The Book Blogger Test

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!

Liebster galore!

Hello there inmates!

You’ll never guess what happened! I got nominated for the Liebster award again! I’m very seriously considering creating a category on the blog dedicated to these things, i know i said it last time but i truly might. This time i have been nominated by Rami Ungar The Writer, a gentleman if i ever saw one. Apologies to Rami for leaving this response so very late! He is another great horror writer and also has some interesting reviews. Go check out his blog, you won’t be disappointed.

So, here are the rules for the nomination from Rami:

1. Write 11 random facts about myself.
2. Answer 11 questions Rami came up for me.
3. Nominate 11 bloggers.
4. Come up with 11 questions for my nominees.

So, here’s some random facts about me i suppose:

1. I once forgot where i lived. I don’t know what happened but i finished school and just couldn’t remember. My friends had to show me.

2. I once wished i could become a video game designer. I don’t think i really have the ability to do it though. I’m quite happy with writing now.

3. I really hate riding in cars.

4. Even though i don’t like being in water, i adore being on boats. I actually often wish i could get a job on a yacht or a water bus.

5. I once got called Johnny Depp. I don’t see the resemblance at all. Not even the slightest bit.

6. My favorite color is dark green.

7. I have an unhealthy obsession with hats. Top hats in particular.

8. I have no real political views at all. I prefer to stay out of all of that.

9. I once got my head closed in a car door. I sometimes wonder if that’s when the voices started. Haha!

10. I really like Steampunk music.

11. I’ve only ever watched one band live. That band was the Shanklin Freak show.

 

Right, now i have to answer the questions that Rami asked in his post:

What is your favorite genre of fiction?
It would have to be high fantasy. I love big monsters, armies and huge battles and the like. I’m also quite partial to horror and historical fantasy.
What scares you the most?
If it had to be anything it would be water. I’m not a fan.
When you were growing up, what did you want to be when you were an adult?
I wanted to be a video game designer, i loved video games then and now. There was also a bizarre patch where i wanted to be a priest despite not being religious. The mind boggles.
If you could hang out with one superhero for a day, who would you pick and why?
It would have to be Batman. Simply because i can undermine him so the Joker can win. Wink wink!
What is your pet peeve?
Cats. Hate the damn overgrown rats.
What is something you never thought you’d end up doing but you found yourself doing it?
To be honest, blogging. I never ever expected that i would be trying to get my writing out into the world.
What do you look for in a potential romantic partner?
I think it would be a little bit pointless to answer this. I have Lee. Haha!
What is something you wish you could change about yourself?
If it had to be anything, probably my height. I don’t really fancy being short all my life.
What is something you’d like to do before you’re 80?
See Steam Powered Giraffe or Poets of the Fall live.
What is your fondest childhood memory?
This is a difficult one to answer as i remember very little about my childhood. It would have to be meeting my group of friends for the first time. I’m still friends with most of them now, over 15 years later.
If you found a large brown spider crawling up your leg right now, how would you most likely react?
I’d most likely squash it. Spiders don’t bother me. I’m not violent i swear! Haha!

Now i need to nominate 11 other bloggers for the award. Here goes.

http://ralatza.wordpress.com/et-tu-arcopet/ ET Tu, Arcopet!

http://mindsplatterings.wordpress.com/ Heart of a Lunatic

http://thoughtsfromthespareroom.wordpress.com/ Thoughts from the spare room

http://susanneleist.wordpress.com/ THE DEAD GAME

http://erikslehman.com/ Erik S. Lehman

http://beckysonnet130.wordpress.com/ Creativity is Key

http://ashiakira.wordpress.com/ AshiAkira’s Blog

http://zachbissett.wordpress.com/ Stahr Magazine

http://radiatingblossom.wordpress.com/ Radiating Blossom

http://rearwindowethx.wordpress.com/ The Sixpence at Her Feet

http://shesaidhesaidshesaid.wordpress.com/ Sea Said

 

There we go. Those are my nominees. They’re all quite brilliant, be sure to check them all out! So now for the questions for them to answer.

1. Are you afraid of clowns?

2. If you were asked to spend a night in a supposedly haunted mansion for a fortune, would you?

3. Do you prefer poetry or prose?

4. What is your favorite genre?

5. On a relaxing night in, do you prefer a book or a film? Why?

6. Cats or dogs?

7. What is your opinion of the situation in Ukraine?

8. Do you listen to music while writing? What kind?

9. Do you like/watch anime?

10. Describe yourself in three words?

11. What is your quote of the day?

 

So there we go! Those are the questions for my lucky nominees! Be sure to check out each of the nominees, they really all deserve the attention. Also, thanks again to my good friend Rami, be sure to check out his blog as well. You won’t regret it! Thank you for reading.

Have a very crazy day!

Another Liebster Award?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello there inmates!

Great news once more! It appears that I’ve been nominated for another Liebster award. It’s even got a different image this time. Naturally i was quite flabbergasted, yet overjoyed by this development! I had intended to respond to this nomination a lot sooner, but as some of you may know, my computer decided to temporarily give up the ghost. I suppose that technically makes it a zombie-computer.

This time i was nominated by the deeply mysterious and talented Victim of Crime, at ‘A Victims Journal‘. This is the post where our friend nominated me and the other surely deserving nominees. Thank you kindly my friend, you are far too kind! If you get a chance, check out Victims blog. Some quite proper poetry going on over there, to be sure!

So, here’s the rules for this award. Slightly different to last time it seems. Rules for the award are as follows:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.
2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.
3. Nominate 11 other blogs with less than 500 followers.
4. Post 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
5. Tag your nominees and post a comment on their blog to let them know you nominated them.

Very good! Now for the questions Victim gave me.

Why did you start blogging?
I’ve always written for myself. I wanted to get some of my writings out there and see what people thought of them. I’ve been quite humbled by the responses so far.
What is your most secret shameful pleasure?
Probably singing along to songs. I’m not singer, but i enjoy it. But only when nobody is around!
Name 3 people you like to have over for dinner.
Nobuo Uematsu, Edgar Allen Poe and HP Lovecraft.
What is your most inspiring quote?
“People will stare. Make it worth their while”.
What was your favorite subject in High school and why?
Most definitely English. I’ve always enjoyed writing and that was the subject that allowed me to do that the most. I was a little bit rubbish at everything else.
Name your favorite movie of all time.
That would be ‘Hellboy’.
Who do you have a secret crush on and why?
Well, it’s hardly a secret. My only crush is on Lee. Bit pointless to say why on this one. 😉
What do you fear the most?
Being abandoned by everyone i know.
How do you get inspired when writing?
I listen to music, sometimes while looking at the sky or pictures of sunsets and stuff like that. That’s what inspired my “Writing Music” posts.
Are you tired of answering questions?
Not at all!
What historical period would you have liked to live in and why?
Most likely the Victorian age. A new discovery almost every other week. Not to mention the vastly superior level of fashion! Top hats for the win!

 

So now i must nominate 11 other bloggers for the Liebster award! So here goes.

http://erobles1963.wordpress.com/ Syntatic Static

http://beckysonnet130.wordpress.com/ Creativity is Key

http://yrenaidsipsiwn.wordpress.com/ Yr Enaid Sipsiwn

http://dermsstuff.wordpress.com/ Writings From Dr. Oolie’s Pond

http://aprillwood.wordpress.com/ A Well Read Woman

http://shewstone.wordpress.com/ Shewstone

http://indigair.wordpress.com/ Indig air

http://tyrannoninja.wordpress.com/ Tyrannoninja’s Art and Writing

http://musingsofthebard.wordpress.com/ Musings of the Bard

http://drakulus.com/ Drakulus

http://tomeoftheancient.wordpress.com/ Tome of the Ancient

 

Well, there you go! Those are my nominees! Be sure to check them all out. They’re rather fabulous! Now for the questions for them to answer.

1. Fantasy or Science Fiction?

2. Have you ever been disturbed by something you’ve written?

3. What keeps you writing?

4. What do want to write about, but haven’t yet?

5. What is favorite type of fashion?

6. Describe your personality in 3 words.

7. Who was Jack the Ripper?

8. Going to dress up for Halloween? What as?

9. Do you enjoy video games?

10. If yes, which games? If no, why not?

11. What is your quote of the day?

So there you have it. Those are the questions for my lucky nominees! I suppose that’s it for this post. Congratulations to my nominees and thank you once again to Victim at A Victims Journal. Be sure to check them out! Thank you all kindly for reading!

Have a very crazy day!

Aghast! A mysterious nomination!

Greetings inmates!

Something a little different for you today. So i got a comment the other day from a fellow blogger, namely the very talented Airlia. She said she was nominating me for something called the Liebster award. Now, I’d never heard of this so i had to Google it at first. Turns out it’s not an official award but instead something akin to the old chain letter craze back from when i was young, however it is quite a bit more mature. Also nowhere near as irritating! The idea behind it is to promote each others blogs and help out the blogging community, basically. A fine goal indeed!

So basically you follow some predetermined rules. I’ll post the actual rules below. I have to answer some questions that Airlia put to me, then nominate a further 10 bloggers who have less than 200 followers. It’s a shame it’s only 10 really, there are a lot of bloggers who I’d love to promote.

So firstly, I’d like to thank Airlia warmly for her nomination. It means a lot. If you’d like to check out her blog, you can find it right here. I’d recommend it!

So next up, the rules of the Award are as follows:

1. Each nominee must link back the person who nominated them.
2. Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator.
3. Nominate 10 other bloggers for this award who have less than 200 followers.
4. Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
5. Let the nominees know that they have been nominated by going to their blog and notifying them.

Right, now for the questions. Hold tight!

What’s the story behind the name of your blog?
Well, as may be clear already my “name” is the Oldschool Harlequin. I’ve always shortened that as Harley in the past. I consider this blog a place (a world if you will) to spill my inner workings, however crazed or dark. So yes, thus WorldofHarley.
If there was one mythical or fictional creature you’d get to keep as a pet, what would it be?
I’d have to keep a little goblin as a pet. I’d call it Wallace and I would teach it to do basic housework and to greet quests. Mostly so i don’t have to. Oh, he would also wear a top hat. Just saying.
Tell us your quote of the day?
“On a scale of 1 to invade Russia in the winter, how bad is your idea?”
What’s your biggest dream?
I’m a humble man, my biggest dream is simply to have a simple, calm life. You know, just enough money, my own place, wife. I don’t think “big” so to speak. I wouldn’t complain if i did somehow get rich or famous or whatever, but it’s not really a dream of mine. I tend to avoid dreams of wealth and grandeur.
What’s your biggest fear?
Losing all of the people in the world I care about. My family, Lee, my ‘Bruddas’ and my closest friends.
Who is your favorite person in the world?
I wouldn’t feel ashamed to say that would be my girlfriend Lee. She sure as hell gets me. Corny perhaps, but it’s true.
If you get the chance to be a part of a different culture, which one it would be?
Like another nationality? I wouldn’t mind being part of Japanese culture. It’s so different to European cultures, it would be really interesting to see these differences in action. You always hear about how strange the Japanese can be, so I’d wanna see it all in person. The Japanese have awesome television and video games too! Not sure what I’d think of the food though.
If you were given the chance to travel the world, but not see or contact any family or friends during the trip. Would you go?
I would have to say yes. It’s not like you’d never see your family and friends again. I would love to see the world and what better way to experience than at your own pace? America, Caribbean, Europe, Australia, Asia, here I come!
You have a magical ability or a super power, what is it and why?
I would choose the ability to teleport anywhere I wanted. That would save me soooooo very much on travel expenses!
You are writing your life story, what’s the first line?
“As i stand here on the precipice of the end of my world, allow me to tell you my story…”

 

Right, so now I have to nominate 10 other bloggers to receive the Liebster award.
http://aprillwood.wordpress.com/ A Well Read Woman

http://afinalfantasyblog.com/ A Final Fantasy Blog

http://pressstartgetalife.wordpress.com/ Press Start: Get a life

http://pixelhearts.net/ Pixel Hearts

http://arpegi.wordpress.com/ NekoJonez’s gaming blog

http://myonlyreality.wordpress.com/ My Only Reality

http://fightingfantasyproject.wordpress.com/ Fighting Fantasy Project

http://ericthequilter.com/ Eric The Quilter

http://elisacpoetry.wordpress.com/ Elisa C Poetry

http://heyskiptheconversation.wordpress.com/ Deep Thoughts && Rhyming Words

 

Now, for my questions to you nominees. Mwahahahaha! OK, they won’t be that bad.

1. Are you afraid of clowns? Why/why not?

2. If you could learn any language you don’t currently know, what would it be and why?

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

4. Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

5. If given the opportunity, would you visit space?

6. Who/What inspires you?

7. Would you rather be rich or famous? Why?

8. Hot weather or cold weather? Why?

9. What is your favourite genre of music and why?

10. Tell us your quote of the day?

 

Well, there we have it. That’s been a lengthy post. Again, thank you for the nomination Airlia (http://seekingsomepeace.wordpress.com/ in case you guys forgot). Thank you for reading everyone and congratulations to the nominees.

Have a crazy day!