An ocean of thanks to Douglas for the kind nomination! I’m honoured, I really am. And also reassured that at least one person reads my blog and I’m not just spewing words into an empty void.
If you haven’t checked out Douglas’s work, you ought to. Fantasy is what he likes to write and he has a few short stories you can read for free, as well as his highly informative and inspiring blog, which is no doubt why he received his own award in the first place. His Tuesday Discussion posts, in particular, are well worth a read. You can find him on both Facebook and Twitter too!
I have to admit, I wasn’t quite sure what this award was for.
What is the Sunshine Blogger Award?
I’ve seen the phrase knocking about the blogosphere before. After a bit of research, I made the pleasant discovery that it’s an award given by bloggers to other bloggers who are inspiring, positive, and creative.
I’m feeling a little undeserving of the title.
There are rules that go along with this award.
Rules
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Thank blogger(s) who nominated you in the blog post and link back to their blog.
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Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
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Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
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List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.
Here are the answers to my questions courtesy of Douglas. Below you’ll find my own nominations and questions.
Questions and answers
Do You Keep a Diary or Journal?
Not quite. I like to keep organised, otherwise, I’d spend my days staring into space debating what to do next. Instead of a diary, I make checklists. At the start of the week, or even on a particularly busy day, I’ll make a list. I’m prone to forgetfulness too, so this helps keep me productive.
Why Do You Write?
I find this question hard to answer. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed. When I set out writing my current work in progress a few years ago something sparked within me and only seems to burn brighter. It just feels like the right thing to do. A valuable way to spend my time. And it brings so much enjoyment to my life. I’ve loved and appreciated the experiences writers have given me and want to create experiences for others too, emotional rollercoasters, new perspectives, unlimited possibilities.
What Challenges Have You Set for Yourself?
To always strive to become a better writer. And to finish my god damn novel.
What would be your ideal working environment?
I do a lot of my writing outside—I’m not allowed to smoke inside. I’m treated like a smelly dog. But I love it. The cool air keeps me sharp. I can hear sounds I wouldn’t hear inside, yet enjoy a calm and peacefulness that being in the same room as my cat doesn’t allow. A dream working environment, for me, would be in a forest. Maybe a gentle breeze—nothing to stir papers—not hot but not cold; a temperature where you forget you’re even outside. All the vibrant colours, sounds, and smells. There’d be no shortage of inspiration.
What Places in Your Past Do You Appreciate More Now, From a Distance?
I appreciate my school years a lot more than I did at the time. For the most part, I hated school. It was something to be endured. I didn’t have much of a desire to learn.
Looking back now I realise how good those times were. The countless funny incidents which happened near enough every day, and all of the characters I met along the way. It’s an experience like no other, and still, ten years after leaving, my friends and I still talk about those days of old.
What Will You Remember Most From 2017?
I was published for the first time. ‘Forgotten‘, a low fantasy short story inspired by my grandmother, was featured in Aphelion Webzine’s May edition. The feeling of reading the first acceptance email is one I shall continue to chase.
What’s On Your Reading List?
I try to read as widely as possible. Fantasy wise, I’m not far off the end of The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Very engaging book with an interesting format. I’m reading a bit about mythologies, medieval life and warfare, and the craft of creative writing too. I’m aiming to get round to the British Fantasy Society’s January edition of Horizons—a collection of short stories—and Alan Partridge’s new book Nomad has been recommended by a few people for something of a lighter read.
Do You Have a Job, if so what is it?
At the moment I manage the Liverpool Irish Centre, a community centre come pub. All I’ll say is running a bar isn’t as much fun as you think.
Does it relate to where you want to be in the future?
It’s a writer’s job. One that pays the bills and keeps you able to write. So I suppose it does.
What creative projects are you working on?
Other than editing my novel, I’ve been working on a few short stories. I’m determined to improve my craft on that front. There’s certainly a knack to them. I’m also beginning to plan my fantasy writer’s handbook which I’m aiming to release before the year’s through.
What do you find the most frustrating aspect of blogging?
There aren’t enough hours in the day to blog every day!
Nominations
I’ve met a lot of fantastic and inspiring bloggers and plenty who deserve such an award. I’m sure some of them have received this already!
Thomas Weaver (North of Andover)
My Questions
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Who inspired you to pick up the pen?
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Desert Island: You can pick 3 books to read on your desert island. What would you pick and why?
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Come Dine With Me: Which three characters from novels/stories would you choose to spend a night of dining with?
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What’s your proudest writing moment?
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What’s your main goal for 2018?
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Is writing your full-time job?
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What advice would you give to any new blogger?
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Where’s your favourite place to write?
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What makes you keep bashing away at your keyboard day after day?
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What’s your favourite bit of writing advice?
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An easy, or a perhaps a hard one to end with. Describe your current work in progress in three words.
Thanks for stopping by folks! Tomorrow I’ll be sharing some of the best articles I’ve read in the past week and for Fantasy Friday I’m looking at the cannons of the Middle Ages. You’ll certainly have a few sources of inspiration for your own stories. To get the posts delivered straight to your inbox, fill out the form below!
Most nights you can find him up into the wee hours scribbling away or watching the NBA.
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You smoke? Maybe I’m bizarre, but I find that the most interesting tidbit of the lot! 🙂 Have you smoked for long?
Haha longer than my lungs are happy about!
I’m a nurse by trade, so you know what I’m going to say. I don’t even have to say it. 😀
No you don’t! I’ll kick it in the head soon, worry not
Best of luck. 🙂
Hi Richie,Congratulations–not sure whether this is
Nice answers. I think its hard not to become a better writer if you write enough. Though we should be conscious of our craft. Thanks for the nomination, but Douglas beat you to it (though he plugged my old blog). He nominated both of us in his post. Otherwise, you would have been on my list! 😀
Very kind! I must have missed you. Damn my inattention to detail. Congratulations are in order! More than deserved. I enjoyed your email the other day!
Yes, I’d like to talk to you about that. I will hit you up on FB if you don’t mind.
Fire away