Liebster Award: A-to-Z Edition

Yesterday, I received notification that I had been nominated for a Liebster Award by Shari Marshall over at the Writing is Communication blog (click here to swing on by for a visit). My first response was to feel flattered. I started True North Bricks just for fun, not really sure where it would go. So, it is always nice to hear that people appreciate what you do. My second response was, “Oh crap, I already I have one of those, and I don’t think I qualify for another one.” I thought I would have to sit this one out. But, in perusing the rules in Shari’s post, it doesn’t say anywhere that you can’t get two of these awards, and the rules seem to have changed since the last time I was nominated (it used to be that you needed less than 200 followers). Today also turned out to be a snow day in my hometown of Montreal (rather, a freezing rain day), so with a bit of time on my hands, I figured why not accept the honor and reciprocate?

RULES OF THE LIEBSTER AWARD 2018:
1. Acknowledge the blogger who nominated you and display the award logo.
2. Answer 11 questions that the blogger sets for you.
3. Nominate blogs that you think are deserving of the award.
4. Create 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
5. Let your nominees know about their nomination.

THE 11 QUESTIONS ASKED OF ME:

1. Do you think that a writer has to be defined by one genre?
   Not at all. I flit back and forth between whatever strikes my fancy at any given period in my life. I currently write almost exclusively for my blog, but I have also taken up a bit of poetry on the side. In the past I have gone through phases of writing fan-fiction, non-fiction, and original fiction. I say: whatever floats your boat.
2. What is your favourite writing topic?
   Right now…
   
3. Do you have a book that you recommend to other readers on a regular occasion? What and why?
   The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. This is a non-fictional account of one of the greatest scientific advances ever made, and how it came about through the exploitation of others. It is important to remember the sacrifices of those in the past, who had no voice, when we enjoy the scientific and medical advancements of this day and age.
4. Book version or movie version?
   In reference to the story above, the book was better for sure. The movie starring Oprah lacked some of the emotion and humanity of the book. In general, books are better, they just have so much more detail and story than you can fit in a two hour film.
5. If I gave you the word “vellichor” as a writing jump off point where might you jump?
   Velli-what? I can’t believe there is a specific term to describe “the strange wistfulness of used bookstores, which are somehow infused with the passage of time”. I would build a custom LEGO book store with a strange, quirky Minifigure to keep shop. Then maybe write a poem about said Minifigure’s life…
6. What would be your dream setting to write in?
   A secluded, tropical beach with a cool, salt breeze in the air. A little, modern casita nestled in the palms, but with a porch facing the sea. I wouldn’t complain if there was a hammock on the porch. Oh, and air conditioning, in case the days get really hot.
   
7. What is your favourite season?
   Summer, hands down.
8. Who is your favourite villain? Why?
   Catwoman, because she is not really a full on “villain”, but is not really “good guy” either. I like the characters who walk the line.
   
9. Who is your favourite hero? Why?
   My hero of choice varies from time to time depending on which comic books I find most entertaining at any given point in my life. I would have to say that my two most consistent choices would be Batman and Green Lantern. I have not read comic books lately partially because of time constraints, and partially because I am fed-up of reboots every few years. But, I always liked Batman because he was more-or-less a normal guy who trained himself to become a hero. Green Lantern I enjoyed because of the great story telling in Blackest Night, and the lead-up to it.
   
10. What does writing mean to you?
    I am what some might call an introvert. I often find conversation difficult (particularly in groups). I will often think of something to add, but then wonder if anyone actually cares what I think. Or, sometimes I patiently wait for a moment to throw in my two cents, but the conversation moves on before I have a chance. Writing is my outlet for my thoughts.
11. How would you respond to either of these quotes from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, “If you don’t know where you are going any road can take you there” or “No wise fish would go anywhere without a porpoise.”
    In response to the first quote, that is the story of my blog!  I had no idea where True North Bricks would go when I started, just a vague idea to blog about something I liked. I have tried things, and dropped things, and then tried some more thing. While I have some staple weekly pieces now, who knows where I will end up. Life is kind of the same way. You might set out with a goal or destination in mind, but I think most people end up somewhere completely different. Just pick a path, and see where it takes you!

MY BLOG NOMINATIONS:

The last time I got a Liebster Award, I focused on nominating sites that were similar to my own (LEGO, comic books, action figures, etc). This time, since I am in the midst of the April A-to-Z Challenge, I thought that I would nominate some of the A-to-Z blogs I have been enjoying this month (in no particular order):

1. Iain Kelly – Fiction Writing
2. Debbie Stott – Everyday Delights
3. Tamara Gerber – Part-time Working Hockey Mom
4. Lynda Dietz – Easy Reader Editing
5. Rachel Walkley – The Quiet Writer

MY QUESTIONS FOR MY NOMINEES:

Since I have done this before, I am going to go a little cheap and ask some of the same questions from my last round. It is a whole new group of nominees, after all!

1. Everyone has a LEGO story from some point in their life, what is yours?
2. Pick a face from below that best suits your mood today, and explain your choice.
   
3. If you won an all expenses trip to any LEGOLAND in the world, which would you pick and why?
4. If you could have anything turned into a LEGO set, what would it be?
5. What is your favorite activity to unwind with?
6. What is your favorite movie, and why?
7. If you were to start writing a new book today, what would it be about?
8. If all of a sudden you were given infinite resources to pursue your passion professionally, what would you do?
9. Why did you start your blog?
10. Recently, LEGO released Series 18 of their Minifigure blind bags. Which one would you want to have, and why?
    
11. Give one random fact about yourself.

Until next time,

-Tom