My Answers to Amber’s Questions:

First of all, how’re you holding up right now?

Just fine, thanks! In fact, although I can’t get out as much, I’m really not all that bothered. I’d rather stay home, read books, write reviews and blog posts and maybe get in some time to work on my WIP. However, I am a bit stressed with moving house and all… (I was hoping that by the time I had posted this, I would have already moved, but things got delayed because of the virus).

What made you want to be a blogger?

Well, for many years I had been active on all these content and review sites. Places like Ciao, DooYoo, and Associated Content by Yahoo. These were all places where I could put up reviews of things and earn money from people reading my reviews. The problem was, all these pay-per-click sites started to increase, and their business plans were not sustainable. So eventually the bubble burst (although there are probably a few still out there). When I read the writing on the wall, I decided I still wanted a reason to write articles, and in particular book reviews, so I decided to start a blog.

Other than books, what’s your favorite thing to talk about on your blog?

I actually don’t like to stray from books on my blog. However, if it isn’t a book review itself, I like to do my little alternative author interviews, all sorts of tags and memes, and join in on discussions with my highly opinionated views on bookish things. I keep saying I’ll write about chocolate, but I’ve never done a post about it so far.

Do you collect anything?

In a way, yes. Giraffes. Not live ones, of course. Just statues and stuff; but it isn’t a huge collection. I say “in a way” because all of the giraffes I have were gifts, so it isn’t like I went out and started collecting them myself. It all comes from the fact that they’re my favorite animal.

Do you have any pets?  If so – pictures!

Nope… But I do have a grand-dog named Blonda who is in Costa Rica right now with my son Oren and his partner Shelly. Here’s Blonda and her parents:

What book are you dying to read right now?

“The Mystery of Mrs. Christie” by Marie Benedict. I’ve been trying to get the ARC for this, but to no avail. You’d think that my high ratings of her last three books would have given the publishers a good reason to give me a copy, but apparently not. I’m thinking they’re expecting this to be a blow-out best seller, and they don’t want some ex-pat American living in Israel to be among the chosen few to get an advanced copy. GRRR! Plus, it will be released on December 29 but only in HARDCOVER and I can’t afford to pre-order it right now! I guess I’ll just have to wait until it comes out in paperback or as an eBook! <sigh!>

What was your last new favorite book?

“Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell. O.M.G!!! Just read my review, okay?

What’s a cause you’re passionate about, and what would you like your readers to know about it?

I’m actually passionate about a whole lot of things. In fact, until I retired, the bulk of my working life I worked for non-profit organizations as a grant writer. I raised money for projects that helped people of all ages, regarding practically every issue you can imagine (too many to detail here). Of course, I’m also passionate about my love of chocolate, but I think people know about that already.

How do you balance blogging and life?

I’m retired. I don’t have to balance anything. I just do as I please!

Have you ever been compared to a celebrity?  If so, who and do you agree?

I once described myself as a cross between Sharon Stone and Golda Meir, but that was a joke. However, there’s a picture of me from my wedding day that someone on Facebook said makes me look like young Princess Diana. I don’t see the resemblance, but maybe you do!

What was the last TV show you started, and do you recommend it?

We watch a whole lot of TV, and we are constantly starting new ones, so I’m not sure which was the last one we started. Of the more recent ones, I can certainly recommend “All Creatures Great and Small,” and “Mrs. America,” as well as “The Queen’s Gambit,” and “Little Voice.” We’re also catching up with “New Amsterdam” and can’t get enough of the “911” and the various “NCIS” series!

I hope you enjoyed my answers to these questions!

I hope you enjoy these questions!