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Monday, August 22, 2011

Kickstart Monday - Here you go, Sparky!

                      * Sparkfest! *

It's Day one of the Spark Blogfest! Christine Tyler posed questions about what sparked us to write. What books and authors set us off? And did any of them effect our world view?

Thought provoking questions indeed. I'm sure some of you could answer right away, been reading fiends your whole life, knew from the moment you stuck your first touchy/feely block book in your mouth that you could be a great writer "this stuff writes itself!" I didn't like to be forced to read in school, but I did like to make stuff up. I wrote a good little story about the journey of a gumball from machine to happily ever after at the dump (gum is not very bio-degradable).

Then I started to enjoy reading. I read fantasy and YA (didn't know it was YA back then) and sci fi and on and on. My parents have a library of books, so they were happy to see me join their reading circle. But when my life picked up, I read less.

Until! Once I settled down with a family of my own, I turned to reading again. (I believe my cousin is at this point =) And that's when I thought to myself, I could do this! So two years ago I picked up a story that I outlined during my twenties - because that period of my life was so awesomely hilarious I had to write it down! I finished it and that is how I sparked into writing.
ONE LAST NIGHT
Can you guess which one is me? Yes, I was so excited I had to draw my own "cover." But then I found out you don't usually publish the first book you write. At least I got that out of the way. Sigh.

So it wasn't one particular book or author, there are so many to love! It was that feeling of being immersed in a story. The escape of dull reality into a thrilling, wonderful, moving experience! I wanted to share mine - or a simulated version of it. And once the writing bug bit, I was infected. No turning back now!

What's your story?

27 comments:

  1. I'm killing myself laughing over your hand drawn cover. You totally rule.

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  2. OK, so I'll try my hand at your question....
    Are you the third from the right?

    I was hilarious when I was 20 as well ;)

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  3. You are the one in the crown...right? Great post :)

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  4. I love the drawing for your cover. :)

    Although I can pick out a few books that got me writing, I did love to read and had a very active imagination. I want to read your gumball story. That's creative. :D

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  5. Great post.
    Thanks for sharing your personal story with us!

    HMG

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  6. Do I detect untapped artistic potential ? An artist and a writer ... mmm ... ? You never know , hey ?

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  7. Like you, every book inspires the writer within me, but there are a few in particular that I look forward to spotlighting.

    I love the cover art! You can write and draw! Lucky duck!

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  8. I love your drawing. I couldn't do that well.

    Writing is thrilling. Thanks for sharing your spark. :)

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  9. Thanks, Donna =)

    Christa, glad I could brighten your day (it cracks me up too!)

    Ellie, thanks, you have a fabulous fest going on!

    Shelly, you are correct! and I bet you were!

    Angie, that was the bride to be, much more chaste than me & thanks!

    Cherie, I don't think my mom kept it (5th grade?) but I might write what I remember sometime - thanks!

    Heather, glad you wanted to read it =)

    Mish, artist is stretching it! but thanks!

    Brianna, you're sweet. I liked yours too.

    Thanks, Mary - I hope to see yours today too!

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  10. It is odd how and when the writing bug strikes us, whether sudden or in slow motion.

    I didn't want a beloved book to end so I began writing fanfic to flesh out the parts not covered and to continue the saga.

    Strange how we found ourselves walking this road together.

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  11. Great story and LOVE the cover! So fun! I love the sparkfest!

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  12. Wonderful story! Love the cover too! :)

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  13. Great spark story and that cover is so fun.

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  14. I'm so glad you included your cover! It is so fun. I love all the girls' smiling faces!

    I also LOVE being immersed in a story. I love fantasy and adventure and I want to write that!

    I just finished the rough draft of my first book. Do NOT say first books never get published! Mine will be published. I have a lot of work yet to do on it and it will not happen anytime soon, but it will be published. :0)

    See ya!

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  15. Great story. Loved your cover art.
    Have you considered writing and illustrating?

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  16. My cover would be all stick people! Great post.

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  17. Your cover is brilliant! I love it. I can't even draw a straight line with a ruler...

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  18. Love your cover drawing. Gorgeous :)

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  19. you are all too kind. thank you! i feel like a kid bringing my drawing home and you guys are my mom with the kudos!

    i'm enjoying this spark blogfest =)

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  20. My conputer was down so didn't see this til today.
    I'm going to look and see if I have it. I definitely remember the picture. I liked it as much as everyone else.
    mom

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  21. Thank you for taking me along on your journey...and that cover is oh-so-cute!

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  22. You sound like a true writer. Great entry. All the best with your future WIPs :O)

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  23. Cute cover! It's so neat to read about the people whose own writing was their spark. Good for you for getting back into it! :-)

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  24. That cover is drawn out of pure gold. And angel laughter, or something awesome like that.

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Thanks for stopping by!