Taggety Taggety Tag Tag Tag

Yep, you guessed it, I've been tagged! Thank you to Katrina (Cat) for this honor and fun! Speaking of fun, check out Cat's blog here. She always has something fun going on!

Before I talk more about the "Tag" I want to let everyone know that this will be the last post I'll be doing until the week of May 13th. I'm going to Virginia to visit my family, participate in a book signing or two, and relax. I'll see you when I get back!

Ok now for the rules of the tag:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their site.

2. Post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer 11 questions from the person who tagged you.
4. Ask the people you tag 11 questions.
5. Nominate 11 other blogs.


Here are 11 random things about me:

I hate slow people. Slow drivers, slow walkers, people who take forever to do anything. Speed it up people! I don't have forever!

I am addicted to a certain type of blanket. I'm like a child who doesnt like to be without it all the time. It makes me feel warm and snuggly!

I get the heeby jeebies in a restaurant that doesnt look clean to me. I can't eat and feel panicky.

I'm 56 but still dream about high school all the time!

I freak out when I know someone is going to stop by my house. I go nuts cleaning so they won't see a single piece of dirt. I do this even when it's just a repair person. So dumb!

I won't eat at a restaurant by myself. Don't know why, just won't do it!

When I go clothes shopping, I have to try on nearly everything in the store before I find one single thing I like.

I'm an awful cook. I keep trying but I suck.

I never have just one of anything, I have at least 2 or more. I'm always afraid I'll run out if it's something I love or I forget I already have one! Sigh.

My lucky number is 21. I can't even tell you why anymore, it just always has been!

I rarely ever wear a shirt with no collar. I hate the way I look without one!

That's it. Aren't you just so fascinated now that you know so much about me!!

Here are Cat's 11 questions and my answers:

1.  What sort of “real” animal would you enjoy being able to shape shift into? What about a “fantasy” animal.

I think I'd like to shift into an eagle so I could fly. That would be awesome!

2. How quickly do you form opinions on fictional characters, and is your opinion subject to change if the character reveals an unexpected and hitherto unknown side to his personality?

I usually form my opinion pretty darn quickly and normally stick to it. However, it does excite me when I read a book that is exciting enough to persuade me to be surprised and actually change my first impression.

3. Given the chance, would you drop everything and fly to Italy, or would you rather have a few weeks to prepare, at least?

When I was younger, maybe. But now, absolutely not. I'm too boring for spontanuity. I'd need to know weeks ahead of time to avoid pure panic!

4. Do you know the difference between alligators and crocodiles?

And just why do I need to know that? I'm going to guess that one has bumpy skin and the other doesnt. Now I'll go onto google and see.

5. Did you answer the above question on your own, or did Google assist you?

Yep, and that's exactly why I guessed it wrong!

6. How many books do you think you own?

150-200???

7. If you had a choice, which would you be more likely to buy in Barnes and Nobles: books, or music, or TV shows?

Definitely books.

8. How many TV shows are you catching up on right now?

None. I don't have a DVR or anyway to record.

9. Did you always want to be an archer before Hunger Games, The Avengers, and Brave made it “cool” again?

No, and I still don't have an interest in it.

10. Who is your favorite actor/actress right now?

Hmmm, there are alot that I like but some that I would drop everything to go see their latest movie would be Robert Downey, Jr., Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks, Barbra Streisand.

11. If you had to choose between steak, fish, and chicken, which would you choose?

I love a good steak but only if it's done right. It's harder to screw up chicken so I'd probably say chicken.
 

Drum roll please.... now here are my 11 questions!

1.  Do you believe in the death penalty for people like the Boston bomber? If not, why?

2.  If you ever decide to right a biography about yourself, what would you title the book?

3. Robert Downey, Jr., Zack Efron, Taye Diggs, Brad Pitt, or Keith Urban? Or for you men Julia Roberts, Charlize Theron, Salena Gomez, Mariah Carey, Kerry Washington.

4.  What electronic device could you absolutely not live without, besides your computer?

5.  Are you more afraid of Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods, or Thunderstorms?

6.  Which actress/actor do you look most like?

7.  Which bothers you the most: Sloppy people; arrogant people; loud people; or negative people.

8.  What major thing would you change about yourself if you could?

9.  If you could own some kind of store, what would it be?

10. Of all the writing and illustrating awards out there, which would be your favorite to win?

11. How would you handle a really bad review of your writing? Would you cry? Would you want to contact that person and ask them why they were so negative? Would you give up? Would you just forget about it?

Now for the lucky people who have to answer my questions! I'm going to have to cheat though and only send to five people, not the eleven required.

Courtney
Mikki
Joe
Shannon
Stacey

There you go! Have fun playing tag!

I'll see ya'all back here in 3 weeks!

 

 

Yay For Me!

Today I'm doing the happy dance! I just got word from my instructor that I have now completed the advanced Institute of Children's Literature (ICL) Course and will be getting my certificate any day now. Whew, it's been a long journey but a very beneficial and fullfilling one. I have learned so much through this course that I have no doubts I wouldn't be published today if I hadn't enrolled in these classes.

I recommend anyone who is serious about becoming a children's book author, take this course. Yes, it costs money but it will be some of the best spent dollars you'll ever spend if you are serious about your craft. Plus all of the resources and writing friends that you meet by taking these courses, are worth their weight in gold. To anyone who has not taken the course but are thinking about it, stop thinking and just do it!

If you want more info about the course you can check it out here.

I'm also doing the happy dance because I just finished my first Skype school visit. I skyped with some 6th graders in Bryan, Ohio because they were all writing a picture book for kindergartners and wanted to talk to a real author. Wow... I'm a real author! It feels great to say that outloud. Anyway, although my skype wasn't working correctly and they could only hear me and not see me, the visit was great. I could see them though and they seemed genuinely interested, except for a few that were yawning throughout. But that's typical for kids and I got a kick out of it, plus it gave me a good excuse to make fun of them and get them laughing.

That's it for me this week. I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Singing... or not!!

Well it saddens me to admit this because I've been addicted, excited, and glued to my TV every winter on Wed. and Thursday evenings but I'm extremely close to saying "bye bye" to American Idol! I have been one of their biggest fans and in fact when it comes on in January, I do my best to watch each and every week. I get giddy before every episode. At least I used to.

Is it just me or is it sucking this year? The talent is good but, I absolutely can't stand the new judges Mariah and Nikki. Now Keith Urban, he can be on it forever in my opinion because I do so enjoy looking at that gorgeous man! He's funny and nice too, plus he gives ok criticism and I believe he'll get better with time. But Nikki and Mariah are too big of diva's for my taste. Mariah tries to be nice but it's when she isn't judging that drives me nuts. Her hands are constantly on her hair and acts like if she moves her head it's going to pop off or something! Or even worse... a hair might get out of place! She is so stiff except those hands of hers that are constantly moving. Don't get me wrong, Mariah's music is fantastic and if she isn't an expert on what it takes to be a star than I don't know who is. But I can't stand her obvious dislike of Nikki. Same with Nikki. You can tell that they despise each other. Those two just need to grow up and have some fun before they ruin it for everyone.

I'm still enjoying the singing, but if AI makes it another season and those two are in the judges seat again, I don't think I'll be wasting my time next year.

I am also addicted to The Voice. However it didn't seem to have the level of talent as AI until this year. Plus I am loving the new judges. All four judges are having a blast with each other and making the show a lot of fun for the viewers. That show is improving, not going downhill like AI.

Did anyone watch X Factor too? There's alot about that show I enjoy, even Simon Cowell. He has mellowed through the years and not half as mean as he was on AI. Can't wait for that show to come back on.

I'm also loving Smash and Nashville. Maybe I just love singing shows! Singing was always a dream
of mine. I wanted to be just like Barbra Streisand... too bad my voice sucks!

So guess I'll just have to stick with writing children's books!