It always blesses me when I observe fellow wordsmiths recognizing each other. The way one tiny seed of kindness is sown and then watered by so many wonderful gardeners is nothing short of inspiring.
It’s like a snowball effect. When more folks tend the garden, it’s a given; the garden prospers and grows. It becomes a thing of beauty and something we want to share.
The writing life is a challenging one. We have good days, off days, and even in between days.
When our writing friends take time out of their hectic schedules to dote on us and toot our horn, it makes those off days and in between days a whole lot easier!
On her Monday blog post, writer friend, Loree Huebner, did that for me and about 10 other writers after she was the recipient of a friendly game of “tag.” Loree writes inspirational historical romance, and she’s a Civil War buff (as in: she knows all about it from A to Z). She’s represented by Mary Sue Seymour of the Seymour Literary Agency. You’ll want to be sure and check out Loree’s blog where she posts every Monday.
Here are the questions that Loree challenged me with:
Do you prefer a book or a movie? Books most of the time because they’re able to deliver more of the meat and potatoes than what a two-hour movie can.
Print book or E book? I prefer the good, ol’ fashioned, hold-in-my-hand, real deal. Like Loree mentioned in her answer to this question, we writers stare at computer screens most of the day. It’s nice to give our eyes a bit of a rest (from the glare of a screen anyway). I do see the ease and portability of an e-reader though, and our son and daughter really enjoy their Nooks.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve done in the past five years? Hmmm. There are so many to choose from… I suppose the time I walked into a gentlemen’s restroom at a new restaurant. The decor was just so pretty that it took me a moment to process that I wasn’t in the Ladies Room at all. “Way to corrupt me, Momma,” my daughter snickered as she beat me out the door. (Thankfully, the Men’s Room wasn’t occupied!)
How would your best friend describe you? As an encourager, prayer warrior, and a fighter for the underdog. And she’d probably say I have a great sense of humor. I tend to laugh a lot.
How do you put yourself in the books you read/write or the movies you watch? I tend to walk through key scenes in my mind. When I’m in my writing mode, in particular, I go through the same motions mentally that my characters might as they approach certain situations. In movies, I’m a little more detached, but I do find myself thinking, “Now if that were me, I’d…”
Favorite kind of car and why? A red Mustang. My favorite color is red, and I always wanted a Mustang as a teenager. Of course, for now, my sensible Mom-mobile will have to do.
Choice of party? Catered meal or barbecue out back? Both! I’d have the BBQ catered. By the Neeleys.
What is your favorite season? I adore Fall with all the lovely colors and the scent of wood smoke clinging to the air.
What specific lessons have you learned–spiritual, educational, and occupational? God is my mainstay. Education is the key to growth. The “right” career can make all the difference.
Besides writing, what is your favorite thing to do? Spending time with my family. Perusing antique shops/flea markets. Watching old movie classics.
Thanks, Loree, for “tagging” me! I appreciate your friendship.
******
Now, I’d like to “tag” you! Care to answer one or more of the questions above?
And here’s one more: What’s one thing on your “bucket list” you hope to accomplish one day?
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How gorgeous is that picture! Love it!
Congrats on your tag, friend. I loved learning a little more about you. So fun!
I have no idea what is the funniest thing in five years. Five years of funny in my life would take the rest of my life to tell. LOL
My bucket list: A ride on Gondola in Italy. Romantic!
Author
Jess, Italy would indeed be romantic! (And all the deelish pasta would be an added bonus.)
What a cute game to learn more about your favorite writers.
I totally agree with many of your choices. Fall is the best season, the colors are phenomenal! And I loved that you’d have a bbq party. The weather here in Wisconsin is a record 76 degrees today and I can’t believe we could have a bbq in March! There’s still some small snow piles around. LOL Funniest thing I’ve done in 5 years? That would be last summer, running square face INTO an animal cage at Circus World. I guess I was a little too excited. Gave myself a black eye and a new scar on the bridge of my nose. You know, anything that makes you resemble Sissy Spacek in Carrie is probably a moment you’ll want to laugh about later…
As for Jessica P. here’s a funny gondola story for you: My junior year of high school I traveled to Italy with a school tour and we took a gondola ride in Venice. I was so excited because like you thought “how romantic!” Well, those waterways wreaked of garbage, and I hoped our driver would sing to us, but he talked on his cell phone the whole time! My teacher, who is a very short, plucky white haired man agreed to sing to our group so we had more fun on our gondola ride. 😀
Author
Jess, in my neck of the woods, the weather changes in an instant. One day, it may be a warm, sunny 80 degrees. The next, a mere 50. Ahhh, gotta love it!
Oh, my–walking into a cage? I had to giggle (politely, of course) because I’ve sooo been there and done that. Not with an animal cage though. Think face-meets-electric pole. Well, one of those thick, strong cables that extends from the electric pole. I was a wee bit late for an appointment and parked quickly at the curb. I jumped out of my car, threw my keys in my purse, and began walking (with my head still down) when–whop!–smack dab into the cable. I literally saw stars. And to add insult to injury, those things have a lot of snap–the cable promptly bounced back, catching me again. No black eye, but I did have a purplish diagonal mark from temple to nose to cheek for days. I’m not sure, but your experience may have surpassed mine. 🙂
And wow, what a memory from Italy! Makes me want to re-evaluate my thinking. Kudos to your teacher for serenading you and your classmates. What did he sing?
Thanks for chiming in today!
Cynthia!
Thanks for playing along. I loved getting to know you better! Right away I noticed we’re both autumn people…that is such a special time of year.
I Absolutely adored your daughter’s comment after walking into the men’s bathroom…lol!
Someday (when we get them) we will race – your Mustang against my Corvette. Vroom!
Very fun!
Author
Loree, I’ve got a hug with your name on it when I see you at ACFW!
A race? Ooooh, love me some competition!
What a fun post, Cynthia! I enjoyed getting to know more about you. I hope you get that red Mustang one day. I’d love to see a picture of you zipping around in it.
I smiled when I read your funniest moment. I did the same thing not that long ago. My hubby headed to the men’s room while I waited for him in the restaurant’s lobby. After I few moments, I decided he had a good idea and made my way to the ladies’ room. Gwynly had veered to the left, so I went right–right into the men’s room, which was occupied–by my hubby, who gave me a shocked look over his shoulder. We shared a laugh afterward.
Gwynly had quickly realized he was at the wrong door and crossed the lobby, but I’d not seen him do so, which is why I went on autopilot and walked in on him. I learned to read the sign on the restroom door–no matter what.
Author
Keli, I think I would have died on the spot if the men’s restroom had been occupied! (Good thing your encounter was your husband. Well, you know what I mean.)
I believe what threw me in my situation was the lovely, rustic interior. Gorgeous woodwork complemented by dried flowers, a pretty painting, etc. The stall looked so warm and inviting. The urinal, however, did not. LOL
My friend’s dad had a red Mustang, back when they first came out. We loved it when he’d drive us to the pool.
Author
Patti, red is a great color. Especially on a Mustang.
Your friend had a thoughtful dad.