Well, this is fun! I’ve just been nominated for The Liebster Award by the lovely Paola Crespo – thank you so much! Paola is a writer and poet and you can visit her blog here:

http://www.writingandrewriting.com

According to the interwebs, the Liebster Award originated in Germany. The word Liebster means kind, loving, cherish, sweet, endearing, beloved, and welcome, and the award was created to give up-and-coming bloggers with promising content and few followers the chance to be recognized for their talent and to “welcome” them to the blogosphere.

There are rules, for those who are nominated and choose to take up the challenge. They are as follows:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog

2. Answer 11 questions from the person who nominated you

3. Nominate other bloggers (ideally those who are just starting and would benefit most from this exposure, but of course nominate whoever you wish!)

4. Give these bloggers 11 questions to answer and let them know they have been nominated.

So, here are my eleven questions and answers, courtesy of Paola:

What was the last book that made you cry?

Hmm, that’s a tough one. I have to say when Hester dies in Phillip Pullman’s The Subtle Knife, that always does it for me.

What is a really underrated book that you would love to see on the big screen? Why?

I know The Night Circus was pretty popular, but I also think it would be amazing as a movie. The imagery was so rich I think it could translate very well. The Kingdom Of Ohio is another one that would make a great film.

What is something in a book that has to be well-done for you to like it? (for me it’s characterisation). Is it plot, setting, characters etc?

For me it’s the plot. Of course characters are important but the only times I’ve put a book down, unable to finish, is because the plot either drags or is so convoluted I can’t be bothered to figure it out.

Is there a book that you consider your guilty pleasure? If so, why?

A few years ago I might have answered this differently. But now I think of books the same way I think of food – if you’re enjoying it, there’s no reason to feel guilty!

What is your favourite book setting?

I love urban fantasy. The idea that fantastic things can happen in ordinary places is fascinating to me.

What is a book that you want to read purely for the cover?

The Kerry Greenwood Phryne Fisher mysteries. The first one I ever read was borrowed from a friend because I loved the look of the cover. Phryne is a detective in 1920’s Melbourne and the book covers are Art Deco style paintings of her, usually in some fabulous outfit.

Is there a book that you’ve tried to read innumerable times but never finished? What is it?

In a word, no. If I don’t finish a book it’s because I don’t want to. Doesn’t happen very often, I might add.

What is your OTP (One True Pairing)?

Hmm, another tough question. There are so many to choose from! Matthew and Diana in the All Souls Trilogy stand out to me at the moment. Though Heathcliff and Cathy, for all their selfish angry nature, are a favourite as well.

Why and when did you start your blog?

I started blogging in late May of 2014. As to why, it felt like a natural thing to do. A friend had just started her blog and it inspired me to do the same. It’s been absolutely fantastic, both as a writer and for making connections.

If you estimate, what is the most books you’ve ever checked out from your library?

Probably ten, back in the days when I had time to read that much!

What is your favourite type of post to write for your blog?

I don’t really have a favourite type of post. It really is just what comes to me week by week. I do have some favourites that I’ve written. Believe is one and Found Objects is another.

Thank you Paola for the questions – hope you enjoy my answers 🙂

Now the bit where I nominate other bloggers, and here is my list. (I realise it’s not quite eleven, sorry!) To all of you I’ve nominated, it’s absolutely up to you as to whether or not you choose to participate.

http://www.skilledwithkids.com

http://www.Faykeenan.com

http://www.nofrigatelikeabook.com

http://www.louise-allan.com

https://davidcastanho.wordpress.com/

http://www.connieflanagan.wordpress.com

http://www.sophiesdiamondwords.wordpress.com

And here are my eleven questions:

1. How often do you write? Is it daily, a few times a week or whenever the muse strikes?

2. Where do you write most of the time?

3. What would be your dream writing location?

4. Where is your favourite place you’ve ever been?

5. And your favourite book?

6. Inspiration can come from anywhere. What is the strangest thing that has inspired one of your stories? (mine was an outside light on someone’s house)

7. What is your favourite book made into a film?

8. And your least favourite? (Mine is The Lovely Bones – it could have been so so great)

9. Do you listen to music while writing? And do you have a favourite artist?

10. Have you ever had a character run away with the plot, disrupting your carefully planned story? (I have)

11. If someone appeared and gave you three wishes, what would you wish for?

Thanks again Paola! And thanks to everyone for reading xx

PS I’ve realised that some of my questions are a bit writer-y and so might not be relevant to everyone I’ve nominated! Apologies – this is what comes of doing this during a house renovations at the start of half term! If you do decide to participate, just answer those you can xx