Vincent Ehindero Blogger Award

I am delighted to have been nominated by Ingrid of Experiments in Fiction for the Vincent Ehindero Blogger Award. My second award this year! I must start displaying them on a dedicated page because it is a reminder of the love and support of this wonderful community.

I discovered Ingrid’s blog Experiments in Fiction earlier this year and I am delighted that I did, as I feel I have come to know a little about this talented poet and generous soul. Experiments in Fiction is a fabulous blog as it is packed with interesting content. I have recently been enjoying Postcards from Slovenia, Ingrid’s home country. The photographs and descriptions have persuaded me that this is one of the first places I will visit when the world feels a safe place to travel again.

Experiments in Fiction aims to promote stories that say something new or old in a new way. Ingrid connects with other writers and generously promotes their work. For the past few weeks, her blog has been hosting a poetry challenge where poets are invited to send a poem in response to a theme. The poet with the winning entry then judges the next challenge. I have delighted in reading the entries. Ingrid herself is a talented poet and I am looking forward to reading a collection of her poems when she is published.

The Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you with a link to their blog. 
2. Make a post of the award (with a photo of the logo).
3. Post the rules.
4. Ask 5-10 questions of your choice.
5. Nominate 10-30 other bloggers (or more) and notify them.

Ingrid’s questions with my answers:

1. Who would you like to see as the next ruler of your country and why?

I am purposefully going to dodge talking politics and nominate the Cinderella from the Disney movie. When she becomes queen of her kingdom her manifesto is: with kindness, courage and a little bit of magic you can achieve anything. This should be the motto of creatives.

2. How have you survived lockdown?

Fortunately, my family and I have remained safe and well, and for that I am truly grateful. At the beginning of lockdown, when we were unable to find a publisher for my debut,I parted company with my ‘dream’ agent. Since then, I have published with an Indie press, started a blog, found social media, and joined the amazing community of creatives who support one another. I have also been learning French with daily practice, and enjoying yoga, meditation, and long walks with my husband. I have done more than survive – I have thrived. Like the wild flowers that bloom in the cracks of concrete in our back yard.

3. If you could meet any historical figure who would it be and why?

Mahatma Gandhi, because he was an incredible leader who led non-violent resistance and brought about change despite immense opposition. 

4. If you had a time machine but could only travel either backwards or forwards, which would you choose and why?

I would go forwards in time, because if I had a glimpse of our world in the future I might be able help us to prepare and mitigate disaster.

5. What is the meaning of life?

Thanks Ingrid! To find your purpose by doing what you love and following your dreams. To remember that we are all made of the same matter, we are connected to one another and all that is in this world and beyond. Cinderalla had it right – Be Kind. Be Courageous. I watched that film for the first time last night so I am a bit obsessed today.

6. What is your favourite comedy show or movie (has to be comedy).

In the early 90s there was a TV show called Smack the Pony. This series made me weep with laughter. The comedians were all women and the humour appealed to a female audience. I don’t watch a lot of television but my husband is always watching reruns of The Big Bang Theory, and that is entertaining .

Questions for my nominees:

1. What brought you to blogging and why?
2. What would you tell your younger self?
3. What is your life purpose/mission?
4. Describe yourself in three words
5. What can we look forward to on your blog?

My nominees are:

I am going to cheat and only name six bloggers. This is because some I would nominate are unable to participate at this time, and because others have already been mentioned in this train. The first two, are bloggers I have come to love not only for their interesting and varied blogs, but also for their support and generosity to other bloggers.

Azilde Elizabeth https://azildeelizabeth.com

Winnie Tataw https://winsbooks.blog

The second two are new to blogging but respected experts in their fields. I recommend that you have a look at their blogs, Anita is an author and creative writing tutor and Sherry is an expert in health and social care.

Anita Belli http://anitabellibooks2020.wordpress.com

Sherry Malik https://sherrymalik.wordpress.com

The last two are bloggers who I have recently discovered. Lauren is a freelance journalist who is passionate about social justice. Her interests reflect my own and I love reading her posts. Matthew has a background in mental health and promotes the use of story telling to improve mental health and well-being. He is an expert in this field and has many speaking engagements.

Lauren Crosby Medlicott https://laurencrosbymedlicott.substack.com

Matthew Williams https://afamiliarstranger.co.uk

I hope you will enjoy discovering these blogs. Now, could I include my swimming certificate for a width of the pool on my trophies page?

The Sunshine Bloggers Award

I am delighted to have been nominated by the talented Ingrid at  Experiments in Fiction for the Sunshine Blogger Award! Ingrid uses her blog to bring stories that are experimental in nature to the reader’s attention, so that they challenge the reader and raise questions. Ingrid writes beautiful moving poetry, and is also an accomplished writer. Refreshingly original, her blog is a joy to read Ingrid also has a talented son – check out 7 year old Benji’s post.

The Rules

• Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog so others can find them.
• Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.
• Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
• Notify the nominees about it by commenting on one of their blog posts.
• List the rules and display a Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post and/or your blog site.

Questions for me:

1.When did you start writing?

I have always written: home-made books when I was a child, journals throughout my adult life and then as a freelance journalist in health and social care. Writing fiction was at first a hobby – short stories that I shared with family and friends. However, I started writing novels eight years ago, when a short story kept on growing until it became my first novel

2. What are your writing goals?

The Borrowed Boy will be published on 1^st August. My plan is to publish Just Bea on 1^st February 2021 and Misdirectionin August 2021. I have already written these novels and received editorial assessments and so I am confident that this is achievable. Then, I am looking forward to writing my next story which is in my head and getting impatient to be told – so lots of writing ahead. 

3. What do you prefer to read, factual or fictional writing?

I prefer fiction but enjoy reading autobiographies too. I am currently fascinated by Penelope Fitzgerald’s life story and have requested a book of her letters from the library.

4. Do you prefer poetry or prose?

That is hard as good prose within a novel is poetic. I read more fiction than poetry and so it has to be prose. However, I love Lemn Sissay’s poems. Every time I listen to him reading, Invisible Kisses my heart bursts with love.

5. Do you prefer short fiction or novels?

Definitely novels. I find it hard to concentrate when reading a short story and cannot read magazines for the same reason. My mind will not still and keeps thinking ahead to the next task. When I open a novel, I relax, knowing that I can read for as long as I choose. 

6. What is your dream holiday destination?

I am lucky enough to have had many wonderful holidays and have travelled to every continent. However, Italy is one of my favourite destinations: Venice, Tuscany or Sorrento.

7. How would you spend your last day on earth, if you could choose to do absolutely anything?

I would return to the Parrucchiano restaurant in Sorento and dine at a long table beneath the lemon trees, surrounded by family and friends. We would spend the afternoon enjoying good food and wine, laughing and sharing happy memories.

8. What is your favourite song?

Al Stewart’s Year of the Cat. Al Stewart’s early albums are the soundtrack to my teenage years, Orange and Bedsitter Images. He is a poet. Although this song is not one of his best, it has a special place in my heart. When we first met, my husband made me a book. On each page he wrote a line of that song and used collage, photographs and his own art work to capture the early days of our relationship. It was a love letter like no other.

9. Do you use social media to promote your writing and if so, which platforms?

When I thought about how I would market my books I decided to blog. I had no idea that writing the blog would be so enjoyable. It also means that I can connect with like-minded people on Twitter and Instagram by sharing blog posts rather than trying to sell my books. It has brought me into contact with some wonderful people across the globe. 

10. Have you ever written a book, or do you plan to (please provide details)?

I have written four books but I am about to publish my debut, The Borrowed Boy. 

11. Large hotel or small guest house: which do you prefer and why?

A large hotel. I have had some unfortunate experiences whilst staying at guest houses, as they can be a bit unpredictable. I like to be assured of the quality and service provided so that I can relax and enjoy exploring the area. 

My Nominees

1. Elizabeth Bennet’s Plague Diaries

2. Lu Reviews Books

3. Lizzie Chantry

4. And Then What 

5. The Marcist Agenda 

6. Helen Carey Books

7. Behind her Books

8. EdMyJourneyOCD

9. Being Anne

10. Wins Books

11. Rachel Brooker

Questions for nominated bloggers:

1. What attracted you to start a blog and how has it developed?

2. If you were restricted to eat the favourite cuisine of one nation (forever), what would it be: Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, other?

3. What superpower would you like to have and why?

4. Name 2-4 books that have had a memorable impact on you at any stage in your life.

5. What is your greatest achievement?

6. What is the most daring thing you have done?

8. What would be at the top of your bucket list?

9. Which songs/artistes provided a soundtrack to your teenage years?

10. If you could time travel to another time past or future when would it be and why?

11. What advice would you give to new bloggers?