Posts Tagged ‘Book Bloggers’
Just like my Freaky Friday Interviews of aspiring authors, I’ve discovered that there’s a whole world of YA bloggers just starting out. I thought it would be fun to highlight some of these newbie bloggers because-lets face it-bloggers are freaky book lovers too and we should all work together in our quest to take over the world one YA book at a time. Today’s newbie blogger is Jessica Baker of Just a Booklover. Jessica and I are both native New York Staters so we absolutely hit it off as soon as we started talking, but let me share with you a million other reasons why you should get to know her too…
Could you tell me a little about you and how you came to be a blogger?
Well, I’m Jessica. I love to read (not surprising) and when I’m not reading, I like to write in my free time. It amuses me. You know, writing the story I would most like to read and all. I have three brothers and three nephews. I grew up in Buffalo, New York and lived there a majority of my life. Now I live in Texas where I read books, do schoolwork, and blog my booty off.
I became a blogger because I wanted to tell people what I thought of books. In school and at home, I’d always look around on B&N’s website and see the reviews posted and thought that I wanted to do that too–write things about a book for everyone to see and listen to when they are deciding whether or not to read or buy a book. But I was too lazy then and kept putting off actually making a blog, telling myself I’d do it later. But then one day one Twitter, Sarah Rees Brennan (author of The Demon’s Lexicon trilogy) posted a link to someone who gave The Demon’s Lexicon a bad review. (She liked the title of the post, so she decided to post the link.) I read the review and disagreed one million and twelve percent. I had LOVED The Demon’s Lexicon and had just finished the other two books in the trilgy, too. Again, they were amazing. Plus, the person that wrote the bad review hadn’t even finished the book and that kind of made me mad because how can you judge a whole book of you had only read a part of it? But that’s not the point. The point is that I started my blog so I could post a review of The Demon’s Lexicon trilogy that I believed was much more appropriate. It was the first review I’d ever written, and I kept at it on my new pretty blog ever since. (Well, the blog hasn’t always been pretty, but still. Improvements have been made, thank goodness.)
I love how you got started with a fiery passion! Who has had an influence on you in the blogging community. What have they taught you? Who do you look up to?
I HAVE to start this by mentioning Anna. Anna is my blogging idol. She has her own blog (obviously) called Literary Exploration and I look up to her the most out of any other bloggers. If I ever got to choose anyone to be my blogging big sister, Anna would be my pick without a question. She actually helped me with what to ask on my first author interview (being posted on June 8) and has given me a helpful blogging tip or two :). After Anna, I’d probably say there’s Jana. She has a blog called The Book Goddess and she’s the wonderful person who designed my blog badge. It is so gorgeous and perfect and I’ll love her forver for it! Plus, we’re on a DeamonInvasion team together, and she is always helpful with things when I ask her for help. Next we have Kreag who is super nice, and has a blog called I Devour Books. He helped me decide on whether or not to review a book one time and we’ve been friends ever since. Now we have Monica from Cover Analysis 🙂 She is one of my very best blogger friends. She’s let me borrow a book, I’ve sent her extra swaggish-things, and I made a button for her meme “What I Got.” We are also working on a challenge together. I’m not going to bore y’all with the details, but . . . yeah.
I think it’s awesome that they have taken you under their wing. Everyone has to start somewhere and I’m really impressed with their mentoring. Two thumbs up! What advice would you give new book bloggers? Is there any big mistakes you’ve made that they should avoid?
Don’t be shy about asking other bloggers for help if you’re confused about something. From what I’ve seen so far, most bloggers are super nice, and though they have AMAZING BLOGS, they aren’t as intimidating to talk to as you think they’ll be. They’re normal people, just like you and me, who love books. Another thing, don’t get to down about your number of followers. Gaining them seriously takes time, and at the moment, I still don’t have that many. You should always post as if a whole bunch of people are looking at what you write because who knows? Maybe someone will drop by, like what they see, and follow your blog. You wouldn’t want to dissuade them with poor writing. Last, don’t be afraid to experiment with your design. It took me somewhere around a month to find a blog design I liked and then even more time to decide on organization and I’m STILL moving things around.
I think you are adorable and I LOVE your positive attitude! What do you want to see from author/blogger relationships and interactions, considering they are always growing and changing?I just really like to see bloggers and authors friendly with each other and helping each other out. Like this interview–you help out newbie bloggers like little ole me. And you do this for other bloggers, too. And bloggers tell people about authors’ books. I like when authors are nice and acknowledge bloggers for what they do–even if it’s in a small way, like retweeting a tweet about a review of their book. It seems small, but to me that kind of thing means a lot. I LOVE when authors go one step further and actually read my reviews. That’s not really necessary, though. The RTing thing was good enough for me. I’m not picky about that kind of thing.
(((hugs))) I think we are all at our best when we’re helping each other out. Now I need to know your top 5 most loved books that have had an impact on you and why.
This question kills me! I’m just going to do top 5 most loved books AT THIS EXACT MOMENT, because my intense feelings for particular books change over time. As I read more things, one book could get bumped out by another book or something.
5. The Selection by Keira Cass. I just finished reading this book a couple days ago and this book made me so happy. I have to say the impact it has on me was just amazing-ness. Like, so good I was sad it was over. (My teams are important – Team Maxon.)
4. The Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow, or if I have to pick just one of them, I’ll go with Jealousy. Or maybe Defiance. I adored this series. Dru is a stunning protaganist and Christophe is one of my favorite attractive male characters. This series is over, but I really wish it wasn’t. I was elated when I got the last book this past Christmas, though. A happy day, right there. (Team Christophe, obiviously.)
3. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Do you even have to ask what it is about this book? Well, there’s . . . urm . . . Peeta. And a lot of fun killing things. And epic archery. And Peeta. And Cinna. And Haymitch. And parts that make me laugh. And Peeta. And parts that make me cry. And Peeta. And parts that make me want to slap somebody. And did I mention Peeta? Hehe. (Team Peeta, CLEARLY.)
2. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. This book was glued to my fingers from the moment I began reading it to the moment I finished. And all the while, I was crying inside because I kept getting nearer to the end. When a book has that kind of power over me, it gets on lists like these 😉 (I’m not too sure what team I’m on yet.)
1. Under the Never Sky by Veonica Rossi. This book surprised me because I didn’t think it would be anywhere near as epic as it was. But then I read it, and . . . well it’s number one on my list. And I’ve read a few books since then. I think that should speak for itself. Oh, and Perry. And Roar. Just saying. (There’s only really one team to pick here. . . PERRY.)
Quick statement: Divergent by Veronica Roth was almost on this list, but got bumped out a couple days ago by The Selection. But I love Divergent, too. Erudite all the way!
Thank you so much for asking me to do this interview!
♥Jessica(:
Yay!!! Happy to see some Apocalypsies on you list!!! I know what you mean about favorites always changing…there are just so many good books out there. And Jessica–thank you for taking the time to hang out on my blog. It has been lovely getting to know you better. Make sure you stop by Jessica’s blog Just A Booklover. You can also find her on Twitter as @makesmeworse12.
Tags: Baby Book Blogger, Book Bloggers, Jessica Baker, Just A Booklover, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini
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Just like my Freaky Friday Interviews of aspiring authors, I’ve discovered that there’s a whole world of YA bloggers just starting out. I thought it would be fun to highlight some of these newbie bloggers because-lets face it-bloggers are freaky book lovers too and we should all work together in our quest to take over the world one YA book at a time.
Today’s baby book blogger is Nikki Wang of the FICTION FREAK. Nikki and I met online and I think you’re going to love her…so lets get to this interview!
Could you tell me a little about you and how you came to be a blogger?
A little about me…well, I absolutely love reading, obviously, and my obsession with books got me into a lot of trouble both in, and out of, school.
Honestly, I became a blogger because it was midnight and I was dead bored. I always loved reading reviews and decided to see if I could write one. So I made a blog! I hadnt thought at all where it would lead. I just knew that I liked reading and loved recommending books! To think I have over 100 followers is mind-blowing!
Yay for you!!! I burnt out a lot of flashlights reading under the covers as a kid. I’m still doing it LOL! Who has had an influence on you in the blogging community. What have they taught you? Who do you look up to?
Most of the blogs I follow definitely helped. They would post tips or they would just write a few awesome reviews! The Story Siren, All Things Urban Fantasy, and Fiktshun are a few. They taught me to never give up, and to keep posting even when no one would even glance at my posts! A few other bloggers gave me tips on how to promote my blog and get ARCs too! I’m thankful to all of them. I also look up to Alexandra Adornetto and because she published her books at 16! I write a little on the side, so she’s definitely one of my role models.
There is so much great blog info out there–shared by amazing book bloggers. I’m constantly reading it and trying to improve myself. What advice would you give new book bloggers? Is there any big mistakes you’ve made that they should avoid?
Never give up, eventually someone will stumble across your blog and tell others! Post daily, if people know you’re persistent, they’ll keep checking back for sure. One more thing: always make a few blogger friends. I’ve found that they’re some of the best friends you can ask for! The biggest mistake was abandoning my blog. I did give up, I’m afraid. Thankfully I picked it back up and started again!
I can sympathize–there were days I just wasn’t sure anyone was reading what I was posting. So glad you’ve stuck with it!!! What do you want to see from author/blogger relationships and interactions, considering they are always growing and changing?
I’d love to see bloggers and authors have more understanding. I’ve heard of bloggers writing reviews full of hatred for a book just because the book wasn’t for their taste. Authors try hard to please readers and getting shot down is just horrible. On the other hand some authors demand reviews to be taken down even if a review was more neutral than negative. You can’t please everyone. People do have different opinions, after all. But I do know that most bloggers and authors are creating more friendships than loathing, and that’s wonderful!
I can’t agree enough. Bloggers and authors are amazing people, but I believe that when we work together we’re unstoppable. Your top 5 most loved books that have had an impact on you and why?
In no particular order–
1. Iron Fey Series- this series was actually one of the first books that made me like reading! I never read much but this series changed my view. Not to mentiion it introduced me to fey which are my absolute favorite creatures now.
2. Where it Began- Where it Began made me realized that not all lives were picture perfect no matter how much people wanted you to think so. People crave what they think is best, and that desire clouds our judgement. This was only a few months ago!
3. Divergent- Divergent showed me how our choices affect everything; how we act is our own decision, and differences are what makes us us. This too, was one of the first dystopian books I’ve read. It was definitely a great start to my dystopian reading.
4. Before I Fall- This was THE book for me. Some people are all looks no substance, but that doesn’t mean they can’t change. Second chances are hard to come by, take it when you can and make your own choices. So many Zen lessons in this book! I adored it!
5. Percy Jackson series- Lightning Thief was the first book I bought and got me addicted to mythology, whether it was Norse, Greek, or Urban. That addiction led me to finding so many other great books!
Some of my favorites and some to put on my TBR list. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your experiences. I really enjoyed chatting with you. You can find out more about Nikki Wang aka the FICTION FREAK here…
Nikki’s blog
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Tags: Baby Book Blogger, Book Bloggers, Fiction Freak, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Nikki Wang
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Just like my Freaky Friday Interviews of aspiring authors, I’ve discovered that there’s a whole world of YA bloggers just starting out. I thought it would be fun to highlight some of these newbie bloggers because-lets face it-bloggers are freaky book lovers too and we should all work together in our quest to take over the world one YA book at a time.
Today’s interview is with Lisa Lueddecke. We met online and can’t seem to stop chatting with each other. So in a spurt of genius we decided to interview each other. You can check out my interview with Lisa at the YOUNG ADULT CONNECTION.
Bio: I’m a 20-something who reads and writes young adult novels. I’m a sucker for a good story, and I don’t care what genre. Drinker of coffee. Great Dane mom. Fashionista at heart.
Lisa, could you tell me a little about you and how you came to be a blogger.
Well, as for who I am, I am a 22-year-old who spends way too much time reading, writing, and blogging. I’ve always been a reader and a writer, but more recently, I discovered the wonderful world of blogging. I spent months reading other people’s blogs, following them, and learning about what sort of content people like most. I’ve kept a blog for my writer self for a while, but I decided to start one up for my reading, and thus, The Young Adult Connection was born. People love young adult literature, and I am one of them, so I thought that a blog that connects people with what’s new, or what’s older that they might have missed, could be a useful tool.
I have to agree–YA Books are starting to almost have a cult following in the world of books. It’s a very exciting time to be a reader and a writer. Who has had an influence on you in the blogging community. What have they taught you? Who do you look up to?
One blog I have always followed is The Story Siren, run by Kristi. She is a great blogger with all kinds of great content, and she has so many useful tools for bloggers, as well. Also, Pam at Bookalicious is great. I don’t know either of them personally, though. I read a ton of other blogs as well, but those are the two most prominent ones. And I don’t just read other book blogs. I read writer’s blogs, as well. It’s all useful information, and helps me with writing and blogging. See that? Multitasking. :).
I have to agree, I’ve often turned to both of those blogs for great information. And I love the multitasking. What advice would you give new book bloggers? Is there any big mistakes you’ve made that they should avoid?
I would say that the best thing you shouldn’t do is spam other blogs. No one wants a ton of comments that have nothing to do with their post asking you to follow them and check out their blog. There are other ways of networking. Follow. Read. Have interesting content. Join blogging databases. Participate in memes and challenges, like The Story Siren’s weekly In My Mailbox post. Host giveaways. They are all great tools. It’s okay to promote, just do it the right way. And I don’t know if it counts as a mistake that I’ve made, but I found that there is a difference between just content for the sake of having content, and good content. People want good content.
As a blogger I agree, there is a difference between content and GOOD content. Although, some days I am surprised at what resonates with people. I suggest looking for a common thread in your previous posts that have done well. And cross your fingers and pray–that can’t hurt either, right? What do you want to see from author/blogger relationships and interactions, considering they are always growing and changing?
It’s good to build those kind of friendships, and as a blogger, it is amazing to watch the whole process unfold with individual authors. From the Publisher’s Marketplace announcement, to the cover reveal, to the ARCs, and all the way up to release day! My writer half is fascinated by the whole process, and my blogger half gets to see it happen all the time! As far as what I would want from an author/blogger relationship, it would be exactly what I just said. Being there to see and help promote a book from start to finish.
I can tell you right now, that means the world to authors–particularly debut authors trying to get their novel out there. The only way to really sell a book is word of mouth.I can’t even begin to express my appreciation for all that you do to help promote that process.So…I’m going to give you a chance to word of mouth some of your favorites. Top 5 most loved books that have had an impact on you and why?
Well, even though I am a young adult book blogger, a lot of the books that have impacted me are not in that category. Here is my overall list, in no particular order:
Wuthering Heights – Because it’s dark and suspenseful, and the romance is amazing.
Jane Eyre – The writing is just so fantastic. Incredible story.
A Tale of Two Cities – It’s just one of those stories that sticks with you.
The Hunger Games – Who wasn’t sucked in to that like a tornado? She is a master of pacing, plot and characters.
Ella Enchanted – A younger teen story that is so adorable and beautiful. I’ve read it upwards of five times.
All good choices for sure! Lisa, thank you so much for stopping by for a visit. Don’t forget to pop on over and check out Lisa’s amazing blog THE YOUNG ADULT CONNECTION. You can also find her on TWITTER.
Of course if you have any follow up questions for Lisa, I’m sure we could get her to answer them. Or do you have any stories about what you felt like trying to start a blog? It isn’t easy–for a long time I felt like I was talking to myself. LOL! What challenges do you face? What advice have you got to give to someone who is trying to start blogging?
Tags: Book Bloggers, interview, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Lisa Lueddecke, The Young Adult Connecction
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CONGRATULATIONS to…*drum roll*…
Erica from The Book Cellar!!!!!
Erica will be receiving an ARC of STARTERS by Lissa Price, my very first signed bookmark for TOUCHING THE SURFACE, some additional Surface swag and some very tasty chocolate from my local chocolatier!!!! Yummy!!!!
But…
I decided to give away a few extra TOUCHING THE SURFACE swag packages. Here are my winners…
*Jasmine Rose from A Room With Books
*Sara from The Book Life (Sarah has a beautiful bog-but didn’t have a button I could grab so be sure to stop over and check it out.)
*Celine from Forget-Me-Not
Thank you to everyone who participated and gave me wonderful suggestions about the best swag to have. Congrats to all the winners and feel free to click on their buttons to find out more about their wonderful blogs!!!
Stay tuned for Wednesday’s blog…I have something exciting coming your way. *rubs hands in anticipation*
So, before you go…Have you ever won anything in an online blog contest? What’s the best prize that’s come your way? What book would you absolutely kill to get an early copy of? Let’s go…spill the beans.
Tags: A Room With Books, Book Bloggers, Contest, Forget-Me-Not, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Lissa Price, Starters, The Book Cellar, The Book Life, Touching the Surface
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