Guest Blogging

Lately I’ve been writing more guest blogs than I post here.

Guest blogging is a great idea if you’ve never tried it. Guests get their name out there among new people, and hosts get content they don’t have to produce themselves. Win/win.

So, here’s a shoutout to my most recent guest blog hosts. Please check them out and maybe dig around in the blogs, and leave a comment or two if you have the time.

Dyane Forde interviewed me on her wonderful blog, Dropped Pebbles. Fun and entertaining.

Vashti Quiroz-Vega hosted a post from me about the evolution of my epic fantasy novel.

JW Alden published my guest blog on the future of publishing.

Jen Christopherson asked me some great questions on her blog.

Leibster Blog Award

Jen also nominated me for the Leibster Blog Award in which you answer eleven questions, state eleven facts about yourself and nominate eleven more people while linking back to the original post.

Jen’s questions for me:

1. Do you want to be rich and famous?
   Rich? Yes. Famous? Not so much, but I’ll take it if it comes with the rich.
2. If yes why and if no why?
   Why? I’d love to be able to give away the day job. I’m not so sure I’d want the hassles involved with being famous though.
3. What is the most important day of the week for you?
   Monday – it’s my writing day.
4. What is your favourite dessert?
   Ice cream. Vanilla.
5. How long did it take you to feel good about writing?
   Tough question. I remember my primary school teacher (third grade) criticising my short story about a koala using a branch to save it’s child. Her reason was that they’re animals and not people, so it couldn’t have happened. It really smashed my creativity (it was a kids story, not a reality show). I didn’t write again until late high school. It felt pretty good when I got my first short story published.
6. What is your favourite time of day?
   I like to write in the mornings.
7. Who do you depend upon?
   Depends what for. In regards to writing, I depend on everyone who has anything to do with it up to the point of publication – critters, supporters, proof readers, friends and family.
8. Has anyone ever let you down?
   Yes, but it’s not something I focus on. Best to move on and leave the disappointments behind.
9. Where on Earth do you think is closest to heaven?
   A chocolate shop.
10. What was the most valuable advice anyone ever gave you?
    “You can be anything you want to be.” My mother. I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but I do now.
11. What is the most indulgent gift you ever received or gave?
    Personalised number plates.

Even random facts about me:

1. My hair (though it’s rapidly disappearing) is very curly at the back but barely wavy on top.
2. My beard is tinged with red. Or was. Lots of salt these days.
3. I’m naturally shy and have to work hard to overcome it.
4. The hospital I was born in got blown up and replaced with a museum.
5. I’ve been to Disneyland. Twice. The first time was when my wife won a competition.
6. I live within walking distance of a lake.
7. I work at a government research organisation (sounds more ominous when I say it like that).
8. I went to university as a mature-aged student.
9. I’m a pretty good handyman.
10. I always expect my lotto tickets to win.
11. I can hear very high pitched sounds like dog whistles.

I’m not sure who I’ll nominate yet or what questions I’ll ask. Stay tuned.

If you want to be nominated, contact me or drop a comment.