Q&A ~ With Booknut

[Zohal, Co-Moderator]

Have you ever been to tutoring?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Isabelle wrote: "Have you ever been to tutoring?"

Me personally? No. But a lot of my friends and classmates did, and they found it a great way to build confidence in subjects where they were unsure of their skills, etc. Maths was a big subject for tutoring, and the girls who did go to tutoring for it, often topped the class.

I never really felt like I needed tutoring (my mother is an ex-highschool teacher and she'd 'tutor' me if I required help), but I highly recommend it as a way to become more confident in a subject :)

[Aurora, Co-Moderator]

Thanks for the tips booknut! :D
Time management is definitely something I need to work on :/

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Aurora wrote: "Thanks for the tips booknut! :D
Time management is definitely something I need to work on :/"

You're welcome! And don't worry - it's a constant battle for me, too!

[Zohal, Co-Moderator]

Are you bilingual?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

I can speak three languages - English, Lebanese and French (though my French is a bit spotty!). I also took Latin classes in highschool, and am currently taking an Egyptian Hieroglyphs course at university :)

[Zohal, Co-Moderator]

Booknut wrote: "I can speak three languages - English, Lebanese and French (though my French is a bit spotty!). I also took Latin classes in highschool, and am currently taking an Egyptian Hieroglyphs course at un..."

Ooh awesome!

[L]

Sounds fantastic! :)

[Zohal, Co-Moderator]

Hey Booknut! :)

I was wondering if you had any tips on Creative Writing such as motivation, story outlining or just the way in which you go about your writing process?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

@Isabelle: Of course! I'd be more than happy to share the tips that I have :)

For inspiration:

There are many sources of inspiration for creative writing - and they differ depending on what you're exposed to, your personal experiences and what you're hoping to achieve.

Some good starting points are:

- The news. This was a tip given to me by an English teacher of mine - to either grab a newspaper/magazine/(my preferred method) go online and search for weird/interesting stories in the news. These can be great inspiration for a story, a plot, or even an incident that could be the starting point of your story (e.g. a woman surviving a terrible accident, etc.)

- Family history. Maybe it's just me but I find that family members (especially the elderly) are the best sources you could ask for! Try sitting down with some of the older members of your family (aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.) and asking them about their childhoods/about their lives. I know that I have more than one creative writing story that was inspired by the tales of my grandfather's life. Sometimes other people's lives can provide writers with golden snippets of inspiration.

- Mind maps. Grab a dictionary/thesaurus/simply pick one word. Place that word in the middle of a page and start mind-mapping! I find this is one of the best methods of motivating oneself to start writing. Add words to the mind-map that the original word brings to mind (e.g. your starting word is 'sorrow' - and you add words coming from it like 'grief', 'death', 'accident', 'not her fault', 'raining', 'driving at night'...and slowly the story will start coming together.)

For motivation:

Ah. Motivation. The elusive friend of writers everywhere!

Motivation can come in a variety of forms:

- Re-reading what you've already written (can clear your mind and remind you of where you'd picture the story going/give you new ideas)
- Mind-maps
- The Skip-Write-Return Method (a method I use all the time! Skip the section you're stuck on, start writing the part of the story that comes afterwards, and then return to the original section and join the two sections together)
- Pep talks (Vent. Let it all out and talk to someone about your frustrations! Maybe they can help you get rid of your writer's block/encourage you)

Story outlining:

Everyone - well, most people - at some point or another has been given that charming sheet with 'Story Outline' written in bold lettering at the top of the page! That's where I suggest you start.

1.) Draw up a basic story outline:

Grab a blank page and draw up sections for:
- Characters
- Introduction
- Plot
- Complication
- Resolution

Then fill these out.

2.) Play time!

You don't want your story to be 'basic', though, so it's time to play with your structure! Try mixing the order (e.g. putting the resolution at the beginning, or getting rid of the resolution altogether. Maybe even introducing the complication at the very beginning or having the complication flow into your 'resolution' creating a cliffhanger).

Playing with the basic narrative structure will give your story a unique spin.

2.) Genre/style:

Before you put pen to paper/fingers to the computer keys, you need to decide on a genre &/ style for your story.

- Is it going to be in the style of an interview/diary/transcript/poem/etc.?
- Is it going to be one form/style the whole way through? Or are you going to interweave lyrics/poetry/interview through it?

Once you decide, you need to tailor you unique structure you created in Step 2 to your form/style.

3.) Mind-map:

Grab your structure and start plotting! Your structure only states the basics - it's time to fill in the gaps.

- Add character flaws/likes and dislikes/backstories next to their names.
- Write down names of places/deities/etc.
- Have a complication? Then what is it/who does it involve/who knows about it/who does it effect?

4.) Start writing:

Now you have your structure and your details, you can start writing!

To inspire me further, I normally try to come up with the name of the story and I'll sometimes even play around and create a mock-cover for the 'book'. This way your cover/title can provide added inspiration to how your plot will play out.

I hope these help! If you have anymore questions feel free to ask :)

[Zohal, Co-Moderator]

Booknut wrote: "@Isabelle: Of course! I'd be more than happy to share the tips that I have :)

For inspiration:

There are many sources of inspiration for creative writing - and they differ depending on what you'r..."

Thanks so much! This really helps! :) :D

[Sarah]

Are you a fast reader? Sorry, you might answer this already.

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Kitty, YA Princess:) wrote: "Are you a fast reader? Sorry, you might answer this already."

Hmm...honestly, I'd have to say I'm a fast reader most of the time but not one of the fastest readers I know. I can read a book really fast if it's engaging, and I'm intrigued by it. Some books won't capture my full attention, and it takes me longer to read them.

And sometimes I like to savour a book and not read it as quickly as possible. Often I slow down my reading for books I review as well, so I can highlight quotes to use, and get a fuller picture of the book so I can write up a worthy review.

[Sarah]

Cool thanks:)

[Zohal, Co-Moderator]

How do you keep yourself motivated? I always try to create new study habits and it usually falls out after a while. How do you keep the momentum when it comes to study habits?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

@Isabelle: It's really a trial and error process. Over the years, by trying out various study habits, you find the one/ones that suit you the best.

My advice is to find a study regime that doesn't take away from your life. Something that allows you to complete your work and do the things you enjoy - a healthy balance. For example, I set aside a certain period of time each day that is for homework only. That period of time is broken up by a 1-2 hour break in the middle where I watch a TV show episode/read a book.

Keeping motivated isn't possible if you're pining after things all the time. You'll get distracted easily - and bored.

So treat yourself, or set up a reward system. If you have 5/6 pieces of homework to complete, set a timer (for e.g. 30 minutes). Aim to get 1/2 or more of the pieces done during that time. If you meet that goal, reward yourself with (for e.g.) 30 minutes of reading. Then go back and finish the rest and reward yourself for finishing all the work afterwards, etc.

Motivation also comes from your environment. Have an open, light environment to study in. If you don't get distracted by it, I highly recommend having classical music playing softly in the background. Make your study space a place you want to spend time in...not a dungeon! You'll be surprised by how much it helps.

If you're afraid of getting distracted, don't allow any electronics in that study space. For e.g. if I'm working on the computer, I'll turn off the wifi so I can't access the Internet.

The worst case scenario, you fall out of the study habit. Tweak it, alter it and try again. Soon you'll start to fall into a pattern of what works for you.

I hope this helps!! :)

[Zohal, Co-Moderator]

Booknut wrote: "@Isabelle: It's really a trial and error process. Over the years, by trying out various study habits, you find the one/ones that suit you the best.

My advice is to find a study regime that doesn'..."

Thanks! :) This really helps. :)

[Jay]

Have you caught up on TVD.

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

@Jay: Not as of yet, no.

[L]

How do you make time for everything that you do! This includes reading, Goodreads groups (as Mod), blogs, study etc. ?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Lucinda wrote: "How do you make time for everything that you do! This includes reading, Goodreads groups (as Mod), blogs, study etc. ?"

*laughs* I can't count the number of times I've been asked this question - & it's funny, because I can never answer it, really! I have no idea how I do it. I think the best way to describe it is that I'm always in the middle of a juggling act. Uni work, family stuff, my blog, reviewing, Goodreads...I give a little time to each every day. Sometimes I fall behind in one, sometimes I spend a lot of time on one that needs more attention. To me, it's a miracle! And hopefully I'll continue to juggle the many duties I have successfully :)

[L]

:) *laughs* all the best with everything!

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Thanks Lucinda! *hugs*

[Jay]

Are you going to see The Amazing Spider-Man 2?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

@Jay: I have a really busy uni schedule, but hopefully I'll find time to go and see it :)

[Jay]

Booknut wrote: "@Jay: I have a really busy uni schedule, but hopefully I'll find time to go and see it :)"

Yeah
I hope you get to see it

[Jay]

What did you think about The Amazing Spider-Man?

[Zohal, Co-Moderator]

How was it like doing subject selections for transition from Year 10 to Year 11?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "What did you think about The Amazing Spider-Man?"

Loved it!

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Isabelle wrote: "How was it like doing subject selections for transition from Year 10 to Year 11?"

It was a little scary, to be honest. Unlike a lot of the people in my grade, I had no idea what I wanted to do in the future...which made choosing subjects a lot harder. In the end, I chose to select subjects that catered to my strengths and interests. I firmly believe that you will do better in something you like doing, than you would doing something you're not particularly interested in.

[Jay]

What do you think about StarCrossed being cancelled?

[Jay]

Do you plan to see the new transformers movie?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "What do you think about StarCrossed being cancelled?"

Disappointing. I would have liked to have seen where they were going w/ the series.

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Do you plan to see the new transformers movie?"

I would have to catch up on the previous ones, first.

[Jay]

Are you excited about season finale of OUAT?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Are you excited about season finale of OUAT?"

Yes. I can't wait to see it once I'm fully caught up.

[Jay]

What do you think about The Wicked Witch from OUAT?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "What do you think about The Wicked Witch from OUAT?"

That she definitely lives up to her name!

[Sarah]

Have you seen captain America?!?!

[Sarah]

Are you religious? If you don't mind me asking

[Jay]

Do you plan to see X-Men: Days of Future Past?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Kitty wrote: "Have you seen captain America?!?!"

Yes I have! I love that movie <3

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Kitty wrote: "Are you religious? If you don't mind me asking"

No, I don't mind at all :)

To answer your question, I am religious - I'm actually a Catholic. However, I love learning about other religions & appreciate them all equally <3

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Jay wrote: "Do you plan to see X-Men: Days of Future Past?"

I'd love to! However, I have TONNES of uni work to do! Maybe when my winter break comes up, I'll get the chance. But until then it's work, work, work!

[Jay]

What do think about Alaric Saltzman coming back in season 6 of TVD?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

I think it's definitely exciting!

[Jay]

Booknut wrote: "Jay wrote: "Do you plan to see X-Men: Days of Future Past?"

I'd love to! However, I have TONNES of uni work to do! Maybe when my winter break comes up, I'll get the chance. But until then it's wor..."

The movie was awesome

[L]

What film to book adaptation are you looking forward to seeing @ the cinema?

[Booknut, Head Moderator]

Lucinda wrote: "What film to book adaptation are you looking forward to seeing @ the cinema?"

Definitely TFIOS!

[[deleted user]]

Personally, I'm looking forward to "If I Stay" which may or may not have already come out. I've been to busy with school to know. Hahahahahahahaha. Have you read "If I Stay" slash seen the movie if it's already out?