Colin Ames-Beaumont answers the Proust questionnaire…
…and you get a chance to win every book he’s appeared in.
NOTE: THIS CONTEST OVER OVER. THANK YOU FOR PLAYING!
I’m giving away two sets of my backlist — the trade HOT SPELL, DEMON ANGEL, and WILD THING. To enter, you must choose seven of the following questions, and answer them either on your own blog or here in the comments. (If you answer them on your blog, please be sure to leave a link here in the comments.)
You do not have to answer them as yourself. Feel free to use a character that you’ve created, or one from a book, movie, or television show … just let us know who it is.
I will randomly select two winners from the posts in the comments (so make sure you link if you post on your own blog!) And remember, even if you already have copies of these books, they can make a great gift (or punishment, if you didn’t like them.) The last day to enter will be May 31st, at midnight. Here are Colin’s answers to the full questionnaire:
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A life lived without answering any ridiculous French questionnaires.
2. What is your greatest fear?
Waking up in the Chaos realm.
3. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
The fantastically brilliant and gorgeous figure who inspired an Irishman to give vampires no reflection.
4. Which living person do you most admire?
Might I choose an undead person? If so, it is that fantastically brilliant and gorgeous person who inspired an Irishman.
5. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
This question is absurd.
6. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Blindness.
7. What is your greatest extravagance?
The time I’ve wasted on questions one to six. I am immortal, but Good God — Children of the Corn: 666 was time and money better spent, and I received it free from Columbia House after purchasing my 1000th DVD through them.
8. What is your favorite journey?
From San Francisco to Beaumont Court. Then, after my nieces and nephews have chased me round with garlic wreaths and crucifixes for a fortnight or so, I find the journey home even more agreeable.
9. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Chastity.
10. On what occasion do you lie?
I never lie.
11. What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Ridiculous question.
12. Which living person do you most despise?
Equally ridiculous question. Why would I bother to expend the energy required to despise a person? It is far more entertaining and gratifying when others despise or fear me. So long as they take a good look at me before cowering or tottering off to their libraries or wherever they sit and contemplate with malice the faces of those they hate, I am satisfied.
13. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
In public company, usually to strangers: “You look lovely tonight, my dear.†In private company, or to myself: “Good God.†“Bloody hell.†“Bloody fucking hell.â€
14. What is your greatest regret?
That I did not put Savi to sleep after I drank from her. That I did not take more care that she had no memory of our encounter by the fountain. That, because of my neglect, she will not look at me now.
15. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
I am not certain that I wish to ever find someone I would love more than I do myself. What would come of that love? If it were with a human, I would have to find others to feed from; if a vampire, I could not feed her; and if she were a Guardian…no, that would be impossible. I could never love a self-righteous, lecturing moralist.
16. Which talent would you most like to have?
I am and have mastered everything I should like to be or have mastered.
17. What is your current state of mind?
Thanks to this absurd questionnaire — and specifically, the question numbered fourteen — rather melancholy, and desperately hungry for a bit of Indian curry.
18. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
They would be immortal.
19. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Achievement is such a plebian goal. If I must have an achievement of which to be proud, it is that I have managed to exist two hundred years without achieving anything.
20. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
This is absurd — a thing? What should I be — a pair of trousers? Bloody ridiculous.
21. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?
Me.
22. What is your most treasured possession?
A painting of Savi, in Caelum, by the fountain. It is already without compare, and I suspect that in sixty years or so, its value to me will be far beyond priceless.
23. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Chaos. But ask again in sixty years, or after she marries, and I may have a different answer.
24. Where would you like to live?
San Francisco.
25. What is your favorite occupation?
Hunting. Drinking. Fucking. (They are all the same.)
26. What is your most marked characteristic?
I am exceptionally handsome.
27. What is the quality you most like in a man?
One who is clever, but never one who is more clever than I.
28. What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Curiosity, particularly when her questions are designed to gather information about me. Intelligence. Beauty. A sharp wit and quick tongue. One who speaks honestly and bluntly — no doubt a result of having an adopted brother who can read lies.
29. What do you most value in your friends?
Fine eyesight, and better aesthetic judgment.
30. Who are your favorite writers?
Mary Shelley. John Polidori. (I hope this question refers to the writer as a person, and does not include Polidori’s works — because The Vampyre was utterly ridiculous.)
31. Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Not that weak-minded fool Aubrey, that’s for certain.
32. Who are your heroes in real life?
I shall never admit it, not to him or his partner.
33. What are your favorite names?
Colin. Emily. Anthony. I have also recently taken a strong liking to names from The Mahabharata.
34. What is it that you most dislike?
Chaos and polyester.
35. How would you like to die?
Never, but if I must, in my daysleep.
36. What is your motto?
Don’t be absurd. Napoleon’s pox-ridden sailors created mottos so as not to be forced to think of anything original to say whilst they drowned. As it was, most of them forgot it at the last moment, and instead remarked upon how bloody brilliant the British Navy was just as the water closed over their heads.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? No memory of the past
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Stupidity
On what occasion do you lie? On questionnaires
Which talent would you most like to have? Time travel
What is the quality you most like in a man? Commitment
How would you like to die? Instantly!
What is your motto? Be afraid. Be very afraid!
LMAO! I love Colin.
What is your greatest extravagance?
The time I’ve wasted on questions one to six. I am immortal, but Good God — Children of the Corn: 666 was time and money better spent, and I received it free from Columbia House after purchasing my 1000th DVD through them.
This was my favorite!
I’m not sure if I’ll have time to do this, but I’ll try.
I played! I played! My questions and answers are posted on my blog.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? to live without fear
What is your greatest fear? being alone
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? my insecurity
What is the trait you most deplore in others? an asskisser
What is your greatest extravagance? My books and my house
What is your favorite journey? going to Disneyworld w/ the kids
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? your virginity
On what occasion do you lie? I don’t lie. I just improvise. LOL
What do you like most about your appearance? my weight
Which living person do you most despise? My father in law
after my husband passed away, he has nothing to do with my kids(his grandkids) and tells all that I’m keeping him from them. I just pray for his soul.
Which word do you overuse? I’m always saying “but why”
Who is the greatest love of your life? My kids and Mark.
My babies first and foremost, then Mark. I have finally found a man that is my lover and my best friend. We have so much in common it’s scary. He has made me feel what I haven’t felt in years. HAPPY
Which talen would you like most to have? to sing
What is your current state of mind? I’m very happy
Going back to school and getting a CA liscence for cosmetology is my greatest achievement.
I’d love to live in Scotland.
This looks like fun.
I loved reading the answers to this!
Here are mine: http://insomnomania.blogspot.com/2007/05/meljean-brooks-contest.html
What is your idea of perfect happiness?to not be bothered
What is your greatest fear? heights
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? my boldness
What is the trait you most deplore in others? 2 faced bitches
What is your greatest extravagance? My books
What is your favorite journey? going to Florida
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? your virginity
On what occasion do you lie? never lie
What do you dislike most about your appearance? my shortness
Which living person do you most despise? my ex
Which word do you overuse? whatever
Which talent would you like most to have? to be able to draw
What is your current state of mind? happy
Oh, I loved this! I loved Colin in DA. This just got me all excited for DM.
I’m going to have to give this question thing a go tomorrow.
On what occasion do you lie? – Never I’m always truthful!
Which talent would you most like to have? Time-Travel
What is your current state of mind? – Psychotic
Where would you like to live? Somewhere hot and
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Not Loved
What is your favorite occupation? Tormenting People
What do you most value in your friends? Friends, what friends?
Loved it! Thanks for the insight into Colin.
What is your greatest fear? Drowning
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? shyness
What is the trait you most deplore in others? selfishness
On what occasion do you lie? To not hurt someone’s feelings
What do you dislike most about your appearance? fair skin
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Graduating college
Where would you like to live? On a tropic island
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness? A pint of Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough ice cream
3. Which historical figure do you most identify with? Jane Austen
13. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Cool!
16. Which talent would you most like to have? I’d like to be able to type really fast.
17. What is your current state of mind? Calm
25. What is your favorite occupation? Writing
31. Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Too many too mention
Are eff oh elling right now.
I love Colin, but I believe Night of the Living Dead 3: Necropolis beats Children of the Corn: 666 in the “waste of humanity” category.
My greatest fear – Snakes When do I lie – When I know something that will hurt someone’s feelings Talent I would like to have – To be able to play the guitar I would like to live – Hawaii Favorite trait in a man – Sense of Humor Favorite authors – Christine Feehan and Sherrilyn Kenyon How would I like to die – In my sleep
Chaos and polyester!!! LMFAO!!
He is such a cocky SOB, but he still makes me drool.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I hate it when someone is self-absorbent
What is your motto?
Don’t cry over anyone who won’t cry over you.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
gullible
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
There no love like the love of a son/child.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My books
What are your favorite names?
Isabel and Galen
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
MY HAIR!! It has a mind of its own.
What is your favorite journey? going to Myrtle Beach
Where would you like to live? Hawaii
What are your favorite names? Jack and Lindsey
What do you dislike most about your appearance? my hair, it is naturally curly
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? awesome
Which talent would you most like to have? telekenisis
What is your idea of perfect happiness? being with someone you love
I participated on my blog
http://celeber.livejournal.com/
Mine is up at http://carylerg.livejournal.com/101310.html
Trait you most deplore in yourself – My inability to finish things. But I’m working on it.
Trait you most deplore in others – a lack of common sense. (It was a toss up between that and hypocrisy)
Favourite journey – At the moment the train journey to Edinburgh. Even if it is 6 hours long.
On what occasion do you lie? – I try never to lie, it generally only gets you into worse trouble than if you’d told the truth to begin with. And I think lying to someone is one of the worst things you can do. But I think sometimes a lie of omission is more appropriate than brutal honesty.
Which talent would you most like to have? Telekinesis.
favourite writers – Kelley Armstrong, J.R.Ward, Wen Spencer, Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook:grin:, Charlaine Harris, Linda Howard, Lindsey Davis, Suzanne Brockmann. I could go on and on. Yes, I am a book addict.
What is your motto? Hmmm. Not sure that I have one. But I like this, I saw it on a blog or message board I think. – You can’t go back and start again, but you can start from now and have a brand new end.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Walking in Rome and eating some chocolate.
2. What is your greatest fear?
Having regrets.
3. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Jane Austen – I wish I had written Pride and Prejudice
4. Which living person do you most admire?
Oprah and all the good she wants to do.
5. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I would like to agree with Colin, but I would have to say lack of discipline sometimes.
6. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Lack of empathy and concern and for others.
7. What is your greatest extravagance?
I would have to say my bed sheets and duvet cover! I love good sheets.
I entered at my blog–
http://badattitles.blogspot.com/2007/05/contest-time.html
2. What is your greatest fear? Having a stroke and losing my ability to communicate.
8. What is your favorite journey? From California to Athens (except for the turbulence over the Atlantic!).
11. What do you dislike most about your appearance? My nose (it’s too big).
16. What talent would you most like to have? Wire-working.
18. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? Their taste in books (to correspond more with my own).
24. Where would you like to live? Santa Cruz, CA.
27. What is the quality you admire most in a man? Kindness.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My house by the sea, filled with my books, my pets, my friends, my love, with a garden I planted myself.
2. What is your greatest fear?
It’s a tie between going insane (and realizing it) and becoming physically blind.
11. What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My eyes. On bad days, I’m sure I look like a lemur. It’s also the first thing my parents noticed about me as a newborn. People comment on them ALL THE TIME. What about my nose, my mouth, my ears!?!
16. Which talent would you most like to have?
A beautiful singing voice. Classical, bluesy, jazzy, I just really wish I could sing.
20. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
I’ve always said this : I want to come back as a banana. It’s the perfect plant. The “tree” is actually a leaf, the real brain of the operations is in the rhizome underground. The flowers and the fruits are different colors: white, purple, green to yellow. And the fruit itsefl is genius: self-contained, it really is “all inside”. I love it.
24. Where would you like to live?
Portugal, meu amor. I love the language. I read somewhere that they love writers. I adore fado.
35. How would you like to die?
I don’t want to die alone, unacknowledged, unfound even. I want to lie down, maybe tired but happy from a party with friends and family, close my eyes and drift off forever…
2. What is your greatest fear/ Something happening to my son.
6. What is the trait you most deplore in others/ lying.
7. What is your greatest extravagance/ purses.
15. What or who is the greatest love of your life/ husband.
16. Which talent would you most like to have/ any psychic ability.
24. Where would you like to live/ Ireland, Scotland.
35. How would you like to die/ peaceful.
1.What is your idea of perfect happiness? Unconditional love, acceptance and devotion from my husband …and my kids too… although they are encouraged to give their devotion to their own when they fly the coop!
2. What is your greatest fear? Something bad happening to the said above…
5. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Procrastination
6. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Indefinite grudge holding
7. What is your favorite journey? State and National Park hopping through Utah ….ending in Grand Canyon, AZ!
13. Which word or phrase do you most overuse? “Okay” and “Look” and sometimes I put them together… “Okay, look:”
14. What is your greatest regret? Not standing up for myself before the age of 22.
19. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? Finally standing up for myself when I was 22. Since then I’ve been free and happy!
2. What is your greatest fear? bugs…any kind. They make my heart beat out of my chest.
13. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? ummmmmm….or what a jerk!
14. What is your greatest regret? no regrets
15. What or who is the greatest love of your life? my husband
17. What is your current state of mind? tired but happy
22. What is your most treasured possession? my wedding ring
25. What is your favorite occupation?
Hunting. Drinking. Fucking. (They are all the same.) hahaha!
27. What is the quality you most like in a man? honesty
28. What is the quality you most like in a woman? honesty
31. Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Roarke
32. Who are your heroes in real life? my husband and father-in-law.