I am delighted to have been nominated by Ingrid of Experiments in Fiction for the Vincent Ehindero Blogger Award. My second award this year! I must start displaying them on a dedicated page because it is a reminder of the love and support of this wonderful community.

I discovered Ingrid’s blog Experiments in Fiction earlier this year and I am delighted that I did, as I feel I have come to know a little about this talented poet and generous soul. Experiments in Fiction is a fabulous blog as it is packed with interesting content. I have recently been enjoying Postcards from Slovenia, Ingrid’s home country. The photographs and descriptions have persuaded me that this is one of the first places I will visit when the world feels a safe place to travel again.

Experiments in Fiction aims to promote stories that say something new or old in a new way. Ingrid connects with other writers and generously promotes their work. For the past few weeks, her blog has been hosting a poetry challenge where poets are invited to send a poem in response to a theme. The poet with the winning entry then judges the next challenge. I have delighted in reading the entries. Ingrid herself is a talented poet and I am looking forward to reading a collection of her poems when she is published.

The Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you with a link to their blog. 
2. Make a post of the award (with a photo of the logo).
3. Post the rules.
4. Ask 5-10 questions of your choice.
5. Nominate 10-30 other bloggers (or more) and notify them.

Ingrid’s questions with my answers:

1. Who would you like to see as the next ruler of your country and why?

I am purposefully going to dodge talking politics and nominate the Cinderella from the Disney movie. When she becomes queen of her kingdom her manifesto is: with kindness, courage and a little bit of magic you can achieve anything. This should be the motto of creatives.

2. How have you survived lockdown?

Fortunately, my family and I have remained safe and well, and for that I am truly grateful. At the beginning of lockdown, when we were unable to find a publisher for my debut,I parted company with my ‘dream’ agent. Since then, I have published with an Indie press, started a blog, found social media, and joined the amazing community of creatives who support one another. I have also been learning French with daily practice, and enjoying yoga, meditation, and long walks with my husband. I have done more than survive – I have thrived. Like the wild flowers that bloom in the cracks of concrete in our back yard.

3. If you could meet any historical figure who would it be and why?

Mahatma Gandhi, because he was an incredible leader who led non-violent resistance and brought about change despite immense opposition. 

4. If you had a time machine but could only travel either backwards or forwards, which would you choose and why?

I would go forwards in time, because if I had a glimpse of our world in the future I might be able help us to prepare and mitigate disaster.

5. What is the meaning of life?

Thanks Ingrid! To find your purpose by doing what you love and following your dreams. To remember that we are all made of the same matter, we are connected to one another and all that is in this world and beyond. Cinderalla had it right – Be Kind. Be Courageous. I watched that film for the first time last night so I am a bit obsessed today.

6. What is your favourite comedy show or movie (has to be comedy).

In the early 90s there was a TV show called Smack the Pony. This series made me weep with laughter. The comedians were all women and the humour appealed to a female audience. I don’t watch a lot of television but my husband is always watching reruns of The Big Bang Theory, and that is entertaining .

Questions for my nominees:

1. What brought you to blogging and why?
2. What would you tell your younger self?
3. What is your life purpose/mission?
4. Describe yourself in three words
5. What can we look forward to on your blog?

My nominees are:

I am going to cheat and only name six bloggers. This is because some I would nominate are unable to participate at this time, and because others have already been mentioned in this train. The first two, are bloggers I have come to love not only for their interesting and varied blogs, but also for their support and generosity to other bloggers.

Azilde Elizabeth https://azildeelizabeth.com

Winnie Tataw https://winsbooks.blog

The second two are new to blogging but respected experts in their fields. I recommend that you have a look at their blogs, Anita is an author and creative writing tutor and Sherry is an expert in health and social care.

Anita Belli http://anitabellibooks2020.wordpress.com

Sherry Malik https://sherrymalik.wordpress.com

The last two are bloggers who I have recently discovered. Lauren is a freelance journalist who is passionate about social justice. Her interests reflect my own and I love reading her posts. Matthew has a background in mental health and promotes the use of story telling to improve mental health and well-being. He is an expert in this field and has many speaking engagements.

Lauren Crosby Medlicott https://laurencrosbymedlicott.substack.com

Matthew Williams https://afamiliarstranger.co.uk

I hope you will enjoy discovering these blogs. Now, could I include my swimming certificate for a width of the pool on my trophies page?