5Qi

@JessicaBFry - 5Qi

Q1. Where do you get your inspiration?

Answer: Just about anything can serve as a source for inspiration. My favorite though is playing the "what if" scenario. I see a story on the news or a movie, and I just start playing out what happens if key details were changed. Particularly if the ending upset me or it was a poorly done story with great potential but no payoff. I also use my dreams and nightmares for inspiration, particularly the nightmares. Working them into stories and providing some form of resolution often helps me deal with them. I've had entire novels and short stories based just on a series of dreams I've had.

Q2. Why do you write?

Answer: I write because I must. I've been writing so long now that if I don't write during the day, I get antsy and fall into a bad mood. Few things make me feel as good as writing. Plus writing stories is a wonderful way to keep your imaginary friends alive. And if you've seen Inside Out, you know how emotionally gut wrenching such a loss might be.

Q3. What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Answer: Keeping the rest of my life in balance. Writing is one of my greatest loves. A day doesn't feel right if I'm not writing, and I haven't missed a day in over 20 years. But sometimes it draws me in so deeply that I feel agitated when people in the real world want me to do things or I forget to eat or sleep. In recent years, I've really tried to make a more concerted effort at being healthier in my writing. But it isn't easy. Still, of all the addictions out there, I suspect that writing is one of the better ones to have.

Q4. What's your goal here on Wattpad?

Answer: My goal on Wattpad is to meet great readers and connect with great readers. I love the community and the opportunities to know and be known through stories. In many ways, I've already met and exceeded that goal with the amazing members of the and through participating in 's Wattpad Block Party. Participating in the Wattpad community, reading wonderful stories, and meeting fascinating people is one of my favorite things about Wattpad.

Q5. What is your favorite quote?

Answer: There's so many good ones, but one has been particularly inspiring for me lately is from Amelia Earhart. "Please know that I am aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others."I've met many people, some of whom think that it is their duty to warn me of the dangers they are certain I will encounter. Failure is one of the biggest reasons they give, and this quote from Amelia Earhart reminds me that failure isn't something to fear. It's something to be embraced, even if one fails off the beaten path or on a more challenging one.

Q6. Which story is your favorite and why?

Answer: My absolute favorite story is the Tue-Rah series. I began working on it over twenty years ago when I was just a little girl, and I have essentially worked on it every day during that period. I'm not sure what I'll do when I finish the series, if I ever finish it completely. I think there may always be another novella or short story to be told. Aside from the length of my relationship with this series, the other reason I love it is because I am writing the fantasy series I always wanted to read. So it has all the elements I love so much: unique cultures and interdimensional portals, monsters and shapeshifters, choices and consequences, intrigue and suspense, and so on.

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Bonus question added. This option was offered to everyone.

#5Qi - August 18th, 2015