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Showing posts with label BBAW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BBAW. Show all posts
Friday, September 16, 2011
BBAW Day 5: Blogging
Friday September 16th: Blogging
Welcome to the final day of Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Today we are discussing Blogging. The world of blogging is continually changing. Share 3 things you are essential tried and true practices for every blogger and 1-3 new trends or tools you’ve adapted recently or would like to in the future.
Welcome to the final day of Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Today we are discussing Blogging. The world of blogging is continually changing. Share 3 things you are essential tried and true practices for every blogger and 1-3 new trends or tools you’ve adapted recently or would like to in the future.
This post is a bit harder for me. Although my blog is over a year and a half now, I still am very new to the game. I don’t know what works for every blogger, but I can tell you things that work for me. I also don’t really follow trends or use tools, so I’m going to skip that part of the discussion. With that here are some of my “essential practices.”
1) Use a word-processing and/or blogger editing program to compose your posts.
I can’t tell you how many times I lost part or all of a post when I first started. I would compose my reviews and posts directly in the blogger window. Something would happen and BAM! the post was gone. So now I write all of my posts in Pages (the Mac version of Word) before I post. Generally, the formatting carries over and I’m go to go!
2) Use the scheduling tool.
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| Image by Kristina B (flickr) |
I try to write my posts ahead of time, and then I schedule the post for the next day, next week, etc. Most bloggers already do this, but when I first started, I didn’t know I could do that - or how to do it. And if you are like me - be sure to set the post date and time first thing so that you don’t accidentally publish the post.
3) Keep your information and links up to date and active.
First of all... I am guilty of not following through on this tip myself. HOWEVER, it is important. You all know how frustrating it can be when you click a link and it’s a dead end, or goes someplace outdated.
And my final tip for today is...
4) Ask questions.
If you see something you like on someone else’s website... Ask them how they did that. If you enjoy a feature you see, ask that blogger where they found it. Most bloggers are willing to share their “secrets” and give you a hand.What are practices and/or tips for blogging that work for you?
I hope you have enjoyed Book Blogger Appreciation Week 2011. It has been a fun experience for me.
Happy Reading!
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Thursday, September 15, 2011
BBAW Day 4: Readers
Welcome back for Day 4! Today we are discussing how book blogging changed the way we read. Book blogging has certainly changed how I read in quantity, quality and genre.
Quantity
I find that I actually read fewer books because of blogging. Sure, I can blame some of the changes in reading because I’m now back to work part time, my kids have gotten older and life is simply busier. However, blogging is a big part. First, taking the time to sit down, write a review, post the review and mess around with blogging takes time. Add to that the time spent scheduling posts, mailing books, following up with publishers, getting the word out... it takes up A LOT of time! Also, if you read yesterday’s post on Community you’ll see that I spend time blog hopping and on Twitter to maintain my community and promote my blog. This also consumes a great deal of my time. Finally, I take more time reading a book because now I am writing a review of the book and not just moving on to the next story. I take notes, look up words, check references, etc. This takes more time.
Quality
As I just mentioned above, I am taking more time reading books these days. Prior to book blogging, I would buzz through a story, not necessarily paying attention to the fine details and innuendo. I was in a rush to find out what happens. Now that I’m blogging and writing reviews, I spend more quality time reading my books. Sure, once and a while, I may speed through a scene, but I typically will go back and re-read now.
Genre
Prior to blogging, I pretty much only read Sci-fi/Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. While that remains my focus, I have broadened my horizons to read historicals, military suspense, GBLT (m/m mostly), and a few other genres I swore I would never read, much less like. I’ve even read a contemporary romance - SHOCK I know. (Ask Mandi if I like to read contemporary stories). I also discovered my new love - Steampunk! The reasons for the change: authors and/or publishers have reached out to me, or it was recommended by a fellow tweep.
These are just a few ways how blogging has changed me. How about you - have your habits changed because of blogging?
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
BBAW Day 3: Community Pt. 2
Wednesday September 14th: Community Part II
Today we are to share tips for finding and keeping community in book blogging, despite the hectic demands made on your time and the overwhelming number of blogs out there.
WOW! Is this topic a hot one for me. This is something I struggle with every day. I actually find that taking time to keep my community and blogging going takes away from time to read - which leads to less blogging! It’s a vicious cycle.
My first tip is TWITTER! If you are not on Twitter, you really need to join. And once you are there - you need to reach out and say hello. Everyone is so friendly and it’s a great place to find out what everyone is talking about in a central location. Plus there are publishers, authors and readers all in the same location with the bloggers. It’s a great support network and excellent place to get the word out about your blog.My second tip is Google Reader or some sort of RSS feed/blog following site. I like Google Reader. I have it divided into folders and put blog feeds into groups like “author blogs,” “must read blogs,” “YA blogs,” etc. It’s an easy way to organize and keep up with blogs you like to follow.
My third and final tip for today is leave comments on other blogs. I LOVE to receive comments from folks. It makes my day when I get the email notifications that someone has left me a little note. It helps me see who’s reading my blog and what their interests are. Then I can link back to their blogs and so on. It is a great networking tool to find more blogs and reach out to the people around you.My final thought is this: The book blogging community is generally a warm and fuzzy crowd that sticks together. So if you have to step away for a while, if you fall off the face of the earth, if your community shrinks a little, it’s okay. The blogging community will always welcome you back with open arms and a great big (virtual) hug.
How do you stay connected in the blogging community?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
BBAW Day 2: Interview Swap
Today I have the pleasure of chatting with Amanda Copulos from the YA Book Review blog, Short and Sweet as part of Book Blogger Appreciation Week. For more information about BBAW, click HERE. And be sure to click the link to Amanda's blog to see her interview with me!
Amanda is from a small town in Central PA. After a few short stops at Penn State and Washington DC, she is back in another small town in PA where the only heavy traffic to be found are Amish buggies. She spends way too much time reading and is trying to get herself diagnosed with an addiction to YA paranormal fiction. When her nose isn't stuck in a book, you can usually find her chasing around her speedy son Micah. Please help me welcome Amanda to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Amanda, welcome and thank you for stopping by. I’ve never participated (officially) in BBAW, have you?
Amanda: Hi there! I haven't participated either!
Twimom: How/Why did you start blogging? How long have you been blogging?
Amanda: I started blogging back in 2002 on Livejournal. I started reviewing books in 2009, and after realizing that it felt awkward for me to be posting book reviews and pictures of my family on the same blog- I separated my book reviews from my personal life and hopped over to Blogger in March. I started blogging as a way to keep in touch with friends from college and to write down memories of Penn State. I love that there is a huge community of reading nerds that I can communicate with and share with! My friend Mandi is just starting to join me on Short and Sweet- I can't wait until she gets to know the blogging community even more!
Twimom: Yea Mandi! Welcome! What is your preferred genre to read? Blog about?
Amanda: My favorite genre is YA. I love fantasy novels, but was turned off by all of the sex and gore in adult fantasy- it really just wasn't for me. I love paranormal romance, fantasy, dystopian, sci-fi- anything but zombies! (I live in a no zombie zone!) I also love Christian fiction- it can be so cheesy and fluffy!
Twimom: About how many books do you read each year?
Amanda: It depends on the year- I have read many more books this year, now that my son is a little older and less demanding of my time in the evenings. So far this year, I have read about 100 books, but other years it has been less!
Twimom: Don’t get used to that evening time, it goes away again! What are your favorite all-time and recent books and/or series?
Amanda: I love Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier , The Harry Potter series, The Hunger Games, Divergent, and anything Maria V Snyder writes- I also read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer recently and LOVED it!
Twimom: Tell me about a favorite childhood reading memory OR a reading-to-your child memory.
Amanda: There is a series of books that my son LOVES and he has since he was a baby. They are hilarious, a little gross, and so much fun to read to a baby or toddler. I really think every family should own Leslie Patricelli's board books! My son and I have read them so many times that he can recite them now!
Twimom: What other hobbies do you have?
Amanda: My son? I love to paint, play video games, go to yard sales and used book sales, and try new fun restaurants with my husband when I have time. But mostly I chase a toddler and read-mostly chase a toddler.Twimom: LOL! I remember those days! What is one book that you think everyone should read if they haven't yet?
Amanda: Wildwood Dancing- it is just so good. It is a combination of the Frog Prince and Twelve Dancing Princesses (but throw in some witches, fey, and vampires too!) It is so fantastically written- I hope everyone reads it!
Twimom: Oh, I’ve not heard of that one, thanks for the recommendation! What are a few of your favorite blogs to look at?
Amanda: I love looking at the "Big Blogs" out there- Mundie Moms, The Story Siren, Ya-Aholic, and Good Choice Reading, but I also love looking at blogs that are smaller like mine. I like looking at blogs that are in it for the love of reading and to share that love like I am- not in it for the free stuff. I don't have money to buy books every week- a majority of my books come from the library. I can't get to conventions or author tours (it really just doesn't happen in Central PA), but I am here and writing because I LOVE to read and I want everyone else to know it. I love reading blogs from people that are like that and I love discovering new ones!
Twimom: Amanda, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourself and your blog. It was wonderful chatting with you.
Amanda: Thank you so much for having me.
You can find Amanda with her blogging partner Mandi at their blog SHORT and SWEET
Monday, September 12, 2011
BBAW Day 1: Community
I have never felt so welcomed by my peers as I did when I started my blog. It stemmed from Twitter (blogging and Twitter go hand-in-hand these days) and at the encouragement of my online friends, I got started. Book blogging has afforded me the opportunity to meet some wonderful authors and read some great books, but it’s my fellow bloggers and those that read my blog that make it all so much fun. There are so many great bloggers and friends out there, I want to acknowledge you all, but today I am going to give a shout out to two women in our blogging community that have made a difference in my blogging life.
First: Bells from Hanging with Bells
Bells was one of the first bloggers that I chatted with on Twitter. We soon became friends and both decided to start blogs (I think she had actually just started hers). I can’t tell you how many times we would try to figure something out together. We were determined to make things work. Bells was a constant fount of support, both technical and emotional. She has a heart of gold and I adore her. Thank you, Bells.
Second: Mandi from Smexybooks
Mandi has been my blogging mentor and a good friend. She has been so incredibly supportive, answering my stream of questions. If she didn’t know the answer, she could point me to someone that did. She helped me fine-tune my requests for review copies and gave me advice on all sorts of issues. Personally, I think Mandi has a top-notch blog and one of the absolute best out there. Her review team is well-balanced and their reviews are honest and easy to enjoy. I even got the pleasure of rooming with Mandi at AADPhilly this past year. She is a genuine person and I’m glad to call her friend. Thank you, Mandi.
Are you a blogger? Who has made a difference in your blogging world?
Are you a blogger? Who has made a difference in your blogging world?
BBAW: Book Blogger Appreciation Week
Welcome to BBAW 2011, running from Sept. 12 - 16. This is the fourth annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week - a time dedicated to celebrate the work book bloggers do and the community we’ve created. Each day there is a different topic for us book bloggers to discuss. I am going to try to do a little post each day because I do appreciate this wonderful community. I have met so many wonderful people and made dear friends.
Here are this year’s topics:
Monday September 12th: Community
While the awards are a fun part of BBAW, they can never accurately represent the depth and breadth of diversity in the book blogging community. Today you are encouraged to highlight a couple of bloggers that have made book blogging a unique experience for you. They can be your mentors, a blogger that encouraged you to try a different kind of book, opened your eyes to a new issue, made you laugh when you needed it, or left the first comment you ever got on your blog. Stay positive and give back to the people who make the community work for you!
While the awards are a fun part of BBAW, they can never accurately represent the depth and breadth of diversity in the book blogging community. Today you are encouraged to highlight a couple of bloggers that have made book blogging a unique experience for you. They can be your mentors, a blogger that encouraged you to try a different kind of book, opened your eyes to a new issue, made you laugh when you needed it, or left the first comment you ever got on your blog. Stay positive and give back to the people who make the community work for you!
Tuesday September 13th: Blogger Interviews
This is the day you post the blogger interview swap you did.
This is the day you post the blogger interview swap you did.
Wednesday September 14th: Community Part II
The world of book blogging has grown enormously and sometimes it can be hard to find a place. Share your tips for finding and keeping community in book blogging despite the hectic demands made on your time and the overwhelming number of blogs out there. If you’re struggling with finding a community, share your concerns and explain what you’re looking for–this is the week to connect!
The world of book blogging has grown enormously and sometimes it can be hard to find a place. Share your tips for finding and keeping community in book blogging despite the hectic demands made on your time and the overwhelming number of blogs out there. If you’re struggling with finding a community, share your concerns and explain what you’re looking for–this is the week to connect!
Thursday September 15th: Readers
Book bloggers blog because we love reading. Has book blogging changed the way you read? Have you discovered books you never would have apart from book blogging? How has book blogging affected your book acquisition habits? Have you made new connections with other readers because of book blogging? Choose any one of these topics and share your thoughts today!
Book bloggers blog because we love reading. Has book blogging changed the way you read? Have you discovered books you never would have apart from book blogging? How has book blogging affected your book acquisition habits? Have you made new connections with other readers because of book blogging? Choose any one of these topics and share your thoughts today!
Friday September 16th: Blogging
The world of blogging is continually changing. Share 3 things you are essential tried and true practices for every blogger and 1-3 new trends or tools you’ve adapted recently or would like to in the future.
The world of blogging is continually changing. Share 3 things you are essential tried and true practices for every blogger and 1-3 new trends or tools you’ve adapted recently or would like to in the future.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
BBAW Day 2: Blogger Interviews!
Greetings folks. As many of you know, it is BOOK BLOGGER APPRECIATION WEEK right now and today’s special topic is Blogger Interview Swap. It’s a way to learn more about your fellow book bloggers by swapping stories with another book blogger. Today I have the privilege of interviewing fellow paranormal romance and urban fantasy lover - Zelda Gillian. She has an awesome book blog: Zelda’s Bookshelf and you all should pop on over to visit her! Without further ado, please help me welcome Zelda to That’s What I’m Talking About!
Twimom: Can you give a brief description of your blog? What kinds of books do you read and review? What's your favorite genre?
Zelda: Sure! Zelda's Bookshelf started out in March as a blog that communicated information about books and series in the urban fantasy and paranormal romance genres -- the kinds of books I've been reading since I was a kid. As I became more active in the book-blogging world, I quickly discovered a taste for erotica (um, who wouldn't?!), so I've been reviewing a good number of books in the erotica category as well (specifically those that are a bit, well, "kinky" in nature).
Twimom: I too have learned to appreciate some of the more erotic works since blogging! (Let's blame those bad influences we have friended on Twitter!) Is Zelda an online alias? If so, how did you pick it?
Zelda: *runs and hides* Yes! Zelda Gillian is a pen name, but she's kind of turned into the "real" me, whereas my real name has become my professional name (to protect my conservative coworkers from being exposed to my smuttiness -- lol!). "Zelda" because it is unusual, exotic, classy, fun-loving and has an old-world feel. "Gillian" because it was my great-grandmother's name.
It is actually the name that I was going to give one of my children, but I ended up having two boys (and two kids is way more than I can handle as it is -- eek!). I love my boys dearly, but some part of me will always have a tiny twinge of sadness that I never got to have a little girl. So, with Zelda, I kind of gave life to that little girl through my own passions. She's like my daughter and myself all at once (a bit melodramatic, right?). ;) But Zelda has really taken on a life of her own and I'm not quite sure what I'd do without her at this point!
Twimom: What inspired you to start blogging about books? Have you always been a reader?
Zelda: I have been a reader for as long as I can remember. I recall hiding in closets as a child with a book and a flashlight, trying desperately to avoid my mother who would rather I be out working in the yard or cleaning. I had a vivid imagination and was always finding myself caught up in one storyline or another. I loved Madeleine L'Engle and Susan Cooper. I actually became obsessed with the Vampire Diaries and Secret Circle books from L.J. Smith when they were first published starting back in 1991 and I think may have read each of them more than 15 times in as many years (still have my tatter worn copies!). I was also a huge Christopher Pike fan. The bloodier and scarier, the better!
When I got my Kindle last year, I really started reading like crazy again (my kids were older, work was madness and I needed an outlet, etc.). I started tracking the series I was reading, my progress on them and new release dates in an Excel file (yes, I am a dork), but found it too cumbersome. I also thought that, with the volume of books that I was reading, I was becoming a bit of an expert on the genre (if there is such a thing), and that maybe other people like myself might benefit from the lists I'd compiled. I had no idea that the world of book blogging even existed at the time! After stumbling across Mandi's Smexy Books blog, I not only realized that this was not such a novel idea, but also that there was a whole community of book people out there with which to socialize. So I jumped in with both feet and Zelda's Bookshelf was born!
Twimom: OMG - you have an Excel Spreadsheet, too? Mine is currently about 20 "sheets" full, tracking series, release dates, books I own... *sigh* I knew I really liked you!! You started your blog earlier this year, what have you found to be the most challenging aspect of keeping a book blog? The most rewarding?
Zelda: The time!!!!! Ugh. I work upwards of 70 hours a week in my "day" job and it can be very difficult to stay on top of reading and reviews. But, you have to stay active in order to build your audience, so I will often find myself blogging at all hours of the day or night just to get a post out. The writing has been a challenge, too. I was a literature major in college and really hated writing. I've never been a journaler (is that a word?), either, so writing reviews and other blog posts has not come naturally to me.
Surprisingly, writing has actually been the rewarding part, too. I thought I hated writing in college, but I think I just hated writing for professors! Writing for my blog has actually been quite cathartic for me and has given me a chance to think more deeply, both about the books I'm reading, as well as about life in general. And, let me not forget to mention the socializing! ;) What is better for someone who works as much as I do, has a family and is in grad school than a social life that you can take with you everywhere you go! Okay. That makes me sound reeeeeally lame. But it's true. I love chatting with my new online friends.
Twimom: Being a mom keeps you pretty busy I'm sure... How do you find the time to keep up with your reading AND blogging?
Zelda: I read everywhere! On buses and trains, walking down the street, in the car, at kids' soccer practices, doctor's offices... my Kindle is never more than 5 feet from me at all times. It's like my security blanket. And, finding time to blog has been an enterprise in itself! I bought a netbook and got mobile broadband, upgraded my home network and wifi, and have become quite a pro at Blackberry blogging! Whenever, wherever! I think my family may think I've lost it.
Twimom: Yes, isn't it amazing how we moms can find time to read?! Okay. Think fast! What's your favorite book of all time? Your favorite series? Favorite author? Favorite heroine? Favorite "book boyfriend"? Hottest scene?
Zelda: Book: There's no way I could choose. I really liked Time Traveller's Wife, but it totally breaks my heart now. There have been a number of books in series that I've just devoured and LOVED, but I couldn't tell you which ones specifically. It all depends on my mood and where I'm at in life when I'm reading a particular book!
Series and Authors: I'm going to have to cheat here, too, and say it's a 3-way-tie between Hamilton's Anita Blake series, Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series and Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. Love them all.
Heroine: Kate Daniels. Smart. Tough. Funny. Love her. Anita Blake is a very close second, and only because she's become commonplace for me after 19 books!
Book Boyfriend: Shit. How am I supposed to choose!?! Ugh. Well... I think I might have to say Damon from Maya Banks' Sweet series. But Jean-Claude from the Anita Blake series by Laurell Hamilton is pretty high up there, too. It's hard to resist a vampire.
Hottest Scene: I still think it might be Chapter 32 of One Foot in the Grave, part of the Night Huntress series from Jeaniene Frost. Damn,
Twimom: Any big plans for your blog in the near future? Author interviews? ARC reviews?
Zelda: Not really, other than to keep marketing it and trying to get more readers. I would really love to start getting into doing ARC reviews, so I am going to have to initiate "Project Send Me Some Love" with some authors and publishers. I'd also love to do more author interviews. Blogging is great because it's flexible and there's always a new challenge!
Twimom: Thanks for coming by to visit today! It’s been a lot of fun getting to know more about you and your blog.
Zelda: Thanks, Jen, for having me at your blog! It's been fun chatting with you this year and I look forward to sharing in many more book adventures!
Readers - thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit Zelda. She has a wonderful blog!
Readers - thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit Zelda. She has a wonderful blog!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Book Blogger Appreciation Week
Hi friends... at the encouragement of a fellow blogger, I've decided to register for the Book Blogger Appreciation Week in the category of Best New Book Blog. This post is a summary of the five posts that will be used in judging my blog. Thanks for following along! I love to blog because you all make it fun!
Book Review: Siren's Call by Devyn Quinn (ARC)
Book Review: Dark Succession by Teresa D'Amario
What Does a Book Rating Mean To You?
Author Interview: Lara Adrian
Isn't it erotic... don't you think?
Book Review: Siren's Call by Devyn Quinn (ARC)
Book Review: Dark Succession by Teresa D'Amario
What Does a Book Rating Mean To You?
Author Interview: Lara Adrian
Isn't it erotic... don't you think?
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