The Versatile Blogger Award

I am extremely proud to report that this past week I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by author Tess Hardwick (@tesshardwick). We met on Twitter when Tess Tweeted a link to this page and the message, “Just found a great blog for writers.” My heart nearly burst! A Random Act of Kindness from a stranger. Tess has the clear capacity to support others while she’s reaching for her own success. I wish her the best of luck on her book, Riversong, and so look forward to our Twitter friendship. Tess, wish you lived closer!

Here are the Versatile Blogger Rules:
1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
2. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
3. Pass the award on to 5 new-found blogging buddies.
4. Contact the winners to congratulate them.

Seven random facts about me:
1. I broke my little finger when I was seven and it doesn’t bend at the tip.
2. I’ve worn contact lenses for 47 years.
3. I can whistle louder and better than (almost) any man.
4. I shook my thrift shop obsession about three years ago and I’m still trying to get rid of all the junk I’ve dragged (drug?) home – like bodies – over the years.
5. One of my favorite gifts EVER is an old, dented cornette given to me by a friend for my 39th birthday.
6. I know my way around a construction site, a remodel, a Sawzall and a cordless drill.
7. Make me laugh and you are my friend. Make me laugh all the time and you’ll never be rid of me.

 Now for my 5 nominations for the Versatile Blogger Award:
1. I happened upon A.J. Aalto’s (beautiful!) blog a while back and I’m telling you, girl can write! She’s also hilarious. Per her bio, “AJ Aalto is an unrepentant liar and a writer of blathering nonsense …” I’m sure we could be friends, AJ. Tweet her at @AJAalto.

2. Debbie Smyth has another gorgeous blog, “Word Smything.” We’ve tweeted a bit in a group trying to sync up on a “Word of the Week” effort but alas, scheduling … An English Lit major, DB posts about grammar and ideas about vocabulary and being who you are … in a very practical way, and I love it! Tweet her at @DB_Smyth.

3. Terri Giuliano Long teaches creative nonfiction writing at Boston College, and shares insights on her blog about the craft of writing, including focus and story structure. Professor, how do you find the time?? Her Twitter handle is @tglong.

4. Jacqui Murray is a friend from Scribd.com I followed immediately because she took the time to post helpful articles about social media, her self-publishing experiences, and marketing her books. She provides wonderful tips for writers on her blog, as well. Thank you Jacqui for taking the time to give us all a helpful hand! She’s on Twitter @WordDreams.

5. Deryn Collier is a lovely writer I found just dinking around Twitter when I first began to Tweet in earnest earlier this year. I covet her writing style and admire her thoughts and how much effort she puts in to her posts. Follow Deryn @deryncollier.