What’s the best way to beat writer’s block? Write!
I guess when people tell you that they mean you should write an actual story… but I decided to play a little fun game and answer these questions I found on tumblr!
1 : What age-group do you write?
YA (mostly upper-grade)
2 : What genre do you write?
Fantasy (and some Sci-fi, though that’s still in its baby shoes)
3 : Do you outline according to big ideas or small details?
Big ideas. But sometimes I like to focus on small details as well.
4 : Which do you prefer–line-editing or plot-revisions?
I like to look at the bigger picture, so plot-revisions.
5 : Do you write better with or without deadlines?
With deadlines, but if they’re unreasonably close they’re too much of a stress factor. I like to give myself deadlines that make sense for my project.
6 : What would be the biggest compliment you could hope to receive on your current WIP?
“Your world-building is fantastic! I could see myself living in your world!”
7 : How long is your current WIP?
About 88.000 words.
8 : What author would you be most excited to be compared to?
Cassandra Clare or Holly Black
9 : What do you struggle most with as a writer?
Self-doubt and fear.
10 : Do you brain-storm story ideas alone or with others?
Mostly alone. (Preferred places of brain-storming are the shower and my bed whenever I’m trying to fall asleep.)
11 : Do you base your characters off of real people?
Yes, but most of the time I do it subconsciously.
12 : Is your writing space clean or cluttered?
I try to keep it clean, but it always ends up cluttered with loose paper sheets.
13 : Do you write character-driven or plot-driven stories?
Character-driven.
14 : Do you have a favorite writing-related quote?
I’ve got one hung up on the wall above my desk: “Write Drunk, Edit Sober”. Though that’s not a rule I follow!
15 : If you transport your original characters into another author’s world, which world would you choose?
Hogwarts or Panem, I think both would be fun to watch/read.
16 : Would your story work better as a movie or TV show? Why?
Movie. The story would need to be needlessly stretched in order to be made into a TV show.
17 : Do you make soundtracks for each story?
…no… I made a playlist for my NaNoWriMO18 novel
18 : If you could assign your story one song, what would it be?
Eye of the Needle by Sia. I used to listen to it a lot while I was plotting my first draft. I think the lyrics also fit what my protagonist is going through.
19 : Would you rather live in your characters’ world, or have your characters come live in our world?
Live in their world. My story is a portal fantasy, so their world is basically ours PLUS a magical faerie land. WIN-WIN!
20 : What book would you love to see adapted for the big or small screen?
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
21 : Do you finish most of the stories you start?
I finish the first draft, but I often get stuck when editing/revising.
22 : Has your own writing ever made you cry?
Yes, I was also close to tears once while I was plotting.
23 : Are you proud or anxious to show off your writing?
It depends. If I feel like the story is in a good shape, I love to share it.
24 : When did you start considering yourself a writer?
On some days I still doubt that I am a writer! But I think I started considering myself a writer once I took it more seriously and tried to write as often as possible.
25 : What books are must-reads in your genre?
Must-reads are tricky. They set high expectations in readers and I don’t like that, personally. Read what you love and what brings you joy.
Click here for my Writer Q&A #2!
Sarah Tanzmann 
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