Story Idea Writing Tag

Hi everyone!

I haven’t done a tag in a while, so I searched WordPress and found this one. As usual, I tag anyone who wishes to answer the questions. 😊

☆Found on Janet Barry’s blog, A Writer’s Thoughts.☆

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CURRENT STORY:

What is your current story idea that you’re working on right now?

I’m still working on Alter Reach. I’ll share my teaser blurb, so you can get an idea of what it is about:

In A journey to recover their lost memories, twins, Marci and Alyson, must return to a world they were forced to forget, and fight a battle they didn’t know was coming.

SPARK OF INSPIRATION:

Do your ideas begin with characters, plot, world building, or something else entirely?

Alter Reach began with world building. I had a crazy dream about a magical world that could only be accessed through a tunnel system underneath a silo on an abandoned farm. That was the foundation, and that part hasn’t changed.

BRAINSTORM:

How do you puzzle piece your story elements together? Do you start with the ending and make your way to the beginning or vice versa?

I started at the beginning of Alter Reach, because of the dream I’ve had. It’s taken me quite a while to come up with an ending that I’m satisfied with.

KEEP OR TOSS:

How do you know when you want to keep or dump a story idea?

I’m not the greatest multi-tasker when it comes to writing. I keep a journal of other ideas as they come, but I don’t throw them out. I just save them all, and work on the one that calls to me.

ORIGINAL IDEA:

How much of your original idea for your story is actually used once everything is finished?

For Alter Reach, the foundation has been the same through the entire writing process. However, the rest has changed over and over.

HIDE OR SHARE:

Do you share your book ideas with friends or keep them a secret?

I share with certain people. I’m not the most outgoing, so if I don’t feel comfortable, I don’t bring it up.

DREAM:

Have any of your book ideas originated with a dream/nightmare?

Yup. It’s where a lot of my ideas spark from. I often have vivid dreams and nightmares. If I can remember it, I write it down…even if it’s just a fragment.

DOPPLEGANGER:

Have you ever had an idea for a story but then see a similar premise in a book/tv-show/movie?

Alter Reach is semi-similar to many different things in the fantasy world, but it is unique enough that I don’t think anyone is going to say that I reminds them of one thing in particular.

BIG SCREEN INSPIRATION:

Have any of your favorite movies/tv shows sparked ideas for scenes in your book?

Absolutely. I draw inspiration from all sorts of places.

NOSTALGIA:

What’s the oldest/first story idea you remember coming up with/writing down?

I’ve shared it in my Early Writing posts. It’s called The Mouse and the Bear. I wrote short stories all the time. I’ve loved writing since I was able to write.

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My husband had Monday off, so we are spending the long weekend together. I have my second opinion, Rheumatologist appointment on Monday. I’m trying to stay positive while also keep my expectations low. Not sure what we will do this weekend, but sometimes that’s more fun.

What are your plans for the weekend?

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3 Quotes, 3 Days (Day 3)

Hi everyone!

Last day for the quote tag. I have a doctor’s appointment today. Fingers crossed this one has an idea.

For my last quote, I chose one from my favorite movie, The Wizard of Oz.

Have a great day.

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Anything But Books Tag

Hi everyone!

Happy Thursday. My abdominal pain has been flaring up, unfortunately. That hasn’t been fun, but hopefully this medicine will help.

Quick post today. Enjoy 😊

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Name a cartoon that you love.

Rugrats! I’ll always love Rugrats.

What is your favorite song right now?

Hm. It changes a lot, but I’m going to go with The River by Jordan Feliz.

What could you do for hours that isn’t read?

Binge watch things on Netflix or Hulu, haha.

What is your favorite unnecessarily specific thing to learn about?

Forgive me, but I’m not sure how to answer this question.

What is something unusual that you know how to do?

I don’t really think I know how to do anything unusual. I’m boring.

Name something you made in the last year.

What is your most recent project?

Alter Reach is the only thing I’ve been focusing on for quite a while.

Tell us something that you think about often?

Being a successful author! 😊

Name something that is your favorite.

Hm. I have a lot of favorites, so I’ll tell you my favorite color is orange.

Type the first thing that pops into your head.

Candle

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As usual, I tag anyone who would like to do this. Just let me know that you did so I can read your answers.

Have a great day. 😊

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The Intimidating TBR Tag

Hi everyone!

Happy weekend. It’s been a crazy week, but hubby and I took Monday off, so I’m excited to have a three day weekend.

I haven’t done a tag in a while, and thought this would be fun. I found this one here. As usual, if you’d like to do the tag, go for it! Let me know so I can read your answers. 😊

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1. A book on your TBR pile that you haven’t finished.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas. I’m about half way through, but I recently agreed to read and review a couple of books, so I put this one on the back burner so I could focus. I have one more to read and review, and then I’ll be back to this one.

2. A book you just haven’t had the time to read for.

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor. I’m so mad I haven’t finished this one. I loved the first two, and I can’t wait to find out the end, but I just haven’t had time.

3. A book you haven’t read because it’s a sequel.

I will choose Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo for this one. I’m definitely getting there. I need to write my Six of Crows review.

4. A book you haven’t read because it’s brand new.

I’m going to say Origin by Dan Brown. It’s the newest book on my shelf, so I’m going with it.

5. A book by and author you read previously but didn’t really like.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth. I’m not really a fan of Divergent, so I’m not sure how much time I really want to dedicate to the other books.

6. A book on your TBR pile that you’re just not in the mood to read.

I guess for this I will go with Gone by Michael Grant. I bought it at a used bookstore, and now I’m just not that excited to read it. I’ll probably read it someday.

7. A book on your TBR pile that you haven’t read because it’s enormous.

I’m really disappointed to say Gemina by Aime Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. However, I’ve been listening to the audio book to and from work, and on lunch break, so I’m making time. It’s so good, but it’s also big. Haha.

8. A book on your TBR you bought because of the cover.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer. I really didn’t need to read the blurb, I just wanted the pretty cover. Haha.

9. The book on your TBR you find the most intimidating.

Creation Basics & Beyond by Various authors at ICR. This one is a science book, and while I’m not really great at science, I really want to dig into it. It’s just intimidating. I’ve read a bit of it, but it takes time for my brain to process in the info.

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That’s all I have for you today. What are you currently reading? Let me know in the comments!

I hope you enjoy your weekend!

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How I Read – Tag

Hi Everyone! I hope you’re having a great weekend so far. I’m still not feeling great, but working on Alter Reach, regardless. Slow progress is better than no progress.

I’m doing the How I Read Tag, which I found here.  As always, I tag anyone who would like to participate. Just make sure you let me know so I can read your answers. 🙂

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1. How do you find out about new books to read?

Booktube, WordPress reviews, and GoodReads.

2. How did you get into reading?

I missed the Harry Potter train when I was younger (I read them later in life). I wasn’t much of a reader as a kid, though I did always want to write. I didn’t really start reading as much as I do now, until Twilight came around. Then when Hunger Games was released, I really started filling my bookshelf.

3. How has your taste in books changed as you’ve gotten older?

I think my love of reading has increased rather than my taste in books. I’ve always loved Fantasy and Sci-fi, and that hasn’t changed. I will branch out a bit more now that I’m older and read some Contemporary and other genres.

4. How often do you buy books?

I try not to go crazy, but when a book is released or I hear about a book I’m interested in, I tend to buy it.

5. How did you get into Book blogging?

I started this blog to promote myself as an author and create a platform, so when Alter Reach is published, I’ll have some place to start. I enjoy reviewing books, and various other topics, so a blog made sense. I’ve been thinking about a YouTube channel, but that isn’t a solid plan yet.

6. How do you react when you don’t like the end of a book?

Eh. It happens. If it’s a poorly written end, then I tend to avoid that author. If it’s just not how I wanted it to end, then I move on with my life.

7. How often have you taken a sneaky look at the back page of a book to see if it’s a happy ending?

I’ve honestly never done this. I like the suprise of an ending and would be less likely to actually read the book if I knew the ending. (Unless I’m re-reading.)

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That’s all I have for you today, back to writing for me. What’s on the agenda for you this weekend? Let me know in the comments.

Just a little house keeping note – I changed my Twitter and Instagram handles to @jessica_rachow. Facebook stayed the same because @jessica_rachow wasn’t available. I did this because I am trying to make my online presence more consistant. When I first started writing Alter Reach, I wasn’t even sure I’d get to the editing stage, let alone consider publishing options. @jessicainspired was just a name that came to me because I was inspired to follow my dreams. Now that I am actually doing that, and I’m thinking about my brand, this change made sense to me. 🙂

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: @jessica_rachow
Instagram: @jessica_rachow
Facebook: @authorjessicarachow

 

 

Halloween Book Tag

HAPPY (ALMOST) HALLOWEEN! 👻

Before we get started, I just wanted to say thank you so much for the support! You guys are great. If you haven’t already, click here to enter my 100 Followers Giveaway for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!

I love this time of year. I was going to wait until tomorrow to post this, but I couldn’t, so in honor of Halloween, I wanted to do a fun tag. I found this one here.

Stay tuned to the end of this post for a photo of my Halloween costume (I didn’t get the best photos from the Halloween party I went to the other night, but you’ll get the idea.)

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Favorite Horror Book? 

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King. I’ve loved every Stephen King book I’ve read, but something about Salem’s Lot stuck with me. 

Scariest moment in a book you’ve read?

I don’t really want to spoil, and I can’t say this is the absolute scariest moment, but there was a scene in The Call by Peadar O’Guilin that made me turn the light on.

Have you dressed up as a book character for Halloween?

No. I tried to be Lara Croft from Tomb Raider once and ended up looking like a mix of Katniss from the Hunger Games and an unknown character from the Walking Dead. Last year, I dressed up as a book nerd though. That was cool.

What do you think your favorite fictional character would dress up as for Halloween?

Good question. Damon from the Vampire Diaries would probably go out as himself, and no one would question it.

What is your favorite type of horror (gore, psychological, etc.)?

I want a good story, and I want to be scared. I’m not a huge gore fan – I find movies like Saw to be unbearable, so you won’t find me watching the new Jigsaw movie. But, as long as there isn’t ridiculous amounts of gore, I’m in.

Recommend some Halloween Reads!

Anything Stephen King. The Call by Peadar O’Guilin is pretty fun so far.

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Per usual, I tag anyone who wants to do the tag. Just let me know you did it, so I can read your responses!

Here’s my costume (I might wear this to work tomorrow!):

I love orange, and if I didn’t have a day job, I might just actually do this to my hair. Haha! The rest of the costume wasn’t pictured very well, so I won’t share the photos… but it was a black shirt, orange tutu, black and orange stockings and orange shoes. 😁

Are you dressing up? What will your costume be?

Thank you again for the support. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway. 😊

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: @jessica_rachow
Instagram: @jessica_rachow
Facebook: @authorjessicarachow

 

Writing Rituals Tag

Happy Friday! 😎

Quick, fun writing tag because I haven’t done one in a while. As always, I tag anyone who wants to participate. Just let me know in the comments so I can ready your response.

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When do you write? (Time of day, day of week)

Mostly in the afternoon, after work. I try to write something every day, except on Sunday.

How do you seclude yourself from the outside world?

It’s difficult in an apartment, but I have my own corner in the living room with a desk. I just have to force myself to stay off Twitter.

How do you review what you wrote the previous day?

I have a bad habit of editing as I go, so I’m constantly reading what I wrote and changing things. It’s why my process is slower than I’d like.

What song is your go to when you’re feeling uninspired?

I listen to a lot of instrumental music when writing. Songs with lyrics distract me. I don’t have a particular song that gets me out of a writing slump though.

What do you do when you find yourself struggling with writer’s block?

I step away and read a book or watch a tv show/movie.

What tools do you use when writing?

I have a couple go-to books that help when I’m struggling to find words. I have the emotions thesaurus and a book with writing prompts.

What is one thing you can’t live without during a writing session?

Chocolate.

How do you fuel yourself when writing?

Chocolate. 😎

How do you know when you’re done writing?

I don’t really have an answer for this question. I’m finished writing when I’m finished. It’s not the same every night.

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That’s all I have for you today. What are your weekend plans?

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: @jessica_rachow
Instagram: @jessica_rachow
Facebook: @authorjessicarachow

 

Finally Fall Book Tag!

Hi there!

Happy Wednesday. I wanted to do this tag because I love fall. I found it here.

Quick announcement: I’m almost to 100 followers! That is my first goal of many for this blog, and as soon as I hit 100, I plan to do a giveaway. Stay tuned for that! 😊

1. In fall, the air is crisp and clear: name a book with a vivid setting!

I’m going to go with Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor. The world building in this one is fantastic, and the setting is super vivid!

2. Nature is beautiful… but also dying: name a book that is beautifully written, but also deals with a heavy topic like loss or grief.

I’m picking My Story by Elizabeth Smart. Very heavy, written by a very strong woman.

3. Fall is back to school season: share a non-fiction book that taught you something new.

How to Make a Living as a Writing – James Scott Bell

4. In order to keep warm, it’s good to spend some time with the people we love: name a fictional family/household/friend-group that you’d like to be a part of.

Harry, Ron & Hermione will be a popular answer for this, but I’m going with it because it’s true.

5. The nights are getting darker: share a dark, creepy read.

The Call by Peadar O’Guilin. Review coming soon, but it’s a creepy one!

6. The days are getting colder: name a short, heartwarming read that could warm up somebody’s cold and rainy day.

I’m lame. I don’t really have a suggestion for this. Most short stories I’ve read have been creepy, haha.

7. Fall returns every year: name an old favorite that you’d like to return to soon.

I’ve been wanting to re-read The Hunger Games series.

8. Fall is the perfect time for cozy reading nights: share your favorite cozy reading “accessories”!

Blanket and warm pumpkin spice chai latte. 🙂

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As usual, I tag anyone who wants to participate, just let me know so I can read your answers.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: @jessica_rachow
Instagram: @jessica_rachow
Facebook: @authorjessicarachow

 

All Hallows Write Tag

Hello! I hope you’re all having a great Monday (as great as a Monday can be).

I wanted to take quick second to say my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by these terrible tragedies (hurricanes, shootings, etc.).

I found this tag here. I love Fall and Halloween is my favorite. I am excited to do a Halloween themed tag, and you can be sure it won’t be my last this month.

The Rules:
#1 – Provide a BRIEF description of your novel before starting.

#2 – Don’t use the same character for more than 3 answers.

Brief Description of Alter Reach: Twins, Marci and Alyson journey to a world they were forced to forget and fight a battle they didn’t know was coming.

The Questions:

1. It’s Halloween night! What is your protagonist dressed up as?

Marci would probably be dressed up as

2. Who in your cast refuses to dress up and shows up to the Halloween party without a costume?

Astrid. She would find the entire idea of dressing up absurd, and she would probably spend the entire night scowling in the corner.

3. Which character wears the most outrageous costume, and what would it be?

Faelyn would find a way to be a dragon. She’d light an arrow on fire and pretend breathe fire at Zeke.

4. On Halloween, werewolves, vampires, and zombies are on the prowl. Which one of your characters gets caught in their clutches and which creature do they subsequently turn into.

Alyson would most certainly fall for a vampire’s seduction and become one. She’s a gullible one.

5. Who wins the contest for best costume?

Braston. He could come as himself and everyone would vote for him because he’s that awesome.

6. Who hands out toothbrushes to trick and treaters?

Eloise. She would be muttering about how terrible candy is.

7. Which two of your characters decide to pair up and do an angel/devil costume?

Jade would force Zeke to wear the devil costume and parade around telling everyone how angelic she is.

8. Someone is too scared to even attend the Halloween party. Who is it?

Hmm. Good question. Maybe Al. Only because he wouldn’t want to be seen by Zeke.

9. Who overdoses on Halloween candy and ends up sick.

Pierce, because he is doing anything to avoid the annoyed chatter of Astrid.

10. Which character is most likely to place a curse on someone and who would they curse?

Astrid. She hates this party, and she’d definitely curse Marci.

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I tag anyone who wants to do the tag. Just let me know in the comments below so I can read your answers.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: @jessica_rachow
Instagram: @jessica_rachow
Facebook: @authorjessicarachow

 

Bookish Scenarios Tag

Hi everyone! I’m super excited because my hubby and I decided to make this weekend a long weekend. I plan to spend lots of time with him but also get a lot of stuff done (like reading the books on my TBR for this month!). I wanted to do a quick tag tonight before diving back into reading. I found this tag on Katytastic’s YouTube channel.

Bookish Scenarios

1. You have to get rid of all your books and you can only keep one from each of these genres – contemporary, fantasy, non-fiction and one other genre of your choosing. What books do you keep?

Contemporary: I don’t read a ton of contemporary, so I am going to go with The Fault in Our Stars because it’s one of the only ones on my shelf.

Fantasy: Hmm. Tough one, but I will go wit The Lord of the Rings. Can we pretend the entire series is one book?

Non-Fiction: Six Days of Creation. Cool Christian science book.

Sci-fi (genre of my choice): Illuminae. Hands down. It might be my favorite book.

2. You’re at the bookstore and you hear a teenager telling their mom they don’t like to read, but their mom insists they pick something. You walk over and recommend a book you think is great for people who aren’t big on reading – what book is it?

Hmm. Good question. Maybe Harry Potter? It’s a fun read and I don’t think it’s too challenging.

3. You’re not feeling yourself and need a pick me up. Which book do you read to put yourself in a great mood?

Eve: The Awakening by Jenna Moreci. It’s such a kick-butt book. I love it.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years. What book would you most likely have caught yourself reading?

Twilight. Yeah, I was one of those.

5. Your friend surprises you with a 4 day trip and you have 1 hour to pack. Which book do you bring to read on the way?

I’m bringing Passengers, because I just started reading it and I can’t wait to finish it.

6. Your house has been robbed! Don’t worry – everyone is safe, but your bookshelf has been raided. What’s the book you really hope is safe?

Eve: The Awakening because it’s a signed copy and I don’t want to loose it. (Yes, I used this book for multiple answers).

7. Your friend borrows a book and returns it in awful condition. Do you a) Just pretend you haven’t noticed b) Ask them to repurchase it or c) Secretly do the same to something of theirs

I’d say something, and ask for them to repurchase. If you’re borrowing my books, you best be nice to them.

 

That’s all I have for you tonight. As always, I tag you if you want to participate. Let me know in the comments if you do, I’d love to read your responses.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter: @JessicaInspired
Instagram: @JessicaInspired
Facebook: @AuthorJessicaRachow
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Need to contact me? Email me: jessicarachow15@gmail.com