Today I am doing a tag! Yay! I actually did this tag several years ago on my old blog, but I don't have that site anymore and I can't remember any of the questions, so I'm doing it again :) I technically wasn't tagged by anyone specifically, but Amy over at A Magical World of Words tagged everyone, so I took her up on her offer! It's been a VERY long time since I've done a tag, so I'm really excited! Plus, Amy has some very interesting and difficult questions, so it should be fun!
RULES:
1: Thank the person who tagged you.
2: Answer the questions set for you.
3: Create new questions.
4: Tag some people!
Simple! Thanks Amy for the generic tag ;) Let's begin...
1: Name a book character everyone seems to love but you can't stand.
The first person I can think of is Gale from Hunger Games. I wouldn't say I "can't stand him", but I just think he is portrayed as a victim in the movies, when that isn't how I see it in the books. He becomes more callous throughout the novels, and I could just never get on his side. I have others, but I'll mention only the one.
2: Would you rather be in a Divergent world, or a Hunger Games world, and why?
I never finished the Divergent series, although I have seen the movies. I love Hunger Games as a series substantially more, but I would choose to live in the Divergent world. There is at least a chance to live a happy life. I could never be a tribute. Killing people, even in self-defense, would crush my soul. Not to mention I would be terrified. And unless you live in the Capitol or District 1 (which is its own unique kind of horror), you are probably suffering. In Divergent Chicago, you can at least choose your faction. It might be frowned upon, but you can choose.
3: Which Harry Potter character would be your best friend and why?
Hermione. This one is easy. She loves books, she's loyal and sweet and brainy, and I think I could learn a lot from her bravery. I believe our personalities would mesh beautifully.
4: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To fly. I'm sure if I gave this more thought, I'd choose something more powerful and useful, but honestly, who doesn't wish they could fly? The best dreams I ever have while sleeping are when this wish comes true.
5: Should Hermione have ended up with Harry instead of Ron?
Personally, I like how the series ended, and who paired up with who. Harry and Hermione's friendship is incredible, and I love that. I can't see it turning into romantic love. The fact that the two secondary characters fell in love is a rare thing in YA, and I appreciate that from J.K. Rowling. Also, the fact that "chosen one" Harry Potter fell for Ginny Weasley, is sweet. She hasn't done any of the dangerous, incredible things Harry, Ron, or Hermione have, but he loves her just for her. And that's how love should be.
6: You're the King/Queen of the universe. What's the first thing you do? (Only ONE!)
Assuming my powers are limitless and not defined by reality... give every orphan a home. Seriously. I would take them all into my castle if I could.
7: What is one review you're super proud of and loved writing?
I'm tweaking this to say "blog post" instead of review. I haven't been blogging on this new site very long, so I have a limited number of posts to choose from. But if I had to select the post I'm most proud of, I'd choose either 5 Things I Wish I'd Known As A Beginning Writer or The Query Trenches: A Confession. Both of these posts are different from my others in that they are raw perspective on the writing journey. The difficulties of it and how to overcome them. Whereas my other posts are more informative, these posts are more encouragement. And I really love that honesty.
8: What is one trope in YA you're ABSOLUTELY SICK AND TIRED OF?
The love triangle. I understand that love is complicated, but the way it is portrayed is ridiculous. It often ends up such that the MC can't decide who they love, so they string both love interests along, and there is jealousy and disloyalty. I personally would like to see a romance where, even though the love may not be straight forward and easy, there is at least true love. The MC chooses that other person, and the relationship develops and strengthens accordingly. With a love triangle, the relationship is torn so many different ways, and it makes growth difficult. This can add to the stakes of the story, but not necessarily the relationship itself.
Okay, there you have it! I know I might have cheated on a few, giving more than one answer... sorry :) Thank you again Amy for these questions. They really made me think!
Here are my questions for ya'll:
1. You can only keep/read 3 books for the rest of your life. What would they be?
2. What book do you favor over the movie? What movie do you favor over the book?
3. If you could live in one fictional nation/world, what would it be?
4. Pick a love triangle. Choose a side.
5. How do you feel about spoilers? Do they ruin a book for you, or can you overlook them?
6. Are you a morning bird or night owl?
7. What is your favorite fictional relationship? Why?
8. What fictional character are you most like?
If you do this tag, put a link in the comments below, or over at my Facebook page www.facebook.com/authorcaitlinlambert. I'd love to see your answers!