I write it all. From a lot of original works, to long ongoing RP stories, to deep and insightful fanfiction that my friends thankfully love. I have Doctor Who stories published as well. I have a following on Archive of Our Own. My best friends (who I met elsewhere) are @strangeseawolf, @QuokkaMocha, @doctorwanderer, and @DoctorMonkey2. I have a paranormal podcast too! (Link on profile!)
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.2 — On a scale of plotter to pantser, what are you?
This is something that @strangeseawolf and @DoctorMonkey2 know about me. I can either be a plotter, down to specific text and things that my characters will say, or a complete pantser.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.3 — Is there one piece of well-known writing advice you ignore?
Pretty much everything. Is that an acceptable answer? The biggest one for me would have to be working on one thing at a time. I've never been able to do that. It's easy to get bored or to hit a road block with ideas. Work on something while you have to muse for it. You'll always get back to it if you leave it be for a while. Let it rest. Ideas will come. That's just how the writing process goes for me.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.4 — What's your beverage and snack of choice when writing?
It depends on my mood at the moment or the time of day. Doritos and soda? Whisky and nuts? Boba tea? Irish afternoon tea? Black coffee? Water, water, and more water on most days.
I love this question but my answer is all over the place. I will say, though, that my favorite snack might just be a simple cup of tea and biscuits/cookies.
One day, when I have more work published, I'll have an even bigger audience. All things in due time, eh? I'm in no rush. A writer never should be, to be honest. We don't need the added pressure.
I'm always hiding easter eggs in my work. I can't think of any examples off hand, but it's always happening. My friends know. Even little things as well, like Writing Wonders, Word Weavers, or Penned Possibilities answers, to references to other shows/books or things I've written myself in the past. It's always subtle.
I wrote an entire chapter around one of my Penned Possibilities answers yesterday.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.7 — Share an image of a favorite book cover design, other than your own.
Literally anything of Brian Froud's. I'm a MASSIVE fan and always have been. His art is out of this world. I also adore John Howe and Alan Lee's works (and their art for book covers). They're all incredible artists.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.8 — Did you like to read as a child? Which books did you read?
I can't properly answer this because I read everything when I was young. I read history, non-fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, mysteries, paranormal, mythology, comics, manga, etc. Everything. But I will share a story. At about 8, my dad started reading Lord of the Rings to me. Tolkien has such a warm place in my heart. He started it all for me, including my writing journey. All thanks to my dad, and I miss him.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.9 — Have you ever abandoned a writing project that wasn't working? What was wrong?
I'm a stubborn Irishman but the answer is still yes. There are things of mine that will never see the light of day. You might start off thinking something is wonderful but it doesn't work, you can't continue the project, and that's that. I think a lot of writers have gone through and experienced that. It's the single most frustrating thing in the world of writing. That, and writer's block.
I use them. I love them! Then again, this is a question that every writer is going to feel differently about. I don't overuse them, and some authors never use them at all. Everyone has different opinion about them. It's just another type of punctuation mark, and everyone has a different writing style. I just happen to be someone to uses and enjoys them.
Write. Write, write, and continue to write. Practice makes perfect. Experience is practice. The more you write, the better you will become. It doesn't happen overnight. So if you love to write, if you're a creative person and you have all of these ideas, write them down. Start a story. Short stories, novels, poetry, it doesn't matter. Do what makes you happy. If writing makes you happy, then keep at it. Practice your craft.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.12 — If you write novels, would you consider a short story, and vice versa?
I write everything. I write short stories (which on Archive of Our Own or AO3 we call oneshots), ficlets/mini-fics (short pieces that are thoughtful but small oneshots), and long and/or ongoing stories. This goes for all of my original and fanfiction work.
I enjoy writing stories/fics of any length. I love writing. Period, end of. It doesn't matter what I might actually be working on at the time.
Writing satisfies me in every way. It's a soul-deep feeling. There's no other way to describe it. I have a love for it in a way that cannot be ignored. It's something every single writer on here can understand. I /need/ to write, in the same way that artists need to create their own masterpieces as well.
I love writing stories (first and foremost for myself) that others will enjoy as well. My friends are so supportive.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.14 — Have you ever written about an ex-partner and changed their name?
This is such an interesting question. I can't wait to read everyone's responses. I myself have never written about an ex-partner in any sort of story. That's something I don't want to dredge up. I jokingly call them my Seven Evil Exes (from Scott Pilgrim), even though I have more than seven. I tend to attract psychotic women/men, apparently. The only exception is my girlfriend, @aperfectsong, of course.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.15 — Which conjunctions do you use the most? Does it matter?
Writing is writing. If a sentence works, it works. If it doesn't, then it needs to be rewritten. My writing style has changed so much over the years and I think it's far better now than it ever has been. I'll continue to grow. We all will as writers. I have no problem with conjunctions. I use them. It depends on what's written.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.16 — Do you have prologues in any of your writing? How do you feel about them?
I have no problem with prologues. They're in a few of my stories, just a handful, and only when they're necessary to the plot and the start of the story. Sometimes I even write epilogues as well. I don't mind reading prologues and epilogues, though. I've never really given it any thought. That's why I'm enjoying this tag so much. It's making me think about these kinds of things.
My (current) writing is over on Archive of Our Own. It's also known as AO3 by all of its users. I promote my original and fanfiction works on various different sites but I have to say that this is the best one. I've never found such a camaraderie like I have on here, which is why I always post links to my stories and try to promote them to the best of my ability. I've made a lot of friends. The #WritingCommunity here feels like home. ↓
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.18 — What genre might you try if you wrote outside your chosen genres?
This is a hard one because I've dabbled in a great many genres. I may be a romance author, but I write Sword and Sorcery, Fantasy, Modern, Historical, Sci-fi, Cyberpunk, Paranormal, Horror, and Dark fiction. A lot of genres, basically.
I've never truly written a Murder Mystery/Thriller, or a Crime Drama, despite how much I love reading those stories. That might be something I'll try my hand at someday.
I used to — constantly — but it's gotten so much better over the years. These days, I'm happy. I'm confident in my abilities. I have to say, I don't feel badly anymore. We all have our moments, yes, but I have an amazing support system: a girlfriend who loves me, friends who are incredibly sweet, and a big audience. These are all reasons why it doesn't threaten to swallow me whole anymore. So, now, no more imposter syndrome for me.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.20 — What typefaces do you use for paperbacks or for drafting/digital?
I love fonts. I don't have anything published yet, though, so I can't answer this to the full extent. But as I'm drafting, I tend to use Arial. It's easier on my eyes as I'm in the process of writing. I'm sure a lot of people tend to use fonts that are easier for them to see as they're writing, or whichever ones they might prefer. Over the years, I've found that writers tend to be creatures of habit.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.21 — Have you practised your autograph and your selfie pose for your best seller?
Nope.
Yesterday and today have both been questions that aren't meant for me. I'm not published yet and won't be a while.
I hate taking photos. On another note, my full name is actually Corey Iwasczyszyn-Fedorko. Can you imagine that as a signature? No thank you. I laughed. 😂
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.22 — Would you ever consider collaborating on a book?
I've thought about this over the years. My best friend, Anna, and I have talked about it. My girlfriend, @aperfectsong, and I have spoken about it quite a bit as well.
One day.
It would be an interesting undertaking and I would really enjoy working on a project with someone.
I write RP stories. You're writing WITH someone. That's a collaboration as well, and I genuinely enjoy the work. I'll always write my RP stories.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.23 — Do you read your drafts aloud? How does this help?
Oh my goodness, the timing of this question is too funny. I had an entire conversation about this with a very good friend of mine, @DoctorMonkey2, not too long ago. I don't read the entire draft aloud, but sometimes to make sense of dialogue (if it sounds funky and I don't know if I should reword it), I'll read a sentence or two aloud. It helps with the flow, to help feel if the sentence works or not.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.24 — What are your biggest bugbears with publishing?
I haven't attempted publishing original work yet because my stories aren't finished, but the horrors of trying to publish keep me up at night in the worst way. I see what everyone goes through, especially my friends, and I am not looking forward to it.
At least we can all be here for each other, right? Moral support and all that. We need it. I'm glad we have all of that and more in our #writingcommunity. 💜 (1/2)
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.24 — What are your biggest bugbears with publishing?
Addendum: I do have Doctor Who stories published, which I didn't even think of as I was writing my post. They were very easy for me to publish, thank goodness. I never had any trouble with that. My work is in various Doctor Who magazines.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.25 — What keeps you striving concerning your writing goals?
I've seen so many brilliant answers to this question already but I'll do my best to jot down my thoughts.
Seeing where the story takes me will forever keep me going. Writing has always been my passion. I love improving on it every single day. I adore the characters, wondering where the stories will go, getting better at the craft, etc. Besides, I've just gotta get the stories out of my head. They NEED to be told.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.26 — Have you used a MacGuffin in your writing? Be honest.
I have in the past. I don't want to give away any spoilers to my readers, but I have used a MacGuffin a few times. It's not something I typically write, but I'll use that technique every so often.
It all depends on where a story goes, if it works, and if it's something that fits into the plot and the meat of the story along the way.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.27 — What's the strangest research you've done for your writing?
I have had to do some strange research over the years. It's a good thing I have a VPN, otherwise the FBI would probably come knocking at my door...
For some context, I've written fantasy, cyberpunk, paranormal, sci-fi, horror, etc. I write various genres. I can't even think of any examples of the weird and unusual things that I've researched over the years. You'd all laugh, though, I'm sure.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.28 — Do you practice "kill your darlings" in your work?
Of course. But at the same time, I try to write things that will matter and will remain in a story. I try not to overwrite. I still go back and get rid of paragraphs that are too heavy and don't pertain to a chapter whatsoever. That's just how the editing process goes. Sometimes we need to chop things off.
I just edited something rather heavily a few days ago. It felt good, though. I wasn't upset at all.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.29 — How do you format scene breaks in your writing?
I'm a menace. I never do.
I'm only kidding. Larger scene breaks will usually happen with chapters. My chapters tend to be on the shorter side, which makes for a quicker read for the audience. Still, it depends.
Something simple could take place, such as, "Later in the day," and so on, of course, as the sentence continues. Things of that sort are written in.
I've never given it much thought. It's my style. (1/2)
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.29 — How do you format scene breaks in your writing?
For some context, I write and post my work, so I'm not taking the time to put in a little # or - in between scenes during chapters. I'm usually writing something, editing it as needed, and posting it on my Archive of Our Own site. My original works are written in the same way.
I'll make notes where they're needed, if it's something that I've been working on for a few weeks or months, but then it's edited after. (2/2)
#WritersCoffeeClub 9.30 — What dumb things do people say when you tell them you're a writer?
Here's the biggest one. It's also something that family members say to me.
"You're not a real writer. You aren't being paid."
Or, "You're not making a living at it. It's not paying the bills. You're not legit."
It cuts me deeply. It doesn't matter if you're published, unpublished, making money or not... If you feel compelled to write and you enjoy it, then you're a writer. That one really hurts me.
It's the #cyberpunk story I'm using for the #WordWeavers hashtag. I've written my MC for so long, from #CyberpunkRED and #Cyberpunk2020, to RPing him (which I still do), and to now embarking on a full-blown novel.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.2 — How often do you write in a typical week? How do you find the time?
I don't have a typical week. Either I'm writing like mad or I'm taking a break. I sit down and try to write a little bit every week. It doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes I'm busy or I might not have the muse or mood. I've been known to either write three oneshot stories or several chapters in single week, or nothing at all. Just ask @strangeseawolf or @DoctorMonkey2. My brain isn't normal.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.3 — Should a writer have a face shot on their book cover or within their book?
This is a good question. I can't wait to read what everyone's written in the tag. It all depends. Everyone's opinions will vary on this subject. But as far as I go, I won't ever have any. I prefer the anonymity of storytelling. I like writers who prefer to remain mysterious about their work. I can say with all certainty that I definitely won't have any in my books.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.4 — How do you write the time? In text or numbers? Both? Why?
It's a bit of both, but it also depends on what I happen to be writing at the time.
I have a #fantasy story where the day or time are told in different ways. "Mid-afternoon sun," or, "Twilight is approaching." In my other stories, it's just regularly written time. In my late 1950's story, I might write the time out in text. For my #cyberpunk story, it would be written out in numbers.
Number one, at the very top of the list, is to not overwhelm myself. Writing will happen. It will come. But by forcing myself into it, it will only turn it into WORK that I don't want to do. I want to have fun with it, instead. I have books that I want to finish, edit, and self-publish. It will all fall into place at the right time. I'm currently in no rush. You should never rush a good thing. Nothing good will come out of it.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.6 — Are you self-published or trad-published? How's it going?
I've written a lot of Doctor Who stories over the years. They were all self-published works. There was a group of us that came together multiple times and put together and created our own self-published books with tons of art and incredible stories inside, both in the form of hard copies and PDF's for those who preferred digital.
As for my original work, I will be self-publishing as well. Wish me luck.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.7 — Have you ever seen a TV show or movie so close to one of your ideas you wished you'd written it?
Fun fact, yes. My girlfriend and I write together. It's how we met. We write RP (roleplay) stories. It's our relaxing hobby and we love it. It's some of our best work. It's basically two (or more) people writing a story together, a collaboration. Sometimes we'll start a story and see something very similar on television or in a film and it drives us out of our minds. Ugh!
Other stories of mine (i.e. The City of Opulence) might be roughly planned out in the beginning, with just a few ideas here or there. As time goes by, they'll be fleshed out. I enjoy discovering the plots, the characters, and jotting down notes. It's my favorite part of the writing process.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.9 — Is there a recurring theme in your body of work?
In my entire body of work? Probably not. I write everything from #fantasy to #cyberpunk.
In my #paranormal story, my MC named Kenneth Sweeney is an ordained exorcist who wants to leave the Church. He's wanted to leave the Church for a long time. He's done performing exorcisms. It takes a little piece of his soul every time he does one. The Church, however, does not care. They will use him up, regardless. He's ~ (1/2)
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.9 — Is there a recurring theme in your body of work?
~ also a paranormal investigator on the side, much to the dismay of the Church.
In my #cyberpunk story, Alexios is head of a gang operating on the black market.
These are just two examples. There doesn't seem to be recurring themes throughout any of my stories. I'm just a creative person who likes to write an assortment of things.
Rebellion, perhaps. That might be the theme, if you look deep enough. (2/2)
@floofpaldi That exorcist/investigator is fascinating. There's nothing like the church for creepy tales of evil. I was raised Catholic...oh yeah, lots of creepy potential there. 😃
@CA_Hawthorne He's a character I've written for years in RP, which is just writing collaboration. It's writing /with/ someone. It's one of my hobbies. My girlfriend and I write together. I've written tons of stories with him, so I thought he deserved his own novel. I'm going to be posting that by chapter on Archive of Our Own very soon if you're interested. I'll tag you in my posts here, if you want.
Thank you so much for the compliment! I really, really appreciate that. That made me smile!
@CA_Hawthorne I was raised Irish Catholic. Now I'm a Nordic Pagan. It's funny how that works out, sometimes. But he's an awesome character and it makes for a very spooky story. Being an exorcist and a paranormal investigator on the side? It doesn't get better than that.
@floofpaldi The last time I was in a Catholic church was for a funeral 9 years ago. Before that, it'd been, well, decades. It crossed my mind that I might burst into flames when I entered.
Given how religious my sister is, if she'd been there she'd have expected it, too.
Being older, & now a writer (& far closer to being pagan than anything), I looked at the ceremony with different eyes. It's amazing theatre. I truly must thank the church for all the material they endowed my writer self with.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.10 — Did you learn cursive/joined-up writing in elementary/primary school?
I did. That being said, my handwriting is insane these days. I've been told I write like a screenwriter. That's worse than a doctor, for heaven's sake! But yes, I did learn cursive while in school. My penmanship was so nice. My script now is half-cursive, half-print, all strung together in a sloppy and chaotic string. My MS doesn't help. I'm a mess, so of course my handwriting has to match that. 😂
A few things: either music or ASMR ambience videos and my cat purring like a motorboat in the bed next to my gaming (and writing) desk. I have a lot of playlists for my stories and characters. I've made and curated mixes for years. I'm on 8tracks and Spotify. It helps me to relax and concentrate as I write. It also puts me in the mood to work on various stories or different genres. It gives me muse. Music sets the mood.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.12 — How do you research real-world locations? Do you visit them?
I'm not in a financial position to do a lot of traveling at the moment, to visit the UK, but I use every single other research technique that I can possibly find and use. A good portion of my stories either take place in England or Scotland. Google Earth, Maps, Wikipedia, books in my own library — all of it. I go in very deep and heavy when it comes to research. People tend to think I'm actually Scottish...
I wish! But no, I have to do all of my own editing on top of writing and/or publishing new work on time. It isn't the easiest thing but I somehow still manage it, along with writing RP stories, working on my podcast show, and having a life. I'm incredibly grateful. My audience make it all worth it, in the end. They know how much I love them. 💜
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.13 — Many writers own cats. Is pet ownership essential for your writing?
This is such an interesting question. I've never thought about it. I've owned pets for my entire life. I've had a lot of ferrets, cats, and a lovely Australian Shepherd. I'm an animal lover.
Do I think it's essential to a writer in general? No. Do I think it's a part of who I am? Yes. I love animals. My cat, Esmeralda, is my emotional support baby while I'm writing, purring at my side or in my lap.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.15 — Should writers be honest about their politics online or keep quiet to avoid controversy?
Be loud. I'm a non-binary author. I'm not straight. Republicans (typically) would hate people like me. I write LGBTQIA+ fiction. At some point in your life, if you are similar, you have to take a stand. You can either ignore the problems going on in the world or you can stand up to them. My fiction is one of the ways I take a stand against the bitterness and hatred in our world.
I take a break. For me, breaks are a good way to refocus, replenish the muse, and avoid burnout. I read. I write wonderful RP stories with my girlfriend, @aperfectsong, and our friends. I watch television or films. I work on my podcast. I give myself a much-needed break from time to time. Writer's block is hard to avoid, so I like to take some time to myself and relax. TLC is important. Taking care of yourself is never a selfish act.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.19 — As a writer, do you always apply the three-act structure? Why/why not?
Things might start out that way but I sometimes go in a different direction towards the end. It's a traditional way to write. But then again, I'm not a traditional writer. We all have our own writing process, things happen differently for all of us, and that's just how it is. It's something I've never given much thought to. There's a beginning, a middle, and an end where things will wind down.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.20 — If you read over a quarter of a book and decide you don't like it, do you bail or complete it?
I might stick around to see if it gets better. If the writing style is too much for my eyes, though, I might quit. But that's not me disliking a plot, of course. Usually, the only thing to make me close a book would be poor punctuation and terrible grammar. Sometimes a story will get published and I have no idea how it did — especially on Kindle. It makes my eyeballs ache.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.21 — How do you write an internal monologue and/or telepathy in your work?
This is a tough question because it depends on the story. It's all about description and world-building and /how/ you do that.
In my Doctor Who stories, telepathic speech would be italicized. The third person will be used for vivid description. For example, the Doctor might be opening a door to someone's mind. In original work, it would be similar. I write so many different kinds of stories.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.22 — Stephen King portrays writers in his stories. Which actor should play you in the story of your life?
No one. It would have to be a ridiculous cartoon filled with hilarity and horror, like A Series of Unfortunate Events knock-off but a true story. I'm not arrogant enough to name an actor or actress who's probably prettier or better looking than I am. Aside from that, I genuinely don't know of anyone who looks even remotely like me.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.23 — Is it okay to use short-form conversational text in a novel?
As with everything when it comes to writing, there's a time and place for it. Don't overuse it. A reader won't want to stick around if you do.
When I was younger (maybe 10 or 11) and could barely write but WANTED to, I overused them. These days, I'm fine with it. We all learn and grow as writers, especially if we start when we're young. It's all a big part of the process. We better ourselves. We grow. (1/2)
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.23 — Is it okay to use short-form conversational text in a novel?
I'm going to offer some context here.
In narrative, I try not to use it very much. Only once in a while, so it doesn't sound like I'm a robot. (Why do cyborgs and robots never use contractions? I need an answer to this question. It makes me laugh.)
In dialogue, it's okay to use. That's fine. It depends on how your character speaks. But if you're writing a robot...
@floofpaldi
My favorite example of synthetic beings using/not using are Star Trek's Data and Lore. Data is good but have no emotions. He don't use contractions. Lore has emotions and is worse than a fillet 'o fish after a week under the sun. He does use contractions. When Data start feeling things, he stat using contractions, even if he doesn't realize this. When he and Lore finally merge, he finally speaks like everyone, so, I accept that contractions and emotions go hand on hand…=)
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.24 — Are you a book hoarder, or do you sell them / give them away once read?
Raise your hand if you're a book hoarder! 😅
Yes, I'll admit it. It's me. I'm the hoarder. My hand is raised.
I have tons of bookshelves. With that being said, though, I only buy books that I know I'll return to and read again and again, otherwise I'll borrow them from my local library or from friends and family.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.25 — Oxford comma, no Oxford comma, or I don't live in Oxford?
I might not live in Oxford but the Oxford comma is my best friend.
Always, always, always.
However, that being said, here are some rules:
• Don’t use the serial comma if the list is simple.
• Do use the serial comma in complex, longer sentences.
• Do use the serial comma whenever you think it helps aid readability.
• Do use the serial comma if you’re connecting items that already have conjunctions.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.26 — How many drafts do you go through before the final manuscript?
It would give you a headache if I gave the final number. I could edit something a million times over. Sometimes, you just have to learn to be satisfied with a product and set it aside. My problem is that I'm a perfectionist...
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.27 — Hollywood has optioned your work for a movie. Do you disown it if they change things?
Oh, god. I hate this. Thinking about this is panic inducing for every writer, and I'm no exception. My biggest pet peeve is when directors change major plot points, details, and add ideas (or characters) in when forming a rough idea for a film from a novel. As if they think they can make it better...
I'm not sure what I would do, but I'm curious to see what everyone else says.
I've never used a table of contents in any of my writing before. I've never had it in a story. It might fit for some but I can't be bothered with the work that goes into one. It just wouldn't fit as well.
For a something like a collection of short stories (which I happen to write a lot of), of course I would. For a long novel, I wouldn't use one.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.29 — Have you ever left an autographed copy of your work in a hotel or guest house?
The idea of this is absolutely hilarious to me. Alas, I've never done it before. I'm not sure I would ever have the bollocks to do it, to be fair. But it's so funny.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.30 — Did the education system inspire you or put off your writing?
It's a combination of both. Writing essay after essay doesn't exactly make you want to become an author, but I was very lucky and met the right people. I had a teacher who inspired me to continue writing. We had a poetry and short story club called Speakeasy. We published all of our work. I had a few published books, myself. That helped me want to continue. I was ALWAYS writing, and I never stopped.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10.31 — Does your work include any horror elements? What's the most frightening thing you've written?
I'm a horror aficionado, so of course. I love writing with elements of horror. I'll list just two examples below.
My #cyberpunk / #SFF story:
All Hallow's Eve is already a dangerous time. Gang violence is the worst throughout the entire night. Someone releases a pathogen onto the Midnight City. It all gets a bit zombie-like very quickly.
My #paranormal / #exorcist story: Kenneth Sweeney is an ordained exorcist. On the side, he's also a skilled paranormal investigator, much to the dismay of the Church. Things take a dark turn when a new paranormal case presents itself, one that he might not be able to solve. It doesn't help that he already wants to leave the Church. He's tired of doing exorcisms. They've sucked him dry. He even finds love.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.1 — What's the best writing advice you've heard or read?
It's very simple. I saw this not too long ago.
"Serve your audience first and foremost. Work hard to do that, and with time and effort you'll find that, almost without knowing when it happened, that you enjoy writing what your audience wants to read. And that's a very cool place to be."
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.2 — Do you keep a notebook or digital device by your bed if you have an idea during the night?
Both, actually. I always have a notebook close by (day and night) and my phone is usually lying beside me at night because I'm too lazy to move it. If I have an idea during the night or have an odd dream, I can always jot my thoughts down.
You never know when something brilliant might come to you. One thing is for sure, though. It'll come at a very inconvenient time.
Well, 99% of my reviews (on AO3, here, or elsewhere) are positive. I have wonderful friends who are some of the kindest people I've ever known. They enjoy my stories. I'm very lucky for that. All of their reviews make my day. I absolutely adore writing reviews / comments for them in return as well.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.4 — Have you ever seen a movie which was better than the book?
I have, but it's such a rarity. Usually a book will be better than the film. Some examples of a film being better to me would be The Godfather, Die Hard, The Maltese Falcon (I'm a HUGE Humphrey Bogart fan), No Country for Old Men, or Psycho. These are all compliments to fantastic acting and do not take away from what the authors did. I am not putting down any of the authors at all. I can't stress that enough.
Well, 99% of my reviews (on AO3, here, or elsewhere) are positive. I have wonderful friends who are some of the kindest people I've ever known. I'm very lucky for them. Their reviews on my work make my day. I absolutely adore writing reviews or comments for them in return as well.
That being said, the bad reviews do still hit me pretty hard. I take things to heart, and I KNOW (yes, I know) that I really shouldn't. I try to let it go. As I've gotten older, it bothers me less but I occasionally can't help it. I let things get under my skin, sometimes. It stays. I'll need to fix things. I am affected by reviews of my work, yes. But I'm doing better about the bad stuff, which says a lot. (2/2)
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.6 — Would you consider an audiobook of your novel or short story?
Of course! That's the dream, isn't it? For any of my work — my novels or short stories, any original or fanfiction work. I would love it! Just thinking about it makes me ridiculously happy. Also nervous, though, as well. I can't even explain it.
I have a podcast. I listen to audiobooks and podcasts daily. I can only dream that my writing would be or already is good enough. I love that thought. :heartcyber:
At its core, this is a story about a man with a dark past who has fought for everything he has. Alexios is a warrior, possibly even a lover (spoilers, shhh), and he'll never be a slave again. On the other hand, there's a loathsome man — Dr. Death — who's tearing the universe apart, one planet at a time, to create slaves. Alexios was one of them. Will he ever find him again?
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.8 — What does your most productive writing space look like?
At home. I'll put some music on (and I have a ton of mixes for different stories or various characters), I'll make some tea, and settle in at my desk to write. A lot of people might answer might answer with being out somewhere specific, but I can't concentrate that way. I get distracted and end up people-watching. I prefer just being at my own desk while I'm in the zone. I don't want any distractions.
Writing is like that scene in Apollo 13 when Hanks is planting his feet at the manual joystick to “keep the moon in the window” during a crucial course correction.
Sitting down, planting my feet, and placing my fingers on the keyboard is like plugging into the universe.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.9 — Is there any kind of scene you could never write?
At this point, I have a list.
• Abuse.
• Incest.
• Sexual harassment.
• Violence towards children.
• SA or rape scenes of ANY kind.
• Grotesque and descriptive torture scenes.
• Childbirth because I've never experienced it.
On another note, when you slam head-first into a difficult, painful, or traumatizing scene, it's far more productive to your writing to skip ahead in the story. Move forward to the next scene.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.10 — What's the biggest mistake you've made in your writing journey?
It was assuming that I'd never be published and going forward with that mindset. Now, years later, I've had stories published and I'm in a better emotional place. Nothing's holding me back. I have novels that I'll also be publishing some day, once they're finished.
Never let yourself be held back by assumptions or negative thinking. You're a writer, so write. Enjoy the journey. You can publish your work.
In every piece I write there will be moments of comedy. I can't write something that's serious the entire time, nothing humorous happening. Even my horror and dark fiction will have funny moments sprinkled in every so often. The reader needs a laugh from time to time. They deserve it, don't they, just for putting up with us? It's like a treat.
That being said, I don't write stories that are solely comedy. That just isn't for me.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.12 — Do you prefer to write on a desktop, laptop, typewriter, pen and paper, quill and parchment, blood and stone?
BLOOD AND STONE? I know I love to work on my dark fantasy stories, but c'mon...
That made me laugh.
For me, it's either done at my desk on my computer / at my laptop, or in a notebook (which is later added to my computer at a convenient time — or an inconvenient one, let's be honest).
Let's use the Wheel of Emotion here. (Just because it's fun and I'm ridiculous.)
For me, anything on the angsty side is difficult. Sadness, abandonment, loneliness, vulnerability, grief and despair. These emotions are all tough to write, but that's what makes them so powerful. A lot of my characters deal with their own grief. Knackered, they suffer through heartache and somehow survive. I write sorrow pretty well. Uh oh.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.15 — If you find you've used a name from a famous novel, do you change it?
Bah! Names are names. I couldn't care less. Let's think about this sensibly. There are only so many names in the world, and we are bound to use names from famous novels every so often in our own stories. If I come up with a name for a character and it fits them so perfectly, I'm not about to try to change it. It just wouldn't work. A name is "attached" to a character.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.16 — What ancillary writing apps / sites do you find the most useful?
I use both LibreOffice, recommended by some very good friends on here, and also Google Drive (which I had always used in the past). I save to both places now, Google Drive and my computer (via external hard drives), just because YOU NEVER KNOW what might happen. I'm covering my bum here, just in case.
So curious to hear what you guys use. I love the conversations it brings about and how much we learn.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.17 — Do you draw out maps, floorplans, diagrams, etc. for key set pieces in your writing?
I'm a #DungeonsAndDragons / #DnD and #TTRPG Game or #DungeonMaster. I play so many different tabletop RPG games. I'm used to drawing out floorplans, diagrams, and maps. I like to be artsy. That comes easily for me, and I love doing it.
Addendum to my #WritersCoffeeClub post: I've been hit with some inspiration — right square in the face, too. I know I'm going away this weekend and will be home on Sunday. But while I'm away, I'll have a little notebook with me. I think I'll be sketching out some new maps to properly work on next week. Hooray for muse and inspiration. Thanks, guys! :11111:
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.18 — How do you do research for your writing? Do you ask specialists? (1/2)
Google is my best friend. We get along well. I'm not sure if I could ever find any specialists... For instance, I don't know anyone who was ever an Exorcist. (I've done years of research!) I don't know anyone who lives in a #cyberpunk / #SFF world and works on the black market. And lastly, for example, I sure as hell don't know anyone who is a wizard (or as they're called in my universe, a mystic).
Those were just a few examples of novels in my previous post.
All jokes aside, I read. I research as much as I can in the form of any articles, blogs, pages I find online, books I can find in the library or that I own, and do as much as I can. Things like that. I study and research regularly. It's almost a daily occurrence for me.
Research, much like Google, is a close friend. We have afternoon tea together a lot, and sometimes even dinner. 😂
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.19 — Describe the funniest moment you’ve written lately. Share an excerpt. (1/2)
I've actually written a lot of comedic moments lately. I'm just going to pick one out of a hat and share it. Readers deserve a few laughs, just some comedy and fun.
Lix and Randall finally decide to take things to the next level again. (They're past lovers.) Bel knows exactly how they'll be spending their evening.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.20 — Do you have an author's website specifically for promoting your writing?
I'd love to be able to say yes but the answer's no.
My website for promoting my writing is here. It's not a blog or something similar, no, but it's Mastodon. I do my best to promote my own writing and the writing of other wonderful authors while online.
In the end, it's a yes and no. My website for writing promotion is the wonderful world of Mastodon. It's not a personal blog.
Just so you're all aware, I visibly cringed just THINKING about how to answer this one. I shuddered, not gonna lie.
I have no idea! Does anyone ever really know? Some book covers work, some don't. Art is in the eye of the beholder as well, so you never know who might love or hate your book cover. It's all subjective, just as art is too. Book covers ARE a work of art in so many ways. Try to find what works for YOU.
Oh my days. I love writing about Malcolm Tucker from The Thick of It. I even had a compliment on writing him from the man himself, Peter Capaldi. He thought I wrote him perfectly! The answer is a resounding f*ck yes.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.24 — What's the best time of day for you to write?
The best time of day? Ha! I think you meant time of night. That's more my speed.
In all seriousness, I'm definitely a night owl. I do my best writing late into the evening or in the middle of the night. That's when I'm relaxed and comfortable. I'm in the zone. I'm less likely to be distracted as well, which is certainly a plus. I guess I'm just a writing machine at night.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.25 — What's a better (more truthful) name for a famous novel?
Fun fact: Of Mice and Men's working title was actually Something That Happened. Could you imagine if that name stuck? I'm not quite sure how I'd feel about that. War and Peace had a working title as well, and it was All’s Well That Ends Well.
I'm just full of useless knowledge, I know. But to honestly answer the question, I genuinely cannot think of a "better" title for ANY famous novels that I adore. Oops.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.26 — Have you ever retconned a story after publishing? Is it okay to retcon?
To each their own. For myself, however... Nope. I haven't needed to. Not with my own writing, of course. With fanfiction, though, I have. Naughty Panda.
Sometimes I see questions about this one around here on Mastodon. I figured I'd offer an explanation for anyone who might not know. I'll post some photos with text to offer explanation. It's far too much to type.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.27 — How do you feel about the use of AI in writing?
Bloody hell. I want it about as badly as I want a bullet to the head. It's f*cking ludicrous, unwanted, and unneeded.
I saw this a few days ago and saved it for this very question. This article explores the drawbacks and disadvantages of using #AI for articles. It's still writing. It fits.
"One of the major disadvantages of AI in article writing is the lack of creative thinking."
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.28 — How do you approach a fight scene or other high-action scenes?
As anyone would, I suppose. I try to be as descriptive as the scene calls for. An air of mystery when it comes to high-action or fight scenes is always nice as well. You can be descriptive as YOU want to be. You're the writer.
I thoroughly enjoyed these two wee articles down below. I thought I'd link them for the #WritingCommunity to read as well.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.29 — Some writers hate exclamation marks! How do you feel about them? What about interobangs!?
Punctuation is key!
See what I did there?
Ha. Just kidding. But really, though, punctuation is something I'm a huge fan of utilizing whenever I have the chance. It's just another weapon in the arsenal we writers have. Everyone has a different writing style but things like this are wonderful to use whenever the chance presents itself. Exclamation marks are great for that.
#WritersCoffeeClub 11.30 — How much detail do you put into character descriptions?
It depends on how important a character is in the grand scheme of things. At times, I like to leave things up to the imagination of the audience. World-building is integral. For instance, we know how characters might look in a #cyberpunk world. Other times, I want the readers to know EXACTLY how a character's fashion sense is, if they have scars, how their hair is styled, etc. These are all important details.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.2 — Do you use ARC readers? Do they help your book sales? What's an ARC reader?
I've never used an ARC reader. I've never had the chance because I have WIP's going on for my original work. But my goodness, they're so important. We need them.
I found some information in case anyone is interested. The link below is to a fantastic article.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.3 — What writing advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell a younger me to believe in myself, to never give up, and to never listen to my awful friends who were telling me that I'd never succeed. I started writing in middle school, I was young, and I was so damn sensitive.
I would also say that should save my files everywhere that I possibly can, to save my notebooks, to never ever throw anything out, and to keep at it. It's just a given now. Save, save, save.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.4 — Do you / will you write under your own name? Do you share a name with another writer?
Funny story here... My name is actually Corey Lynn Iwasczyszyn-Fedorko. The first surname is my mother's, the second is my father's. Iwasczyszyn is incredibly Ukrainian, yes. It's pronounced this way: Say "Superstition" but put an "Eva" in front of it. Eva-sti-shun. Fedorko is way easier. I'll probably publish as Corey Fedorko. I can guarantee that I don't share that name with ANYONE.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.6 — Is it the reader's / critic's interpretation of a work or the author's? Would you fight an author's opinion?
There's no point in arguing with anyone. It's out of your control once the public has read it. Qué será, será. You cannot control how anyone will feel about your work, or about someone else's as well. Everything in the world is open to interpretation. You shouldn't waste energy worrying about those things. You can only state your intentions. C'est la vie.
I gasped. How can I answer a question like this? I can give a few examples but I can't choose one. Very few authors will probably be able to choose a single book.
I love stories that take me on a wild ride. I had to add Conversations With Beethoven on the list, however, because I am a massive fan of his. This was one of the best reads for me. Whilst reading, you're fully absorbed in his every day life and what it was like for him.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.9 — How would you write an online chat or text conversation?
Normally, the conversation would be italicized. Depending on the context, it might even be in bold. It's really interesting seeing everyone's answers to this.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.10 — What aspect of your work are you most proud of?
This is a toughie. The satisfaction I derive from it is something that I'm really proud of, to be honest. I know it's a piece of work that I've done my best with if I'm satisfied afterward.
My characters as well. The plots. The locations and the amount of work that goes into them. There's a lot to be proud of. Once you start thinking that way, writing becomes easier. You SHOULD feel proud of the blood, sweat, and tears.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.11 — How close is your final manuscript to your first draft?
nervous chuckle
It isn't very close at all, and that goes for ALL of my writing. It isn't hot, isn't even warm. It just ISN'T close. The ideas, the plot, the characters and who they essentially are as beings — these things remain the same, but the meat and potatoes of the writing itself changes drastically. I edit obsessively and continuously, to a fault (maybe).
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.12 — A game developer wants to base a game on your book. How do you feel about it?
I'm EXCITED. There's only thing that needs to happen... I need to be involved in the project in some capacity. DO NOT change the plot, the story itself, or the characters. Do not add things in. Don't fuss about with it and alter things. Do not take creative liberty (unless I allow it).
I'm fairly sure most writers would say the same thing.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.13 — Do you write to a specific word count, or do you let the story dictate the length?
The story writes itself. I have no say in the matter whatsoever.
Aside from that, though, I do try to keep each of my chapters to a few pages, maybe between 3-5, I'd say. It's a quicker read that way, and it's easier to digest. Other than that, which is just a tiny blueprint of sorts for me, the story does what it wants. I'm only the one writing it, you know?
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.14 — What's the biggest edit you've made to your work?
Oh, gosh. I've done a vast amount of editing to everything I've ever written.
I completely rewrote my #Unbound story, but I'm not sure if that counts.
I've also changed gigantic parts of #TheCityOfOpulence as well. I think that's the answer I'll go with here. That story has evolved so much over the years. I took my character from #CyerpunkRED and #Cyberpunk2020 and made an original #SFF universe for him. I love it.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.16 — Are there any writing tropes you dislike, without insulting other club members?
There are tons of tropes that I'm not necessarily a fan of. If something is well-written, though, send it my way! I'm open to anything. "Tropes" became tropes for a reason. People enjoy writing and reading them. While I might not be a fan of something, I'll still read it. If the writing style is wonderful, if I'm intrigued by the characters and sucked into the plot, I'll try something new.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.17 — What aspects of your life do you bring into your writing?
I try to bring all of my experience and knowledge into my writing. I'm constantly putting my time and effort into research too, though. I'll bring both my experience AND I'll learn anything for my stories and WIP's.
For instance, one of the MC's in #ThePastIsAWound suffers from OCD. I can relate to that. It's a subject I know so much about because it's also a demon I deal with. It's therapeutic to write.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.18 — Do you intend to read a book over Christmas / the Holidays? What will you choose?
I am currently reading something! A few "somethings," in fact.
My main read right now is called Strengths by @strangeseawolf, while I'm re-reading #HeraldPetrel as well when I have the time to at night. I like multi-tasking, apparently. I also have The Cordela Chronicles by @Klepsis to get started on. I'm so excited. 💜
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.19 — If you could remove one rule of grammar, which would you choose?
That's an interesting question.
I had no idea that there were rules. 😂
Just kidding. The rules are there for a reason, I suppose. They occasionally get broken, though. Things happen. Or, as a few pirates I love dearly had once said in various different ways, "They're more like guidelines, anyway."
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