Hello there inmates!
Marvelous news! Just the other day I was invited (or challenged) by the very talented Rachael C Marek at A Writer’s Discrepant Memoirs and Other Tales to undertake the “Book Blogger Test”. I’d not heard of it until this happened, but it sounds rather interesting. I simply have to answer some book-related questions. What fun! So here goes, let’s sharpen our pencils and steady our reading glasses shall we?
What are your top three book hates?
1. I dislike books that essentially use or copy Tolkien-esque creatures and lore. Fantasy authors use Tolkien elves, who fight Tolkien orcs with Tolkien-esque magic in Tolkien-esque wars in Tolkien-esque nations. I don’t think it’s necessary at all. Tolkiens world worked for him and him alone, why do authors these days not come up with their own beasts and races? Create unique creatures or nations instead of trying to emulate Tolkien. Tolkien was phenomenal, don’t get me wrong, but you should be your own writer. Not another Tolkien. You’re better than that.
2. Poorly written villains! I’m sure that this is a book hate of many, many people. I don’t like the old, almost comic-book-like style of bad guys in many stories. You know the ones, The villains who appear to have practiced their “bad guy” laugh more-so than actually working out how to be evil. I want truly sinister villains you just love to hate.
3. I’m not a fan of what I call “forced romances”. I see this in modern films more so than in books, but I feel it’s still relevant. It’s when a love interest character seems to exist solely so the protagonist can have a love interest. The main character seems to always have to fall in love. It feels forced and rarely actually adds anything to the story. Ironically, I struggle to think of an example as I write this, but I see it far too often. It is quite irritating.
Describe your perfect reading spot.
My perfect reading spot would have to be a dimly lit room, perhaps my bedroom, in complete silence. Perhaps with quiet and soft music playing, if i must. I prefer to read indoors you see.
Tell us three book confessions.
1. I actually don’t have all that many books anymore. Many of them were lost when I moved out years ago. Bit of a shame really, but I still have a decent selection. I intend to grow my collection again over time.
2. I read just as many nonfiction books, like encyclopedias or historical books, as I do fictional stories. I enjoy reading about history and geography just as much as I do reading about fictional monsters and wars in fantastic worlds. I’m something of a nerd, I suppose.
3. I never read the last Harry Potter book, or the Silmarillion, or any of the Song of Fire and Ice books, or any of the books by Terry Pratchett. I’m a terrible person.
When was the last time you cried during a book?
I’m not sure I have ever cried while reading a book. I have felt a tinge of melancholy though. This occurred while I was reading the Harry Potter books. I forget which book it was, but it was when Dobby died. Sorry if that counts as spoiling it for others. Don’t judge me!
How many books are on your bedside table?
My bedside table isn’t really big enough to have much on it. Oh yes, I’m rather cheap like that. However, there is occasionally the one book I’m reading at the time resting its pages on it. It changes periodically, of course.
What’s your favorite snack to eat while you’re reading?
I’m not really one for eating while reading but it would have to be either twiglets or chocolate digestives. As you can imagine, my books can get messy occasionally. It’s not unknown for me to have a good fizzy drink as well!
Name three books you would recommend to anyone.
1. ‘The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara’ by Terry Brooks
2. ‘Twelve’ by Jasper Kent
3. ‘The Necronomicon’ by HP Lovecraft
Show us a picture of your favorite shelf on your bookcase.
I’m going to have to leave this one for the time being. I have no camera to take photos right now. Sorry about that!
Write how much books mean to you in three words.
Words are freedom.
What is your biggest reading secret?
I sometimes have a memory lapse and end up reading the same page twice. I forget that I’ve read it already, so I just start over like nothing has happened. I only tend to notice about half way through that it seems very familiar.
Who I’m tagging:
1. The Migraine Chronicles
2. Creativity is Key
3. ohellino
4. childoftheisland
Well, there we go! That was quite refreshing to be honest, Writing about something a little bit different. Here’s hoping my answers are satisfactory. Thank you again for thinking of me with this Rachael. Be sure to check out her blog, it’s really cool! That’s all from me for now. I’ll have some more work up by the end of the week hopefully, assuming the voices don’t drag me away. Haha!
Have a very crazy day inmates!
WorldofHarley 