Liebster Award Nominations

Grace at Fictionally and Beka at The Other World nominated me for the Liebster award! Thank you, Grace and Beka! But of course, I wondered, what on earth is this Liebster award? As far as I've found out, it's just a fun way to get around blogs and learn about the people therein. Liebster is German for beloved. Whether this award is actually awarded to one particular blog, I do not know. If any of you know more, let me know! :) But this interview looks like so much fun!

There are a few rules to be followed upon accepting this award and they include:
- Link back the blogger that tagged you.
- Nominate ten others and answer the questions of the one who tagged you.
- Ask ten questions for the bloggers you nominate.
- Let your nominees know of their awards and tag backs.

 First of all, here are Grace's questions and my answers!

 1. If you could visit any book/movie world, what would it be?
Hmm...it would be a draw between Middle Earth and the countless worlds connected by Goldstone Wood. There are people groups and places in Middle Earth that I would be more intrested in seeing then in Goldstone, namely Rivendell, Lothlorian, Ithillian, and the Shire. Some places in the Wood just sound painful. But I'd like to meet a lot of characters in the worlds of the Wood, such as Eanrin and Imraldera. So hard to decide...

2. Favorite genre(historical, contemporary, fantasy...) ?
Fantasy. I say this because I love The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Tales of Goldstone Wood. I'm rather picky about my fantasy books, though. They have to be top quality with a message that resonates to this world. But it's definitely my favorite genre with its endless possibilities and fantastic creatures and power.

3. Do like to buy books or borrow them from the library?
I like to borrow from the library, because I'd rather not have a book on my shelf that I don't like. If I love a book, I must buy it. :)

4. If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
I kept coming up with reasons I wouldn't go. Rome is not so glorious when you're not some totally awesome super-soldier who goes back in time to save everyone and humiliate Nero. SEIZE HIM! (Don't ask. That's an inside joke between my brother and me). Ancient Egypt's intrigued me...I think the best time to go there was when Joseph was 2nd in command. Yeah, that sounds pretty cool. Just so long as I don't show up right beside Joseph and get mistaken for an assassin. SEIZE HER!

 5. When it comes to snack food, do your prefer salty or sweet?
Prepare to be astonished...I don't like snack food! But every once in awhile, I will have a chocolate or crave White Cheddar Cheez-Its.

6. Where is one place you would like to visit?
Australia and New Zealand have always intrigued me with their rugged beauty and fantastic creatures. But I also wouldn't mind seeing Austria, where my Omami (Gramma) was born and raised. 

7. Book store or online shopping for books?
I would have said Book Store back in the day when my main reading was in the Junior department. Now I feel like I have to go into the YA section with a blindfold. But I'm being unfair, labeling all books stores secular. I really like Christian and old book stores. But I've developed a taste for shopping online. There at least, I can choose what I see. :)

8. Do covers influence you to read/not read, some books?
Oh yes, indeed. If a cover is beautiful and intriguing, it will certainly compel me to learn more. For example, I recently saw a book called Elfhunter with an awesome looking warrior elf-girl on the front. I heard it was supposed to be good and instantly looked it up. On Amazon, they showed me the paperback version with a hand-drawn cover that would have never caught my eye. I switched to the hard-cover and was instantly inthralled with the book again. Maybe I'll read it someday. :)

I probably would never have read The Chronicles of Prydain at the library based on their sloppy, crayon covers. But I heard people rave about them, so I read...and loved them!

And it was the cover of Heartless that first drew my eye... 

 9.  Which do you prefer, series or stand alone books?
Certainly, I do not mind stand alone books. But I have to come notice that my very favorite books are series. I suppose the more books there are about one place, the more attached and geeky you become! :)

 10. If you had to get rid of one of your favorite book from your book shelf, which one would it be?
Uh...get rid of one of my favorite books? Does that even make sense? How about get rid of a book from my books shelf? Probably The Rogue Crew by Brian Jacques. I really love the Redwall series, but that one disappointed me, and the only other Redwall book I have is the tremendous Taggerung. 

 ~

Now I answer the questions given by Beka:

What is your favorite part about writing (reading)?
Discovering new worlds, new friends, and coming closer to God through the truths displayed in script! Whether I'm writing or reading them, books swoop me away into the vast land of Imagination to meet heroes and defeat evil!

Who is the person you consider your role model? 
Of course, Jesus is the ultimate example of how I should behave. My parents also trained me up in the way I should go, always reminding me to follow and live for Christ.
More recently, I've also found much to admire in Anne Elisabeth Stengl. She has accomplished what I dream of--writing excellent fantasy books that give glory to God. She's also extremely generous and kind to her fans, showering blessings on us constantly. I'd be thrilled if I could ever encourage people the way she's encouraged me. :) 

What is your favorite part about blogging?
I've been so blessed to have so many kind and uplifting ladies around my blog! We help each other with writing and brainstorming and support each other. It's rather amazed me how I've been encouraged and supported by people I don't even know! Thank you all!

How would you describe your personal style?
Um...as in writing style? Oo, that's difficult. Um, I like to think my writing as elegant, but I also like to include a lot of charm and humor to contrast the shadows of evil. 

What is something you've learned recently, that you wish you'd known before?

Etanun is AWESOME!!! But I suppose I knew that a long time ago...well, it was confirmed this June. Sorry, I couldn't think of anything serious. :D

What book has had the most impact on you as a person (excluding the obvious choice, of course)?
Since the Bible is the obvious choice, I'll say The Tales of Goldstone Wood. When I read the first one, I was touched by the story and chose to read the next two. I discovered I loved them. I discovered I loved them so much I had to read them to my mom--who had I hadn't read one of my books to in a while. She loved them too, and afterwards, I felt more comfortable sharing my own stories with her. 

I decided to look up the author, Anne Elisabeth Stengl, and began keeping an eye on her blog, then started participating. Tentatively, I sent in fan art, which she graciously and enthusiastically accepted. I entered a fan fiction contest and won 2nd place. Next thing I knew, Anne was offering writing/mentoring services on her blog, and I was able to become one of her writing students. She has helped me shape my stories in ways I didn't dream possible, always being a constant encouragement. 

And the Goldstone Books continue to become even better with each new story. The truths communicated in them truly inspire me to become a better person. 

Favorite Hobby?
Writing and Drawing! I love doing art, whether pencil, colored pencil, paint, or digital paint. Here's an example of my work. 

A painting inspired by the sneak peak of Shadow Hand

Favorite thing to drink?

Water during the day, milk at meals, hot chocolate on winter mornings.

Do you have any pets--and if so, can you share a picture?
I have lots of pets. As a family, we have 3 dogs, 5 cats, 6 chickens, 1 goat and 2 Guinna pigs. I'll share some pictures of my goat, Tinkerbell. She's a stubborn, massive beast, but she loves me since I raised her from the bottle.

Here is what she looks like now. Massive. And Strong. And Stubborn.

But how could I have NOT kept her when you see this?

Or this. (Complete with two kitties)

Lastly, if you are able, please share a snippet of your current work-in-progress.
I did a literary nod the other day. In honor of J.R.R. Tokien's brilliant duel of Songs of Power between Finrod Felagund and Sauron in the Lay of Luthian, I wrote a rhythmic scene in Moonscript in which beautiful song is used to combat darkness. It's a subtle nod, but nonetheless, I read that part in the book to give me ideas and the mood.

“Sing,” the king of old responded. “Sing with all your heart and with all your soul. Pour your very love into the words.”

Uncertainly, Tellie began to obey. Her voice quavered like an autumn leaf ready to fall, and the song she sang was simple—a mere child’s ditty. More screams and snarls stirred around her, and in a desperate bid to drown them out, she sang louder. The child’s song ended, and she picked up one of the hymns of old, her voice, though not perfect, ringing out unashamed. Words sprang to her mind, and she sang them out, filling each note with memories of blue skies where swallows flew and green fields where flowers grew. She sang of hope and dreams come true. Of broken bonds and coming through. And as each word danced off her tongue, the darkness began to turn and run.

Then Tellie fell, her strength flown, and darkness closed around once more.  

Thank you for the fun interview! Now I tag ten people! I'll attempt to choose people who have not already been nominated.
Molly at A Writer's Ponderings 
Jennette at her blog whose title escape me.
Allison at...well, Allison, I see you have a blogger profile, but I don't see a blog. IF you have one, consider yourself nominated.
Ghost Ryter at anything, everything
Jill at Books, Cats, and Whimsy
Erin at Notes by Oywen
Rayne Spyrell Writing in Rivendell
Sarah at Dreams and Dragons
Clara at Darling Diaries
Liz at Buried in Books

And here are the questions I ask these ten people:  
1. Which fictional character has inspired you the most to be a better person?
2. What landscape do you love the most (desert, rain forest, snow, grass-fields, mountains, etc.)?
3. Name your #1 Literary Crush.
4. If you were in a book, what name would you give yourself, what role would you play, and what would you look like?
5. If you could have any superpower (flying, strength, far-sight, etc.) what would it be?
6. Name your favorite activity you did as a child.
7. What food have you never tried, but really want to?
8.  What do prefer, fantasy or sci-fiction?
9. Do you prefer indoors or outdoors?
10. If you writing, how far along are you in your current work-in-progress? And if you don't write, how far along are you in the current book you're reading?

Thank you all! That was fun, and I hope you enjoyed it! God bless!