About Joelle (readers' edition - Part 2)

Many months ago, I sent out a survey asking my newsletter subscribers to ask me anything they wanted, and then I'd use those questions as my new "About Joelle" page here on the new blog. Well, they absolutely blew that idea out of the water! I had over 75 responses within the first couple days, so I shut the form down after a week and decided to turn all those questions into a fun Q&A post, which I'd link to in my About page.

Turns out you guys enjoyed the 35 questions I picked out so much that you were all for a Part 2. So here we are!

—What is your favourite name(s)? (Tauriel)—

If we’re talking real-life names, I’ve only got a few.

Male: Caleb, Judah, Reuben, David - pretty much any solid-sounding Biblical name. XD

Female: Hannah, Jordan, Esther, Hadassah, Rhoda - again, Bible names.

Now, if we’re talking fantastical names, I like male names to sound more solid and forceful (so lots of K, S, X, and J-like sounds), and also for them to be a bit shorter. For female names, I like softer, more flowy, Elvish sounding names (so lots of Y, A, H, N, and L-like sounds). I also like female names to be a bit longer for whatever reason. XD

—Which is worse: a comedian who's not funny OR a brat you'll have to babysit? (Tauriel)—

Brat I have to babysit, for sure. I’m such a pushover that it’s really hard for me to put my foot down and assert my authority when a kid’s being a brat, and that just makes life miserable for the both of us. XD

—Would-you-rather watch a certain movie over and over again OR watch a loooonnnngggg TV show over the course of several months? (Tauriel)—

Movies over and over again!! You guys, I’m such a pathetic re-reader/re-watcher. XD I find that a good story usually has many layers, and the more times I read/watch it, the more I understand the deeper layers (*coughs* Lord of the Rings and The Wingfeather Saga, anyone? I learn new things out of both of those every single time I read/watch them XD).

—What is your bedroom themed like? (Briar)—

It doesn’t have a theme. XD I am not an aesthetically inclined person by any stretch of the imagination. My clothes are all blue jeans/shorts with a solid-colored shirt and I rarely plan out aesthetic beforehand. Right now my bedroom is a conglomeration of whatever we had on hand that suits my purpose: blue black-out curtains because I can’t sleep with sunlight at all, a brown/cream/pink quilt because it’s what was in the closet and is light enough for me not to roast as summer comes on, a white desk (because it’s what I have), and darker-stained rest of the furniture. Yeah. You aesthetic people would have your eyes accosted if you walked in. XD

—Have you ever eaten ice cream outside in the snow? (Briar)—

No, but I want to now XDD

—Do you like vegetables? (Briar)—

I do now, yes! Before I got COVID in 2020, I much preferred most fruits over most vegetables. Now it’s the other way around. XD

— What's your favorite type of paperclip? (Briar)—

*blinks* Talk about random. I love it. XD

You know those ones that are spring loaded? Like this?

Yep. These are great fun. *nodnod*

—Who are your top three favorite artists (in terms of music)? (Saraina)—

Oh, they change all the time. XD But right now, it’s Sarah Sparks, James Newton Howard, and Andrew Peterson.

—What is your favorite kind of music? (Birds)

Either Christian acoustic/folk/all-the-underrated-Christian-stuff, or soundtracks. I can’t ever decide between those two. XD

—Do you like puzzles? (Birds)—

Depends on how colorful they are. I love ones that are made of a lot of bright colors that make it easier for my brain to sort them into where they should go and whatnot. Oh. They also have to be about 350-1000 pieces. XD

—Favorite food? Dessert? (Birds)—

POTATOESSSSSS!! I eat so many potatoes, you guys. XD As for desert, my cousin made my family and I these smoothie/milkshake things last summer when we visited them, and it was heaven. Essentially he just blended strawberries, orange juice, and vanilla ice cream all together. 😋 You must try. *nodnod*

—Favorite holiday? (Birds)—

Christmas! I know that’s a really generic answer, but I always get little excited butterflies in my stomach once that tree comes out and it’s awesome. *grins*

—Favorite Bible verse? (Birds)—

Oh, so many: Psalm 18:1 “I love you, O LORD, my strength.”; John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”; and all of Psalms 91 & 139. I also love when God comes and flexes for Job in Job 38-40-ish. Ooh, and Jesus’ last teachings in John 14-16. Ooooohhh and Peter’s description of a godly wife/woman in 1 Peter 3:1-6. Yes, I have many favorites. XD

—Favorite way to spend a day off? (Birds)—

Doing something with friends outside, for sure! Volleyball, hiking, swimming (even though I’m not much of a swimmer), etc. Basically anything where I can hang out with people and do fun physical activities at the same time. *nodnod*

—Favorite clothing item? (Birds)—

Ooh great question. It’d either be boots (without heels) or leather jackets. I don’t get to wear either much but THEY’RE AWESOME. XD As for what I do wear a lot, that’d be jeans. *nods*

—Favorite animal? (Birds)—

I love giraffes and penguins, actually. Very strange combination, but I’d love to own both of those. XDD

—Favorite quote from a book? Movie? (Birds)—

(This one's on the front page... XD) One of my favorite quotes of all time is, “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for.” -Samwise Gamgee

It’s in the book and the movie, so I’m counting it for both. XD

—Favorite book? Book series? Movie? (Birds)—

The Return of the King from Lord of the Rings for all of those!!! Although, The Wingfeather Saga makes a very close second for the book series, and The Warden and the Wolf King from TWS is a runner up for favorite book. *nodnod*

—Biggest pet peeve? (Birds)—

In others or just in general? XD

Okay, don’t you guys ever use this against me (*waggles eyebrows menacingly*), but I really really dislike forks screeching on plates. It makes my stomach fold up on itself and just feels weird. XD I also really really hate touching ceramic with hands that aren’t quite dry. Something about that feeling gives me the willies. And straight lines are important as well. *nods*

—When you go to a large chain bookstore and walk through the "Christian Fiction" section of that store, what kinds of genres do you too often see, and what kinds of genres do you wish Christian authors would write more of? (Brian) —

Too much romance that isn’t Christian, for sure. I wish there was more Christian fantasy that I could trust to not delve too deep into witchcraft or other dark things that fantasy is infamous for. Also seeing more realistic fiction that isn’t overly cheesy or preachy would be amazing.

—So often the secular market has myriad types of fictional genres, but the faith-based market, only seems to have a limit few? Why do you think that is? (Brian)—

Great question! I have no idea. XD I think a lot of Christian authors feel like the label “Christian author” means that they have to write within those few specific genres, and going outside of them makes them a secular writer and somehow pollutes their faith. While I do believe people can be called to write within those specific Christian genres, I also think we need more Christians stepping outside of that comfort zone and braving the darkness of the secular world to bring the light out to those out there. However, I’m certainly not very educated on this subject, so… XD

—Shouldn't there be more science fiction offerings or pirate adventures, or fantasy offerings, etc.? (Brian)—

ABSOLUTELY - especially ones that deal with tough subjects without becoming non-Christian or overly pereachy. THANK YOU FOR SAYING THIS. XD

—How many books have you written? (Annabelle)—

And finished? *counts* Four 200 page-ish ones, and two or three novellas. Not finished? Dozens and counting. XD

—Why do you write? (A.K.)—

Many reasons.

1. Because I want Christian readers (like me when I was younger) to have a larger variety of books that are clean for them to read but still entertaining/well-done;

2. Because I know there’s one reader out there, somewhere, who needs to hear about a lesson that I’ve learned, and one of the best ways to share what God has been teaching you is through a story;

3. Because I love it, I’ve been told many times that I’m skilled at it, I’m passionate about storytelling, and because I feel called to it.

*puts hands on hips* Wow. I’m quite proud of how short that summary is. XD

—Would you rather eat breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast? (A.K.)—

Ooh, breakfast for dinner for sure. I love doing that for whatever reason. XDDD

—What is your favorite character (that you've read)? (A.K.)—

Nuuuuu don’t make me choooooseeeeeee. *dies* Ermmmm I’m going to go with either Caleb Westmore from N.D. Wilson’s 100 Cupboards, Artham Wingfeather from The Wingfeather Saga, or Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings (or Aragorn - one of the two). (It's hard, okay? At least I stayed under five. XD)

—Favorite character (that you've written)? (A.K.)—

*hugs all my babies* I can’t pick a favorite!!!! Although Gilead is out because he’s being mean and not letting me into his head. *glares at Gilead* So… either Irad from ATOTB, Lytt from a story I may return to, or Rebere from said story. Or Jistis from that story as well. Or Asor… ahh I loved all of them so much. *sniffs* Though Anah from ATOTB is like the easiest person to write ever so she’s definitely a runner-up. XD

(P.S. If you'd like to ask some of the ATOTB characters whatever questions you want, you can do that here. :))

—What is your favorite song? (A.K.)—

One I’m really loving right now is To All the Poets by Andrew Peterson. It really encompasses what I feel like is the purpose for stories, for songs, for art in general; and it’s a very personally impactful song ‘cause it makes me think of stories/songs/art that I’ve experienced that have impacted me in that way, and people that I knew as well.

Another one I really love is Shasta’s Complaint by Sarah Sparks. She really dives deep with that song and explores the anger and bitterness that a person can battle when they feel like God has abandoned them, that He is being silent. It’s very profound and I highly suggest giving it a listen. *nods*

—Favorite book(s)? (A.K.)—

In case I haven’t said this enough already, Lord of the Rings and The Wingfeather Saga, hands down. XD

—Why do you write? (Ava)—

Since A.K. asked the exact same question, I’m going to refrain from answering again. :P

—What is your honest opinion on jelly beans? (Ava)—

This is a very important question. *solemn nod*

Honestly... I can live without them. I like their texture the most, but there are flavors I don’t like and flavors I do. Also, I haven't had them since COVID. And COVID messed up a lot of fruity candies for me. So… XD

—Mint'n'chip ice cream, chocolate cake, or brownies? (Rebekah)—

*dies* Rebekaaaah whyyyyyyyy

Well. If this had been before COVID, I would have said Mint’ n’ Chip hands down. But now mint tastes weird, but so does chocolate cake! I’ve never really liked brownies though… I guess if they’re that thick storebought kind that are really good, then I’ll chose those. Otherwise I’m going to go with Mint’ n’ Chip and just choke it down. XD

—If you could listen to only one song on repeat for the rest of your life, which one would you listen to? Or would you just give up music? XD (Rebekah)—

0_0 Oh goodness I don’t know… probably one of those 3-hour-long epic music songs on YouTube. XD Honestly I might just give up on music entirely and spare myself. XDDD

—All-time favorite quote? (Rebekah)—

*points to Birds’ question*

—What's your favorite memory? (Rebekah)—

Oh wow I’m not sure I have one that I can call my favorite… hrm. I have a memory of seeing Tangled for the first time at my grandparents’ house after our Easter egg hunt. We got snack bowls (which were always amazing) and broke into our new candy while watching it. I also have fond memories of staying up late with my sisters telling them stories in the dark. *wistful sigh* Good times.

—Favorite SB drink/coffee? (Mayim)—

*ducks behind pillow shield* Don't kill me, but... I’ve never gotten anything from Starbucks. XD Add that to the fact that I don’t like coffee, and I’m not sure I’m qualified to answer this question. XD However, my favorite drink from the local coffee shop is a vanilla Italian cream soda. 😋

—Favorite thing to do on a rainy day? (Mayim)—

Write while under a blanket with hot chocolate and a cozy jacket - and a fire and a cat curled up next to me purring. *nods* I love those days. XD

—Favorite blog? (Mayim)—

Can I say yours? Is that allowed? ‘Cause I honestly think that, after mine, I visit yours the most. XD Or maybe Grace A. Johnson’s blog… or Writer’s Vision. (By the way, there are exciting things in the works with WV... *winks* Just thought I'd drop a little hint there and let you all speculate on that for a while.)

—Favorite food? (Mayim)—

*points to Birds’ question*

—What kind of superpower would you want? (Rose)—

Anyone ever read Keeper of the Lost Cities? There’s a “superpower” in there called Enhancing, and it essentially lets you strengthen others’ powers by mere contact with their skin. It’s an insanely cool power and I’d love to have that. If not Enhancing, then something elemental, like fire or water powers. Or flight. *has always wanted to fly*

—What's your favorite music? (Maggie)—

*points to all the music questions before this one XD*

—Do you like Marvel/the Avengers? If so whose your favorite character? (Maggie)—

Perfect timing, Maggie!! I just started watching Marvel a few weeks ago and I love it, so far! I’ve only seen the first Captain America, Captain Marvel, and the first two Iron Mans, but from clips that I’ve seen I think my favorite is going to be Peter Parker. We’ll see. XD As for my favorite from the movies I have seen, I have to admit that Tony Stark is incredibly entertaining. He'd be a real pain to be around in person, but on screen is highly amusing. :P

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Well. *dusts hands off* I think I did a pretty good job keeping that short-ish. :P

What answer surprised you the most? The least? Which question was the most interesting to you? If you're up for it, you should pick at least five of these questions and answer them for yourself in the comments!! I'd love to read it. ^_^

Until next time,

Take courage, pursue Christ, and smile while you still have teeth!! :D

-Joelle