Renee interviews author Bruce Ballister

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author, Awards, books, Florida, Health, inspiration, writing

Author Bruce Ballister won two medals in the 2020 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Book Awards: The Gold was for a non-fiction project, Welcome to the Zipper Club, while The Bronze medal was for Room for Tomorrow. 

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about. 

I’m a Tallahassean, not by birth, but I’ve been in this city since elementary school and only left to join the Army during the Vietnam war. I also left in my 30s to seek higher wages in Texas to repay the hospital debt for my preemie daughter. I now have three daughters in or nearing their 40s, and I sometimes have to stop and count that there are six grands. Being a North Floridian affected my writing early on as I experimented with short stories that began to bubble out in my 50s. My first novel, Dreamland Diaries, is set on the coast just south of Tallahassee and is a Sci-Fi – coming-of-age thriller. My most recent novel, Room for Tomorrow, is set in California but its MC’s roots are here in North Florida and the plot takes us to the remote pine woods of the panhandle.

My first degree was in commercial art, not a lucrative profession I found. I translated into construction drafting, then moved into civil engineering design and project management for municipal infrastructure projects and private developments. My second degree in Urban and Regional Planning got me into a slot as County Planning Director and finally as a grant manager for community development projects.

With my education split between left brain and right brain activities, heavy in the arts, and then the sciences, science fiction with a strong dose of humanist character development comes naturally. I’m currently working on finishing the last of a four-part series begun with Dreamland Diaries. Meanwhile, the plot thickeners for a completely new work simmer on the back burner.

 What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?

I’ll answer this for Room for Tomorrow. My last job had me on the road a lot serving rural communities across the panhandle and I became an audiobook devotee. Several of these had a strong influence on my environmental awareness. Room for Tomorrow’s plot, includes time travelers from the future who have survived the Last Day, the day that our atmosphere boiled in nuclear death. On a mission from the new world capital in New Zealand, they are in an abandoned time capsule built before the holocaust. Their mission is to mine technological secrets from a cloud storage facility in southern California so they can recapture lost technology.

My main character is from the present, but she literally falls into their portal to their time gate and becomes an agent for change. She has seen a future in which humanity destroys itself over diminishing resources amid an environmental collapse. With the help of her partner and the time travelers, she creates a new agency for change. The agency, Room for Tomorrow,infuses future energy efficiency technologies into the present to forestall many of the shortages that led to the Last Day.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

Consistency. My attention seems to jump from project to project. For instance, the fourth installment of Dreamland Diaries went on hold for two years while I worked on Room for Tomorrow. Even now, as I work on that project, the next one threatens to take my attention. Sigh.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success? 

Well, winning a gold and a bronze in this year’s FAPA President’s Book Awards was certainly satisfying. The Gold was for a non-fiction project, Welcome to the Zipper Club. This proved that I have the chops to write and create a successful project. The Bronze was for Room for Tomorrow. I’m happy that it placed, it’s a tough crowd.

 What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

Frank Herbert, Jerry Pournelle, Isaac Azimov, and Arthur Clarke are all noted sci-fi writers. Frank Herbert, especially affected my sense that a fiction story can have at its roots an environmental back story. But equally important are Michael Connelly, John le Carré, and Patrick O’brian. Three very different writers whose craft, style, and attention to detail influence my need to tell a story fully with strong central characters. Albee’s The Monkey Wrench Gang, and Miller’s A Canticle for Liebowitz are direct inspirations for Room for Tomorrow as are several climate change non-fiction works.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals? 

No, unfortunately, I do not write every day. See next Question…

What are your interests outside of writing?

I am an unsuccessful retiree. I never quite learned the power of the word no. When asked to join the board of the Tallahassee Writers Association, I said yes. Then found myself on the track to that group’s presidency while fostering two conferences. I have just given up a five year track as the managing editor of the TWA’s Seven Hills Review. A contest similar to FAPAs, but limits entries to the first 3,000 words of larger works, short stories, plays, and includes poetry and haiku. I produced five anthologies which publishes the winners in the several categories. Finishing that involvement, I found myself, not saying no to being involved in FAPA’s book awards and now chair that committee.

Hmm… Outside of writing. I love to kayak the rivers and lakes of north Florida. I am presently in training to do the Apalachicola RiverTrek in October. That will be a five day, 103 mile paddle from the Georgia line to the Gulf. At seventy, I don’t have the stamina I once had, but have found that I still am an avid DIYer and a few hours a day in the open air keep me vital. I’m presently building from the bare dirt up, a storage shed to relieve my garage of some of its tools and equipment.

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.

Keep at it. Start now, you never know what complication life is going to throw at you. My brush with cardiac disease resulted in a gold medal work. And pay attention to the minutia in life. Putting your observations into the mind of your main character makes that person believable and real to your readers. And remember, your main character has to get into trouble. As John Lewis said, get into ‘good trouble’. Save the world, rescue a forsaken child, right wrongs. Let your writing speak, educate, make a difference, and above all, entertain.

 

 

Renee interviews author Mark Barie

Tags

author, Awards, books, history, writing

Mark Barie’s debut novel, “War Calls, Love Cries” is about a farm boy from upstate New York whose dreams are shattered when the Civil War erupts. The book won a 2019 Gold Medal in the Florida Authors and Publishers President’s Book Awards and was a Finalist in the 2019 Eric Hoffer Award for Historical Fiction.

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.

I am a native of upstate New York with a master’s degree in business and then some. I am now a full-time resident of Sebring, Florida, having retired from owning a number of consulting companies over my 30+ year career as a business person.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?

My wife, who is an expert genealogist, came into the living room one day and announced that my great great grandfather fought in the Civil War. When I found a three-year diary of a man who served in the same regiment, the idea for the book was born. It was my first attempt at historical fiction and I had a blast writing it. I have previously authored two biographies and co-authored two local history books and frankly was tired of footnotes. Historical fiction requires you to be accurate but not to document every single thing.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

The biggest challenge with authoring a book is the marketing, but I feel that I have an advantage over most authors in that I have an extensive background in business. My marketing thus far has consisted of speaking events, Facebook, and author page, and A growing email list.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?

The biggest success thus far has been the FAPA gold medal for Historical Fiction and being a finalist in the Eric Hoffer competition, a very prestigious honor. For me those awards were important because it meant that someone other than my friends and family thought the book was good. I needed that affirmation.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

You may not believe this but I very rarely read fiction. Instead I read history books. Tons of them. I’ve already decided what my third fourth and fifth novels will be about…All with the theme of love and war… My current one just finished but still being edited takes place during the American revolutionary war. My third one, being outlined, takes place during the war of 1812. And unfortunately, mankind has given me plenty of wars to write about.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?

I do not write every single day but I do something every single day to further my career as an author. I either write, or do some research or do marketing. Every single day. It is a good habit to get into.

What are your interests outside of writing?

I play the guitar, I have a couple of dozen bonsai pots on my lanai, I do some woodworking with a mini lathe. (I’m Trying to make a chess set… So far, I have murdered 7 pawns.)

I also have four adult children three grandchildren and an absolutely marvelous wife and all of them keep me very busy.

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.

I have written and published a series of columns on writing tips for first time authors.

Number one: finish the book you’re working on. The combination of marriage, kids, a job, and the normal pressures of day-to-day life impede if not stop entirely an author’s progress on his or her first book. Nothing can or will happen until you finish the book.

Second, find a publisher. If you insist on a traditional publisher versus a hybrid publisher, (where you will pay for a portion of the publisher’s professional services but receive a significantly higher royalty), it may be a long wait. Most new authors are reduced to finding an agent who may or may not be able to find a traditional publisher. Consider a hybrid publisher.

Edit your book. So many authors refuse to pay a professional editor preferring to do it themselves or calling their friend the English teacher. More often than not this is a mistake. Even the best editor will miss the occasional typo. Amateurs will miss too many mistakes and the result will be that both the publisher and the reader will be turned off.

Market your book. Speaking in public, social media, direct mail, advertising, Book Fairs, and a good Email List are the necessary evils of most authors. Many times, such endeavors are so far removed from the authors comfort zone, that little or nothing is done in this regard. But marketing is our first and most important job.

Get rid of the self-doubt. Too many authors are intimidated if not openly frightened by the apparent success of their fellow authors, the myriad of rules that new authors are instructed to follow, and the seemingly impossible task of getting their book noticed when anywhere from 600,000 to 1,000,000 new books are published each year in the United States. That fact alone has silenced the pen of too many authors. The answer to this challenge, not unlike any other challenge in life, is the same. Welcome adversity, practice patience, be persistent, work smart not hard, and along the way help other authors. And remember, each time you fail, you are that much closer to your next success.

 

 

Renee interviews author Robert Jacob

Tags

author, Awards, books, Writer

Digging deep into the true history of Piracy and those who lived this life, Robert Jacob unearthed a treasure of information that allows his readers to experience the true life and motivation of pirates in their Golden Age. His book, A Pirate’s Life in the Golden Age of Piracy won a Gold Medal in the Education category of the 2019 Florida Authors and Publisher’s President’s Book Awards (and a Silver Medal in the Coffee Table Book category.)

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and got involved with living history in 1971. I did Revolutionary war re-enacting all through the bicentennial. I received a BS in education from Duquesne University and a MA from VCU in Richmond. I served in the United States Marine Corps for 31 years (1982-2013)
While serving in the Corps, I continued with my living history hobby, doing Rev-War, western gunfighter and mountain man rendezvous along with my wife, Anne, who always participates in these events. In 2006, I became interested in pirate re-enacting.
I retired from the Corps in 2013 and moved to Florida.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?

When I became interested in pirate living history, I wanted to learn about the time period, so I read every book I could find. I quickly realized that most of them were highly inaccurate and none of them told the complete story. Most were re-hashes of one book written in 1724, which was not historically correct and was filled with embellishments and incorrect “facts”. After several years of searching for a good and complete book on the subject, I decided to write the book I was searching for.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

Finding a publisher.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?

I have many of them, each time someone tells me that they really enjoyed reading my book.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

I exclusively read history books. Most of them are difficult to read. Not only are they exceptionally wordy, but the jump around in the historical timeline when telling their story. Their influence on me was to develop a style that is NOT theirs. My narrative is easy to read and is chronological as much as possible. There is one author whose style did influence me, James Burke. He also did a TV series in the 1980’s titled “The Day the Universe Changed.”

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?

My writing seems to go in spurts. I may write constantly for a week, then not touch it for a month.

What are your interests outside of writing?

I still do living history and give lectures on pirate history. I also enjoy fishing.

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.

Getting the right publishing team is everything. No matter how good your writing is, getting it formatted and getting the right cover design is very important. I found my publisher by joining local groups of writers and asking them to introduce me to their publishers.

Renee interviews author Diane Sawyer

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author, Awards, books, creativity, inspiration, Writer

Award-winning author Diane Sawyer is a mystery writer extraordinaire! Published by Thomas and Mercer – the mystery division of Amazon – her novels include The Montauk Mystery, The Montauk Steps, The Tomoka Mystery, The Cinderella Murders, The Treasures of Montauk Cove. Her latest novel, “Trouble in Tikal,” is about to be released by Southern Yellow Pine Publishing. Who says crime doesn’t pay?

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.
I grew up in Greenport, a tiny resort town located on the eastern tip of Long Island, 100 miles from New York City. I graduated from Greenport High (K-12, salutatorian of the class; SUNY at Albany, cum laude, (New York State Regents Scholarship) Latin major, French minor. Seton Hall University (M.A.) in French. Summer Program in French pronunciation at the Sorbonne, France. PhD in Medieval Studies, areas of specialization: French, Latin, and History, Fordham University, New York City.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?
I saw a classical musical production featuring the Florida Orchestra two years ago. The solo instrument was the “erhu,” often referred to as a Chinese fiddle. I had never seen nor heard nor heard of an erhu, but the program stated that many people when hearing the erhu for the first time, thought it sounded like a woman…a woman crying. By the time I left the theater, I had an idea for a story, about a musician kidnapped after a local concert. Tons of research and a desire to write a story with two heroines kept me busy creating and writing for many months.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?
My biggest challenge was finding motivation for each and every character to complete his or her role in the story. In my opinion, it was worth the effort. I wanted believable characters and an emotional reaction from the readers. And on top of that, smart and capable heroines who could tell their story and win over every reader. I apparently received that and more because the FAPA (Florida Authors and Publishers Association) awarded “The Tell-Tale Treasure” first prize in all three categories: adult mystery, thriller, and suspense.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?
My biggest aha moment or success was when I received that FAPA award. I was immediately inspired to do as well on my next novel.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
I read across the board, often following the advice of friends. Most of my favorite books have a strong heroine. I once won a writing award (as an adult) for an essay/short story about Anne of Green Gables.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?
Yes, I write every day. I wouldn’t say I have rituals, but I often find when walking that I think of my characters and what will they do next to get out of the jam I left them in. When I get home and to the computer, I try to advance the story to keep the momentum going. Basically, I answer the age-old question, “What happens next?” However, anything, no matter how unrelated to my story it seems to give me an idea and I try to work it in. An example: While I was writing The Tell-Tale Treasure, a competitive Chinese boat race was held here in St. Petersburg, not far from where I live. That gave me an entire scene, one of my favorites, set near USF and the former Dali Museum.

What are your interests outside of writing?
I enjoy fitness, friends, family, movies, being outdoors, travel (especially alone but with a tour group to find out everything I can about a country.)

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.
If I could recommend one major thing that would help your writing, is to (helpfully) critique another author’s work. When I started writing in Florida, I took a writing class and three of us – Grace, Peggy, and I – critiqued every word the other two wrote. All three of us improved drastically and began to win writing awards. I have a critiquing partner now too. We are both happy with the results.

 
Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an author interview, email her: rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com

Renee interviews author Katrina Kusa

Tags

Awards, books, children, inspiration, lifestyle, Writer

I met 13-year-old Katrina with her proud parents, Joe and Luba Kusa, at a Florida Authors and Publishers Association awards luncheon. She’s been propelled by a sense of purpose since she turned her playroom into a library at 8 years old! Katrina makes many of us wonder why we didn’t begin our writing careers decades earlier…

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up. Where you live now. Education. Work Experience. Share some things about yourself. Something to know about.

I was born in Boston, Massachusetts. After kindergarten, my family moved to Naples, Florida, where I attended Royal Palm Academy. My family and I have three furry friends, Max, Penni, and Jacque Bleu (two Boston Terriers and a French Bulldog). They are a very big part of our family and we try to take them everywhere, especially when we are traveling up and down the east coast during my school breaks and holidays.

What inspired you to write this book. What is the story behind this story?

As long as I could remember, I loved to create magical stories, playing with dolls and Littlest Pet Shop toys. And when I learned to read at an early age, I became obsessed with books.

When I turned eight years old, I watched a movie called “Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events” which inspired me to write my first short tale, Strange Happenings. Since that day, I have become closer to writing my own original stories. At 10 years old I wrote my first published story, The Kingdom of the Lizards, which won two bronze medals in the FAPA President’s Books Award Program, a national competition.

Living in Florida, there are lizards everywhere and I sometimes saw beautiful black-colored lizards. Also, I observed and recognized that a bit of bullying that was going on at school. I gathered my thoughts together and wrote a story that was half reality and fantasy which later became a magical piece of literature for all ages to read.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle.

As a 13-year-old, I have a lot of challenges! First and foremost is studying all my academics to achieve good grades while balancing my household duties. But as an author, time is my biggest challenge. I want to write more stories to show more meaning to the world that everyone can follow
I am now looking for a publisher for my next two books, “There Once was a Cat” and “The Girl in the White Dress.” I am so excited to get these books published as quickly as possible. I have a wonderful artist, Pavel Kulsha, who illustrated “The Kingdom of the Lizards” and he has also done the illustrations for my new books.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment and success.

When I Entered the 2017 FAPA President’s Book Award Contest, I had no idea of the honor that would come with winning. I received two Bronze Medals for “The Kingdom of the Lizards” in the category of juvenile fiction, both for the State of Florida and the overall National Award.
Then in October 2017 I submitted a short story to be considered for this year’s “Young Writers” creative writing contest, Spine-Chillers – Spooky Sagas. The Contest was organized through school for children ages 11-18. I never told my parents I was entering the contest until I found out that I was a finalist. I wrote a short story (just 100 words) that incorporates atmosphere, tension and suspense. There were over 4,500 entries and from these the publisher produced a collection of special anthologies. I was so excited to hear that I was a finalist. The name of my story is “The World Beyond US.” The anthology was released on Feb. 28, and will be submitted to the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. as well as the British Library in London, U.K. The two libraries are the largest and second largest libraries in the world in terms of catalogued volumes.

What author do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence in you and your writing.

As a book lover, I love to read books from all different genres and authors. Here are some of my favorite authors: Mark Twain, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Hans Christian Andersen. Along with having beautiful works of literature from these amazing authors, there are a few stories that are astounding to me, too. The examples are: Sherlock Holmes, Tom Sawyer, and especially the magic of The Little Mermaid and The Snow Queen. With these amazing stories, I can get put my writing to the next level that will help me in the future.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals.

For the lack of time because I am a student (and someone who does a lot of activities,) I don’t write every single day. But I do write thoughts that I get from my deepest temples into a notebook for future ideas of books and characters. If I have a few hours for myself, I go to my room, shut the door, and travel into the magical world of literature.

What are you interested outside of writing?

I love to spend time with my family and my three dogs, especially during traveling. I love to invite my friends over to my house and do funny and weird things with them. Besides writing, I love to compose my own music and songs and play the piano. I also like fencing and western-style horseback riding.

Share some tips for other authors or aspiring authors. Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.

Every author has a different style and he or she writes in their own way. I wouldn’t try to copy any famous author or try to follow his style to write. All I can say is I would just go with my gut and believe in myself.
I would like to share my thoughts that all authors can benefit from. If you just have your momentum, don’t stop writing. Don’t worry about mistakes or wording, you can always edit it later. After a long writing spurt, take a little break to clear your thoughts and read your story out loud. Hearing your story out loud makes mistakes glaringly obvious. My favorite advice is to believe in what you’re writing. Live in your story, love your characters, no matter if they are good or bad. I wish the best for your writings ahead!

 

To suggest an author interview, email rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com

 

Festival of Reading

Tags

author, Awards, books, inspiration, Life, writing

I read the email and blinked.

“Congratulations!!! Colette Bancroft, the book editor of the Tampa Bay Times, and the Author Selection Committee have recommended your award-winning release, The Anchor Clankers for presentation at the 25^th annual Tampa Bay Times Festival of Reading.  

The Tampa Bay area celebrates outstanding authors and the love of reading at the Tampa Bay Times Festival of Reading. Held on the Bayfront campus of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, the festival attracts more than 6,000 book lovers and brings together people of all ages and socioeconomic groups to celebrate the joy of reading.” 

Jumping up from the computer, I did a little happy dance. Then, I cried.

I cried for the six years I spent writing the book. I cried for my parents, who didn’t live long enough to read it. I cried, mostly, out of sheer gratitude that a selection committee chose to honor my work.

Last November, I slid into a chair and watched other authors’ presentations at the 2016 Festival of Reading. One year later, I was invited to give my own.

That’s why I now encourage anyone who has a book lurking inside them, to write it down. Write a lousy first draft and then, a better second draft. You’ll probably publish your third draft.

And next year (when you’re standing at a podium discussing your work,) I’ll come and listen to YOU!

The Sunshine Award

Tags

Architecture, Awards, clothing, Conversation, Dreams, dress code, environment, Family, fashion, Humor, Memories, mood, Writer

I want to thank the wildly creative Kate at MasonBentleyStyle for nominating me for this lovely award. The international fashion press will soon be writing about her vintage-inspired designs!

My 10 questions from Kate:
1. Who is your style icon?The elegant, glamorous and ageless Carolina Herrera, who was elected to the Best Dressed Hall of Fame in 1980 and remains there to this day. Her signature crisp, white shirt – with cuffs turned back and collar turned up – is impeccable. (Hell, I’ve watched the woman chew gum elegantly!)

2. What are you wearing right now?
A “Simply Vera” Vera Wang dress for Kohl’s. Ever since Target Corp. successfully broke the mold and asked Isaac Mizrahi to design a capsule collection for their stores (a one-time product partnership between a high-end designer and a retail chain,) others have followed: Who could imagine Versace for H&M or Georgina Chapman of Marchesa designing prom gowns for JC Penney? It’s a treat for those of us who can’t afford couture.

3. Where was your best holiday?We spent 10 lovely days in Villefranche sur Mer while our son attended the University of Monaco. The lavender and rosemary-scented air was so fragrant…I’ve never been able to replicate it at home. Life moves at a more leisurely pace there (which gave me more time to enjoy the delicious café crème!)

4. And your worst?
We were staying on Useppa Island, off the west coast of Florida and my husband had to return to Tampa for business meetings. He left by boat and literally abandoned me with our 5-year-old daughter and infant son on an island without electrical power or generators. I was sitting in the dark (actually candlelight) when my sweet friend called and asked, “Renee, have you ever seen “The Shining?”

5. Did you learn much at school?
Certainly the basic tenets of journalism, but I also learned success is not something you HAVE. Success is something you DO. It’s something you experience when you wake up and act accordingly.

6. Could you predict your life?
Heavens, no, but I suppose that’s a blessing. I graduated from college with a journalism degree and established a career as a writer – that prediction came true. I supposed I intended to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, but if I’d pursued that I might not have had time or energy to raise my amazing son and daughter. What is that saying…”Life is what happens while you’re making other plans?”

7. What was the first album you bought?
Sooooo long ago, but I’m guessing it might be James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James” or Carole King’s “Tapestry.”

8. Could you live in another country?
I’d move to the south of France or Tuscany in a heartbeat!

9. If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
I would be called “Spring” or “Summer.” I love the colors and growth associated with those two seasons. Every time I hear the Olympic swimmer Summer Sander’s name, I smile.

10. If you could have any person be your mentor, who would it be?
After her husband’s suicide, Katharine Graham led her family’s newspaper, The Washington Post, for two decades. She was unsure of herself but totally sure of her principles: The Pentagon Papers and Watergate are milestones in journalistic history. Kay Graham understood two rules of business: Surround yourself with talented people , then nourish them with responsibilities and gratitude. Her memoir, “Personal History,” won the Pulitzer Prize in 1998.

And now, my 10 Questions:
1. What was the best advice you ever received?
2. What inspires you?
3. What is most important in life, to you?
4. Who is your style icon?
5. Can you describe your perfect day?
6. Where was your best holiday?
7. Have you ever had an Oprah Winfrey “Aha moment?”
8. Do you have any regrets?
9. Does religion/spirituality play a significant role in your life?
10. What would your epitaph be?

I’ve nominated these blogs for the Sunshine Award:
1. YumandYummer – You’ll love Kerry’s cooking and travel adventures!
2. Rose of Bohemia’s World – This Manhattanite is a fabulous tourguide of what to see and where to eat!
3. Digging Archaeology – Someday I’d love to assist on a dig with her!
4. Sadie and Dasie – A photography blog featuring two darling dogs.
5. Crooked Halo Catholic blogspot.com – Nanette muses about spiritual issues.

The Rules:
Include the award logo in a post on your blog.
Link to the person who nominated you.
Answer 10 questions about yourself.
Nominate 10 bloggers in the post and comment on their blogs to let them know they have been nominated.