Questions that Matter with Natasja Hellenthal

 

I asked the questions that matter of Natasja Hellenthal! But first, the book: https://www.amazon.com/QUARTERLING-Lesbian-Young-Adult-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B07FF5RH15

And some other links:

https://www.amazon.com/Natasja-Hellenthal/e/B00CMNVPX4/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7082545.Natasja_Hellenthal

Website: https://natasjahellenthal.wordpress.com/

Newsletter Sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/e49f0616a6b1/httpeepurlcomdzr1ff

Twitter: https://twitter.com/natasjahellenth

Now to my favorite part–the questions!

Welcome, Natasja! What’s your favorite word?

That’s tricky as I love language and there are so many beautiful words in the English language. For me that is usually the case with “What is your favourite… questions”. But if I would have to choose from my favourite words such as transcendent, luminous, sentience, avocet (a bird-species), lucid, eloquent, succulent, diverse, beyond, amalgamate, avertable, and fragrance for example, I would choose the word ‘beyond’. To me that word not only speaks to the imagination, but also invites everyone to visualise what lies past their normal sense of reality, vision, or daily life. I have chosen the name BeyondBookCovers for my book cover design business for that very reason, but also as I like people to know that I will go the extra mile for their book cover!

An eloquent answer! What is your real-life superpower?

I am fascinated by superpowers, love superhero movies and series, and have always wanted to write a novel featuring a unique superhero. So, that is what I did with ‘Quarterling’. It’s a one of a kind, never before written story if I can say so. Its main character, Fay Comyenti, is not only an alien, lesbian, and has superpowers no one has ever written about (she’s besides an empath able to acquire the powers of vertebrates), the people she saves are not humans, but non-human animals. But to stick to the question, I’m a bit of an empath and HSP’er (highly sensitive person) myself. It means I not only have oversensitive senses to the point it often gets too much for me (think sound, smell, bright lights etc), I can sense other people’s emotions and read their feelings really easily, not just their facial expressions or body language. Sometimes I’m not sure if that is a superpower as such as it does have a side effect as I can get overwhelmed by these emotions and can get really drained by people, especially those with a negative atmosphere. I have created the comyenti species to write about my own experiences as I think I needed an outlet, but also to feel at home in my own stories, with my own kind so to speak! And yes, they even have the same weakness as I have. No one can be all super all the time!

It is a superpower, I believe! What superpower would you like to have for a day?

If it’s only for a day, I would choose something that would possibly have a long-lasting effect such as make certain people, or groups of people, disappear from the surface of the Earth! It’s not really nice of me, I know, but then again this is something that will never happen anyway, so yes, if I could have any superpower I would choose that one! I am sure more people think this, but would be afraid to say it out loud. Or, if I could magically change people and turn them all into compassionate, loving people with a conscience instead of making them disappear, that would perhaps be a better, kinder one!

Always use your superpowers for good! What is one of your favorite quotes?

“Be the change you want to see in the world”

That could also be a superpower! If you were a road sign, what would you say?

“40 and sexy”

Love it! What’s the meaning of life?

I believe in always becoming a better person than who we were yesterday. To be willing to improve. Change is not a bad thing.  To not focus so much on possessions, money and petty things. That is all fleeting. Life is a miracle, cherish it, don’t take it for granted as it can end any time. Look at the grand scale of things, and bigger picture, and the beauty in everything. It is feelings and love that stays, and memories, life lessons, not things. To stop just focusing on oneself, but to be there for each other, to have an open mind, open heart, and show compassion for all life. To learn from our mistakes and to move on. To not hold grudges, to forgive, to share, and to love.

Very well-said, Natasja! What would you want to be written on your tombstone?

“Do not weep at my grave for I am not here anymore. My legacy is in my art. Go to: insert link to books”

A kind message and book promotion all in one! Thank you, Natasja, for answering my important questions! Rev up your superpowers and support Natasja on social media, then join us here next Friday for a new important author!

Happy reading! 🙂

 

 

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Questions that Matter with C. R. Flamingbush

I asked the questions that matter of C. R. Flamingbush! But first, the book: https://www.amazon.com/Speed-Sight-Superhero-C-R-Flamingbush-ebook/dp/B07D5HTCHP/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=speed+of+light+car+flamingbush&qid=1555083799&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0

And some links:

Twitter: @rainyesrainrain

www.miracle-times.com

www.sightspeed.wordpress.com

Hello, C.R.! In your opinion, what is the best Disney Animated movie?

Much as I love Beauty and the Beast, I have to go with Tangled. That’s because long hair and I have quite a history. When I was only four, the hair dresser gave me a pixie cut which temporarily ruined my life until it grew out. Unfortunately my hair gets tangled way too easily, but it was my dream to have hair like the Rapunzel character in the movie. Dangerous tripping hazard but awesome boobytrap material. When you think about it, Tangled is like Home Alone: Trespassers and child kidnappers beware!

Rapunzel does get a lot of use out of her hair! What is your most bizarre talent?

The ability to boggle people’s minds with complicated rhymes and word puzzles which leave them scratching their heads. Villains beware the hidden word snare. Ha ha ha!

I will beware the snap of your mind’s trap! What is your biggest kitchen screwup?

Accidentally starting a fire in the toaster oven. Good thing I had some flour on hand.

Accidentally setting things on fire is my specialty in the kitchen! What is your favorite sound?

Small children and babies laughing, even when they grab a stick and hit your funny bone. To them it looks like fun, but grownups feel the burn.

A joyous sound! The laughter, not getting hit. What would be your real-life superpower?

Fountain of youth. I can make people look years younger through realistic portraits that erase all wrinkles and ugly marks from their faces.

I’ll drink to that! Why did the chicken cross the road?

So that my cute little grandson could give it a hug.

That’s a good reason! What would you tell your younger self?

When people’s opinions get you down, it’s time to get creative. Don’t worry about “getting along.” It’s better to sing a fun song. Or write a cartoon with a cool speech balloon. And don’t forget the silly puns. There’s no need to take life so seriously. (There’s a lot more I would tell myself, but it would take up too many pages to put here).

Silly puns are all the fun! Thank you, C.R., for joining our quirky club! Support C.R. by buying the book and reviewing! Hug a chicken today and join us next Friday when we ask questions that are funny to make your day a little sunny! (I’ll stop now—I’m sorry!)

Happy reading! 🙂

Questions that Matter with Melaina Rayne

I asked the questions that matter of Melaina Rayne! But first, the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013RBML5K/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

And some links:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/Amazon-MelainaRayne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaina.rayne

Instagram: https://instagram.com/melaina.rayne/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/MelainaRayne

Website: www.melainarayne.com

Let’s ask some questions!

Hello, Melaina! Do you know what your name means? Or who were you named after?

My birth name, Melanie, means black or dark. It was the name of a Roman saint who gave all her wealth to charity in the 5th century. My pen name, Melaina, is the Greek version of my birth name. It also means dark or black. In Greek mythology, Melaina was a nymph loved by Apollo. Some stories suggested she ruled over subterranean nymphs.

Both beautiful names! Quick! Ask your spouse/closest friend/parent or sibling to describe you in three words. What did they say?

I asked my beast, and his first response was, “Sexy ass bitch.” Not surprised. He always says that. But then he came back with, “Strong supportive wife.” My bestie said, “Funny, supportive, sista-from-anotha-mista.” Apparently, I’m supportive. Who knew? 

And you have a supportive circle! How did you meet your best friend? (Animals count here!)

I met my best friend, Nicole, in another author’s Facebook fan group. Eventually, we started messaging each other. I don’t even remember what started our first conversation, but it’s been going ever since. I’m pretty sure only a handful of days have passed where we didn’t chat. Even then, it was only because we were somewhere we didn’t have a cell signal.

What a unique way to meet! Do you sing in the shower?

Only when no one is home. I don’t have a terrible voice or anything. I just have this weird quirk where I can’t force myself to let anyone hear me sing…unless alcohol is involved.

Sing like no one is listening! Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

Depends if you’re pouring or drinking. *teehee*

Hmm…now I have to think about that! Your life is being narrated! Who is doing the narration?

That chick from Juno. I love her tone and sarcasm. She sounds too much like what’s going on in my head a lot of the time.

She would be a good one! And finally, what is one of your favorite quotes?

“May the stars guide you on your journey, and your heart always lead you home.”
(It’s a line from my book, Given.)

A beautiful quote to end on! Thank you, Melaina, for joining our adventure! Support Melaina on social media and may the stars guide you back here next Friday for another quirky interview!

Happy reading! 🙂

Questions that Matter with Joanna White

I asked the questions that matter of Joanna White! But first, the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NCM7XXF/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

Now on to the questions!

Welcome, welcome, Joanna! In your opinion, what is the best Disney animated movie?

This is a toughie because most of the Disney animated movies are all amazing. But if I had to choose a favorite it would be Mulan. Not only do I love the concept – a woman disguising herself as a man to save her father, which was the inspiration for my upcoming book, Hunter – but I love Mulan’s character, I love Shang – he can still make me fangirl no matter how old I get – and I love the music, and the fact that it’s set in historical ancient China.  

*singing* I’ll make a man out of you! *clears throat* Yes! I agree! What is your most bizarre talent?

Hmmmm. Okay, I had to really think about this one. But it’s probably either my ability to break out in song at random and change the song to fit my circumstances. Like for example; if I let the cats out of the cage and a song got sparked, I would randomly start singing who let the cats out. Or like if I let the dogs outside and say the tune for Let It Go popped into my head but I just let them out, so I would sing words like, “Let them out, let them out, can’t keep them in anymore. Let them out, let them out, hurry up, they can’t hold it!”  Or something like that. My sister and I both do this all the time about any and all circumstances going on around us, especially when we play video games. It’s weird but we think it’s funny so at least it entertains us.

I also enjoy breaking into song at random (see above)! We should sing together sometime! What’s the meaning of life?

Our purpose in life is to share the love of God and the good news of the gospel with others. Everyone needs to know how much God loves us and that He sent Jesus to die for all of our sins and that our sins can be forgiven if we trust in Jesus like we would trust in a parachute.

Always put on your WWJD parachute! What’s your biggest screw up in the kitchen?

Tehehe! I am so accident prone in the kitchen! It’s widely known at my house that if I’m cooking, I’m going to get burned. Either because I accidentally touch the pan that’s frying or one time when I was straining macaroni and cheese, my depth perception was off and I poured boiling water on my hand. My husband also doesn’t trust me with knives either. I’m honestly not sure why.

I once strained noodles in the sink and had the boiling water rebound right out and hit me in the stomach. It happens! Have you ever had an imaginary friend? Tell us about them!

LOL! I haven’t thought about him in ages but I think I had one when I was really young that I called Budda. He was kind of short and fat and always hanging around. Honestly, I kind of forgot all the details about him after all these years, but that’s what I remember.

Sometimes they come back! Do you sing in the shower?

Yes, all the time! It helps me pass the time. Usually Disney songs, haha! (Totally normal this time, though).

Sing loud and unashamed! Your life is being narrated! Who is doing the narration?

Oooooh, definitely Liam Neeson. I LOVE the sound of his voice so I’d spend more time listening to him narrate my life than living it, haha. His voice gives me chills and I love it.

Oooh, a good one! Thank you, Joanna, for taking my quirky interview! Support Joanna by checking out the book and the links below. Then come back next week as we break into random songs and ask the questions that matter!

Joanna’s website link: https://www.joannawhite316.wordpress.com

Visit the about page to subscribe for free book recommendations, writing advice, a new short story every week, and the chance for your book to be chosen as book of the month and promoted across my social media.

Happy reading! 🙂

Questions that Matter with Ben Cass

I asked some questions that matter of Ben Cass! But first, the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKCR9BF

And some links:

https://bencassbooks.com/blog

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18195397.Ben_Cass

Twitter: @bencassauthor

Let’s get to the questions!

Welcome, Ben! In your opinion, what is the best Disney animated movie?

That’s a tough one.  I’ve greatly enjoyed a lot of them.  But, if I had to choose, I’m sticking with “Aladdin”.

There is something magical about that one! What is your favorite word?

That’s easy.  “Wombat”.  I love saying it.  I say it all the time at work.  Drives my students crazy!

That sounds like fun! What superpower would you like to have for a day?

I’ve been asked this before, and people always assume that I’m going to give a Superman-related answer, in large part because I have an alleged “obsession” with Superman.  Just because my office has, like, 7 Superman posters, and a few Superman drawings, and a Superman cape a former student made for me in sewing class, and two other Superman capes….oops, got off track.  Honestly, though…I’d want the Green Lanterns’ power ring.  The ability to make constructs out of light, just based on willpower?  Yes, please.  Actually, I’d also take the Star Sapphires’ rings, since it’s based on love.  Same idea, different color.

That doesn’t sound like an obsession at all…What is one of your favorite quotes?

The math department at college, where I spent a LOT of hours as a math major, had a banner hanging in the hallway that I saw on my first visit there, way back in 1994, and it’s stuck with me ever since.  “What is right is not always popular; what is popular is not always right.”

I can agree with that! Are you usually early, late, or on time?

Being on-time is being late.  I like to be somewhere at least 30 minutes early.  I don’t have to be at work until 7:45, but I get there around 7:15.  At a previous school, I didn’t have to report until 7:05, but I usually arrived by 6:15, in part because I had students who’d come in for help at 6:30.  I can’t STAND being late to anything!

Good for you! What animal-person are you?

I’m a giraffe person.  I’ve loved them since I was a kid.  As somebody who’s slightly taller than the average human (I’m 6’5”), I relate to giraffes.  I’ve gotten to feed and pet them before, and it was just the most amazing experience!

An elegant, beautiful animal! Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

I had somebody at work ask me this one time, trying to prove that I’m a pessimist.  I replied, “Are you drinking or pouring?  If you were just drinking from the glass, that is an act of emptying.  However, if you were just pouring, that is an act of filling.  I need to know which you were doing before I can answer your question accurately.”  (I, by the way, am a realist.  I can’t stand pessimists, and I can’t stand optimists.  Hope for the best, plan for the worst, expect something in between!)

That is a perfect answer! Thank you, Ben, for taking my important challenge! Support Ben by liking his social media, reading, and reviewing! Wombat!! We’ll be here next Friday for more important questions!

Happy reading! 🙂

 

 

 

 

Quirky Questions with Helen Henderson

I asked some quirky questions of Helen Henderson! But first, the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075H61P3X

And the links:

Facebook— https://www.facebook.com/HelenHenderson.author

Twitter— https://twitter.com/history2write

Amazon— http://amzn.com/e/B001HPM2XK

Goodreads— http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/777491.Helen_Henderson

Questions, questions!

Welcome, Helen! What is the hardest part of being an author?

Promotion, definitely promotion. You have to take this precious project you’ve spent months, or years, creating and now, not only do you have to expose it to the cruel outside world, but do so with a sign on its back that asks people to “say nasty things about me.”

It is important as a writer to grow a very thick skin! What’s the color of your toothbrush?

Purple. It was the only color the dentist had that wasn’t blue. Not that I have any objection to blue. I love the color. It is just that the dentist always gives my husband a blue toothbrush and two toothbrushes of the same color make it hard to keep straight whose is whose.

Definitely go with the purple! What would you name your boat if you had one?

I would have to ask its previous captain for permission, but if Lady Ellspeth and her trading house agree, I’d name my ship, Sea Falcon. I’d also have Ellspeth offer the tradition blessing, “Fair Winds and Following Seas.” And if her husband agreed, have him place magical protections on the vessel and crew. You have to read Windmaster (Book One of The Windmaster Novels) to learn more about Ellspeth and Dal’s adventures and the ultimate fate of the original Sea Falcon.

Oo, I’d like to know the fate of the Sea Falcon! Name the top five things you take with you during a zombie outbreak.

A bag of sharpened wooden stakes, an over-under shotgun / grenade launcher with boxes of ammunition, and a flame thrower start the list. And I’d need a fast, all-terrain vehicle to carry it all. Preferably a truck designed for a James Bond movie so that it could cross rivers and double as a boat for oceanic travel. That leaves, one final thing—a book. Zombie Killing for Dummies.

Oo, Zombie Killing for Dummies! No one in my zombie survival crew has brought that yet! You’re in! Would you rather fly on a dragon or meet a mermaid?

One of my favorite television programs is SeaQuest so meeting a mermaid would be tempting. However, there are other things to consider. One of my series, the Draghshi Chronicles, is about a race of humans able to take on the form of their dragon soul twin. When growing up I wanted to fly. However, back then female pilots were few and between so that dream never came to fruition beyond a few lessons. Taking everything into consideration, only one answer is possible. Meet a dragon, of course. I’d offer him a gold ring and ask for a ride.

Flying is awesome! I should know… What was the last movie, TV show, or book that made you cry or tear up?

This is a personal question and I wasn’t sure I’d answer it. Topics of duty, honor, and loyalty always resonate with me. There are some movies like Shane that no matter how many times you watch it, you cry. He fought well and chose to sacrifice his chance for a happily-ever after for a friend. However, I’ll answer not with a movie, but a book. The last tale that made me snatch up a tissue was the novella, “Forever Bound,” from the collection First Change: Legends From The Eyrie. As an author, we invest our hope and dreams, as well as fears and sorrow into our works, so I didn’t think anything of my reaction to the story. Then I got a note from a reader who told me the tale brought her to tears. My thought was mission accomplished.

If you can make your readers care, then you’ve done well! What would you want to be written on your tombstone?

This is definitely a quirky question. Surprisingly, it is one that has been on my mind recently. Name and dates don’t capture the imagination of the viewer when they walk through the cemetery. I prefer the old-fashioned sandstones with epitaphs rather than the new-fangled markers with a video embedded in it. So here goes.

Here lies an author, storyteller and historian
She captured the past for the future and cared for all.

As to the why? Although I am no longer as active in the field, history is still part of my past and is embedded in my fantasy worlds to make them realistic. Storyteller because at some time we all need to escape our everyday lives and a good tale will take us to another time and place. The last has nothing to do with my career (although I like to think I’ve given a hand up to people rather than trampling them), but rather with me as a person and my hope that the scales of life tilt in favor of a loving, caring, decent human being.

As authors, we are immortal through our words! Thank you, Helen, for answering my quirky questions! Buy Helen’s books and join us here next week to fly on dragons and read more quirky questions!

Happy reading!

 

Quirky Questions with Liza Kline

I asked quirky questions of Liza Kline! But first, the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LMPL2H6

And the links:

Website: http://sweetanguish.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizaLovesWri…

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizaLovesWritin

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show…

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swtanguish/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/liza-…

Now to the fun!

Good day, Liza! How did you meet your best friend? 

I met my best friend in second grade. She threw up carrots all over her desk and I walked her to the nurse’s station. We’ve been friends ever since.

I once had someone throw up carrots in my hand! It’s a weird thing we have in common. What’s the color of your toothbrush?

It’s a black Sonic Care toothbrush. Kinda plain and boring, but it gets the job done.

Dental care is important! Because, well, going to the dentist is scary. Speaking of scary, on a scale from 1-5, how afraid of the dark are you?

1 – I’ve always had good night vision. As a kid, I loved being outside after dark. Now that I’m an adult if I’m by myself I get a little nervous sometimes if I’m outside after dark and I hear a noise. I blame all the horror movies I’ve watched over the years. Silly zombies.

Yeah, those silly zombies! What is your favorite smell?

The air before or after the rain. It’s soothing.

The smell of clean! Do you know what your name means? Or who were you named after?

According to everything I’ve ever looked at, my name is just a nickname for Elizabeth. I was named after my great-grandmother Eliza. My parents just dropped the E. Sometimes I wish they would have kept it. Maybe it would have kept everyone from mispronouncing my name.

It is a beautiful name, though! Describe your best pair of socks.

None. I abhor socks. I feel like they’re strangling my feet every time I put them on. The only time I wear them is if I’m going for a run.

Naked feet! Have you ever had a dream at night that later came true?

I have. When I was a freshman in college I dreamt that I was standing in the middle of the woods next to a big pond with a friend that was in the army. He told me that he was being “sent across the pond.” A few days later a group of us were hanging out in the dorms and he got a call from his CO, who used the exact phrase “sent across the pond” to inform my friend that he was being deployed.

Wow! That’s a powerful dream! Thank you, Liza, for answering some quirky questions! Support Liza on social media! Then join us next Friday when we strip off our socks and talk to another quirky author!

Happy reading! 🙂