Get to know Elizabeth Swarner with our Friday Q&A.
If you were an action figure, what accessories would you be sold with?
Well, I would definitely have a book, which isn’t very action figure-esque. Do I have special powers or not? That makes a big difference. I’ve got to have some cool boots. Honestly, I’d be more concerned with the outfit, which probably says more about what kind of action figure I’d be.
But, I definitely wouldn’t have a cape because I’ve seen the Incredibles. On second thought, Edna Mode could decide for me.
Favorite social media platform?
Instagram. I spend too much time scrolling. I really wish social media would go away, but then my job would be entirely different, wouldn’t it? It’s such a double edged sword, because it’s a great way to find out about events and businesses and design, but also memes. Very distracting.
By what standards do you judge yourself at work?
That depends on the day, at least in practice at work. I wouldn’t say I’m a perfectionist, but I believe in doing things well and doing things efficiently. I believe we’re supposed to work in excellence, but sometimes reality limits that excellence to finishing a to-do list or helping out on a project that’s more important than the one you planned to do yourself. It’s about balance, I think.
If you were given a budget to throw an amazing party, gathering, or event, what would that look like?
Nice! There would definitely be some wine and cheese, probably somewhere in the Downtown Baton Rouge area, like in the Creative Bloc. And, maybe it would be an anniversary party for this video production company I work for. Who knows.
What skill or ability have you always wanted to learn?
I’ve always wanted to be able to write a book. I think that’s probably more of a discipline than anything else. Lots of people say they want to write a book, and some people have ideas for that, but I think the majority of it is sitting down to actually write it and go for it.
It’s one thing to want to write and be a decent writer, but a book is a whole different animal. And a well-written book that’s engaging and lovely and something that people connect with is another thing entirely. That is a bucket list item for me for sure.
How adventurous are you? Give some examples.
Well, you’d have to define what adventurous means. I’ve done a backpack in the Grand Tetons and one in Colorado. It was this pretty scary trail height wise. Probably a little too steep of an edge for how inexperienced my husband and I were at the time. So, I’ll claim some adventurous outdoor spirit there, but I’m usually tucked in at home by 10 on a Friday night, so it depends.
What movie trope annoys you the most?
I don’t think I have one. I kind of love bad movies. The more cringeworthy the better, like every minute of Twilight. Golden.
Actually, I take that back. I hate the dumb blonde trope. It’s so unnecessary. Also when characters do something very drastic because of a simple misunderstanding that could be solved with a straightforward conversation.
What’s your writing process?
Usually, I start with a standard outline, get out the main ideas and some specific points for each. If it’s a blogpost, I’ll pull some quotes I like to keep the inspiration and direction on track. Then, I’ll churn it out all at once and put it away. I definitely work best in the mornings, so if I’m trying to write something at 3:30, it’s going to need some work the following morning.
And, then I’ll put my grammar nazi pants on and do a second round edits for errors and weird sentences. Deadlines are a huge help for me. I work much more efficiently under a deadline. I think I write more clearly the first time then as well. Also, it’s great when I’m interested in the topic I’m writing about, but that’s not always the case. It’s best to be disciplined. 
