Rory has some excellent questions (He usually does.) today.
Do you think it helps or hinders a writer from having a big ego?
This question especially intrigues me. I’m not sure what a big ego is. It often is a derogatory term meaning someone is a “blow hard” or “full of himself”. It’s also often a label others use to describe someone, not one that people often use to describe themselves.
Most often people accused of having big egos are mislabeled, IMHO. As secretly those doing the labeling often confess their own lack of confidence while making fun of someone who projects confidence. The most debilitating trait for writers (and artists) is self-doubt. The thing is … self-doubt isn’t visible. There are far fewer arrows flung at that. In sports, you may hear a heckler shout, “He choked!” but other than that, it’s a secret.
Confidence is a positive trait. It’s the “Can Do” plan. People who exude confidence are never perfect nor flawless but their quick rebounds from defeat are clear. When I hear someone labeling someone else as having a “big ego” my own instinct is to feel that that reaction comes from a place of envy. We all know when we’re pleased with ourselves, and showing it openly is not a crime according to my sensibilities.
How often do you read your blog content from an outsider’s perspective?
I write my posts fully conscious of how they may be perceived.
I view my blog as an allotment garden. How do you view yours?
It’s a journal of my thoughts and feelings through stories, poems, and essays for anyone who finds it interesting or thought provoking. My granddaughters are hopefully my biggest future audience.
What’s the first book you ever remember reading way back when?
The first one that grabbed me was Rudyard Kipling’s- The Jungle Books. I remember reading it more than once as a young teen. I’m now inspired to read it again at age 67. Thanks for the question! I hadn’t thought of doing that before.
Were you ever read to as a child, and by whom?
Oh yes! My mother read to us all the time. Even on family car trips, she’d have a few library books along for the ride. Two titles that I’ve never forgotten are Copper-toed Boots and The Poppy Seed Cakes. I don’t recall a lot about the stories themselves, though. Thanks again. I’ll have to revisit those stories!
What are the most significant barriers to your creativity?
I’d say many other demands on my time from life, but it occurs to me that I spend a lot of time being creative just the same. Gardening, cooking, organizing (not often done), and even mowing the lawn gives me opportunities to be creative.
Do you think blogging is essential, and if you do, why?
It’s great fun and satisfying but I wouldn’t call it essential.
There are many benefits to blogging; however, what are the three top downsides of blogging, in your opinion?
1. It takes time away from other tasks/projects.
2. It tries to create a scheduling aspect if you get into using prompts. (I don’t allow for that though. Once it starts calling upon me in any demanding sequence, I balk.)
3. Sometimes, it makes me feel just a little too exposed to the world.
I realized that I missed a question yesterday.
Where do you like to read? At home on the couch? Whilst travelling? In bed? Where?
Anywhere. I have no routine except when I’m at our camp then I have a tendency to use a comfy chair in the shade.
Sillyfrog's Blog 
Hi Susan!
I loved your answers, I do love blogging, but time takes me away from reading sometimes for days on end, and then I am all backed up with posts to read! xo
Thanks Carol. If it goes too long, I just respond to comments and move on. There’s only so much time I can spend online. ❤
Very interesting write in. Amazing book review.
Beautiful 🐚 shell picture. I like .
😊 You’re such a reliable commenter. I appreciate you. Thank-you. ❤
I cought & in my heart ❤️ your word.
Thanks! 🤠
Interesting re: self-doubt vs. big ego. I think I agree with you that self-doubt is a bigger obstacle to becoming a writer (or anything else) than big ego, but big ego is a bigger obstacle to become a *good* writer (or *good* anything else) than self-doubt. But if big ego is really just a cover for self-doubt, then this is all a bit circular anyway
Also interesting. Sometimes people project confidence as a cover as they do with laughing when they are sad. I can’t seem to define what a big ego is. I don’t know how to tell it from being competent, genuine, and driven.
Some interesting answers in this batch Susan.
My mother read to me up until the age that l could read for myself and she read for my sister, although my sister never turned out to be a fond reader. Two books from my childhood l read every year even if l am not reading anythinhg for the year l always remind myself to read the two faved books from my childhood.
1] Bimbo and Topsy – Enid Blyton – originally published in 1943. I have the original 1969 reprint which was the book my mother read to me from. My mother started to read it to me when l was six, l am sixty next month and intend to start reading it from tonight. I read it last January 2022.
2] Smokey Joe the Fish Eater – John O’Grady – originally published 1972. I have an original publishing and have read it every year since l first read it at 9.
Good answers all 🙂
Wonderful! I’ll have to get my hands on your favorite books too. Thanks, Rory. 😊
I think you would enjoy them both Susan given your love for reading and being able to see the world as children do 🙂
They are lovely to read, Smokey Joe always makes me sad though, but in a good way and every year l still cry a little.