GUTGAA: Meet and Greet

Where do you write?
It varies. I write in bed or in the living room. I've even written during my lunch periods at work.
Quick. Go to your writing space, sit down and look to your left. What is the first thing you see?
It's the September issue of Baltimore Magazine on my bedside table.
Favorite time to write?
I'd probably have to say during the afternoon on the weekend. Actually, during the afternoon on any day, since I've had a lot of productive lunches before.
Drink of choice while writing?
I always have ice water with me. I drink a lot of water.
When writing, do you listen to music or do you need complete silence?
It can vary, but I usually have something turned on for background noise. It's usually the TV on a low volume, but no show in particular.
What was your inspiration for your latest manuscript and where did you find it?
I'm about to publish my second book, which is part two in a series.  I guess my inspiration has come from the amount of reading I've done over the past few years.  Working for a university definitely had a nice perk of checking out a lot of books out from its library.  I'd written poetry, short stories, and songs in the past, but it wasn't until I had read so many great stories that it made me realize how much I always wanted to write books.  I loved the idea of creating a work of dystopian fiction.  I self published part one in November 2011.
What's your most valuable writing tip?
Try to think of something unique. It can be a character's name or personality, plot, location, or whatever.  Let the unique guide your story.
BIO:
S. T. Lakata
Married; June 2011
I left my old job with Radford University, moved to Baltimore, and got married.  My wife and I have been seeing each other since October 2008.  We're expecting our first baby around mid-October.  It's going to be a girl and her nickname is "baby owl."
I really enjoy to run when I can, listen to music, try new foods, and seeing friends and family. I would love to eventually be a full-time writer and have that be my career.  I'm really excited about being a father.  I'm happy and can't wait to meet her.
I'll be happy to answer any other questions and I'm available on other social media outlets.
Twitter - @STLakata
Facebook - www.facebook.com/stlakata
Google+ - S. T. Lakata
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