20 Questions

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Want to find out more bookish things about me? Or an author I’d love to meet? You’re in luck! These answers and more are about to be revealed…

Guess what, peeps!? This blog has been nominated for two awards. The lovely Miranda and Rel just nominated us for the Liebster Award. Yippee! What a nice surprise this was this past week. A million thanks – Miranda, what a pleasure to discover a new bookish blog and Rel, thank you for being a wonderful example of a classy reviewer, friend and  what it means to take a blog seriously.

Like my explanations of the past, I am again breaking the rules when it comes to participating in this meme – and
I hope that’s okay. Most of the bloggers I once upon a time nominated for these awards are either, a.) worn out from posting these or b.) aren’t “into” the whole blogging award scene, which in turn translates to they didn’t “care” about the nomination and since I do put thought into whom I nominate, I have elected to “skip” this part… which makes this an open-ended invitation!

If you think this looks fun – but be forewarned, seriously, these girls did make me think! – and are interested by Miranda or Rel’s (challenging) questions (like me – I always have fun answering these), please don’t hesitate to grab the Q’s and play along – either
on your own blog or right here in the comments section.

20 Questions: The Liebster Award Q’s from Miranda

1. If you had to choose one author to have a face-to-face chat with, who would it be and why? Heavens! This question seems unfair as there are many authors whom I’d love to someday have an opportunity to meet – mainly because of the conversations I’ve had with them on social media forums. I suppose I’d have to say Rachel Hauck. She was one of the very first authors who I “met” on social media and she said something that was very sweet, and it’s stuck with me ever since.

2. Describe your ideal leisure day. Of course, a stack of novels is involved and goes a long way as does being with family. My family has taken a lot of “day trips” and each one has been fun just because we’re making memories and sharing laughter.

3. If you were offered any vacation spot in the world free of charge, where would you go? Is this a trick question? *wink* Depends on what mood I am in – if I want something tropical, Hawaii. If I am looking for an ultimate once-in-a-lifetime
experience, I couldn’t choose better than Europe – want to pay a visit to Downton Abbey, anyone!?  

4. What day would you say was the happiest in your life? Great question. Honestly, I don’t think I could point to any one day – I have many happy memories, and appreciate a family who cherishes being in a family. That being said, I think, with exception to a tragedy or loss, happiness is primarily a state of mind. Life is tough but that doesn’t mean we have to live like it is – there can be so much joy in simple things. We don’t “need” big gestures or fancy things so long as there is perspective in place.

5. If you were asked to pick one book you believe should be adapted into a movie, which would it be? WOW. Again how to answer this one… off the top of my head, I’d have to say Denise Hunter’s Barefoot Summer. Just recently read that one and LOVED it.

6. Describe your ideal Christmas, or any other holiday… Christmas is about Christ’s birth and tome, there is no greater way to honor that than with family. We try and set that day aside to spend together and it’s a wonderful time to enjoy each other’s
company, enjoy the decked out house and remember the Reason for the Season. We usually open a gift on Christmas Eve, then the rest in the morning, make a traditional, yummy meal and then top the day off with one (or two!) Christmas movies. That’s our simple tradition and its also my ideal Christmas – being with those I love most.

7. Which book (or movie) have you read that you wish you wrote? This will sound cliché… but seriously, it cannot be helped! I adore Downton Abbey and wish I’d been able to dream up that piece of British soap-y drama. As for a book… let’s see, I just recently read Kirstin Hietzmann’s The Breath of Dawn. Eclipsed in that one novel was “something” for everyone – there was intrigue, romance and spiritual healing, all of which was rarely cliché and always poignant.

Wow! Miranda, you are making me think hard, girl!

8. What good cause do you believe God has laid upon your heart to impact positively (if it is not personal)? This is a personal question that I don’t think I can answer as there hasn’t been a “cause” I’ve felt a tug to impact or something that I *need* to pursue, rather (and I know this isn’t really answering your question), I’m in a stage in life where I’m open to learning.
Understanding more of Christianity and discovering what I believe is right (not just they teach) and what I don’t; things that I think Christians use as an “easy out.”

20 Questions #fromthearchives Share on X

9. Coffee or tea—what’s your preference? TEA!

10. Name one blogger that inspires you. Aw, this one is tough! Seriously, I think I can safely say that each of the blogger’s I frequently chat with inspire me – for different reasons. One could be because they aren’t afraid to say exactly what they mean through honest posts (posting “life” aspects is something I wrestle with) or because I like their chic style. With that said, I’d have to say Amber Stokes is a blogger who inspires me. She’s not only a talented book blogger who I admire, she has also recently taken on the publishing gambit – I know she’s one thoughtful writer who anyone could learn a lot from.

The Liebster Award from Rel

1. What is the name of the most recent book you have finished and loved? Trapped by Irene Hannon – it was brilliant, really!

2. What is the 17th line on the 125th page of the book you are currently reading? “Yet. They’re already running scared.”

3. When did you realise you were a true book lover? Heavens, I cannot remember back that far. I grew up reading and when I was about thirteen or so, there was a phase when that was pretty much ALL I DID! Now, I have to take breaks – I can’t sit for hours on end reading much as I adore it. So… I guess we’ll blame my 13-year-old self for the title of “book lover.”

4. What is your genre of choice? Why? Contemporary. Once upon a time, it was rare for me to read a contemporary and I’ve vacillated a lot on what my favorite genre is, and I continue to circle back to the modern eras. Blame for this can probably be attributed to two authors – Becky Wade and Jenny B. Jones. I remember reading Becky’s debut novel and falling head over
heels in love with Kate and Matt, its protagonists. Once that happened, I was pretty stuck on contemporary fiction. As to the “why,” I’m not really sure although my best assessment is because it’s the genre I can most relate too. Even if I don’t always “get” the reactions or understand characters pasts, there is always events or relatable prose or pop culture references that I connect with – and feeling inspired or challenged by a novel is the best end result.

5. What is the name of your ‘comfort reading book’? (one you will pull out and read when you want something familiar) Great question that I unfortunately cannot answer because I haven’t reread a novel in years! Literally. There are dozens I want to but yeah, my TBR stack I often reference? It’s THAT tall. If I had to give an author’s name, I’d say Jenny B. Jones – her humor is
untouchable!

6. Who has encouraged you the most in your reading pursuits? Probably my parent’s in a roundabout way. They were never keen on us watching television all day, so we found alternative means of fun (like being outdoors) and entertainment (like letting our imagination run wild in a book). I think perhaps (other than storybooks), the first books I read where the American Girl series and from then on, my parents would always bring a haul of fiction books as well as school home from their trips to the
conventions. It’s something we girls always had excitement for!

7. Your most memorable hero, and why? Alexander Banebridge; he’s one of the most complex, memorable heroes ever – and it’s not just because he’s good-looking! *wink* His struggles are realistic and just because he finally gave his life to God didn’t ensure him a happy, easier life. No, his past still haunted him and like every one of us, he struggled daily. The writing beautifully reflected that in his character.

8. If you had to swap lives with a character, who would it be and why? One of the Pevensie children. Because who doesn’t want to see Narnia!?

9. Do you alphabetise your books by author or title, on your bookshelves? I like to group my books “together.” First by author, then beyond that, genre although I haven’t gone so far as to alphabetize them, I will put them in order of their shape/size. Being still in the middle of re-organization (re-shelving and weeding out), I just may have to consider author alphabetizing!

10. Why do you read? I read because I love it, and because it opens possibilities and stirs imagination. I read because it
challenges me. I read because I have the aspiration to someday complete a WIP. I read because life is part of a journey and is to be enjoyable; and because I want to be challenged and learn. Finally, I read because fiction is more than just a “story,” it can be witty and clever, poignant and awe-inspiring and oh so much more.

Thank you again, ladies! This was fun, challenging and a bit… nerve-wrecking, but in a good way. Wishing you all a happy Friday – hope your weekend is terrific!