Introducing the Curious Wren | An Interview with Annie Hawthorne
My heart is rather full of excitement right now! I am so thrilled in fact, because I've been anticipating this day for years now, and it makes me so happy to finally be able to feature an interview here on Fullness of Joy with one of my very dear and closest online friends. Annie Hawthorne has just launched her own blog in the online writing community, friends!!
I distinctly remember the time (and post) in which Annie stopped by my little corner of the blog-community and left the sweetest comment on one of my sunset-photography posts (back in those days, to have had anyone comment on my blog was something worthy of celebration - Annie's note almost made me tear up!). In typical Annie-fashion, she was sweet, encouraging, joyful and made me smile.
When later she asked if she could email me and we started sending emails to each other back and forth, I realised Annie was truly a special young woman with a loving, affectionate heart, and a passionate love for the Lord Jesus. She was a girl I truly I wanted to be friends with! It was funny and joyful when we found out just how many things we had in common, despite living on opposite sides of the globe. . . through our long chats, emails, letters o'er the seas and Viber textin' (hey, sending quirky smile-y faces back and forth on Messages is a legitimate form of communication, folks!), we discussed and shared, we laughed and we cried and we prayed together. It's true, we've never met in the flesh (though we dream and pray about it!), but we truly feel like the best of friends, kindred spirits and bonded sisters in Christ. It is not really strange that with our mutual love of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, we frequently call each other "my dear Samwise", and see each other as Frodo and Sam did <3. Because Annie is really a beautiful Samwise friend! :)
So, dear friends, please pick yourself up a nice, warm cup of tea (or hot chocolate if you prefer that!), and join Annie and me as we have a nice, long-ish chat together :). . .
Hello, Annie, what a
delight it is to have you on Fullness of Joy! To start this
off, could you share a little bit about yourself? Hobbies, personality,
tea or coffee, least favourite household chore, cats or dogs...?
Hello, everyone! *group
hug* Joy, you are so sweet for agreeing to host me. I am honored to be
featured on your delightful blog today! <3
Hmm... let's see, I
color, knit, sew, and collect books among other things. I've been
called vivacious, and I'm an optimist with an affinity for hugs, long,
in-depth conversations, and smiling at strangers. Tea and coffee -- I like my coffee cold.
Cleaning out the science experiments in the refrigerator has never been a
favorite task of mine. Washing dishes is lovely because a) it never fails
to kick-start my muse, and b) everything is so shiny and clean afterwards. ^_^
Cats, cats, ALWAYS cats. I am an ailurophile all the way. Pluviophile
and Nemophilist too.
Ooh, I'd love to wash and dry the dishes with you - what fun we'd have talking and laughing together over our favourite stories, our fondness for our quirky-loveable families, our mutual obsession with hobbits, and our love for Jesus!
2. I'm so super excited that you have your own blog now! But for our dear readers, can you tell us a little of
what inspired you to launch Curious Wren, and why? What can we
most look forward to from your blog?
For several
years I've wanted to have a specific place on-line where I could share
about my writing and chat about books and plot and everything
bibliophile-related with kindred spirits. This January the time felt right, so
after much prayer and brainstorming, and planning I finally set the launch date
for Curious Wren. I originally intended to launch in July, but Camp
NaNo took precedence.
As aforementioned, I'll
be sharing lots about books, and writerly stuffage. I'm looking forward to
many, many good discussions with you all! :) And I can't wait to share
specific articles too, such as: Three Reasons Being A Writer
Is Terrifying, and Why Every Writer Should Watch Doctor Who,
or a Certain Piece of flash fiction that's been swirling in my head
for the last couple days. *rubs hands together gleefully*
I'm excited about that piece of flash fiction and other wonderful bits of writing you'll be sharing on your blog! *grins* But should I be worried about the Doctor Who post? *fondly remembers the long-night Sherlock-discussions we've had in the past* ;).
3. At what age did you first start writing and
develop a love for wordcrafting? Was there someone or something that
influenced you to start this journey?
Not any specific age
that I can recall. Because my Mum read books like The Hobbit, The
Chronicles of Narnia, and Little House on the Prairie to us children when
we were little pipsqueaks I grew up with a love of literature
ingrained in me. My habit of telling stories about mice and hedgehogs to
my little sisters at bedtime (which I did until I was about 13) morphed into
putting my words down on paper too. Since she fostered such a deep love of
books in me, I would say I have my Mommy to thank for my love of writing. She's
always encouraged me, and given many a word of caution when I get too excited
and charge ahead with things impulsively. And she also doesn't bear
grudges when I write things that make her cry. My Dad hugs me when I'm in
a rough patch, and is my cornerstone of common sense when I'm too ambitious or
not thinking clearly about a book's theme. Seriously, I could never write a
shallow book with Dad around. <3 And I couldn't go without mentioning my
precious Grandpa who saw potential in every tiny, horrendous scrap of
writing I showed him as a young girl, or my sisters who showed (and still show)
such enthusiasm over my books and characters. They yank me back in line
wonderfully when I slack off on completing things.
Aww! I love how supportive and encouraging your parents are - they sound like the best inspirations!
4. On a similar vein, a great man was known to have said, “If
I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Who
have been the giants or “Greats” that have inspired your writing, love of
literature and perhaps even your life thus far?
I will name only a few
of the many, and I won't even try to elaborate because I don't think I could
find the words. But of all the books I have read the authors that mean the most
to me, that inspired me the most, that have taught me so much and tangled
their stories into my soul are... Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, L.M. Montgomery,
Dickens, Kenneth Graham, Louisa May Alcott, Mary Norton, and Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle. More recently, Eric Nylund, Harper Lee, Stengl, and Mirriam
Neal.
5. Not to quote Fanny Thornton and say “I
see you’re not musical, as you have no piano…” ;), but do you play an
instrument? What’s your favourite type/style of music? Do you have any
favourite composers?
Oh, Fanny. XD I need to
watch North and South again...
Coincidentally, I do play
piano, though not very well. My favorite style of music is instrumental, and I
love hymns, classical, soundtracks, and different random good songs I've
found over the years. My top five favorite modern composers are
Murray Gold, Hans Zimmer, Howard Shore, Henry Jackman (because Captain
America has epic music), and John Powell.
Howard Shore! *grins* He's such an amazing composer. . . I'lll have to look up Henry Jackman's "Captain America" soundtrack :D.
6. How do you feel your Christian faith affects
your writing in general, and allows you to express your worldview of life?
My faith as a child of
God is the lens through which I view life, and so naturally that
influences my writing. How does it affect it? I attempt to write my
stories in a way that I know will please my Saviour, in a way that will not
lead people astray or cause them to fall. Example? I write flawed
characters but not amoral characters unless they are villains or
going to change drastically in their story arc, I don't use actual swear
words; if I'm writing about touchy subjects I'm going to write it in
a way that I wouldn't blush to have my Mum read it, or be ashamed of myself. I
want my books to be wholesome, and unflinching about the truth, and
I believe that can be achieved without being explicit or crass. :)
Amen! That's a wonderful standard and desire in your writing, Annie, and I applaud you for that desire to write true but wholesome fiction. How we need more of that in our world these days!
7. So. . . can you tell us a bit more about
your current writing projects, and what you’ve been working on lately?
(Also, a few snippets from your work would be a treat!)
My current WIP I am
keeping very close to my chest, but I'll grant you all a tiny sneak peek.
;) It's a shortish steampunk fantasy thingummy I'm writing just for
fun and it involves a snarky, proud, impish cat, his bird side-kick called
Prism, a wild little girl that they try to contain, vengeful faeries, lots of
smog and mechanical things, split milk, and the color blood-red. ^_^
My other WIP is a sci-fi
Beauty and the Beast re-telling called I am Juliette (the first book in a series of
re-tellings) and at the moment I'm editing/finishing the third draft
-- which basically means I go into panic mode or happy spazzing mode every time
I think about it. Ah, the life of a writer, so confusing to one's
emotions. O.o
Well, I am just bursting with anticipation, m'dear, for all your stories! And folks, "I am Juliette" is seriously worth waiting for - such a moving and beautiful story. . .
8. Do you have any strange writing
habits/quirks (like standing on your head for research or plotting
assassinations in the shower)?
Well, I definitely plot
assassinations in the shower! Also, births and kingdoms being overthrown and
hearts broken, etc. The usual.
*thinks* I can't write
while listening to lyrical music. I write the best when I am completely alone,
and listening to music that fits the mood of whatever scene I am destroying.
I have to have a glass of water nearby, but I don't like snacking while I
write, unless it's something like chocolate or candy. I tend to take awhile to
get into my writing, but once I'm going full-steam I can write for hours, and
generally I forget to eat. I wash my face before I write, clip back my
hair, and don something cozy -- like my flannel shirt. Lots of times I catch
myself saying the dialogue while I scribble, or having conversations
with my charries aloud, along with facial expressions that go with the
movie in my head. Oh, yes! I see my stories as movies in my mind, complete with
camera angles, panoramic view, lighting, and even soundtrack sometimes. Also, I
write first drafts best by hand so I have piles of notebooks and
pens.
Ooh, how I would love to hijack one of those notebooks! ;)
9. Can you tell us what are your current
favourite movies, TV shows, and books? (Stress is on the current, of
course.)
Doctor Who will
always be a current favorite, I think. ^.^ My oldest sister-in-law recently introduced
me to a Masterpiece Classics crime show called Inspector Lewis. Other
than some swearing and parts to skip, it's really good. I love the repartee and
friendship between Lewis and Halloway, the mysteries, and the general lovely
British-ness. Then there's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. which I fangirl over
for multiple reasons. The twists and turns! The characters! The fight scenes!
The snark! The emotional trauma! COULSON! FITZSIMMOMS! Skye and her
Dad! *calms down*
Bookwise that would be:
-The Eagle of the
Ninth. (Rosemary Sutcliff).
-The Code of the
Woosters. (P.G. Wodehouse).
-Flora and Ulysses:
The Illuminated Adventures.
-A Wish Made of Glass
(Ashlee Willis).
-Monster (Mirriam
Neal).
Ah, yes, British TV-dramas are really some of the best out there, aren't they! :) And it makes me so excited to see a Rosemary Sutcliff novel in this list - her books are so good!
10. Being a home-school graduate from a
big family, how do/did you fit writing time with studies, chores and
family time as well as other activities?
Back when I was in
high-school? The short answer is... I didn't. I wrote an appalling small amount
over my last few school years -- and I do mean appalling. I can't tell you how much I regret those wasted
years of not honing my craft, not sticking to things like I could have. I
thought I was too busy, thought I couldn't have possibly fit it in, but I know
now if I had chosen to make time to write even for fifteen minutes a day I
could have. It just requires perseverance and sacrifice. Missing out on a movie
here, and a social event there; going to bed early, getting up extra
early, being a miser with my time... these are all things I'm finally learning
to do now. It's hard, and it's a balancing act, and I am terrible at
sticking to a schedule and forming good habits, but it can be done. I should actually write a
blog post about this..... *ponders*
Well, you don't need to ask me twice, I'd love such a post! :)... I think so many of us would in fact.
11. What are some of your favourite
non-fiction books?
How To Win Friends and Influence People. Steal Like
An Artist. Personality Plus. The Hiding Place. I can not say enough in praise of these four
books.
I just re-reread "The Hiding Place" recently. . . I love this book so. much.
12. What excites you the most about literature
and its influence in culture, and how it affects the way people think and act?
Cultures are built and
woven with Story. People are shaped by Story, whether it's books or film.
And I find that fascinating, and it means writers and screenwriters and
publishers and filmmakers have a huge responsibility. With our works we have
the potential to directly influence lives for good or evil, and we need to make
sure we don't abuse that power, but use it to show light, and hope,
and strength, and good things. I firmly believe that people can, and are
changed by what they read. Everything you put into your mind has some
influence on you, no matter how small. That's why it's so important to weigh
carefully what we let in.
"Garbage in, Garbage out."
--> Austin Kleon
13. Hands down, what's your all-time favourite
holiday food and sweet treat?
Holiday food? Probably
turkey and stuffing. Sweet treat? TOO MANY. But tops would be pumpkin pie,
gingerbread cookies, and homemade hot chocolate. (My brain is wired for autumn
and Christmas right now, apparently).
(Hey, and so is mine. . . !)
14. What is one thing you feel God
has been teaching you this last year?
The importance of being
there for my family. Of making sure they know I care, not just
assuming it's taken for granted. Of investing my time in things that matter. Of
not being afraid to speak out about what I Believe, and that if the God who holds
galaxies in the palm of his hands still has time to spend on me
individually, then I can make time to be with him, and share my love for
him with others.
Those are truly wonderful lessons.
15. Who is your
favourite side-kick (secondary character) in a
book/movie of your favourite genre? (You are welcome to choose more than
one ;).
Thank you for specifying
favorite genres, dear. That helps narrow it down considerably.
Fantasy: the obvious
answer would be Samwise (LOTR), but a runner-up would be Piglet in Milne's
delightful stories, or Ratty in The Wind in the Willows.
Science fiction: Cortana
in Halo: First Strike. Kelly in Halo: Ghosts of Onyx. Runner up,
August and the Doctor in the Firmament series.
And since I just read The
Eagle of the Ninth, I must mention Esca. I love that charrie so much.
16. What literary character do you think is
most like you? And if someone made a movie of your life, what actress
would you cast to play you?
Jo March in Little
Women. Every time I read that book I am struck anew by how similar we are.
It's actually a bit scary. O.o
I would choose Chloe
Bennett as the actress to play me. She acts as Skye in Agents of
S.H.I.E.L.D. who is another character that reminds me strongly of
myself.
I think Jo March suits you perfectly, Annie *smiles fondly* :). <3
17. Is there a particular song or film that
makes you cry every time you watch/listen to it?
There are many of those.
o.o
Okay, movies first...
The Last Samurai makes me cry throughout the whole film -- it's just so SAD.
The Return of the King definitely. Gettysburg has me in tears also
by the end. And Doctor Who: The Angels Take Manhatten. Those
four are the only ones I can think of where I have out-right sobbed. But
there are lots where I get teary and sniffly.
Songs now:
*Sniffs* I get tearful every time I hear "The Last Goodbye" or "Going Home" too!
18. Can you name your three favourite colours?
All colors of blue,
except pastel. Blood-red. Black.
19. What is something you especially love
about the place you live in?
It's in the country.
O.O I've lived in the city before, and it was like being in a cage. Other
things I love are the glorious panorama of fields behind our house, and the
tree outside our window that serves as a darkly-green, quivering curtain in
the summer.
It sounds so beautiful . . . :)
20. Do you work to an outline/plot or do you
prefer to just see where an idea takes you? Do you write more by logic or
intuition, or some combination of the two?
I'm a hybrid which means
I'm half pantser, and half plotser. Most confusing. I start out with a fairly
decent outline of the beginning and specific Big Events that Must Happen and
then I pants happily from Event to Event, and all sorts of unexpected and
surprising things happen along the way. I think I write more by intuition than
anything. I don't always logic very well.
It's funny because I don't do always do logic very well either and rely much on intuition as I write! It really makes the writing process thrilling and scary at times, doesn't it ;).
Yes. *feels all secret
agent-y* I can give rather good foot massages, and I'm interested in studying
reflexology and acupressure further.
Also I whistle!
Funny story, I'm a soprano and my brother is a bass, but when we whistle
together I can only do the low parts and he can only do the high parts. No idea
why. O.o
Ooh, you'll have to teach me how to whistle one day!
22. Do you have a favourite Scripture passage
or life verse? What inspires and encourages you the most about it?
I have several,
actually. I'll share three of them.
"[...] for he hath said, I
will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews
13:5 KJV
"Jesus Christ, the same
yesterday, and today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8 KJV
(Those two verses I have
clung to in dark times, and they are so precious to me).
"Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
James 1:17 KJV
(This verse means so
much to me, and I cherish its reminder of God's love and goodness. Every.
Good. Gift. is from him. Everything).
Such precious Promises, Annie. Thank you for sharing!
23. Elves or dwarves, m’dear? Erebor
or the Woodland Realm? Can you name a favourite hobbit from J.R.R.
Tolkien’s work? (OUCH!)
Always elves. ^_^
The Woodland Realm. And just for that cruel question I will name two hobbits.
;) Bilbo Baggins who I have loved forever, and Sam because of his unfailing
loyalty and sweetness.
^_^ Bilbo and Sam are truly two of the most brave and loyal characters in literature ever! I highly approve, m'dear :) It *was* a cruel question, though and for that, I am truly sorry, my dear Samwise.
24. Favourite quote by your favourite author?
I'm going to cheat and
use a Bible verse for this too.
"And God shall wipe away all
tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, not
crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed
away." Revelations 21:4 KJV
That is truly one of my favourite Bible verses ever. . . so much hope and comfort in it! <3
25. What is your greatest wish/purpose in
picking up your own pen and writing?
To encourage, inspire, challenge, and make people
more aware of certain subjects. To do whatever my Saviour wills. If I
will have changed one person's life by my writing, if I show one person
the way to the Light, I will be content.
*****
Annie Hawthorne is a twenty-something writer who tends to be guilty
of either hyperbole or crafting scenes that make her beta-readers cry. If she’s
not scribbling YA fantasy and speculative fiction, then she can be found
interacting with her family as one of its more lively members or attempting to
shorten her TBR stack (it never works). She practices piano badly, and
photography even worse. People-watching, long road-trips, dissecting movies,
Doctor Who and LOTR marathons, wearing red heels, and collecting mugs are
always on her To-Do list. She chases beauty, and is a child of God.
Annie talks books, writing, and life at https://anniehawthorne.wordpress.com. You can find her Twitter account https://mobile.twitter.com/account
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"Gracious words are like a honeycomb; sweetness to the soul and health to the body..." ~Proverbs 16:24