What You Read is What You Get
A self-interview prompted by Rick
What type of writer do you feel you are?
There are many answers that come to mind for this one, and not all are complimentary. Overall, though, I think I'll have to go with "undisciplined."
What type of writer do you not want to be?
Pretentious.
What do you like about yourself as a writer?
I think I'm learning to believe that I have a gift for storytelling. I owe that to the support of other creators in this community.
What do you look for in other writers?
Authenticity.
What do you not like about yourself as a writer?
I could burn up a lot of words on this one. Diffidence stands out. After all these years of writing, self-confidence in strictly creative writing still hasn't set in. Following through with publishing plans isn't an easy thing for me.
Which writing genre or category do you feel is your best?
Creatively speaking, I like to think it's poetry. I enjoy meter and rhyme and the challenge of creating them.
In which genre or category do you feel the most challenged?
Fiction. Frankly, if not for the Vocal community, I might never have strayed in to it, but now that I have, I'm determined to wring more of it out of my brain.
When did you first start writing?
Before kindergarten. Reading and writing were very important in my family, thanks to Mom. Yeah, I was that kid who was always called upon to read his essay in front of the class. That's not as fun as it sounds.
Why do you write
I simply love words.
This last question is off-topic. If you could be part of any television sitcom family, which one would it be and why?
Well, I really dislike most sitcoms, especially the more recent ones. The last one I really enjoyed watching was Cheers, so let's go with that.
***
This is my response to the self-interview prompt from Rick Henry Christopher, a very talented and supportive creator, and a fine human being. Thank you, Rick, for the opportunity. Check it out here:
About the Creator
Dana Crandell
Dad, Stedpad, Grandpa, Husband, lover of Nature and dogs.
Poet, Writer, Editor, Photographer, Artist and Tech/Internet nerd. Content writer by trade. Vocal Creator by choice.
Keep reading
More stories from Dana Crandell and writers in Writers and other communities.
Dear Paul
Dear Paul, I was completely blown away by your letter. The fact that an author whose words I very much admire would spend so many of them on a personal note to me had me beaming from the moment I saw the notification. Your expression of fondness for me, even though we only know each other through our stories and interaction via comments means more than you know, Sir, so let me start this off by saying it's mutual. Now, before our wives suggest we move in together, I'll move on to the reply.
By Dana Crandell6 months ago in Writers
Lifting the Curtain to a Successful Month
April has been a fantastic month for me in terms of writing endeavors. I’d like to share what’s been so great about it just as many other writers would do. Share successes. I’ve noticed other writers or artists have shared successes and when you just see the snippet of their success, it appears everything has been going right for them all along. But we haven’t seen behind the curtain, we haven’t seen their hard work and their failures and those months that were fraught with disappointment. In everyone’s case, it’s far from the truth. But for the outside observer it isn’t always apparent.
By Stephen Kramer Avitabile6 days ago in Writers
Comments (16)
I have to ask: the Diane years, Rebecca years, or all-inclusive?
These interviews are bringing out the beasts and the honest truths, I think they are really wonderful. Undisciplined, pretentious and authentic...great attributes for a writer, pretentious takes you right to the edge, you have to know how to balance it just right. Love the honesty.
You did a great job with this Dana. I enjoyed your responses. Thank you for the compliments at the end.
Great answers Dana. You are the least pretencious writer ever. You gave my newbie self so much encouragement when there was absolutely no reason for you to bother! And your storytelling skills are fantastic! Happy New year to you and hope this year brings us all many more of your poems!
You are the least pretentious person I know, probably! I remember the first time reading something by you and thinking "this guy is light years ahead of me" and then there's always that stopping moment when you think "I don't know this guy...maybe he's going to be some arrogant dickwad!" fortunately, you weren't. I kinda had guessed that anyway, because I think the very first thing I read by you was about your late, great nephew! And since then you've always been a great supporter to me personally and a pal. But, I've always noticed you there in the comments section. It aggravates me sometimes, lol, that sounds threatening, but, that you don't see the quality of your wonderful words, sir. You are a great writer and the fiction I have read by you, is well worth you digging into more. Your poetry is sublime. You are among a list of people whose work really inspires me and is what I aspire to write. Anyway, that's way too many compliments for you sir. Thank you for taking part in this as I knew you'd pull it out of the bag with the Crandell charm. I can see you in Cheers too, actually. Sitting at the bar with Norm lol. Well done!
I'm not a fan of sitcoms either. I like a show to be thrilling, suspicious, and it has to have murder in it. But I digress, lol. I enjoyed reading this!
😁👍 I alway like your poetry!!
Love your answers, Dana Thanks for sharing with us
Great answers, Dana!! Authenticity! Yes! Pretentious? You’re the absolute furthest thing from that word. You do have a gift for storytelling and I can’t wait to read more of your tales. It also makes sense that you think your best category is poetry—the rhythmic words that flow from your brain are simply sublime! 💫💞
I agree with Hannah. Enjoyed reading this Dana
We all want the authenticity!
I love your writing!
Keep up the great work!
Awesome!!! Loved your responses to Ruck's prompt questions!!!❤️❤️💕
Reading in front of the class is a special kind of torture in my opinion. Someone else reading it out loud for everyone is nearly as bad. Pull my underpants down in front of everyone, why don't you 😣
Very insightful! I also generally dislike sitcoms, never enjoyed the Office or Friends very much, but Cheers was always a good time!