Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

I’ve been nominated for the Sisterhood of World Bloggers Award by a writing friend, Elizabeth Van Tassel. 

Elizabeth and I met at ACFW last year and hang out on a lot of the same blogs. I was pleasantly surprised to find an email in my inbox yesterday saying she had nominated me.

I love the way Elizabeth shares life with her readers by bringing spiritual insight to every day experiences. You should check out her blog at Elizabeth Van Tassel 

There are some rules with this nomination. 

The Rules

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site.

2. Put the Award logo on your blog.

3. Answer the ten questions sent to you.

4. Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer.

5. Nominate five blogs.

Thank you for nominating me, Elizabeth. I’m honored and very humbled. Here are Elisabeth’s questions, along with my thoughts.

The Questions

1. What first inspired you to write, and what keeps you writing on the tough days?

I’m one of those nerd-writers who’s been penning stories since I could hold a crayon. I’ve actually tried to quit a couple of times, but I think I’d have an easier time giving up breathing. Writing is how I process life. I keep going on the tough days because I know this is what I’m called and equipped to do. I remind myself it’s not about me, but about using the gifts God has given me.

2. Each of you is a visionary in your own right. What breathes new life into your work and helps you create innovative ways to inspire others?

I don’t know about the visionary part, but thank you! I stay inspired by continuing to read widely and deeply. I also am part of a small, close-knit group of writers who challenge me to think out of the box by their own creativity and encouragement.

3. How do you hope to grow in the next five years? What new direction do you see your work and writing taking?

I have such a long way to go. I’m continuing to hone all aspects of my writing skills. I’m hopeful that—in addition to my nonfiction writing—you’ll see several novels from me in the next few years.

4. What piece of advice was the most helpful for you early in your career? How has it been a linchpin, or key area of focus, for you and helped you stay true to yourself or your calling?

I think one of the most valuable pieces of advice was to be brave. Don’t be afraid to try new things. A lot of my favorite writing has come from trying things that were outside my comfort zone. I think that keeps me growing and keeps me focused on God’s strength instead of my own.

5. What advice should you have never listened to early on? How did you grow from the experience?

Write what you know. I think better advice is to write what we’re passionate about learning. In this digital age, there’s not much that we can’t learn by research. So there’s no excuse to only write what we’re familiar with.

6. If you could spend a day with a character from any novel or biography you’ve read, who would it be and what would you do together?

I’ve always been fascinated with Isaac Asimov’s detective series with earthman Elijah Baley and his robot partner, R. Daneel Olivaw. I’d love to hang out with both of these characters and maybe try my hand at solving a mystery or two with them.

7. Name five things in your writing “bucket” list that you hope to accomplish some day.

1. Walk into any bookstore and see my books on the shelf.
2. Co-author a book with one of my writing buddies.
3. Have a New York Times bestseller.
4. Write a science fiction series.
5. Have a movie made from one of my novels.

8. If you could write fiction, what five locations would you put in your books and why?

My locations are all science fiction related:

In the clouds, in alternative-history Victorian England, distant planets.

9. Who are the people in your life that keep you going and encourage you to press on?

Definitely my husband and my sons. They are incredibly supportive and so are my writing buddies.

10. How has writing changed your life?

It’s made me more courageous, strengthened my faith, and introduced me to some incredible people.

I’m nominating:

Mary Denman: I’m always encouraged by her transparency, and by her photography tips!

Beth Vogt: I love quotes, just like Beth. She’s also a photographer and I love the way she pares quotes with her images.

Lori Roeleveld: Her blog, Deeper with Jesus in Rhode Island is where I go for depth. She’s an incredible writer.

Vonda Skelton: This is one lady who constantly gives back to the writing and speaking community. She’s my oldest writing friend and I’m always inspired by her site.

Fay Lamb: Fay is an accomplished writer and professional editor. I learn so much from her site!

Here are my questions for my nominees

1. Why did you start writing?
2. What novel(s) has influenced you the most and why?
3. What’s been the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
4. What’s been the worst piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
5. What people in the industry have helped you the most in your writing endeavors?
6. What is the hardest part of writing for you?
7. When did you first call yourself a writer?
8. How has your writing life been different than you imaged?
9. What is your favorite place to write?
10. How do you reward yourself when you accomplish a writing goal?

I've allowed myself to be put on the spot with these questions, now it's your turn. I challenge you to pick a question or two and answer it in the comments section below.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie