The Versatile Blogger Award

I am grateful to have been recognized as a versatile blogger, and given this award by Harleena Singh. Harleena is an excellent  writer who concisely informs her readers of carefully researched subjects, and generously shares her expertise developed over ten years of freelance writing experience, here: FreelanceWriter.com  Thank you, Harleena.

I met Harleena through Twitter, and after reading several of her articles, was impressed with the effort and professionalism she put forth.  I have become a fan, and invite others to do so, as well.

The difficult part of this award, for me, was to choose to whom I will pass it on.  I read very many blogs, and certainly have developed favorites among them. In no particular order, here are the fifteen I am passing it on to.

Jan aka Biertjuh58  from The Hague in the Netherlands, has a cool blog that always makes me wonder about things I might have never given a thought about before I read his blog.  He is intelligent and, often, amazingly candid.

Debbie Maxwell Allen writes a blog "Writing While The Rice Boils"  that is not to be missed.  It came highly recommended to me by another author.  Debbie shares news, links, information, and resources for writers--all in a "voice" that makes you feel as though a friend is giving you advice.

The Septugenarian Journey is the place where Jay Squires shares his tips (I think he might be letting secrets slip) on how to critique writing. I have learned so much by reading Jay's blog about how to critique the work of others. And in the process, have gained preciuous insight into my own writing.  He infuses his own brand of humor into his posts that leaves me smiling, feeling as though he is a friend.

Fantasy Island Book Publishing  is the company that accepted one of my books for publishing...and of course, I think they are wonderful, and read JD's blog to keep tabs on the goings-on there.  JD not only owns FIBP, but is the author of several published books. His books on Amazon are here

Deborah Riggs Previte is the Bookish Dame at the Bookish Libraria  She reviews books for the "sheer joy of reading and sharing" but I have come to count on her for very in-depth analysis, full of insight, and references to other works.

The Best in Fantasy Blog written by Connie J Jasperson, is a round-up of book reviews for books that Connie loves. Some gems of wisdom float around her reviews.   Connie   not only reviews books on her blog, but is the author of "The Last Good Knight", and "The Rose Tower"

Fresh Pot of Tea  written by Alison DeLuca, is full of insight into the world of a full-time writer/editor and stay at home mom.  Author of The Night Watchman Express, she works as an editor for Fantasy Island Book Publishing.  Her blog invites you to sit down, relax, drink a little tea, and read.

Philosophies of a Young Heart is written by Danielle Raver, author of Brother Betrayed.  She also works as an editor at Fantasy Island Book Publishing.  Her blog offers insight, tips and advice on writing, as well as musings on life.

Daniela writes Idiots and Earthquakes where she includes snippets of her world, the things that baffle her, and book reviews where she candy-coats nothing. A writer/novelist in the making, she offers views that have opened my eyes and my mind a time or two.

Debbie aka "the doglady" blogs at The Dog Lady's Den  where she shares her passion for all things dogs and music. She also shares musical insight at Debbie's Musical Muse on facebook.

Janette Dolores writes a blog about family and spirituality. It is a wonderful respite from traipsing through the online world, taking care of business.  Great gardening stories, and a quaint reminder of life as a mother of small children (far far in my real world rear-view mirror).  AND, she "introduced" me to Debbie Maxwell Allen's blog.

Dani Love shows off her great talent in art and photography on her blog, and for good measure, includes snippets on the things that make up a life...

Second Sight is a blog written by Diana, a  person I've come to admire for her perspective on daily life, and her forthright way of conveying her philosophy.

The Five Corners written by Marjaan is a blend of writing inspiration, sharing philosophy, and words set down by baring her soul as she writes.  A kind person...like so many of us who wonder about humanity...where it is going...

Seeing Stars is written by my Zigzee...she does not write often, but her writing is heartfelt and wonderful when she does.  So, she makes my list of who gets mentioned in this award. :-)

Shaperate  is written by AnnMaRou and is just this collection of random writing genius. Odd little snippets that display amazing talent.  The posts really don't seem to have continuity, but is just plain cool to read.

Ralph  blogs from the Philippines, and he is truly a versatile blogger.  I have learned a lot about their culture from his posts, and enjoy reading about his family.  He shares his love of Yahweh without being preachy.  A wonderful glimpse of the other side of the world from where I am...

Rena Nightingale deserves this award as well.  And I have to thank her for awarding me with this several months back when I did not have the time available to respond.  I love the fact that Rene refers to herself as a "storyteller", rather than a writer.  Awesome gift--a teller of stories.  It seems to elevate it to a different level, a more personal one. She has been of her blog for a bit, but I just heard from her, and she is back on her game and ready to "tell stories".

As my list shows, there is a wondrous variety in my selections.  And the choices were very personal, not based on any hard and fast criteria.  I like the blogs I have included, and for many, have developed an online fondness for the people who write them.

Now, I am going to break the rules.  For anyone so inclined to follow, there are three:   

• Thank the person who awarded it to you, by linking back to them in your post.
• Share 7 things about yourself in your blog post.
• Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs (contact the owners to let them know too!)

I am going to skip 7 things about me. I have a profile with a lot about me ;-)  And I had to pass it to 18.  This took quite a bit of time...so if anyone does not pass this along, I won't hold it against you :-)  Just accept it in the spirit in which it was given.

And if you care to check out the 18 on my list, great! And if you follow any of them, even better :-)