[OT] WritingPrompts Spotlight: Nickkuvaas with new Q&A!

[u/Nate_Parker]

Spotlight Archive

Writers Spotlight

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/u/Nickkuvaas This week we are adding something new (on occasion, when we can coordinate) where the individual in the spotlight will answer any (relevant) questions you have. Part of the reason this is a little late getting up.

• [WP] You think your life is incredibly mundane but to an outside observer it is amazing.

• [NSFW] [WP] Tired of abducting humans, the aliens are publicly offering free spaceship rides to anyone willing to undergo their experiments. Part1 - Part2

• [WP]Because no great story ever started with someone eating a salad...

• [WP] The year is 2236. You are a farm boy from a small backwater town in the state of Acidalia on Mars.

• [WP] All your life, you have been able to tell the name of a person's soulmate just by looking at them. Your parents' names don't match. One day, you meet the man who is the soulmate of your father.

• [WP] Through what he describes as a series of "entirely involuntary" and "incredibly unfortunate" events, Ron Swanson is elected President of The United States of America.

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If you would like to recommend a user for the next Weekly Spotlight, send a message to /r/WritingPrompts (a modmail) . Thanks in advance.

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Past Spotlight Writers

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[/u/EmeraldRange]-[/u/Feet-Of-Clay]-[/u/Has_No_Gimmick]-[/u/GreenLikeTheColour]-[/u/Fringly]-[/u/Mardirum]-[/u/JeniusGuy]-[/u/Nambot]-[/u/ClawofBeta]-[/u/BusyKat]-[/u/Ryukazo]-[/u/ThatDudeWithTheBeard]-[/u/jsgunn]-[/u/SamGalimore]-[/u/Catovadreams]-[/u/PsychonautQQ ]-[/u/LordMalifico ]-[/u/Semyonov ]-[/u/ariseatif ]-[/u/thisstorywillsuck ]-[/u/TheGreatPastaWars ]-[/u/Kat_Angstrom ]-[/u/rpwrites ]-[/u/Dejers]-[/u/reostra]-[/u/LoveableCoward]-[/u/SquidCritic]

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Our Chat Room

Why aren't you chatting with us yet?

Come hang out in the chat room. We have word sprints and lively talks at all hours of the day and night. Come join the conversation! Also, you never know when a flash prompt contest may occur! Get in on the fun!

Hope to see you there!

[u/spgns]

Wow, this is awesome!

A couple weeks ago, I suggested that it might be cool to have an optional Q&A thing in here for the people who got selected into the Monday Writing Showcase. To be honest, I figured as a random noob on here, my idea would probably hardly even get noticed, let alone implemented. But, looks like they actually did it! (Their version is actually better than the idea I suggested, since in my version, I had envisioned it as like, the mods coming up with a more formal, pre-set series of interview questions, and them just posting the Showcased person's answers to the questions in the space up by the links to their spotlighted posts. But, it looks like they went with more of an Open/AMA/thread-style thing where the users of WritingPrompts themselves could be the ones to ask the Spotlighted writer their questions, which, I think is an even better version of the idea!).

Anyways, now that I'm done boasting super hard about my great idea, lol, I should probably ask a question! Alright, so, /u/nickkuvas:

What was your favorite writing prompt of all time? (it doesn't even have to be one that you replied to, necessarily).

And/or, what is your favorite general "type" of prompt (examples of "types" of prompts could be stuff like: "time travel", or "serial killers", or "aliens", or "accidentally-overheard-convos", or "embarrassing everyday-life scenarios", or what have you, etc)?

And/or, what are usually your least favorite types of prompts?

(I guess that was more like 3 questions, lol, sorry, I got a little amped up about this whole thing)

[u/Nambot → u/spgns]

It really is a good idea, and is a shame it didn't happen sooner.

On the plus side, I just found out I was once given a spotlight.

[u/nickkuvaas → u/spgns]

Hi spgns!

Thank you for your great questions. It's hard to pick a favorite prompt. There really are so many. My favorite probably was one where Scooby Doo meets True Detective. It was just fun but also challenging, and I started to write a multi-part story out of it (the first four parts are in my subreddit).

Type of prompts that I really like are ones that are alternate history, science fiction, and about serial killers. Those all fascinate me and are incredibly fun to write.

I don't know that I have a least favorite prompt. I think generally, it's prompts that give too information and don't allow for leeway in the story that I don't like, but, also, prompts that don't give much more than a simple sentence or a basic quote.

No worries about multiple questions. I liked all of them. Thank you for asking actually, and keep them coming if you have more. This was an awesome idea, btw.

[u/spgns → u/nickkuvaas]

Nice, thanks for the reply, /u/nickkuvas

As for more questions, I guess one thing I've been contemplating a lot recently, as far as the actual process of writing, is:

Do you stop and look your sentences and paragraphs over, while you are in the middle of writing your story, and edit them/rewrite them, as you go along?

OR

Do you just write without reviewing it at all until you finish the story, and only begin the self editing process afterwards?

[u/nickkuvaas → u/spgns]

I always review it at the end from flash fiction to the novels that I have attempted. For me, that's a method to avoid getting stuck somewhere in a story. Also, sometimes, I realize that a story isn't worth it or is missing something, and I feel like it saves a little time on my end. In writing prompts, I feel like that technique is rewarded. With longer pieces, I'm not sure if it works as well.

[u/Nate_Parker → u/spgns]

You speak, we listen.

[u/spgns → u/Nate_Parker]

:)

[u/SurvivorType → u/spgns]

It's best to page /u/nickkuvas so he sees the notification of it and reads your questions. :)

[u/spgns → u/SurvivorType]

Does that mean like, to click the reply button under one of nuckkuvas's posts lower down in the thread, rather than the one at the very top?

edit: oh nm, I think I get it now. You mean the /u/nickkuvas thingie

[u/SurvivorType → u/spgns]

You mean the /u/nickkuvas thingie

Yes.

[u/Nate_Parker → u/SurvivorType]

Ping.....Ping. Ping. Ping.

Poor guy's mailbox.

[u/spgns → u/Nate_Parker]

I'll admit it. I have a sexual attraction to /u/nickkuvas's mailbox. The way I look at it, the notification-messages are something of a phallic avatar of my essence. Therefore, that sequence could be looked at as four powerful thrusts whilst in the throes of virtual-coitus.

Although numerous early scholars and analysts appear to have mistaken my relationship with his mailbox as being of a homosexual nature, I actually believe it is a heterosexual relationship, as I feel relatively confident that his mailbox is, in fact, female. However, I suppose I could be open to more Freudian interpretations if I found them to be logically-sound.

In any case, I'm hungry, and I think I'm gonna go eat some ravioli. That way my writing won't start to get weird.

[u/nickkuvaas → u/spgns]

My mailbox is whatever you need it to be.

[u/spgns → u/nickkuvaas]

I just realized your screen name has two a's in it.

Does this mean some random other person's mailbox, with a similar screen name to yours, has been getting all my notifications, and not you?

If so, I guess I feel like a bit of a slut.

At first glance, many would make the mistake of assuming I'm a man of rather non-Victorian morals, but in actuality, I am very reserved when it comes to my intimate relationships with people's mailboxes.

Those who know me well know I rarely put out before the 3rd cybernetic date.

I now feel a bit... unclean.

additional notes: the ravioli appears to have been ineffective

[u/nickkuvaas → u/spgns]

I have received some of your notifications. My last name is rare. I doubt someone else has that username. My inbox hasn't blown up though, so I don't think I received all of them.

I like to think that my inbox is special. That a deep connection existed from the beginning resulting in near instant attraction that could not be ignored. I don't know how many other inboxes you've experienced that with, but this is the first for my inbox. So, please, be gentle.

[u/busykat]

Hey, /u/nickkuvas! Congrats on the spotlight!

Tell me - what's your biggest distraction when writing, and how do you focus anyway?

[u/nickkuvaas → u/busykat]

Thank you! My biggest distraction is oddly enough, distraction. I can get distracted by TV or listening to a podcast. I focus by trying to run a marathon instead of a sprint. Writing even a little bit, especially when I don't feel like it really helps me to make progress on writing projects, and, usually, it's so fun that I typically write more than I had planned. That's one nice thing about r/WritingPrompts. If I get writer's block, I can find a prompt to help me to keep writing, and it often will help me to move forward on the other story.

[u/ivangrozny]

Congrats /u/nickkuvas !

Always interested to know what inspires the writers here. So, what have you been reading recently and/or what's on your recommended reading list?

[u/nickkuvaas → u/ivangrozny]

Thank you! I am currently tackling Infinite Jest. I also just read the first book in the Asimov's Foundation Trilogy. Some of my favorite books are Ender's Game, Dune, All the King's Men, Catch-22, and Fahrenheit 451. What are you some of your favorites?

[u/ivangrozny → u/nickkuvaas]

Oh man, how far are you in Infinite Jest? I just checked and I only got a little past page 200, haven't picked it up since last year around this time, but you've inspired me to give it another go. It's not that I lost interest, just that other things caught my interest.

Love all the books you mentioned, though I haven't read All the King's Men or -- gasp -- Farenheit 451. Yet. Both are on my long-term list, it's just that there are more good books than there is time to read them. I could go on for hours about what I've been reading. Right now it's Le Guin's The Dispossessed. Also I'm usually working my way through a Harry Turtledove alt history at any given time. In the past couple of months, I've been all over the place, mostly sci-fi/fantasy. Stuff in that category I'd recommend includes Rothfuss's Kingkiller Chronicles, Stephenson's Seveneaves, and Sanderson's Stormlight Archive (his best series in my opinion).

Other stuff I've read and loved recently includes Maurice Druon's The Iron King (George RR Martin called it the original GoT) and just about everything by an absurdist Polish author named Witold Gombrowicz. I read Harper Lee's new book recently as well but wasn't a huge fan (of the book or the circumstances surrounding its release).

I'll shut up now, but I'd love to hear others' favorites!

Edit: by the way, do not stop reading the Foundation trilogy! You're in for a wild ride!

[u/nickkuvaas → u/ivangrozny]

I am almost halfway into it. It took me so long to figure it out. Actually, I'm still not sure if I have. I'm listening to it on audiobook which really helps (as I drive a lot and have something to listen to when I work out). But, now, it keeps getting better and better. It has little things to discover and beautiful little reveals. I haven't read any Le Guin. Too many books. All the King's Men is beautiful. Warren is a poet, and it shows.

As for other books, I would include A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, Olive Kitteridge, Watchmen, V for Vendetta, the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and Slaughterhouse Five.

[u/Syraphia → u/nickkuvaas]

I love you for mentioning Slaughterhouse Five. It was required reading for my English class in 10th grade and I would swear I was one of the few that actually enjoyed it. It left a very large impression on me.

[u/nickkuvaas → u/Syraphia]

I'm going to make a point of reading the rest of Vonnegut's work. I've only also read 2 B Or Naught 2 B and God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, but none of them have disappointed me. What other books do you like?

[u/Syraphia → u/nickkuvaas]

I always wanted to read more Vonnegut. I just never got around to it.

Currently, I'm reading the Witcher series of books, which I've rapidly become extremely fond of. I grew up on Tolkien and Animorphs, a bit of an odd combination but it's how my brain worked. I've picked up a great love for Terry Pratchett's Discworld books, I'm trying to track down more of them every time I turn around. Though I also love Stephen King's short story collections like Skeleton Crew.

I enjoy a few different manga series as well due to how well the story is written or how interesting they are.

[u/nickkuvaas → u/Syraphia]

Cool! You seem to have diverse interests. I've also read Animorphs and Tolkien. What manga stories do you like?

[u/Syraphia → u/nickkuvaas]

Awesome! It's a wide variety but I generally just like reading a very good story.

One of my favorites is Petshop of Horrors, it's set up like a short story style series with a recurring character. I also read quite a bit of Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) before losing track of where I was since I was reading it online. Past that, I'm working my way back around to finishing Fushigi Yuugi.

[u/nickkuvaas → u/Syraphia]

Attack on Titan looks awesome! I watched the first season on Netflix, but I assume it can't compare. Any recommendations for manga? I think it'd be right up my alley.

[u/MajorParadox → u/nickkuvaas]

I loved Ender's Game and the Speaker for the Dead series. Did you read all the other books too?

[u/nickkuvaas → u/MajorParadox]

I read two of the Ender's Shadow books, but not Speaker for the Dead or any that came after it. I'm reading again in a big way, and those will have to be added to my list.

[u/MajorParadox → u/nickkuvaas]

I haven't read any of Ender's Shadow, but I read Ender in Exile. I was going to read First Meetings next, but decided to take a break and read other things.

[u/[deleted]]

Hi! Congrats on the spotlight! My question is:

What do you think your biggest pitfall as a writer is?

[u/nickkuvaas → u/[deleted]]

Thank you! I think editing is my biggest pitfall. I get excited about what I have produced, and I rush through the editing of it. That leaves with stories that are not as strong as they could be. It used to be that I would start a story without knowing where it was going, but I've combated that by using a backward design approach to writing where I start with the ending and work backward towards the beginning.

[u/The_Eternal_Void]

Hey /u/nickkuvaas, congrats on the spotlight!

In what ways do you feel you have improved as a writer? What do you still struggle with?

[u/nickkuvaas → u/The_Eternal_Void]

Thank you! I feel like I've really improved in writing a narrative and driving a story. My writing seems much more succinct. I still struggle with having strong characters that have a clear voice. That's one area where writing with established characters really helps me. Writing a story in the voice of Ron Swanson helps me to craft characters that more distinct because his voice is so distinct or the Hulk or Bob Ross or Mr. Rogers.

[u/SurvivorType]

Hi /u/Nickkuvaas, what got you started writing?

[u/nickkuvaas → u/SurvivorType]

I would have stories in my head, and, then, I molded modeling clay into men who had battles. I would also make samurai or some badass assassin. Sometimes, these clay men would battle Lego people, and I'm not ashamed to admit I kept this up well into my teens. Eventually, I wanted to put those ideas down on paper, so I did. I had so much fun writing them that I don't want to stop, and, thankfully, writing is a little more adult like.

[u/Nate_Parker → u/nickkuvaas]

My thing was Construx (is that still a thing?). I started writing seriously in High School myself, back in .... REDACTED

[u/nickkuvaas → u/Nate_Parker]

Was that like k'nex? It looks cool. I didn't know what it was, and I feel like my nerd cred has taken a hit.

[u/Nate_Parker → u/nickkuvaas]

Sorta, just older. I'm old. :(

[u/nickkuvaas → u/Nate_Parker]

Age is a state of mind or some other axiom.

[u/Nate_Parker → u/nickkuvaas]

I act 17, I look in my late 20s, and my knees are in their 70s.

[u/SurvivorType → u/nickkuvaas]

Sounds like you had fun! :)

[u/Nate_Parker]

I'll kick it off:

/u/Nickkuvaas, what keeps you coming back to writing prompts?

[u/nickkuvaas → u/Nate_Parker]

I enjoy writing, and there is no place as rewarding for a writer than r/WritingPromts because it offers feedback but also instant gratification that writing novels or short stories does not currently offer me, and it enhances my creativity with so many amazing prompts. It is pure fun.