21 Answers to the Question: What is Your Book About?

I'm stalling so that my next post (my 300th post) will be on the same day I post about blog tour sign-ups for "Sleeping Handsome". :) And since I haven't done a 21 Answers post in awhile, I thought I'd give you one. 
As an author, I can't tell you how many times I've gotten this question after someone finds out I wrote a book. And I NEVER know how to respond. No matter how many times I practice in a mirror at home, I always fail to come up with something intelligent. Below are a few of the responses I often end up giving, a couple that I've thought about giving, and more that I threw in there as possible choices and to get the number of answers up to 21. ;)
Enjoy!

#1: "Oh, you know...stuff."

#2: "There's this person, who does this thing. And it's cool."

#3: "Instead of me explaining it to you, you should probably just read it yourself." (Insert link to website where they can access you book. Marketing, guys, MARKETING.)

#4: *long explanation that makes no sense because you keep trying to cover up spoilers and tend to ramble*

#5: "I'm not ready for the world to know yet...or ever."

#6: "Man, even I don't know what my book is about!"

#7: "You'd better sit down."

#8: *blank expression*

#9: Drag over a friend that's read your book and say, "Here, ask them about it."

#10: Shudder and whisper hoarsely, "You don't want to know."

#11: Pick a word at random, have it be something different every time...just for fun. (Ex: "cauliflower", "lawn mowers", "cheese", "snowflakes", etc.) Don't forget to say the word with confidence so that the asker believes you. ;)

#12: "Beats me!" *shrug*

#13: "Somethin'."

#14: *groan* "Where do I even start?"

#15: The cheater's answer: read the synopsis off the back of your book. (If you have one, that is...if you don't, try reading the synopsis off someone else's book and test the asker's reading knowledge.)

#16: "Dost thou know what thou asketh, fiend?"

#17: *blushes* *stutters* *changes subject*

#18: "Tea anyone?"

#19: FAINT. Everyone will freak out, and hopefully forget about the question in the meantime. If it comes up again, faint again. Eventually the asker will stop asking that question. Trust me on that one.

#20: "Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies."

#21: If all else fails, you COULD come up with an actual, good response. Like, maybe work up a clever five sentence sell-out paragraph that makes whoever asks you about your book want to buy it...but who has time for that?


Which was/were your favorite response/s? Which response/s have you used before, if any? If you're a fellow author, which responses do you find yourself using a lot? (HELP ME)

Hope y'all enjoyed this post! I'll be back next time with a celebration post and blog tour sign-ups! :D

21 Answers to the Question: What is Your Dream Job?

I haven't done one of these in a loooong time. Sorry about that. For those of you who have been waiting anxiously for the next 21 Answers post...here you go! :)

I present to you now, without further ado... *drum roll*

~21 Answers to the Question: What is Your Dream Job?~

1: Retirement.

2: Putting an end to vague, open-ended questions.

3: Sitting on my porch in a rocking chair, watching the grass grow.

4: The Princess Bride at 1:18:37-42 (Look for this moment next time you watch The Princess Bride, guys. B-)

5: Getting paid for what other people are doing.

6: I'm living the dream right now! I already got my dream job.

7: Being a super villain. (You could accompany this with an evil chuckle if you want to...it'd make the reaction more interesting.)

8: Being the sidekick in a comedy show.

9: Taste-testing new candy bars. (Or anything delicious, really.)

10: Is there a way I could get paid to read books?

11: Coming up with 21 Answers to life's biggest questions...like this one.

12: Becoming a famous author. (I might as well throw this one in...I mean, come on!)

13: Something that will have a positive impact on the world.

14: As a friend, I just thought I'd let you know that there's a piece of something green between your two front teeth.

15: Learning to fly. Literally a job you dream about.

16: Being a perfect parent one day...also a literally a dream job.

17: Saving the world.

18: Inventing solar powered air conditioning. (Shout out to my younger sister, Tabitha who actually dreamed that she had done this.)

19: I hate this question.

20: I'm tired of answering this question.

21: I'M DONE ANSWERING THIS QUESTION. No more, people. NO MORE!!!


Which answer was your favorite? Any answers that you've given to people that you didn't see up there? If so, share them in a comment!! :)

Tune in next time for 21 Answers to the Question: What's Your Book About?

Until next time, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!

21 Answers to the Question: Are ALL Those Kids Yours?

It's that time of month again...another 21 Answers post that you all love so much. ;) This time, dealing with one of my favorite questions we big families get asked: "Are ALL those kids yours?" Oh man, I have WAAAAAY too much fun coming up with answers to this one. Not to boast, but I think my siblings and I have come up with some of the most clever comebacks for this particular question. *puts on sunglasses and a fedora* B-) 
Let me know in the comments which answers YOUR family use when asked this question (or something similar). Until then, sit back and enjoy some Eddy snarkiness. ;) 

1: "No, they actually belong to my parents..."

2: "This is only some of us. There's more at home."

3: "Yes. And yes, we know we're incredible. Thanks."

4: *Pick out a sibling at random* "Well, HE/SHE'S a robot. But other than that..." 

5: "No, we just randomly pick up stray children while shopping for groceries." 

6: *in a whisper* "Are they?" *walk away mysteriously*

7: "I gave them free candy. Now they won't leave me alone."

8: *look behind you in surprise and gasp* "Oh my goodness! I'm being followed!"

9: *glance around in bewilderment* "What kids? I don't see any kids."

10: "I would HOPE so!"

11: "So I've been told..."

12: "Pretty sure."

13: "It depends...why are you asking me?"

14: "It has come to this."

15: "You tell me!" 

16: "Be that as it may, still may it be as it may be." 

17: "What sort of a question is THAT?"

18: "With God, all things are possible."

19: "Are you sure you want to know the answer to that question?"

20: "How strong is your heart?"

21: "Becoming a poacher is never a good idea. Sorry, did I hear the question wrong?"

Which answer was your favorite?

Coming up next month:
21 Answers to the Question: What is Your Dream Job?

21 Answers to the Question: What Item Would You Bring If You Were Abandoned on a Small, Deserted Island?

This seems to be a ridiculously popular question (I've heard at least 100 different variations of it). Like, who cares anyways, really? But, just because I could, I decided to come up with 21 answers...why? No reason really except that I've finished my blog tour and needed a breather blog post to keep you entertained until I post the end-of-the-month-recap. (Which, btw, will include both February AND March overview...yes, I realized I missed last month. Forgive me. I was a LITTLE preoccupied.) And, because true to my personality, I'm being completely random. You're welcome. 
Feel free to leave YOUR favorite answer in the comments. ;) I always love reading what y'all come up with. But here are my answers in no particular order:

1: A ship, airplane, or helicopter. SO I CAN GET OFF THE ISLAND. Also, the ability to know how to work all of those things would be really cool. (What's the use of an airplane if I don't know how to fly it? But I digress. Small details.) 

2: FOOD. Must. Have. Food. None of this coconut and banana nonsense. Like, REAL food. 

3: Water. Unless the island already HAS a source of water...then I wouldn't mind having some apple juice handy. Or lemonade. Nothing is quite so refreshing as a cool glass of lemonade on a hot day in the tropics. Can I hear an amen?


Assuming there is food and water already on the island...

4: Sunscreen/tanning lotion. *shrugs* If I'm gonna be forced to be on a beach, might as work on my tan. (Or, if you're one of us lucky red-heads who can't tan to save our lives, I'd skip this answer.)

5: My Bible. Because obviously God wanted me to spend more time with Him if He caused me to be dumped on this island. 

6: Internet. Is that possible...? Like, to get internet on an island? If I end up there then it'd become my personal (literally) hot spot, right? But I'd also need a phone or computer I guess to really make that work...which puts me over my limit of one thing. So...

7: A way to contact people. (What an extroverted answer, am I right? :P) But seriously, it would be nice to let people know where I am so they could come and save me. Particularly if I happen to be acquainted with any knights in shining armor...

8: A friend. I NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO OR I WILL START TALKING TO MYSELF AND COCONUTS. 

9: A really, really large book that I've wanted to read for a long time and keep procrastinating over...like Les Misrables, War and Peace, or The Count of Monte Cristo. 

10: A wild horse. Because every kid stuck with a wild horse on an island always manage to have a special bond with them and train them to do the coolest things.  

11: Starbucks. I need my coffee, ok? Don't laugh at me. (Also, the Starbucks drinks would have to be free because...no money.)

12: A million dollars. For absolutely no reason. I just felt like that should be an answer in here somewhere.

13: A puppy. Because when is NOT a good time to have a puppy nearby? Never. That's right. 

14: My writing computer. With that to keep me busy, I could get SO MUCH done. Can you imagine how many books I'd be able to complete? No, me neither. But it would be a lot. 

15: A pigeon. So I could send messages back and forth to people. Which is like the ONLY reason to own a pigeon. 

16: A parrot. In order to teach it how to say "Polly wants a cracker." No other reason. Just that.

17: A camera. I could get really good at photography. Like REALLY good. It's a hobby I've always wanted to try my hand at, what can I say?

18: A journal. So I can record everything I do every day like a good castaway always does. (Also to take notes about life as a castaway so I can use it for a future character in a future book...an author can't be too careful, right? Never know when that experience will come in handy.)

19: A weapon. 'Cause a gal has gotta protect herself somehow, right? 

20: Music. So I can listen to it. 'Nuff said.

21: A cave. Because what's a deserted island without a cave? (Also, I was running out of answers...and this popped into my brain so I used it. I legit had no reason for adding it except that I thought of it. Welcome to my life.)


Goodness, that was harder than I thought it would be. Who knew 21 answers would be so difficult to come up with? Sheesh. 
But I did it. *takes a chocolate break* 

Now, out of the questions below, which one do YOU GUYS want 21 answers for next? Vote below in the comments (I'll number them so it's easier for you to do so) and I'll start working on the post ASAP!  

Big Family Questions:
1: Are ALL those kids yours?
2: Why does your family have so many children?
3: How do you DO it?

Education Questions:
1: What college do you go to?
2: What are you studying/majoring in college?
3: What's your dream job?
4: Favorite school subject?

Writing Questions:
1: What are you writing about?
2: What's your book about?
3: Are you hoping to become famous?

Other:
1: What do you do with your time?
2: What's your political stand?
3: Anybody want a peanut?
4: How would you describe yourself in one word?

Vote below! Otherwise, hope you all have a fabulous day. My flame-throwing unicorn sends his love. :)

21 Answers to the Question: What Is Your Favorite Book?

Hopefully I'm not the only one who finds this question hard to answer...I mean, yeah I'm the type of person who finds it difficult to narrow down anything I like to ONE favorite, but with books this is especially true. I'm not talking about the OBVIOUS answer to this question (see answer 1)...I'm talking about if some clever friend of yours *cough* *pointed stare toward certain pen pals of mine* doesn't forget to add onto this tough question "other than the Bible". So, because I needed these answers (probably more than any of you do) I decided that this would be my next 21 Answers post. Enjoy! :) 

1: "The Bible. Duh."

2: "That was plural, right? RIGHT?"

3: "And thus...I die."

4: "How do I politely say that this is an impossible question for me to answer?"

5: "It's possible to only have ONE favorite book?"

6: "I do not have the superpowers needed for this decision."

7: "You DID NOT just ask me that."

8: Invent a favorite book on the spot that doesn't exist and ramble on and on about it, adding details as you see fit.

9: "To quote Hamlet, Act III, Scene III, line 87: 'No.' "

10: "Would you mind repeating that question? I think I went momentarily deaf right when you said that last part."

11: "I am not in the mood."

12: "WHAAAAAAT???"

13: *curl into fetal position and begin sobbing*

14: "Fiction or non-fiction? Something I've written or something written by somebody else? Thick or thin? Deep or shallow? CLARIFY PLEASE."

15: "OH MY WORD I THINK THERE'S SOMETHING BEHIND YOU!!!"

16: "I don't know, you tell ME."

17: "Mighty fine weather we're having."

18: "How are those *insert popular sport team* doing?"

19: "Pat the Bunny. Goodnight Moon. Green Eggs and Ham."

20: "Be original. I mean, seriously? That's the best question you could come up with?"

21: "I don't have A favorite. I have several. And I'd tell you about them...but you'd end up being here for a LONG time. So how about we go get a sandwich instead? I'm starving."

So...which was your favorite answer? Have any trademark answers YOU give to this question? (If so, please give them to me...BECAUSE I NEED THEM.)

21 Answers to the Question: What are You Planning on Doing In Your Future?

THIS QUESTION. I have lost count of the hundreds of times I've been asked this...all within the last couple years of my life. Since most of you all are high school age, you might actually find some of this post helpful as well as entertaining. For that reason, I tried to sprinkle a few honest answers among the what-we-WISH-we-could-say answers. ;) Hope you enjoy!

1: "Nothing. Obviously."

2: "LEAVING IT ALONE."

3: "Lots of big, important things." (If they ask you to be more specific, see answer 6, 8, and 13.)

4: "I'm really hoping God comes back before I have to worry about that."

5: "Define planning."

6: "Doing college, getting married, having kids, and then dying at a ripe old age."

7: "Wouldn't you like know..."

8: "Cool stuff. Like sleeping."

9: "I don't really want to talk about it right now."

10: "Probably something...at some point."

11: *internal screaming* Or external screaming for that matter. Your choice.

12: "Still thinking about that one." 

13: "Becoming a rich and famous _____________."

14: "I have NO IDEA." 

15: "How old are you and how much do you weigh? You don't have to answer my questions if I don't have to answer yours."

16: "WHY DOES EVERYBODY ASK ME THIS QUESTION?" 

17: "Reading, writing, and 'rithmatic."

18: "Uh...."

19: "COOKIES!" (If you can say it in Cookie Monster's voice, all the better)

20: "I want to become a better person."

21: "Whatever God leads me to do." 

 

Out of curiosity (and since I'll eventually run out of questions to answer if I'm going to keep this up every month) what are some FAQs you've been asked during your life that you want me to answer? Let me know in your comment and you might see them answered 21 times in a future post. ;) 

21 Answers to the Question: Why Aren't You Dating Someone?

Ever get this question? Please tell me I'm not alone. Maybe it's a question more like: "So....are you getting to know someone special?" or "Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend yet?" or "Why aren't you allowed to have a relationship yet? Your parents are so strict." or "YOU'VE NEVER BEEN ON A DATE???!?!!" or other variations of the same basic question: Why aren't you dating someone? Or in other words: WHO ARE YOU FREAK???!?!!!

Well. I got sick and tired of everyone wondering about this. So one night while trying to go to sleep (my other writing friends know how THIS works) I cooked up 21 responses to this FAQ of homeschooled teenagers. 

1: Hey, I'm not the one who's supposed to propose. Give me a break!

2: What's dating? And why would I do that to someone? 

3: That's between my Dad and God for now.

4: I think my boyfriend is lost. And they probably won't get UNlost for another three years or so.

5: Why do you keep using that word? I don't think it means what you think it means.

6: I actually have no idea. Little help?

7: Oh look! It's sunny outside! Wow!

8: Do you want some of this pizza? It's very good. Homemade. Bring some to your family.

9: *spontaniously break into song and dance off into a handy sunset*

10: Oh...about that...uh, could I get back to you on that one?

11: I have six boyfriends: my dad and my five brothers. I wouldn't recommend messing with me.

12: I'm kind of busy right now, so unless God decides to drop someone in my lap...never mind, that would be awkward.

13: Well, it didn't seem to work out very well for YOU, so...

14: Is it just me, or did you hear a fire alarm go off just now?

15: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

16: Really? No. Just no. Goodbye. Our friendship is over.

17: Maybe I don't want to date right now? Or ever?

18: This is not the 1800s. Single sixteen-year-olds are no longer considered "old maids".

19: Why do YOU want to know?

20: Do I look like I NEED a relationship? 

21: Correction: it's called COURTING.

This is sort of a sequel to my "21 Answers to the Question: Why Aren't You In School?" post I wrote last month. If you guys are interested, I may do one of these every month. *cough* IF I can pull my scatterbrained self together into doing something that scheduled. After all, you've seen how good I've been at this monthly book review I'm supposed to be doing. But ANYWAYS. Let me know if you'd be interested in seeing other posts like this in the future by commenting your opinion below and give me YOUR favorite response to the question "Why aren't you in a relationship?" 

21 Answers to the Question "Why Aren't You in School?"

As the school year begins in earnest, I have had that question asked of me at least ten times. And each time it gets a little more annoying and irritating. So, for all you other homeschooled kids out there, I complied a list of answers that you are free to use at any time and should work in any situation. (You may NOT hold me responsible for any reactions that may be the result of these answers, however.) 

Sit back and enjoy these 21 answers to the question "Why aren't you in school?"

1: Immediately begin hacking and coughing with a few sneezes and sniffles for good measure before replying weakly, "Sick day."

2: "We're going on a field trip!! We're going on a field trip!!"

3: "School? What's school? Where am I? Why is your skin 
blue?"

4: Carefully avoid eye contact with person who asked the question and walk quickly in opposite direction.

5: "Why aren't YOU in school?"

6: "I graduated last year. From college."

7: "Uh... Oh, look! A SQUIRREL!"

8: "Been there, done that."

9: "I need milk for tomorrow's breakfast, not fourteen hours spent trying to solve somebody else's problems. Priorities people."

10: "Our school was accidentally maliciously destroyed."

11: "Oh, that reminds me..." *changes topic to weather/sports/politics*

12: "Wasn't really in a school MOOD today, ya know?"

13: "Have you ever tried to put out a burning building, save the world, AND go to school everyday? Me neither, but I bet it's not easy."

14: *death glare* "LOOK ME IN THE FACE AND SAY THAT AGAIN. IF YOU DARE."

15: Pretend your mom called and apologize for having to take the call.

16: "You know what? I've wondered that myself sometimes. Deep stuff, bro."

17: No matter which day of the week "Why would I be in school? It's Saturday."

18: "I actually just remembered something I need to do. Like right now. Nice chatting with you, but I gotta go. See you later!"

19: Stare at person until they break eye contact, then walk away shaking your head and muttering something about them being crazy.

20: Motion to ear, then to mouth while mouthing "Can't hear you, can't speak."

21: "I'm homeschooled." Then give half-hour explanation on what that means.


Any of those helpful? Do you have a personal favorite? Think these will come in handy? If you ever DO use one of these, let me know and tell me what the reaction was. ;P Now I'm curious. ;)