively through his worldbuilding and it was delightful and thought-provoking to read. I’m super excited to read the rest of the Space Trilogy.

Currently reading

Mistborn by Brandon SandersonThe Riven Realm by Deck MatthewsThe Tropic of Serpents by Marie Brennan

I don’t have much to say about these at the moment. I’m really enjoying all of them. I’m itching to read more of Mistborn, but I’m trying not to get too far ahead of my reading buddy, lol. The Riven Realm is a three-book collection, and for some reason I stalled out after finishing the first? The first was excellent! And I’m excited to read more about this world and these characters! But I’ve had less interesting reading in general lately, so I haven’t gotten around to it. :P The Tropic of Serpents is also suffering from my lack of motivation to read.

I’m also hoping to dive into Perelandra this month, which is the second in Lewis’s Space Trilogy.

Plans for MarchWrapping up my solo edits on Calligraphy GuildSending Calligraphy Guild to sensitivity readersPrepping future blog postsCleaning up other blog stuffReading

How about you? How was your February? Are there any accomplishments we can celebrate with you? Do you have any writing goals for this month? I’d love to chat with you in the comments!

The post February 2021 Wrap-Up appeared first on Scribes & Archers.

Enneagram Authors: Type 3 – The Achiever

About the 3

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their Best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be—role models who inspire others.

Basic Fear: Of being worthlessBasic Desire: To feel valuable and worthwhile

For the 3, I got to interview my friend JHD!

Interview with JDH

Hi, JHD! Can you share a little bit about yourself and what you write?

Hello! My name is JHD Paul and I write mostly fantasy, though I have been known to do a Christian contemporary romance and others of the like.

What is your enneagram type, and how do you feel about it?

I am a Type Three, and proud! Mostly. xD

I think all of us tend to resent the more negative tendencies our types have, and I’m not an exception. But I am glad my type helps me with what I value in myself: productivity and achievement. (Which… I guess it kinda goes in circles because you value it so you’re good at it so you value it… anyway.)

Do you find that your enneagram type impacts your writing process? How so, or why not?

This is a bit of a tricky question, because I’m not sure what other types’ writing processes look like? I’m the only writer Three I know about the writing process of, hehe. But I can guess.

I am, stereotypically, deadline/checkpoint-oriented, and writing with a process in general matters a lot to me. I am still trying to find a process that consistently works for me, but I think my need for checkboxes and a way to track progress is part of the reason I’m a Plotter. (This has been a very grudging realization; discovery writing is so romanticized these days that I tried soooo hard to make it work for me but just couldn’t. Not even Plantsing works for me xD. Plotter all the way)

What strengths do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

Goals and motivation are things I can come up with fairly easily. It’s quite nice xD. I know how to make a plan and reach a goal (though I am still figuring out what realistic goals look like for me).

What weaknesses do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

I… am ambitious. To say the least.

But yeah, I tend to be all wRITING PROJECTSSSS and rEADING PROJECTSSS and aLLLL THE PROJECTSSS and overextend myself xD. I’m still learning myself and what a fair amount of writing-related obligations is.

Do you think your type impacts how you create characters?

Hmm. Maybe? Though I don’t have a formula for character creation. I think my 4 wing and the importance of authenticity shows through here; I tend to let characters become themselves, and try to identify their character traits rather than create them. This is problematic when I want someone to have a certain sort of air and they’re just like no.

Do you think it impacts how you worldbuild?

Possibly. Though I think the hesitation here is mostly because I haven’t found a good worldbuilding process yet, rather than I don’t develop one (like with characters).

I also often get overwhelmed with worldbuilding and where to start, which is my want for a checklist and a process showing through.

Currently I tend to learn my world through the eyes of my character, because they know more about the different customs and cultures and prejudices than I do. I also find that if I can get into a place where I can develop some of the history, that helps too.

Do you think it impacts how you outline?

Definitely. I need to outline super deeply in order to be able to write quickly. My Threeness also appreciates the rapid progress that comes with small checkpoints.

Do you find that many of your protagonists are a similar type to yours, or very different?

I think neither. My characters tend to become themselves, and while large pieces of myself are very visible in them once one looks, I don’t find that their types are hugely similar or drastically different from mine. I think they’re good at covering all the bases. I have Twos, Eights, Sevens, Ones, Fives, etc. But then again, I don’t often type my characters or worry too much about what their type is.

If you have a strong wing, how does it impact your writing process, if at all?

I mentioned earlier my Four wing and how that affects character development, but other than that and even just generally I haven’t really been able to identify a super prominent wing in myself? I think I have both wings about equally.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process (plotting, writing, editing)?

Draftinggg is the worrrrssst aughhhh.

Slogging through first drafts is, like, my least favourite thing xD. Though my enjoyment is directly proportional to how much I’ve outlined the scene (and the story) and how much I know what I’m doing. I don’t mind drafting if I can get excited about the story—having an alpha really helps with that; thanks a million to my alpha and all her encouragement (#wordsofaffirmation) last NaNo—but especially if I have to add a new scene or redo a scene after I’ve edited a bit, I don’t like first drafts.

Developmental edits are also tough, but I do enjoy and get excited about themes and such falling into place.

Line and copy edits are my favouriteeee. It’s so much fun to make everything all shinyyyy and polishhhed and aaaa.

I also really enjoy alphas, betas, and editors, and just getting any sort of feedback, hehe. (Though I have found that I have to be in a specific mood to address line edits and such from someone else or else I feel super discouraged and attacked)

Plotting is also super fun. I enjoy plotting quite a bit.

What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the writing craft (setting, characters, theme, plot, prose, etc.)?

I don’t know if I dislike any of them? Characters are probably by far my favourite, but I get super excited about theme and plot too. I enjoy my prose; I think I’m developing a writing style I can be really proud of. Settings are fun to flesh out, though I don’t get super excited about them like I do the rest. I dunno.

Do you have any writing “rituals” (drinking tea, lighting a candle, putting on music) to get you in the mood to write?

Not specifically, but I do like putting together novel playlists, getting a hot drink and a snack, and reading back a scene to get in the mood before writing. I am also trying to be better in picking a time to write, which is… mostly working thus far.

What most inspires you to write?

This is a tricky question for some reason? I don’t know what inspires me most out of all the sources writers pull ideas from.

Though I will say that a huge amount of inspiration—or rather motivation, but I guess both—comes from my characters. They feel like real people—often I’ll have a character before I have their plot—and I love them as if they were real people (all the other writers understand). I get excited to step into their skin and spend time in their world and pretend they’re real for a few scenes.

What is your reason for writing?

I write to understand things my relatively sheltered life won’t teach me. I write to experience what my life won’t offer. I write to spend time with my fictional best friends, to enter a world where I can pet dragons if I want to. I write to create something I’m proud of, I write to feel accomplished. I write to tell stories in my heart and to influence people’s lives.

About JHD

JHD Paul is a Christian teen author who adores living in the Canadian Rockies. She is passionate about telling stories, living for Jesus, and also has a strange love for satin ribbons. You can find her listening to music all the time and spending too much time with her friends – both fictional and real.

She blogs at Maple Quill Penning Magic, so go check out her work!

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Enneagram Authors: Type 2 – The Helper

About the 2

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.

Basic Fear: Of being unwanted, unworthy of being lovedBasic Desire: To feel loved

The author representing the 2s today is Julia Skinner, of the blog Lit Aflame!

Interview with Julia

Hi, Julia! Can you share a little bit about yourself and what you write?

Hey hey! My name is Julia Skinner. I’m a born-again Christian, hardcore nerd, and Hobbit all the way through. Some years back, a brilliant realization struck me as I was outside taking care of my rabbits: I COULD ACTUALLY…. LIKE, WRITE DOWN THE STORIES I DAYDREAMED ABOUT.

Mind. Blown.

So yes, this all started with me punching out words on a little hand-held tablet. And I’ve gone from there. It’s taken me years to come to officially calling myself a “writer.” But honestly? I can’t imagine what life would be like without it (well, okay, yes, I can imagine it, I’m a writer after all… we tend to have oversized imaginations XD).

I mainly write fantasy, with a side of dystopian and sci-fi. I have a problem with writing sad, tragic stories, and can’t seem to even write a happy story without someone dying at one point or another.

What is your enneagram type, and how do you feel about it?

My enneagram type is a 2! I’m actually pretty proud of that fact. It makes a strange combination with my MBTI type, which is INTP. If you aren’t familiar with it, INTPs are known for being really really bad with emotions and all things people. We struggle to understand anything that’s not purely logical. On the flip side, Twos are known for being empathetic, friendly, and people-oriented.

So, basically I’m a walking human-being contradiction.

(which, if you ask me, is kinda seriously EPIC)

Do you find that your enneagram type impacts your writing process? How so, or why not?

Hmm… You know, I’ve never thought of that before! I think being a Two may have something to do with how much I focus on building characters. To me, the character is the story. They’re the lifeblood, the beating heart, the breath that makes a good story… well, good. Characters are the key aspect of a story that brings it to life. When I get a new story idea, it is almost always the character I think of first, and then I build around that character.

What strengths do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

Strong, realistic characters! I focus a lot on creating characters who not only feel real, but who also have a lot of depth to them. My goal is for each of my characters to be unique and able to stand on their own, I don’t want them to be cookie-cutters or anything like that.

I want my characters to feel like people. Just people. Like you, and me, and the tired mom across the Walmart aisle. I don’t even like calling my villains “villains” because I view all my characters as people–neither hero or villain–just folk with different goals and backgrounds.

I’d like to think that because of my natural emphasis on people, I’m able to create characters that have a depth and realism to them.

What weaknesses do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

Maybe my lack of regard for plot? I’d say my specialty is characters and theme. But plot? Heh…. yeah… I really struggle with that part of the writing process. Sometimes I can get so absorbed in creating my characters with their backgrounds and personalities and arcs, etc. That I totally forget I have to come up with things for those characters to DO.

Do you think your type impacts how you create characters?

*glances up at my above answers* Welllll…. y’all are probably getting tired of hearing my say “character” over and over. XD But yes, in a way, I do. Type Twos are typically pretty well tuned with the people around them. I think being a Two not only explains why I’m so passionate about the characters in my story, but I also think it impacts how accurate I’m able to make them.

Do you think it impacts how you worldbuild?

Yes. Since I put so much emphasis on characters, my world often reflects the people living in it (or perhaps the people reflect the world… WE MAY NEVER KNOW).

Do you think it impacts how you outline?

….outline?

What… what is that?

Seriously though, man, OUTLINING IS MY BANE. See, I want to outline, and I’ll get all excited about it. I almost immediately know the main points in my character’s arc, and I quickly write those down in perfect detail. And then I sit back and think, this is great! I’ve done so much! I’m going to have this novel outlined and done SO FAST!

Then… I look at all the blank spaces in between those main arc points.

There’s usually a LOT.

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh halp

Do you think it impacts your prose or writing style?

Sometimes I forget to describe what’s happening around the character because I focus so much on writing the character’s inner thoughts and emotions.

Do you find that many of your protagonists are a similar type to yours, or very different?

There’s a wide variety! Some of my characters are similar, while others are totally different. For example, right now I’m writing a middle grade portal fantasy, my protagonist (and the majority of the other characters) are not even close to being a Two, but my MC’s mom IS a type Two. So really, it’s just a random mashup. I don’t specifically make a character one type or another.

If you have a strong wing, how does it impact your writing process, if at all?

I’m… actually not sure what my wing is… XD

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process (plotting, writing, editing)?

Honestly, my least favorite is probably the actual writing process. I have so much in my head, and I just want to get it out on the paper, but I have to take my time and actually WRITE OUT ALLLLLL THE WOOORDSSS. Ack. Over the past few years, I was surprised to find that I actually really love editing? Everything is already there on paper, you’ve already built a foundation, so now you can put all your focus and creative imagination to purely making the character’s inner journey and the flow of the story beautiful!

What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the writing craft (setting, characters, theme, plot, prose, etc.)?

Plot is probably my least favorite, followed up with setting. Bleh.

Do you have any writing “rituals” (drinking tea, lighting a candle, putting on music) to get you in the mood to write?

Yep. Procrastination. *slips on black sunglasses and leans back*

…. But really, I don’t have anything specific that I do every single time. Sometimes I’ll put on a song that embodies the story I’m writing, or I’ll mess around with the Pinterest board for a little bit.

But something that without fail can get me into my character’s head and ready to write? WALKING OUTSIDE. For some reason, going outside automatically clears my mind and gets me in the mood to write.

What most inspires you to write?

Life.

Ice cream.

Depression.

*cough* I’m inspired by a lot of things! But specifically, I’m inspired by stories. When I read a book or watch a movie I love, it makes me want to write something just as good and beautiful and life-changing. Another thing that inspires me to write is the people I see around me. There’s so many interesting people in this world, so many hurting hearts, and they inspire me to write stories that represent them.

What is your reason for writing?

Words are powerful. As my favorite author, Brandon Sanderson, once said, “Words are where most change begins.” And the words in a story? Even more so. I want to tell stories that people can relate to, that people can see the truth in, and not only that… But I want to write stories that change the reader in the same way I have been changed by the many beautiful books I have read. Through my stories, I want to show the darkness of this world, and the Light that shines through it all. I want broken people to read and know that they can heal, that they can keep going forward, I want to use the words I write to speak out against the injustice and sin of the world, and show the love and justice of our Almighty God.

But more than that?

I just love writing.

Yes, I want to make a difference, yes I use my stories to say the things I can’t, yes I live through my characters, but at the end of the day, I just purely love the art of words. And I think that’s something that every writer has to come to the realization of, because purely wanting to write because of other people, or because you want to “change the world” isn’t enough. It has to go deeper. Beneath all that, you have to decide that writing in itself is worth it, whether or not anyone ever even reads a word of what you’ve written.

Anything else you want to share?

“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”
― Ernest Hemingway

(I LOVE this quote)

About Julia

Julia Skinner is an eighteen year old writer, blogger, and ice cream enthusiast. When she’s not working on one of her (many) sci-fi fantasy novels, she can be found playing video games, happy-ranting about one of Brandon Sanderson’s books, or wondering just how many germs are on the door handle. But most importantly, she’s a sinner saved by grace, and her life goal is to bring glory to her Savior, Jesus Christ. If any good comes from her journey, it’s because of Him.

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Enneagram Authors: Type 1 – The Reformer

Today marks the beginning of a new series: Enneagram Authors! Since I’m an author and I find the enneagram system interesting, I was curious if enneagram type has any bearing on the writing process, so I decided to reach out to authors of each enneagram type and interview them on what writing is like for them! So for each of the next nine weeks I’ll be interviewing a different author of a different personality type, starting, obviously, with the Type 1.

About the 1

I’m not the best at summarizing the types, so I’ll be borrowing descriptions from The Enneagram Institute. (Each description will be linked back to the original page.)

Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.

Basic Fear: Of being corrupt/evil, defective

Basic Desire: To be good, to have integrity, to be balanced

For the Type 1, I had the privilege of interviewing Kristianne Hassman!

Interview with Kristianne

Hi, Kristianne! Can you share a little bit about yourself and what you write?

Besides being a writer, I’m also a missionary kid, and I’ve lived almost my entire life in Africa. I’ve lived in South Africa for the past seven years, and I love experiencing the diverse cultures and people here and using that in my stories. I’ve enjoyed writing since I was very young. I think I wrote my first story when I was seven. It was about a little girl named Ogla who got saved when a missionary girl told her about the gospel. (What can I say? I was writing about my own experience!) Novels are my first love—although I occasionally write short stories and poetry—and my favorite genres to write are YA fantasy and historical fiction.

What is your enneagram type, and how do you feel about it?

I am a type 1, otherwise known as the Perfectionist. I kind of have mixed feelings about my type. I can see where I have perfectionist tendencies, but I don’t think that’s the defining characteristic of my personality. I’d rather think of myself as a type 4 (Creative Individualist). But whether my results are accurate or not, the enneagram has definitely helped me recognize areas of weakness I need to grow in, so I am grateful for that.

Do you find that your enneagram type impacts your writing process? How so, or why not?

Oh, definitely. My perfectionism comes out very strongly in my writing. I really hate writing first drafts because they feel so, well . . . rough. I like to edit as I go along, and I can rework a sentence or a scene dozens of times before I’m happy with it. I also have a strong inner critic that constantly pushes me to do better—which can be both a blessing and a curse! I struggle with self-doubt a lot, which sometimes keeps me from writing. And because I’m such a perfectionist, it takes a while before I’m ready for anyone—including my family and friends—to read my writing. So yes, my personality type plays a big role in how I approach the writing process.

What strengths do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

If you’re going to succeed in your writing career, you have to be willing to constantly learn and improve your craft. One big strength of my type is that I have a strong inner critic constantly pushing me to improve. I love learning, and I’m not afraid to work hard. I either put all in or nothing at all. So if I believe in a story enough, I will embrace it wholeheartedly and put in the time and work to make it happen.

What weaknesses do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?

While my type definitely pushes me to do my best, it can also hinder me. My desire for perfection can cause me to procrastinate and avoid writing for days on end. Fear of what people will think can keep me from sharing my work or asking for help. I try to do as much editing as I possibly can before showing other people. And because I already have a strong inner critic, I tend to take even constructive criticism personally. Sometimes I can spend days worrying over what someone’s said about my writing, even if it was helpful.

Do you think your type impacts how you create characters?

Oh yes! I tend to create characters with my own personality type or similar type (Maybe I should change that . . .) My protagonists especially are often quiet, responsible and hardworking people who strive to please those around them. I have a hard time writing characters who are flighty and have no thought of how their actions affect others.

Do you think it impacts how you worldbuild?

Maybe a little. I do like all my information to be arranged in neat lists and categories. I plan everything in my world down to the last detail (which can be frustrating sometimes because it feels like it’s never quite complete). I also stress a lot over things like names, wanting them to be both aesthetically pleasing and make sense in the story. But usually, worldbuilding is one area I allow myself a little more freedom to just create.

Do you think it impacts how you outline?

Definitely. I’m a very organized and detail-oriented person, so I must have an outline before I can start writing. My outlines can be long and very detailed, but I’m also not afraid to branch off a little if an aspect of the outline isn’t working. But even if it’s just a general outline, I still need a plan before I start. Else I feel like I don’t have a concrete goal to work toward.

Do you think it impacts your prose or writing style?

Hmm, I haven’t really thought about it before. Honestly, I don’t think too much. In the past, I tended to be more descriptive and use big words. But lately, I’ve experimented with the shorter, choppier style too. Usually, I just go with whatever sounds best to me, whether it’s technically grammatically correct or not.

Do you find that many of your protagonists are a similar type to yours, or very different?

As I said before, my protagonists are often very similar to me because it’s easiest for me to write about my type. If I write a character who is completely different from me, I really have to dig into his personality and background to wrap my head around him. But yes, when a character first pops into my head, he’s usually a lot like me.

If you have a strong wing, how does it impact your writing process, if at all?

My strongest wing is type 9 (the Peacemaker). I can’t think of any big ways it really affects my writing, except maybe that my desire to avoid conflict keeps me from sharing my work very often. But besides that, I don’t think it affects my writing process all that much.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process (plotting, writing, editing)?

Plotting is probably my most favorite, although I also enjoy editing—to an extent! I love exploring an idea, planning it out, and working out plot problems. My least favorite part is the actual writing. Because the story never comes out exactly how I imagined it in my head, my perfectionist self gets so frustrated.

What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the writing craft (setting, characters, theme, plot, prose, etc.)?

Is it okay for me to love all of them? I enjoy each of these aspects in one way or another, although characters are my absolute favorite. I especially love coming up with unique backstories and names to go along with each character. I could browse name generators and baby name books for hours looking for the right name! As for my least favorite aspect, I would probably have to go with prose. It takes a lot of work to come up with an interesting way to say something that flows well and makes sense.

Do you have any writing “rituals” (drinking tea, lighting a candle, putting on music) to get you in the mood to write?

Before I start writing, I like to look at my Pinterest boards of my story to get me in the mood. Sometimes I put on instrumental background music and occasionally epic music for certain scenes. But music also distracts me sometimes, so usually I’m good with just a quiet, secluded corner, a comfy chair, and a little bit of lamplight or candlelight.

What most inspires you to write?

Reading great stories written by other people! It was reading wonderfully deep and beautiful stories that first fired my imagination and made me want to be a writer. So whenever I finish an amazing book, read a well-crafted poem, or watch a gripping movie, it inspires me to give other people that same experience.

What is your reason for writing?

When I was younger, I read books to escape people and the pressures around me. In books, I could be myself. In books, I could forget my insecurities, my fears, and later—as I became a teenager—the painfulness of maturing into an adult while still being considered a child. I write to give teens that same escape. I write to remind them that God meets them where they are. Jesus accepts every one of us, along with all our imperfections. We are deeply and completely loved, no matter our faults. And yet, I also write to inspire teens that they can become better people, they can change the world, and they can make a difference, though they may feel inadequate. Most of all, I write to give hope in a dark and suffering world.

Anything else you want to share?

To those who are perfectionists like me: I just want to encourage you to never give up. There will be many times when you feel discouraged, like nothing you ever write will be good enough, but keep writing. Every day you show up and write, you’re improving. Growing. Learning. Getting closer and closer toward your goal of becoming a great writer. Though your words may be imperfect, they are inspiring someone somewhere. So don’t stop. Keep at it, even when your inner critic is screaming in your ear. Even when you feel crippled by self-doubt. Your efforts do count for something, even if it feels like they fall short. God will be your strength, if you’ll only lean on Him. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps. 73:26).

About Kristianne

Kristianne Hassman is a seventeen-year-old Christian author who is slightly obsessed with books, fantasy worlds, and personality types. A missionary kid with a strong love for traveling, she writes stories about girls conquering their fears and changing the world. She currently lives in the beautiful country of South Africa with her parents, four younger siblings, and German shepherd dog. When she’s not writing, you can find her playing her violin or more recently, blogging at WhimsicalWanderings.com. You can also connect with her on Instagram and Pinterest.

The post Enneagram Authors: Type 1 – The Reformer appeared first on Scribes & Archers.

January 2021 Wrap-Up

Writing

I’ve edited 29 chapters of Calligraphy Guild this month! Which is to say approximately a draft and a half. I’m well on-course to complete my self-edits by the end of February, which will free me up to send it to sensitivity readers and betas shortly! (If you’re interested in beta-reading, you’ll need to sign up to my street team list! I’ll be taking volunteers on my next email.)

I’ve done some other scattered writing this month, including some random fluff scenes, revising a short story, and prepping for an upcoming project. And I’ve been getting blog content in order, including my editing series this month and a 3-month series to start next week! Since I’m hoping to be gone over the summer, I’m trying to get ahead and make sure I have content to cover the time I’m gone, which starts with freeing up the spring to work on it. I’m super excited about this upcoming series and it’s been a lot of fun to put together!

ReadingGiants: Sons of the Gods by Douglas Van DornGod Against the Gods by Brian GodawaThe Fabric of Faithfulness by Steven GarberWomen of the Word by Jen WilkinNorse Mythology by Neil GaimanA Teen’s Guide to Getting Stuff Done by Jennifer ShannonThe Last Battle by C.S. LewisThe Surprising Imagination of C.S. Lewis by Jerry Root and Mark NeilWatson and Holmes by E.B. Dawson

Two-thirds of my reading this month has been non-fiction, but it’s been a good line-up. I’ve learned a lot, and there’s been a lot for me to incorporate into my worldbuilding.

Norse Mythology was a lot of fun. Most of the stories were familiar, but it was clear that Gaiman enjoys the mythology, so it felt like mutual appreciation for the myths and it was really enjoyable to read.

Watson and Holmes was also good, and I appreciated the importance of the worldbuilding. I find that space-based fantasy can often treat alien races just like humans with a paint job, but Dawson spent an early section of the book establishing the different cultures and interactions of the alien races on Linden and it was really cool to read. The parallels with Sherlock Holmes were also well-done.

I also have five books I’m currently reading:

Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. LewisMalfunction by J.E. PurrazziNew Worlds: Year One by Marie BrennanLove Riot by Sara Barrattand Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

All of these have been great so far! New Worlds and Mistborn have been especially great. New Worlds explores some worldbuilding elements I hadn’t thought about and deepens some I had, and Brennan–due, I’m sure, to her background in anthropology–clearly understands the importance of details and what they mean for culture. Mistborn is my first foray into Sanderson’s work, and I definitely understand the hype! I’ve also gotten through it more quickly than I expected, and I’m starting to think that putting off Sanderson’s books due to their size was a silly move. XD I’m buddy-reading Mistborn, so I’m still just at the end of Part One, but I’m super excited to read more!

Other

I’ve been working through a CLEP prep course for U.S. History I and I finished today! So I’ll be taking the actual CLEP test shortly and moving on to U.S. History II. I have a total of six CLEP tests I want to prep for following this first one, which ought to keep me busy for a while. XD I’m trying to get as much of my general ed out of the way as I can before leaving this summer, so that I can focus on work and travel and Calligraphy Guild for the next year and a half or so without having to worry about too much college prep at the same time.

I’m also working on a project currently that I’m hoping to release in a month or two. I won’t share too much yet, but it’s worldbuilding-related and I’m really excited to share it.

And that’s about it for this month!

Plans for FebruaryFinishing self-edits on Calligraphy GuildContinuing upcoming projectStudyingReadingWorldbuildingPrepping future blog posts

Your turn! How has your month been? What’s been your best read this month? Any plans for February? I’d love to hear from you!