Author Guest Post & Giveaway [CLOSED]: Gabi Stevens

I am excited to have Gabi Stevens here with us today for a guest post and to giveaway a copy of The Wish List and As You Wish to one lucky winner.

Take it away Gabi!


Top Eleven Weird Things about Writing and Writers

Okay, so I don’t really know if these are true. They are from my observations and definitely not from any kind of scientific research. In fact, I can’t even say they are universally true, except that they all do apply to me. So here is the disclaimer: this may or may not be a list of eleven weird things about writers. In fact, this blog’s title probably should have been Top Eleven Weird Things about Me, but that sounded way too egotistical.

  1. Scariest thing in the world is a blank page, which is also the greatest thing in the world.
    A blank page: can anything be more intimidating? We’re suppose to fill it with words, stories, and ideas. What if we don’t have any? What if it’s crap? On the other hand, when we get it filled, it feels GREAT! Something we created. You just can’t beat that.
  2. We LOVE office supply stores.
    I have yet to meet a writer who doesn’t like Staples or Office Max or that one row at Costco. Pens (chills). Paper (goosebumps). By the carton (drool). Sticky notes (pretty). Laptops and tablets (Mmmm). Highlighters (more, more). Organizers, binders, and file folders (oh, yes). Office furniture (yes, yes, yes). Hey, I told you this was a list of weird things.
  3. We read. A lot.
    At least we should. I’ve met writers who say they don’t read, but I don’t believe them. How else can you learn about the beauty of words unless you devour them? It isn’t through school or classes.
  4. We know writing is a business; we just don’t like to think that way.
    Yes, I have to keep receipts for taxes; yes, I have deadlines and contracts; yes, I have to promote myself, but really, I like to pretend I’m just telling a story. And when the occasion calls for it, I act like a grown-up and take care of business.
  5. We do not have to be like our characters. It’s called research.
    I often wonder how many times Agatha Christie was asked how may people she’s killed for research. Of course the research for romance novels would be a heck of a lot more fun. I’ve written short characters (I’m not), blond characters (I’m not), British characters (I’m not) magical characters (I’m not) and male characters (I’m not).
  6. We do forget to eat. And sleep, and bathe. (TMI?)
    When I’m in the zone, I can write for hours and hours without interruption. Not that the “without interruption” part happens all that often. With two dogs and a daughter and a husband who think I have all the answers (which, of course, I do), interruptions happen. You’d think, though, with the forgetting to eat part, I could lose weight.
  7. We are technologically pretty savvy for non-technical people.
    I’m not a computer genius, but I do know my word processing program pretty darn well. So much so that when I was working, my colleagues would often ask me for help rather than the tech guy. We writers are often the first to embrace the new thing—e-publishing, readers, social sites, tablets—provided the technology is writing or reading related.
  8. We have voices in our heads, and that’s a good thing.
    We are never alone; we talk to ourselves, which might be a problem if we were normal people, but we’re writers. ‘Nuff said. I have made myself laugh and cry with my writing. And I still say that’s a good thing.
  9. There is no correct way to write a book.
    Or anything else for that matter. If you’re interested in writing, you will hear people say (or you’ve heard teachers say), “this is how you do it.” Uh-uh. Everyone has their own process. The most you can learn from anyone are possible tools that may or may not work for you. The weird thing about writing is that everyone thinks they can do it because it’s using language and we all have language. We all took English in school; we all speak our language. How many people have you heard say they have a book in them? Now how many people have you heard say they have a symphony in them? We all listen to music, don’t we?
  10. Anything can trigger an idea.
    Anything. I mean any thing. A tree, a child, a news story, an overheard sentence, chocolate, a dream...well, you get the idea. I once saw a story on a man who found an injured owl. The owl’s wing had to be amputated. The man received permission to keep the owl. He would strap on rollerblades, place the owl on his shoulder and take the owl “flying” along Lake Michigan (this was in Chicago). The man also lost a ton of weight, but that’s not part of my story. That incident triggered a story idea for me. About a pirate. Hey, I didn’t say you had to keep the original trigger. It’s about getting ideas.
  11. We are a weird combination of total insecurity and outrageous ego.
    We put our work out there and are frightened that people won’t like it. Are we any good? Can we write? Does anyone enjoy our stories? On the other hand, I love to talk writing to anyone who will listen. I love meeting readers, writing blogs, and getting recognition. See? Ego and insecurity. It’s enough to drive one mad. Good thing I have friends in my head who will talk to me.

So there you have it: my list. What kind of weird idiosyncrasies do you have (and are willing to share—keep it clean)?

One lucky winner will win a copy of THE WISH LIST and AS YOU WISH, the first two books in my Time of Transition Trilogy. WISHFUL THINKING comes out in March 2012. I’ve pledged ten percent of my royalties from AS YOU WISH to Best Buddies International. Best Buddies™ is an organization that supports friendships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read the afterword in my book to find out why.

--Gabi Stevens


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I was born in Burbank, California, the oldest child of Hungarian immigrants. Except during that early episode with the gum, I lived mostly in the San Fernando Valley (Yup, I’m a “Valley Girl.”). At fifteen, I attended boarding school…for the education, not because my parents wanted to get rid of me. Then came college in New York and California, with a year long stint in Göttingen, Germany. Met my husband at UCSD, graduated, then he took me to Illinois where we both continued our education—me in German, he in Robotics. He’s a doctor now, but not the real kind. (Just kidding, honey. You know I love you)

I got my Masters in Teaching German, and when he finished, we moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where I had twins and a spare. We’ve been there ever since.

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t telling myself stories, so it’s pretty surprising that I found writing so late. I am not in that group of writers who wrote down their stories from the age of six. I didn’t start until after my twins were born and I realized if I didn’t do something for myself, my brain would turn to Jell-o. So I wrote down one of those stories I was telling myself, and, voila, a career was born.

I have to supplement the writing with a day job. I teach eighth grade gifted language arts and literature, where I subject my students to Latin, the English language, and other tortures. I don’t have many hobbies: I kill most plants, so gardening is out; I’m an adequate cook—I have burned water—but not great or creative; don’t do needlework, although I tell myself I’ll get back to my cross stitch project that remains unfinished seventeen years later; I used to play volleyball until my knees couldn’t take it any longer (I miss volleyball); I don’t travel as much as I would like; and I will learn Italian before I die. I love games (Don’t play with me unless you are serious—I’m not nice) and have even appeared on the Family Feud and Jeopardy! I read like crazy and enjoy lots of movies.

But my greatest joy (other than the family of course) is writing. I love to put a story to paper (OK, to keyboard) and escape to my own world. And I am lucky enough to share that world with my readers. So thanks for coming along on the journey with me.



Find the author online: website | blog


ABOUT THE BOOKS


Kristin Montgomery is more than a little shocked when her aunts inform her they’re fairy godmothers. Worse, after dropping that bombshell they hand her a wand and head off on a world cruise. Now Kristin’s uncomplicated life as a CPA in San Diego has disappeared like magic and she not only has to deal with her burgeoning magical powers, but also a reluctant—and distractingly sexy—magical arbiter.

Tennyson Ritter is a historian. A scholar by choice, he is yanked from his studies to act as arbiter for the newly chosen fairy godmother. He doesn’t want to waste his time with a woman who doesn’t know anything about magic or the magical world, but soon the beguiling Kristin draws him away from his books and into her life.

But before Kristin can hone her skills and pass the tests necessary to fully claim her powers, she and Tennyson must work together to defend the world – both magical and human – against those that would claim her powers for their own.


Born into a magical family, Reggie Scott is content to live out her life as a normal human until the moment she’s informed that she’s a newly appointed fairy godmother. Left struggling to deal with powers the never thought she’d have, Reggie faces a curse, a plot to overthrow the Arcani, and an entirely too enthusiastic mother—all in a matter of days.

Jonathan Bastion is a man of power and wealth—and a dangerous secret. He desperately hopes that Reggie's new powers will hold the answer to his problem and he isn't above using her to achieve his goals. What he doesn't expect is how much Reggie will affect him. Her honor, her honesty, and her strength quickly make cracks in his ruthless exterior.

As danger from the Arcani swirls around them both, Jonathan realizes that what was once a ploy to get Reggie to assist him has become a battle to keep her safe and protected…in his arms.


GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks to Gabi Stevens, one lucky winner will receive a print copy of The Wish List and As You Wish by Gabi Stevens!!

  • Giveaway open Internationally.
  • ONE entry per person! Those with duplicate entries will be disqualified.
  • To enter the giveaway, leave a comment answering Gabi’s question and fill out the form below.
  • Please read the Contest/Giveaway Policy for complete list of rules.
  • You have until midnight (your time) on Thursday, September 1, 2011 to enter.


Good luck to all who enter!

About Brianna: Supermom by day, naughty reader by night. Addicted to chocolate, Twitter, her iPad, her Kindle, and 99¢ Kindle deals. You can follow Brianna on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.

58 comments:

  1. Thanks for the advices and the chance :)

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  2. I am pretty normal, but yes I guess I forgot to change underwear and brush my teeth once or twice..(or many times) cos I was reading

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  3. Once I had a coffee date w/ a friend of mine. I was reading and cut it a little close. One more page! Okay, now I gotta go... LUCKY ME noticed I was still in my pjs before going out the door. That's the only one I can think of..
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Sasse (_yay_)

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  4. I have a thing for clean hands. XD I can't pick a book unless I have my hands clean!!

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  5. I have gone out with my shirt inside out and I grind my teeth. Tore923@aol.com

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  6. Lol, thank you Gabi, I loved reading your post! :-D made me smile :-)

    Some of my obsessions is that I have to wash my hands before I use my laptop or touch my Kindle. I can't stand the idea of touching them with sticky fingers :-) And when my sisters wanted to use my laptop I also made them wash their own hands ;-p

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  7. Oh my gosh!! I LOOOVE supply stores too! Lol

    I have so many "quirks" as my hubs likes to call them... I'm not so diluted! I call it OCD! I have to buy new bookmark EVERYTIME I buy a new book. I will spend hours looking for a particular font for a really simple design that I usually don't even end up using! There are more, but two at a time is enough! Lol

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  8. These books look fun :)

    Hm, weird idiosyncrasies...I'm pretty obsessive about my reading habits. I make a list of the books I plan on reading each month and then calculate the time it should take me to read each book.

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  9. A super fun post!
    My idiosyncracy, which happens to be the same as my two sister's, is that I am both uber-critical (in a know it all way) and hyper-sensitive. This mostly is a trait that comes out with family and loved ones, so you can imagine what Thanksgiving and Christmas are like with three women like this in 1 house. Oy Vey!

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  10. I'm not sure I have any weird idiosyncrasies but I can come up with a story idea just from a figure of speech. It used to drive my younger daughter crazy because she has a very interesting way of expressing herself and I was constantly saying, "That would make a good title for a story!"

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  11. I'm not sure I have any weird idiosyncrasies but I can come up with a story idea just from a figure of speech. It used to drive my younger daughter crazy because she has a very interesting way of expressing herself and I was constantly saying, "That would make a good title for a story!"

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  12. I do have some idiosyncrasies, one of which is organizing. I am a complete organizing freak. I need my book shelf, DVD shelf completely organized alphabetically. It drives my family nuts. I would spend the entire day just to organize this stuff. lol.

    Thank you for the giveaway!

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  13. I think I have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) therefore I need to check that the door is locked twice, go through processes sequentially or I get lost, etc. Drives everybody nuts! :)

    Cherry Mischievous

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  14. I'm glad I'm not the only one. Whew.

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  15. All of those weird things apply to me :) That makes me feel like I'm on the right track!

    Hmmm...as for my idiosyncrasies...

    - there are three things I take with me everywhere: MP3 player, book, and a sharpie (because it can write on any surface if I get an idea).

    - And I love the smell of new books. My dad always looks at me like I'm crazy.

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  16. I have an embarrassing amount of yarn piled up in my house! I knit and crochet (when I have time) but I have so much yarn in my stash I will never be able to use it all! Does that stop me from buying more, though? Of course not! It wouldn't be an obsession then, would it?
    I loved your list, and I am really looking forward to reading your books! My fingers and toes are crossed that I win a copy:)
    jwitt33 at live dot com

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  17. I've been trying to finish a book for years. I've started three. One is actually close to be being done! *gasp*.

    In any event. I can't write without a drink of some sort. Generally coffee, but sometimes sweet tea or red wine. It just depends on the day I guess :)

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  18. My boyfriend makes fun of me because I use the same bookmark for every book I read...and the bookmark is a simple paperclip!

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  19. I have a thing about brushing my teeth and washing my face at night- no matter how tired I am - I have to do these two things or I can't fall asleep..even if I'm exhausted and try to go to bed - I end up having to get up and do them just to go to sleep

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  20. I guess the weirdest thing about me is my addiction to books. I just love them and I'm always afraid I'll run out of books to read, even though I have a large amount waiting for me to read. I have book shelves not only in my office, but in the living room, spare bedroom, and master bedroom as well.

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  21. Apparently, I have the soul of a writer. Or any kind of artist, for that matter. Not really a surprise because, well, you know, I sorta am (writing to my drawer/computer folders, trying every kind of artistic outlet out there).

    But a new idiosyncrasy? Hmm, so many to choose from...I'll go with selective OCD: I have a thing with patterns and order of things, but it manifests unpredictably. My house is a mess, but I get the craze and start reorganize something (usually the CDs or books shelves). It also sprouts in setting the table (always does) - if someone else sets the table and the plates and cutlery are not aligned, I go and fix it. Oh, and in cafes and such, where they have the sugar in little paper bags - I organize them so they're all facing the same way and are straightened. I get some strange looks.

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  22. Probably my worst idiosyncrasy is that because I read across so many genres, I will always pick a different genre book from my TBR pile as I finish my current read.

    So if I am reading Historical romance, the next will be crim thriller, then Urban Fantsy then epic fantasy etc.

    Thanks for the giveaway and for opening it to worldwide entries.

    Carl T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

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  23. Idiosyncracies, hmm, well, I'm one of those people who can't regulate my body temp very well. I'm either too cold or too hot. When I'm tired, I feel chilled, so I can't fall asleep unless I'm wearing a long sleeve shirt, pajama pants, and socks, however within an hour or two of getting to sleep, I get too hot and start pulling clothes off, only to have to pull them back on again later when I'm too cold again. It's an endless cycle.

    jen at delux dot com

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  24. I'm really weird about the way that I organize things. I do it backwards alphabetical. I start with the author's/artist's first name.

    rootml1 AT hotmail DOT com

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  25. I have an issue with showers. I usually end up taking 3 a day. I get teased a lot but it doesn't stop the ocd have to be clean feelings.

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  26. So that's what I am.. a closet writer...I knew there was a reason I heard voices in my head...lol :)

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  27. I forget to eat when I'm in a good book - oh and I have some possessive issues when it comes to my books/bookshelf. But who doesn't? LOL

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  28. Hi Gabi,
    I'm not a writer but I seem to have a lot of the symptoms! lol
    Especially the one of loving office supply stores, cuz I cant get enough colored pens and pretty journals:)
    And um... I also sometimes forget to eat, sleep, bathe but it happens whilst Im reading yall writers books! lol I get sucked in and love it :D

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  29. I can so relate to these. Way too many of them. :)
    --Gabi

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  30. I smell books before I read them. If a book has a bad smell, I don't buy it.
    Buying books online is a torture, because of my weirdness XD

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  31. I don't think is weird (but my boyfriend says another thing) but I know when someone touched my things because they have their place.


    Thanks for the international chance!

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  32. Thank you so much for sharing with us today and for the wonderful giveaway opportunity. Your idiosyncrasy list was pretty comprehensive - what's left to share that is new. Well I have one of those sense of humors that a lot of folks just don't get, but I certainly have fun with it LOL. I truly admire you for your generosity and support of the Best Buddies program, what a wonderful cause.

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  33. I really have a big thing about being clean in the kitchen. My husband always rolls his eyes when I say did you wash your hands before he touches anything in the kitchen.

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

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  34. lol loved this post :) Thanks for the chance to win

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  35. This is a fun question=)
    Let's see...
    I constantly frustrate myself (daily!) by "misplacing" my coffee cup the way some people misplace their keys, lol!
    I will prepare my perfect cup of Java then begin my task of the moment and completely forget where it was I set my perfect cup=(
    Thanks bunches,
    Luvdaylilies
    Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

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  36. I am completely obsessed with pens and pencils! No clue why as I don't write.

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  37. People may think I'm a bit weird in that I like to keep my books in good, almost like new conditions. So I when I read, I would rather not fully force open my paperbacks since I absolutely hate to crack the spine!

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  38. I'm enjoying reading everyone's idiosyncrasies :)

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  39. @Bookish Brunette

    I would love to see your bookmark collection!

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  40. @buddyt

    I like mixing up genres as I read as well. I usually go back and forth between YA and adult romance.

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  41. In answer to your question, I like even numbers. If I'm turning up the volume on the TV/Radio it has to be in even numbers, even if number 18 makes it that little bit too loud/quiet I won't have it on 17 or 19!

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  42. I have an annoying habit of touching corners. Yes its weird! my husband always laughs and my dad tells him off. "Its just something that she does"!!

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  43. I have an annoying habit of touching corners. Yes its weird! my husband always laughs and my dad tells him off. "Its just something that she does"!!

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  44. What kind of weird idiosyncrasies do you have (and are willing to share—keep it clean)?


    Well I have a habit of tripping out of thin air, and I have a habit of writing any where I am and taking a backpack with me with my writing pens, etc.

    Thanks for the giveaway I've been waiting to get my hands on these two books!

    Gothical

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  45. I have far too many!! Even numbers must be my ultimate worst, everything has to be on an even number :O

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  46. I love to stare at my book shelves for a long time, yep just stare, kinda like stalker, lol. And I love messed my room just to make it clean, then messed it again. Really weird, eh? :)

    Thanks for the giveaway

    sawamura_foxman AT yahoo DOT com

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  47. I have to admit that I'm an office supply junkie! And a book junkie! Doesn't matter how huge my TBR pile is, I'll still buy another book. It's bad.

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  48. Frankly, you all seem pretty normal to me. :)

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  49. I'm messy but in an organised sort of way. My stuff might totally cover the floor but I'll always know where everything is! :)

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  50. Umm I like the feel of books (and material actually but then im quite crafty) I drive hubby mad when we walk through furniture/book/haberdashery stores as I have to run my hands along the items.
    I also talk to myself constantly, from having arguements with people id like to shout at to making passing comments to myself about day to day things.

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  51. I cant bring an to mind ATM. Maybe my need to have a tidy desk. Everything should have a place and be in it!

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  52. Wow - where to start! I think my biggest is my OCD. I obsessively check if sockets are on/off, windows open/closed and everything in the house has to be in its place.

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  53. I don't really have any odd idiosynchracies...i'm pretty average really, they'll flood in in later life i think and i'll develop loads as an elderly more-crazy version of myself!

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  54. I have way too many!
    The office supply stores (Tick!)
    Reading (Double Tick!)
    The voices in your head (Triple Tick!) Although you do get some odd stares when you randamly start murmering to yourself (Or maybe that's just me?)
    The forgeting to eat, sleep, and bathe...I think I'm going to stop now before I start going into the things that even I don't want to think about!

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  55. Hmm I don"t have anything too odd but I do get nervous about most anything, from cleaning to cooking! It is quit frustrating!

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  56. I have to fold my bathroom towels extremely neatly, edge to edge and have them 'just so' folded over the radiator. I also can't go to bed before the washing up is done and the cushions on the settee are plumped!

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  57. I am an extreme neat freak so I am constantly fixing or arranging things. I will be in a store and let's say a shirt is on the wrong rack I will put it where it belongs! Don't let me go in a book store and they don't have a series in order! My family will come to my place and move my things around just to mess with me. LOL

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