Woo-hoo! I won!

No, not the Pulitzer or even the Publisher's Clearing House, but hey...an award's an award and I'll take any that come my way. One of my writerly buddies, Yvonne Anderson (whom I affectionately call Y and sometimes Freak), nominated Writer Off the Leash for the Liebster Award. What the heck is that? Great question, and in fact, the same question I asked her.

“Liebster” is a German word for favorite, and the Liebster Blog Award is given to bloggers deserving wider recognition, and who have less than 200 followers. The purpose of the Liebster Blog Award is to spread the word about these folks and their fine work.

The rules are:

Tell 11 things about yourself.
Answer 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you.
Nominate 11 bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
Post 11 questions for those who will be nominated by you.
Get in contact with those 11 bloggers in order to inform them that you nominated them.

Now then, let's roll with the ol' get to know you...

Except for apples, I hate fruit.
If I have to break a sweat, rollerblading is my exercise of choice.
The Count of Monte Cristo is my all-time favorite movie. Ever.
I like my jammies to be matchy-matchy.
If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be England.
My dad's name was Epaphras. Not even kidding.
Boxers are my favorite breed and I don't men of undah-pants.
I've recently started liking brussel sprouts. Go figure.
Hobby Lobby is may all-time favorite store.
While I like all chocolate, I prefer dark over milk.
I like to cook.

And here are The 11 Questions I was asked...

1. Why did you start blogging?
I was told I needed a platform and a tribe. Since I began this adventure a year and a half ago, I haven't attracted any natives dancing the hulu-hulu and I'm still afraid of heights. I suspect Writer Off the Leash isn't working as intended but I'm having a great time at whatever it is that I'm doing.

2. What is your favorite genre to read?
Whoa. Tough. I love a LOT of genres. Currently I love historical fiction but my first love was and still is sci fi.

3. What fictional character do you most wish were real?
At the risk of sounding egocentric, I'm going to go with Ragnar (the hero from my latest release, Undercurrent). Of all the characters I've written, he captured me mind and soul.

4. Describe your dream office for writing.
In the turret of a castle, with a full suit of armor for inspiration, a sweet sound system to play background inspirational music, and of course, a case of chocolate next to my desk. Oh yeah, and don't forget an espresso machine.

5. Name one thing you couldn't live without.
God's amazing grace.

6. If you could keep only one book, what would it be?
The Bible.

7. If you could magically transport yourself into a book, which one would you choose and what character would you be?
I'd pick Jane Eyre and star as Jane.

8. Do you have any phobias?
Centipedes.

9. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Someone chewing with their lips open...especially gum.

10. Describe yourself in 5 words.
Quirky, blunt, cheerful, freaky, dependable.

11. Who is your favorite well-known author and your favorite rising star author?
Wow. This is a tough one. Who can name just one? Just off the top of my head, I'd say John Steinbeck and Jill Williamson.

The 11 bloggers I'm passing the award onto (and don't forget to check out their blogs)...

1. Jennifer Major at Tales From the Redhead

2. Terri Thompson at The Christian Naturalist

3. Shannon McNear at Shenandoah's Eclectic Musings

4. Jessie Gunderson at Blog Schmog

5. Mariah Griep at Mariah's World

6. TC Avey at Wisdom of a Fool

7. Ashley Wall at Life in the house of A. Wall

8. Teresa Morgan at Simple Faith in a Complicated World

9. Brandi Boddi at Penning Praises

10. Chawna Shroeder at Imagination Investigation

11. Christine Lindsay at Writer of Fiction That Matters