20 Questions

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Want to find out more bookish things about me? Or an author I’d love to meet? You’re in luck! These answers
and more are about to be revealed…

Guess what, peeps!? This blog has been nominated for two awards. The lovely Miranda and Rel just nominated us for the Liebster Award. Yippee! What a nice surprise this was this past week. A million thanks – Miranda, what a pleasure to discover a new bookish blog and Rel, thank you for being a wonderful example of a classy reviewer, friend and  what it means to take a blog seriously.

20 Questions. Answering questions from blogging friends Miranda and Rel! How would you answer these Qs? All text answers © Rissi JC

Like my explanations of the past, I am again breaking the rules when it comes to participating in this meme – and
I hope that’s okay. Most of the bloggers I once upon a time nominated for these awards are either, a.) worn out from posting these or b.) aren’t “into” the whole blogging award scene, which in turn translates to they didn’t “care” about the nomination and since I do put thought into whom I nominate, I have elected to “skip” this part… which makes this an open-ended invitation!

If you think this looks fun – but be forewarned, seriously, these girls did make me think! – and are interested by Miranda or Rel’s (challenging) questions (like me – I always have fun answering these), please don’t hesitate to grab the Q’s and play along – either
on your own blog or right here in the comments section.

20 Questions: The Liebster Award Q’s from Miranda

1. If you had to choose one author to have a face-to-face chat with, who would it be and why? Heavens! This question seems unfair as there are many authors whom I’d love to someday have an opportunity to meet – mainly because of the conversations I’ve had with them on social media forums. I suppose I’d have to say Rachel Hauck. She was one of the very first authors who I “met” on social media and she said something that was very sweet, and it’s stuck with me ever since.

2. Describe your ideal leisure day. Of course, a stack of novels is involved and goes a long way as does being with family. My family has taken a lot of “day trips” and each one has been fun just because we’re making memories and sharing laughter.

20 Questions. Answering questions from blogging friends Miranda and Rel! How would you answer these Qs? All text answers © Rissi JC

3. If you were offered any vacation spot in the world free of charge, where would you go? Is this a trick question? *wink* Depends on what mood I am in – if I want something tropical, Hawaii. If I am looking for an ultimate once-in-a-lifetime
experience, I couldn’t choose better than Europe – want to pay a visit to Downton Abbey, anyone!?  

4. What day would you say was the happiest in your life? Great question. Honestly, I don’t think I could point to any one day – I have many happy memories, and appreciate a family who cherishes being in a family. That being said, I think, with exception to a tragedy or loss, happiness is primarily a state of mind. Life is tough but that doesn’t mean we have to live like it is – there can be so much joy in simple things. We don’t “need” big gestures or fancy things so long as there is perspective in place.

5. If you were asked to pick one book you believe should be adapted into a movie, which would it be? WOW. Again how to answer this one… off the top of my head, I’d have to say Denise Hunter’s Barefoot Summer. Just recently read that one and LOVED it.

6. Describe your ideal Christmas, or any other holiday… Christmas is about Christ’s birth and tome, there is no greater way to honor that than with family. We try and set that day aside to spend together and it’s a wonderful time to enjoy each other’s
company, enjoy the decked out house and remember the Reason for the Season. We usually open a gift on Christmas Eve, then the rest in the morning, make a traditional, yummy meal and then top the day off with one (or two!) Christmas movies. That’s our simple tradition and its also my ideal Christmas – being with those I love most.

7. Which book (or movie) have you read that you wish you wrote? This will sound cliché… but seriously, it cannot be helped! I adore Downton Abbey and wish I’d been able to dream up that piece of British soap-y drama. As for a book… let’s see, I just recently read Kirstin Hietzmann’s The Breath of Dawn. Eclipsed in that one novel was “something” for everyone – there was intrigue, romance and spiritual healing, all of which was rarely cliché and always poignant.

Wow! Miranda, you are making me think hard, girl!

8. What good cause do you believe God has laid upon your heart to impact positively (if it is not personal)? This is a personal question that I don’t think I can answer as there hasn’t been a “cause” I’ve felt a tug to impact or something that I *need* to pursue, rather (and I know this isn’t really answering your question), I’m in a stage in life where I’m open to learning.
Understanding more of Christianity and discovering what I believe is right (not just they teach) and what I don’t; things that I think Christians use as an “easy out.”

20 Questions. Answering questions from blogging friends Miranda and Rel! How would you answer these Qs? All text answers © Rissi JC
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9. Coffee or tea—what’s your preference? TEA!

10. Name one blogger that inspires you. Aw, this one is tough! Seriously, I think I can safely say that each of the blogger’s I frequently chat with inspire me – for different reasons. One could be because they aren’t afraid to say exactly what they mean through honest posts (posting “life” aspects is something I wrestle with) or because I like their chic style. With that said, I’d have to say Amber Stokes is a blogger who inspires me. She’s not only a talented book blogger who I admire, she has also recently taken on the publishing gambit – I know she’s one thoughtful writer who anyone could learn a lot from.

The Liebster Award from Rel

1. What is the name of the most recent book you have finished and loved? Trapped by Irene Hannon – it was brilliant, really!

2. What is the 17th line on the 125th page of the book you are currently reading? “Yet. They’re already running scared.”

3. When did you realise you were a true book lover? Heavens, I cannot remember back that far. I grew up reading and when I was about thirteen or so, there was a phase when that was pretty much ALL I DID! Now, I have to take breaks – I can’t sit for hours on end reading much as I adore it. So… I guess we’ll blame my 13-year-old self for the title of “book lover.”

4. What is your genre of choice? Why? Contemporary. Once upon a time, it was rare for me to read a contemporary and I’ve vacillated a lot on what my favorite genre is, and I continue to circle back to the modern eras. Blame for this can probably be attributed to two authors – Becky Wade and Jenny B. Jones. I remember reading Becky’s debut novel and falling head over
heels in love with Kate and Matt, its protagonists. Once that happened, I was pretty stuck on contemporary fiction. As to the “why,” I’m not really sure although my best assessment is because it’s the genre I can most relate too. Even if I don’t always “get” the reactions or understand characters pasts, there is always events or relatable prose or pop culture references that I connect with – and feeling inspired or challenged by a novel is the best end result.

5. What is the name of your ‘comfort reading book’? (one you will pull out and read when you want something familiar) Great question that I unfortunately cannot answer because I haven’t reread a novel in years! Literally. There are dozens I want to but yeah, my TBR stack I often reference? It’s THAT tall. If I had to give an author’s name, I’d say Jenny B. Jones – her humor is
untouchable!

6. Who has encouraged you the most in your reading pursuits? Probably my parent’s in a roundabout way. They were never keen on us watching television all day, so we found alternative means of fun (like being outdoors) and entertainment (like letting our imagination run wild in a book). I think perhaps (other than storybooks), the first books I read where the American Girl series and from then on, my parents would always bring a haul of fiction books as well as school home from their trips to the
conventions. It’s something we girls always had excitement for!

7. Your most memorable hero, and why? Alexander Banebridge; he’s one of the most complex, memorable heroes ever – and it’s not just because he’s good-looking! *wink* His struggles are realistic and just because he finally gave his life to God didn’t ensure him a happy, easier life. No, his past still haunted him and like every one of us, he struggled daily. The writing beautifully reflected that in his character.

8. If you had to swap lives with a character, who would it be and why? One of the Pevensie children. Because who doesn’t want to see Narnia!?

9. Do you alphabetise your books by author or title, on your bookshelves? I like to group my books “together.” First by author, then beyond that, genre although I haven’t gone so far as to alphabetize them, I will put them in order of their shape/size. Being still in the middle of re-organization (re-shelving and weeding out), I just may have to consider author alphabetizing!

10. Why do you read? I read because I love it, and because it opens possibilities and stirs imagination. I read because it
challenges me. I read because I have the aspiration to someday complete a WIP. I read because life is part of a journey and is to be enjoyable; and because I want to be challenged and learn. Finally, I read because fiction is more than just a “story,” it can be witty and clever, poignant and awe-inspiring and oh so much more.

Thank you again, ladies! This was fun, challenging and a bit… nerve-wrecking, but in a good way. Wishing you all a happy Friday – hope your weekend is terrific!

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

16 comments

    1. Me, too, Jamie – loved Rel and Miranda's fun albeit challenging questions. Made me think for sure. :)

      Yay! Wanna' make a trip to Narnia, then?! :)

    1. Tell me about it, Evelyn! These girls made me think. Hard. And yet, I loved it. :)

      That first Q is a tough one – I felt like I wanted to list all the authors I admire!

  1. Brilliant questions, and you answered them all so well! I didn't see a drop of sweat anywhere (I'd have been sweating bullets on some of those)!

    I have missed reading your blog regularly like I used to, but so happy to see that your posts are as good as ever. :)

    1. Aren't these fabulous, Christy!? I loved them too which is part of the reason they came at just the right time – I really owe Miranda and Rel thanks for giving me a post to finish the week out! :)

      These questions *were* a challenge, for sure – are you sure that doesn't show!? Because while I was writing it sure did! I just sat here staring at the screen for most of them, no joke.

      …I've missed YOUR blogging, Christy. I hope things are going well with you. Thanks for the kind words – I appreciate them and hope in the not-too-distant future, there are some new posts from you! :)

    1. Thanks for reading, Juju – I know this got long. :)

      I've been meaning to read The Wedding Dress for an age now. Glad to have a trusted recommendation for it – I've no doubt that it's a winner.

      Amber is awesome, and I do admire her presence and ease of getting her points across plus she's always willing to help out in any way she can. Her blog is an endless inspiration.

      Yes! Let's go to Narnia – it's possible, right!? ;)

  2. Loved reading through your answers, sweet girl :) Especially enjoyed your answer to last question about why you read ~ apart from the WIP part, I say a resounding "DITTO"!

    Thanks for playing, Rissi xo

    1. Hey, Rel; thanks for dropping by. Thank you a million for the "tag" – always LOVE answering the fab questions that come with these. :)

      That last question was a doozy – I was basically in a tizzy over HOW to answer that one. That being said, it was a great one – all of these made me think. Loved that!

      *hugs*

  3. Hey girl! Loved your answers! I agree with Christy. Didn't look like you sweated a drop. The answers helped me know you better, and no trick questions, promise! *winking*

    The Qs were fun to put together and I hope someone else picks them up to answer on their blog (anyone interested, let me have a blog address!).

    Something you said I'll definitely keep with me—life is tough but shouldn't be lived that way. Very inspiring words. Thank you for taking the time to answer the Qs. Well done!

    1. Miranda, hello, hello! Glad you dropped by. I'll ask you that same thing: ARE YOU SURE MY NERVOUSNESS DOESN'T SHOW!? I feel like it did. :)

      Ditto! I hope some other ladies join in also – that'd be fun. Please do join in, ladies. (PS: Then leave us your link.)

      That Q was a tough one – thinking of picking a day when I was happiest would be a hard thing because I've been blessed with a wonderful family and as such, there've been MANY happy days. It's hard not to let life bog us down, but I think we have to keep perspective. :)

      Thanks for tagging Dreaming Under the Same Moon – this was WAY fun. :)

  4. Sooo good, Rissi!!! Oh my. Where to begin?

    1st set of questions :

    2 and 4. It's like you read my mind, I tell you. I absolutely agree with number 4, especially. Happiness doesn't have to be wrapped up in just one day..

    2nd Set of questions

    3. Okay. :) I think I've heard of a similar behavior from a 13-year old before.. moi!! :) Around 10-13 or so, my word, I used to literally just read… sometimes a whole day!

    4. Contemporary for me too! Or so I've noticed lately..

    7. Such a good choice!

    10. So well said.

    You are a dear, Risi. :)

    1. Ganise, thanks for your lovely comment – you reminded me that I NEEDED to read your "tag" post yet. Cannot believe I forgot – isn't it fun to read about each other's reading/bookish personalities!? :)

      There are a lot of harsh realities in life and I think we often let that "get to us," but overall, I am grateful for MANY happy days and if we try not to let life affect us, we can be "always" be happy. Or that is my thought. :)

      3. LOL, we avid reader's are too much alike! :)

      4. Definitely! So far, that is the favored genre + suspense.

      7. I thought so. ;)

      10. That was quite a question – I mean HOW TO ANSWER why we read. It's for OH-SO-MANY reasons.

      As are you, Ganise – it's been a blast to follow your blogging journey. Keep it up! :)

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