Time to meet another JuNoWriMo participant. Sadly, I’m late with this one (sorry Sydney), so without further ado, meet the wonderful Sydney Aaliyah!

Sydney Aaliyah

JuNoWriMo Profile: Sydney Aaliyah

Blog: sydneyaaliyah.com

Is this your first time doing JuNoWriMo?

No, this is my second time.

What is your JuNoWriMo novel about?

It is NA romantic suspense novel. I am in the process of developing the story because I am not sure which direction I am going to go in.

It’s a love story about a girl named Miranda and a boy named Troy. They were best friends as kids, but when she was 8 something happens and her parents move the family to another state and Miranda figures it’s probably best that she will never see Troy again.

Ten years later, on her first day of college, Miranda is sitting in freshman English and Troy walks into class and sits down in front of her. 

A romance ensues, but Miranda fears the ‘something that happens’ will be revealed and threaten her chances of being with Troy.

*Short synopses are not my strong suit.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Plotter for sure. I tried to pants it once and had an anxiety attack.

Favorite methods for collecting ideas & inspiration for your novel—mind mapping, Pinterest, creating soundtracks, etc.?

My novels always seem to have a theme song that I listen to everyday before I write. 

I am still trying to narrow this one down, but Just Give Me a Reason by Pink is speaking to me. “Where not broken, just bent and we can learn to love again.” Kind of sums up my whole novel.

Favorite time of day to write?

I wish I was one of those get up at 5:00 am writers, but sadly, I am not. I tend to be most productive between 7:00 pm and 12:00 am.

Word Processor or Pen and Paper?

Word Processor. True believer in Scrivener. Greatest invention ever for a writer.

Favorite way to beat writer’s block?

I haven’t been crippled by writer’s block, but I think I plan through it so maybe I don’t notice it so much. Thankfully when I’ve need a story idea, it come to me, but I still fear that first day of writing. Like I am going to sit down and open the program and put my hands on the keys and nothing happens. Again, anxiety attack inducing fear.

What book/author inspired you to start writing?

My favorite author is Stephen King, but every book I read continues to inspire me to write. I just read The Great Gatsby for the first time and absolutely loved the way Fitzgerald describes the setting. Even normal every day scenes sound exciting the way he writes them. That’s my inspiration at the moment.

Favorite drinks/snacks for writing time?

Coffee during the day. Wine during the night and if I am tired, Sour Skittles keep me awake.

If you could visit any world from any book, where would you go and what would you do?

I think it would be fun to go to one of Jay Gatsby’s parties. They seem to be having a good time.

What’s your favorite book/writing related quote?

“The actual act of writing turns out to be the best part.” by Anne Lamott 

It reminds me that even though there is so much that goes into being a published writer, as long as writing remains the best part, all the rest is worth it.

JuNoWriMo Interview Schedule:

• 7 – Sarah Chafin
• 11 – Margaret McNellis
• 14 – Vicki Trask
• 17 – Amanda Fanger
• 19 – Sydney Aaliyah
• 21 – Camilla Kyndesen
• 24 – Megan Eccles
• 26 – Kate Sparkes
• 28 – Jeremy Aldana