Quirky Questions with Timothy Bateson

I asked some quirky questions of Timothy Bateson! But first, the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CS1SQ8T

And support Timothy here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timothy.bateson.3

Twitter: https://twitter.com/timothybatesona

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/timothybatesona/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy8fkQmWjRZImTt5NeYdFHw

Website: https://timothybatesonauthor.weebly.com/

Blog: https://timothybatesonauthor.wordpress.com/

 

Now, let me ask:

So, Timothy, how did you meet your best friend?

My wife and I met online through a mutual friend. Sandi was living in Alaska, I was living in London, and our mutual friend was in Wales.

One night our friend and I were chatting online, and she was also talking to Sandi at the same time. We’d been talking for a while when our friend decided she needed to use the bathroom, so she introduced me and Sand in a shared chat.
The conversation went something like this… “Tim, this is Sandi. Sandi, this is Tim. You two talk to each other. I have to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back”

That was back in 2003, and Sandi and I hit it off immediately, but I was heading into a different relationship. But, we stayed in touch, and in late 2004 I came to Alaska to meet Sandi in person, and in 2005 I moved here, and we got married.

Since then Sandi has become not only my wife but my co-creator on the “Shadows Over Seattle” stories, the first person to read my work, and an invaluable supporter of my writing career.

What a lovely story! That makes me wonder: do you believe in love at first sight?

Very definitely. It’s happened to me a couple of times in my life, but my wife was someone I didn’t see for some time after we first met. However, when I came to Alaska for the first time, I knew what she looked like, but I had my doubts about a relationship at that distance. However, when I walked out through arrivals at the airport, there she was waiting to meet me… And that’s when I knew I’d have a hard time flying back to England because I didn’t know if I’d ever get back to Alaska.
Thankfully, Sandi and I were so in love by the end of that visit, that there was no question of me not coming back. Six months later we were getting married…

In this case, it was love at first online chat? Works for me! Let’s ponder this now: You can only have one kind of sandwich. What is it?

Marmite on toast… I always toast the bread, and then layer on a massively thick layer of Marmite, much to my wife’s dismay. 

It’s true what they say in the British advertising for Marmite – “Love it, or hate it” – I’ve never met anyone who fell anywhere in the middle on the subject.

I haven’t tried that one yet… Tell me now: movie or book?

This is a question that I used to always answer the same way: Book, without question…
Then “The Lord of the Rings” films came out, and I learned to appreciate the editing and restructuring of the story. I was finally able to get through sections of the books that almost made me put them down. However, there are very few films that I can say have been better than the books, or actually did them justice.
So, regardless of those few exceptions, I’m definitely going to pick books over movies.

I have to agree! Do you have a nickname?

I’ve had several over the years, but my wife loves to call me her ‘Kitty Moggy’. For those of you who don’t know Kitty and Moggy are both slang terms used for cats, and my wife swears I’m part cat. Apparently, I have some very feline habits.

I hope those feline habits don’t include purposely knocking objects off tables! Would you go out in space if given the opportunity?

Even though I’m not great with heights, roller coasters, flying or even brief weightlessness, I am so fascinated by space that I wouldn’t be able to resist the opportunity.
Ever since I first spent a night camping away from city lights, I’ve been enamored with the stars and looking upward. Knowing how much of the night sky can’t be seen under city lights gave me an appreciation for space. But, even when you’re away from the city lights, there’s still much that you can’t see, because of atmospheric interference…
So, would I take the opportunity to see things that can’t be seen from Earth’s surface? Try stopping me!

It would be a unique experience, that’s for sure! Please fill in the blank: Never trust a person who doesn’t like…

Reading…
It might seem like a flippant answer from a writer, but books have been a passion of mine on so many levels. My dad was a teacher, my mum worked in the local library, and when I got my first job (at 14) I also went into library work. I wouldn’t have half the passion for learning that I have without parents who actively supported and encouraged my reading habits.

I couldn’t agree more! Thank you, Timothy, for answering my quirky questions! If you’d like to support Timothy, follow his social media and add his book to your shelf! Join us next Friday for another quirky author answering random questions!

Happy reading! 🙂

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Quirky Questions with Pamela Harju

 

I asked Pamela Harju some quirky questions! But first, check out Yours Remotely here: www.books2read.com/yoursremotely

And support Pamela here:

Website: www.pamelaharju.com

Amazon:  amazon.com/author/pamelaharju

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/pamelaharju

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pamelaharju

Now let’s ask some questions!

We all have our fears! What is something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared to?

I have always wanted to sing karaoke. One day, when I’m somewhere no one knows me and on my own, I will do it. I will sing Blur’s “Song 2”. It’s an excellent song, and it’s super short, so the agony for all involved will be over quickly.

That is very brave of you! What cd is in your cd-player right now, or what song did you listen to last? 

We Are Scientists’ new album Megaplex. I’ve just seen them live for the first time, after listening to their music for 13 years, and they were amazing! I’ve already bought tickets to see them again. This band has been a constant soundtrack to the writing of my romance novel, which is due out at the end of the year.

 You’re a loyal fan! But now you must choose: you can only have one kind of sandwich: what is it?

It’s not a sandwich at all! Here’s the thing about me: I hate sandwiches. I’m so sick of them. In fact, I’m currently planning to try going through one week without eating any bread products at all. Stay tuned.

Sandwich strike! Okay, if you were reincarnated as an animal, what would it be?

I’m with my mum on this one. She always used to say that she would like to come back as a Harju family dog, knowing what fabulous lives our dogs have. My mother died seven years ago, but so far, none of our younger dogs show signs of being her reincarnated.

A very touching answer! So which is your favorite way to dance: with others or alone?

At a gig, so with others, I guess, although I always dance to a rhythm of my own, thanks to my complete lack of musical ability.

Keep up that rhythm! What is the last thing you do before you go to sleep?

I plan my current writing project in my head while waiting for sleep to come. It’s the best time for it because I’m relaxed, and planning my stories also doesn’t stress me out, so it helps me to get to sleep. Weird, I know, but it’s worked so far.

Not weird at all! Tell us one last thing: What is your real-life superpower?

I’m a fluent Finnish speaker, thanks to it being my native language. I’ve even got a t-shirt that says, “I speak Finnish. What’s your superpower?”

I love that! Thank you, Pamela, for helping us to get to know you better! Check out Pamela’s work and support this author by reviewing it if you do! And don’t forget to come back next Friday to read more quirky answers from some awesome authors!

Happy reading! 🙂

 

Quirky Questions with Marlene Cheng

I asked some quirky questions of Marlene Cheng! But first, check out the book: https://amazon.com/author/marlenecheng

And follow Marlene here:

https://marlenecheng.wordpress.com

https://twitter.com/marlenecheng?lang=en

https://marlenechengblog.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/memoir.cheng/author

So let’s get to know Marlene! First of all, what is your weirdest scar and how did you get it?

In my pup tent, in the middle of Africa, in the dark of night, I was visited by a hairy spider – a tarantula, the nocturnal predator. It took an extremely painful bite out of my leg. Its venom is weaker than from a typical bee sting, but because I react strongly to bee stings, I didn’t take any chances and downed anti-histamines. None-the-less, the site swelled and produced a large welt. It took months to heal, and still after thirty years, I have its scar. A reminder of my wonderful African travels.

Ahh!! Spiders! You are a brave person! Let’s move on…What bizarre talent do you have?

If I don’t control myself, I see auras, and have an over active sense of what’s going on in people’s lives. It’s intrusive, it can be embarrassing, and it serves no purpose.

Interesting! So that makes me ask: What’s the closest thing to real magic?

Serendipity – fortuitous things happen as if by magic, and synchronicity – it’s proof positive that there is magical energy at work.

I like that answer! Now, what’s the latest book you’ve read that brought you to tears?

Rosewater by Maziar Bahari, the journalist that was put in prison in Iran. I felt the hopelessness and the helplessness of the youth who were trying to protest peacefully against a totalitarian government and were brutally attacked. It gave me a new sense of what the word “free” really means.

Thank you for sharing! What’s been your favorite age? 

Life has got better, every step of the way, and the best age is right now. I’ve even been privileged to have gone through my swampland and to have learned from the experience. I’m 80, and at this age, I have a strong sense of personal freedom to follow my passions which give my life a sense of purpose and meaning.

How wonderful! Let’s end with your favorite quote!

“ …. Out, out, brief candle!

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player,

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more.” 

-From Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Thank you, Marlene, for sharing with us! Be sure to support Marlene on social media and come back next Friday for another round of Quirky Questions!!

Happy reading! 🙂

 

 

Quirky Questions with Pamela Canepa

I asked some quirky questions of Pamela Canepa! But first, check out the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711ZW6XF

And follow Pamela here: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B0711ZW6XF

Let’s have some fun getting to know Pamela!

So, Pamela, what is the hardest part of being an author?

The hardest part of being an author is that it doesn’t seem like many people read much these days, and so I never know if I am spreading the news far enough. People seem interested in the fact that I have published my writing, but too many things are more important to people than reading. Such as, sports, the election, Netflix, etc. I am not like that.

Getting word out is so hard! We share your struggle! Now choose: shark diving, bungee jumping, or sky diving?

Sky diving. How else could I feel as if I am flying? Bungee jumping doesn’t give much chance to witness your surroundings. It would be just beautiful.

Beautifully said! What cd is in your cd-player right now, or what song did you listen to last?

Something by The Pixies. It is the music of my youth, and it wakes me up!

That sounds fun! What do you think is the closest thing to real magic?

Childbirth. I was fortunate enough to experience it once. To me, the line between magic, miracle, and science is very blurry. They blend together quite often.

I completely agree! What’s your favorite sound?

Currently, it is the sound of my dog sighing when he is laid out on the couch or the bed and he stretches.

He sounds like a happy pup! Tell us one of your favorite quotes?

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

From Shakespeare. I hear it in my head with a British accent. Just lovely!

The British accent makes it! Last question: If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

This could change depending on what day you ask me. Today, I will choose Woodstock. I’d like to witness that!

I think many would agree with you! Thank you, Pamela, for answering some quirky questions! Support Pamela on her social media and come back next week for more questions answered by quirky authors!

Happy reading! 🙂

Quirky Questions with Lenita Sheridan

 

I asked some quirky questions of Lenita! First, check out the works: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CX7OS9W/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1526492630&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Guardian+of+the+Gauntlet&dpPl=1&dpID=41xJo6zHcGL&ref=plSrch

And follow the links:

https://www.facebook.com/GuardianoftheGauntletbooks

Twitter: @lenitasheridan

https://lenitasheridan.com

 

So, Lenita, how did you meet your best friend? (Animals count here!)

I met my dog, Haley, at a friend’s house. Haley was a rescue and had been abused. She was (and is) a lovely white dog with brown eyes. She looks like a miniature Samoyed. Haley is a Japanese Spitz.

I had promised my husband we could adopt a dog, being childless, so we adopted Haley. There was a breaking in period where she misbehaved, but now she’s a very well behaved dog.

Since I’ve had Haley, I’ve been through a divorce, lost my ex-husband, father, and mother. Haley’s been with me through it all. She’s a kind, loving dog. Haley loves her walks and she loves to cuddle. She is the ideal dog for me.

She sounds like a true best friend! What would you name your boat if you had one?

Since I never had a daughter to name, I would name my boat Gillian. When I was going to school in Northern Ireland at Methodist College, Belfast, I knew a girl named Gillian. I have always liked that name.

That’s a lovely name! What do you think is the closest thing to real magic?

The closest thing to real magic is better than magic. It’s a miracle. The main character of my trilogy, the princess Camari, does miracles with the gauntlet. She is able to heal people with it, conquer monsters, and on a smaller scale, create food, much like Jesus healed the sick and multiplied the loaves and fishes so all could eat.

I’d like to read that! Now for one of my favorite questions: do you believe in love at first sight?

I do not believe in love at first sight. I believe that in order to know if you are in love with the person or not you need to have kissed that person. Therefore, I believe in love at first kiss.

I love that answer! Are you high maintenance or low maintenance?

I’m low maintenance. I can live in a shoestring budget and am used to being poor. Sure, I like to eat out, but when I do, I order the lower priced items on the menu. I take advantage of lunch specials. When it comes to any type of shopping, I take advantage of sales. When using credit cards, I take advantage of cash rewards. Most of my expenditures, besides bills are in food because I need it to live. One doesn’t need new clothes very often. I love to read, but most Kindle books are quite reasonable.

Ebooks can be good for someone on a budget! Do you believe in aliens?

I don’t believe in them the way I believe in God, but yes, I think aliens could exist. No one, right now, knows for sure if there are aliens, but I think we should continue the search for intelligent life in the universe.

I guess as far as aliens go, I’m an agnostic. We’ll just have to see what we come up with as we continue to explore space.

There is so much space to explore! Would you rather fly on a dragon or meet a mermaid?

First of all, since dragons are rather dangerous, I would rather meet a mermaid.

Second of all, I’ve always loved the Hans Christian Andersen story “The Little Mermaid.” I’ve liked it for years because it was a fairy tale with a sad ending. ( I don’t like what Disney did to it.)

I’ve been to Copenhagen and taken a picture of the statue of The Little Mermaid. I also have started a retelling of the story of The Little Mermaid meant to be in book length format, sort of like Robin McKinley’s Beauty (about Beauty and the Beast). I have read a story length retelling of The Little Mermaid, but it ended happily. Mine will end sadly, in keeping with the original.

If I met a mermaid, I would ask her how she liked living in the sea and if she ever desired to become human.

Those are some good questions for a mermaid! I’d like to read your story, too! Thank you, Lenita, for answering my quirky questions! Support Lenita on Amazon and social media and join us next Friday for more interviews!

Happy reading! 🙂

 

 

 

 

Quirky Questions with India Emerald

I asked some quirky questions of author India Emerald! Check out Bad Candy here: getbook.at/BadCandy

and follow India here:
https://twitter.com/india_emerald
https://www.facebook.com/IndiaEmerald…
viewAuthor.at/ieamazon
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show…

So, India, what cd is in your cd-player right now, or what song did you listen to last?

I watched Sing Meinen Song last night, so a cover of Wir Sind Helden’s “Guten Tag” sung by Rea Garvey. I love the show for so many reasons! You get to hear new interpretations of existing songs and it has two of my favourite artists this year- Rea Garvey and Mark Forster. Rea Garvey is a personal inspiration because he’s an Irishman who’s made Germany his home (I moved here from the UK almost three years ago). He sings in English but I love hearing him speak German with a wonky accent like mine (mine’s not Irish though, more Midlands).
This week he sang in German with a super fast song, he slowed down it a little but I was in awe!

I like the sound of that! Now, it’s time for a board game! Which is your favorite?

I love Ticket to Ride: Nordic Adventures but my husband broke the game (it’s what he does lol). He found a strategy that wins every time. Carcassonne is a classic we return to regularly. Another advantage of living in Germany is our local charity shop has loads of Hans im Gluck board games really cheap 😀

I hope that one doesn’t get broken! What is your favorite potato chip flavor?

Salt and Vinegar, but the vinegar has to be cheek-stinging strong! I need to wince when I’m eating them 😀 We have these weird peanut flavoured things over here, they’re like Nutty Wotsits (for those of you in the UK) I’m not sure what Americans call Maize Puffs. The idea of them sounds horrid, but once you start eating them you’re compelled to polish off the whole bag.

I love salt and vinegar, too! From taste to smell–what is your favorite flower?

Sweet Peas. They smell divine and the more you pick them, the more they bloom. I have a toddler who likes to pick my flowers though 😦 This year, we’ve planted Strawberries, Radishes, and Carrots so far, it’s a joint project with the Flower Slayer in an attempt to curb the habit 😀

Good luck with the Flower Slayer! Do you have a nickname? If not, give yourself one now!

GeekPetite. My friend Karen gave me that one! I loved it so much I adopted it as my Gamertag.

All that gaming may make you thirsty! What is your favorite drink?

Non-alcoholic would be Coffee (or writers’ elixir as I like to think of it). I also share a penchant for White Russians with Bootz from Bad Candy. In order to write the sequel, I’m becoming a “method writer” so I need to get to a section featuring the talking cat asap.

That should make for some entertaining writing! Now let’s ponder this: Would you go out in space if given the opportunity?

If it was safe and my family went as well, I might. It would depend on the quality of life out there, space-faring at the moment isn’t as exciting as you’d think. Plus, having done research for a flash fiction, I don’t fancy living on Algae-based meals long term. Now give me the chance to live in Charmnia with its Double Cream River and I’d have a bar stool right next to Bootz!

That sounds amazing! Thank you, India, for helping us get to know you better! Be sure to check out India’s work and support this author by reviewing it if you do! Be sure to check out Quirky Questions next Friday to meet a new author!

Happy reading! 🙂

Quirky Questions Author Interviews

I’ve been looking for a way to reach out and help other authors promote their work, and I’ve come up with an idea to do author interviews, but with fun, oddball questions.

Instead of just the routine questions about your book and your writing habits, I want to help readers get to know you, the fun, strange, random facts that exist in you that people may or may not know.

Anyone interested? If you are interested, let me know so I can start getting some interviews lined up. All I am asking in return is for you to like/share my blog page where the interview is at, to help spread the word. I don’t have a lot of followers yet, so the more you share, the more people the interviews will reach.

You don’t have to be published yet, if you have a work in progress and are looking to expand your platform, that’s fine too! Any author, any genre! Let’s have some fun!

If you’d like to take part, contact me at dove_winters@yahoo.com with QQ Interview in the subject line for the questions. I plan on uploading a new interview here on Fridays.

I look forward to hearing from you!