Waddup, favourite Internet specimens? A while ago I tweeted to see if you had any questions for me (always awkward...) using the hashtag #AskAmber, and it turns out quite a few of you did. I've always done Q&As as videos on my YouTube channel (gotta get that promo in) so this time I decided to mix it up a bit and do it here on the blog.
@MileLongBookS #AskAmber Have you had Tiramisu yet? Have you ever had alcohol and did you like it? Mountains or beaches?— Hannah (@NinjasReadToo) 8 July 2016
Beaches are better than mountains because they're flat and I'm lazy. I don't drink because I don't like the idea of not being in control of myself, and relying on a drink for fun. I mean, I'm also underage, but it's not like that stops anyone... And as for tiramisu? Nope, I haven't had it. Yet.
@MileLongBookS what is your favorite color? what is the number one place you want to visit and why? Favorite band and food?— Brianna + Angelina (@otakutwins1) 8 July 2016
Something I've come to realise over the years is that I don't have a favourite colour - I like them all. But the colour scheme in my bedroom is white, grey and yellow, if that means anything. There are two places I want to visit most in the world, and they are Paris and New York City. My favourite band is Cimorelli (any other fans here?) and my favourite food is my own version of the Californian burgers you can get at Gourmet Burger Kitchen.
@MileLongBookS here's a serious #askamber - how can I support / what's the best thing to say to my 17yo friend who suffers with anxiety?— catrad (@catrad) 8 July 2016
I think the best things you can do are, firstly, to let them know that you are there for them and, secondly, to encourage them to get help. And if the help they get doesn't seem to work, remind them that there are so many other options and just because one thing doesn't help doesn't mean nothing else will. It's also worth asking them what you can do to make things easier for them.
As someone who has had to support my own friends with their mental illnesses, I also want to say that it's not your job to look after them. Support them and care for them when you can, yes, but you have your own life to live and if you find it's stressing you out/having an effect on your own mental health, don't feel bad for taking a step back. Professionals are there for a reason and while it's important to do what you can for your friend (and I know they'll really appreciate the fact that you're sticking with them through this) you have to remember to take care of yourself, first and foremost.
@MileLongBookS I'll pre-empt. What was the first book that made you want to write a review for other people to read?— Josephine Boyce (@josephineLDN) 8 July 2016
The first review I ever wrote was in June 2009 and it was for Bindi Babes by Narinder Dhami. I still love Dhami's books, but it wasn't Bindi Babes that made me want to write a review... it was Chicklish, one of the biggest book blogs in the UK. They were looking for reviewers and, after stumbling upon it, I applied. The rest is history...
@MileLongBookS If you could resurrect any character from any book... who would you choose? #askamber— Rebekah (@wingsmadeofword) 8 July 2016
If you haven't read The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare, don't highlight this: Jem. *cries* So there we go.
@MileLongBookS What was your favorite children's show when you were little? 👧— La La in the Library (@LaLaT0adst0ne) 8 July 2016
I LOVE THIS QUESTION. Teletubbies, apparently, although looking back it's more than a bit creepy. Tweenies, Mona the Vampire, Jakers!, Underground Ernie, Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids, 64 Zoo Lane, Come Outside, Lazy Town (I know...), Balamory (again, I know...), Charlie and Lola... I was also partial to a bit of Fireman Sam, although it gave me nightmares more than once. I was a sensitive child, clearly.
@NinjasReadToo @MileLongBookS challenge accepted: would you rather never pet a puppy again or never eat your favourite food again?— Michelle (@writingbadger) 8 July 2016
I don't mind dogs, but cats are way better - you know it's true. So I'd never pet a puppy again, because I could still have kitty cuddles and eat my favourite food. Boom.
Thanks for sending in your questions, and sorry I couldn't answer them all! If you want to watch the last Q&A I did, click here.
