Quirky Questions with Mona Soorma

I asked some quirky questions of Mona Soorma! But first, check out the works: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=manicsylph

And follow the links:

https://www.amazon.com/Mona-Soorma/e/B07BSFF5KB/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

http://manicsylph.com/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ManicSylph

https://www.instagram.com/manicsylph/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17849105.Mona_Soorma

https://www.facebook.com/manicsylphwrites

Twitter: @manicsylph

To the questions! Mona, what song are you listening to right now or what song did you listen to last?

Words by BeeGees. I listen to this often, it is one of my favourite songs and the lyrics say it all-          

It’s only words

And words are all I have

To take your heart away

Beautiful! Next, would you rather fly on a dragon or meet a mermaid?

A mermaid is what I would choose. I am a water baby. The sea, the pool, the rain, that’s what my favourite ways to spend a moment are. It would be interesting to know a beautiful mermaid with long hair and blue-green scales with eyes to match, and ask her what her favourite creatures on earth are. Perhaps she would invite me into her cave with a bed of seaweed and walls of multi-coloured corals.

Perhaps you already have met a mermaid…What’s the closest thing to real magic?

It’s love. The most beautiful emotion, whether it is romantic love or passionate, it can make the stars shine brighter and put a song in your heart, a smile on your lips and a rainbow in your skies. Even the love for your pet can make every moment so much sweeter. Most of my work has the theme of love running through it.

Even when love hurts, it’s a sweet ache and I am grateful for all the love that God has sent my way. It makes me live. It makes me write. It makes me who I am.

Well-said! So that raises the question: Do you believe in love at first sight?

Absolutely! Whatever the relationship, for me, it is always the first moments that tell me whether we click together or we don’t. Even for online friends, it is the first contact that sets the tone, and I have never had a reason to doubt my intuition on this. Liking someone can come with time, but the sparks of love…they are either there or not.

Follow your heart, your intuition! Do you prefer the movie or the book?

The book. I think a book leaves a lot to the imagination of the reader, who interprets every scene and story according to his/her own sensibility and that makes it more interactive. Also, the book and its meaning for us changes as we evolve, but the movie is an interpretation of the director. There’s not much space to think or to give a face and a voice to each character, and place.

I agree! Would you go out in space if given the opportunity?

In a minute! As long as my kids and dog can go with me. I don’t believe in making my life easier, do I? But to swim through endless galaxies, and land on remote asteroids just for fun…beats going to the mall, anytime.

Galactic mermaids! It’s a thing… Finally, which season defines you?

Summer. Sunshine, blue skies, cool seas, summer rain…I just love the summer. And I imagine myself as all of these. The idyllic pleasures of summer…that’s me.

Yes it is! Thank you so much, Mona, for answering my quirky questions! If you enjoyed these answers, support Mona on social media and read the books! We’ll be here next Friday, swimming with the space mermaids and answering more quirky questions!

Happy reading! 🙂

 

                                                                                                          

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Quirky Questions with De-de Mulligan

I asked some quirky questions of De-de Mulligan! Look for De-de’s book, Safety in Numbers, coming soon!

Let’s get to know this up-and-coming author!

Welcome, De-de! What is the hardest part of being an author? 

The most difficult part for me has been character development and flow of conversations. My editor has been great in helping me do this better, and I find as I sit and think about each character, they start to reveal themselves to me. It’s been a fascinating journey and I can’t wait until I let the book simmer more. I know more thoughts will be forthcoming and make the book that much richer! It’s still hard and time consuming.

So hard, but so rewarding! Keep up the good work! In your opinion, what is the best Disney animated movie?

Beauty and the Beast (1992 edition). It was the first one Disney produced in a long time and they went all out. The music, the plotline and the animation were wonderful.

And we here love a heroine who digs books! Favorite age you’ve been so far? 

Probably right now. My children are grown and I’ve had time to explore who I am, what I stand for and where I want to go. I’m looking forward to the future with vigor and have many things on my bucket list.

Life is an adventure! What’s the closest thing to real magic? 

Prayer. I’ve had many of my prayers answered and I know others have as well. It seems like magic because there was little hope.

Great answer! Now time for a board game! Which is your favorite?

Monopoly. My grandma used to play it with us when we were kids and I have played it many times with my children. A true classic.

Mine, too! Only I get a little too competitive when I play…What is one of your favorite quotes? 

“If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.”

Ponder that thought, folks! It’s a good one! Lastly, what was the last movie, TV show, or book that made you cry or tear up? 

This is Us. The scene where Randall is with his father, William, in the hospital regretting that they didn’t have more time together. Both actors played that scene impeccably. It was special.

Thank you for sharing, De-de! We here at Quirky Questions are cheering you on as you work towards that published book! Support De-de by sharing her interview and join us here next Friday for more quirky authors!

Happy reading! 🙂

Quirky Questions with Brittney Joy

I asked some quirky questions of Brittney Joy! But first, check out her works: https://www.amazon.com/Brittney-Joy/e/B00JQIJUOY/

And social medias:

Brittney Joy’s website: http://brittneyjoybooks.sqsp.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Brittney_Joy

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brittneyjoydov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittneyjoybooks

Let’s ask some questions!

Hello, Brittney! What’s the closest thing to real magic?

Honestly, I think the closest thing to real magic is the connection between human and horse. I have been riding since I was about 10 years old and am continuously amazed at what a 1000 pound animal will do for a person that they respect and feel connected to. I don’t think there is a better feeling than galloping through a field, moving along with my horse — it’s as close to flying as I’ll ever get! This is also the reason I write about horses in all of my books — I love exploring that human-horse connection.

I agree wholeheartedly! What is your favorite smell?

I have a few … coffee for sure! My husband is an early riser and gets the coffee pot brewing at the crack of dawn. I love waking up to the smell of hot coffee wafting in from the kitchen. I also love the sweet smell of fresh cut grass and how wet pavement smells after a summer rain.

Ah, coffee! The smell of a good day! If you were reincarnated as an animal, what would it be?

I love horses, but I’m not sure I’d want to be reincarnated as one. I’d want to be a dog … particularly a small dog (like mine!) that gets loved on and cuddled with and its only job is to be cute. Yep. That sounds pretty good to me!

And you could still ride horses! I’ve seen dogs do that! What is your real-life superpower?

My real-life superpower is writing. When you really think about it, it’s pretty amazing that a writer can take a blank screen or sheet of paper and ultimately turn that into an entire world that readers can transport themselves to. Actually, I’m pretty sure all writers are technically wizards.

*putting aside my pen that is actually a magic wand* Yes, I agree. Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

Half-full! I’m a very positive person and try to always look on the bright side (even when it’s not so bright)! I like to be happy and to make others happy. Isn’t life a thousand times better when you look on the bright side?

Yes, it is! Never trust a person who doesn’t like…

Animals! I have such a soft spot in my heart for animals and I just cannot imagine how anyone could not like them. I’m the lady that will nearly drive off the road because I’m distracted by an adorable dog! I will also stop traffic if I see a loose animal (done it many times) to make sure they are safe and my donations always go to rescue groups. Animals have so much love to give!

Brittney brakes for all animals! Finally, what would you tell your younger self?

Be yourself and find your tribe! In my younger years I was painfully shy and got picked on in school. It’s probably one of the biggest reasons I was attracted to animals — because they don’t judge like people do. However, in school I ultimately found my friends, my soul mates, and those are the people that matter! Find the people that lift you up and like you for YOU! I also try to portray this “don’t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover” thinking in my writing (in the heroes and in the villains).

Excellent advice! Thank you, Brittney, for answering my quirky questions! Be a glass-over-full type of person and support Brittney by buying her books and reviewing!  We’ll be here next Friday to fill your glasses again with more quirky questions!

Happy reading! 🙂

Quirky Questions with V. A. Trafton

I asked some quirky questions of V. A. Trafton! But first, check out the book here: http://ow.ly/Dsu730jcwxG

And follow V. A. Trafton here:

https://www.facebook.com/VATrafton-Author-285167408632188/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16937372.V_A_Trafton

www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-trafton-b73614143

So, in your opinion, what is the hardest part of being an author?

I would have to say for me is reaching my target audience. Finding out where they look for books and all the research that goes into it. 

Yes! Promoting gets us every time! Do you have a sweet tooth or a savory tooth?

I definitely have a sweet tooth. When the day is over and I finally get to relax I like to enjoy homemade peanut butter cookies or snickerdoodles with a cup of green tea. Brownies are a favorite too.

Oo, here at Quirky Questions we like cookies! *hints* Next question: What song are you listening to right now?

Shawn Mendes’ new hit In My Blood. That song has different meaning to whoever’s listening. For me it’s my on going fight with chemo. The symptoms and low blood counts. I just want to be myself again.

We are supporting you all the way! Thank you for sharing with us! What is your favorite sound?

The sound of the ocean. So peaceful and calm. Great stress reliever.

My favorite as well! Do you have a nickname?

Yes. It’s Nessy. I don’t know how it originated, but it caught on pretty quick with family and friends.

I like it! When did your heart last skip a beat? Why?

When a friend of the family had her baby shower a few weeks ago and when the gifts were done her now fiancé proposed. It was so moving. I felt a lot of love that day. Totally unexpected. Who proposes at a baby shower?

What a touching moment, to give the gift of love and family! What is your favorite drink?

If you mean non-alcoholic that would be a caramel mocha latte. If you mean alcoholic that would be Patron.

Well, as it is currently morning here, I raise my caramel mocha latte to you! Thank you, V. A. Trafton, for answering my quirky questions! Follow and support V. A. on social media and don’t forget to come back next Friday for another round of questions!

Happy reading! 🙂

 

 

Quirky Questions with Theresa Van Spankeren

I asked some quirky questions of Theresa! But first, the book: https://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-into-Darkness-Destiny-Book-ebook/dp/B017F6B6LI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536940592&sr=8-1&keywords=war+of+destiny+pursuit+into+darkness

And the social links:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8249753.Theresa_Van_Spankeren

http://tvanspankeren.wixsite.com/author-blog

https://www.facebook.com/WarofDestiny/

Now to the questions!

Hello, Theresa! What is the hardest part about being an author?

The hardest part of being an author is that part no one tells you about. Marketing and getting word out about your work. I wished I had known or learned about some of those skills before I published my first book.

So many share your struggle! Hopefully Quirky Questions will help you out! Do you have a sweet tooth or a savory tooth?

I had a terrible sweet tooth as a child, especially for chocolate. That has tamed somewhat over the years and I enjoy some foods that are a little more savory now. I have taken a liking to Mexican and Mostoccholi and have even started learning how to cook some of these things at home. (I’m not a cook. Never had any interest in cooking before, so that’s saying something.) I still like my chocolate though.

Never give up on chocolate! Do you know what your name means? Or who were you named after?

I was named after my grandmother. Apparently the meaning of “Theresa” is unknown but might be “Summer”or “Harvest.”

How beautiful! Do you have an irrational fear?

Hmm…yes. I have a fear of heights since I was very little. I have no idea where it came from so I guess that would make it irrational. I would say my fear of needles…but no, that’s perfectly rational. I’ve had that one since I was a baby. The Drs. said I wouldn’t remember all the needles, but they were wrong.

No tall buildings then! What’s your favorite sound?

The sound of the ocean or waterfalls. I love the sound of water.

I am with you on that one! What is one of your favorite quotes?

One of my favorite quotes is from Jim Butcher’s Grave Peril: “We have now left Reason and Sanity Junction. Next stop, Looneyville.” I think its a pretty accurate quote nowadays.

Quirky Questions appreciates that quote! One last question: If you had to live without one of the five senses, which sense do you give up? 

I’ve given this a fair amount of thought and realized I cannot make a decision. As someone who has a hearing impairment and has recently been diagnosed with glaucoma that might someday rob me of my already poor sight (you should see the thickness of my glasses) I have come to understand how precious every one of our senses are. I might say smell…but can you imagine not smelling a super good dinner cooking or your favorite flower? Not smelling the sea salt in the air? I would say taste, but could you live without tasting your favorite food? In the end, we might not get the choice on which one fails us, so treasure them all while you can.

Beautifully said, Theresa! Thank you for giving us something to think about! And thank you for joining us here on Quirky Questions! Support Theresa on social media and help spread the word! We’ll be here next Friday with a new quirky interview!

Happy reading! 🙂

 

Quirky Questions with Effie Kammenou

 

I asked some quirky questions of Effie Kammenou! But first, the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D9DDYKC/…

And the links:

https://www.facebook.com/EffieKammenou/

Twitter: @EffieKammenou

Let’s get to know Effie!

Since food is regularly on my mind, let’s start with this: do you have a sweet tooth or a savory tooth?

I have to say savory. The crazy thing is that I’m an avid baker. During the Christmas season, I bake seven or eight different Greek Pastries and cookies – around 150 of each. I give most of them away though. I make dozens of trays and gift boxes for friends and relatives. As for my savory tooth, I would rather have leftovers from dinner late at night rather than dessert. Take me to a cheese store and you have to pry me away.

Expect me at your house this holiday season! What is something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared to?

My daughters have taken trapeze classes at Chelsea Piers and I would love to try it. It looks like so much fun but I’m not sure I could climb up that high and have the nerve to release the bar to catch the instructor on the other side. Maybe I’ll try zip-lining first!

I have always wanted to zip-line! Let me know how it goes! In your opinion, what is the best Disney animated movie?

You are asking this of a Disneyworldaholic! I love Sleeping Beauty, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and of course, Cinderella. I’m a sucker for any version of a Cinderella story. But I think I’d have to claim my favorite to be The Little Mermaid. When my girls were small, I used to tease them and sing Ursula’s song as I chased them around the house. Also, when the movie first came out, my older one, who was three at the time, used to sing, ‘Apart of Your World,’ over and over again, acting out Ariel coming to shore. It’s the memories that make it special.

It’s so hard to choose! But The Little Mermaid is one of the best! What would you want to be written on your tombstone?

Tombstone? That’s for dead people and I don’t intend to die. I have too much I want to see and do! Plus, I have a father who is ninety-six and going strong. I definitely don’t think he’s going anywhere and I have his DNA.

Long live Effie! Which is your favorite way to dance: with others or alone?

I love to dance. I’ve always danced with a partner. Back in the days that Disco was all the rage, I was out dancing every night of the week. Oh, except for Mondays because the clubs were closed that night. Yeah, I was a little obsessed. I should have paid more attention to my studies and less on staying out until the wee hours of the night. Those 9 am classes were tough to stay awake for. I remember dancing for hours and when I stopped, got into the car and tried to press on the gas pedal, I realized how much my feet ached. Of course, I was wearing four inch heels, which didn’t help. I don’t regret those days. I still love to dance but I do wish I had a little more balance in my life. I’m much more focused now.

Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive! Which Greek or Norse mythology character are you?

It’s a toss-up between Athena, the goddess of wisdom or Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Wisdom or love – why do I have to choose?

We won’t make you choose! Be smart and loving! One final thought: You’ve just stepped from your cocoon and you’re a beautiful butterfly! What’s your first thought?

This is a very fitting question for me right now. The third book in my saga is named, Chasing Petalouthes. Petalouthes means butterflies in Greek. The title is symbolic for the two young women in the story who emerge from their self-inflicted cocoons and eventually become the beautiful butterflies they were meant to be. To answer your question, my first thought would be, ‘what an amazing and grand world I can now explore.’

Oh, to explore with wings! How grand! Thank you, Effie, for letting us get to know you better! Support Effie by following, reading, and reviewing! Join us here next Friday as we wade through the cookies to find another awesome author! You won’t want to miss it!

Happy reading! 🙂

 

 

Quirky Questions with Barbara White

I asked some quirky questions of Barbara White! But first, the book: Shadows of Night

And some social media links:

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.rottman

https://www.amazon.com/author/whitebar

Twitter: @Barbara02158979

On to the interview!

Welcome, Barbara! Tell us, what is the hardest part of being an author?

The hardest part of being an author for me wasn’t the amount of time writing, editing, proofreading or even the time publishing and promoting. The hardest part was actually letting my family and friends read my books and hearing their opinions. My mother was my first and most difficult critic and supporter.

Oh, yes! It’s like letting people see into your head and that can be scary! But thank you for sharing your world with us! Next question: What is your most bizarre talent?

My most bizarre talent, according to my family, is using my feet to pick things up off of the floor and “walking” across the floor on my rear end.

I can see that this is going to become one of my favorite questions to ask! Now, would you rather fly on a dragon or meet a mermaid?

I would rather fly on a dragon than meet a mermaid. Soaring through the air on a mythical creature sounds much more thrilling and magical.

Who wouldn’t want to fly? If you had to live without one of your senses, which sense would you give up?

If I had to live without one of my senses then I would choose my hearing. My husband is hearing impaired and I already know sign language and I would still be able to do the things I really love to do, including writing, quilting, painting and traveling.

I think sign language is such a beautiful language! What’s the most marvelous thing you have ever seen with your own eyes?

Three of the most marvelous things I have seen with my own eyes, which all rate equally to me, would be the view from the top of a snowy mountain near Vail, Colorado, a hundred foot waterfall inside a cave in Tennessee, and my husband in a tuxedo when we got married this past fall.

How marvelous! If you were reincarnated as an animal, what would it be?

If I were reincarnated as an animal it would be a grizzly bear. I like to hibernate in the winter, peaceful unless provoked and a loving but protective mom.

Don’t poke the bear! Lastly, are you on the dance floor or a wallflower?

I would have to say a bit of both. I’m a bit shy in social settings and will sit back and watch for a while but with the right person beside me I will get out on the dance floor willingly. A good dance partner is essential in life.

That is the truth! Thank you so much, Barbara, for answering my quirky questions! Please support Barbara by reading and following, and step on the dance floor with us next Friday for another round of questioning!

Happy reading! 🙂