I really love this series. It is introducing me to some really great new blogs. Who doesn’t love to read about the fab books out there?
Today I have Amy from Novel Gossip talking to us about book blogging.
Amy is a busy wife and stay at home mom to three kids who is passionate about reading. Diving into a new novel is one of her favorite ways to escape from reality. Gossiping about novels is her obsession. Whether it’s a book she’s read in the past, or an upcoming new release from one of her favourite authors, she is always ready to discuss all things book related.
Welcome to the blog, thanks for stepping away from yours for a few minutes to answer some questions about book blogging.
We’ll start with the easy questions and then see where we go from there!
How long have you been book blogging and what prompted you to start?
Since last June. I started on a bit of a whim and at my husband’s encouragement. I really just wanted a place that was different from Goodreads where I could track my reading and have all my reviews in one spot. I never imagined that I would meet so many other fantastic, like-minded people!
Tell us a little bit about your blog, what will blog readers find there?
I read a wide variety of genres so I like to think that there’s something for everyone. I also love blog tours and helping to promote authors and their books so you’ll find author interviews and guest posts, as well as discussion posts from me.
What’s your favourite part about book blogging?
Meeting so many amazing people who love books as much as I do! I never dreamed that I would become friends with some of my favorite authors and chat them up on social media, it’s crazy!
What has been your highlight since you’ve started?
Anytime I’m quoted for promotional purposes or in a book I get such a thrill. I still can’t believe that anyone even cares what I think, much less that they value and appreciate my opinion, it’s so insane to me.
If you could carry on blogging but could stop doing one thing (that’s maybe a necessary part of the process now) what would it be?
Formatting posts, I’m not the best at technical type stuff and while I love sharing my thoughts about books, I hate setting reviews up. It would be so great if the formatting was already done for me and I could just pop on and ramble about what I thought.
What advice would you give to anyone who is considering starting a book blog?
Be true to yourself and don’t feel like you must do things a certain way. Individuality is what sets you apart, so make your blog your own. Don’t take on too many review requests or you’ll be catching up for months, say no as often as you can. Don’t feel guilty about what you do or don’t post.
How much time does it take up?
Oh gosh, tons of time but I honestly love it and wouldn’t change it for the world. I spend a few hours daily writing posts, answering emails and doing social media stuff that’s blog related.
What are your reading habits like?
I read a wide variety of genres and I read fast, usually a book everyday. I only read one book at a time, I can’t bounce between books or I get confused. I do listen to an audiobook while I drive that’s different from what I’m physically reading.
What state is your TBR (To Be Read) pile in?Can I plead the fifth? My physical TBR is atrocious, you can barely see my nightstand it’s FULL of books. My ebooks are just as bad. I’ve realized I’ll never feel caught up so I just do my best.
What do you drink while reading?
If water counts, then yes. I love to read and sip a glass of wine but it’s rare. Same for sitting on a beach with a cocktail but that only happens once a year if I’m lucky.
Where’s your favourite place to read?
On vacation, anywhere with a pretty view works for me. I’m just as happy to be curled up in bed with a good book which is where I am most nights.
What book would you recommend, that gets little attention, that you haven’t really seen talked about? And why, what is it about this book that you love?
After the Affair by Jonathan Kaye was brilliant and though I’ve seen it floating around, it’s not gotten nearly the attention as I feel it deserves. Also Tall Oaks by Chris Whittaker, that one has stuck with me for months.
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer these. It’s been a pleasure having you.
That is a very photogenic, colour-coordinated pile of books – nothing like my messy lot! Thank you, as always, Rebecca, for introducing us to new book bloggers. Lovely to meet Amy, who seems to have loved Tall Oaks as much as I did!
I couldn’t agree more that meeting other fabulous book lovers is one of the best parts of blogging. And it’s always nice to meet another one, so thank you, both.
Thanks so much for having me!
Getting quoted in a book is a thrill indeed!