Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Your Writing, How Has It Made a Difference?

That's quite a question, isn't it? And what, fellow blogger, would be your answer? I'd really like to know and you can tell me all about it on your blog if you decide to join in the fun that is this meme about writing. But it's rather up to you to decide whether you want to do this meme or not. If yes, consider yourself tagged.
Yours truly was tagged by the Hatman, well sort of, and he's got a lot to answer for as I'm sure you will agree after reading this post. ;-)
Without further ado, let's get cracking:

Which words do you use too much in your writing?

Beautiful, scrumptious and dus (= so, ergo).

Which words do you consider overused in the stuff that you read?

Undead, gorgeous, homicidal maniac, ethical or sustainable garden(ing), hat.
What's your favourite piece of writing by you?

All of it. ;-) But if I have to make a choice I'd go for something I wrote fairly recently like this, this and this.

What blog post do you wish you'd written?

Take a good hard look at my blog rolls on the right. Most of what those bloggers have written is what I'd wish I'd written myself. (Phew, I hope I got away with that.)
Regrets, do you have a few?

Yes I have, I wish I hadn't be born so pretty and so highly intelligent too, not to mention modest. But we all have our crosses to bear I suppose.

Is there anything you wish you hadn't written?

The answers to the 3 previous questions, probably.

How has your writing made a difference?

I used to write about such riveting subjects as genetics, cattery management, genetics, the socialisation of kittens and cats, animal health and welfare, genetics, inherited defects, and did I mention genetics? I'm quite sure that I managed to give many of the readers of those articles nightmares in technicolor and with surround sound. But, on the other hand, I've also managed to improve the quality of life for many a cat or kitten and have probably saved some lives here and there too. About the latter I'm frightfully chuffed. Come to think of it, about the former too.

And as far as blogging is concerned: quite a few commenters write about the pleasure my blogs give them, how they make them smile, giggle or guffaw, that they inspire them to take up gardening, create nice floral arrangements, start a veggie garden or throw a hissyfit. All of which are differences my writings have made to their lives. Small ones, but still, it's a result. Of sorts. ;-)
Name 3 favourite words.

Sunshine, bliss, cats, books, nature. OK that's five, but it's my blog so there.

Name 3 words you're not so keen on.

Dead, meat, credit crunch.
Do you have a writing mentor, role model or inspiration?

There are quite a few fellow bloggers who, little do they know, are my writing mentors. It can't have escaped your notice that yours truly is Dutch, and English therefore, is my second language. A language that I will never be as proficient in as my mother tongue. So reading blogs by native speakers is teaching me a lot about the English language. Or, the shorter version: if you're a blogger and British, American, Canadian, Australian or a New Zealander, it's you!

My role model is J.K. Rowling as I live in hope to one day make about as much dosh as her with my writings.

Inspiration I find everywhere. No surprises there, if you're a regular visitor here.
What's your writing ambition?

See role model.

Plug alert! List any work you would like to tell your readers about.

I recently finished The Skiver's Guide by Diana Wynne Jones. It's a must read IMO. Frankly, you should read all of her books as they are so much fun, and much, much better than those of J.K. Rowling IMHAVAO.
While reading this post you have been looking at pics of a scrumptious garden I've taken earlier this year when I went with my gardening club to visit the charming Vlacke garden in the province of Zeeland.

Some useless trivia: New Zealand was named after this Dutch province and Zeeland means sea and land, a very apt name for both the province and the country.

copyright 2009 Y.E.W. Heuzen

22 comments:

Monica the Garden Faerie said...

Although the meme is a great idea, I'm not going to participate because I'm too lazy to think about all those questions! I do want to say I'm fortunate that my writing (albeit in a non-gardening context) has enabled me to make a living for the past 23 years, so that's good! Also, I like to think my little booklet on winter seed sowing has introduced a new hobby to some people, and my blogging has made me some great friends! Hooray!

Green thumb said...

Wow! That meme idea is wonderful. It seems even more so after reading your answers. I always knew about the modesty part, rest of the description too has increased my urge to see Y.E of Bliss fame in person.
P.S - I have no doubts that some day you are going to make lot more dough than J.K Rowling, after all you have the whole feline wizarding team to assist you.

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Speaking as another "cat-woman" I love seeing and reading about your feline adventures and triumphs Yolanda .. my heart always goes out to the little furry rescued souls.
You have done much "GOOD" girl !!
I can't do the meme but it has been fun reading your responses : )
Thanks !
Joy

Anonymous said...

I like all your answers. It's a very thought provoking question. I'm one of the readers of your blog who always goes away happier than when I arrived. :)

Chookie said...

Look out for a response on my blog some time soon!
I love the Vlacke garden and hope you plan to do a post on how it is all put together.

persephone said...

Gah. Though I am uncertain of joining in on the meme, as I've been feeling rather emo as of late with my writing going down the drain (there's that emo again), I will say that the blogging has been a pleasure and a pain. A burden and a boon to be old school about it. More boon, but when the going gets rough, the blog cries in its suffering of inadequacy.

Love your blog though and jealous of your climate :)

Mary Delle LeBeau said...

I always fuss about my writing, but have never taken the kind of inventory you talk about. People tell me I write better, but improving is always the goal. You've given me something to think about.

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

And you've just summarized all the reasons why I love coming to visit your blog! Excellent post and wonderful photos to accompany it!

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

Despite your quip to the contrary, you really are modest about your writing in English. You use the language better & with more flare than many native speakers.
I'm putting "The Skiver's Guide" on my to-read list. I love Diana Wynne Jones's books. Right now, my son & I are in the middle of the Crestomanci books.

Frances said...

Hi YE, I agree with MMD, your English is phenomenal. Flare is the word, well put MMD. I love reading about the Bliss team and the dog who thinks she is a cat, seeing your gardens and bouquets and foodstuffs. Always a joy to visit. My list of blog topics is over the brim at the mo, but I will cogitate about the overused words bit. That one has appeal. :-)
Frances

Gail said...

Ye...This was a fun read. Although, not as much fun, as the ones with pictures of your Hedge Trimmer. But...I did get to learn more about you. The photos are lovely. Love the water lilies~~gail

Anonymous said...

As one writer to another, yours is exceptional--witty yet to the point. Kudos to you.

Glo said...

A very enjoyable read, Yolanda. I can't even imagine writing a blog in a language other than my native one...although now I 'speak Canadian', eh! rather than with the British accent I had when I immigrated here as a child! Your blog questions and answers have given me something to think about. Always good to stimulate the mind! Lovely photos of a lush garden, as well. Thanks for dropping by my blog, and pleased you enjoyed seeing the Orcas. They are spectacular creatures of the sea :)

JamesA-S said...

Your English is a great deal better than my Dutch which is generally limited to cheese and a couple of other foodstuffs.
Good answers although I am worried that you are reading something most unsuitable if you often come across 'Undead" or "Gorgeous, homicidal maniac".Mind you the latter would be much worse without the comma!
I like you writing very much and, to my mind, there are never enough cats in your blogposts.

puplemelastoma said...

Great blog. I have been following this blog for quite some time now. Lots of interesting information. Thank you.

Barbee' said...

This is such an interesting post! I didn't know that New Zealand was named for Zeeland (hope I spelled those correctly), I should have figured it out myself, but I hadn't. Learned something there. And, your photos are outstanding! What a beautiful garden (there I go using that word 'beautiful' again)... sigh.

Naturegirl said...

Yolanda I love everthing that you write and all the images that you share with us..for me the best is when you feature your fur babies.
Joining in on another weekly meme for me at this time is not good..all my focus is on my healing journey. love your spirit.
hugs aNNa xo

Arabella Sock said...

LOL! I thought your garden had suddenly expanded and was much bigger even than I imagined. Then I realised it was one you had visited.

You must remind James that he said "there are never enough cats in your blogposts" next time he complains about mad cat ladies!

I think we may be reading the same books!

Annie in Austin said...

If you're tired of seeing 'gorgeous', Yolanda Elizabet - the fix is easy. Quit posting photos of your potager and roses ;-]

Annie

em said...

ye, thanks for another thought provoking blog. i don't think of my blog so much as writing... i think it's more about photography for me. but i might do the meme for fun this week, if i can grab some time. i'll let you know. your english is great, believe me!

LadyLuz said...

Hi Yolanda. As always it's a real treat to come visit you. "Wow" is my much over-worked word when I see your pics.

Memes and I have parted company for a while. The rain has returned here and we are having a second Spring. Also, with the drop in temperature, more things going on in my outside world.

Hugs to you and all the feline friends.

Susy said...

Olá,
Ai meu Deus,que saudades de plantar meu próprio alimento...amo hortas,semear,ver germinar,cuidar,ver crescer e colher os frutos,isto é divino.Se a humanidade olhasse e percebesse como a terra é importante,sem ela nada somos...já estou a filosofar!!!!
Adoreiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!
Saúde e paz!!!
Susy Pavlov