Friday 11 December 2009

A Hat-trick of Blog Awards...well done or so what?

I recently received two more blog awards to add to one I got a while ago. People have varying views on such awards, from the cynical - it's just friends buttering each other up - to - the awardee genuinely being delighted. Personally I take the balanced view that it's just a bit of fun. But being a 'glass half full' type of chap, it's always nice to be given a pat on the back while being recognised by people you respect. So many thanks to Lost Wanderer, Essygie and Matt Hilton. To see who I've awarded and to view my seven 'interesting' facts just read on...
Now I'm obliged to do the following in order to accept the award(s):
* 1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
* 2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
* 3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
* 4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
* 5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
* 6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
* 7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

Seven things about me:

* 1. I once had 8-ball pool trials for England.
* 2. I'm left-handed and recently broke it playing football!
* 3. I've won three online writing competitions in the last year.
* 4. Other than online, my first published story features next year in the anthology EVEN MORE TONTO STORIES.
* 5. Family-wise I'm the youngest of three siblings and I'm married to my soul mate, Mandy, and we have two wonderful children.
* 6. I work in the Public Sector.
* 7. I'm a season ticket holder at Manchester City FC ("BLUE MOON...you saw me standing alone...!!!").
* Bonus fact... I once came second in a Robert Redford lookalike competition...A brunette won it!

Sorry, but I had to hold back the 'juicy' ones! Maybe some other time.

Now for the hard bit of picking seven bloggers I admire...hard only because there's loads I admire. I've awarded some before, who'll remain exempt, so here goes...
* 1. David Barber - David Barber's Fiction World for efforts in rekindling his writing after years out of the game.
* 2. Mike Wilkerson - Writing The Hard Way for showing grit and determination after recent setback.
* 3 Stuart Wheatman - Tonto Books for his loyalty to the promotion of new writers while running a successful independent publishers and battling the big boys.
* 4 Alan Griffiths - Brit Grit he describes himself as a 'rookie' writer, but I always love popping over to read his gritty stuff.
* 5 Lily Childs - Lily Childs Feardom her world of horror and gripping stories are well worth a nosey...if you're not too scared that is!
* 6 Jane Smith - How Publishing Really Works for keeping the writer abreast of the world of publishing in a refreshingly honest voice.
* 7 Nicola Morgan - Help! I Need A Publisher! fascinating insights and words of wisdom for all wannabe writers authors alike.

16 comments:

David Barber said...

Cheers pal, sincerely. First a bullet award and now this. Well....I'd like to thank.................and world
peace!

Thanks a lot mate, David.

Mike Wilkerson said...

Thanks Col and let the cynics have theirs. Call me sentimental, but it's a hell of a lot better to have people there than not, when you have those setbacks.

Several of you guys, told me to suck it up afterwards and get after it. I did. It made all the difference in the world and I look at my writing in a whole different light.

Thanks man.

Dolly said...

Seeing as many of us don't actually know our blog readers personally, even if the awards are just a token of friendship, it's still good because it means you are making new friends. Let the cynicals be miserable ....we shall enjoy these cute little icons :)

Unknown said...

Dave, you're more than welcome.

Mike, your words please me, fella.

LW, couldn't agree more.

Alan Griffiths said...

Col,

You are a gentlemen and scholar - thank you kindly sir for the blog award.

It’s nice to have friends out there in the blogosphere and your support this year has been sincerely appreciated.

Best Wishes!

Lily Childs said...

Thank you so much Col. I'm really touched (interpret that as you will).

Through TK'n'C you personally gave me the first taste of being published and I'm lost to it now, forever.

I feel ever so 'umble.

Cheers matey.

Lily

David Barber said...

Col, I didn't add that you deserve a lot of credit for me getting back into this writing lark, and thanks for your continued support. You're a top bloke.

Also, a big thanks to Matt, for coming up with TK'n'C as well. It's a great site run by two great guys.

Lastly, to all the cynics out there, there is nothing wrong with a big pat on the back to up and coming writers to inspire and help them with their dreams and goals.
Therefore, keep your cynical comments to yourself.

Oh, and world piece. ;-)

Thanks again Col, David.

Tonto Books said...

It has really made my day, Col. Big thanks - I'm dead chuffed.
It's great to firstly know that someone reads the blog posts and to get 'a nod' has convinced me I must be doing something right.

Get in!

Lee Hughes said...

I just did a check, I'm one of the exempt, otherwise I'd call it gay and that it smells of wee because I wasn't picked.

So, congrats to you all, all worthy winners.

Lee Hughes said...

P.S you make Pool sound like a sport, I was fifth best at beermat flipping in the '94 beerlympics. Although it is good to know, when we go for a pint and a game of pool and you say, "Fiver on it?" I'll know to say, "Fug off."

Unknown said...

Al,
It's an absolute pleasure, bud, n cheers for your kind words.

Lil,
I had the same feeling when Matt showcased my first story so I know where you're coming from. It's an honour to be involved in the site.

Dave,
Thanks, mate. It's great to see you getting the recognition you deserve as your presence on the net grows.

Stu,
Glad you're chuffed. Keep up the great work!

Lee,
LOL!!!

EC said...

Congrats Col! Awards and personal facts, nice duo.
Awards give me that alien feeling, as if I'm suddenly wondering who I am and who this person is these people are talking about.
I'll be checking out some of these sites.

Mike Wilkerson said...

I was so busy thanking you, I forgot to say congratulations to you, for yet another award. So, congratulations, Col!

Unknown said...

Thanks Mike. The post was meant for the the others and I was so engrossed in choosing that I forgot too!

Erin, I'm sure many writers feel they have other personas, including me. And thanks.

Michael Solender said...

huzzah. it's ALWAYS cool to be recognized. good stuff col!

Unknown said...

Cheers, Michael.