So, ages ago (in April) both Liesl and Pearl tagged me for various blog tags. And I put them off because I got busy. But I thought, These tabs have been open in my browser for awhile to remind me to get to this, so I guess I’d better do ’em.

So here I am!

I will be doing the Never Have I Ever tag and the Sunshine Blogger Award (from Pearl) and the I’ll Get Around to It Later tag (from Liesl). I’m looking forward to this, so letsa go!

Sorry. I couldn’t resist the chaotic Mario GIFs hehe.

Alright, we’ll start with the

Like I said, Pearl tagged me for this one. This is one that I’ve seen floating around for awhile and I’ve wanted to do it. And now I finally get the chance!

Rules:

1. Link and thank the blogger who tagged you. ✔

2. Include the graphic somewhere in the post (or make your own!) ✔

3. Answer the questions truthfully and honestly. ✔ (Why wouldn’t I?)

4. Tag 3 bloggers. ✔

Never Have I Ever. . . .

Started a Novel I Didn’t Finish

I mean, I’ve been writing since I was five. I have notebooks upon notebooks and docs upon docs full of unfinished projects. I’m a spur-of-the-moment gal, and that results in a lot of decisions that I regret making and/or projects I just drop. I would go through and count all my unfinished novels and novellas, but that would take me ages and I’m probably missing a bunch. The total is probably around 20 or 30 by now, maybe more. 😅

Written a Story Completely By Hand

Well, besides all the picture books I wrote when I was younger, I’ve actually written a short story or two. I participated in a writing challenge on Zoom with several of my friends and I couldn’t do it near a computer so I was forced to write in a composition notebook. It was stressful because my writing speed is a lot faster on the computer (so long as I don’t get distracted 😅) and I was worried I would run out of time. Fortunately, I just barely made it!

Nine- or ten-year-old me also wrote a couple of Nancy Drew “fanfics”. There are probably others that I can’t remember right now.

OH! I almost forgot my two and a half book novella series that I poured my heart and soul into and then promptly lost the first book. I spent ages on it and I did a good bit of research for it too (which was rare for me back then hehe). I wish I knew where the first book is.

Changed Tenses Midway Through a Story

Actually, no. I mean, maybe I did in a sentence or two because I couldn’t figure out how to word it, but I’m pretty consistent with my tense. It really gets on my nerves when the tense just changes for no reason.

Not Researched Anything Before Starting a Story

Haha, if you guys could read my short story series about a college girl named Ginger, you would be able to tell that I knew absolutely nothing about college, school, romance, friendship, normal families, adoption, etc. when I wrote it. It’s a mess. I’m still really proud of it because it was my “big project” when I wrote it, but I was just a wee writer back then and apparently I didn’t know that research existed. I should rewrite it sometime. Maybe I could rewrite and post it here. That might be fun.

Changed My Protagonist’s Name Halfway Through a Draft

Yeah, in that chapter book series I mentioned earlier. The main character’s name was originally Kari Astrid, but then I changed it to Ella Astrid. Why? I dunno. Why not?

Nowadays, I get really attached to my character names (and literally everything else LOL), so I have to be careful with the “placeholder names” I choose because they usually end up not being placeholders heh. I feel like I’m betraying the character when I change their name, despite them not being real at all and probably not caring anyway. BUT THEY’RE REAL TO MEEE!!!

Written a Story in a Month or Less

What kind of story we talking? I’ve finished LOADS of short stories and picture books in, like, an hour. Or less. I’ve never done a whole novel in a month, despite attempting NaNoWriMo several times. Maybe one day.

Fallen Asleep While Writing

Uh. No? How does one even do this? I’ve written while exhausted but like. . . . I’ve never actually fallen asleep at my computer or even in my bed while writing by hand. (I mean, not until after I put the notebook away and snuggled under the covers.)

Corrected Someone’s Grammar IRL/Online

GUYS I HAVE A STORY

Okay, so when my grandfather died, my parents went with my grandmother to help arrange the funeral. I requested to go because IDK I thought it might be interesting. The lady that was helping us figure out all the details had only had one hour of sleep that night (after being out all night doing her job), so when she typed up the obituary, she brought it back to us so we could triple-check for typos. Of course, being the grammar Nazi I am, I just had to say something, and the lady suggested I go back to her office and fix everything that was wrong. I FELT SO MEAN!! But it was lowkey kind of fun getting to sit back in her office and type on her computer all by myself. She even trusted me enough to leave me unsupervised. I mean, I would never do anything suspicious, but I’m glad she trusted me enough for that. I’m proud to announce that there were no typos in that particular news article that day. 😁

Outside of that, the amount of your/you’re typos I’ve corrected jokingly is quite extreme.

Yelled in all-Caps at Myself in the Middle of My Novel

Not at myself, but I have screamed at the world in all-caps in the middle of writing a short story hehe.

Used “I’m Writing” as an Excuse

Only to my brother. And once to my mom when she needed me and I was in the middle of a sentence. Don’t interrupt me when I’m in the middle of a sentence. I don’t want to lose it (the sentence, not my sanity).

Killed a Character That Was Based on Someone I Know in Real LIfe

How about, not yet. 😏😈

There’s a lot of chaos in the plotting world right now hehe.

Used Pop Culture References in a Story

Yeah, but it’s usually some random obscure thing that only my siblings would get, like an inside joke from a YouTube channel or TV show we might have watched, or a song our baby brother is obsessed with (looking at you Blippi *glares as the first notes of “The Excavator Song” play in the back of my head*). But I mean, I mostly write fantasy so there aren’t always opportunities for blatant references.

Written Between the Hours of 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM

Yes I have. It was in June of last year, actually. I’d set a goal for myself to write at least 250 words every day during June, and my family was taking a day trip to visit our cousins so I wouldn’t have the chance to write. Well, I couldn’t fall asleep, so I decided, why not do it now, super early in the morning? So I did. And then I stayed up longer, fell asleep at 4:30 and woke up at 6:00. It was a fun day, but the drive back home was miserable.

Now, I’m just naturally awake late (sometimes all the way to 5:00 AM) so I feel like I’ll be doing this a lot more IF I EVER ACTUALLY FINISH PLOTTING AGH

Drank an Entire Pot of Coffee While Writing

I don’t really like coffee. Although, I haven’t tried it for over a decade so maybe it’s time I give it another go. I feel very non-white girl not liking coffee. Have I betrayed my kind??

Written Down Dreams to Use in a Potential Novel

Y’all. My dreams are strangely cinematic. Why wouldn’t I?

Published an Unedited Story on the Internet/Blog/Wattpad

No. I’m not crazy. I do one proof-read and then I post! Obviously! Unedited. Pff.

Procrastinated schoolwork Because I Wanted to Write

No, but I’ve been tempted to. I didn’t because I knew I’d never get back to it and then I’d be in trouble.

Typed So Long My Wrists Hurt

Yeah, but only because my desk is so much higher than my chair. ‘Tis a steep incline.

Spilled a Drink on My Laptop While Writing

I don’t have a laptop, but my sister has one, so let me ask her.

“Nope. Never done that.”

She has a way with words, that one.

The worst I’ve done to my computer is spill goldfish on my keyboard (the crackers, not the actual fish I had when I was little. RIP Goldie. 😥), and I threw popcorn at the screen once. Hey, stuff goes down on YWW. Sometimes you just gotta throw popcorn at your friends’ profile pics.

I promise, I’m sane.

Actually. . . .

No. No I don’t. Jury’s still out on that one.

Forgotten to Save my Work/Draft

Well, I forgot to save a copy of the newsletter my family used to write and I lost EVERYTHING. Since then, I’ve been very careful about clicking the save button at random intervals. *clicks save button*

Finished a Novel

Never a full 50k word novel. But I’m currently plotting a whole series and when I finish plotting, I can actually start writing. Hopefully it won’t be too hard to reach 50k. I’m a little worried that all my plotting will be for naught.

Laughed Like an Evil Villain While Writing a Scene

Hehe, yes, with my sister reading over my shoulder. Needless to say, she was a little traumatized.

Cried While Writing a Scene

Not yet. But, I am very emotional and there are some sad scenes in my plot, so it’s probable.

Created Maps of My Fictional World

I’m working on putting the finishing touches on one right now, actually! I needed a map to get my fantasy land out of my jumbled brain. And this way, I can make sure my characters’ various quests make sense! Some of them don’t, so I’ll have to find a workaround for that. It’s been fun, but very stressful. Sometimes I feel like my brain is going to explode 😅

Researched Something Shady For a Novel

Not yet, but a have a bunch of stuff saved on Pinterest hehe.

Alright, next is the

This is my second time being tagged for this award and I think it’s my favorite because sunshine is nice. Pearl tagged me for this one!

Rules:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog. ✔

2. Answer the questions. ✔

3. Nominate eleven bloggers and ask them eleven questions. ✔ (Well, more or less.)

Pearl’s Questions:

1. What Website or App Do You Spend the Most Time on?

Currently, it’s YouTube, but if I ever rejoin YWW, that’ll probably take the crown.

2. Do You Like Car Rides?

Depends on where I’m sitting. Squished up in the back with my siblings? Ha, no thanks. Shotgun? Sure, that’s nice. Driver’s seat at night WHILE IT’S RAINING???? Yesssss pleaseeeee!!!

3. Can You Drive / Are You Learning to Drive / Do You Like Driving?

I guess the last answer answers this question! I got my learner’s permit almost two years ago and I really like driving, so long as it’s not too chaotic. I’m absolutely atrocious at parking, but we’re getting there. I’m supposed to take my driver’s test soon so I can chauffeur my grandmother around and I’m excited about that.

4. Have You Ever Been Unconscious Before?

No, besides when I sleep. I did almost faint once, when my dad was skinning chickens, and another time out of the blue in the shower, but it’s never actually happened. Thankfully. From what I’ve heard, it does not sound fun.

5. Favorite Flower?

Okay, I know it’s basic, but I loove sunflowers! They’re just so pretty and sometimes I feel like a walking sunflower myself. I’m tall and sunny and fragile. I also really like tulips and irises and flower of the Holy Spirit orchids. And orchids in general. They’re just so nice!

6. Do You Like Listening to Music While Studying Or Doing Other THings? If So, What Kind?

I’m actually listening to music right now! (Okay, well, it’s a McDonald’s ad.) (Never mind, Love is Gone by SLANDER just came on.) I usually listen to music in the evenings when I’m browsing Pinterest or checking emails or writing blog posts. I don’t typically listen to instrumental music (despite the fact that it’s really nice), so if I were to listen to it while I do school or write a letter etc. I would get distracted really easily. Hey, sometimes you can’t resist dancing along!

As for what kind, honestly, kid, I really don’t know. There are all kinds of genres in my playlist ranging from showtunes to trap. I usually just put my playlist on shuffle and listen to whatever the heck comes on. Like, I just went from a tender love song to a way darker song about closing your eyes. (Although the singer says “close your highs” instead of “close your eyes” and it’s kind of annoying.) My music is all over the place.

7. What are Your Favorite Girl or Boy Names?

Huh. I just realized. Most of the girl names are just names that I’ve seen and loved, but most of the boy names are the names of guys I actually know (or used to know). That’s kind of interesting.

8. What Does Your Morning/Evening Routine Look Like?

Well, my morning routine starts with me waking up towards noon (’cause I stay up so late writing or composing or plotting or reading or–) after turning off my alarm a thousand times LOL. Then, I get on my phone, read my Bible, scroll through Pinterest, play a game, just something to wake me up. If I had a crazy dream, sometimes I’ll write it down in my journal.

Once I’m awake (more or less), I head to the bathroom and get ready, brush my hair, fret over my acne, you know, the usual. Then, I head back to my room and get dressed, make sure nobody’s texted me or anything. And then, I’ll go eat lunch (’cause it’s usually ready by the time I’m up). After that, I start on school or do something with my siblings if it’s the summer.

My evening routine is basically nothing. I get on the computer between 7:00 and 8:00 PM and stay on till around 1:00. Sometimes I get bored and get off sooner. For the past couple of nights, I’ve played Risk with my brother (we have a super old version of the game where the world is square and definitely not proportionately correct at all, but it’s still fun to play). After I get tired enough (usually around 2:00 or 3:00 AM), I’ll head to bed. Sometimes I read, sometimes I plot, sometimes I lay in bed and contemplate how weird my life is.

Oh, and I also take a shower in there somewhere. LOL

9. What’s Something You’re Oddly Passionate About?

Hmm. . . . good question. I can’t really think of anything. There’s the usual “nOt LiKe OtHeR giRLs” crap. I take being a good friend very seriously, and if someone mistreats me, even in the slightest, I feel like I failed them as a friend. Maybe that’s just an anxiety thing heh.

10. Do You Have Any Hidden Talents?

For some reason, my newer friends are kind of surprised that I can draw. I gave one of my guy friends a drawing once, and he just went, “Holy COW!” and stared at it for a beat. I do like surprising people with my art skills. Their reactions are hilarious.

I can also pick up a lot of instruments really quick. Not well, mind you, but I can get the basics down pretty quick. Especially instruments that don’t require lung power 😅

11. It Would Appear That Pearl Accidentally Wrote the Same Question Twice, so I Guess There’s Only Ten Questions. Oh Well.

My Questions:

1. What Was the Last Song You Listened To?
2. Have You Ever Tried a Banana-Mayonnaise Sandwich? How DId You Like it? If Not, Would You Consider Trying One?
3. What is the Ratio of Real to Celebrity/Fictional Crushes You’ve Had?
4. Have You Been to the South? What Was Your Favorite Part? What Was Your Least Favorite Part?
5. How Many Blogs Are You Following?
6. Favorite VEgetable?
7. Favorite Fruit?
8. Favorite Kind of Bean? (And You Can’t Say the Toe Beans on Cats 😉)
9. Have You Ever Seen a Show on Broadway? What Show Was It? If Not, What Show Would You Like to See One Day?
10. If You Were to Be a Fugitive Under the Law, What Would be the Crime You CommiTted? (Whether Accidentally or On Purpose)
11. What is the View Out the Nearest Window?

Finally, we have

Liesl created this tag, and she tagged me for it, so I am very excited for it! Besides, I haven’t done a book tag in awhile. Maybe this will help remind me of what I need to read.

Rules:

1. Link back to the original post at Quote, Unquote so the creator can read your answers. ✔

2. Link back to the post of the person who tagged you and thank them. ✔

3. You may use the included graphic anywhere in your post, but you don’t have to. ✔

4. Fill all seven categories. ✔

5. You can either leave this tag open so anyone can do it or tag up to seven people. ✔

Questions:

A classic book that you have been meaning to read forever but haven’t yet

Besides all the ones on last year’s reading list that I ignored?

I would really love to read The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. It sounds really interesting. I read the synopsis when I found it at the bookstore (but didn’t buy it because I knew my mom wouldn’t let me get it what with all the sexual content) and it has an interesting premise.

A book on your shelf that you haven’t read yet

Um. . . . most of them?

Cress is the third book by the Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer. I got the entire boxset for Christmas and I’m only on the second book. But I’m almost done!

*flashbacks to all the ranting I’ve done in various recap posts* *sigh*

A book that you got recently that you haven’t read

Well, the last time I went book shopping was in July and the bag is still sitting under my bed, waiting to be unloaded.

I’ve seen this book floating around and it looks interesting, so I grabbed it! (Plus it was highly recommended by one of my friends.) I’m actually really looking forward to reading it — so long as I stop procrastinating. 😅

A book that you’ve had forever but haven’t read

I read an abridged version ages ago and loved it, but the full version is a little thicker than I was prepared for. I do really love the story so maybe I can read it sometime.

A book a friend recommended that you haven’t read

I get a lot of recommendations from my friends, but this is one that I’m particularly excited for.

My friend thought I would really love the worldbuilding and if someone thinks I’m going to like the worldbuilding, then I am super excited to read the book they suggested! Besides, worldbuilding is just one of my favorite parts of writing in general.

A book you’re procrastinating on

Uhhhhh. . . . all of them?

Okay, how about this one?

When I was younger, I went through a phase where I was obsessed with Dance Moms. (I don’t know why. I’m horrified by that show now.) Maddie was one of my favorites on the show and I kind of wanted to read her book. I was quite excited to find a used copy at the bookstore, and I read the first chapter. And then stopped for some reason? So now I’m just procrastinating reading the rest of it. No idea why.

(Also, can we talk about how the heck they got that cover image? It makes my brain hurt.)

The next book on your TBR

Probably Cress, or maybe Assassins, the sixth book in the Left Behind series. If I decide to read something else, I’ll probably read The Hunger Games.

My parents are finally letting me read it, and I can’t to get in on the fandom! I’ve been in the dark for too long.

My Tags

Chloë @ Chloë Mali (whenever you come back :))

Diamond @ I Have 12% of a Plan

Bea @ The Beahive

Liesl @ Quote, Unquote

Maya @ when through the woods

Aaannd I’ve run out of folks to tag. Y’all are welcome to pick and choose which tag(s) you do or you could do all of them, I don’t care. Or you could do none of them! Be a real pioneer!

Welp, I hope y’all enjoyed this long post of me doin’ some tags! I had a lot of fun answering the questions! If anyone who wasn’t tagged wants to steal one of the tags, go right ahead! It’s your life and your prison sentence. (Just kidding!)

Thanks for reading and I’ll see y’all in the next post (which should be a June Adventures post? Hopefully?)

K, bye!

🎵 Pass It On by Kurt Hugo Schneider 🎵