SOPHIE LI

Author-illustrator

Out of This World Blogger Award

Copy of Copy of Copy of Copy of Copy of Copy of Copy of MINI-REVIEW

Hello everyone!

Thank you Ivy @ Ivy’s Well Used Library Card for nominating me for this award, and to Kaleena @ Reader Voracious for creating it. The questions sound so fun and I am excited to get started!

Rules:

  • Thank the blogger(s) that nominated you and link back to their post.
  • Answer the questions.
  • Don’t forget to grab your badge!
  • Nominate 3-5 bloggers for the award.
  • You may use the header image from this post if desired.
  • Please be sure to link back to the original post and credit the creator: Reader Voracious Blog

What (or who) inspires you and why?

As a reader and a writer, you might guess that I am inspired by stories! I love reading books (obviously!) and imagining stories of my own. I love that lightbulb moment when I think of a new story idea, or when I figure out a character’s backstory. I also love it when people reveal their life stories to me.

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What is your favourite thing about blogging?

The people! I am so grateful to find a community where people share the same interests as I do, like reading, writing and blogging. The bookish community is so supportive and positive. I love that I’ve met new friends through blogging 🙂

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If you could be any character in fiction, who would you be and why?

This is a tough question! Aside from waiting for my admission letter to Hogwarts, I’ve also dreamed about being a Pokemon Master:

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If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with the time?

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Write! It is my dream to be a full-time writer. I love the feeling of being immersed in my novel, and I find that this is so much easier when I have a stretch of vacation time when I think about nothing but writing every single day.

I would also love to spend more time on my other hobbies such as sewing. Oh, and more sleep would be nice 🙂

What is one piece of advice that you would give a new blogger?

When I was starting off as a blogger, I felt discouraged by my stats (or lack thereof.) My advice to new bloggers is to keep at it and try not to look at the numbers. Keep posting consistently, keep writing about what you love, blog-hop and join in on conversations, and have fun!

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Optional: Freebie question – share something with us!

Remember the dress I made a while ago that I was supposed to write a post about but never got around to doing? Well, here it is!

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This dress was a challenge for me in a few ways: I learned to sew sleeves that actually fit! I learned to install an invisible zipper (actually not as hard as it looks)! And I used iron-on interfacing for the first time! (+++ Sewing skills!) The fabric is a bit heavy for the summer, however I’ve been saving it for date nights and maybe professional events.

I nominate the following awesome people:

Michelle @ The Writing Hufflepuff

Fadwa @ Word Wonders

JW Martin

Beth @ Reading Every Night

Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books

Blog_letschat

Who (or what) inspires you? Let me know how you would answer some of these questions!

 

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Sophie Li

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54 responses to “Out of This World Blogger Award”

  1. J.W. Martin Avatar
    J.W. Martin

    Aww. Thanks for the nomination! Yes, I’d also love 6 months to do nothing but write. Better yet, how about 6 years? Let’s go crazy! 6 decades!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Lol 6 decades of writing, that would be awesome 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Kaleena @ Reader Voracious Avatar
    Kaleena @ Reader Voracious

    I loved reading your answers, and that dress you made is so cute!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thank you Kaleena ❤

      Like

      Reply
  3. Kelly Brigid Avatar
    Kelly Brigid

    Love your answers, and omg! That dress is SO CUTE! Teach me your ways! Haha. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Hello Kelly ❤ Aww thank you! Sewing is about being patient and following directions haha. There is no real secret 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Marie Avatar
    Marie

    Oh my god that dress looks incredible, how did you do this, I admire you SO much Sophie, wow haha. It looks fantastic and you look absolutely gorgeous ❤
    I really hope that you'll get to this dream of yours to become a full-time writer, Sophie, I can't wait for the time I will be able to read all of your wonderful stories ❤ ❤
    Thank you so much for the nomination! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thank you Marie for your sweet and encouraging comment ❤ Glad that you like the dress haha. Sewing is just about following instructions 🙂
      I hope to be a full-time writer one day, though some days it feels more possible than others. I look forward to reading your novel too one day 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Beth (Reading Every Night) Avatar
    Beth (Reading Every Night)

    Thanks so much for the nomination Sophie, and brilliant post as well. 🙂 ❤ I really loved reading your answers and wow that dress looks amazing! I can't believe you made that (mainly because whenever I try and make something that isn't food it turns out terrible. My talent seems to lie in baking more than crafting and sewing) it looks incredible.
    I think if the speed you're getting through your WIPs, and how many ideas you seem to have for new stories, is anything to go by you'll be a full-time writer before too long! 😀
    Great post, and again thanks for the nomination. 🙂 ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thank you for your sweet comment Beth! Whether it is sewing, baking, or blogging or writing, I think it’s great to have a creative outlet 🙂 Have you tried any new recipes recently?
      I’ve been struggling with getting inspired when it comes to writing recently, especially when my weekdays are so hectic with work! I am falling behind but hopefully will catch up this weekend. How is writing going for you?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Beth (Reading Every Night) Avatar
        Beth (Reading Every Night)

        That’s all right, and yeah I have my own way to be creative, shouldn’t be too worried about the things I don’t have! 😀
        Not really, I’ve been sticking to some of the old ones I know how to do you know?
        Yeah I know the feeling. I’m making steady progressive which I think is the most important thing. Again my WIP has completely changed track which means I needed to scrap a lot of what I wrote in the first couple of days (kind of annoying but what else can I do?)
        I hope you manage to catch up Sophie, there’s still plenty of time before Camp NaNo is over. 🙂 ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        It feels great to follow an old recipe that we know and love right?
        That’s great that you’re making steady progress on your WIP. I know the feeling of having a second draft that takes a different turn than the first one. It is unfortunate that you can’t re-use the same material, but it’s for the greater good and your hard work will pay off 🙂
        Thank you! I am catching up a bit already. If I am able to write 1200 words today (and I think I can!) I should be back on track 🙂 I love having more time during the weekend to write, because it does take some time for me to get into the mindset of the story and the characters, which I don’t always have time for during the week! Happy writing!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Beth (Reading Every Night) Avatar
        Beth (Reading Every Night)

        Yep, I know some of them so well I barely need to look at the recipe anymore! 🙂
        I’ve managed to re-use some of the old material but most of it has had to be scrapped. Still I have a much better idea of how things will play out now which is good. Thanks Sophie.
        That’s all right, and oh I’m sure for you 1200 words will be no problem. I’m writing where and when I can in between travelling which is cutting down on how many words I can write but during the second half of the month I’ll be able to get a lot more done I know.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        Haha that’s awesome, you know you are an expert when you know the recipe by heart! If I am in need of a recipe, I’ll know who to ask!! 🙂
        That’s tough to be writing while travelling (I don’t know how you could do it!) however glad to hear that you have more time coming up in the second half of the month. I have a stretch of 5 days off (including the weekend) at the end of the month when I hope to do some major catching up haha..

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Beth (Reading Every Night) Avatar
        Beth (Reading Every Night)

        Oh yeah, I mean I still have them on hand just in case but most times I can get everything done just referring to them every now and again rather than all the time.
        It’s definitely been a challenge, but travelling is over for this month so I can focus on writing again. Ohh, I bet you’ll be able to get plenty done over those five days! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        That’s great that you had the chance to travel though, even though you didn’t have as much time to write. Sounds like it is an eventful month for you! Great that you have more time to write now! I tend feel more motivated closer to the deadline, which I think will also make the second half of the month more productive for me 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Beth (Reading Every Night) Avatar
        Beth (Reading Every Night)

        Definitely been an eventful month to say the least, I’m actually kind of glad the latter half has slowed down a bit. 🙂
        Yeah I think for me it’s my procrastination talking, the closer to the deadline I get the more motivated I become, gotta make the deadline after all! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      8. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        Haha I feel the same way :’) I spend too much time procrastinating when I should be writing! It’s good that we have a deadline to motivate us haha 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      9. Beth (Reading Every Night) Avatar
        Beth (Reading Every Night)

        If I didn’t have deadlines I’d never get anything done. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      10. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        Absolutely 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  6. ivysbooks Avatar
    ivysbooks

    Great answers! Love the dress! That’s some badass sewing skills 😍 I always wanted to do that but I don’t have the patients to learn 😆

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thank you Ivy! Haha yes sewing definitely requires time and patience. I find that it helps to find a pattern and just follow the instructions 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. ivysbooks Avatar
        ivysbooks

        Thanks for the tip Sophie!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        You’re welcome ❤

        Liked by 1 person

  7. PerfectlyTolerable Avatar
    PerfectlyTolerable

    Love the dress 🙂 It looks really good on you!! Great answers 🙂 I don’t think I have ever seen someone post that they wanted to be a Pokemon master but I bet a lot of us wanted it at one point in our lives! I know I did 😆

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thank you 🙂 Haha yeah catching and training pokemon would be fun, wouldn’t it?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Asha Seth Avatar
    Asha Seth

    Congratulations, fellow-kindheart. Loved reading about you and meeting the amazing blogs you nominated.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thank you Asha for your sweet comment ❤

      Like

      Reply
      1. Asha Seth Avatar
        Asha Seth

        No problem! I was happy to catch up with this post.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Sieran Lane Avatar
    Sieran Lane

    Me fanboying your Pokemon Master answer. 8D!!!

    Oh believe it or not, I actually had a period of about two years where I had no obligations except for some volunteer work, which didn’t take up much time each week. (These were my gap years.) I wrote at least 2,000 words of my Chinese story each day. But I was (accidentally) neglectful of my health, not going to the gym anymore, socializing too little, and not doing much walking. And just staring at my phone screen all day long.

    Now I’m working hard to recover my health after I trashed it in those two years.

    So if/ when you become a full-time writer, please don’t neglect exercise (even if they are just long walks), socializing IRL, and regular rest for your eyes!! Don’t become like me. Yes, I managed to write more than 1.5 million words of story in that time period, but I sort of regret it because I was too greedy, too ambitious, and didn’t pay enough attention to my health. I’m much more attentive to my exercise and in-person socializing needs now, which is great, but I also have less writing time than before. (Not 2,000 words a day minimum anymore.). My current writing speed, according to Nanowrimo, is 1,300 something words a day. I comfort myself in thinking that, according to his book On Writing, Stephen King also just did 1,000 words a day. But Stephen King spends a ton of time reading each day as well. I’m reading a lot less than he does. I got the impression that he socializes much less than I do too. Yet, I have experienced what adverse health consequences can happen to me if I don’t get enough social interaction. I need to see people preferably three times a week at least. Minimum once a week, but once a week quickly becomes insufficient, as I can see my health gradually deteriorate.

    Woah sorry I wrote a long essay just on health, haha.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Hello Sieran 🙂

      You are right that our physical and mental health is so important. Right now work forces me to socialize with people even on days when I don’t feel like it. I think this may be a blessing in disguise because it would be easy for me to loose touch with the outside world if I don’t have work. However I complain about work all the time because I never have enough time to do the things I want to do (such as writing, sewing and reading among other introverted activities.)

      I’ve watched a few youtube videos by full-time writers who talk about living unhealthy lives (sleeping late, not exercising or eating regularly) which makes me re-think things a bit. Although it is my dream to be a full-time writer eventually, I want to still have a healthy and balanced lifestyle! Ideally we would have a both alone time to pursue our hobbies and dreams and social time that keeps us sane, right?

      Even though you are writing less than before, that’s good to hear that it sounds like you are healthier than before 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Sieran Lane Avatar
        Sieran Lane

        It’s a good point that socializing with people keeps you in touch with the outside world. I did gradually feel isolated and cut-off when I didn’t socialize much during those two years.

        Lol I’m not currently working, and I’m already complaining about having a lack of time. XD I’m still in school but it’s the summer holidays.

        Yes, I think it’s possible to be healthy too, though I don’t think I have the physical stamina to work as fast as a full-time writer would! I’m managing to write 1000+ words a day right now, but my editing speed (the in-depth edits) is slow, slow, slow! Tons of people, including my parents, have bugged me about why I’m not pursuing a writing or editing career instead. My answer is that I do really like counselling and helping people directly; plus, I don’t want to work with words all day long, even though I love words, lol. I can get tired of my favorite thing in the world, so. Counselling also lets me learn so much about the world outside of books.

        Some full-time writers strongly advocate exercising regularly as well, so I think it’s possible to be healthy in that area. 🙂

        Hey about socializing, Stephen King and many other highly achieving individuals, think that you should avoid socializing as much as possible, because you don’t have time for that. Well, as much as I respect Stephen King’s discipline and productivity, I honestly don’t want to live a near-hermit life. I DO want to go out and see people from time to time, even if it’s only three times a week. I’m an extrovert, after all, even if I’m just a slight extrovert the last time I did the Myers-Briggs.

        I learn TONS about human psychology via interacting with real people, and this is extremely helpful for me to write characters with insight too.

        Besides, I just enjoy interacting with other people and making friends. And I love knowing that my words can affect others, and that others’ words can affect me too. This sense of mutuality feels great. Even my love for writing wouldn’t make me give up having a healthy social life! Meeting with people or going to social events three times a week isn’t that much to ask!

        I live alone and don’t have a partner either, so I can’t depend on partners or roommates for social interaction, so I depend on support groups, going to queer comedy shows with a friend, occasionally hanging out with friends, and going to some interesting events to get my social interaction. (Seeing my therapists counts as socializing too, lol.). Others may be different, but I just NEED that social stimulation, or else I would gradually feel deprived, bored, and unhappy, even if I have all the time in the world to read and write.

        Ideally, how many times a week would you like to attend social events, other activities, or see friends? (I know you have a partner, so your answer may also be different from mine, haha.)

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        Wow summer holidays!!! I miss those so much haha. Enjoy 🙂
        That’s great that you are planning to pursue a career in counselling. Sounds like it would help rather than hinder your writing, since you’ll get to interact with all kinds of people and figure out how their minds work 🙂
        Phew!! I am so glad to hear that you think it is possible to be a writer and still live a healthy, moderately sociable life. Although I am an introvert, I would go crazy without social interaction haha. I’ve spent an entire day by myself before, and although it is usually highly productive, I start feeling restless and bored haha. I think I would like to talk to someone at least once per day (could be a stranger at a bus stop). I can tolerate up to 1 social event on weekdays though I don’t mind another 1-2 events on weekends. I like spending time with my partner (everyday) and my close friend (a few times a week) which doesn’t feel like an event 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Sieran Lane Avatar
        Sieran Lane

        I’m going to see how much I can reply to. XD Camp Nanowrimo is taking up more time than I expected!! I know I shouldn’t talk, since I’m on summer vacation, but still. Maybe I go to too many events and outings with friends.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        Lol no worries. Yes Camp Nano demands a lot from us and I am always wishing for more time to write!

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Sieran Lane Avatar
        Sieran Lane

        Thanks for writing me so many replies, though. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        You’re welcome 🙂 You as well!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. SHA @ Book Princess Reviews Avatar
    SHA @ Book Princess Reviews

    I’m so jealous that you are able to make your own dress — and such a gorgeous one! I used to sew but abandoned the hobby. Wish I hadn’t because it’s so useful. Loved reading your answers!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thank you! To be honest, I just bought a pattern and followed it to the tee 🙂 Sewing is a fun hobby. I’m sure you’ll be able to pick it up again as long as it is something you are still interested in 🙂

      Like

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      1. SHA @ Book Princess Reviews Avatar
        SHA @ Book Princess Reviews

        My problem may be that I’m interested in everything, haha. I want to have all the hobbies. Following a pattern is no less impressive to me! Do you have plans to design your own from scratch one day?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        I have the same problem 🙂 I have way too many hobbies and I recently had to tell myself to focus on just a few. Right now my focus is writing and exercise, squeezing in a bit of sewing here and there.
        For now I enjoy following patterns. Maybe one day I will take it one step further but I don’t know 🙂

        Like

      3. SHA @ Book Princess Reviews Avatar
        SHA @ Book Princess Reviews

        I think I let the seasons dictate my hobbies. Depending on how much free time I have, I fit in what I can. I need to be more selective, like you! Both ways do work though, it just means my way — much harder to actually advance a skill.
        If I know anything about sewing it’s that there are maaany patterns out there to follow, so I can imagine you won’t get bored anytime soon haha

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        When we have so many interests, it’s hard to focus on just one or two of them! It makes sense to follow your heart and go with what you feel like at the moment. Are there any hobbies that you want to be serious about? That might be a sign that you should focus on one more than others 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      5. SHA @ Book Princess Reviews Avatar
        SHA @ Book Princess Reviews

        That’s very true, too many interests can lead us astray! I really love reading, makeup and gardening, which is definitely what I’m focusing on right now… Let’s hope that’s what I stick with for a good while!

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Sophie Li Avatar
        Sophie Li

        Sounds like a good mix of hobbies that you have here! Enjoy 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      7. SHA @ Book Princess Reviews Avatar
        SHA @ Book Princess Reviews

        Will do!

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Bhavna Saurabh Sharma Avatar
    Bhavna Saurabh Sharma

    loved your answers and congratulations

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thanks!

      Like

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  12. Michelle 🌈 Avatar
    Michelle 🌈

    I love all of your answers! I always wanted to be a Pokemon Master aside from going to Hogwarts as well haha. I think if I had to choose I’d choose being a Pokemon Master, or at least living in the Pokemon world, because it’s just so peaceful (well, most of the time, but when something goes wrong a ten-year old will solve it 😂) and I’d love to live among Pokemon.

    That dress looks really good! I never would’ve guessed you made it yourself 🙂

    Thank you for the tag!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Yeah it would be amazing to live in the Pokemon world when all our worries revolve around catching pokemon and beating gym masters haha 🙂
      Thank you Michelle!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. dpranita583 Avatar
    dpranita583

    Thanks for a nice post .Please visit my blog chhayaonline.com & pranitadeshpande.in for valuable posts .

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

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  14. wevegotpockets Avatar
    wevegotpockets

    That is a really pretty dress.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Sophie Li Avatar
      Sophie Li

      Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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