It’s time for a friendly Q&A with someone you really really admire!!
Um, stop looking around confused…it’s me. I’m talking about me.
Oh hush. You love it when I answer questions…well at least I love it and that’s what’s important here. But anyway! I’ve been tagged for The Sunshine Blogger Award by Jen who is so lovely!
And despite having a darkly stabby aura with the books I read and write I totally still qualify as a sunshiney creature! For instance, I frequently wear yellow shirts! * And I adore shiny things, I’m literally a dragon/magpie/hybrid with how much I love shiny things.
So I’m practically a flaming fireball of sun flare in the sky.
I’m going to answer 15 random burning questions you never wanted to ask me! But you get to anyway! Fun!
Oh oh wait, just before we DO launch into this…I’m still travelling home from my holiday at my sister’s house to see her new smol son. Hence my blogging has been really slack this February and I’m mostly just screaming internally lately. But I’ll be home soon?!
* I said to my sister “LOOK AT ME BEING A HUFFLEPUFF IN YELLOW!” and she said I was a snake in Badger’s clothing so wow. Isn’t that nice. In unrelated news my sister is for sale.
1. OTHER THAN READING (AND BLOGGING) WHAT IS YOUR PASSION IN LIFE?
I mean, obviously I have interests away from books haha. Obviously! I like um…well see I’m passionate about…
OKAY FINE. LITERALLY EVERYTHING COMES BACK TO BOOKS. My truest passion in life is writing. But that’s books. And I also like running/exercise (wow way to smash the turtle bookworm stereotypes) but I also think about books while I run so???
Leave me here in my obsession.
2. IF YOU COULD GIVE SOMEONE A PIECE OF ADVICE BASED ON YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Let me hit you with some blogging themed advice! I mean, I’ll hit you softly though because I’m nice and sunshiney dangit.
- Write the blog you want to read. I’m serious! Kick the expectations of what you think “a true book blogger should be like” and just blog the things YOU enjoy reading. It’ll make the world of difference and stop you from eating the sun in frustration. 10/10 recommend.
- Totally ignore people who insult your blog. There is literally NO reason to read someone’s blog if you don’t like it, so they are always just trolls. Beat them back with your witch’s broom.
- Make your blog look pretty. It’s part of the quality of your content!
- Please please have a navigable home page. If I enter your blog and can’t find your most recent post on 0.2 seconds? WE HAVE A PROBLEM.
- Talk to people! This is fully just how I grew my audience: interesting content + I talk to everyone who talks to me! It’s okay if you can’t visit-back-blogs, but that will affect how your blog grows. I’m so much for making blogging a friendly discussion and there’s not much point if we’re not connecting on each other’s blogs right?! (That saying I am behind hahah but I will catch up when I have consistent internet at home!)
- Is it worth it for writers to be bloggers?! YES. Infiltrate your audience. Get a behind-the-scenes view on what readers want. Make them all love you. When your book comes out, they will desperately buy it to see what havoc you can wreak in 300+ pages. Slowly fill their houses with your books. INFILTRATE. TAKE OVER. CONQUER. Haha…not that I would do any of these…
3. IF YOU COULD MEET ANY FICTIONAL CHARACTER IN REAL LIFE WHO WOULD IT BE?
I really want to say “MY CHARACTERS!” but there is a 500% chance they’d kill me after all I put them through.
So can I just pick Sean Kendrick and Puck O’Connolley from The Scorpio Races. I seriously could handle living on Thisby and playing with the murder horses and eating November cakes and probably falling off a cliff because I’m disorganised like that. But windy dusky cold Irish aesthetic — TAKE ME.
4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT AND YOUR FAVOURITE MEAL?
I honestly choose home! I find eating out very stressful thanks to social anxiety coupled with I hate surprise and unknown meals and have a lot of allergy restrictions. So like, just leave me in my Hobbit hole thanks. (Although I do so love chips so there’s that.)
I’M ALSO FOND OF CAKE. Surprise.
5. MARMITE: LOVE IT OR HATE IT?
I haven’t had it in like..??? WOW MAYBE 10 YEARS?!? Technically it has gluten in it which I’m not supposed to have, haha, but back IN THE DAY I did love it! It’s actually sweeter than Vegemite and I prefer it to Vegemite and–
Okay wow, I just lost my rights to be Australian I guess.
(I still do like Vegemite though?! If I could eat it…)
6. WHAT FICTIONAL WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?
- THISBY from The Scorpio Races as we’ve covered
- Also heck yes leave me in HENRIETTA too just for the Raven Boys because goodness knows America doesn’t appeal
- Also RED LONDON with Kell because yes.
- And I kind of want to visit the fey world from The Cruel Prince even though I MIGHT DIE but I also want to have a sword and shout at belligerent faerie boys with Jude so.
- LAZLO STRANGE’S LIBRARY. What else is there to say.
7. WHAT REAL PLACE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT?
- London! The real one instead of the Red one because I’m actually being published there so like?! I feel visiting would be nice.
- Paris! I’ve always been obsessed with Paris for no logical reason. Croissants maybe?
- So basically…Europe. Except I hate travelling so who is even writing the answer to this question.
8. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE QUOTE?
Is it just me or is remembering favourite quotes REALLY HARD?! I’m going to be cliche and pick the one from The Deathly Hallows:
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”
Because it meant SO MUCH to me when I read it…maybe it’s not intended to be about mental illness or just your own imagination — but it was for me. If it’s happening to you, then it’s real. No matter how other people might try to invalidate you.
Ugh emotions.
9. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TV SERIES OF ALL TIME?
- Stranger Things! It’s SO GOOD. And stressful wow.
- The Good Place! It’s so DUMB but yet I love it.
- Psych. Seriously this show is amazing and also dumb but great.
- Leverage. Clever heists!
- Supernatural…it used to be the top of the list but hello they RUINED it. I haven’t even finished S12 (and I haven’t gathered the willpower to see Wayward Sisters because I hate Claire, haha…oops.)
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine! omg it’s so dumb and funny…also I’m seeing a pattern in the shows I watch.
10. WHAT BOOK WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE AND WHY?
I don’t believe one book fits all. I just can’t. Humans are so different and their needs are different and it’s like assuming everyone needs cake to survive?!? They clearly don’t. Some people can live on pancakes instead and I respect that.
So instead I’m going to list some TYPES of books I think everyone should read.
- #OwnVoices stories: Peoples…just do it. You can find some in any genre you like, just FIND SOME. Read it. Understand what it’s like from the perspective of someone who’s lived it.
- Specific diverse stories: Like this goes with above, but also non-ownvoices authors still write amazing and unmissable tomes you should devour! But you should be reading books that change your world-view. And shake up your perspective. And make you THINK. Read about disabilities and OCD and autism and asexuality. Read about PTSD and being biracial and #BlackLivesMatter and f/f or m/m relationships or nonbinary protagonists or about immirgants. If you don’t understand a type of people: read stories about them. LIKE I JUST CAN’T STRESS THIS ENOUGH. GO WALK IN THEIR SHOES.
- Something out of your comfortable genre. Hey this is important too! As much as I’m all for reading whatever you want, occasionally read a memoir okay? Or read a poetry book. Or read sci-fi or contemporary YA or whatever it is you don’t often read. Sometimes you get surprised by a delicious gem.
11. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
- THAT I WON’T BE ABLE TO READ ALL THE BOOKS IN THE WORLD BEFORE I DIE.
- That I won’t write another good book. (THIS ONE IS LEGIT…it always comes after I finish writing something. I know it’s ridiculously untrue, but I think most writers get scared with this one.)
- That someone will read my blog archives ah ahhahaa. * Oh help.
* Don’t you dare. Get your beady eyeballs back here.
12. WHICH OPTION WOULD YOU PICK BETWEEN: HAVING A GOOD STABLE JOB WITH GOOD PAY OR DOING SOMETHING YOU LOVE FOR VERY LITTLE MONEY?
I already do something I love for very little money so let’s go with that, shall we?!
13. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST STRUGGLE WTIH YOUR BLOG?
This year it’s been…the actual…blogging part. Look I know the year is young! But it’s terrifying that I’ve either had no idea what to post OR had no time?! Like what is this, you fiendish brain. Blogging has been a life staple of mine for 6+ years — I am a mere refried bean with out it.
Anyway, I will fix this come March.
14. WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU ADMIRE MOST IN PEOPLE AND WHY?
- People who actually buy a book and then IMMEDIATELY read it. I think that’s called black magic though.
- Writers who are really confident like wow.
- People who are driven and achieve things and don’t blame other people for their mistakes.
- People who value treating others NICELY.
- Anyone who has the perfect gif for the perfect moment.
- I admire, most of all, that quality some people posses in preordering my book. Like wow, those are the people who will change the world.
15. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR 2018?
I’m sorry about all the lists within lists today (BUT AM I REALLY SORRY?!) but here have one last one:
- I want to write a novel I’m REALLY proud of and I haven’t achieved that since September last year so RIP my confidence but I’m going to do it?!?
- I want to still manage to read 200 books even though it’s been haaaard this year. (First time ever I was actually behind on my Goodreads goal for a while. WHO AM I.)
- I want to NOT freak out when A Thousand Perfect Notes comes out in June. Hah hah hahahaah.
Wow I really have no goals for this year which seems un-Slytherin of me?! I guess write 400 million books and become famous for them is taking up all my thinking space. Ah.
How much are you selling your sister for? Because she sounds hilarious.
Honestly just pay shipping AND SHE’S ALL YOURS.
Deal
Great answers! I don’t think those were the right questions though but never mind it doesn’t really matter
thanks for following up. 🙂 Love that quote and I don’t like travelling but i love visiting new places and holidays-just not the travelling there part haha
Oh no…you didn’t want me to answer the questions in a blog post? 😳 That’s how I’ve always known tags to work…
No you are right. But I think you answered the same questions I did rather than the ones I set. Don’t matter though.
I answered the ones you set too. 😉
oh really maybe I just forgot lol sorry
Blogging has been SUPER hard this year! I’ve struggled with content and motivation to be honest. Also reading – I read tons in Jan – but I’ve slowed down so much in Feb because I think the amount I read in Jan lead to me needing to write ALL THE REVIEWS and I’m SO BEHIND I WANT TO RUN AND BURY MYSELF IN A WELL.
In short – it’s not just you! I loved the blogging tips in here!
ALSO I only started watching Brooklyn Nine Nine a few months ago because I thought it was dumb and put it off – AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE IT’S DUMB. Watched it all now but IT RETURNS SOON?! YAAAS.
As always you’re goals, keep on doing what you do x
Omggg so it’s not just me, phew. 😂 Well I mean, NOT PHEW because it sucks that we’re both struggling haha. But at least we can whine together? I’ve slowed down in my reading so much too! But I blame being super busy this year also. (My TBR is legit about to collapse on me though so that’s fun.)
But so so true with Brooklyn 99 right? It’s so DUMB. Like the first couple of episodes I’m like “My entire IQ is dropping with this show…” But after a while it’s just goofy and fun. And I accidentally love it.😂
Hmm, well books really are my number #1 hobby. Other things l like to do are reading book blogs, seeing BookTube videos, looking up new-to-me books, taking pictures of my books or bookshelves, writing things, organising my book shelves. I do like to spend time with my pets (we have 2 dogs, 1 goat and lots of chicken), so I think that maybe that also counts as a hobby.
I like to eat at home too! I hardly ever go to restaurants, only on rarer occasion. I love having my favourite meal at home.
I LOVE your favourite quote.
Visiting Red London with Kell sounds awesome.
I totally agree with the types of books people should read.
I love lists, give me all the lists!
Good luck with your travels :).
Omggg yes PETS! I can count playing with my dog as a non-book-related hobby…except I named my dog Atticus after a book character so. What can I even do by this point? Just accept I’m doomed to be book obsessed.😂 (And *hi fives* for preferring home meals! It’s just so much more comfortable.😂)
I still need to watch Stranger Things. I started it after it first came out and for some reason never carried on. But yes! I love the Good Place and B99 and Leverage and Psych. They are all good things.
I actually did that too haha! I watched up till the last episode and then forget to finish for…a year?!? 😂 I don’t even know what I’m doing omg. B99 IS SO GOOD THOUGH.
most stereotypical british foods like tea, crumpets, mushy peas, sausages and mash… i am not a fan. and my one interest outside of books is astronomy and space. (don’t worry, blogging has been hard for me as well)
Ooh astronomy and space are both very cool! Especially when it’s lots of galaxies on book covers–OKAY YES I HAVE A ONE TRACK MIND I’LL GO NOW.
it’s okay i love galaxy book covers as well, that might be why i love sci-fi so much… sci-fi books always have the best covers tbh
Hahahah Cait I am probably gonna say this for I don’t know 100 time??, but you are MY SPIRIT ANIMAL AND I LOVE YOU FOR THAT♡♡
I am originally from Bulgaria and we have lots of traditional foods that are weird for outsiders lol
For instance I love the so called Тиквеник and сърми ^^
Besides reading my other passions are drawing, playing guitar and singing. Yeyyy
P.S. CANNOT WAIT TO HOLD,SMELL,LOVE AND READDDD YOUR BOOOOOOOK…
And can I buy your sister too?
HELLO LIN YOU FANTASTIC CREATURE AND PROBABLY MY BRAIN TWIN I SEE (that probably is a worry though 😂) And I have just googled Тиквеник and сърми and it looks delicious?!? CAN I COME VISIT YOU IF YOU FEED ME.
(And my sister is totally up for grabs. Like just pay postage. I’ll box her up for you now.)
(AND OMG THANK YOU ABOUT MY BOOK I HOPE YOU LIKE IT WHEN IT’S OUT. 😍)
XD
You are more than WELCOME!! I will feed you dragons eggs if I have to (of course not fertilized ones!!! if this is what you call it in English aaaaanyway… ) and tears from the long forgotten books left on our TBRs to decompose…
(Great!! I am off to send the money so you could start the boxing for me ASAP!)
(noonooo I thank YOU!! I have been wanting to read a book or even an essay or just anything written by you after I read one of your posts on twitter about a dragon in a kitchen.. I cannot recall what what exactly about nor could find it but I was laughing my a** on the ground and I knew then I will buy anything that you ever publish!)
hahaha as a fellow Aussie I can say you are not alone in preferring marmite over Vegemite (although I love both! Plus fairy bread gives me life!!!!!
I love hiking even though the weather here makes it impossible in summer but luckily I also love swimming so I just interchange my hobbies throughout the year. I’ve also taken up drawing, do the violin, sometimes crochet/knit and though it sounds boring, I also really like doing jigsaw puzzles (just asking but why does no one ever do jigsaw puzzles in books??)
Is it just me or is Marmite like a softer/sweeter flavour?! I mean I haven’t had either in YEARS but I always felt Vegemite was more hardcore. I’d love to try it again though, curse you allergies.😂
UGH IT’S SO HOT THOUGH. I’m not sure what part of Australia you’re in, but I’m in QLD and it’s just rained for 2 freaking months and I’m so so done.😂 (Hey I used to do crossstitch! It’s not boring at all!) Also jigsaw puzzles are great?! I find them a bit frustrating because I’m an instant person, but my nephew loves them so when we get into one we’re like both there for hours just getting it done.😂
Yes and it’s soo much smoother compared to vegemite!
Hahah yeah I live in QLD as well just outside of Brisbane and the weather has been nuts. I started to thick blankets for a couple days now I’m back to religiously using the aircon again! Please decide if you want it to be summer or winter Australia 😁!!
The theatres in London are honestly amazing, but it’s REALLY busy (I say of a capital city…) and the people are really rude. Like, they just cut in front of you and don’t even apologise for it when you almost crash into them!
Yorkshire puddings are stereotypical for where I was born, and I do like them. 🙂 Tea, of course, is the scourge of the earth and I hate it.
See this is probably why I would struggle in London. 😂 I am NOT good in crowds. But oh well let me live in my delusion ah haha. Ahem. Tea is such a big thing in Australia too! I think we stole that from you though.😂
I actually love reading answers to questions nobody ever thinks to ask (or maybe that’s just me?) In any case, am I totally responding because FOOD?! Well, yes, but wait! We have something called “stroopwafels” over here and I’m not kidding when I say everyone loves them (well, I know people from 17 countries who love them, so that totally counts right?!) My absolute favorite is stroopwafel-apple pie and talking about it makes me realize how long it’s been since I’ve last made it and now I’m hungry uggghhh
Oh EXCELLENT because I love writing answers to questions no one really ever thought they wanted to know.😂 Food is excellent. I love food. And I just googled stroopwafels and they look so freaking fantastic that you should probably invite me over to eat them all.
In that case: You are hereby cordially invited to visit our little kingdom AND EAT STROOPWAFELS UNTIL YOU DIE MWOEHAHA (… well, that took at turn), though you should probably wait until spring is here, because it feels like -12 right now and there’s no tulip fields in winter and they’re pretty much the only thing worth seeing here?!
EXCELLENT. UNTIL I DIE SOUNDS LIKE GREAT FUN…although totally waiting until it’s not winter. I freeze my little face off when it’s 15C so just imagine me in the minuses. Nope. 😂😂
Squee!!! I love Brooklyn 99 and The Good Place and Stranger Things!! <3
I think your infiltrating strategies work! I requested your book from Netghalley cuz I love your blog… haha.
BTW do you think it could be a double edged sword? I mean, your blog is hilarious, so what if someone expects the similar style from your book as well?
We obviously both have excellent taste in shows. *HI FIVES*
Afjdsklad I hope you get approved on Netgalley! BEST OF LUCK. And obviously my world domination tactics have been slow but very very good. Now I rise. 😉 Mwhahaha. Ahem. But I do think it IS a bit of a double-edged sword because everyone’s seen me critiquing books and all that…so when I write something and it’s not “perfect” it’s going to feel like a letdown! I’ve probably built a lot of expectations for myself. *screams softly* (Let’s just hope most of you like it right?!😂)
Ahaha same! Like who can remember quotes? I’m so envious of people who can remember entire stanzas of their favourite poems and recite them while I struggle to even recite the Demon Pox song XP
DUDE SAME. How do people even do that?! I can barely remember a book’s title let alone quotes.😂 (Definitely glaring at Will and Tessa here.😂)
I stilllllll need to watch Stranger Things – I’m still working my way through How I Met Your Mother!
Oh and I’m *desperaaaate* to write a book this year, any good tips for writers trying to write their first novel?
Such a lovely blog-post x
Yesss Stranger Things is AMAZING. 😍😍 And I think my #1 tip for writing a first novel is finish it!! Don’t wait for it to be perfect, just try writing it and if it sucks keep going. You can edit a messy book, but you can’t edit nothing, right?! 😂
Leverage WAS the best thing since pencil sharpeners and the finesse of a Olympic gymnasts. I can do the former; the latter…not so much.
Ahhhhh Leverage was SO GOOD I wish I could find another show like it!!
Hello Cait I just wanna tell you that don’t stress about not read a thousand books a year, reading slowly is also great! You’re doing so many things, you don’t need the added pressure 🙂
BEEZ, YOU ARE VERY VERY WISE AND I NEED TO LISTEN TO YOU COMPLETELY.😂 I need to not expect myself to be like a super industrious blogger AND writer. Like I can do bits of both right?! *sends you cake for your loveliness*
I’m Canadian, so… poutine and Beaver Tails. Which are very delicious things that the rest of the word should try ASAP.
Also I enjoyed the post by the way.
omg Beaver Tails?! I FEEL BAD FOR THE BEAVERS. 😂 Although that saying they eat kangaroo meat in Australia so I guess that’s the same kind of thing haha. (I don’t though.😂)
So..I realize this reply is SO LATE, but I’m going through my old emails, it is a nightmare. I want you to google beaver tails. It’s like a flat large fried dough pastry with stuff on it. It’s not the animal, trust me…
Oh my word, SAAAAAMMMMEEE on being behind on blogs!! Like I can’t even keep up… (I guess it doesn’t help that I took a month-long hiatus in January but HA. that’s totally not what caused this major collapse in my life. XD ) Also!!!! I AM SOOOOO EXCITED FOR YOUR BOOK TO COME OUT!!!! I am a broke bean, though, so I’m probably going to have to wait until my birthday, but I’M STILL SO EXCITED ASDFGHJKL!!!!!
(and just a side note, here, but like your blog is literally like the most beautiful and gorgeous blog of ever??? all of the pretty hearts and pictures and ACK, I can’t handle it!!)
KENZIE. HELLO I FEEL WE HAVEN’T TALKED IN A WHILE!! I’M GLAD YOU’RE A LIVING BEAN!! Also I was dead in January and blogging from the grave so I hear you.😂 (Januaries are just a completely unmotivated month imo.)
And thank yoooou about my book. 😍 I’m so excited/terrified for everyone to read it this is SO GREAT.
UGH I KNOW. I’ve been really inactive and terrible at catching up on blogs and I think I probably died at some point… But apparently I’m still alive so THIS IS GREAT. XD Oh! You died too! (this is why I should read the ENTIRE comment before responding to each line… #fail) YES!!! I totally agree! Januaries should be banned or something…
Honestly, I feel like that’s normal for authors to feel like that, right? Like…I’m personally so used to people NOT reading my stuff that it’s going to be VERRRRY weird for, like, the whole entire world to read it someday. Like no. No, thank you. XD But IT’S GOING TO BE SO FANTASTIC I CANNOT WAIT!!!! (plus, you’re probably like one of the most amazing writers ever. since your blog is like the most amazing blog ever. XD)
I would love to see Red London! That’s one of the best bookish worlds ever. I want to see real London, too. Europe is at the top of my must-visit list.
A stereotypical food from my part of the world is Rocky Mountain Oysters. Those are deep fried bull or bison testicles. I’ve never been brave enough to eat one. I had a teacher in high school who loved them and always threatened to bring them to class.
Europe is just so epic?! Like I know most people dream of travelling Asia, but I really want to see castles.😍😂And tulip fields. AND QUAINT LITTLE CAFES. Pity about that whole part where I freaking hate travelling.😂
Omg I think I would definitely pass on your place’s food.😂That is…omg no thanks.😂
Ha, I loved reading this. Your answers are everything. xD I also have been accused of being a snake in badger’s clothing and have a mother for sale to match your sister. See? Almost a complete set if someone buys together. 😉
What are stereotypical American foods? Hamburgers? Pizza? Anything fried? I mean, I love all of the above, but I’m gluten intolerant, so I can’t eat any of it anymore lol. Is coffee stereotypically American? Because I for sure love that.
Interests … not related … to books? Is that a thing that people do? I write also, but like you said, that’s related to books, so … Oh! I crochet. Sometimes. Not very regularly. I keep saying I’m going to do it more, but then I don’t.
Blogging has been very hard this year, but I also just started, like, January 2, so that could be why. Haha, I have no idea what I’m doing here. Why would I do this to myself?
Excellent. Let’s just have a great big sale on our annoying family members. FREE SHIPPING IF YOU ORDER NOW. *starts painting signs* 😂
I hear you with being Gluten free! Same. 😂 And it does put a dampner on joining in any of one’s countries “national foods” ah haha. I think coffee is probably stereotypically everywhere right?! Although I feel tea is more the Thing in Australia, but we still all love coffee.
I’m sure people don’t *really* have interests outside of books and it’s just a big conspiracy.
Obviously there’s something in the blogging air that’s got us all flustered.😂
On question number 1, I thought you liked origami and painting/drawing? I mean, maybe not as much as writing and reading but still a little? O.O
And question number 10, don’t you recommend your own book to everybody? Just asking…xD
Btw, I LOVE your blog it’s amazing. x) <3
I do!! I actually don’t do origami much at all these days, which sucks. But I only draw if it relates to books…like right now I’m making a drawn-background for my bookstagram photos.😂 So it all comes back to books ahh. Hahah.
And omg NO I DON’T. HELP ME MINNIE. I SHOULD. But my family will be like: “so can I read it?” And I’m like: no. 😂
(Thank you!! That makes me so happy to know you like my ridiculous blog!)
Hahah okay, but origami is still something you like to do that doesn’t relate to any bookish-thing? xP
Hahahahahahah I can totally understand that, my dad is down right mad at me for not letting him read anything I write xD xD xD
(I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it, it’s awesome <3)
Biscuits and gravy, please, because I am so Southern. Also, grits & cheese. And black-eyed peas and cornbread. Now, I’m really hungry. Oopps.
So I am kind of interested in my college major? And it’s not about books? I mean I really do have to be interested because I want to do well & get an absolutely epic job 😂 Anyway, I’m studying journalism. I love news & politics, so if I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably out with a camera and tripod getting some video footage.
Omg how very Southern of you.😂 Unfortunately I think I’d die in the South because none of that really sounds appealing to me?! CAN WE STILL TALK, ELIZABETH, OR DO YOU NEED TO HIT ME WITH SOME CORNBREAD FIRST.
Hey journalism is awesome!! And like so not writing-journalism but videoing-journalism?! THAT’S REALLY EXCITING.
I DON’T KNOW IF WE CAN STILL TALK. *crisis* Things should be good as long as you still like tea, right???
You should probably NOT come over when I’m making cornbread anyway, because you simply HAVE to bake it in a cast iron skillet. And par Rapunzel, I get pretty dangerous with those things.
And like I’ve never been overly violent, but if you criticize my cornbread? *whack-a-mole*
And Video Journalism is my fav! I want to travel the world with my camera and take the coolest stories! Becuase who wants to write things in a newspaper? When you can be videoing things instead?
Also, because I need my writing to stay fresh for my book projects and not get tired out by newsy writing 😂
I LIKE CHAI TEA IS THAT OK??? I CAN’T EVEN DRINK OTHER TEA. I THINK I’VE FAILED BEYOND REDEMPTION. *collapses in tears* I would never criticise your cornbread though. I mean I haven’t had it in like 290 years so maybe I would like it??? I may never know. (I was about to say “I like corn chips so how different can it be” but you did warn me about the skillet and I don’t want to meet it with my head.)
I kinda want to visit Faery in The Cruel Prince to but I’d probably eat the wrong thing and drown. OK I have a question, did you make all the questions up yourself? Also I may have discovered you’re blog by googling something book related that you so happened to have a post on clicked on it and kinda went down your archive rabbit hole…
SAME THO. We can eat the wrong thing and drown together, I’m sure that’ll happen in the first 5 minutes.😂
Oh no this is a tag! haha. So somebody else makes the question and tags people. I should’ve made up questions and also tagged people but look at me.😂 i’m a disorganised mess this year. (I’ll do better sooooon *throws papers in the air*)
OH NO, FRANK, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE. MY BLOG HAS SO MANY EMBARRASSING POSTS BACK THERE HELP.
I want to visit Paris, too! Mostly because I want to face-plant into a patisserie and never leave. I’m a very food-motivated person, but, y’know, food is kind of what I do. Also, I totally understand the fear that you’ll never write something good again, or that you’ll eventually run out of ideas or maybe that one thing you wrote that people liked was a weird one-time thing and everything else you’ve ever written or ever will write again is trash. It’s a totally illogical fear but it still creeps up on you? and it makes you second guess EVERYTHING.
And Cait. Cait. I’m proud of you for watching The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine but you need to watch Wynonna Earp. And you need to love it so we can TALK ABOUT IT.
Saaaame though. Here take me to Paris with you and I’ll faceplant in a patisserie as well and you can do all the talking.😂
And those writing fears are SO DUMB right?! And yet they literally are always hanging over my head. I literally have projects stacked up for the next 3 years but this week I’ve been panicking that I’ve got nothing new to write and my career will be OVER before it starts and — *watches anxiety have a field day* 😭😂 Love the writers’ brain. Love it.
I’M GOING TO WATCH WYONNA EARP NOW!! Well soon. 😂 I just arrived home to so many freaking books to review but after I get on top of THAT I will watch it!! Because I can’t watch more of B99 until Easter when my sister returns. Aren’t I nice?! Waiting patiently like this wow.
The only staple I can think of is pizza…pizza is awesome. Besides reading I do also like to play video games (mostly Sims but there is other stuff I want to play sometimes..) and i’m failing at getting into drawing…still want to do that but I need to make the time. I will dang it!
Ahhh I love Sims! Well loved anyway.😂 I haven’t played in like…oh wow maybe 5+ years?! And it was only Sims 2 but I always had a lot of fun (and my characters were named after book characters so um…I can’t stop.😂) And yes I hope you get into drawing!! I’m trying to do more art but then I listen to audiobooks while I do it SOOOOO basically everything comes back to books.
Lol! Sims 2 is my favorite! I also enjoy Sims 3 though it’s been a really long time since I played it.
You’re making me wish I played again!!😂
Mwahahaha ^_^
I live in Texas, so … I’m going to guess barbeque? Which isn’t bad. I don’t hate it. But I much prefer to pretend to be Italian and eat pizza and spaghetti.
Interests that don’t relate to books. Uh … well … I used to knit and bake, but I don’t no more. It’s just me and my words sitting over here, in a corner.
*pats you on the shoulder* You’ll get through this release. It will be awesome. But I’m also sitting over here very glad that I published my first book on whim and didn’t have a whole year of sitting on it to drive me crazy.
AND, YES, BLOGGING HAS BEEN HARD THIS YEAR.
omg I claim ALL my Italian heritage (I mean my mum is half Italian so it works😂) because I love Italian food so much. It doesn’t love me back buuuut oh well.😂
I feel like baking can’t count because of cookBOOKS right?! Or else I’d count that too. Actually baking isn’t my interest, but food is.😂
Omg I’ve been sitting on this book’s release for nearly 2 years.😂 So the craziness levels are so freaking high for me right now. Plus I still can’t quite believe it’s real. I NEED TO SIT DOWN AND CAKE.
The stereotypical foods for my country are maple syrup and poutine… I like almost anything maple, but poutine? Ew. (Says me whosoever ACTUALLY tried it, but it sounds disgusting. I’m not wasting my time on it.)
And yeah, I’ve been having a really hard time with blogging lately… I just have NO ideas, and ugh.
I had to google poutine and ew??? No thank you.😂 I mean I love chips but I do not like anything ON them so I’m going to be with you there. And the maple syrup leads me to believe you are Canadian. 😂
(Obviously there’s something in the blogging air?! What is HAPPENING TO US.)
Yup, Canadian… I thought I’d said that… *Reads my comment* Nope, apparently not. Hahaha.
I am Canadian, so it is my patriotic duty to drench everything in maple syrup, but luckily maple syrup is wonderful and delicious so I have no regrets. A particular food that’s unique to the area I’m in are BeaverTails, which are not actually the tails of beavers, but rather a delicious pastry that exist to motivate people who live in Ottawa to actually leave their houses in the winter and skate on our canal because it’s just known that skating on the canal means you’re going to end up eating a BeaverTail. My main interest other than reading books is being a know-it-all. And I started blogging back in October and OH MY GOD I DON’T KNOW HOW YOU DO IT. Your posts are always super fun to read and interesting and I’m just over here trying to remember how to spell words.
I’m so glad you’re doing your country proud, GO YOU, YOU MAPLE SYRUP LEAF YOU! And omg I’m really impressed that your people actually leave their houses. I swear if I lived in Canada you’d never know because I could never never go outside. (I freeze at 15 degrees Celcius okay.😂That’s probably your summer.)
If it makes you feel better, I can’t spell words.😂 I just do a lot of faking and talk about food to distract you all. CAKE IS NICE BTW.
I don’t know how Australians don’t go outside and die from the heat, so there’s that.
WE DO THOUGH. It was 41C for 3 days in a row this summer and you’re just talking to the melted Ghost of Cait now.
AHAHAHAHA! A snake in badger’s clothing- why is that so divinely hilarious?
I love your advice about writing the blog you want to read which also applies to writing books. I watched a TED talk of Markus Zusak where he said that he didn’t think anyone was going to read The Book Thief, but he wrote it because it was the story he wanted to write, and obviously we’re all very glad he did (at least I know I am. I suppose I can’t speak for the rest of the world).
I sort of have passions that don’t relate to books? But they’re all still related to stories because stories are the fabric of my life. OH WAIT I HAVE ONE. My non-book or story related passion is FOOD. I eat it EVERY SINGLE DAY. And I love it with an undying love and I always will.
*raises hand* ITS’ ME. YOUR LOCAL FAVOURITE SNAKE IN BADGER’S CLOTHING.😂 My sister is so rude omg.
And yes! I completely agree with that idea! I’m finding that more and more with writing too…like the books I think no one is ever going to read/care about are the ones that mean a lot to me and I pour so much into them. (Finding out if anyone else IS going to like them is still coming.😂 But it sure makes a difference for the creative process.)
Who needs non-related-book passions. PFFT. I’d like to say food too but then cookbooks…😂
I like singing, but you have to read music… coffee, but I need that as a reader and writer… same for tea… and chocolate… and candy… sugary stuff in general… um…
Wow my life literally revolves around 26 letters. 😂
*hi fives for our very very book absorbed lives* 😂😂 I mean obviously we’re living right tho FOR SURE.😂
Yes! We get to live more than most people because we live more than just one life! 😃 😜
yES I agree blogging has been so hard this year like why?? so far I’ve only posted 4 posts in 2018 (2 per month)??? when normally I aim for around 4-5 posts a month.. ugh.. I guess part of it is I’ve been watching Friends (for the first time, from the beginning) over the last 3-4 weeks so I literally haven’t got anything else down #whoops #sorrynotsorry. Also, yess I love Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Place too – I don’t know many people who like b99 as well hahah so I was surprised and happy to see that lol.
Also I love that quote – I’ve never actually read any of the Harry Potter books (eek!!) so I hadn’t heard that quote before, but I really really liked it:)
Lexie x
http://www.whatlexieloves.blogspot.com
Ughhhh what’s happppening to us, Lexie. *cries on you* THERE’S SOMETHING ANTI-BLOGGING IN THE AIR. But I admit I do get lost in writing a bit more than I usually would so that takes up a lot of time when I should have posts ready haha. Whoops.😂 Brooklyn 99 is SO GOOD THOUGH! I hear it might be cancelled?! They better not because it’s actually the best thing.
I’m glad you liked the quote! And I didn’t read Harry Potter until I was in my 20s so don’t feel bad haha.😂
1. I also have this weird obsession with Paris. I will blame it on croissants as well. I also think it has to do with collecting pretty and sparkly things with the Eiffel Tower on them.
2. I too have a fear of dying before having a chance to read ALL OF THE BOOKS!! It really doesn’t help that I’m already way behind, and the books just keep coming!!! Is this the #1 bookworm problem?!
3. Your blog advice is spot on! It’s stuff we all should know, but we need to hear it often so it can really sink in.
P.S. My non-book interest is makeup. I have so much of it!!!
P.P.S. Yes! Blogging has been hard this year. I think there is something going around that is zapping everyone’s energy and creative juices!
1. Excellent it’ snot just me.😂 Obviously the croissants better be worth our obsession right?!
2. WE SHOULD JUST LIVE FOREVER THAT SOLVES IT.
3. I’m so glad you like it! And honestly I need to tell it to myself sometimes too, so this was a great reminder.😂
(I’m sure there’s something in the blogging water that’s making us all unmotivated?!)
Firstly, I must say I’ve been a (silent) follower of your blog for sometime, and you always manage to make me laugh and smile! You are very witty and your sense of humor is beautiful!
And to answer your questions; I live in west Texas and chicken fried steak and sweet tea are a big thing here, but I’m not overly fond of either one. And as much as I adore reading and writing stories, I have interests in herbalism, homesteading, being a doula, wildlife rehabilitation, healthy cooking and oh so many others!
I used to be a fairly consistent blogger on blogspot, but I felt like I had outgrown that blog and created a wordpress blog (inspired by you actually) with a fresh look, but I just have not gotten the swing and feel of it yet so it remains an untended child at the moment..so yes I hear you on trying to find time for blogging when life wants to slap you upside the head most days!
Blessings –
~ Aspen
Oh hello Aspen!! Thanks so much for commenting!! And honestly it makes me SO happy to know my ridiculousness makes you smile. GOAL ACHIEVED.😂💕💕
And that’s so awesome you have a life outside of books. GO YOU. I have no idea what that’s like ah hahaah *coughs* Although I’d like to think that cooking is technically a bookworm activity because = cookBOOK, right?! 😂
Aww I’m definitely going to come check out your blog! I feel like this year has just been weirdly busy or something because so many of us are saying we haven’t had much time to blog!
Omg that quote by Dumbledoor has literally been my favourite quote for the longest time!
And I honestly don’t mind if you infiltrate my house with all your books. I would buy your books in a second, even though I rarely ever buy books (I get 99% of my books from libraries). In the past 3 years I have bought ONE book, but that’s about to go up to two after A Thousand Perfect Notes comes out!!! I basically never contemporary so this can be a good way to get out of my preferred genre of fantasy or historical fiction.
By the way that one book I bought was The Cruel Prince and can I just say, if I could visit a book it would be without a doubt that world because THE CRUEL PRINCE WAS SO GOOD. My reasons are basically the same as yours and I too, would probably die, but when has that ever stopped me? Honestly I also want to visit just to glare at Cardan for that thing that happened with the Faerie Fruit. Still not over it.
Ahhh I’m glad you love it too!! I just think it’s so perfect and ajfdsklad FEELINGS.
Aww that makes my day though. 😍😍 I hope you like my book if you get a chance to read it. (I’m honestly like totally honoured it’s on your to-buy list. THIS MEANS SO MUCH TO ME.) Also the Cruel Prince is so freaking fantastic?! I adore Holly Black! Also Cardan needs to be told no, but also I want to know what happens next. 😭
I do have interests that don’t relate to books, but at the same time they do because they still involve fiction (like movies and tv shows and stuff) 😅 I guess makeup would be one non-bookish interest I have, but I’m not really sure it counts as an interest??? And the only stereotypical/famous foods I can think of for my country are fish and chips and also tea because my brain has gone completely blank for some reason, haha. I do like fish and chips but I don’t eat it very often because it’s sooo greasy, but I don’t like tea, which is probably the most unBritish thing in the world.
The fictional world is just better, right?!😂 That’s totally fair ah hahah.
I like fish and chips a lot and I feel like Australia has a huge thing for tea too?! I think we obviously stole that from you. 😂
i love that quote too! i only discovered it last summer, when i was allowed to finish the series, and I LOVE IT. i think its perfect but my sibs just don’t understand, they think i’m crazy that i stick up for fictional worlds/characters/you name it, they don’t understand that its real to me. in my mind. and that doesn’t make it not real. just look at the quote. and i’m just like, before i might have hesitated if i had a chance to go to a fictional world (with the catch that id never be able to go back) but i wont hesitate now bye suckers.
and i’m unreasonably obsessed with paris to. what is wrong with us. o_O oh well. its pretty, and has croissant and mimes, so send me there now.
sweet tea. and i don’t like it AT ALL. (but everybody already think i’m strange, so it doesn’t change anything. XD )
Most crazily, ~Olive
YESSS I’m so glad you love the quote too!! (Clearly you need to educate your siblings some more.😂) And exactly! It IS real for us and think we should all respect that each other’s realities are always going to look a bit different, right?!
LET’S GO TO PARIS. And eat croissants. Like that’s the full extent of my plans, but oh well.😂
I don’t like sweet tea at all either!
Us terrible Aussie can stick together. I also like vegemite but actually prefer promite… like a thick slather kind of like! My mum loves vegemite, she puts it on raisin toast because apparently it tastes like salted caramel? Which I kind of get.
Also Brooklyn Nine Nine is amazing! I started watching it on a co-workers recommendation and when she asked me what I thought my exact response “ITS SO STUPID I LOVE IT!” Plus its extremely rare to find a non-problematic sit-com!
I’m also obsessed with Stranger Things. I got a new car at the end of 2017 and I named him Dustin because he is my child and I need to protect him (I don’t even like kids?)
Other than film and television all my interests are book related except that I’m hella into history (is that still book related though? oh well) so long as the person talking about it is funny. History is wild and people did a lot of crazy things for sometimes really stupid reasons and everyone was so extra and dramatic I love it. There’s so many stories people don’t get to hear because we’re not taught them in school or their censored, or the historical figures have been stuck with these labels so that’s all people can see about them (ie Cleopatra is sexy and that’s all that is important – she is so much more than that!)
(I’m on a self-induced book world ban because people can be horrible-it’s obviously going great, but I had to break it to respond… I’ll slide back into the shadows now)
*comes to sit in the Australian corner of shame then with you* 😂I actually can’t quite imagine it on raisin bread but I guess I’d try it?! Maybe. 😂
THAT’S EXACTLY IT!! It’s non-problematic which is like so freaking refreshing?! And shouldn’t be that rare but yet here we are…and omg you named your car Dustin. I love that.😂
Oh wow yes history is so wild (I really like retellings of it😂) and I wish history books talked about more variations. Like my school curriculum really didn’t cover much now that I look back.
I really love vegemite and pavlova…not West box so much though haha. But lots of people don’t understand why Vegemite is so great which just means more for me. I have so many interests that aren’t books! I like cooking, I like running ( but not too fast, more in a relaxed space for thinking way), I live history and elaborate hairstyles and knitting and indie music and lots of things. But books are pretty high up haha
I don’t understand how people don’t like Vegemite?! I am SURE the Americans slather it on things purely so they can do that “ew I’m gonna throw up” reaction on youtube. Like isn’t it common knowledge you don’t eat it like nutella. Goodness gracious people. *eye roll* Anyway all this Vegemite talk has made me really want some haha.
Yesss for running!! I love thinking when I run. I have no idea if I go fast, but I don’t think it’s super fast because I’m not that athletic.😂And honestly I’m just going to sit here and be proud of you for having a life outside of books. You go, you varied human, you!
Um, well, I’ve grown up in the American South and, to put it nicely, I don’t like sweet tea, barbecue, chicken, Cheerwine. Coca-Cola (or any pop except ginger ale and root beer on occasion, tbh), pecans, peaches, peanuts, sweet potatoes, grits, ribs, crab, crawfish, oysters, shrimp, fish in general, cole slaw, gravy, okra, or basically anything else that makes you think “Southern Food”.
I’m frequently called a disappointment to Southern culture. But then again I was born in New York so ;P
uMM I like Supernatural too (but then again I got into it because I liked the lore because I’ve always loves legends and stuff) (also I’m only on S10 but I watched Wayward Sisters when it premiered and I definitely recommend watching it 10/10 definitely enjoyed…. everything. Especially this little gem. Dean: *eats a lizard* Sam: Don’t tell me it tastes like chicken. Dean: No, Sam. It’s a lizard. It tastes like a lizard.). and….. and…. aND….. wow i really have no life don’t i
And yes. Blogging’s been hard for me too, bc like… I had a plan to put out a pitch of all the books I planned on reading this year and that never happened. I filled up a writing notebook and was gonna ramble about it and that never happened. I have, like, two more book reviews typed up on my phone and those haven’t happened yet? (although they will…. hopefully….) But yes, 2018 blogging has been very hard.
Duuuude you are disappointing the south so hard there. 😂😂 ARE YOU ALRIGHT. Have they disowned you yet?!😂 (Honestly I don’t know that much about the Southern Culture except for what I read in The Help but still.)
Aww okay I will try Wayward Sisters! I’m just so annoyed at Claire. Like they killed off ALL the epic women and then we get Claire who ceases to be anything but bratty hmm. But Sam and Dean are so precious.😂And I LOVE Jodie!! She is the best and honestly keeping this world together.
Honestly there’s something in the blogging air apparently, because a ton of us seem to be struggling?! We obviously need to be given way way more cake than we get.
I’ve had several friends disown for my disliking of sweet tea alone XD
Well, Wayward Sisters also has Jody, Donna, Alex, Patience (Missouri Moseley’s granddaughter) and Kaia (a dreamwalker) and they’re all pretty great. Yeah, Claire’s a little meh, but the awesomeness of literally everything else in the episode kind of overrules it.
Definitely. More cake. Chocolate cake. Good motivation.
Whoa can I just say; SOMEONE ELSE WHO LOVES THE SCORPIO RACES!!!!!! One of my favourite stand alones ever and an amazing book. And yes, IRELAND.
DUDE I’M OBSESSED WITH THE SCORPIO RACES 😍😍😍 IT IS THE BEST WORK OF ARTISTIC WONDER OF THE WORLD.
😆😆I don’t want to visit America either….
I so grok Supernatural… I’ve stopped watching new eps. They took my favourite character… That oft does a series in for me.
I loved the quote you chose! Therefore so many ways to take it (none wrong of course). I like your take. No, other people should never invalidate what you may be feeling/going through/etc just because they can’t see it. I think also of chronic pain or so-called ‘symptomless’ disorders.
LET’S AVOID IT FOREVER. Who even knows what they’re doing this day smh. (And omg Supernatural is brutal for taking our favourites. WHAT DID WE EVER DO TO HURT IT SO.)
And yesss that quote should totally go for all sorts of “invisible” symptoms. Why do we get to say what reality is “real” or not anyway?! The world would be a better place if we all listened up to that quote. <3
I love that HP quote. And going out to eat is stressful – but I hate cooking and wish all restaurants had home delivery. Haha we live in the bush so that won’t work!
Stereotypical food from South Africa – Biltong (Raw meat cured in salt, spices and vinegar and left to air dry) and OMG it is delicious! Best food ever, after chocolate of course.
Yesss that HP quote is everything! And honestly staying home to eat is just more comfortable. If only someone else would do the dishes…😂
I did notice you haven’t been posting as much this year but, I mean, not everyone has a debut coming out in June so CALM DOWN OKAY. You’re doing fine, Cait! We still love you! (Also? Your book is coming out in fours months IS THIS REAL?) And that quotation! Gosh. That is the truest of truths! And it isn’t just you! I find it hard to remember quotations verbatim even if it’s from a book I absolutely love. Some people can use black magic, others can’t.
*shrieks* WHAT’S CALM. I DON’T DO CALM. I DON’T UNDERSTAND IT. *flaps about for 900 years* 😂
But in all honestly, like surely I should cut myself some slack with my writing-life taking off right?! And zomg it’s 99 downs now, I can’t feel my face, what is this life.
I always get so jealous of book characters who can just quote all their favourite parts. I mean, I know the author is making them do it, but imagine having that skill?! So useful.😂
Hmm I don’t know if the US has a stereotypical food but I’m from the Southern US so I’m gonna go ahead and say that fried catfish is our stereotypical food and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. So yes.
Also I’m weird and I have /all. the hobbies/ so there are tons of stuff I love doing that aren’t bookish (weaving, embroidery, watercoloring, biking).
Fried things are good but I’ll leave you to your catfish.😂😂 And YAS I’m so glad you have hobbies and aren’t just stuck in a book…😂You are a very well balanced person ahah.
Shockingly I do have interests away from books haha. I used to do karate and horse riding, haven’t been horse riding since last years because life sorta happened. And I don’t know if it counts but writing lyrics sort of counts, since it’s not exactly a book but rather lyrics and music…
I’ve been to Paris! I mean it was Disneyland Paris and I was 4 but it counts. Only time I’ve been abroad, Scotland and Wales are really beautiful places to visit. England…well I suppose we’re alright too haha. If you go to London though you may not like it because of all the people, I’ve never been but my dad has and it’s super busy with people moving super fast and also it’ll be cold compared to Australia. So erm…pack an umbrella. You never know when it’s gonna rain here haha
Oooo I don’t know about food in England, I think probably an English breakfast is stereotypical? I don’t like it though and tea is also the stereotypical drink for us English folk…*coughs* I’m 99% sure my blood is tea in disguise. Also funny fact, I’m a weird one since I’m British but I actually love Marmite and Vegemite haha.
Lowkey so tempted to snoop through your archives to see what you’re hiding haha.
Writing lyrics totally counts as an interest!! Although is it bookish? Maybe.😂😂 I used to play music and quit but I wish I would start up again…
And omg PARIS. LIVING THE DREAM.😂And honestly I don’t think I’d *like* most places because I get so overwhelmed in crowds…I practically died in an overcrowded coffee shop last week so there goes my travel plans.😂 But omg don’t worry about the rain. I’m in the middle of the rainy season and I swear it hasn’t stopped raining since November. I’m shrivelling.
And tea is totally stereotypical for England! I think Australia stole it though because tea is everything here too.😂
*hauls you away from my archives* DON’T MAKE ME COME OVER THERE.
Always love finding out more about you Cait!
Red London is always one of my top answers to that question AND I love that quote from Harry Potter… it just means so much to me.
Wonderful post,
~“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”
Lol well I didn’t realize I copied the quote instead of my signature but oh well xD
Yesss Red London would be SO amazing, right?! I mean, maybe before Kell breaks it.😂 (And haha the quote makes a fabulous sign off anyway.😂)
Stereotypical food? In Canada? No… we don’t have such a thing. *wanders over to kitchen to eat some poutine and a tourtière and wash it down with a glass of maple syrup* (Kidding. I’m vegan!) Not too far from where I live, though, there a little place called Nanaimo that’s famous for Nanaimo bars. Not that I can eat those either, being a gluten-free vegan. *sigh*
I haven’t done much blogging this year. I need to get back into doing Top Ten Tuesday or something. Most of what’s on my blog for 2018 is just reviews (which is good, though; it means I’m actually reading and finishing books).
I SEE you drinking maple syrup by the ladle before riding your moose into town. I always KNEW IT. 😂😂
But good on you for reading more again!! I remember when you were going through that hugely awful slump, that must’ve been so hard. 😭😭
I’m Canadian (Eh!) (AH! I immediately regret that.) and so our staple foods are POUTINE and MAPLE SYRUP. And obviously I’m obsessed with poutine because what could ever be better than fries and giant cheese curds smothered in gravy?!? NOTHING. I, too, have some really funky allergies lately and am not allowed dairy. or gluten. or nightshade. so basically if I had poutine today I would spontaneously combust or shrivel up into a human raisin. BUT IN THE PAST I HAVE BEEN A TRUE CANADIAN.
Also I hate pancakes but love maple syrup. so. I just pour it on my dessert/breakfast/straight on to my tongue…..oops ?
So basically what you’re saying is: you absolutely drink maple syrup by the mug full for every meal. I JUST KNEW IT. I UNDERSTAND CANADA SO WELL.😂😂But ugh I really hate how like in the PAST we ate stuff and then now…we know it murders us so we don’t. But omg the days of not-knowing.😂 (Although I do eat a bit of dairy. I mean I *shouldn’t* but in moderation is okay.😂 Gluten though hates me so bad.)
I only juust found out about a month ago what was going on with my body and my doctor was like WOAAAAAHH you’ve only just developed these allergies over the last 2 years and you’ve been beating the crap out of yourself over and over again making it worse. Example: Reaction to something – low immune system – get sick – take antibiotics – get sicker – have more reactions to the most unfair things (Bell peppers?! PEAS!? I WAS EATING A SALAD I DID GOOD, NO??) – lower immune system – get FREAKING sick – take antibiotics – cry into a bowl of water because that’s the only thing I can eat now?!?!!!?!? AHHH I am a human equivalent of a potato. I potate.
Anyways, what I’m trying to say is I hear you with the gluten thing. We shall stand in tummy trouble solidarity and fight for our right to cake, True soldiers.
Ummm im canadian but i don’t put maple syrup on all my food cuz I like to pretend I’m a health freak :/ but then I go to timmies and waffle places anyways so maybe I am stereotypical canadian haha
You mean you doN’T DRINK MAPLE SYRUP BY THE GLASS FOR EVERY MEAL??? *has a crisis because has been lied to*
Omg Cait how dare you hit me in the feels like that. You were being your normal funny and awesome self and then you hit me with feels by giving us some actual honest wisdom and what is this. I’m not crying you are. (I’m talking about what you said with question number 8). Also I’ve pre-ordered your book so obviously I’m smart and know where my priorities are. And I totally feel you with the blogging stuff. It’s been hard for me since like… July last year but I think I’m finally getting my groove back. And my mojo. Because it was sitting on Hawaii sipping margaritha’s for a while there and I had nothing left. But I’m getting there. Now if only my writing mojo returned, everything would be perfect.
N’AWW, BEE. LET ME JUST TACKLE HUG YOU NOW. YOU FANTASTIC BEAN. <3 And also I admire your life skills with preordering. ❤️ Seriously that's one of the greatest talents ever. 😇😂😂
I'm really glad you're back into blogging though because I missed reading your work!!
I can’t believe you put marmite above vegemite! Blasphemy!
I KNOW. I’m in the corner of shame right now. FoRIGVE ME.
This is a super fun post! I especially love how you admire people with the skill of pre-ordering your book (don’t worry, I honed that skill long ago). You’ve been a true inspiration to me, Cait!
OMG YOU ARE SO SKILLED AND WONDERFUL NICOLE MY FAVOURITE. ❤️❤️❤️
Ah, ever since I moved to the UK to study I’ve had a hard time blogging. It’s like I lost my muse and I just created my blog in English :/ It’s not like I don’t have ideas but more like I lack the motivation to do it but I’m working on it! 😀
Interests besides reading (and blogging about it and writing and bookstagramming) …. Well, you could say that. I am obsessed with my hair because it’s curly and I love curls so I watch youtube videos and stuff BUT it cannot compare to my book obsession 😀 😀 😀
(A stereotypical food for my country… hmm, it’s called banitza and I love it as well as the Bulgarian yoghurt (better than Greek Yoghurt but similar)).
Noooo. That really sucks! 😭😭 I do feel for you though, because for some reason I haven’t had a lot of muse this year either?! But hopefully we both get our acts together and get back into lots of blogging soon!! And bookstagramming is SUCH a fun hobby. Of course totally bookish but pfft.😂 All the best things relate to books haha.
(Ooh I love yogurt!)
Stranger Things is also my favorite but also something that stresses me out so so much! I feel like when I write stories I used to always shy away from having anything actually bad happen to my characters (bad things would only happen around them) but that’s a show that truly drove in the point that it’s BETTER to make your characters encounter bad things. Even though it really stresses me out. Great advice!
I hear you! It’s literally the most stressful show ever.😂 BUT ALSO SO GOOD. STEVE IS THE BEST THOUGH.
Thanks for the great post, Cait 🙂
The advice on blogging was great for me too 🙂 Very helpful! I’m trying to build a little author website, but gosh it is hard to find the time to be consistent, and very hard to squeeze the time to comment within the community! (I do read a lot of blogs, but all sneaky like at work, so it is harder to comment because… I’m trying to be sneaky…)
Famous food? Nope. I grew up in the country so basically everyone just ate at home, there being nowhere else to go….
And an interest outside books and writing? There are SO MANY THINGS I want to do, but it always comes down to priorities, and my writing time always wins out. But if I had a little extra time each week, I would go back to learning Korean, which I did for a few years and really loved. Hopefully I will get back to studying one day!
🙂
It is super hard to do everything that needs to be done when it comes to blogging!! I struggle a lot too *weeps* 😂 And best of luck with your author website that sounds amazing. /:D
omg good luck though if you end up learning Korean!! I can’t even imagine learning another language, but it’d be so awesome, right?!
I love Leverage! Such a great show. I also admire people that have their ‘gifs’ together. I always come up with a perfect one mentally, but I can never find it in actuality. The struggle is real.
Omg “have their gifs together” is the best phrase ever.😂😂 I used to be kind of good at it but now I’m hopeless?! I just reuse the same ones and cry.😂
Well I’m from Alaska and some people eat moose meat. (really) It’s okay, but I like beef and chicken better. And I’m not a seafood person, except for halibut. Alaskan halibut is really popular. It’s really good baked with honey and garlic or this cheese/sour cream/mayonnaise sauce, but my favorite way is deep fried. 😛 Basically Alaskan fish and chips. There’s this local restaurant I love that does the best because they use beer batter. 😛 …now I’m hungry. XD
Speaking of food a hobby that doesn’t really relate to books is I’ve been getting into cooking and baking lately! 🙂
Ewww not on board with eating the moose and meese. 😭😭I mean, in Australia they also eat kangaroos so I guess that’s the same thing haha.😂 Oooh I like the sound of Alaskan fish and chips though?! I MAY NEED TO VISIT.
(But cooking needs a cookBOOK right?! It all comes back to books for us, we’re doomed.😂)
YES YOU SHOULD TOTALLY VISIT! I’ve actually been to Australia a few years ago so you should totally come up here! 😁
And don’t worry, I avoid the cookbooks by using Pinterest. 😂
I was just scrolling through because I need inspiration for a blog I’m starting for school and WOW LOOK AT THAT #2 IS BLOGGING ADVICE so thanks for that. Any additional advice for starting a book blog thing??
ALSO I FREAKED WHEN I READ THAT YOU LIKE PSYCH I THOUGHT THAT WAS ONLY ME
AHh I’m so glad it was helpful blogging advice hehe.! And yayy that you’re starting. Blogging is so much fun (ignore me whining about it😂).
Also Psych is so incredible, right?! I wish it was on Netflix though so I could rewatch. I love it so much!!
THAT I WON’T BE ABLE TO READ ALL THE BOOKS IN THE WORLD BEFORE I DIE. < So relatable. I think about this every day.
WE JUST HAVE TO LIVE FOREVER. THIS WILL SOLVE EVERYTHING.
HAHAH CAIT I PREFER MARMITE TO VEGEMITE TOO *denounces Australian citizenship*
Question 12 is my life right now *feels* CAIT YOU ARE DOING EXCELLENTLY with your blog and your writing and everything, just love you!
THAT’S IT FOR US, JEANN. WE MUST MOVE TO THE MOON. WE DON’T DESERVE THIS LAND. 😂😂
And omg you’re going to make my have emotions you fabulous human you. ❤️❤️You are an amazing blogging inspiration!! JUST SAYING.
OKAY THAT’S IT. I guess the only thing left for us is to leave this world and travel to the outer planets to start our lives as intergalactic space travellers. We have no place here in Australia where they worship The Vegemite. *sighs* *packs bags*
(N’aww you’re giving me warm happy feels, Jeann!! YOU AND YOUR BLOG ARE FANTASTIC TOO. ❤️❤️)
YES blogging is hard this year and I have no excuse! You have shiny new books and shiny new family babies, and I have no reason! I am just over here like… meh. BUT I did pre-order your book AND I have a GIF for every occasion, so I guess I am doing *something* right? But seriously, what is wrong with us and why is the blogging so hard?! I sob.
I am worried because you want to go to places that seem legit and I want to go to like, Panem, and the apocalypse. I’m also low key sad that we don’t have any favorite shows in common! And I think the writing fears are SUPER legit- but I have every faith that you WILL write like, a billion more awesome books. Because of course you will! 😀
You are absolutely doing something right if you’ve pre-ordered my book. Honestly I think that makes your year perfectly productive. :’) :’)
YOU WANT TO GO TO PANEM THOUGH, REALLY SHANNON?!? I mean, I would just die so I’m wary. 😂 (And one of these days I’m going to watch The 100!! I promise!) And omg thank you for your faith in my writing. 😭❤️❤️
Ahhhh! I love this post! (also it has been so long since I’ve had time to sit down and comment on your posts. omg. that feels so wrong!!) My state, the lovely state of Kansas, is most well known for it’s wheat production and while I love gluten, I happen to have a super annoying allergy to it, so that’s fun! I’m annoyingly in love with Kansas, so most of the stereotypical famous food from there I love.
Interests that don’t relate to books? THOSE EXIST? but also yes I do! I lovelovelovelovelovelovelove baking, designing(oops that’s sort of related to books), photography, music, cats(also they are your largest competitors for world domination so SORRY), and I also like food and tv shows and romantic and stupidly predictable romance movies. I also write books that a probably too short in a myriad of genres.
ALSO YES BLOGGING HAS BEEN SO HARD THIS YEAR! what’s with that? Ugh.
OH LOOK IT’S CAIT BEING SEMI SERIOUS FOR ONCE???! WHAT HAPPENED.
Also, yes, I’m always impressed by how you manage to comment on people’s blogs when they comment on yours. like WOAH I barely reply to my own blog comments and you have about 1905 more comments then I do XD
UGH I DON’T KNOW. IS CAIT EVEN TYPING. IT MIGHT BE A SENTIENT PEBBLE INSTEAD.
And hehe I do get behind…like right now.😂But I try to keep up with everyone!!
Can I first just say preach about them ruining Supernatural?? And also how much I hate Claire? What used to be my favourite show is now something I have to push myself to watch which is… ugh.
Stereotypical food from my country is Poutine! And I love it. Despite it being an overload of unnecessary calories.
I also want to tell you how awesome it is that you’re publishing a book! I follow you mainly on Instagram and it’s so beautiful and I cannot wait to read it!
ACK let me cry with you…they ruined Supernatural and we totally deserved better. I don’t know if Claire is supposed to be like “the girl edgy version of Dean” but she’s SO disrespectful and I hate it.
aww but thank you about my book!! 😊💕 That means a lot to me!!
Okay, YES on the fears. I literally sometimes think I will never write anything good again. After all the time I’ve spent writing, editing, and rewriting my current WIP, I get scared I’ll never go up from here, only reach a cliff and fall endlessly down (that was optimistic, haha). But other times, I’m on cloud 9. I guess it’s all about pushing through regardless! 🙂
Good luck on not freaking out in June with your book’s release. If you manage to stay calm, please share your wisdom ;D
Also, a life outside books??? 90% of the time, I’m either (a) writing books, (b) reading books, (c) buying books, (d) talking about books, or (e) doing something related to my bookish platform. The other 10% is college and ??sleep??
So… no.
Great post, Cait!
~Caitlin @ Quills & Coffee
It’s a terrifying prospect!! I keep telling myself it’ll never happen, but yet my brain likes to panic about it. 😂😂 Bahah but omg I totally am being very unrealistic with my “don’t freak out” goal.😂 But we can pretend right!?
I’m glad I’m not the only one with no life outside of books ah ahha.
I live in England and I don’t like tea or jam or cream or fish and chips (well I like chips obviously, just not the fish) so um… oops? Being from English is going great for me.
Ah haha I hear you! I hate fish too, but love the chip part, and that’s a pretty common thing to eat in Oz too. (I’m sure we stole it from you.😂)
I guess it’s an island thing? I mean Australia’s a pretty big island but still counts, right 😆
I’m obsessed with Paris too, and I’ve always wanted to go there. I love croissants and macarons.
Not being able to read all the books in the world is a constant fear.
I’ve never had marmite, but I like vegemite. I feel like the Woolies chocolate cake has become an Australian staple, and I think it’s pretty good.
PARIS HERE WE COME.😍We obviously have our priorities in order for why we want to go there too hhaha. 😂 And omg can you believe I’ve never had a Woolies chocolate cake either?!