Beautiful Books 2016 Update: The Matchmakers

You may remember me making a Beautiful Books 2016 post a little while ago about The Matchmakers, and today, Cait (PaperFury) has called for an update, so here it is:

1. Overall, how is your mental state, and how is your novel going?: Truthfully, my mental state is shot to Hell (and not because I’m trying to promote The Belgrave Legacy which has Hell in it). I’m going crazy because I unexpectedly became the head costume person on a show I volunteered as an assistant for, have an exam tomorrow (which I’ve barely studied for), and 2 papers due next week (which I haven’t started yet). NaNoWriMo hasn’t even been open on my browser since it started—if I ever get on top of this work, and have time to write, I’ll have a lot of catching up to do.

2. What’s your first sentence (or paragraph)?: My sister looks like a goddess as she waits for the tailor to appear. Her waist-length hair is braided in a Dutch crown and diamond jewelry hangs from her ears, wrists, and neck. The only thing missing is a smile. Instead, she frowns at the holographic display of her outfit. “You’d think that after seventy-five years, the Matchmakers would become more flexible with the color scheme.” She whispers the last part, but not quietly enough. 3. Who’s your current favourite character in your novel?: Rosemary “Romy” Katherine Young. The protagonist. I think it’s because I know her the best and because she’s the nicest person in the story.

4. What do you love about your novel so far?: the characters, and having a dystopian novel where the heroine isn’t a fighter (e.g. Katniss from The Hunger Games, nor does she ever become one (e.g. Tris from Divergent).​

5. Have you made any hilarious typos or other mistakes?: I’m sure I have, but I can’t think of any right now.​

6. What is your favourite to write–beginning, middle, or end—and why?: End because that means I’ve completed the story (for the time being if it’s only a draft), the characters have grown, and I’ve reached a satisfying conclusion to the plot. Beginnings are fun too because that’s when I’m getting into a new story/world, and introducing it not just to myself, but to my eventual reader. Middles suck just because it’s really easy to get lost in them (that’s where I currently am with The Matchmakers).

7. What are your writing habits? Is there a specific snack you eat? Do you listen to music? What time of day do you write best? Feel free to show us a picture of your writing space!: I always have a sugary snack (Nilla wafers, Oreos, bunch a crunch, maple cream candy, etc) and a water bottle on hand. I usually write in silence, but I sometimes play music in the background. Really depends on what I’m in the mood for. I write best in the morning, but that’s a bit hard for me to do right now given I’m up so late every night for the show I’m working on. Night is my second best time, and lastly afternoons (when I’m not napping). And… my writing space is essentially my laptop now, so I won’t bore you with a picture of it. Just google “2015 MacBook Air”—I want to get the new MacBook Pro or Air when they come out. I’m saving up money now.

8. How private are you about your novel while you’re writing? Do you need a cheer squad or do you work alone (like, ahem, Batman)?: I usually work alone, but I do love having a cheer squad, too. I just don’t normally seek one out until much later in the game. For The Matchmakers, though, I suppose the Wattpad readers have been my cheer squad.

9. What keeps you writing even when it’s hard?: The need to express the story. Even when I’m not writing, it won’t shut up in my head, so I guess that’s a good thing. I’m compelled to write, and whenever I’m not, I always feel like I’m edging toward madness. Like Kafka said: “A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity.”

10. What are your top 3 pieces of writing advice?: Have a plan, be persistent, have fun.