Get to Know Me · Tags and Challenges

The Get to Know Me Tag – Writer’s Edition!

Saraina Whitney

I’m SO excited to do the Get to Know Me Tag today!! 😀 Have fun reading it and feel free to answer some of the questions in the comments! (Hey, by the way, I changed the font for my blog – let me know if you hate it or love it. I just didn’t care for the way CINZEL made all the headings uppercase only, and I wanted to be able to do lowercase too. Gotta have some freedom, you know?)

Rules

Vital Stats and Appearance

(pen)Name: Saraina Whitney (real name).

Nicknames: None really. Sometimes Raina, sometimes S, but I despise the second one. One of my younger sisters calls me it to tease me. But I have a few names for her, so I guess we’re even… haha…

Birthday: November!

Hair color and length: Very dark brown (but not black, or even almost-black). It’s pretty curly, so I don’t know exactly how long it is, but it’s several inches below my shoulders, so medium length, I guess. In the sunlight you can see rather golden undertones.

Eye color: Dark, warm brown, with flecks of black. I think they look darker far away than they are up close. (I’ve examined them closely before, lol.) And I wear glasses.

Braces/piercings/tattoos: None. *laughs to myself* Except for any pen tattoos I accidentally draw on myself. 😏 😜 And I wear earrings, so I had to get my ears pierced.

Righty or lefty: Righty. How rare, right?

Ethnicity: Half Caucasian (something European – and since John Jay, one of the Founding Fathers, is apparently an ancestor, that would at the very least include French and Dutch), half Jamaican + African, and I’ve heard a bit of Native American too… I think. 😂

Firsts

First novel written: The Rivermans or Repentant Tears. I may do a huge rewrite of those someday, because there are some salvageable things. It’s hilarious to look back at my writing and see how my style has dramatically changed. And possibly laugh at what I made my characters do and say and think. (And in those days, I basically didn’t know plots were a thing, so they were very character-driven and focused on characters handling everyday life and the joys and struggles that were apart of that.)

First novel completed: The Rivermans. Thankfully, very much unpublished.

Award for writing: None, shockingly enough. (I say that jokingly.) A scene from Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 came to mind, where he’s given “the highest…and really only award.” 😂 Y’know what, that was a surprisingly well done comedy, so I may have to do an Analyzing Stories post about that someday.

First publication: It’s in the future, but that will probably be my short story To Be Loved in Tell Me You Love Me Anthology!

Conference: None. 😢

Query/Pitch: None as of yet, thank the Lord. I doubt I would enjoy that.

Favorites

Novel (that you wrote): Don’t make me choose! Please! Each of the three novels I’m writing hold a special place in my heart and I’ve given them each their own individual themes that come from life experiences, so yeah… I don’t have one favorite! Though I can say that writing Gillory (possibly temporary title alert) has been my favorite experience overall so far. Probably. (Subscribe to my newsletter for sneak peeks! 😉)

Genre: Fantasy, historical fiction, and romance (Christian romance, please) are probably my top favorites, but ideally they each have a lot of elements of drama and suspense and mystery, so I may as well throw in those last three, as well. (And it’s true, I used to be obsessed with Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie books, so I definitely love the mystery genre too.)

Author: In no particular order: S. D. Smith, Andrew Peterson, Elizabeth George Speare, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, J. R. R. Tolkien, Jane Austen, Jocelyn Green, Julie Lessman, Kristina Hall, Vanessa Hall, Grace A. Johnson, Kaytlin Phillips, Laura Frantz, Sara Ella… and I could go on.

Writing Music: Ha. Usually emotional soundtracks (as you can see from my long writing playlists), but I often listen to music with lyrics that fits my characters’ internal conflict too, as long as it isn’t SO loud that it distracts me.

Time to Write: Usually afternoon, but mid-morning and nighttime sometimes work, depending on day and my schedule.

Writing Snack/Drink: None, sadly. If I had the time and enough motivation, I’d do tea and fruit, probably. Mm, that sounds nice.

Movie: I have a list rather reminiscent of my favorite authors list, but I’ll spare you and list just five. (What torture for me!) Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Anne of Green Gables (1985 version!), I Can Only Imagine (does anyone else think the movie version of the song “I Can Only Imagine” is sung far more powerfully and emotionally than the original? No? Okay.), and Pride and Prejudice (both versions).

Writing Memory: Well, I always love the memories of how I came upon book ideas. And memories of when I was writing page after page in my WIPs, so wrapped up in the tenseness of the scenes that they were all I could think about. I wish every writing day was like that.

Childhood Book: Any and all Rover Boys, Five Little Peppers, Elsie Dinsmore, and Horatio Alger books. Also Little Women. I remember being *SPOILER ALERT* heartbroken at Beth’s death and that was the first scene I ever read that made me cry. (Hey, this is kinda similar to your answer, E. G. Bella! 😉 )

Lol, that spoiler alert was kinda sarcastic. Kinda like saying “Spoiler alert: Darth Vader is Luke’s father!” You just kinda know it. I… think. Wait, do you? Oh dear.

Currently

Reading: Unraveling by Sara Ella (in-cred-i-ble), DECEIVED by Madisyn Carlin (😍 I love it!), Fled for Refuge by Kristina Hall (among others of her amazing books!), and… probably a few others I’m forgetting. Oh, and Coral by Sara Ella. Which *whispers* made me cry within minutes of beginning to read it.

Writing: Gillory, the historical romantic suspense WIP I can’t shut up about.

But actually, I’m not that sorry… sorry! (Side note: I’M ALMOST AT 200 PAGES AND AM SO EXCITED BECAUSE THAT’S THE LONGEST I’VE EVER WRITTEN IN ONE SINGLE BOOK!!! EEEEE!!!!)

Listening to: Cimorelli’s worship cover of Way Maker. (It’s so. so. good.)

Watching: Actually, Lark Rise to Candleford, Season Three! (Maybe *REAL SPOILER ALERT* I’m okay with Laura dumping Fisher so I can have him for myself. All joking aside, Fisher is so honest, independent, sarcastic, yet sweet, and feels so real that he makes Daniel seem painfully lackluster. I just about died inside when he admitted he was still in love with Laura, even after he’d left her. “There’s letting go and there’s letting go.” 😭 Plus there’s his accent. I could listen to him read a manual for some boring appliance and not get bored. *REAL SPOILER ALERT END*)

Learning: People are more understanding than you expect, and you don’t have to be so scared of what they might think or say, and the “worst” isn’t really the worst. Please, emphasis on the “ing” in “learning.”

Future

Want To Be Published: YES INDEED.

Indie or Traditional: Indie, definitely! I need the freedom and autonomy. But traditional would be amazing for farther down the road.

Wildest Goal: To be a successful author AND a mom at the same time. (Also, success is very subjective, so my definition of success doesn’t mean bestseller, though of course I want it to reach as many readers as possible.) I guess that’s not really a very wild goal… I’m actually not really a goal-oriented person so much as a tons-of-possibilities-and-dreams-for-the-future person. Who needs to force myself to make specific goals so I can reach those vague dreams.

I Tag…

  1. Sisters Three
  2. Lillian-Keith
  3. Abbigail B. for when her blog is ready!
  4. Issabelle Perry
  5. Vanessa Hall
  6. Madi’s Musings
  7. Sword of the Penmaiden
  8. The Voyaging Storyteller
  9. Kristina Hall
  10. Allyson Jamison
  11. Bursting Through the Darkness

And anyone else who wants to participate! 😀

Do you agree that the J. Michael Finley’s version of the song “I Can Only Imagine” is sung far more powerfully and emotionally than the original? Do you prefer indie or traditional publishing? What’s the first book that ever made you cry? (PLEASE, I want to know!) Or have you never cried while reading books? (Don’t worry, I won’t think you’re crazy for not – it used to very rare for me too.)

34 thoughts on “The Get to Know Me Tag – Writer’s Edition!”

  2. 1) LOVE the new font!!!
    2) Thanks for doing the tag!!! I loved reading all your answers!!
    3) Dude, you’re half Jamaican/African/Native American PLUS related to a Founding Father? WOW.
    4) I’m one of your favorite authors? AWWW THANK YOU!!!!
    5) AAHHH I AM HONORED TO BE YOUR FIRST PUBLISHER!!!!
    6) I must check out this show…it sounds SO GOOD!!!
    7) YAYAYAY FOR TWO HUNDRED PAGES!!!!! GO GIRL!!!!

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    1. 1) Yay!!!
      2) Absolutely, it was very fun!! 😉
      3) Lol yes, there’s a lot mixed in there… I can hardly keep track of it all. 😂
      4) Without a doubt! (One of my TOP favorites, mind you. *winks*) Aww, of course!!
      5) YES GIRL!!! ❤ 😀 😉
      6) It is so good! The first and second seasons are the best (the main qualm I have with it is the superstitious element/fortune teller stuff in some of the episodes thanks to a certain character named Queenie. Actually, I should write a whole post about Lark Rise to Candleford. XD)
      7) EEEE THANK YOU!!!!!

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      1. 4) AWWW!!!! You are too kind!!
        6) I’m reading about it now, and it sounds lovely!! (YES! YOU MUST!!!)
        7: YOU ARE SO WELCOME!!!!

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  3. Oh yeah, Finley’s I Can Only Imagine is a bit better (the other ones voice isn’t as…rich). My sister told me that once, and eventually I agreed with her. 😛
    The 1st book to ever make me cry….The Wingfeather Saga. Maybe “North! or Be Eaten”, when Janner is locked up in that coffin? That first time I read it, I got a lump in my throat. Then from there on, that’s where I started to love, I mean, love, the Wingfeather Saga books. A friend of mine said of them (she read the first book) that “they are shallow” and I could barely respond! Me and my sister just…gaped and shook our heads! Anyway, same for me about Little Women. I cried (or my eyes filled with tears) at that part.

    Oh, yes, Way Maker by Cimorelli is really well done! After I heard the back story behind them singing that song AND listened to it again, it was for me not to get a few lumps in my throat. ❤

    I really, REALLY want to read your Gillory book! But,"It is as it is…. but not as it shall be." Right?
    Also, I love polls and so thanks! I love your middle name.

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    1. Amen girl!!!! (Lol, good. 😜)

      Augh, The Wingfeather Saga is so epic and such a tear-jerking series!! Lol yes, I can’t understand how they could be called shallow – just shocking! Aww, you too? *hugs you and sniffles* Such a sad part.

      Eeee, YES! (That happened to me too. I love hearing the stories behind music – it just makes it more meaningful.)

      Ahhh thank you so much!! Right, hehe. Well, hopefully soon. *winks* (And so glad you liked the poll! Aww, thanks!! 😉 ❤ )

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  5. I so enjoyed getting to know you better!! Haha, it’s so fun to go back and laugh at your old writing, isn’t it? XD I cannot WAIT to read your story in the Tell Me You Love Me anthology!

    Ooh, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Coral when you’re done! I read it last year and it broke me in the best way possible. Also, what do you think of Unraveling? I haven’t read it yet but I’d love to! And I really need to watch Rise Lark to Candleford. It’s been on my watchlist for forever, but I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
    Great post!!

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    1. Aww, thank you, Kristianne!! Haha, it is indeed! Both fun AND encouraging because you then also see how much you’ve grown! 😉 Eee thank you!!! I hope you’ll like it!

      Yes!! I will totally write a review on it once I finish! (So far it’s the first book that made me cry within the first few pages.)*gasps* Oh, I LOVE Unraveling!!! I finished it recently and now I need to get the last book. (The ending… just mindblowing and so emotional, lol.) Hopefully you’ll be able to read it soon!

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  6. Aww, I loved reading this!!! Girl, I just keep getting more and more excited about your Gillory novel! I MUST read it someday!! XD
    Hmm first book that ever made me cry?… that’s hard bc I literally cry in every book XDD, but probably Anne of Green Gables when Matthew died. Yeah.
    I totally agree: Finley’s version of ‘I Can Only Imagine’ is better. It feels more emotional and personal when you’re listening to it, in my opinion.
    (The new font looks awesome, btw. Your blog is so pretty and aesthetic. I love it!)

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    1. Ahhh thank you, Ava!!! Really? *squeals* Thank you so much!!!! Your enthusiasm is inspiring me so much. (Right after this I’m going to work on it and write the scene I’ve been imagining. 😉 XD)

      Aww! That part in Anne of Green Gables was heartbreaking. 😢

      YES. I’m so glad you agree!! (It’s weird… I would think the original would sound more emotional because the Bart Millard wrote it from his personal experience. But the little differences in Finley’s version have such an impact!)

      Yayy, so happy you like the new font!! 😉 ❤ Thank you for reading!!

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  8. Ack!! Fellow Elizabeth George Speare fan!! *runs over and hugs you* I think you’re the first one that I’ve officially met! Which is your favorite book by her?
    (also, I know a girl who’s middle name is Elisabeth, though she spells it with a ‘z’.)

    Girl, I LOVE the I Can Only Imagine movie and it’s song version! It was so good. And you’re watching Larkrise To Candleford?! *dies of happiness*. Personally, I never really liked any of Laura’s boyfriends. Though, it’s probably because I love Alfie. Give the sweet boy a super big hug for being the best big brother ever.

    Anyway, thanks so much for the tag, Saraina! I can’t wait to try it. And congrats on reaching 200 pages in your WIP. I also can’t wait to read your short story in Grace’s anthology. 🙂

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    1. YES GIRL! *hugs you back* I’d say The Witch of Blackbird Pond (the first book I read of hers) and then Calico Captive. Elizabeth George Speare been such an inspiration to me and has definitely had an influence on my writing (for the better XD). ❤ (Ohh, cool! Gotcha. 😉 I think I like both spellings equally – they just give off different vibes.)

      Eeee that's wonderful!!! Oh, yes, our family has been very into Lark Rise to Candleford. It's our one weakness. *grins* Aww, Alfie is amazing!! The best big brother ever.

      You're so welcome!! I can't wait for you to do it! Awww, thank you so much!!! It's very exciting. 😀

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      1. OOO! Girl, that’s one of her best!! That and the Bronze Bow (a family fav lol.) I hear ya! I’ve always wanted to create compelling characters like hers once I read her books.
        What has she inspired for you and your writing, specifically?

        LOL. Yes, I understand. It’s one of ours too.

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        1. YES! The Bronze Bow was amazing too!!!! Ahh, “compelling” is the perfect way to describe her characters! Well, she’s inspired me in terms of the strong, richly developed characters I always can relate with, and the writing style. It’s not very flowery, but it gives just enough detail to paint just the right image in my mind. (Lol, I was so obsessed with TWOBP that I began writing a story a little TOO similar to it… I may go back and rewrite it one day, make it more original. XD)

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            1. Yes!! Ahh, that’s hilarious! Those childhood books can really influence your writing so much!

              Aww, thank you, Lily! And same to you, my friend!! 🙂

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  9. The new font is lovely!!!! Loves it!!!! Thank you so much for the tag!!! Eeek!!! We can’t wait to do it!!!!
    SPOILER – OMGooodness!!!! We love Fisher too!!!! He’s so awesome…we know, that scene is so heart wrenching!!! Fisher is just…ahhhh, yep, Fisher is great!!! ANd his accent!!!!! Eeeeek!!!! It’s the best!!!!!! SPOILER END
    Rissy hasn’t cried because of a book, the first book that made Jaidie cry was The Warden and the Wolf King. ANd Kayti’s was…Love’s Abiding Joy, ironic title….that book tried to rip her heart out (or so she says…lol…)
    Wow!!!! This was so fun!!! Also, we did the pole but it wasn’t really fair since we already knew your middle name…lol….
    That post was so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Yay, thank you!!! Absolutely – I’m excited for you to do it!!! 😀 😉

      SPOILER – *gasps* AHHHHH YOU LOVE FISHER TOO?!! Ohh I’m so glad because it took a while for most of my siblings to like him. (No idea why. Well, maybe because he left. *sighs*) Eeee yes, his accent is so cool!! ❤ SPOILER END

      Haha, totally fine! Oo, The Warden the the Wolf King… that's a crying book, for sure. Lol, you're right – that's such a ironic title!! XD But that sounds like an amazing book… I've got to read that sometime!!

      Thank you so much!!! (Lol, yes! 😂)

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      1. Us too! We’ve got half the questions answered!

        SPOILER – Yep!!!! We loves him!!!!! Hahaha, maybe…it was so heart rending!!! *sobs* Its amazing!!! If he did audible books it would be incredible! Like The Hobbit!!!!! That’s be awesome in Fisher’s voice!!! – SPOILER END

        LOl…yes it is…Yep, veyr ironic. It’s the fourth book in the Love Comes Softly Series….You should!

        Of course!

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        1. Eee, that’s exciting!!!

          *gasps again* The Hobbit in Fisher’s voice? Oh my goodness, I NEED THAT NOW PLEASE!!!!!

          Oh, okay, the fourth book! So would you recommend I first read the others in the series, or can it be read by itself?

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  10. Thank you for the tag! And YES. The “I Can Only Imagine” movie version is *so* powerful. And I try not to cry while reading books (unless it’s my own, because I’m the author and I’m allowed to do that) because I’m not a crier in general and my family would think something was seriously wrong with me. XD

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    1. You’re welcome!! Augh YES, so glad you agree. I totally get that, lol!! (Oh yes! *winks*) I only let myself cry when there’s no one around for the same reason. 😂

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  11. Pingback: The Get to Know Me Tag – Writer’s Edition – Madi's Musings

  12. This was such a fun post to read! Thank you so much for doing this tag, friend! I loved learning about your answers 😀 ❤ And yes, we have super similar answers for the favorite childhood book! Funny how our favorite books were also the ones that made us cry for the first times, haha. I feel like we as authors now really respect the books that made us so emotional 😀

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    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, friend!!! 😀 ❤ It was a pleasure to do this tag! Lol we do have similar answers for that!! YES. 😀 Very much respect them! (And now those books are my cozy "comfort" books because they bring back such good memories. And yes for me, crying to a book is a good memory – for the most part. 😂)

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