The Zodiac Files: Linda Hobden ~ Taurus/Gemini

Astrology ~ a bit of fun, a load of rubbish, or something to take seriously?

I invited around 70 writers/bloggers to write a piece about whether or not they're typical of their sign, and how its traits affect their writing life ~ if at all...

I've featured fifty-four writers and bloggers so far ~ if you would like to have a look at the list (with links), they're all HERE

Now, there was me thinking I'd got myself another Taurus, and then I read the article from my next guest, shoe and fashion blogger Linda Hobden, and discovered that she's a Taurus/Gemini cusp who feels more like the twins than a bull!  The blog's gorgeous, a real must for shoes and fashion addicts ~ it's HERE

Tell us all about your cuspal life, Linda :)

"I was born on May 21st and depending on what horoscope guide one refers to, I am either a Taurus or a Gemini.  I have always considered myself a Gemini, but looking at the two different traits, I am definitely half and half.  Being on the cusp can be lots of fun - when reading my horoscopes I read both Taurus & Gemini and pick the prediction that I like the sound of!  So, when Terry asked the immortal question of how my zodiac traits present themselves when I write my blog, in true "cusp" style, I picked out traits from both lists."

"My Gemini side shows itself in the fact that I am nosy, chatty, communicative, sociable and I'm interested in a variety of subjects. This bodes well for me as I interview on my blog people from all walks of life from around the world - CEOs, models, photographers, fashion designers, craftspeople, authors, entrepreneurs  and others - about their careers, lives and their personal footwear and fashion tastes.  Being nosy, chatty and interested definitely helps.  In the field of communication, I love the English language (and literature)."

My Taurus side shows itself in the fact that I am stubborn and I dislike change.  I had been told for months that my blog of 4 years was no longer mobile friendly but I was too stubborn to agree to change the theme ... but after a while I did change my theme and it does look slicker and.... well, let's just say, it has been done! Other Taurus traits include being independent (I may be sociable but I do like to work on my blog independently); being loyal (I do support those who have given me hope, encouragement and help as I go on my blog journey); being dependable (if I say I will do something, I will); being reliable (I blog every week without fail and have done since 2012 - I just cannot blog without being organised in advance!); being artistic (I enjoy photography, especially macro and textures - and I like the chance of using my photos in my blog).  Unfortunately, patience is a Taurus trait that doesn't apply to my blog life especially when I experience a technical hitch or two ...in fact I display that Gemini trait of being a tad quarrelsome!  Just ask my Leo husband!"

I haven't noticed that my Taurean husband is patient, at all.... mind you, he has half his birth chart in fiery, demanding Aries!  A very clear insight into the two signs ~ if you would like to get to know Linda and follow her posts, she can be contacted Twitter or Facebook.

Now, famous writer time ~ I thought it best to choose one of each!

.... with Gemini chick lit writer Jane Green....

and the king of the American blockbuster beach read, Taurean Harold Robbins :)

 

The Z Files: Haydn Lee ~ Gemini

Astrology ~ a bit of fun, a load of rubbish, or something to take seriously?

I invited around 70 writers/bloggers to write a piece about whether or not they're typical of their sign, and how its traits affect their writing life ~ if at all...

Has your favourite writer been featured yet?  Links to all previous posts at the end of this one :)

Another mercurial Gemini today: young writer, lover of old books and one of the Novelistas group, Haydn Lee, who writes 'a pastiche of mystery, horror and psychological exploration'.  She's had a few pieces published in anthologies and the (now sadly defunct) UK Young Writer magazine.

Tell us about how being a Gemini affects your writing life, Haydn!

"I’m a Gemini and a writer, and I believe that the Gemini traits I possess benefit my writing.

I create my characters first, taking inspiration from everyone around me. Although I’m not at all talkative around strangers, I love watching people and am fascinated by their quirks. This demonstrates the typical Gemini’s curiosity for the world around them. I read voraciously from all genres, again showing my Gemini curiosity and a wide range of interests. One day you’ll find me reading Proust, the next a biography of a 1950s movie star. I’m versatile in writing many genres as well: stories, plays, poetry, and odd scenes from imagined film scripts."

"However, I cannot claim to lack any of the Gemini’s negative traits. I am easily distracted by new ideas. I will drop all my old work and get so excited about my new project that I forget what I’d originally set out to write! I have so many unfinished stories and vivid characters without fictional homes because of my fickle and unreliable enthusiasm.

One project I have committed to for years, against all ‘unreliable Gemini' odds, is my diary, which I have kept almost daily from the age of eight. I may be shy around people, but the detail of my diary’s writing demonstrates the Gemini’s primary need above all things: to, somehow, communicate the whirlwind of their thoughts." (Note: Anne Frank was a Gemini)

"All Geminis love words, whether it’s pouring out an inner monologue to anyone who will listen, or self-expression through writing. Geminis have an enthusiasm for all kinds of communication, which lends itself to writing. Just give us a schedule and a plot to stick to first."

One of the best accounts of a sign I've read so far, in that it explains exactly how the sign affects this writer's attitude to her craft.  You can visit Haydn's blog and follow her on Twitter :)

Now, a couple of Gemini twins to make a trio...

.... writer of an 'old book' or two for Haydn ~ Thomas Hardy

.....and translator of Dante's Divine Comedy 

and crime/mystery writer, Dorothy Sayers

Coming next: a very practical and determined Capricorn!

Previous Posts:

Leo and Aries: Terry Tyler and Julia Proofreader

Leo: Rose Edmunds, Anne Goodwin, Alex Johnson

Aries: Trisha Ashley, Cynthia Harrison

Gemini: Norah Colvin, Jerome Dumont, John Privilege, Shelley Wilson

Aquarius and Capricorn: Nicky Black

Aquarius: Cathy Ryan, Lynda Renham

Capricorn: Annie Lyons, Steffany R

Sagittarius: Rachel Amphlett, Wendy J Lennox, Katrina Mountfort,

Virgo: Louise Marley, Elizabeth Ducie, Barb Taub

Pisces: Julie Haiselden, Maria Savva, Sacha Black,

Scorpio: Gemma Lawrence, Robert Leigh, Catherine Hokin, Jenny Twist
Taurus: Valerie-Anne Baglietto, Valerie Poore

Cancer: Sarah Boucher, Katie Oliver, Mark Barry

Libra: Tom Hocknell, Jen Ammoscato, Joanne B

The Z Files: Norah Colvin ~ Gemini

Astrology ~ a bit of fun, a load of rubbish, or something to take seriously?


I invited around 70 writers/bloggers to write a piece about whether or not they're typical of their sign, and how its traits affect their writing life ~ if at all...

Has your favourite writer been featured yet?  Links to all previous posts at the end of this one :) 

The Zodiac Files' fourth Gemini ~ yes, mercurial messenger Twins doing their communication stuff around Twitter and providing me with pieces for this feature; it's the sign from which I received the biggest initial response (even bigger than the allegedly 'I want to be centre stage!' Leos!).  

 Today's Gemini is Australian blogger Norah Colvin, who has a passionate interest in education, and shares others' blog posts of interest all over cyberspace, with her online wingéd heels! 

Welcome, Norah, and please tell us about yourself ~

And old picture of Norah at a 'bad taste' school dance!

"I don’t believe in the ability of star signs to define an identity or predict life events. I choose free will over destiny. However I do believe that everything is connected and that our traits are influenced by the interaction of nature and nurture. Stars and planets are parts of nature, but whether these entities influence life events is open for conjecture.

While I don’t believe in “the stars” I know that I have some of the characteristics of my star sign “Gemini”, the twins, a contradiction. (I probably have some of other star signs too, but that’s beside the point!)"

"Like a typical Gemini, I love to think. Learning, is my passion. The by-line on my blog, ‘Live Love Laugh Learn … Create the Possibilities’, surprisingly, probably sums up the Gemini in me quite nicely.

I, like other Geminis, love to amalgamate information from different sources to create new ideas. The ideas may never materialise, but the formulation is energising; energising in a way that physical exercise never is: I am cerebral, though could never be considered intellectual. I may have a superficial understanding of many things, but I am a loyal, rather than superficial friend."

"Communication is important in my roles as teacher and writer. I can be sociable (when and how I choose) and am very interested in others, especially their ideas. As an introvert, though, I am more a listener than a talker and not really what would be described as chatty.

An airhead maybe; I love birds and butterflies and views from the air; but don’t like heights or closed in spaces. Give me freedom to think outside the square and definitely, don’t fence me in (unless I’ve got a good book and some writing tools)!"

Norah, you've just written a piece describing all the traits of the typical higher Gemini! I love it when these pieces show so much of the sign, so often more than the author realises... Norah's Twitter bio says that she loves learning and education ~ and I'd like to add that she is very cheerful and communicative online :)  You can follow her on Twitter, and have a look at her multi-facted and educational blog HERE.

Now, which famous Gemini writers to choose for Norah?  I've gone for two who have written books for children as well as adults:

...namely Salman Rushdie, author of Haroun and The Sea of Stories 

and Luka and the Fire of Life...

... and former Poet Laureate John Masefield, who wrote  

The Midnight Folk and The Box of Delights.

Up Next: a financially thrilling Leo!

Previous Posts:

Leo and Aries: Terry Tyler and Proofreader Julia

Leo: Anne Goodwin, Alex Johnson

Aries: Trisha Ashley, Cynthia Harrison

Gemini: Jerome Dumont, John Privilege, Shelley Wilson,

Aquarius and Capricorn: Nicky Black

Aquarius: Cathy Ryan, Lynda Renham

Capricorn: Steffany R

Sagittarius: Rachel Amphlett, Wendy J Lennox, Katrina Mountfort,

Virgo: Louise Marley, Elizabeth Ducie, Barb Taub,

Pisces: Maria Savva, Sacha Black

Scorpio: Gemma Lawrence, Robert Leigh, Catherine Hokin, Jenny Twist,

Taurus: Valerie-Anne Baglietto, Valerie Poore,

Cancer: Katie Oliver, Mark Barry,

Libra: Tom Hocknell, Jen Ammoscato,  Joanne B

The Z Files: Jerome Dumont ~ Gemini

Astrology ~ a bit of fun, a load of rubbish, or something to take seriously?

I invited around 70 writers/bloggers to write a piece about how typical they are of their sign, and how its traits affect their writing life ~ if at all...

Has your favourite writer been featured yet?  Links to all previous posts at the end of this one :)

The small world of the internet ~ please allow me to introduce Quebec based French lawyer-turned-indie author Jerome Dumont, whose multi-faceted life already seems typical of his sign ~ Gemini.  Talking of multi-faceted, he's just started up a business called Nameo Solutions, which provides a full range of web services ~ it's HERE.  Do contact him if you'd like to know more :)

Bonne matin et bienvenue a ma blog, Jerome ~ the floor is yours...

"When it comes to my astrology sign, I often say that as a typical Gemini, one gets two for the price of one…  we are said to have dual personalities, with - slight (I do insist) - instabilities: sometimes anxious, sometimes playful and overly communicative. Indeed. Point is, I often exhaust myself with the rollercoaster I’m riding everyday! 

I did never dig much further (the burden is already heavy!) but thanks to Terry’s brilliant idea which I love, I’ve been a good boy and made some other researches.

So, we’re said to be pessimistic and to often see the glass half-filled… I suspect some link there with the obvious fact that we need to be reassured. Sometimes. Often. Everyday."

"Another typical trait of Gemini is that they're allergic to routine: yes to that too. I’m actually suffering from that terrible illness. But, thank God, writing prevents me from that boring « ring ring… 7AM... Move yourself to go again » routine by starting the writing of my 8th and 9th books. 

An analyzing mind, even when we don’t want to… Because there’s always a reason, isn’t there?"

"Geminis love to find solutions and solve problems: look no further - I’m a thriller author (but as I love to give myself new challenges, I’m planning the writing of a chick-lit novel - what life would look like without REAL challenges?).

Not limited to one contradiction, I love to meet new people but I do need some loneliness. Speaking of duality? I’ve also read (it must be true, I found it on Elle astrology pages) that if I was an animal, I’d be a cat, needing my own home sweet home AND loving my freedom plus a strong taste for travel. I must admit that « immature » is also found on this article. Must be a typo.

Elle also says that male Geminis often had a very present mother during childhood… Get outta my head. Please. By the way… Love you mom! 

Bottom line: I recognize myself in almost, well, everything I’ve read about my astrological sign. But amongst all, my most typical astrological trait - apart of that bloody duality, is that Geminis are faithful, especially with friends. 110% agreed!"

I love this piece ~ I especially love that Jerome got his information from Elle magazine!  And of course it's written in such a charming and witty Gemini fashion :). 

You can read more about Jerome's life and books on his website  and follow him on Twitter.  

G Garrulous
E Excitable
M Mercurial
I Inquisitive
N Nosey!
I Imaginative

Two other intricate plot creating, quick Gemini minds to join Jerome in the mental conundrum of thriller writing...

Best seller Robert Ludlum ~ I've never read any of his 

but there are about 30 of the damn things on the bookshelf of the spare room I sleep in when I visit my Dad!

.... and master of many trades, Mitch Albom.  

I've read his The Five People You Meet In Heaven, which is fab!

Coming next time: A chick lit writing Libra!

Previous Posts:

Leo and Aries: Terry Tyler and Julia Proofreader

Leo: Anne Goodwin,, Alex Johnson

Aries: Cynthia Harrison

Gemini: John Privilege, Shelley Wilson,

Aquarius and Capricorn: Nicky Black
Capricorn: Steffany R

Aquarius: Cathy Ryan, Lynda Renham,

Sagittarius: Rachel Amphlett, Wendy J Lennox, Katrina Mountfort

Virgo: Louise Marley, Elizabeth Ducie Barb Taub,

Pisces: Maria Savva, Sacha Black

Scorpio: Robert Leigh, Catherine Hokin, Jenny Twist,
Taurus: Valerie-Anne Baglietto,  Valerie Poore,

Cancer: Katie Oliver, Mark Barry,
Libra: Joanne B