The Small Review has created this awesome event, "Busting the Newbie Blues", to hep us newbie book bloggers get on the map! To share our experiences as newbies! and to help each other give some tips, encouragement, etc! by filling out a questionnaire so we can get to know one another :)
Here I go...
- When did you start your blog?
I had originally started my book blog early 2011, but didn't have the time to dedicate to it. Then on 12/27/2011 I decided to re-do everything and start fresh for 2012!
- Why did you start your blog?
I am a book lover and avid reader! I really want to fall deeper in love with my stories... on numerous occasions, books have helped me through some difficult times in my life and on others, changed the way I think or feel about things. It's also the most perfect, for me, to fall into another world and just visit for a little while. I also want to keep track of my reads, mostly my favorites, and be able to share it all with everyone who will let me.
- What has been the biggest challenge you've faced so far?
I think that everyone's biggest challenge is trying to find the right followers! I have come across a few non-supportive-book/paranormal-people, and let's just say, some of them can be pretty scary, lol!
- What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?
There are a few things that I think that any blogger can relate too - it is definitely hard to get into the 'circles' that have been created already. There are a ton of book blogs, but it seems like everyone already knows one another - I feel like the new kid in school wearing the wrong sneakers, lol!
Another is that it seems that there are a few bloggers out there that seem to have forgotten that they too were once a newbie, and they are either snobbish or rude with smallest requests/questions. A little patience would be nice, thank you :)
- What do you find most encouraging?
Those people that reach out and offer to help any way that they can! Either by sending links to their favorite blogs/friends, or where to get the best challenges, reviews, links, etc! Sweet people emailing just to say hi and best of luck - warms a girls heart!
- What do you like best about the blogs you've read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?
I love it when people really put their personality and thoughts into their posts/reviews! I have come across so many book blogs already that basically just copy/paste what Goodreads has to say and then they're done with it. Okay, so you liked the book because you're posting about it, but please tell me why? I also love that some bloggers have a schedule that you can follow, makes it so simple to keep up with them!
- What do you dislike about blogs you've read? Do you try to avoid this?
I really don't like it when blogs have a difficult layout, it's so hard to find anything; and those that have really dark graphics and weird blinkies, too distracting! Oh, and please turn down the loud music, much appreciated, thanks!
- Any advice for other new bloggers?
Hmmm, I can only speak from experience - I feel that if you are truly blogging more for yourself than for any other reason, because you are really enjoying yourself and loving what you're doing - then keep at it! The majority of us are doing it just for fun, hobby - keep it light and simple and hopefully, everything will move along as you want it to ;) Once you start taking things too seriously or to a competition level, people are not going to receive you with open arms, tsk tsk!
- Any questions you'd like to ask established bloggers?
Where do you all find the time to read SO many books in such a short amount of time??? Are you all speed-readers??? If so, where can I take a class??? I admire all of you that have read more than 50 books last year - that is my goal for this year :) Oh, and if you have any tips/advice to share, I bow to you, thank you :)
- Is there anything you'd like to tell us about your blog?
I'm just a bumble-y girl in a bumble-y world! I love to read all kinds of books, mostly YA, paranormal and urban fantasy... I love sparkly vampires and fallen angels! and don't expect perfection here! Even spell-check goofs up sometimes ;)
A huuuge thank you to the Small Review for letting me participate :)
Until next time!!!
