A PENLESS CAROL

Day 2 Task 2 Spotlight Acquaintance

D2T2 - Day 2 Task 2
Spotlight Acquiantance
Get to know the past and present spotlighters.

For this task, I chose to write an interview consisting of 10 questions and submit it to 6 of my fellow Spotlighteers:

Shortly after emailing them, it occurred to me that many might be working, and thus out for the day. Perhaps to my ultimate horror, others might be away on vacation basking somewhere in the sun, far from their computers. (These people are, of course, savages and are to be avoided!)

I decided to email everyone on the current round, only two from the second round, and four from the first.

*Update 10Pm. Of the 15 remaining members in our group, I contaced all and have received an amazing 13 responses. WHAT A GROUP!

Both of my Round 2 Interviewees have reesponded, and 1 of my interviewees from round 1 has responded.

While I am missing a response and may fail to complete the task, I know I will hear from them as soon as they have the time. So, no regrets. I have made wonderful contacts with folks I am proud and honored to be getting to know.

If details are required, read on McDuff! Be prepared to be blown away by the superb people you are about to encounter!


In the interests of time and space, especially since a second email arrived last evening with the specificity of the task emboldened and highlighted in red. I will curtail my entries to only the first 2 responses from each round.

Here is the email I sent: (I personalized it for the Spotlighteer from rounds 1 and 2 explaining why I chose them.)

~o0o~

Good mornng.

I am Carol Marsella. As you may or may not know by now, I am part of the Author's
Spotlight Group.

I hope I am not overstepping in asking a favor.

In keeping with one of our daily tasks, I have prepared this list of questions to help me
step out of my shy little corner and get to know my fellow contestants, and future
friends, by designing and following through on an interview.

If you have the time and are so inclined, would you kindly answer these ten questions for
me, via email? May I further impose up on you to do this as soon as possible, because
there is a time constraint involved.

I would be more than happy to return the favor, and invite you to interview me as well.

Ten questions inserted here.

Again, I understand completely if you are too busy to answer all. If some appeal to you
and others do not, then please, answer those with which you are comfortable and leave the rest.

I am anxious to read your answers to these questions and hope this will be the beginning
of a warm friendship here at WDC.

Certainly, I will want to return the favor, so I would be delighted to answer these, or other questions for you as well.

Carol
(Multiple sigs and notice of group affiliations)

~o0o~

To my amazement, within 90 minutes after I sent out these emails I had already received ten responses, and I have to acknowledge my gratitude for the challenge to get to know this wonderful, colorful, and diverse group of people I have been blessed to stumble into!

My first and most assuredly delightful contact was Dr. Taher whom I met yesterday on the discussion forum.

I became a fan of his just by reading his beautifully written email, and his suggesting we question one another made me jump for joy!

May I present my wonderful new friend, of whom I am very proud, Dr Taher writes again! :

1. A bit about yourself: First off, If you care to share, I would like to know if you
are male or female. --Country and state. --(Hobby other than writing, if any. Favorite
book, movie or song? - Anything else you might like to share?)

I am a 48 year old male, married and with two children, living in Mumbai, India
and go by the name of Dr. Taher Kagalwala. I am a Pediatrician by profession and a child
at heart. I love making friends, travelling, writing, reading, cooking, astronomy,
zoology, singing ... and many other things. A list of my favourite books and movies can
be had from http://drtahersworld.blogspot.com ... see the column on the left.

2. How old were you when you realized you had a passion for, or need to write?

I recall my childhood and adolescence as if they were yesterday. Although not a gifted child, I was certainly above the average when it came to both, academics and creativity. Perhaps you could call me an under-achiever in sporting activities, but circumstances and the kind of upbringing I received deprived me of opportunities to discover if I had any sporting talent and to hone my skills in that direction.

The result was that I was considered a book-worm by my more adventurous peers; however, being left alone has its advantages too; I took to reading books (not just from my
curriculum, but outside it too), drawing, sketching, colouring, making craft items and so
on. Another, major hobby that I started cultivating right from childhood was writing. Enid
Blyton was one of my major idols, and my first books were an imitation of her style of
writing without her finesse or skill. I also wrote essays, poems, a novella, and I
experimented even with writing a short novel in Hindi!

During my college years, these activities allowed me to explore English without any
hesitation; I took part in handwriting competitions in school, in elocution and drama in
school, in debating and elocution in the medical college, and finally, I took to writing
as a favourite pastime hobby sometime around the age of 40+.

The revival of creativity has done wonders to me, my aging, my personality, my leadership qualities and capacities and many more things besides. And therein lies the blessings of Allah.

3. How have you pursued writing - that is, did you formally study writing at university
level? Perhaps you have taken or are taking a few local creative writing courses? Or do
you (like me) consider WDC your University Experience?

I have not learnt how to write. I consider established writers' books as my first
fount of knowledge. you're right, in that WDC has helped me to hone my skills.

4. What are your preferred type and genre to write?

Mostly, I write whatever comes to my mind. For the last one and a half years, I have been writing in response to prompts, which, they say, is not a very good way to be a writer, but constraints of time prevent me from riding the muse, so to say. However, I am not comfortable writing horror, erotica, and lyrics. I love to write history, action,
adventure, mystery, romance and suspense. Poetry : I have all kinds of poems in my port and have no current favourites in terms of genre.

5. What are your preferred type and genre to read?

Almost the same as above.

6. How did you find your way to WDC? And how long have you been here?

I was searching for writing and story sites on the net and stumbled on to stories.com . I am a member since 24th September, 2002. I will soon be six years old on WDC. I have had my share of thrills, faux pas and problems ... but I trundle on. This year, I have upgraded to a Premium membership, but I don't know if I will continue thus, as I hardly have the time to create so many new items.

7. Do you enjoy reviewing the writing of others? Does it help you, or is it just a chore
to you?

I love to review. At times, it is a chore, such as returning a favour, or reading because of a writer's block, but most of the times, it is educative to read writers from
different parts of the globe!

8. Are you a published writer? Did WDC play a role, or did you arrive in that condition?

I have a published book on parenting, which, unfortunately, is out of print now. You can see the cover page of this book through a link on my bio. on the portfolio.

9. Can you describe, introduce us to your muse?

Can I skip this one for now?

10. When you write, do you have a set time and place, or is the world your inspiration
and canvas?

I write based on availability of time, as I am a professional caring for sick children. Prompts inspire me to write, and most of the times, I dig through my past, or wax philosophical and produce work that is definitely above the average, but by no means
fantastic.

~o0o~

The second person to answer my Round 3 questionaire is none other than michellekeyes * * HAPPY 17 month BIRTHDAY TO SWEET LIBERTY! * *

Wow, thanks for picking me to interview! I'd be happy to answer your questions.

1. I'm a female, I live in Indiana. I recently read The Lone Survivor, which is an amazing book about a Navy Seal. I think everyone in America should read it and it should be a book in college curriculums.

My favorite hobby other than writing is playing poker. I'm mother to a beautiful daughter named Liberty who just turned 17 months on 7/28/08.

2. (I was) 14

3. My experience has been mainly by doing. I've read many books about writing, as well as numerous magazines. I read as much as I can too. I would love to take some creative writing courses but just can't afford it right now.

4. I prefer to write fantasy but tend to also write thrillers and occassionally branch into other realms. Since joining WDC I've written some poetry and even a history short story.

5. I prefer to read fantasy as well as mainstream fiction and thrillers. Occassionally I will read scary stories as well but that's faded in the last ten years as my reading tastes have changed.

6. I found my way here by accident - during a search for writing contests. I've been here about a month, maybe a little longer.

7. I enjoy it when I have time although right now I'm so busy I don't have the time that I used to in the beginning. I love reviewing other people's work and sharing my thoughts.

8. I was published years ago - I had a poem published in my college magazine. I've also done some online columns through Suite101 when it was popular.

9. My muse is a fickle, snobby woman. She turns her nose up at doing any real work, delegating the hard stuff like outlining, plotting, and editing to me. Her role is pretty limited to the initial creation phase - which gives me the inspiration for the story and characters and then, if something in the story interests her, she'll inspire me with some really strong material. But most of the real work she leaves up to me.

10. I tend to write wherever the mood strikes me but most often I have to sit down and force myself to start. That's usually at my desk in my office, which is an office for my business as well. I usually write best early in the morning or late at night.

-------------------------o0o----------------------

My esteemed Round 2 Interviewees are: Web Witch and Marretta!

Delighted to have heard back from our wonderful winner of round 2. The one. The only... Sssssh! I'm not really here. !

1. I am a woman! I live in Massachusetts, in beautiful New England. I am a mystery novel and movie lover. I usually figure out who-done -it long before the book or movie are finished, though. I have many hobbies including sewing, graphics, gardening and nature loving..

2. I was just a kid when I thought about writing stories. I love telling tales, so
writing them just seemed natural.

3. I started making greeting cards, then was asked to write little things for weddings, memorials, etc. I have a law degree which entailed voluminous writings along the way. I started blogging prior to joining WDC. Now, I am here doing what I love to do--write!

4. Mysteries and comedies are to my taste. However, I have dablled in other genre, too.

5. I love Psychological thrillers!

6. I just happened upon it. It was advertised on a page when I was looking up something about writing . I don't remember at the time what I was looking for, but, I found this link, and here I am! I have been here one year since July 12th.

7. I am an avid reviewer, as is obvious upon visiting the most active and credited reviewers lists. I find reviewing a necessary tool for all writers.

8. I am not published at the moment. I intend to be sometime down the line.

9. My muse is so much a part of me. She lies there beneath the synapses of my brain. She is a free spirit and she just activates upon the slightest impulse. Almost anything can become a story when she is in the mood, and if you've seen some of the stories in my port, you'll know exactly what I mean. Buffalo wings, anyone?.

10. I have a free spirit that has no constraints, thus the world
is my canvas and inspiration. I write when inspired, unless it is something that needs to
be complete by a specific time--like this interview for instance.

I hope this helps answer your questions.>
Good luck with the contest! >
Ta,
WW

~o0o~

Maretta wrote me this lovely letter. Isn't she sweet? I have the feeling I have met somebodies wonderful today...

Hi Carol,
I will try to do my best..A month or so ago I did try to do what you are doing now but at the time there was to much going on at home so I gave up. I would like to do it again in September so maybe you can help me out then. I would have liked to try it out this month but my little grand-daughter is coming for 2 weeks to what we call our summer "Grammy" camp so I know I will be busy for the first 2 weeks of Aug and loving every minute of it. I guess you can pretty well tell from the above that I am a female and retired and also a widow. For the first time in my life I can usually write as much as I want altho things come up from time to time.

I Have written since about third grade and love the written word too. It is often a tough choice between reading or writing but when I finish a piece I must admit I am on a high. I have been published in a sense but not the way I want to be. I edited and wrote for a Little Theatre in NJ and also wrote for a company department newsletter when I worked some years ago. However, I yearn to be published and am working diligently toward doing so. As I said to someome else -that would truly be the icing on the cake for me.

I am originally from upstate NY but have lived in several parts of the US. Right now we are staying in our house in Pa .as we are having our NJ house renovated.

I have had some university training and also have taken creative writing courses on line. Some of which I have found great and some not so great. I think I found WDC about a year ago and have found it is a wonderful place to be. I love reviewing and think there are some amazing writer's here.

I love to paint and am a good sunday painter but my son was a wonderful artist. I love music and the theatre. Favorite books , that's a hard one, I"ve read Gone With The Wind the most. Loved Owen Meany, in my younger years I devoured Daphne Dumaurier. Rebecca and Jamaica Inn being 2 of the favorites.I love mysteries -Martha Grimes, PD James,Elizabeth George. My favorites are English mysteries for I am also an anglophile.
I have five grown children. My dear oldest son Steve died 2 years ago last week of that dread disease ALS. My oldest daughter is an English Prof. My second daughter was a singer until her marriage and a bout with chronic fatigue syndrome. My second son is a director of commercials and documentaries in NYC and my youngest son is an actor.

Describing my muse is also difficult, sometimes it's so present that words pour out and I can't keep up with them. {Love that feeling} other timesit's a battle. The piece I like the best I wrote is called "The Baby and the Muse" and it's a short flash fiction. When I sat down to write it my fingers couldn't go fast enough and when it was finished, it was perfect {at least in my eyes}. The reason being it was all true and wonderfully filled with pure love. I love true to life but do try fiction too. When I write true stories it seems to be about my family or friends and I feel the love all around and want to share it with others. Friends and family are what make life worh living to me and I am always ready to make new ones.

I usually write in the daytime but sometimes a yellow legal pad, my pen and me curled up in bed is a magic time to write for me. It's quiet, I'm alone and great ideas sweep one along.

I hope this at least helped. Probably more than you asked but please take or leave it. You will know what you need.

Let me know how it is going for you, as I say I do want to try it come September.
Best wishes and blessings.
Maretta

-------------------------o0o----------------------

Round 1 Interviewees are:

Semper Fi (One of my all time favorite people here at WDC)
Captain Peewee
Rob Led by the Master
and Simply Nessa

First one to answer me from this round was the inimitable ESTyree ! Color me HAPPY!

Peewee chose to answer all in black.


1. I am a 23 year old female who plays the flute, writes (obviously), likes to play games with her friends and family and loves to cook. I don't have one favorite book or movie, although the Labyrinth and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band are two of my top fave movies. My favorite songs change often as well, although my favorite color has been pink for a while now!

2. I've been writing as long as I can remember, although I think I first actually thought about that when I was around 7 or 8.

3. I never took any creative writing courses, although my college lit proffessor included creative writing exerses as often as possible. I have, however, taught some creative wring courses at the high school and elementary levels.

4. I love poetry and chidren's stories, although I write anything that comes to mind for me.

5. I will read anything at least once, although at the moment I prefer the more mystical type of books. Some of my favorite author are J.R.R. Tolkien, Nora Roberts, Kelly Armstrong, and Stephanie Meyer.

6. I was looking for online writing communities a year and a half ago, and found my home on WDC.

7. I have a degree in Elementary Education, with an emphasis on English, so I really enjoy honing my skills here.

8. I have been a published poet since 8th grade, and I continue to have my poetry published 'fairly often'. However, none of my storis have made it there yet.

9. My muse is an odd little man that pops into my mind every once in a while and points out interesting little things to me. He's kind of like gollum, but with hair and a good voice. His girlfriend is a mermaid with a wild tangle of dep auburn hair and green eyes. She sings to me when I get mad at him. lol

10. The world is my inspiration, when I set a time and place my inspiration flies away and I find that I cannot accomplish the task at hand.



This has been awesome. And wonderful!



Carol

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