Today I was nominated for the Liebster Award (an award given to bloggers by other bloggers, promoting their sites and showing support). I was nominated y Andante Zen, the author of the sim novel and also online novel The Last Canvas.

What’s funny is that I found his site through another simmer posting about the sims stories she enjoyed most and linking them. I was drawn in from the start and although I have not been a disciplined reader (I’m never disciplined) it is one of my most favorite fictional stories.

Thank you Andante Zen for nominating me, and I’m not just saying this because I have to as a condition!

Conditions for accepting nomination:

1. Post the award on your blog
2. Thank the blogger who presented the award and link back to their blog.
3. Nominate 5-11 bloggers whom you feel deserve this award and have fewer than or equal to 3,000 followers.
4. Answer 11 questions posted by the nominator, and ask your nominees 11 questions.

My Nominations go to:

• Marta for A Pair of Brown Eyes
• Weathie for Skin Deep
• TheNay for Love for the Ladies
• Becki for The Curse of the Red Thread
• Alica Langdon for Trusting Desire

These are the 11 questions I must answer:

01. Why do you write?

I think the most honest answer would be because I feel in control of my emotions 100%. Every character I write about even though is not me, does come from a very tiny part of me. Perhaps someone I could never be, or someone I wish I could be, or someone I hate to be but feel like I could be sometimes… it’s not that complicated if you think about it but it is kind of hard to put into words (for me).
However, there is another answer which does not deferred too far from the truth. Because I like bringing all these characters to life and making them real in a sort of way. Because someone reading them and liking them, and connecting with them is telling me they like what I create and how I feel about it. And that is a damn good feeling.

02. What motivates you to write?

Music is one big motivation. I have always been a fan of classical music. When I was little I remember wanting to learn how to play the piano, but we are not all born with a gift for music. Nature is another motivation, and perhaps the biggest one. I do imagine an entire world up in the clouds, or down hiding in the grass.
Honestly I think, particularly for me motivation is not what makes me want to write, but because I like writing and creating stories I find motivation in things that surround me, like nature, music, and art.

03. When did you start writing? And blogging?

I started writing perhaps since I was a child, can’t think of an exact time in my life as writing (like most everything else in my life) has always been a hobby among many. I do feel like a jack of all trades and master of none when it comes to things I do like: writing, painting, and other crafts. I put too much emphasis on becoming someone I was proud of and very little on any of my crafts. So to say I have a passion for writing is not quite right, better I would say I have a passion for the arts and I have been creating art since I was able to hold a brush and a pen.
I started blogging when I was 28 years old.

04. Does publishing online interferes with your writing process, and how?

I don’t think it does actually it helps me write more. I have been emotionally affected by the online social networks. But when I have concentrated in just blogging I tend to get more done. It’s a bit lonely, the online world. Is like you get to know a bunch of people behind a computer, but do you really know these people? When you turn off the monitor you step out of that zone, is just  you. I find it very inspiring to write and share my writing with friends that I can actually meet for a cup of coffee while we discuss the reasons why my draft will always be a draft. On the other hand, online writing has it’s benefits. You do reach more audience faster, and those who honestly like your work will stick around for the long run.

05. What is your writing process — do you have a preferred place, hour, a ritual to write?

I do prefer to write when Im busy doing something that prevents me from sitting down and writing.

06. Do your online readers influence you, and how?

Yes, very much. Andante for starters… wow! What an amazing story he tells us with his writing, and what a great author he is.

07. Have social medias changed your writing, and how?

I don’t think it has at all. My writing has become a lot better from what it used to be back in high school when I was writing a spin off Interview With The Vampire. But it hasn’t really changed. I still love contrive plots which sound oh so good when I tell my friend of my idea, but become kinda loose when I start writing them down.

08. What do you do to overcome writer’s block?

I try to get back to the beginning of what started me in the first place. Reading, and drawing. Of course some times I have reader’s block, and artist’s block… in which case I have to watch Tv.

09. What are you favorite authors — in Literature, cinema?

Not many because I haven’t read many authors. Instead I read the same authors over and over again, because I dread exploring new waters… what if I don’t like it? What if I waste my time? Etc. Those are more thoughts, and so I stay where I am: Albert Camus, Anne Rice, Jane Austen, Jose Marti, Oscar Wilde. I have read more authors that I like, but these are the ones that I continue to go back to.
In cinema there is just one favorite writer, Nora Ephron. She wrote the funniest comedies you will ever watch.

10. Does writing help you in your personal life, and how?

Writing takes me to a place I couldn’t go and be sane at the same time otherwise. Because writing is the excuse to go to that place.I don’t know if that’s helping me in a way, but I haven’t done anything incriminating based on my writing so far so I guess that’s a good sign.

11. You’re free to deliver whatever message you want for whomever reads this.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for reading this blog. Thank you for stopping by even if you just found yourself here by accident. THANK YOU!

And thank you Andante Zen for your support. Truly. You are a wonderful person.

Okay so my questions for those nominated are (and forgive the not so serious questions, I’m on a very silly mood):

1. Why do you write?
2. What other things besides writing do you do and enjoy?
3. What is your favorite book (favorite one book)?
4. What things of nature do you like?
5. How does any of these things mentioned above (if they do) inspired you in your writing?
6. Is there a published writer you would love to meet and who?
7. Do you prefer online publishing or standard?
8. Do you think writing have changed your perspective on life?
9. List 5 things that are your absolute favorite.
10. How does being nominated makes you feel?
11. If you could do something all over again what would that be and why?