The Project Inspire Tag

I found this tag and instantly knew that I had to do it. I don’t do enough shout-outs to awesome people, so hopefully this will make up for that.

I generally suck at writing intos for tags, so let’s just jump right in!

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The Rules

1. Thank and link back to whose blog you first saw the tag on. That would be over on Nicole’s blog, Legend of a Writer.
2. Answer the questions given. (When you mention a person in your answers, link to their blog/website if they have one.)
3. Include 5 of the biggest things you’ve learned about writing and how they’ve changed you.
4. Don’t tag anybody.

The Questions

Who’s someone who’s inspired and motivated you to pursue writing?

Oh goodness, there are so many. But to keep this from becoming a crazy long list, I’ll just stick with my amazing parents. They have always inspired me to pursue whatever makes my heart soar (so long as it’s also glorifying to God). My parents are so supportive and I could never have made it this far without them.

Who encouraged you when you felt like giving up?

Honestly? Everyone. You guys, my family, my friends, whichever author I’m currently reading… When I feel like giving up, I find support and encouragement all around me.

Was there a person (or even a blog post) that came at just the right time to give you a boost or motivation when you needed it?

Um, basically every single post and video by Abbie Emmons. Her writing tips always come at the perfect time and she’s just so inspirational. So if you don’t already, go follow her.

Who’s always been there for you, through thick and thin with your writing?

God.

I know this is such a cliche and cheesy answer, but it’s true. Without Him, I never would have had my first novel idea. Without Him, I never would have had the courage to sit down and type out my first novella. Without Him, I never would have had the guts to stand up to my English professor and proclaim that yes, being an author is really what I want to do with my life. Without Him…I never would have had the hope that maybe I can do this.

Who’s helped you make your writing better, wasn’t afraid to give you honest feedback, and helped improve your craft?

My high school writing teacher was really the one responsible for teaching me how to craft words. She pushed me to become the best writer I could be and without her, I don’t know if I would have ever pursued writing creatively.

I also have to say my old high school friend who, for a while, was the first person to ever see a lot of my then-current writing. She always gave me brutally honest feedback and I could trust her to point out the flaws in my logic.

Who’s given you doses of healthy laughter that brightens your day and brings a smile to your face?

My sister. She is forever my partner-in-crime and I couldn’t ask for a better late-night-anime-binging partner. We laugh every day and I love her so, so much.

What’s your favorite inspirational quote?

I can’t choose just one, which is why I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to this exact question. But here are some of my top picks.

Is there someone you just want to take a moment to thank, for anything?

My best friend, Sam. She is so inspirational and I could not write stories without her unending support and love. ❤

Also my cat, Angel, for putting up with me when I lay on my bed with my laptop and ruin his naptime.

What author and/or book inspired you to write better stories and motivate you to strive to give your message to the world?

Neal Shusterman. His writing is just so incredible and I literally dream about creating stories like Challenger Deep and Bruiser.

What piece of advice do you want to give to other writers?

I hate this question because it forces me to decide which piece of advice is most important. But because I’m feeling good today, I’ll play by the rules.

1. Don’t listen to writing advice. A lot of it is too subjective for it to work for all writers.
2. It’s okay if you don’t write every day. I don’t, and sometimes those days off are needed for other things like self-care, family time, and adultish responsibilities.
3. Finally, write what you want to write. Don’t worry about whether or not it’s within the parameters of a specific genre because genres can be mixed! Don’t stress if it’s 110k long, you can edit later. Write what makes you happy and keeps you passionate.

The 5 Big Things I’ve Learned

1. Writing is hard…
2. Inspiration likes to run away and leave me stranded more than I’d like to admit.
3. Balancing a writing life with every other area of life is a nightmare.
4. Someone, somewhere, will always find something wrong with what you create.
5. Your life will always slip into the things you write, even if it’s subconsciously.

Let’s Talk!

Who inspires you to create and do what you love? Let’s spread some support in the comments and talk about the people who motivate us. ❤