Writing Inspiration from a Question Game?

My husband and I like to play question games, and we're always searching for new questions to ask each other. In the question game "Cloud Nine," we came across this card that so perfectly applies to this blog, so I thought I'd make this week's post to answer the questions on this awesome card!

How do you approach writing?
I try to keep the mentality that I should do something writing related as often as I can. I usually have some kind of plan for what I'll write each day, but I often start by writing a bunch of junk, and eventually it flows into usable content. I don't do a lot of detailed outlining before I write my stories, but I do update my outline in little chunks as I go.

For my blog posts, I almost always have an outline first. I usually get my ideas for the next week after I post each week, though I've found the best ideas spur from what I'm working on in the moment or current events in my life.

When is it easy?
Writing its easy when I can find some good time for it. Life is busy, work is busy, and being a mom means squeezing in precious little gems of writing time when there's a quiet minute and the baby is asleep. For me, writing is easiest when I have a clear direction for where the story is going next, and it's especially easy if I can pick up after my last writing session fairly soon afterward (no more than a day, usually), or if I left off last time on a cliffhanger. 

When is it difficult?
Writing is difficult for me if I'm not sure where to take the story next. It can also be particularly challenging if I've had a long day at work or with my son. Sometimes, by the time I get to my manuscript, my brain is ready to shut down for the night, so I'm lucky if I get a few sentences down. But I always try to put something​ on the page.

What do you love to write about?
Oh, gosh. I love to write about anything and everything. I keep a journal to write about the things going on in my life, the experiences I have, the things I learn (and now the things my son is up to). I keep a blog to gush about writing things - particularly the things I learn as I pursue my writing career. 

In my children's books, I love to write positive, inspirational messages, and in my novels, I love to write about family, good vs. evil, light vs. dark, free will vs. fate, etc.

What kind of writing are you drawn to?
Mostly, I'm drawn to fantasy. I love creating worlds and describing imaginary creatures. I find that's where I feel most at home when I'm writing. But honestly, anytime I'm writing (even if it's as simple as an email for work), I'm happy. I love writing poetry, fantasy, and children's books, for sure, but I'm content writing just about anything.

Thanks for reading, everyone! 

For anyone interested in coming to chat books with me next weekend, I'll be at the new Murray Barnes & Noble here in Utah for an author event. Hope to see some of you there!