It's been a LOOOONNNGGG time since I've done one of these, so I figured I needed to post one! Enjoy!
Molly asks "My question which YAL book character do you relate to the most and why. BTW, I enjoy your blog. I can always know what to pick up by reading this."
That's so sweet of you to say! I would say I relate to Jonathon from Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina the most because I'm on the lookout for love and it's a hard journey. I hope I can have a happy ending like his! Plus, we both love Kylie Minogue! :)
Liviania asks "Have you ever said anything on your blog that you regret?"
Nope. I always stand by what I say, and spend a lot of time thinking about I want to say and how to say it before posting it. Even if it's against the grain (like my post earlier this week about snark in reviews and DNF reviews), it's still my opinion and I have the right to say it. Also, I'm always right so there's no need for regret. :P
kallosmango123 asks "i just wanted to ask What your best 2011 read so far is."
Yeah, a bit late on this one, lol. I actually revealed my Top 10 earlier this month- Part 1 and Part 2- and it's a great list. For 2012 so far, my favorite read has been Cinder by Marissa Meyer (review posted yesterday). I also really liked My Awesome/Awful Popularity Plan by Seth Rudetsky (review posted last Saturday) and The Selection by Kiera Cass (small review on Goodreads, full review in April).
Ronyka7 asks "my question is simple... I just started a blog this year (note: this was from back in 2011), I only have 9 followers. How long did it take for you to have so many followers and how did you get noticed by publishers?"
It's taken me a long time to get as many followers as I have- the way to do it (and also getting noticed by publishers) is to just keep posting quality reviews and other posts as well as network by commenting on other blogs and being on Twitter. Other bloggers, book lovers, and publishers will eventually notice you and give you the follow and, in the case of publishers, review copies. Good luck!!
Farrah asks "Question: What book/books would you take on a long plane ride?"
Honestly, just whatever I have to read for review at that time, lol. I don't do a whole lot of non-review reading and usually don't have the time to re-read faves, so the list would constantly change.
Total Book Nerd asks "My question is when and if you do procrastinate, what activity or thing made you want to procrastinate? To break it down, What are you usually doing when you're procrastinating? LOL."
Usually it's the internet that distracts me at any time, though sometimes it's also watching TV or DVDs. But the internet is the main one with Twitter, Youtube, tons of awesome blogs, GChat, and so many other things.
These are the last questions I have, so I'm all out!! If you have any new questions for me, leave a comment or send me an email! I'd really appreciate it.
Showing posts with label Ask Book Chic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ask Book Chic. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, July 18, 2011
Ask Book Chic (25)
Here's another new edition of Ask Book Chic, where I answer various questions from readers. Questions can be submitted on any of these posts at any time and they can be about anything. I'm an open book. Now let's get to today's wonderful questions!
Kim Pickett asks "Six cats! Do they read with you? I hope you keep on blogging- I love reading your posts. :)"
Sometimes they do. It depends on where I am and what I'm doing. It's harder for them to read with me when I am reading an e-galley on my computer since my lap is taken up, lol. But if I'm reading a physical book on the couch or in my bed, they'll be around either on my lap or somewhere next to me. It's very cute and they purr, so that's fun.
I totally plan on blogging for a while to come, don't worry!
Next Level asks "Do you take pictures of yourself with authors at signings? If so do you keep a scrapbook or posterboard up? also what is your most memorable author interview/signing?"
I do! It's a good way of remembering the event and meeting the author. At BEA though, it's harder to do pictures because the signings are quick and the way they're constructed in the Autographing Area, just not practical but it just depends. I was able to get one with Jocelyn Davies, author of A Beautiful Dark, because she wanted to and also because I was the last person in line, lol. But taking pictures of author events is one of the best parts of going to them. I don't have a scrapbook or anything, but I should try to make a Facebook album or something. The pictures are shown here though when I do event recaps so there's always that.
My most memorable interview is probably my first one with Meg Cabot back in 2007 when my blog wasn't even a month old! Meg is such a sweetheart and a champion of book bloggers. As for most memorable signing, I would say the Sarah Dessen one I went to in 2008 where I met her as well as David Levithan (I KNOW!!!) and Melissa Walker (DOUBLE I KNOW!!!) or the This is Teen event I went to this year with the VIP Meet and Greet beforehand where I got to spend time chatting and mingling with Meg Cabot, Libba Bray, Maggie Stiefvater, and Scholastic employees that I correspond with. Both were fantastic events!
ereader89 asks "Do you ever listen to music while you read? If so what kind is your favorite to read to?"
I simply can't. Music distracts me from doing anything and everything, except a very few activities like driving and showering. But reading is up there- having music on pulls me out of the story and I can't focus. I also end up just singing along, which isn't good when I'm supposed to be reading. I did find that I can listen to remixes while doing research or writing because most have long instrumental parts and so no words are there to distract me and the ones that are don't take me out of the song because they're still placed differently from the original song I know.
So, long story short (too late), no, I can't listen to music when I read.
Kim Pickett asks "Six cats! Do they read with you? I hope you keep on blogging- I love reading your posts. :)"
Sometimes they do. It depends on where I am and what I'm doing. It's harder for them to read with me when I am reading an e-galley on my computer since my lap is taken up, lol. But if I'm reading a physical book on the couch or in my bed, they'll be around either on my lap or somewhere next to me. It's very cute and they purr, so that's fun.
I totally plan on blogging for a while to come, don't worry!
Next Level asks "Do you take pictures of yourself with authors at signings? If so do you keep a scrapbook or posterboard up? also what is your most memorable author interview/signing?"
I do! It's a good way of remembering the event and meeting the author. At BEA though, it's harder to do pictures because the signings are quick and the way they're constructed in the Autographing Area, just not practical but it just depends. I was able to get one with Jocelyn Davies, author of A Beautiful Dark, because she wanted to and also because I was the last person in line, lol. But taking pictures of author events is one of the best parts of going to them. I don't have a scrapbook or anything, but I should try to make a Facebook album or something. The pictures are shown here though when I do event recaps so there's always that.
My most memorable interview is probably my first one with Meg Cabot back in 2007 when my blog wasn't even a month old! Meg is such a sweetheart and a champion of book bloggers. As for most memorable signing, I would say the Sarah Dessen one I went to in 2008 where I met her as well as David Levithan (I KNOW!!!) and Melissa Walker (DOUBLE I KNOW!!!) or the This is Teen event I went to this year with the VIP Meet and Greet beforehand where I got to spend time chatting and mingling with Meg Cabot, Libba Bray, Maggie Stiefvater, and Scholastic employees that I correspond with. Both were fantastic events!
ereader89 asks "Do you ever listen to music while you read? If so what kind is your favorite to read to?"
I simply can't. Music distracts me from doing anything and everything, except a very few activities like driving and showering. But reading is up there- having music on pulls me out of the story and I can't focus. I also end up just singing along, which isn't good when I'm supposed to be reading. I did find that I can listen to remixes while doing research or writing because most have long instrumental parts and so no words are there to distract me and the ones that are don't take me out of the song because they're still placed differently from the original song I know.
So, long story short (too late), no, I can't listen to music when I read.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Ask Book Chic (24)
It's been a while but Ask Book Chic is finally back! Ask Book Chic is a semi-regular feature where I answer various questions from readers. Questions can be submitted on any of these posts at any time and they can be about anything. I'm an open book. Now let's get to today's wonderful questions!
WriterWannabeAishah asks "What's the weirdest thing that ever happened to you?"
Well, interesting things usually happen to me while on my way to book signings. I tend to have adventures even though I don't want one, lol. I'm pretty much a bystander yet all this stuff happens. You can read about them in previous book signing recaps. Aside from those, not much happens to me, though recently, I was leaving the public library and while on my way to my car, I saw this black woman kinda walking toward me but I didn't know her so I swiftly got in my car and tried to look busy on my phone. I didn't want to just peel out of there, you know? Unfortunately that didn't stop her so she knocked on my window and I rolled it down. She asked for any money I could give her because her ride's car had broken down and couldn't pick her up to go get her kids in Bedford (about a 30 minute drive from Lynchburg). Actually I think she also asked if I could give her a ride; obviously, I said no. I also had no cash or change on me because I never do as I use my credit card for everything.
So then she was like "I just have no money for a cab to get there and I'm worried about my kids. I really don't want to have to prostitute myself." Yes, she actually said that. There are phones everywhere; someone's bound to let you use it to call a friend who has a working car. Just because you have no money doesn't mean you automatically need to go to prostitution to get some. I apologized for her situation and that I hoped she would find a way home soon. And then I got out of there. It was just bizarre.
I've also been helped by a drunk homeless man in DC (I think he was drunk; maybe he was just homeless. I can't remember) when I couldn't figure out where a restaurant was and he asked me for change 4 times even though I'd told him I had none. It's like, no, I haven't suddenly brought change into existence in the minute between questions. Thank you for your help, but now go away.
Em asks "I want to know, if your cats were to read YA, what authors/titles would they most enjoy (this can be cat by cat if necessary) OR what YA authors/books are most symbolic of your feline friends?"
This was a hard question for me, lol. It's a really interesting one though. I'll probably go by genre because that's easiest. Samson loves to cuddle with us, is affectionate to his family, and is pretty carefree so I kinda see him reading a happy book, maybe a romance or just a funny book. Farley and Meeko are kinda mischievous and like to sneak around, so maybe like a spy book for them. Pearl's a bit special in the head so I don't see him making it past picture books, lol. Maya might want something like dystopian since she hates her family and can be a bit of a witch-with-a-b sometimes so she might enjoy reading something bleak, lol. Not sure about Khali though; maybe fun little romances too?
HayleyAG asks "My question is what advice you have for new bloggers on how they can generate more followers?"
Don't focus so much on getting followers. They will come eventually, but only if you keep producing good content. So just stick to some sort of schedule whether you post every day or maybe every other day or however you'd like to do it. Having consistency is a good thing.
Leaving good comments on other blogs is helpful too but don't just spam the comments section. If you have something to say, say it. If you don't, just move on. Through comments, both the blog owner and their readers can see what's being said and if what you say strikes a chord with them, they'll check out your blog and hopefully follow you. You can also tweet out the link to your posts and people can check it out that way too, but be sure to also use it for other things too so it isn't all just links.
In your own comments section, try and reply to people who leave comments on your blog. You don't have to do this all the time but engage yourself in the discussion if you think there's one there. Someone may leave a comment on one of your reviews with a different take on something you mentioned in your review. Perfect opportunity for a reply and to start a discussion.
You can also do contests and as an extra entry, have people follow your blog but I don't like doing that. It's just empty following most of the time just so they can get the extra entry and if they don't win (or maybe even if they do), you may never see them again. I haven't done that at all and I've got 644 followers; it's taken me 4 years to do that (in a sense; since I was on Myspace first then moved here, I had a built-in following already who just followed me over here). It's just a slow and steady rise and I appreciate everyone who follows me.
WriterWannabeAishah asks "What's the weirdest thing that ever happened to you?"
Well, interesting things usually happen to me while on my way to book signings. I tend to have adventures even though I don't want one, lol. I'm pretty much a bystander yet all this stuff happens. You can read about them in previous book signing recaps. Aside from those, not much happens to me, though recently, I was leaving the public library and while on my way to my car, I saw this black woman kinda walking toward me but I didn't know her so I swiftly got in my car and tried to look busy on my phone. I didn't want to just peel out of there, you know? Unfortunately that didn't stop her so she knocked on my window and I rolled it down. She asked for any money I could give her because her ride's car had broken down and couldn't pick her up to go get her kids in Bedford (about a 30 minute drive from Lynchburg). Actually I think she also asked if I could give her a ride; obviously, I said no. I also had no cash or change on me because I never do as I use my credit card for everything.
So then she was like "I just have no money for a cab to get there and I'm worried about my kids. I really don't want to have to prostitute myself." Yes, she actually said that. There are phones everywhere; someone's bound to let you use it to call a friend who has a working car. Just because you have no money doesn't mean you automatically need to go to prostitution to get some. I apologized for her situation and that I hoped she would find a way home soon. And then I got out of there. It was just bizarre.
I've also been helped by a drunk homeless man in DC (I think he was drunk; maybe he was just homeless. I can't remember) when I couldn't figure out where a restaurant was and he asked me for change 4 times even though I'd told him I had none. It's like, no, I haven't suddenly brought change into existence in the minute between questions. Thank you for your help, but now go away.
Em asks "I want to know, if your cats were to read YA, what authors/titles would they most enjoy (this can be cat by cat if necessary) OR what YA authors/books are most symbolic of your feline friends?"
This was a hard question for me, lol. It's a really interesting one though. I'll probably go by genre because that's easiest. Samson loves to cuddle with us, is affectionate to his family, and is pretty carefree so I kinda see him reading a happy book, maybe a romance or just a funny book. Farley and Meeko are kinda mischievous and like to sneak around, so maybe like a spy book for them. Pearl's a bit special in the head so I don't see him making it past picture books, lol. Maya might want something like dystopian since she hates her family and can be a bit of a witch-with-a-b sometimes so she might enjoy reading something bleak, lol. Not sure about Khali though; maybe fun little romances too?
HayleyAG asks "My question is what advice you have for new bloggers on how they can generate more followers?"
Don't focus so much on getting followers. They will come eventually, but only if you keep producing good content. So just stick to some sort of schedule whether you post every day or maybe every other day or however you'd like to do it. Having consistency is a good thing.
Leaving good comments on other blogs is helpful too but don't just spam the comments section. If you have something to say, say it. If you don't, just move on. Through comments, both the blog owner and their readers can see what's being said and if what you say strikes a chord with them, they'll check out your blog and hopefully follow you. You can also tweet out the link to your posts and people can check it out that way too, but be sure to also use it for other things too so it isn't all just links.
In your own comments section, try and reply to people who leave comments on your blog. You don't have to do this all the time but engage yourself in the discussion if you think there's one there. Someone may leave a comment on one of your reviews with a different take on something you mentioned in your review. Perfect opportunity for a reply and to start a discussion.
You can also do contests and as an extra entry, have people follow your blog but I don't like doing that. It's just empty following most of the time just so they can get the extra entry and if they don't win (or maybe even if they do), you may never see them again. I haven't done that at all and I've got 644 followers; it's taken me 4 years to do that (in a sense; since I was on Myspace first then moved here, I had a built-in following already who just followed me over here). It's just a slow and steady rise and I appreciate everyone who follows me.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Ask Book Chic (23)
It's time for another round of Ask Book Chic. I had something similar earlier this week as part of my Meandering Monday post, and it was dedicated to questions about BEA. If you have any other questions about BEA, leave them in the comments on that post and I'll answer them in the next Meandering Monday on the 16th. Anyway, here we go:
Lauren M asks "What's the toughest obstacle you've ever had to overcome?"
Gosh, I don't even know because I've led a fairly easy life, which I'm extremely grateful for. I did grow up extremely shy and while I still am some level of shy, I'm not as shy as I used to be. Accepting my homosexuality was never a problem for me like I know it can be for many teens in the world. I actually talk a bit about it in my guest post that I did for Kristi of The Story Siren as part of her GLBT Lit Days last August. It also mentions how when I came out in college in 2005, my friends accepted me. So I think that may have been my toughest obstacle; even though they already pretty much knew and I knew they wouldn't disown me, there was still a part of me that was really worried. For no real reason. It was just irrational because I'd never really had a bad experience- no bullying or anything like that. But it is still a big thing to overcome even if you have a pretty good feeling everything will be fine.
Sysha asks "What is your favorite kind of cake?"
My roommate made me my favorite kind of cake on my birthday back in March. It's yellow cake with chocolate icing. Simple, but I love it!
Bunny Cates asks "Since I dont see one, I'll ask - if you will ever do a bookshelf tour??"
I did do one a while back, but it was just through pictures and not very well done, lol. I probably should do a video to show off everything. Let me clean up my room a bit, and I'll do a short vlog showing off what I got! I don't know when it'll go up since I have the rest of the month planned, but if there's a free Sunday coming up, I may post it along with my IMM that week, or maybe combine the two? We'll see. Also, I'm much more organized since the last bookshelf tour, lol. There's not as many books on the floor now!
Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed this! If you have any questions you'd like to ask, leave them in the comments and I'll answer them in a future Ask Book Chic. The questions can be about anything at all.
Lauren M asks "What's the toughest obstacle you've ever had to overcome?"
Gosh, I don't even know because I've led a fairly easy life, which I'm extremely grateful for. I did grow up extremely shy and while I still am some level of shy, I'm not as shy as I used to be. Accepting my homosexuality was never a problem for me like I know it can be for many teens in the world. I actually talk a bit about it in my guest post that I did for Kristi of The Story Siren as part of her GLBT Lit Days last August. It also mentions how when I came out in college in 2005, my friends accepted me. So I think that may have been my toughest obstacle; even though they already pretty much knew and I knew they wouldn't disown me, there was still a part of me that was really worried. For no real reason. It was just irrational because I'd never really had a bad experience- no bullying or anything like that. But it is still a big thing to overcome even if you have a pretty good feeling everything will be fine.
Sysha asks "What is your favorite kind of cake?"
My roommate made me my favorite kind of cake on my birthday back in March. It's yellow cake with chocolate icing. Simple, but I love it!
Bunny Cates asks "Since I dont see one, I'll ask - if you will ever do a bookshelf tour??"
I did do one a while back, but it was just through pictures and not very well done, lol. I probably should do a video to show off everything. Let me clean up my room a bit, and I'll do a short vlog showing off what I got! I don't know when it'll go up since I have the rest of the month planned, but if there's a free Sunday coming up, I may post it along with my IMM that week, or maybe combine the two? We'll see. Also, I'm much more organized since the last bookshelf tour, lol. There's not as many books on the floor now!
Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed this! If you have any questions you'd like to ask, leave them in the comments and I'll answer them in a future Ask Book Chic. The questions can be about anything at all.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Ask Book Chic (22)
Here's another new edition of Ask Book Chic, where I answer various questions from readers. Questions can be submitted on any of these posts at any time and they can be about anything. I'm an open book. Now let's get to today's wonderful questions!
jacque asks "What book would you recommend to younger male readers to encourage reading?
What do you do with your books when you are finished reading them?
Would you rather read a blog or see a vlog from other reading bloggers?"
1) It's funny that this question came up when it did because I've been talking about books boys should read lately. Check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. You can use your own judgment when choosing what books to give to younger male readers. I'd also suggest the Harry Potter series, Rick Riordan's books, A Difficult Boy by M.P. Barker, Gollywhopper Games and Seventh Level by Jody Feldman and um... that's kinda the extent of my knowledge of middle-grade male literature, lol. Anyone else have any suggestions?
2) I put them away usually. I know that sounds like a smart-ass answer but it's true! I keep my ARCs cuz I usually have nowhere to give them to and I can't just be holding tons of contests all the time. Therefore I have books all over the floor and in my closet and just everywhere. I do also get hardcovers and paperbacks so I donate those to my library when I'm done with them and that helps.
3) I love seeing both! Vlogs are very fun every once in a while but it can be time-consuming for the reader, so keep them to a minimum if you do them (1 or 2 a week, I'd say). But I love seeing bloggers' unique and various writing styles too. But since vlogs are time-consuming, I do prefer reading over watching.
Sarah asks "Do you like to buy finished copies of books even if you already have ARCs of them?"
I don't. I wish I could but I simply don't have the funds to buy books I already have. If the ARC doesn't have the cover, I will probably buy it eventually but I'd give away the ARC so I don't have duplicates. I have no room!
jacque asks "What book would you recommend to younger male readers to encourage reading?
What do you do with your books when you are finished reading them?
Would you rather read a blog or see a vlog from other reading bloggers?"
1) It's funny that this question came up when it did because I've been talking about books boys should read lately. Check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. You can use your own judgment when choosing what books to give to younger male readers. I'd also suggest the Harry Potter series, Rick Riordan's books, A Difficult Boy by M.P. Barker, Gollywhopper Games and Seventh Level by Jody Feldman and um... that's kinda the extent of my knowledge of middle-grade male literature, lol. Anyone else have any suggestions?
2) I put them away usually. I know that sounds like a smart-ass answer but it's true! I keep my ARCs cuz I usually have nowhere to give them to and I can't just be holding tons of contests all the time. Therefore I have books all over the floor and in my closet and just everywhere. I do also get hardcovers and paperbacks so I donate those to my library when I'm done with them and that helps.
3) I love seeing both! Vlogs are very fun every once in a while but it can be time-consuming for the reader, so keep them to a minimum if you do them (1 or 2 a week, I'd say). But I love seeing bloggers' unique and various writing styles too. But since vlogs are time-consuming, I do prefer reading over watching.
Sarah asks "Do you like to buy finished copies of books even if you already have ARCs of them?"
I don't. I wish I could but I simply don't have the funds to buy books I already have. If the ARC doesn't have the cover, I will probably buy it eventually but I'd give away the ARC so I don't have duplicates. I have no room!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Birthday Contest + Ask Book Chic (21)
Today's my birthday (25, yo!) and it's also Ask Book Chic time, but I'm running out of questions again, so I figured I'd hold a birthday contest! Find out how to enter and what you can win at the end of the entry!
Karen asks "OK, my questions are: Why do you start blogging? Do you ever feel as if it is more a job then enjoyment? and what other hobbies do you have besides for reading?"
I started blogging for the simple reason that I really enjoyed interviewing authors. My first interview was with Lauren Barnholdt and it was a lot of fun. Of course, there's also my insane love of books, lol.
I do feel like it is a job but one I, for the most part, enjoy. There's times where it can be overwhelming but that's usually for one of two reasons- 1) real life gets in the way (that's why this is going up around noon today rather than midnight) or 2) I push myself to do too much too quickly (also is happening this week. I may take a tiny break). But most of the time, it's a really enjoyable experience and I'm really glad I had the idea to start a blog back in June 2007.
I'm a boring person so I don't really have any other hobbies. I do occasionally write and I am working on a novel, but it's slow-going. I need to get my butt in the chair and type. But aside from that, I've got nothing. Sad, isn't it?
Anne asks "My question is: What is the first book you remember reading that you loved? And what book got you into reading?"
I had something like this a long time ago and it took me forever to find out what the answer was because I only vaguely remembered it. I'm too lazy to look it up now, but it was a picture book series about a boy and his horse and they went on adventures. They were pretty old books too, if I recall. As for what got me into reading, it was Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries series. Those books showed me the wondrous world of YA and I've been grateful ever since!
MannaB asks "Do you consider blogging a job, even just a part time one?
Do you have any pets?
How supportive are your friends and family with your blogging?"
I talked a bit about this above, but I'll expand a bit since it's a slightly different take on it. I do consider blogging a job, and I feel like others should too, if they want their blogs to be really good. It's something you need to spend time on- the posts, the layouts, the features you have, etc. That doesn't mean you can't have fun with it while you're doing those things, but if you're serious about blogging, it does become a bit like a job.
I have 6 cats who readers see regularly in my feature Cat Friday and in most of my vlogs. There's a mom, a dad, and 4 babies. There's a 5th baby but he is with a friend of my roommate. We also have a gerbil, who's adorable.
Everyone is REALLY supportive. My dad can be a bit too supportive, in that he talks about my blog to a wide variety of people, usually while I'm around so I can feel the full embarrassment. But yeah, everyone thinks it's pretty cool.
Alrighty, so contest time! One winner will be receiving my extra ARCs of Where She Went by Gayle Forman and Abandon by Meg Cabot, two of April's most-wanted releases! To enter, you have to leave a question for me in the comments and it can be about absolutely anything- my life, my blog, my writing, advice, whatever. These questions will be used for future Ask Book Chics, so keep an eye out if you leave a question! This contest will end Wednesday, March 30 at 9pm EST and the winner will be notified by email shortly after. If your email address is not readily accessible (like on your blog site or profile page), please leave it in the comments so I can contact you if you win. This contest is for North American residents only.
If you want to just leave a happy birthday comment, feel free to do so. Your comment won't be counted into the contest unless you leave a question too.
Karen asks "OK, my questions are: Why do you start blogging? Do you ever feel as if it is more a job then enjoyment? and what other hobbies do you have besides for reading?"
I started blogging for the simple reason that I really enjoyed interviewing authors. My first interview was with Lauren Barnholdt and it was a lot of fun. Of course, there's also my insane love of books, lol.
I do feel like it is a job but one I, for the most part, enjoy. There's times where it can be overwhelming but that's usually for one of two reasons- 1) real life gets in the way (that's why this is going up around noon today rather than midnight) or 2) I push myself to do too much too quickly (also is happening this week. I may take a tiny break). But most of the time, it's a really enjoyable experience and I'm really glad I had the idea to start a blog back in June 2007.
I'm a boring person so I don't really have any other hobbies. I do occasionally write and I am working on a novel, but it's slow-going. I need to get my butt in the chair and type. But aside from that, I've got nothing. Sad, isn't it?
Anne asks "My question is: What is the first book you remember reading that you loved? And what book got you into reading?"
I had something like this a long time ago and it took me forever to find out what the answer was because I only vaguely remembered it. I'm too lazy to look it up now, but it was a picture book series about a boy and his horse and they went on adventures. They were pretty old books too, if I recall. As for what got me into reading, it was Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries series. Those books showed me the wondrous world of YA and I've been grateful ever since!
MannaB asks "Do you consider blogging a job, even just a part time one?
Do you have any pets?
How supportive are your friends and family with your blogging?"
I talked a bit about this above, but I'll expand a bit since it's a slightly different take on it. I do consider blogging a job, and I feel like others should too, if they want their blogs to be really good. It's something you need to spend time on- the posts, the layouts, the features you have, etc. That doesn't mean you can't have fun with it while you're doing those things, but if you're serious about blogging, it does become a bit like a job.
I have 6 cats who readers see regularly in my feature Cat Friday and in most of my vlogs. There's a mom, a dad, and 4 babies. There's a 5th baby but he is with a friend of my roommate. We also have a gerbil, who's adorable.
Everyone is REALLY supportive. My dad can be a bit too supportive, in that he talks about my blog to a wide variety of people, usually while I'm around so I can feel the full embarrassment. But yeah, everyone thinks it's pretty cool.
Alrighty, so contest time! One winner will be receiving my extra ARCs of Where She Went by Gayle Forman and Abandon by Meg Cabot, two of April's most-wanted releases! To enter, you have to leave a question for me in the comments and it can be about absolutely anything- my life, my blog, my writing, advice, whatever. These questions will be used for future Ask Book Chics, so keep an eye out if you leave a question! This contest will end Wednesday, March 30 at 9pm EST and the winner will be notified by email shortly after. If your email address is not readily accessible (like on your blog site or profile page), please leave it in the comments so I can contact you if you win. This contest is for North American residents only.
If you want to just leave a happy birthday comment, feel free to do so. Your comment won't be counted into the contest unless you leave a question too.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Ask Book Chic (20)
Welcome back to Ask Book Chic, the feature where you guys get to ask me whatever questions you want (about blogging, writing, my life, anything you want!) and I'll answer them as honestly as I can and to the best of my abilities. Please feel free to leave questions in the comments to be used in future Ask Book Chics, or you can email me at bookchicclub-at-gmail-dot-com.
Caroline Taylor asks "Have you put any books on your Christmas list or like Kristi from Story Siren, do you not get many books for Christmas?"
I know it's past Christmas now, but I don't think I asked for too many books ever for Christmas. By the time I found YA and got back into reading, I was already an adult. I'd usually buy a book myself or sometimes would ask for one or two for Christmas, and most of the list was CDs or DVDs that I wanted (some of them imports). But now my family doesn't really do presents anymore as everyone's an adult now. Even if we did, I probably wouldn't ask for books since I already have more than enough to read because of the blog, lol.
Cindy asks "What are your top 3 favorite books of all time??"
I've put up a list similar to this before but not a Top 3 so this'll take some thinking. The main criteria is re-readability; I need to like a book enough that I'd want to re-read it, which doesn't happen very often for me.
1) Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman- I could never get tired of this book. It's a hilarious take on the Apocalypse.
2) Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot- Probably my favorite out of all of Meg's books (and they're all so good!). It's just such a good romantic, funny read.
3) Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe- A funny mystery that includes footnotes? I'm so there. I'm actually re-reading this one right now!
Also, just to let everyone know, if one of you doesn't like my list of recommendations, feel free to leave a comment and I'll replace it with another title that wasn't originally on this list because I don't stand by the books I recommend. And no amount of people loving the original title will sway me from my arbitrary, cowardly and stupid decision that affected the integrity of the list and made it all moot.
BookMac asks "Okay here's my big question....MAC or PC???"
PC all the way. I cannot stand MAC computers. They just frustrate me so much because the ones I've used have been so slow and can't seem to do more than one thing at a time.
So while Windows occasionally peeves me off, it's not as much as Mac computers frustrate me.
Please stay a follower though. I don't think I could afford to lose all my Mac-loving followers. :P
Caroline Taylor asks "Have you put any books on your Christmas list or like Kristi from Story Siren, do you not get many books for Christmas?"
I know it's past Christmas now, but I don't think I asked for too many books ever for Christmas. By the time I found YA and got back into reading, I was already an adult. I'd usually buy a book myself or sometimes would ask for one or two for Christmas, and most of the list was CDs or DVDs that I wanted (some of them imports). But now my family doesn't really do presents anymore as everyone's an adult now. Even if we did, I probably wouldn't ask for books since I already have more than enough to read because of the blog, lol.
Cindy asks "What are your top 3 favorite books of all time??"
I've put up a list similar to this before but not a Top 3 so this'll take some thinking. The main criteria is re-readability; I need to like a book enough that I'd want to re-read it, which doesn't happen very often for me.
1) Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman- I could never get tired of this book. It's a hilarious take on the Apocalypse.
2) Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot- Probably my favorite out of all of Meg's books (and they're all so good!). It's just such a good romantic, funny read.
3) Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe- A funny mystery that includes footnotes? I'm so there. I'm actually re-reading this one right now!
Also, just to let everyone know, if one of you doesn't like my list of recommendations, feel free to leave a comment and I'll replace it with another title that wasn't originally on this list because I don't stand by the books I recommend. And no amount of people loving the original title will sway me from my arbitrary, cowardly and stupid decision that affected the integrity of the list and made it all moot.
BookMac asks "Okay here's my big question....MAC or PC???"
PC all the way. I cannot stand MAC computers. They just frustrate me so much because the ones I've used have been so slow and can't seem to do more than one thing at a time.
So while Windows occasionally peeves me off, it's not as much as Mac computers frustrate me.
Please stay a follower though. I don't think I could afford to lose all my Mac-loving followers. :P
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Ask Book Chic (19)
Here's the 19th edition of Ask Book Chic! Hope you all enjoy!
sablelexi asks "If you could only read 5 books for the rest of your life, what books would you choose and why?"
My re-readable list would go here and those are (list is shortened by a couple books to fit it in 5):
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot
Burned by Ellen Hopkins
In Your Room by Jordanna Fraiberg
Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe
A lot of these books are hilarious and I love to laugh so if I can do that the rest of my life, that'd be great. But of course, a dose of seriousness is needed so Burned by Ellen Hopkins is on the list; that's my favorite of all her books.
jecca asks "What is one book you truly regret reading? And why?"
I actually don't ever regret reading a book. I read everything I come across (except for like one or two books that I stopped within the first 50 pages) and review them cuz I'm easily pleased. I'm just a laid-back, go with the flow kind of reader, so I'm not as receptive to problems within a novel, or just didn't actually HAVE problems with novels. But as I've reviewed books over the years, I've noticed more things that stand out to me as bad while reading, so I think my critical eye is getting better. But nothing so far has really made me regret reading it.
Kailia Sage asks "If there was one author in history who you could have lunch with, who would it be and why?"
Meg Cabot, hands down. Meg is a very funny and awesome person, so that alone should be enough. But she's also the author who got me reading again and introduced me to the YA section. If it weren't for her (and the Princess Diaries movies), I probably wouldn't be here. I do actually hope to have lunch (or coffee) with her while in NYC in May for BEA if she's free and actually in New York, since she mostly resides in Key West now. But I'm hoping since Abandon (her new YA) comes out in April with Overbite (sequel to Insatiable, an adult novel) following in June, she'll be at BEA doing some book signings and stuff.
If I get a lunch with her, I will be sure to tell you readers all about it.
Also, it may seem kinda silly to use a living author as the answer to this question, but there's not a lot of (or, really any) dead authors I'd like to chat with.
sablelexi asks "If you could only read 5 books for the rest of your life, what books would you choose and why?"
My re-readable list would go here and those are (list is shortened by a couple books to fit it in 5):
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot
Burned by Ellen Hopkins
In Your Room by Jordanna Fraiberg
Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe
A lot of these books are hilarious and I love to laugh so if I can do that the rest of my life, that'd be great. But of course, a dose of seriousness is needed so Burned by Ellen Hopkins is on the list; that's my favorite of all her books.
jecca asks "What is one book you truly regret reading? And why?"
I actually don't ever regret reading a book. I read everything I come across (except for like one or two books that I stopped within the first 50 pages) and review them cuz I'm easily pleased. I'm just a laid-back, go with the flow kind of reader, so I'm not as receptive to problems within a novel, or just didn't actually HAVE problems with novels. But as I've reviewed books over the years, I've noticed more things that stand out to me as bad while reading, so I think my critical eye is getting better. But nothing so far has really made me regret reading it.
Kailia Sage asks "If there was one author in history who you could have lunch with, who would it be and why?"
Meg Cabot, hands down. Meg is a very funny and awesome person, so that alone should be enough. But she's also the author who got me reading again and introduced me to the YA section. If it weren't for her (and the Princess Diaries movies), I probably wouldn't be here. I do actually hope to have lunch (or coffee) with her while in NYC in May for BEA if she's free and actually in New York, since she mostly resides in Key West now. But I'm hoping since Abandon (her new YA) comes out in April with Overbite (sequel to Insatiable, an adult novel) following in June, she'll be at BEA doing some book signings and stuff.
If I get a lunch with her, I will be sure to tell you readers all about it.
Also, it may seem kinda silly to use a living author as the answer to this question, but there's not a lot of (or, really any) dead authors I'd like to chat with.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Ask Book Chic (18)
Thanks everyone for their questions in the last Ask Book Chic! I'll hold another contest when I need more questions. I'll be posting a review tomorrow and then nothing until next week, so happy holidays everyone!! :)
Cindy asks "James, if you could interview one person on your blog (that you haven't already but want to really bad) who would it be ant why?"
In the beginning, it would've been Stephenie Meyer because I got several requests from readers being like "You should interview Stephenie Meyer!" when I asked for suggestions on what to post on my blog. But now, I don't know. I feel like I'm able to access authors so easily that if I do get an idea to interview someone, I'd be able to. But if I had to choose, I'd probably say David Levithan because I love his books so much and he's edited so many wonderful books and anthologies.
Lauren M asks "Okay, here's my question: If you had one day left on earth, what would you read, and who would you read with?"
I'd probably read with Meg Cabot or Michele Jaffe because they are awesome and hilarious. It'd be fun to read a book side by side and comment on it as we go through it. For giggles, I'd probably say Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. For serious reading, um, I don't know. I'd read anything with those two, but especially one of their upcoming novels. That'd be cool.
April X asks "If you could time travel, where or when would you go to?"
I'd probably like to go to ancient Egypt because it's fun and a period I really am interested in. Or maybe to the future to, you know, see what's going on.
Cindy asks "James, if you could interview one person on your blog (that you haven't already but want to really bad) who would it be ant why?"
In the beginning, it would've been Stephenie Meyer because I got several requests from readers being like "You should interview Stephenie Meyer!" when I asked for suggestions on what to post on my blog. But now, I don't know. I feel like I'm able to access authors so easily that if I do get an idea to interview someone, I'd be able to. But if I had to choose, I'd probably say David Levithan because I love his books so much and he's edited so many wonderful books and anthologies.
Lauren M asks "Okay, here's my question: If you had one day left on earth, what would you read, and who would you read with?"
I'd probably read with Meg Cabot or Michele Jaffe because they are awesome and hilarious. It'd be fun to read a book side by side and comment on it as we go through it. For giggles, I'd probably say Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. For serious reading, um, I don't know. I'd read anything with those two, but especially one of their upcoming novels. That'd be cool.
April X asks "If you could time travel, where or when would you go to?"
I'd probably like to go to ancient Egypt because it's fun and a period I really am interested in. Or maybe to the future to, you know, see what's going on.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Ask Book Chic (17) + Contest!
Before I start today, in honor of World AIDS Day, I wanted to link back to an interview I did last year on Dec. 1 with Courtney Sheinmel, author of Positively which is about a young girl who is HIV positive. It's a wonderful interview and one of my all-time favorite ones. Check it out and also check out Courtney's book which is out in paperback!
I've run out of questions again, and you guys know what that means- CONTEST TIME! I have an extra ARC of Delirium by Lauren Oliver! All you have to do to enter is leave a question in the comments below. You can ask more than one question, but it won't count as extra entries or anything like that. This contest will end Friday, December 10 at 11:59PM EST. So go on and ask some questions; they can be about anything, whether it be personal, blog-related, writing-related, completely out there, whatever! Also, try to skim through the previous Ask Book Chics (each post has an Ask Book Chic label, so just click on that to get all of them) to avoid asking a same or similar question.
Cass asks "If you were to talk to Meg Cabot (again) what would you say?
What inspired "Fragment Friday"? (I WILL start doing them...one day) Why do you believe others will be interested in FF?
How many review requests do you get a week, on average? How about, what's the weirdest review request you've gotten? (Mine is this self-help book, but about money and business)"
1) It's funny that I'm answering this now because just today I had a small email exchange with Meg Cabot. I chat with her that way since I can't see her in person, though she says she'll be at RWA next July in NYC and I am going to do my best to be there so she and I (and maybe some others) can hang out.
But anyway, I was telling her that she should another Boy book (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, Every Boy's Got One) because those are my favorites. The reason this came up was because someone asked about a 4th Queen of Babble book and Meg was like "Well, I have this idea for something but I'm not sure if it should be for Lizzie (from QOB) or a character from Boy Meets Girl." I think Lizzie was left in a good place and doesn't need to be tampered with, so I demanded another Boy book be written. She said that she was leaning more toward that than a 4th QOB book. So if you're a fan of the Boy series like me and wanted another book, feel free to thank me when a new one comes out a few years from now. Because I made it happen. :)
As for face-to-face, I'm sure we'd chat about tons of things- we have a mutual love for Kathy Griffin, cats, awful reality shows (and good ones, like Kathy's D-List), and much more. I think she and I would have a grand time together.
2) Fragment Friday was inspired from my Fresh New Voice of YA posts where I'd record a vlog and read an excerpt from the two featured books, so it was originally just twice a month in the same week. My blogger friends Susan and Pam really liked that idea and wanted to do it themselves, so they came to me for approval since I was the one who had first started doing them. I agreed and we started Fragment Friday in July of this year.
I think others would want to join in because they can read a favorite section from one of their favorite books or a book they're currently reading and share that with their blog readers, thus hopefully sending them to that book.
It actually started out kinda strong and stayed consistent for a few months but recently, participation has fallen off (one week, no one else did one). This has led me to (HERE'S THE SHOCKING NEWS!) think about cancelling it or just making it once a month and let people know ahead of time the date it will be held. It's a hard thing to do every single week, not like In My Mailbox or Waiting on Wednesday. I'll continue doing it to the end of the year and then in January will either do the monthly thing or not do it at all. I'd still do it for Fresh New Voice, but there would be no Mr. Linky. What do you all think?
3) I don't get as many as you think, probably just a couple. I usually delete them if they don't interest me, which is almost 95% of the time. The reason for this is because of the fact that a lot of them have NOTHING to do with my blog. They're not YA reads, or even MG or adult chicklit. I get self-help, non-fiction, self-published stuff. It's not what I read!
Tara asks "Which do you think takes more time: reading the actual books or blogging about them?
Do you think you would read as much if you did not blog about the books?
Favorite ice cream flavor? (I just gave up sweets. Preoccupied. hehe.)"
1) Definitely reading them. Blogging about them takes maybe half an hour, at least for me. I don't spend days thinking about a book or anything. I just sit down and write out the whole review and set up the post in one sitting. Reading usually does take several days for me, unless it's a really quick read.
2) Yes. I read a lot for several years before starting the book blog, so having the book blog doesn't change too much. I'd probably continue buying the occasional book and borrowing tons from the library. I will say though that having the book blog causes a bit more pressure and I have to schedule books and I do think I read more because of how many books I get every month, therefore meaning I have to post several reviews every week. So maybe not as much because there'd be no rush for me to finish a book, but I do think I'd still have reading time every day.
3) I like the vanilla/chocolate combo, as well as mint chocolate chip. Also, why did you give up sweets? That doesn't seem right to me. I could never do it. I love them WAY too much.
I've run out of questions again, and you guys know what that means- CONTEST TIME! I have an extra ARC of Delirium by Lauren Oliver! All you have to do to enter is leave a question in the comments below. You can ask more than one question, but it won't count as extra entries or anything like that. This contest will end Friday, December 10 at 11:59PM EST. So go on and ask some questions; they can be about anything, whether it be personal, blog-related, writing-related, completely out there, whatever! Also, try to skim through the previous Ask Book Chics (each post has an Ask Book Chic label, so just click on that to get all of them) to avoid asking a same or similar question.
Cass asks "If you were to talk to Meg Cabot (again) what would you say?
What inspired "Fragment Friday"? (I WILL start doing them...one day) Why do you believe others will be interested in FF?
How many review requests do you get a week, on average? How about, what's the weirdest review request you've gotten? (Mine is this self-help book, but about money and business)"
1) It's funny that I'm answering this now because just today I had a small email exchange with Meg Cabot. I chat with her that way since I can't see her in person, though she says she'll be at RWA next July in NYC and I am going to do my best to be there so she and I (and maybe some others) can hang out.
But anyway, I was telling her that she should another Boy book (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, Every Boy's Got One) because those are my favorites. The reason this came up was because someone asked about a 4th Queen of Babble book and Meg was like "Well, I have this idea for something but I'm not sure if it should be for Lizzie (from QOB) or a character from Boy Meets Girl." I think Lizzie was left in a good place and doesn't need to be tampered with, so I demanded another Boy book be written. She said that she was leaning more toward that than a 4th QOB book. So if you're a fan of the Boy series like me and wanted another book, feel free to thank me when a new one comes out a few years from now. Because I made it happen. :)
As for face-to-face, I'm sure we'd chat about tons of things- we have a mutual love for Kathy Griffin, cats, awful reality shows (and good ones, like Kathy's D-List), and much more. I think she and I would have a grand time together.
2) Fragment Friday was inspired from my Fresh New Voice of YA posts where I'd record a vlog and read an excerpt from the two featured books, so it was originally just twice a month in the same week. My blogger friends Susan and Pam really liked that idea and wanted to do it themselves, so they came to me for approval since I was the one who had first started doing them. I agreed and we started Fragment Friday in July of this year.
I think others would want to join in because they can read a favorite section from one of their favorite books or a book they're currently reading and share that with their blog readers, thus hopefully sending them to that book.
It actually started out kinda strong and stayed consistent for a few months but recently, participation has fallen off (one week, no one else did one). This has led me to (HERE'S THE SHOCKING NEWS!) think about cancelling it or just making it once a month and let people know ahead of time the date it will be held. It's a hard thing to do every single week, not like In My Mailbox or Waiting on Wednesday. I'll continue doing it to the end of the year and then in January will either do the monthly thing or not do it at all. I'd still do it for Fresh New Voice, but there would be no Mr. Linky. What do you all think?
3) I don't get as many as you think, probably just a couple. I usually delete them if they don't interest me, which is almost 95% of the time. The reason for this is because of the fact that a lot of them have NOTHING to do with my blog. They're not YA reads, or even MG or adult chicklit. I get self-help, non-fiction, self-published stuff. It's not what I read!
Tara asks "Which do you think takes more time: reading the actual books or blogging about them?
Do you think you would read as much if you did not blog about the books?
Favorite ice cream flavor? (I just gave up sweets. Preoccupied. hehe.)"
1) Definitely reading them. Blogging about them takes maybe half an hour, at least for me. I don't spend days thinking about a book or anything. I just sit down and write out the whole review and set up the post in one sitting. Reading usually does take several days for me, unless it's a really quick read.
2) Yes. I read a lot for several years before starting the book blog, so having the book blog doesn't change too much. I'd probably continue buying the occasional book and borrowing tons from the library. I will say though that having the book blog causes a bit more pressure and I have to schedule books and I do think I read more because of how many books I get every month, therefore meaning I have to post several reviews every week. So maybe not as much because there'd be no rush for me to finish a book, but I do think I'd still have reading time every day.
3) I like the vanilla/chocolate combo, as well as mint chocolate chip. Also, why did you give up sweets? That doesn't seem right to me. I could never do it. I love them WAY too much.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Ask Book Chic (16)
Kailia Sage asks "There are many stereotypes out there. What is one stereotype you wish could be taken out of books, YA and more? Why?"
I don't know. I'm one of those people that isn't really bothered by stereotypes, and most of the time, I don't even notice them. I just don't spend much time thinking about them. Stereotypes are rooted in truth, so if a novel has them, it doesn't automatically make it bad or somehow lazy on the author's part. That could be how the character came to them and it is a realistic portrayal because I imagine there are people out in the world who act exactly like that character.
Not that I think all authors should use stereotypes. What I like about YA is that there is enough variety that any stereotypes used are balanced out by original, complex characters.
Tara asks "What's your stance on books being adapted into films and what's your favourite adaptation?"
Readers should know by now that I'm an easygoing kind of person, and this translates into my views on books-to-films. I think it's AWESOME when a book I love gets made into a movie, even if there are changes, because it draws in a new audience and usually gets more people reading. This is great when the film in question is adapted from a YA novel.
Now, the whole changes thing. I spend time on the Meg Cabot boards and her adaptations thus far (Princess Diaries, 1-800-Where R You, and Avalon High) have changed a lot of things from the books (esp. 1-800, from what I heard). This angers a LOT of her fans, so I see a lot of "WHY DID THEY CHANGE THIS/LEAVE THIS OUT/DYE HER HAIR?!?!!? I'M GONNA KILL SOMEONE!!"
OK, so that's a bit exaggerated, but it's close to that. I'm not sure if it actually happened or not, but some users were going to scream at their TV while watching Avalon High for every change they made. I think that's a bit much.
Changes are inevitable. You can't translate a 300-page novel into a 90/120 minute film. If you followed everything down to the letter, you'd have a 10 hour movie and no one wants to see that. And even if you did follow things down to the letter and had that long movie, it would feel weird because stuff that works in a book doesn't always work in a movie and there would be some awkward places in the movie.
So I accept the changes, and actually welcome them. I don't want to see the same thing I read. If I did, I'd just keep my $10 and re-read the book and use my imagination. I'm here to see my favorite characters in real life, be surprised (hence changes), see a different interpretation of my favorite book, and have a good time.
My advice is to NEVER expect everything to be perfect and accept that changes will have to be made. View the movie as something that has some similarities to your favorite book. Everyone has different interpretations so the movie can't please everybody.
Anyway, my favorite adaptation would probably have to be the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies. I own both on DVD and just love them. The PD movies come in at a close second (those movies got me into Meg Cabot and YA!).
Liz asks "When you first started your blog, what was the most challenging aspect of getting established and gaining a consistent following?"
I'd say providing good, interesting content that would keep readers coming back for more. That's the main thing in getting established (along with just plugging away day after day) and gaining a following. But it's hard to do that. You have to mix things up so it isn't just all reviews and interviews (not that doing just those is boring, but you really have to make them interesting enough so that people don't mind just seeing those). You have to come up with unique ideas to set your blog apart from others.
But do things that intrigue you and that you can be excited about. Alea of Pop Culture Junkie loves graphic design (and may have a degree in it?) so her weekly features include Lookalikes and Hardcover vs. Paperback, both of which I love. They focus on book covers and the artistry that goes into them. So those features directly correlate with her interests. Do the same with your own blog. I love answering questions, so I do Ask Book Chic (it's kinda unhealthy, I'm sure, how much I love answering questions) every other week. You tap into your interests and try to find a way to include them in your blog. Once that happens, the followers will come and stick around. Good luck!
Also, Happy Thanksgiving all! I'm taking tomorrow off and there's no Fragment Friday this week (instead, I will hopefully have a review), so enjoy the time with your families. If you're an international person who doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, well, have a wonderful Thursday then!
I don't know. I'm one of those people that isn't really bothered by stereotypes, and most of the time, I don't even notice them. I just don't spend much time thinking about them. Stereotypes are rooted in truth, so if a novel has them, it doesn't automatically make it bad or somehow lazy on the author's part. That could be how the character came to them and it is a realistic portrayal because I imagine there are people out in the world who act exactly like that character.
Not that I think all authors should use stereotypes. What I like about YA is that there is enough variety that any stereotypes used are balanced out by original, complex characters.
Tara asks "What's your stance on books being adapted into films and what's your favourite adaptation?"
Readers should know by now that I'm an easygoing kind of person, and this translates into my views on books-to-films. I think it's AWESOME when a book I love gets made into a movie, even if there are changes, because it draws in a new audience and usually gets more people reading. This is great when the film in question is adapted from a YA novel.
Now, the whole changes thing. I spend time on the Meg Cabot boards and her adaptations thus far (Princess Diaries, 1-800-Where R You, and Avalon High) have changed a lot of things from the books (esp. 1-800, from what I heard). This angers a LOT of her fans, so I see a lot of "WHY DID THEY CHANGE THIS/LEAVE THIS OUT/DYE HER HAIR?!?!!? I'M GONNA KILL SOMEONE!!"
OK, so that's a bit exaggerated, but it's close to that. I'm not sure if it actually happened or not, but some users were going to scream at their TV while watching Avalon High for every change they made. I think that's a bit much.
Changes are inevitable. You can't translate a 300-page novel into a 90/120 minute film. If you followed everything down to the letter, you'd have a 10 hour movie and no one wants to see that. And even if you did follow things down to the letter and had that long movie, it would feel weird because stuff that works in a book doesn't always work in a movie and there would be some awkward places in the movie.
So I accept the changes, and actually welcome them. I don't want to see the same thing I read. If I did, I'd just keep my $10 and re-read the book and use my imagination. I'm here to see my favorite characters in real life, be surprised (hence changes), see a different interpretation of my favorite book, and have a good time.
My advice is to NEVER expect everything to be perfect and accept that changes will have to be made. View the movie as something that has some similarities to your favorite book. Everyone has different interpretations so the movie can't please everybody.
Anyway, my favorite adaptation would probably have to be the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies. I own both on DVD and just love them. The PD movies come in at a close second (those movies got me into Meg Cabot and YA!).
Liz asks "When you first started your blog, what was the most challenging aspect of getting established and gaining a consistent following?"
I'd say providing good, interesting content that would keep readers coming back for more. That's the main thing in getting established (along with just plugging away day after day) and gaining a following. But it's hard to do that. You have to mix things up so it isn't just all reviews and interviews (not that doing just those is boring, but you really have to make them interesting enough so that people don't mind just seeing those). You have to come up with unique ideas to set your blog apart from others.
But do things that intrigue you and that you can be excited about. Alea of Pop Culture Junkie loves graphic design (and may have a degree in it?) so her weekly features include Lookalikes and Hardcover vs. Paperback, both of which I love. They focus on book covers and the artistry that goes into them. So those features directly correlate with her interests. Do the same with your own blog. I love answering questions, so I do Ask Book Chic (it's kinda unhealthy, I'm sure, how much I love answering questions) every other week. You tap into your interests and try to find a way to include them in your blog. Once that happens, the followers will come and stick around. Good luck!
Also, Happy Thanksgiving all! I'm taking tomorrow off and there's no Fragment Friday this week (instead, I will hopefully have a review), so enjoy the time with your families. If you're an international person who doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, well, have a wonderful Thursday then!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Ask Book Chic (15)
Lisa Gibson asks "What scenes do you find the most difficult to write? And why?"
I haven't written much in a while, though I plan to start up again when I lose my job at the end of next week and continue to do it while I search for a new job. But I don't think I have any problem with a specific kind of scene. Instead, I mainly have problems with dialogue. I'm just not good at it; I always wonder if it's realistic enough or appropriate (in terms of context, not like swearing or something), and I agonize for a while before having to write some. I'm very good at the non-dialogue parts though.
I would've thought it would be more serious matter, but in my current WIP, there's some bullying that goes on and while it doesn't last long, I kept thinking it was overwrought or melodramatic or just plain horrible. I sent a few pages to some online friends of mine (a couple bloggers and a published author) and everyone loved that scene and thought it was so heart-wrenching and emotional and done just right. I was dumbfounded. I kept asking "Are you sure?". So yeah, I guess I have some untapped talent.
Maybe.
Perhaps.
Probably not.
Sarah asks "Do you prefer reading series or stand-alone novels? (It seems like so many new YA books are part of a promised series)."
That is true that series books are taking over, especially trilogies or quartets! I don't think I could ever write a series. OK, I do have an idea for one, but it could just end up being one long fantasy novel. And OK, maybe I do have another idea for a trilogy of contemporary books. But series are hard work, so that's the main reason behind my not wanting to do them.
Anyway, you didn't ask about that, so here's my real answer: There are still plenty of stand-alone novels being released, so don't fret! Honestly, I don't think I could pick one or the other. I love them all! It's so nice to revisit the same characters you know and love in a series, but it's also nice to have an actual ending once the book is finished. No real preference here.
Bailey asks "On average, how many books would you say you read and review a week?
What is your favorite author interview you have conducted?
Are there any upcoming 2011 debut novels that you are excited about or have already read?"
I try to read at least 3 per week now. It's hard, but I manage it. I'm basically always reading a book and moving on to the next one once I'm finished.
Oh god, I've loved them all! I will say I've really enjoyed interviewing Meg Cabot (so much so that I've done it three times!), as well as other authors I've been able to go more in-depth with since I've read a lot of (or all of) their work, like Brent Hartinger, Justina Chen, Ally Carter, and Courtney Sheinmel. But I just love being able to interview any and all authors- they're all fascinating and interesting!
I haven't yet read any, but I'm really excited for Across the Universe by Beth Revis, I Am J by Cris Beam, Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton, A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford, Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey, The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney, Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer, The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge, Haven by Kristi Cook, Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton, and tons more. I used Kristi's New Reads page to look them all up, lol. I can't keep track of them all!
Oh and I completely forgot that I did read a YA debut- Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer. I posted a preview post for it the other day. It'll be out in April 2011!
I haven't written much in a while, though I plan to start up again when I lose my job at the end of next week and continue to do it while I search for a new job. But I don't think I have any problem with a specific kind of scene. Instead, I mainly have problems with dialogue. I'm just not good at it; I always wonder if it's realistic enough or appropriate (in terms of context, not like swearing or something), and I agonize for a while before having to write some. I'm very good at the non-dialogue parts though.
I would've thought it would be more serious matter, but in my current WIP, there's some bullying that goes on and while it doesn't last long, I kept thinking it was overwrought or melodramatic or just plain horrible. I sent a few pages to some online friends of mine (a couple bloggers and a published author) and everyone loved that scene and thought it was so heart-wrenching and emotional and done just right. I was dumbfounded. I kept asking "Are you sure?". So yeah, I guess I have some untapped talent.
Maybe.
Perhaps.
Probably not.
Sarah asks "Do you prefer reading series or stand-alone novels? (It seems like so many new YA books are part of a promised series)."
That is true that series books are taking over, especially trilogies or quartets! I don't think I could ever write a series. OK, I do have an idea for one, but it could just end up being one long fantasy novel. And OK, maybe I do have another idea for a trilogy of contemporary books. But series are hard work, so that's the main reason behind my not wanting to do them.
Anyway, you didn't ask about that, so here's my real answer: There are still plenty of stand-alone novels being released, so don't fret! Honestly, I don't think I could pick one or the other. I love them all! It's so nice to revisit the same characters you know and love in a series, but it's also nice to have an actual ending once the book is finished. No real preference here.
Bailey asks "On average, how many books would you say you read and review a week?
What is your favorite author interview you have conducted?
Are there any upcoming 2011 debut novels that you are excited about or have already read?"
I try to read at least 3 per week now. It's hard, but I manage it. I'm basically always reading a book and moving on to the next one once I'm finished.
Oh god, I've loved them all! I will say I've really enjoyed interviewing Meg Cabot (so much so that I've done it three times!), as well as other authors I've been able to go more in-depth with since I've read a lot of (or all of) their work, like Brent Hartinger, Justina Chen, Ally Carter, and Courtney Sheinmel. But I just love being able to interview any and all authors- they're all fascinating and interesting!
I haven't yet read any, but I'm really excited for Across the Universe by Beth Revis, I Am J by Cris Beam, Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton, A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford, Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey, The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney, Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer, The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge, Haven by Kristi Cook, Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton, and tons more. I used Kristi's New Reads page to look them all up, lol. I can't keep track of them all!
Oh and I completely forgot that I did read a YA debut- Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer. I posted a preview post for it the other day. It'll be out in April 2011!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Ask Book Chic (14)
Did you guys miss this in the last two weeks? I sure did. Hope you guys enjoy this latest edition of Ask Book Chic!
Em asks "If you could live in the world of any book, which book would you choose and why?"
Probably a Meg Cabot book, because then I'd probably have a boyfriend by now. Also, everything would be hilarious. And, depending on the book, I could be a princess or someone who saved the president, or have my brain transplanted into that of a supermodel (maybe one on Project Runway?). WOO!
Brent asks "Oh, then a question. Here: Do you review every book you receive?"
I definitely do my best, but blogging for over three years means LOTS of books have been received at a rate that I can't handle being, yknow, human and only a slightly fast reader. So I seriously have several bookcases full of to-be-reviewed books. It may seem like a daunting task, but I know I'll get around to all of them eventually. It'll take a LONG time, but it will happen. I don't have many November titles (5 in total) in my TBR pile right now, so next month will be filled with books released in the past few months as well as some that were released last year. It'll probably be the same with December. That will help with my TBR piles, and will also mean I can donate titles to my library, in the case of finished review copies I've received.
jpetroroy asks "How do you decide which books not to review? Are there ever any times you just don't have anything interesting to say about them?"
There have only been like one or two instances where I haven't reviewed a book in my entire blogging life and they were did-not-finish books, so I didn't get far in before putting it down. Other than that, I review pretty much everything I read, except for like the occasional library book I get.
In regards to saying something interesting about a book, it's never really that I don't have anything interesting to say, but rather I have nothing to elaborate on. When that happens, my reviews just end up being really short. The two books that come to mind for this is The Espressologist by Kristina Springer and You Wish by Mandy Hubbard. It's not like they weren't good books, but rather I just didn't have much to say beyond "This is a cute, fluffy read." Longer reviews mean I connected more to a book and that there's a bit more (or a lot more) substance there.
Em asks "If you could live in the world of any book, which book would you choose and why?"
Probably a Meg Cabot book, because then I'd probably have a boyfriend by now. Also, everything would be hilarious. And, depending on the book, I could be a princess or someone who saved the president, or have my brain transplanted into that of a supermodel (maybe one on Project Runway?). WOO!
Brent asks "Oh, then a question. Here: Do you review every book you receive?"
I definitely do my best, but blogging for over three years means LOTS of books have been received at a rate that I can't handle being, yknow, human and only a slightly fast reader. So I seriously have several bookcases full of to-be-reviewed books. It may seem like a daunting task, but I know I'll get around to all of them eventually. It'll take a LONG time, but it will happen. I don't have many November titles (5 in total) in my TBR pile right now, so next month will be filled with books released in the past few months as well as some that were released last year. It'll probably be the same with December. That will help with my TBR piles, and will also mean I can donate titles to my library, in the case of finished review copies I've received.
jpetroroy asks "How do you decide which books not to review? Are there ever any times you just don't have anything interesting to say about them?"
There have only been like one or two instances where I haven't reviewed a book in my entire blogging life and they were did-not-finish books, so I didn't get far in before putting it down. Other than that, I review pretty much everything I read, except for like the occasional library book I get.
In regards to saying something interesting about a book, it's never really that I don't have anything interesting to say, but rather I have nothing to elaborate on. When that happens, my reviews just end up being really short. The two books that come to mind for this is The Espressologist by Kristina Springer and You Wish by Mandy Hubbard. It's not like they weren't good books, but rather I just didn't have much to say beyond "This is a cute, fluffy read." Longer reviews mean I connected more to a book and that there's a bit more (or a lot more) substance there.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Ask Book Chic (13)
Thanks everyone for all the great questions!! I can't wait to start answering them all. If you're one of the later questions, it may take a while for me to get to you because I usually do these every other week however this month is a bit different. See, I'm doing an LGBT Week next week, then Fresh New Voice of YA the week after. So there'll be an edition this week (now) and then one the final week of October. But they will all get answered eventually. The winner of the contest has been notified by email, so if you didn't hear from me, you didn't win. Anyway, without further ado, here are my responses to your questions!
Christina asks "How do you manage keeping up with the blog while still living life?
How many hours to you spend a week blogging on average?"
1) I'll be honest. I occasionally work on the blog during the day at my job. But most of the work is usually done on weekends preparing for the upcoming week and getting posts set up and scheduled. During the week, I may write a review or two but it's not hard to set aside 15-30 minutes in the evening to write one up. Also, I don't have much of a life, lol. I live with my best friend so we mainly just hang out with each other and that's enough; her boyfriend visits on weekends. We do have other friends too but hang out with them just occasionally. We're too busy with work and then my roommate is taking a night class now so that cuts into her free time, so if she's doing homework, I tend to be working on the blog or answering emails (and very rarely working on my novel- I really need to get back to that).
Anyway, the best thing to do when trying to balance life and blogging is to try to aside a chunk of time, big or small, per day or per week to work on your blog. But be flexible; real life does get in the way sometimes. Having a blog is hard work, but it's also insanely fun and a hobby- don't lose sight of that by becoming too rigid in your blogging time.
2) I honestly have no idea- maybe like 5 hours per week? I've never really thought about it before. For me, I'm pretty quick with setting up my posts because I know exactly what I want to post that week and the weekend before, I just set up every post as best I can and tweak them during the week. I have a whole schedule for the rest of this month and I'm working on next month's. It's really helped me to focus and cut down on my overall blogging time because I spend maybe like an hour thinking up and putting together an entire month, then tweak it a bit week to week depending on where I am with my reading. Reviews are the hardest and so I usually end up having to move those around every week because I was overly ambitious in my schedule (I've been trying to do 4-5 reviews per week but can only do 3 per week, it seems). Aside from that though, scheduling a month ahead has really helped me out and I'm glad I started doing it.
Cass asks "What do you look for in a YA book blog?"
I look for a variety of things- I enjoy book discussions and thoughtful reviews but it's also nice to see a blog that's just a lot of fun to read even if the depth may not be there. A sense of humor will always endear me to you, so seeing one utilized in a blog is great for me to see. Above all though, just a passion for YA is all I need to add a blog to my Google Reader. It shows me you're committed and are enjoying what you're blogging about and that comes across to me.
Oh, and gay male bloggers tend to be automatic adds, lol. I like chatting with other gay bloggers and being a lone male for so long, I yearn for fellow boys to talk to. Not that I don't love my ladies (Kristi, Khy, Alexa, Susan, Meaghan, and Cat- looking at you guys!) though. :)
Inspired Kathy asks "If you could travel to any place from a fantasy novel where would you choose?
Which mythical creature would you like to have as a pet?"
1) I don't know. I think I'd prefer something more modern, like how urban fantasy is written, but I can't think of what world I'd like to go to. The ones that pop up are Tamora Pierce's worlds, specifically Emelan, or Malinda Lo's world from Ash, as it seemed like gay people were accepted pretty easily there (always a plus when traveling to another world, lol).
2) I'm thinking either a cait sidhe since they're close to regular cats and also because I love Grimalkin (from the Iron Fey series) and Taggle (from Plain Kate) or a mermaid, like Lish in Paranormalcy and Lily from Forgive My Fins. Though I imagine they would not want to be pets, lol.
Christina asks "How do you manage keeping up with the blog while still living life?
How many hours to you spend a week blogging on average?"
1) I'll be honest. I occasionally work on the blog during the day at my job. But most of the work is usually done on weekends preparing for the upcoming week and getting posts set up and scheduled. During the week, I may write a review or two but it's not hard to set aside 15-30 minutes in the evening to write one up. Also, I don't have much of a life, lol. I live with my best friend so we mainly just hang out with each other and that's enough; her boyfriend visits on weekends. We do have other friends too but hang out with them just occasionally. We're too busy with work and then my roommate is taking a night class now so that cuts into her free time, so if she's doing homework, I tend to be working on the blog or answering emails (and very rarely working on my novel- I really need to get back to that).
Anyway, the best thing to do when trying to balance life and blogging is to try to aside a chunk of time, big or small, per day or per week to work on your blog. But be flexible; real life does get in the way sometimes. Having a blog is hard work, but it's also insanely fun and a hobby- don't lose sight of that by becoming too rigid in your blogging time.
2) I honestly have no idea- maybe like 5 hours per week? I've never really thought about it before. For me, I'm pretty quick with setting up my posts because I know exactly what I want to post that week and the weekend before, I just set up every post as best I can and tweak them during the week. I have a whole schedule for the rest of this month and I'm working on next month's. It's really helped me to focus and cut down on my overall blogging time because I spend maybe like an hour thinking up and putting together an entire month, then tweak it a bit week to week depending on where I am with my reading. Reviews are the hardest and so I usually end up having to move those around every week because I was overly ambitious in my schedule (I've been trying to do 4-5 reviews per week but can only do 3 per week, it seems). Aside from that though, scheduling a month ahead has really helped me out and I'm glad I started doing it.
Cass asks "What do you look for in a YA book blog?"
I look for a variety of things- I enjoy book discussions and thoughtful reviews but it's also nice to see a blog that's just a lot of fun to read even if the depth may not be there. A sense of humor will always endear me to you, so seeing one utilized in a blog is great for me to see. Above all though, just a passion for YA is all I need to add a blog to my Google Reader. It shows me you're committed and are enjoying what you're blogging about and that comes across to me.
Oh, and gay male bloggers tend to be automatic adds, lol. I like chatting with other gay bloggers and being a lone male for so long, I yearn for fellow boys to talk to. Not that I don't love my ladies (Kristi, Khy, Alexa, Susan, Meaghan, and Cat- looking at you guys!) though. :)
Inspired Kathy asks "If you could travel to any place from a fantasy novel where would you choose?
Which mythical creature would you like to have as a pet?"
1) I don't know. I think I'd prefer something more modern, like how urban fantasy is written, but I can't think of what world I'd like to go to. The ones that pop up are Tamora Pierce's worlds, specifically Emelan, or Malinda Lo's world from Ash, as it seemed like gay people were accepted pretty easily there (always a plus when traveling to another world, lol).
2) I'm thinking either a cait sidhe since they're close to regular cats and also because I love Grimalkin (from the Iron Fey series) and Taggle (from Plain Kate) or a mermaid, like Lish in Paranormalcy and Lily from Forgive My Fins. Though I imagine they would not want to be pets, lol.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Ask Book Chic (12) + Contest
This is my last set of questions!! So I'm holding another contest as a way to get more questions. As you probably saw in my In My Mailbox post from the other week (and this week when I showed it off again, lol), I got an extra copy of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins in the mail. It's a highly coveted book with a ton of gushing reviews for it already and it could be yours early! It won't be out until December, but you can win it now! Just leave a question for me in the comments (browse through previous Ask Book Chics by clicking on the Ask Book Chic tag at the bottom of this post so you don't ask a repeat question). It can be about ANYTHING at all- personal, blog-related, writing-related, advice, life-related, silly, whatever. This contest will end next Tuesday, October 5 at 11:59 PM and a winner will be chosen randomly. So ask away!
donnas asks "What are the five books you would recommend to a new reader?
What is your favorite part of blogging?
What author do you really want to meet and interview?"
1) This is gonna be hard. Hm. Well, I'll try my best. I'm going to include a bunch of different genres. Here are my picks:
A) All American Girl by Meg Cabot (because Meg needs to be on any recommended list, and this is one of her best!)
B) Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (because it's an awesome, very well-written book)
C) Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe (A hilarious book filled with even funnier footnotes)
D) In Your Room by Jordanna Fraiberg (Hands down, the cutest romance I have ever read)
E)Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey (one of the best paranormal books out there- original, funny, romantic, and some great folklore that isn't seen much, if at all)
So there's my list. What do you all think of it? What would be on your list?
2) I feel like I've answered this before... but my favorite part of blogging is the community. I love chatting with fellow bloggers both about blog-related stuff but also many other things so I can get to know them. Chatting with authors is always fun too, and I feel privileged to be able to email with them or hang out with them at events. My readers too bring joy to my blogging life- I love getting comments and the occasional email about a post they loved or about how they like the site as a whole. It's what makes blogging so worthwhile.
I also enjoy the review copies because, well, who wouldn't? I'm not gonna lie. They're a great perk.
3) I don't even know!! I've already interviewed so many of my favorite authors (sometimes more than once!), like Meg Cabot, Ally Carter, Brent Hartinger, Justina Chen Headley, Sarah Dessen, Ellen Hopkins, and so many others. I've also met all those authors in person, except for Brent and Justina (I need to go to Seattle again...), though the Meg meeting was two years before I started blogging.
I am excited for a forthcoming interview though, with Michele Jaffe for her upcoming book Rosebush, out in December. She and I have met (at BEA- also got to meet her agent and editor), but have only planned for the interview. I have yet to come up with questions though (well, I've thought of some, just haven't written them down) because I'm waiting for it to be a bit closer to the release date.
Erika Lynn asks "How have your reading habits changed since you started blogging? and also what other blogs do you read/comment on?"
1) I'm certainly reading much more than I used to! There's also more of a variety too because I'm getting sent books I probably would never have picked up just through browsing the bookstore. Aside from that, not much else has changed; I still read anywhere I can and always have a book with me.
2) I read a ton of blogs and my Google Reader is always full. I really need to get it back under control, lol. However, my work day routine usually consists of me checking out The Story Siren, Dreaming in Books, and The Naughty Book Kitties in terms of book blogs, and Meg Cabot, Kiersten White, Stephanie Perkins, and Ally Carter in terms of author blogs. As for commenting, I comment on most of those, but also love commenting on Frenetic Reader and Presenting Lenore every so often too.
donnas asks "What are the five books you would recommend to a new reader?
What is your favorite part of blogging?
What author do you really want to meet and interview?"
1) This is gonna be hard. Hm. Well, I'll try my best. I'm going to include a bunch of different genres. Here are my picks:
A) All American Girl by Meg Cabot (because Meg needs to be on any recommended list, and this is one of her best!)
B) Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (because it's an awesome, very well-written book)
C) Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe (A hilarious book filled with even funnier footnotes)
D) In Your Room by Jordanna Fraiberg (Hands down, the cutest romance I have ever read)
E)Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey (one of the best paranormal books out there- original, funny, romantic, and some great folklore that isn't seen much, if at all)
So there's my list. What do you all think of it? What would be on your list?
2) I feel like I've answered this before... but my favorite part of blogging is the community. I love chatting with fellow bloggers both about blog-related stuff but also many other things so I can get to know them. Chatting with authors is always fun too, and I feel privileged to be able to email with them or hang out with them at events. My readers too bring joy to my blogging life- I love getting comments and the occasional email about a post they loved or about how they like the site as a whole. It's what makes blogging so worthwhile.
I also enjoy the review copies because, well, who wouldn't? I'm not gonna lie. They're a great perk.
3) I don't even know!! I've already interviewed so many of my favorite authors (sometimes more than once!), like Meg Cabot, Ally Carter, Brent Hartinger, Justina Chen Headley, Sarah Dessen, Ellen Hopkins, and so many others. I've also met all those authors in person, except for Brent and Justina (I need to go to Seattle again...), though the Meg meeting was two years before I started blogging.
I am excited for a forthcoming interview though, with Michele Jaffe for her upcoming book Rosebush, out in December. She and I have met (at BEA- also got to meet her agent and editor), but have only planned for the interview. I have yet to come up with questions though (well, I've thought of some, just haven't written them down) because I'm waiting for it to be a bit closer to the release date.
Erika Lynn asks "How have your reading habits changed since you started blogging? and also what other blogs do you read/comment on?"
1) I'm certainly reading much more than I used to! There's also more of a variety too because I'm getting sent books I probably would never have picked up just through browsing the bookstore. Aside from that, not much else has changed; I still read anywhere I can and always have a book with me.
2) I read a ton of blogs and my Google Reader is always full. I really need to get it back under control, lol. However, my work day routine usually consists of me checking out The Story Siren, Dreaming in Books, and The Naughty Book Kitties in terms of book blogs, and Meg Cabot, Kiersten White, Stephanie Perkins, and Ally Carter in terms of author blogs. As for commenting, I comment on most of those, but also love commenting on Frenetic Reader and Presenting Lenore every so often too.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ask Book Chic (11)
Welcome back to Ask Book Chic, the every-other-Wednesday feature where you guys get to ask me whatever questions you want and I'll answer them as honestly as I can and to the best of my abilities. Please feel free to leave questions in the comments to be used in future Ask Book Chics, or you can email me at bookchicclub-at-gmail-dot-com.
Caroline asks "Have you ever faced any negative response for reading YA books? (I only ask as I read them despite being 31!!)"
Not really. Most people don't seem to mind when I show them whatever I'm reading or when I tell them about it, so if there's any negative reaction, it's at least not said to my face, lol. But no one seems to care. Even if they did, that wouldn't bug me because I know YA is the best genre out there. I do know that sometimes my friends will see what I'm reading and be like "That sounds really good!" My roommate is actually getting ready to read The Book Thief soon on recommendation from her mother; when I found out, I was like "THAT'S YA! I love you now!" LOL.
As for age, I'm 24 now, but I'll keep reading (and writing) YA forever, I'm sure.
ikkinlala asks "How do you choose which books you read?"
It's interesting that I got around to this question now because I recently changed it to try and better accomodate all the books I get.
Before this month, I just went willy-nilly and read whatever struck my fancy. Most of the time, it was books published during that month but not all the time so that left some books behind. So recently, I decided that I'm gonna take all the books for whatever month I'm in and read and review them all in that month. If I have any space left, I'll read books already released. So far, this is not turning out to be the case as September and October are completely filled up, unless I start reviewing on Sundays. So you will be seeing a LOT of reviews coming up.
In putting this schedule together, I just went with publication date and tried to keep them as close to it as possible, so I'm reading in the order of the schedule I made. I'm hoping after a few months of this, my TBR pile will be a little more manageable. Of course, it could also just be that most ARCs given out at BEA and ALA were from September/October since ARCs usually arrive about 3-4 months before release. Because I don't think I have that many November or December books.
Krista asks "Do you see yourself blogging in five years from now?"
I don't know if I'll be book blogging, but I'd definitely still be blogging. I say that because I hope within five years time, I'd be a published author and would be too busy to be reviewing books as consistently as I do now. But I'd still slip one in every so often, I'm sure.
But I will continue to keep this blog going until that happens. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. It's just too much fun! :)
Caroline asks "Have you ever faced any negative response for reading YA books? (I only ask as I read them despite being 31!!)"
Not really. Most people don't seem to mind when I show them whatever I'm reading or when I tell them about it, so if there's any negative reaction, it's at least not said to my face, lol. But no one seems to care. Even if they did, that wouldn't bug me because I know YA is the best genre out there. I do know that sometimes my friends will see what I'm reading and be like "That sounds really good!" My roommate is actually getting ready to read The Book Thief soon on recommendation from her mother; when I found out, I was like "THAT'S YA! I love you now!" LOL.
As for age, I'm 24 now, but I'll keep reading (and writing) YA forever, I'm sure.
ikkinlala asks "How do you choose which books you read?"
It's interesting that I got around to this question now because I recently changed it to try and better accomodate all the books I get.
Before this month, I just went willy-nilly and read whatever struck my fancy. Most of the time, it was books published during that month but not all the time so that left some books behind. So recently, I decided that I'm gonna take all the books for whatever month I'm in and read and review them all in that month. If I have any space left, I'll read books already released. So far, this is not turning out to be the case as September and October are completely filled up, unless I start reviewing on Sundays. So you will be seeing a LOT of reviews coming up.
In putting this schedule together, I just went with publication date and tried to keep them as close to it as possible, so I'm reading in the order of the schedule I made. I'm hoping after a few months of this, my TBR pile will be a little more manageable. Of course, it could also just be that most ARCs given out at BEA and ALA were from September/October since ARCs usually arrive about 3-4 months before release. Because I don't think I have that many November or December books.
Krista asks "Do you see yourself blogging in five years from now?"
I don't know if I'll be book blogging, but I'd definitely still be blogging. I say that because I hope within five years time, I'd be a published author and would be too busy to be reviewing books as consistently as I do now. But I'd still slip one in every so often, I'm sure.
But I will continue to keep this blog going until that happens. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. It's just too much fun! :)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ask Book Chic (10)
Kelsey asks "What character, from any book, would you be most willing to date?"
This is a different question, but I touched on this a bit back in this post (the first Ask Book Chic on this site!). My answer still remains Jonathan Parrish from Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina. I. LOVE. HIM.
Aside from him, I think I'd also enjoy dating Jamie from the Demon's series by Sarah Rees Brennan. He's so funny and sounds adorable and I don't care if he's gone evil or whatever, I want him! Please be mine, Jamie!
I also mentioned Tiny Cooper in that post above. He was really sweet and seemed like such a great guy. He deserves the best and I hope he found it in the ending, but I'll never know BECAUSE THE BOOK WAS ENDED ABRUPTLY AND WITH NO RESOLUTION TO THAT STORYLINE (AMONG OTHERS)!!
No, I'm not still bitter about the ending. Why do you ask?
I did quite enjoy will grayson (the gay, uncapitalized one) too, but I think he'd be too emo for me. But I think I would like to shower him with cuddles. He needs them.
I also have crushes on straight male characters too, but I figured I'd spotlight the gay ones since I would actually have a shot with them, if they were, you know, real (and also legal- I am still 24).
Bailey asks "My Question: I am new to the blogging world and I am 16. I enjoy reading YA romance and also adult romance. Do you think it's okay for a 16 year old to review adult romance?"
I don't see why not. It's your blog- you can review whatever you like! If your current readers don't like them, they'll skip over them, but there are plenty of people who will pick up the slack and comment on your adult romance reviews. Don't be afraid to switch things up just because of your age or anything else. Also, I know a 15 year old gay boy who reads and reviews adult romance on his blog. If you're mature enough to handle adult romance, I don't see why you shouldn't review it on your blog as well.
Alexa asks "Questions - 1) Why blogger? 2) Do you looks at your stats and, um, how do you do this (I know I'm such a technical genius!) 3) i=If you do check your stats does that influence what you post? 4) If you were having a dinner party which five authors would you invite?"
First off, you ask way too many questions, lol. :P Just kidding. Thanks for all these!
1) Well, I originally started out as Myspace but by the time 2009 rolled around, no one was really paying much attention to it. I already had a livejournal account that was personal and now only use it to read author blogs, but didn't think it was a good fit for a new blog space. I had no idea how to deal with Wordpress. I went with Blogger because everyone else seemed to have one and they all loved it. So I joined the horde. What can I say? I'm a follower with no mind of my own.
2) Believe me, I know nothing too. I'm pretty sure I asked Kristi about how to add it and look at it and all that. I still don't think my Google Analytics works properly but I don't know how to fix it. I do use Sitemeter which is a lot easier because they send me a report every week telling me everything I need to know! That's usually what I use (along with Follower count) when publishers ask for stats, which isn't too often but it has happened.
3) My stats aren't that specific. I know they could be but again, I'm not a technical genius (or even competent) so mine just tells me how many people showed up day-to-day and a final weekly count. So my stats don't influence what I post at all. I continue to blog blissfully unaware of what my readers like and don't like. ;) I should probably do one of those things where I ask people what they like and where I can improve but I am too lazy, lol.
4) Thank you for only asking who'd I'd invite instead of also including what I'd serve and all that. I'm not that creative. Anyway, my 5 authors would be:
1) Meg Cabot (duh!)
2) Michele Jaffe (because her and Meg together are HILARIOUS)
3) Ellen Hopkins (because she keeps getting disinvited to places- what's up with that?! She's AWESOME!)
4) Markus Zusak (because I need my eye candy; close contenders include Jon Skovron, Dan Elconin and John Green), and finally
5) Carol Burnett (because I love her so much. hey, she's written some books; ok, they're autobiographies but STILL BOOKS!)
This is a different question, but I touched on this a bit back in this post (the first Ask Book Chic on this site!). My answer still remains Jonathan Parrish from Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina. I. LOVE. HIM.
Aside from him, I think I'd also enjoy dating Jamie from the Demon's series by Sarah Rees Brennan. He's so funny and sounds adorable and I don't care if he's gone evil or whatever, I want him! Please be mine, Jamie!
I also mentioned Tiny Cooper in that post above. He was really sweet and seemed like such a great guy. He deserves the best and I hope he found it in the ending, but I'll never know BECAUSE THE BOOK WAS ENDED ABRUPTLY AND WITH NO RESOLUTION TO THAT STORYLINE (AMONG OTHERS)!!
No, I'm not still bitter about the ending. Why do you ask?
I did quite enjoy will grayson (the gay, uncapitalized one) too, but I think he'd be too emo for me. But I think I would like to shower him with cuddles. He needs them.
I also have crushes on straight male characters too, but I figured I'd spotlight the gay ones since I would actually have a shot with them, if they were, you know, real (and also legal- I am still 24).
Bailey asks "My Question: I am new to the blogging world and I am 16. I enjoy reading YA romance and also adult romance. Do you think it's okay for a 16 year old to review adult romance?"
I don't see why not. It's your blog- you can review whatever you like! If your current readers don't like them, they'll skip over them, but there are plenty of people who will pick up the slack and comment on your adult romance reviews. Don't be afraid to switch things up just because of your age or anything else. Also, I know a 15 year old gay boy who reads and reviews adult romance on his blog. If you're mature enough to handle adult romance, I don't see why you shouldn't review it on your blog as well.
Alexa asks "Questions - 1) Why blogger? 2) Do you looks at your stats and, um, how do you do this (I know I'm such a technical genius!) 3) i=If you do check your stats does that influence what you post? 4) If you were having a dinner party which five authors would you invite?"
First off, you ask way too many questions, lol. :P Just kidding. Thanks for all these!
1) Well, I originally started out as Myspace but by the time 2009 rolled around, no one was really paying much attention to it. I already had a livejournal account that was personal and now only use it to read author blogs, but didn't think it was a good fit for a new blog space. I had no idea how to deal with Wordpress. I went with Blogger because everyone else seemed to have one and they all loved it. So I joined the horde. What can I say? I'm a follower with no mind of my own.
2) Believe me, I know nothing too. I'm pretty sure I asked Kristi about how to add it and look at it and all that. I still don't think my Google Analytics works properly but I don't know how to fix it. I do use Sitemeter which is a lot easier because they send me a report every week telling me everything I need to know! That's usually what I use (along with Follower count) when publishers ask for stats, which isn't too often but it has happened.
3) My stats aren't that specific. I know they could be but again, I'm not a technical genius (or even competent) so mine just tells me how many people showed up day-to-day and a final weekly count. So my stats don't influence what I post at all. I continue to blog blissfully unaware of what my readers like and don't like. ;) I should probably do one of those things where I ask people what they like and where I can improve but I am too lazy, lol.
4) Thank you for only asking who'd I'd invite instead of also including what I'd serve and all that. I'm not that creative. Anyway, my 5 authors would be:
1) Meg Cabot (duh!)
2) Michele Jaffe (because her and Meg together are HILARIOUS)
3) Ellen Hopkins (because she keeps getting disinvited to places- what's up with that?! She's AWESOME!)
4) Markus Zusak (because I need my eye candy; close contenders include Jon Skovron, Dan Elconin and John Green), and finally
5) Carol Burnett (because I love her so much. hey, she's written some books; ok, they're autobiographies but STILL BOOKS!)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ask Book Chic (9)
Thank you all so much for the wonderful questions you've given me! I've emailed the winner of the prize pack, so if you haven't heard from me, unfortunately you didn't win. But once I need more questions, expect another contest! Anyway, let's get started:
Kit asked "Who started the "in my mailbox" segment on blogs? I want to know the first person to do this and its driving me nuts because I can't find any links."
I don't know about the ORIGINAL person because the blogosphere is such a HUGE place that it's hard to find the original source for anything. What we have is Kristi of The Story Siren who has really cultivated it and turned it into a meme, but she also credits Alea of Pop Culture Junkie with the idea.
Just_Me37 asked "Your house is on fire and you can only save three novels you own, which ones are they?"
Oh god! Hmmm. I'd probably grab a Meg Cabot book because I just love them and since my house will be burned down, I'll need a laugh. I'd probably also grab Rosebush by Michele Jaffe because I can't wait to read it and love Michele so much. The final book I'd take with me would be Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina because I love that book so much. I wish I had a better answer with more sentimental books or something, but alas, I do not, lol.
Breanna asks "What did you do to get people to actually read your blog? I feel like no one even reads mine. Like I'm doing these reviews for no one sometimes. It's frustrating!"
I totally get where you're coming from. You probably do have readers, but they're more of the lurking variety than commenting variety. But I'm not sure what to tell you because I originally started on Myspace so I was just friending anyone and everyone and sending out bulletins like mad, lol. So with that, it's easier to get people to look at your blog, then when I moved here, I already had a built-in audience. So I have no personal story of how to necessarily build followers starting on this format. I do have some ideas though (mostly yoinked from other people far smarter than I).
1) Be consistent. Set up a schedule for yourself on when to post something and stick to it. Your readers will fall into a rhythm and know when to expect a post from you and will come back looking for one on those days.
2) Follow other blogs. I know I usually check out who's been following me and then I follow them back. This isn't always the case (otherwise, my Google Reader would be even more full than it already is), but that's how it usually happens.
3) Make insightful, funny, or interesting comments on other blogs. As I'm sure you know, we bloggers appreciate a really good comment. If you post comments like that, other bloggers will take notice and check you out and comment on your blog.
4) Link exchanges. Maybe you're running a really cool event on your blog and you'd like to spread the word- ask some of your blogger friends if they wouldn't mind putting a quick link in one of their posts promoting the event. You'd do the same for them, right? It's a great way of driving traffic and introducing readers to new blogs. So everyone go check out Breanna's blog!!
5) Be Yourself. It sounds silly and cliche, but it's true. Blog the way you want to blog and try not to worry about readers and all that. If your personality shines through, the people will come, stay and comment. It'll happen naturally.
Good luck! :)
Kit asked "Who started the "in my mailbox" segment on blogs? I want to know the first person to do this and its driving me nuts because I can't find any links."
I don't know about the ORIGINAL person because the blogosphere is such a HUGE place that it's hard to find the original source for anything. What we have is Kristi of The Story Siren who has really cultivated it and turned it into a meme, but she also credits Alea of Pop Culture Junkie with the idea.
Just_Me37 asked "Your house is on fire and you can only save three novels you own, which ones are they?"
Oh god! Hmmm. I'd probably grab a Meg Cabot book because I just love them and since my house will be burned down, I'll need a laugh. I'd probably also grab Rosebush by Michele Jaffe because I can't wait to read it and love Michele so much. The final book I'd take with me would be Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina because I love that book so much. I wish I had a better answer with more sentimental books or something, but alas, I do not, lol.
Breanna asks "What did you do to get people to actually read your blog? I feel like no one even reads mine. Like I'm doing these reviews for no one sometimes. It's frustrating!"
I totally get where you're coming from. You probably do have readers, but they're more of the lurking variety than commenting variety. But I'm not sure what to tell you because I originally started on Myspace so I was just friending anyone and everyone and sending out bulletins like mad, lol. So with that, it's easier to get people to look at your blog, then when I moved here, I already had a built-in audience. So I have no personal story of how to necessarily build followers starting on this format. I do have some ideas though (mostly yoinked from other people far smarter than I).
1) Be consistent. Set up a schedule for yourself on when to post something and stick to it. Your readers will fall into a rhythm and know when to expect a post from you and will come back looking for one on those days.
2) Follow other blogs. I know I usually check out who's been following me and then I follow them back. This isn't always the case (otherwise, my Google Reader would be even more full than it already is), but that's how it usually happens.
3) Make insightful, funny, or interesting comments on other blogs. As I'm sure you know, we bloggers appreciate a really good comment. If you post comments like that, other bloggers will take notice and check you out and comment on your blog.
4) Link exchanges. Maybe you're running a really cool event on your blog and you'd like to spread the word- ask some of your blogger friends if they wouldn't mind putting a quick link in one of their posts promoting the event. You'd do the same for them, right? It's a great way of driving traffic and introducing readers to new blogs. So everyone go check out Breanna's blog!!
5) Be Yourself. It sounds silly and cliche, but it's true. Blog the way you want to blog and try not to worry about readers and all that. If your personality shines through, the people will come, stay and comment. It'll happen naturally.
Good luck! :)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Ask Book Chic (8) + Contest
So I have no more questions after this edition so I need more questions and therefore I'm running a contest since that seems to work the best in generating responses. I will be giving away a prize pack containing these books to one lucky winner: White Cat by Holly Black, Forget You by Jennifer Echols, and Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan and maybe also a shot at something else on my shelves! The contest will be open until Monday, August 16 at 11:59pm EST. The questions can be about anything- I'm a total open book and also, I've been blogging for over three years, so I can impart some wisdom about blogging too. So please ask me anything!
Shalena asks "What book(s) started you liking YA?"
It would have to be Meg Cabot's books. Here's how the story goes: I saw the Princess Diaries movie and loved it, saw it was based on a book, and started reading that series, then moved on to other Meg books. I did skip the first PD book because I thought it was exactly like the movie so I didn't need to read it. Also, for some reason, I thought it was mostly prose and not diary entries, so I avoided it for a while. From there, the summer before my first year of college (2004), I joined Meg's forums/book club and started branching out and reading more YA based on her suggestions. Then eventually, I started picking YA books on my own. So I have Meg to thank for opening up the world of YA to me; otherwise, I'd probably still be reading only Terry Pratchett and VC Andrews, lol.
Just_Me37 asks "When you like a certain book from an author do you read all of their novels regardless of their plots? Or do you have to like the plot of a novel to read it, even it's from a favorite author?"
YES. Before I started reading more YA in 2004 (see story above), I seriously only read certain authors. If I read one book by one and loved it, I'd check out all the others. Luckily, all the ones I fell in love had TONS of books- Terry Pratchett, VC Andrews, and Meg Cabot. Both Terry and VC had been writing since the 80s, and Meg is very prolific.
I still do the same thing now; if I love your book, I'll keep reading you as new books come out. I just have tons of variety in between now that I've got the blog.
But the reason I keep reading these certain authors no matter what is because of their style, which usually is the same from book to book. If I like an author's style or way of writing, it shouldn't matter what the plot is. Because even if it's something I may not read much of, I'll still want to read it because I want to see how that author will handle that type of story with their style. Does that make sense?
Alexa asks "Why don't you have a rating system?"
The simple answer is that I'm too lazy to try and decide how to rate a book when reviewing it. Very rarely will I give a book a grade, though it has happened, mainly to kinda show how I felt about it if the review (to me, at least) seems confusing. But I got into this to tell people my thoughts about books. I feel like a rating system just doesn't get the full point across, at least if you just do a simple star or grade rating. I do really like how The Story Siren does hers as well as other blogs who divide up a book's parts and rate each aspect (plot, characters, writing style, etc.). But that's just too much work for me on top of actually writing a full review.
What I've been trying to do more of is, at the end of each review, I say "Overall..." and write my overall thoughts on the book so that if someone were in a rush they get the gist of my review in that sentence or two. But I hope that people are out there reading my full reviews and getting my opinion that way. A star rating can kind of take away from the written review.
Does that make sense? Anyone for star ratings on blogs? I think this could be a nice little discussion topic.
Shalena asks "What book(s) started you liking YA?"
It would have to be Meg Cabot's books. Here's how the story goes: I saw the Princess Diaries movie and loved it, saw it was based on a book, and started reading that series, then moved on to other Meg books. I did skip the first PD book because I thought it was exactly like the movie so I didn't need to read it. Also, for some reason, I thought it was mostly prose and not diary entries, so I avoided it for a while. From there, the summer before my first year of college (2004), I joined Meg's forums/book club and started branching out and reading more YA based on her suggestions. Then eventually, I started picking YA books on my own. So I have Meg to thank for opening up the world of YA to me; otherwise, I'd probably still be reading only Terry Pratchett and VC Andrews, lol.
Just_Me37 asks "When you like a certain book from an author do you read all of their novels regardless of their plots? Or do you have to like the plot of a novel to read it, even it's from a favorite author?"
YES. Before I started reading more YA in 2004 (see story above), I seriously only read certain authors. If I read one book by one and loved it, I'd check out all the others. Luckily, all the ones I fell in love had TONS of books- Terry Pratchett, VC Andrews, and Meg Cabot. Both Terry and VC had been writing since the 80s, and Meg is very prolific.
I still do the same thing now; if I love your book, I'll keep reading you as new books come out. I just have tons of variety in between now that I've got the blog.
But the reason I keep reading these certain authors no matter what is because of their style, which usually is the same from book to book. If I like an author's style or way of writing, it shouldn't matter what the plot is. Because even if it's something I may not read much of, I'll still want to read it because I want to see how that author will handle that type of story with their style. Does that make sense?
Alexa asks "Why don't you have a rating system?"
The simple answer is that I'm too lazy to try and decide how to rate a book when reviewing it. Very rarely will I give a book a grade, though it has happened, mainly to kinda show how I felt about it if the review (to me, at least) seems confusing. But I got into this to tell people my thoughts about books. I feel like a rating system just doesn't get the full point across, at least if you just do a simple star or grade rating. I do really like how The Story Siren does hers as well as other blogs who divide up a book's parts and rate each aspect (plot, characters, writing style, etc.). But that's just too much work for me on top of actually writing a full review.
What I've been trying to do more of is, at the end of each review, I say "Overall..." and write my overall thoughts on the book so that if someone were in a rush they get the gist of my review in that sentence or two. But I hope that people are out there reading my full reviews and getting my opinion that way. A star rating can kind of take away from the written review.
Does that make sense? Anyone for star ratings on blogs? I think this could be a nice little discussion topic.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Ask Book Chic (7)
So this one question (which by the way, thank you BookMac for the first blogging/reviewing question!) has a LOOONG answer, and figured it deserved its own post. Usually, I like to do three questions for each edition but this one would have eclipsed all others, so they'll be in next week's edition. By the way, I'm running out of questions (only one edition left and then I'm out!), so please leave a comment with your questions or email me (bookchicclub-at-gmail-dot-com)!
Bookmac asks "How did you build strong contacts with the publicicts and authors that send you review copies?"
The short answer is just by asking them and being reliable, honest and consistent with reviews as well as being professional when contacting them.
For those wanting a long answer for how it worked for me, read on.
I started off on Myspace and had no idea about advance copies or even that bloggers could get free books. Book blogging was in its infancy (and it still sort of is), so there wasn't a whole lot to go on when I started. And I started with a bang, lol. One of the first authors I contacted was the Queen of YA Meg Cabot for an interview; like seriously, I had only been blogging for a few days when I asked. She offered up a copy of her then-upcoming book Jinx for review, and she's been very helpful with ARCs of her books. Since then, I've done three additional interviews with her, quite a few reviews of her books (pretty much everything from Jinx to present, aside from the Allie Finkle series, though I do read those), gotten lots of swag and other things for giveaway purposes, and essentially had a wonderful relationship with her. Meg is a very sweet person who loves bloggers and supports them. It's so great that, as someone who reads all her books and generally looks up to her as an inspiration, I am able to chat with her every so often online through emails.
I don't want to make it sound like I'm bragging because I'm not. What I want to get across with that story is to not be afraid to send out that email to your favorite author, no matter how big or small they are. Most of the time, you'll be pleasantly surprised and will find an email back from them within a few days (sometimes even within hours!). Keeping in touch with that author is helpful too, and not just when a book of theirs is coming out. But don't force anything; if the connection is there, it'll flourish naturally.
But almost all authors have EXTREMELY limited ARCs (and sometimes even final copies) of their books. So you gotta move on to the publishers. There are two ways for this to come about. The first is when emailing an author, ask for their publicist's email address or for the general review copy email address. Some publishers have a contact page but it can be hard to find sometimes, if it even exists. When you do email a publicist requesting a book, be sure to include your mailing address. That way, they know where to send a copy right away rather than having to wait for your response. I know it sounds rude to include it, but it's actually good. They'll need your address anyway at some point, so just give it to them in your initial request.
The second is the one that's out of your control, at least in a way, and that is for the publisher to come to you. That is pretty much how I got almost all of my contacts. Usually they will email you about a certain book they would like you to review and it all just goes from there.
Once they have your mailing address, you're in their system and will therefore be included in future book mailings of ARCs and final copies. When I went on the Penguin offices tour two months ago, each reviewer in their system usually has what sorts of things they like to review and so the books that are sent cater to your interests. Now, it doesn't ALWAYS work this way (I have gotten children's books quite a few times), but that's how it usually goes.
But obviously, just getting the books isn't enough. You're receiving them so that they can be reviewed on your blog, which is why you started a book blog in the first place (I hope): to share your thoughts on books. So, you read the book, and you write the review, and it goes up on your blog. Send the link to the publicist who sent the book to you, or to the general email address if no one actually responded to you (which can happen, believe me).
If the review though is extremely negative and you hated it, I would not send it. But if your review goes through the pros and cons of the book and is generally favorable, send it. If there's some redeeming quality in the book that you mention, send it, even if it's a 2 star review. Thank the publicist for sending a copy your way even though you may have ended up not loving it. Above all, be professional; I would imagine that a publicist would be happy to be getting an honest review, even if it's not completely positive. You still took the time to read the book and post your thoughts, which is what they sent it to you for.
From there, you'll just keep reviewing books and sending links to various publicists. As that goes on, strong connections will establish through your consistency, reliability, and professionalism and soon enough, you'll have bajillions of books to review. Yay!
I really hope that all made sense. It's a long, rambly post to sift through but I do hope I got my point across. This is JUST my opinion though. I am not the be-all-end-all of blogging (even though I sometimes wish I were) so do whatever feels comfortable for you and your blog. There are of course some universal points in what I wrote (like, be professional) but the nitty-gritty varies person to person. If other bloggers want to chime in, please do so. I love hearing these sorts of stories and behind-the-scenes stuff.
If anything was confusing, please leave a question in the comments and I'll either answer it in the comments or put it in an upcoming Ask Book Chic.
Bookmac asks "How did you build strong contacts with the publicicts and authors that send you review copies?"
The short answer is just by asking them and being reliable, honest and consistent with reviews as well as being professional when contacting them.
For those wanting a long answer for how it worked for me, read on.
I started off on Myspace and had no idea about advance copies or even that bloggers could get free books. Book blogging was in its infancy (and it still sort of is), so there wasn't a whole lot to go on when I started. And I started with a bang, lol. One of the first authors I contacted was the Queen of YA Meg Cabot for an interview; like seriously, I had only been blogging for a few days when I asked. She offered up a copy of her then-upcoming book Jinx for review, and she's been very helpful with ARCs of her books. Since then, I've done three additional interviews with her, quite a few reviews of her books (pretty much everything from Jinx to present, aside from the Allie Finkle series, though I do read those), gotten lots of swag and other things for giveaway purposes, and essentially had a wonderful relationship with her. Meg is a very sweet person who loves bloggers and supports them. It's so great that, as someone who reads all her books and generally looks up to her as an inspiration, I am able to chat with her every so often online through emails.
I don't want to make it sound like I'm bragging because I'm not. What I want to get across with that story is to not be afraid to send out that email to your favorite author, no matter how big or small they are. Most of the time, you'll be pleasantly surprised and will find an email back from them within a few days (sometimes even within hours!). Keeping in touch with that author is helpful too, and not just when a book of theirs is coming out. But don't force anything; if the connection is there, it'll flourish naturally.
But almost all authors have EXTREMELY limited ARCs (and sometimes even final copies) of their books. So you gotta move on to the publishers. There are two ways for this to come about. The first is when emailing an author, ask for their publicist's email address or for the general review copy email address. Some publishers have a contact page but it can be hard to find sometimes, if it even exists. When you do email a publicist requesting a book, be sure to include your mailing address. That way, they know where to send a copy right away rather than having to wait for your response. I know it sounds rude to include it, but it's actually good. They'll need your address anyway at some point, so just give it to them in your initial request.
The second is the one that's out of your control, at least in a way, and that is for the publisher to come to you. That is pretty much how I got almost all of my contacts. Usually they will email you about a certain book they would like you to review and it all just goes from there.
Once they have your mailing address, you're in their system and will therefore be included in future book mailings of ARCs and final copies. When I went on the Penguin offices tour two months ago, each reviewer in their system usually has what sorts of things they like to review and so the books that are sent cater to your interests. Now, it doesn't ALWAYS work this way (I have gotten children's books quite a few times), but that's how it usually goes.
But obviously, just getting the books isn't enough. You're receiving them so that they can be reviewed on your blog, which is why you started a book blog in the first place (I hope): to share your thoughts on books. So, you read the book, and you write the review, and it goes up on your blog. Send the link to the publicist who sent the book to you, or to the general email address if no one actually responded to you (which can happen, believe me).
If the review though is extremely negative and you hated it, I would not send it. But if your review goes through the pros and cons of the book and is generally favorable, send it. If there's some redeeming quality in the book that you mention, send it, even if it's a 2 star review. Thank the publicist for sending a copy your way even though you may have ended up not loving it. Above all, be professional; I would imagine that a publicist would be happy to be getting an honest review, even if it's not completely positive. You still took the time to read the book and post your thoughts, which is what they sent it to you for.
From there, you'll just keep reviewing books and sending links to various publicists. As that goes on, strong connections will establish through your consistency, reliability, and professionalism and soon enough, you'll have bajillions of books to review. Yay!
I really hope that all made sense. It's a long, rambly post to sift through but I do hope I got my point across. This is JUST my opinion though. I am not the be-all-end-all of blogging (even though I sometimes wish I were) so do whatever feels comfortable for you and your blog. There are of course some universal points in what I wrote (like, be professional) but the nitty-gritty varies person to person. If other bloggers want to chime in, please do so. I love hearing these sorts of stories and behind-the-scenes stuff.
If anything was confusing, please leave a question in the comments and I'll either answer it in the comments or put it in an upcoming Ask Book Chic.
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