This post comes to you as part of the Bloghop challenge. I was recruited (or tagged) by Eleni Muller (Papanou). She is an author all the way from Hawaii - and you can find her through the following link to her blog HERE. Thanks Eleni for thinking of me in this regard!
So, as part of the Liebster blog Award challenge, i have to quote eleven random facts about myself and then answer the eleven questions from my recruiter - Eleni. And finally, recruit eleven people and do the very same thing - like a chain letter. (Challenge accepted)
And now, on to my response to the Liebster challenge:
11 Random Facts about Steven Benjamin (ahem, me) -
So, as part of the Liebster blog Award challenge, i have to quote eleven random facts about myself and then answer the eleven questions from my recruiter - Eleni. And finally, recruit eleven people and do the very same thing - like a chain letter. (Challenge accepted)
And now, on to my response to the Liebster challenge:
11 Random Facts about Steven Benjamin (ahem, me) -
- · For a while my dream was to become a Formula 1 driver (or F1 designer).
- · I love rock climbing.
- · I'm currently editing my debut novel The Quiet Days (about to give it a name change - this is still part of one fact).
- · I once rode my bicycle and crashed into a tree.
- · When I was much younger I climbed to the top of our garage and got stuck. My sisters and some of their friends tried to save me by holding the ends of a blanket and catching me in it. So I leapt … and, I got hurt, but I survived to tell the tale.
- · I’m greatly fond of ice cream – to the point where (once upon a time) a greatly respected man even called me a connoisseur (not a family member).
- · I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour when I was 6 years old (at a PowerTeam event - you know, those ‘strong men’ shows – the guy who broke a block of ice with his head, prayed over me)
- · In grade 2 a teacher asked everyone to draw a picture of what we’d like to become when we’re older; I drew 3 things – a mechanic, a motocross rider and… I can’t remember the 3rd thing. I remember that day because my teacher summoned me after class and asked me about it. She first assured me that I wasn’t in any trouble, and then said, “I noticed you wanted to become three things…” – I said “Yes” – she looked at me and slowly nodded, with a lingering look, and then gave a faint smile and said "okay, just wanted to make sure", before dismissing me.
- · I had a Blair Witch Project moment. The scene: We were at the border post between Botswana & Zambia – it was around midnight when I took the video camera to take some footage of a couple of Kudus (I think) in the bush nearby. Soon after switching to night vision mode, about to commence my live commentary monologue, I was savagely attacked by an as yet unknown number of smallish unidentified flying objects (read UFO’s) – not just insects, but abysmal, obscure, AFRICAN insects… 1 insect jabbing at my neck I can handle, but a sudden rogue attack from a fleet on 9… each with the own mosquito wingmen?
- · I gallantly led… okay okay, (I was part of a great team) that hiked the Fish River Canyon last year.
11. · I may soon be immortalized in cartoon format.
- An early work up - "I prefer the gentleman on the left. Quite a fine likeness, I might add" FYI - I don't wear spectacles.
- I have taken a blood oath, sworn to secrecy and may only divulge details - which include the creator/illustrator's name when he launches it himself... (okay the blood oath part is technically not a fact, though it is a fact that it is practiced in some parts of the world... somewhere, maybe even by some random guy, who also happens to be named Steven).
- An early work up - "I prefer the gentleman on the left. Quite a fine likeness, I might add" FYI - I don't wear spectacles.
- I have taken a blood oath, sworn to secrecy and may only divulge details - which include the creator/illustrator's name when he launches it himself... (okay the blood oath part is technically not a fact, though it is a fact that it is practiced in some parts of the world... somewhere, maybe even by some random guy, who also happens to be named Steven).
Okay, now to answering Eleni's questions:
1. What fictional character would you love to be for a day?
Bruce Wayne – okay wait… No, not James bond either, that’s too typical, does Jeremy Clarkson count, no . . . AAAhh yes, I know – GAMBIT! No... when in doubt, always be BATMAN!
2. What is the hardest aspect of writing for you?
Finding the right words, to match the amazing imagery and pure coolness permeating in the creative nerve center of my mind (it’s harder than it sounds), and yes, sometimes it’s so cool there just are no words.
3. What three historical figures would you love to share a cup of coffee and conversation with?
Nikola Tesla; John the Baptist; Winston Churchill
(Alternate list: Steve Biko, Michelangelo - with a translator of course, Princess Diana)
4. If you weren't an author, what else would you be doing?
Working another job whilst fulfilling my passions and pursuing my dreams in other smaller ways. (or maybe start the South African Bobsled team)
5. On your deathbed, far into the future, how do you want to be remembered?
A man who lived true to himself, always in pursuit of the heart of Christ… (or just, a good example)
6. Do you believe in an afterlife?
Yes, I was born in heaven… one day I shall return home.
Bruce Wayne – okay wait… No, not James bond either, that’s too typical, does Jeremy Clarkson count, no . . . AAAhh yes, I know – GAMBIT! No... when in doubt, always be BATMAN!
2. What is the hardest aspect of writing for you?
Finding the right words, to match the amazing imagery and pure coolness permeating in the creative nerve center of my mind (it’s harder than it sounds), and yes, sometimes it’s so cool there just are no words.
3. What three historical figures would you love to share a cup of coffee and conversation with?
Nikola Tesla; John the Baptist; Winston Churchill
(Alternate list: Steve Biko, Michelangelo - with a translator of course, Princess Diana)
4. If you weren't an author, what else would you be doing?
Working another job whilst fulfilling my passions and pursuing my dreams in other smaller ways. (or maybe start the South African Bobsled team)
5. On your deathbed, far into the future, how do you want to be remembered?
A man who lived true to himself, always in pursuit of the heart of Christ… (or just, a good example)
6. Do you believe in an afterlife?
Yes, I was born in heaven… one day I shall return home.
CD cover - links to youtube vids
7. What is your favorite book, movie, and album?
The Avenger – Frederick Forsyth.
The Dark Knight (though, being a movie critic means I have a rather extensive list of favourites.)
I’ve never actually settled on a favourite album, though my music tastes are pretty vast. Favourite song would be “Black” – by Pearl Jam… and if I was under duress to pick an album, I guess I’d go with U2’s ‘Joshua Tree’ (or their first ‘Best of’ collection). Then again, according to the “most listened to” on my playlist – it would be Ben Howard’s “Every Kingdom”.
8. Name the worst aspect of humanity.
Indifference to your fellow human, which is kind of an appendage to that of inhumaneness.
9. Name the best aspect of humanity.
To Love, unconditionally…
10. If an alien landed on Earth and asked you to go with him or her, but that you'd never be able to return home, would you go. Why or why not?
No. Assuming this would happen in the next week or even few years (while I’m young) – too many things to do here. Too many people to Love, to shout at (even metaphorically, or in written word), to educate, to learn from… Then there’s the very likely scenario of me crapping myself and fainting at the site of said ET. If this were to happen in my older years – Maybe… because if I’m still married (because I intend to be a husband to a woman one day) and she’s still alive, then I definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on any of that… So to conclude – Probably Not, though there is a chance, if the circumstance is right, and the space trip is first class, and maybe if I stipulated a "plus one" clause!
11. Do you believe intelligent life exists beyond this planet? Why or why not?
This is something I haven’t paid that much attention to, simply because it doesn’t really affect me that much, as in my everyday life… but I would have to say yes, I believe intelligence life exists on other planets. I’m a strong believer in the old “just because you cannot see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there” credo, and the universe is too vast (and we are too small) to simply and firmly state that we are all there is in it (regarding intelligent life forms)
The Avenger – Frederick Forsyth.
The Dark Knight (though, being a movie critic means I have a rather extensive list of favourites.)
I’ve never actually settled on a favourite album, though my music tastes are pretty vast. Favourite song would be “Black” – by Pearl Jam… and if I was under duress to pick an album, I guess I’d go with U2’s ‘Joshua Tree’ (or their first ‘Best of’ collection). Then again, according to the “most listened to” on my playlist – it would be Ben Howard’s “Every Kingdom”.
8. Name the worst aspect of humanity.
Indifference to your fellow human, which is kind of an appendage to that of inhumaneness.
9. Name the best aspect of humanity.
To Love, unconditionally…
10. If an alien landed on Earth and asked you to go with him or her, but that you'd never be able to return home, would you go. Why or why not?
No. Assuming this would happen in the next week or even few years (while I’m young) – too many things to do here. Too many people to Love, to shout at (even metaphorically, or in written word), to educate, to learn from… Then there’s the very likely scenario of me crapping myself and fainting at the site of said ET. If this were to happen in my older years – Maybe… because if I’m still married (because I intend to be a husband to a woman one day) and she’s still alive, then I definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on any of that… So to conclude – Probably Not, though there is a chance, if the circumstance is right, and the space trip is first class, and maybe if I stipulated a "plus one" clause!
11. Do you believe intelligent life exists beyond this planet? Why or why not?
This is something I haven’t paid that much attention to, simply because it doesn’t really affect me that much, as in my everyday life… but I would have to say yes, I believe intelligence life exists on other planets. I’m a strong believer in the old “just because you cannot see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there” credo, and the universe is too vast (and we are too small) to simply and firmly state that we are all there is in it (regarding intelligent life forms)
Stay tuned, my next post will include the eleven people I recruit (thought I'd highlight them all in a special post of awesomeness... plus, contacting them all can prove a hassle... you know artists.
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