Revisiting some Writing/General Questions From My Past.

I am always looking for content to post on here to keep my blogging fun consistent and fresh-ish. In my efforts to glean any discernable content from my google drive, I found a list of questions that someone sent me so… sooooo many years back.

There are answers too, but like I read through them and 18-year-old Scribbles was someone to be pitied. Like seriously. I was a baby writer, a baby gay, and still lying to myself about my relationship with God and Christianity.

I don’t even remember who gave these questions, nor what they were for. If I think one of my former answers is interesting even, I may share it here. But otherwise, this will just be me giving new fresh answers.

Who are you?

Most people on the internet know me as Scribbles Cheetah, but in person people call me Vinnie. Unless they’re my family. Then it’s Vincenzo.

What genre do you write?

I used to think that I was an action writer; however, I have come to find that I suck at it! I mainly write horror, romance, comedy, or a mix. It’s mostly furry, queer, or a mix of both.

How do you select the names of your characters?

Honestly, I do not know. Movies? Names I have heard people say in public? I don’t really have any outlandish names anymore outside of DnD.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I actually started becoming interested in writing at about… 6th or 7th grade. Funny fact, I almost failed the writing standarized test in fourth grade. That was the first time, I experienced writers block. I have been steadily writing since high school.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Phantom Janitor took me nine months to write originally. I have not written/finished a long form project since then because I have discovered that writing doesn’t go well for me if I try to rush the process. Because I feel like writing a book involves rewriting/editing. You know what I mean? I have been taking my time with this rewrite, just because of a lack of time and a strong fear that it may not live up to my vision for it. Again.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

It used to be my overuse of ellipses and exclamation points. But now, I think it’s more character based. Like for my zombies? They’re each named after the first tombstone they see. Sometimes it’s their own, but other times they might be looking at someone elses. Gender doesn’t matter much to the undead. And depending on the state of the tombstone, some names might be incomplete. See “D” or “Christop.”

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Usually, inspiration just comes to me through my imagination. However, like any writer, my ideas are sometimes influenced by already established mediums. Like I love horror films. So, I sometimes take inspiration from the movies I watch and find concepts I like and try to put my own spin on them. As it turns out, I love the concept of a cold open when it comes to horror.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I finished Phantom Janitor when I was eighteen years old, more specifically in June of 2016.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

If I am not writing, I am working on edits for my editing position. If I am not doing that, there’s a chance I am at work in the deli. However, outside of that, I play pokemon or watch scary movies. There is also a good amount of iced coffee being consumed.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your own books?

It’s a long and sometimes tedious process. This is still true. And the process is even longer than I thought. These days, I go through one, two, or even three editing passes/rewrites of all of my stories before I send them away to anthologies or podcasts.

How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

One. And my favorite is Phantom Janitor… because it’s the only one I have finished. I couldn’t have said it better myself, younger Scribbles!

Do you have any suggestions to help others become better writers? If so, what are they?

Yes, I definitely do. Young Scribbles advised writers to write no matter what, and to not let procrastination get the best of them. Older Scribbles knows that procrastination is just one issue. Being a good writer also includes the ability to be a good editor. Read over your work multiple times. Have other people read over your work. Never ever stop after just one draft. There is always something that can be improved. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

What audience do you target?

My targets are furries, horror fans, and the lovely lovely queer folks on the internet. If you’re not okay with even just one of the letters in LGBTQIA+, my content is not for you to enjoy. Sorry, not sorry.

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story is something that you can emotionally invest in. Something you can read and still think about even after you’re done reading it.

What’s your favorite time period to write about?

I like the modern times. Honestly, since answering this question, I have still only really written modern based stories.

What’s your next project?

The proper question is what isn’t my next project. If you’re looking to learn what I have coming soon, here is a lovely post I wrote about just some of the things I am working on.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to everything that a young boy wanted to be. A doctor, a cowboy, a detective. Honestly, this is what I wrote eight years ago. So, I am going to go with that, because I sure as hell don’t remember if this is the truth or not.

Name 5 favorite movies. Why?

Boys From County Hell, Scream, Willy’s Wonderland, The Menu, Train to Busan.

These are mostly comedic horror films. (The last one made me cry!) But yeah, I like horror films that have good humor. And a good story also helps.

What’s your favorite love story? (movie or book)

You all should go read Rafts by Utunu. It’s spiiiiiicy. But the relationship that builds between the two main characters is so good.

What’s your favorite line from any movie or book?

“You are the poster girl for anal, and not in a fun way if you know what I mean.” Cruel Summer (it’s a movie on freevee and I swear it is my favorite part of the movie and the biggest reason I watched it till the end.)

Are you a morning or night person?

NIGHT. Totally a night owl. And guess what, I didn’t even have to write a new answer. I am writing this at 3 AM on a Sunday.

What are your biggest goals?

Being a published writer. (Young Vinnie. You would be so proud of me. A little weirded out at first, but still proud.)

My current goal is to publish more stories. To get people excited to read and enjoy my work.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Writing, cooking, baking, and acting. Guess what, younger Scribbles! We bake for the fair now! We also baked like a lot of cookies for Megaplex this year! Yay us!

I also really like playing pokemon, as in the card game. But I also play it on the switch.

If you had to describe yourself using three words, it would be…

Creative, Extra, and Resilient.

If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction?

No one wants to see a movie of my life. It’s just work, eat, sleep, repeat right now. So, it’d be like a documentary.

If I could be anybody besides myself, I would be…

My fursona, Scribbles. It would be so nice to just be a fluffy and sweet chee.

Are you spring, summer, fall, or winter? Please share why.

Spring. I try to be bright and sunny most of the time, but there will always be inevitable rain and storms that come. This is what I wrote eight years ago… And it is still true. So many storms…

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? 

Jeez… Umm, maybe something like “You’re doing a good job.” I say it a lot to other people.

If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? 

  1. I’d wish I could live closer to my queer friends so I can hang out with them more often.
  2. I’d wish that our country would be in the hands of someone that cares about all of the inhabitants.
  3. I’d wish that I could afford, and live in, my own place with my wonderful partner, Leo.

If you could go to the past or future, where would you stay and why?

I would stay in the Tardis… Because time and space wait for no one! 😀 I mean, come on. Younger Scribbles was cooking with this one. ANd technically the answer works.

Favorite place to eat 

Younger Scribbles! No! Taco Bell is not good for you. And it’s not even real tacos!

My favorite place to eat is that place in the back of our local Bravo where my dad and I go to get burritos at least six or seven times a year.

Are you a Summer, Fall, Winter or Spring person?

I like winter. Winter is nice and cold and cold is a nice change from it being hot 24/7. To add to my younger self’s answer, I also like the way cold air feels on my body sometimes.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why?

I would love to go see my friends around the country. I have them in Bloomington, Seattle, up in the panhandle, Vegas. I’d even love to go up to Canada to say hi to the friends I have up there.

If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?

The Adventures of Scribbles the Chee: The Real World. Or something like that.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee! Nothing to fix here. It’s perfect!

What’s your pet peeve?

People chewing with their mouths open.

What’s the one thing, you can’t live without?

I can’t live without my friends. Having people in my corner and by my side is sometimes one of the only things I can depend on.

What’s your motto in life?

Always be kind and always smile. Because even if you’re not happy, you might make someone else’s day.

What takes you out of your comfort zone?

Writing more risque themes in stories.

Sitting alone in a big field, looking at stars, what do you think/feel?

I would think about how there are so many stars… and only one me. And I would probably feel a little lonely. A bit sad.

Would you rather have a cat or dog?

I am allergic to both. So, I can’t really say one way or another. Maybe a dog?

Well, there we go. Got a bit bleak with some of my answers, but that is okay! ^^ Hope you all enjoyed this!

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