Book Blogger Conversation with Meredith

I'm excited to start a new series of posts with a group that is under appreciated--book bloggers!

Book bloggers are obviously so important to authors. They give consistent reviews. They open their blogs to us. They are readers and fans! I think we should honor them more.

So this series of interviews was born! Hopefully it will help authors find bloggers and give everyone else a better appreciation of them.

Besides being a book blogger Meredith is also a senior publicist with Spencer Hill Press. We get double the experience from her interview!

What types of books do you review? I prefer young adult, though I do read some adult and I’m JUST getting into middle grade. I LOVE retellings of all kinds (Fairy Tale / Greek Mythology / Classic Novels / etc). I also love reading Psychological Thrillers, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Contemporary and Historical.

Do you have any guidelines for authors to follow in contacting you? A link will work. I have an extensive review policy that I try to keep as up-to-date as possible. That can be found here -> http://www.pandorasbooks.org/review-policy/

 Do you post anything besides reviews—such as cover art or giveaways? I love participating in blog tours, cover reveals, author interviews and more! Giveaways are always fun and definitely draw a larger audience to a post. Really, I’m open to anything that’s fun, creative and helpful to the authors and books!

How do you find books to review or do they come to you? I like to browse Amazon and Goodreads for new releases. I also follow my favorite authors to see when they have new books coming out. A lot of what I read is recommended by friends and fellow book bloggers. I’m also on several publisher lists and I receive their seasonal catalogs and emails from publicists with review and blog tour requests – these are great ways to discover new books I might not have heard of otherwise

What got you into blogging about books? I love to read and I love spreading the word about epic books. I sort of stumbled into the book blogging world when I started using Twitter in college to chat with my favorite authors. I slowly made friends with book bloggers and was fascinated by what they did, so I decided to start blogging. It’s been a great way to make friends and even got me my first job in publishing! It’s a wonderful, inclusive community and I wish I’d discovered it sooner!

What elements go into a good review and how long does it take to write one? Every blogger has a different method when it comes to reviews. Personally, I’m VERY character driven, so I tend to discuss the things I liked/disliked about the characters in great detail. I also discuss the author’s writing, the pacing of the book and the plot. I’m not a very critical reviewer because I firmly believe that not every book is for every person. And just because I didn’t like it, that doesn’t mean someone else won’t. I never want my reviews to discourage someone from reading a book, so at the end of my review, I almost always recommend the book, whether I liked it or not.

As for how long it takes, it really depends on the book. Typically, it takes me an hour to write the first draft, then 30-45 minutes to edit and finalize the review. But some books take days to review because they were so epic, it’s hard to put the epicness into words!

How often do you post reviews? It depends. I’m a mood reader, so I can post as few as 2 reviews and as many as 10 reviews in any given month.

Can you think of any special methods or personality types that an author has used to really help you draw close to a character? I love fierce, kick-ass/bad-ass female characters. We don’t have enough of those characters. Think Buffy (the TV show), Celaena (Throne of Glass series) and Alina (Shadow and Bone trilogy). I also tend to fall for the bad boys – I can’t help it! :)

What types of things make for an extra special book? The kind you don’t forget? Definitely the characters. If I can’t connect with the characters or I don’t like them, it’s almost guaranteed I’ll have to DNF. But if the writing is gorgeous or the plot intrigues me and I’m dying to see how the book ends, then sometimes that’s enough to keep me reading. These types of books generally end up being 3-star reads for me.

Any marketing tips you’ve noticed work really well for authors? Authors who interact with readers on social media tend to do very well, in my opinion. If all an author does is tweet about their book and ask people to read it, they won’t get much of a response. But if they interact with readers and build that relationship, then it means the world to me (and other readers).

Favorite books you’ve reviewed. Favorite books I’ve reviewed throughout my entire blogging career? Oh wow, that’s a giant list! I just binge-read/reviewed all of Leigh Bardugo’s books and I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite trilogy ever! I’m also a huge Sarah J. Maas, Richelle Mead and Claudia Gray fan, so their books are always fun to review. I wouldn’t have discovered Heather Lyons without blogging, so definitely her books, as well. I could keep going, so I’ll just stop there for now! Haha :)

Books you are looking forward to in the next year. Remembrance (Mediator #7) by Meg Cabot, Throne of Glass #5 by Sarah J. Maas and Heartless by Marissa Meyer are definitely my top 3!  

Do you prefer kindle or actual books when reading? Definitely actual books! It’s much easier to read and I love holding a book in my hand!

If you could only purchase one book, what would it be? Ouch! This is a mean question! Haha :) I guess... Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, because I never get tired of reading it! (Without exaggeration, I’ve read it 27+ times!)

What’s your favorite spot to read? On the couch in my living room

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My name is Meredith. I’m a Senior Publicist at Spencer Hill Press and Spencer Hill Contemporary. I’m also a YA book blogger and a contributing writer for YA Interrobang. I love to read YA, but sometimes I venture out into other genres. I love to write – I’ve been writing since I was in middle school. I prefer creative writing, but I also did journalism for many, many years throughout high school and college.

Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Blog|Twitter

Book Blogger Conversation with Jasmine Pearl

I'm excited to start a new series of posts with a group that is under appreciated--book bloggers!

Book bloggers are obviously so important to authors. They give consistent reviews. They open their blogs to us. They are readers and fans! I think we should honor them more.

So this series of interviews was born! Hopefully it will help authors find bloggers and give everyone else a better appreciation of them.

Again we have another teen blogger. It's great to get the perspective of someone actually in the YA category!

What types of books do you review?

I usually review YA books because they're really close to my heart. :)

Do you have any guidelines for authors to follow in contacting you? A link will work.

Yup, I do have some guidelines. Here's the link: https://jasminepearlreads.wordpress.com/contact-me/

Do you post anything besides reviews—such as cover art or giveaways?

I also post author Q&As, blog tours, giveaways, bookish stuff, and bookish talks (I love to interact with other bookworms!). 

How do you find books to review or do they come to you?

Sometimes, I request for them. Sometimes, they magically appear on my doorstep.  

What got you into blogging about books?

The main reason why I started blogging is to meet new bookish friends. I didn't actually know that I'd make it this far.

What elements go into a good review and how long does it take to write one?

I love realistic stories. I also highlight quotes/lines that made me curious about life. It usually takes me an hour or more to write reviews. I need a pen and a notebook too!  

How often do you post reviews?

I usually post reviews at least 4 times a month.

  

What types of things make for an extra special book? The kind you don’t forget?

As what I've said, realistic stories are really close to my heart.

Any marketing tips you’ve noticed work really well for authors?

Their friendliness and their love for their readers!

Favorite books you’ve reviewed.

Alive by Scott Sigler. Solitaire by Alice Oseman. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. 

Books you are looking forward to in the next year.

I still haven't browsed for next year's upcoming books. *hides*

Do you prefer kindle or actual books when reading?

ACTUAL books, ftw!

If you could only purchase one book, what would it be?

I prefer not to purchase a book. It will make my heart broken if I'll only choose one.

What’s your favorite spot to read?

On the sofa or at the library.

Give us your best advice for a beginning book blogger. 

Feel free to approach other book bloggers. Everyone in the bookish community is sweet and fab! :)

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Jasmine Pearl is a 17 year old college student who loves blogging about YA books. She blogs at Jasmine Pearl Reads. She also post bookish photos on instagram. The main reason why she started book blogging is to meet new bookish friends in the internet. "Feel free to approach me, guys!" :)

Book Blog: jasminepearlreads.wordpress.com

Instagram: instagram.com/jasminereads

Twitter: twitter.com/JasmineRaymundo

Goodreads: goodreads.com/jasminepearlreads

Bloglovin: bloglovin.com/jasminepearlreads

Book Blogger Conversation with Brett Michael Orr

I'm excited to start a new series of posts with a group that is under appreciated--book bloggers!

Book bloggers are obviously so important to authors. They give consistent reviews. They open their blogs to us. They are readers and fans! I think we should honor them more.

So this series of interviews was born! Hopefully it will help authors find bloggers and give everyone else a better appreciation of them.

Brett Michael Orr is a recent addition to the book blogger scene and I love that he favors my favorite genre. Be sure to check out his links at the bottom of the interview.

What types of books do you review?  I mostly review Young Adult novels. It’s a genre I absolutely love and am heavily involved in, from SF/Fantasy to the odd Contemporary. Occasionally I’ll review some epic fantasy or even graphic novels too!

Do you have any guidelines for authors to follow in contacting you? A link will work. At the moment I don’t have any specific guidelines to request reviews, as I typically have Advance Review Copies from publishers, or books I’ve purchased myself. Of course, I’m always contactable via Twitter (@brettmichaelorr) if you want to talk or discuss a guest post/interview.

Do you post anything besides reviews—such as cover art or giveaways? My blog is a mixture of blogger interviews, book reviews, short stories, writing tips, and my own meme ‘Instant Flashback’ where I collate my week’s Instagram photos. I’ve also done cover reveals and Top Ten lists as well!

How do you find books to review or do they come to you? A little of both. I have some Australian publishers that send me ARCs to review ahead of release date, but I still purchase my own books as well. I make a point of reviewing everything I read – to improve my own reviewing and critiquing ability, but also to spread information about books that some of my fans might not have read before.

What got you into blogging about books? I only started blogging in late 2014. I realized how much I wanted to be an author, and how the online writing community was the missing part of my life. Naturally, while I was writing books, I also wanted to read more – and reviewing them felt like a natural way of breaking into blogging more regularly.

What elements go into a good review and how long does it take to write one? Everyone differs! Some of my blogging friends take weeks to craft a review. For me, I typically know most of what I want to say by the time I’ve read the book. I formulate the review in my head as I go along, so often it only takes half an hour to write a review – preparing typographic images and tweets takes longer sometimes!

I try to make my reviews honest and fair. Even if I don’t like a book, I’ll find what did work – and I always suggest that readers try a book for themselves, because opinions differ. Mostly, I want my reviews to be unbiased and critical, lightly touching on all aspects of the book and providing a balanced review.

How often do you post reviews? I try to post reviews weekly, but it depends on how quickly I can read a book. I always review books right away though.

Can you think of any special methods or personality types that an author has used to really help you draw close to a character? Making the reader associate with a character is the real key. This doesn’t mean they have to be likeable; of course I’m never going to ‘like’ a villain, but if I can associate with him on some level, then I form a bond with a character. Also, I love when characters switch allegiances and loyalties – there’s nothing better than having your preconceived ideas proven wrong midway through a book.

What types of things make for an extra special book? The kind you don’t forget? A book that takes my expectations and beats them by a mile. At the moment, that’s A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU; a phenomenal idea that was perfectly executed and simply one of the best books I’ve had the pleasure to read.

Any marketing tips you’ve noticed work really well for authors? Be engaged with your readers and particularly your reviewers. I understand that being published must be busy, but completely ignoring readers/reviewers is really hurtful and makes us feel devalued. Some authors I follow are amazingly interactive and it helps build a much stronger connection with their audience – we feel like authors actually appreciate what we’re doing.

Favorite books you’ve reviewed. A Thousand Pieces of You – my favorite read this year. Warm Bodies – including the movie – is one of the best books/films of all time in my opinion. My first-ever ARC review for Patrick Ness’ The Rest of Us Just Live Here (out this month!) will always be important to me. And Red Queen too – I can’t wait for the sequel.

Books you are looking forward to in the next year. Glass Sword will be my first pick here – it’s the sequel to Red Queen, and I’m dying to read it. I’ll be interested for The Vagrant’s sequel next year, and there’s always the possibility that Isaac Marion will return from his Twitter absence to reveal the second Warm Bodies book; I’m hoping for a Way Down Dark sequel next year too. (Wow, that’s a lot of sequels!)

Do you prefer kindle or actual books when reading? I used to be a die-hard Kindle supporter, but since I started purchasing physical books and getting involved in the Instagram community, I can’t go back to digital. There’s something tangibly human about holding a book that digital just can’t compare with.

What’s your favorite spot to read? I don’t have a ‘reading spot’, which I really want to find. I typically read on the bus, at lunch, or at night; but lazy afternoons spent reading in a recliner are really the best though – so that’s my favorite spot at the moment.

Give us your best advice for a beginning book blogger. I haven’t even passed my first year as a book blogger, but already I’ve learned so much. I’d say be honest with everything you do, and get involved with the writing community by following hashtags, communicating with people, reviewing books, suggesting guest posts or interviews, and just generally talking with as many people as you can. I’ve met some amazing friends and collaborators through the silliest of initial conversations; and when you’re growing your audience, it’s important to keep that channel of communication open.

Experiment, find what works for you, and soon you’ll be blogging daily and wondering how you ever lived without it.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog Michelle, it was an honor!

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I’m a writer, programmer and gamer from Brisbane, Australia. I want to produce quality commercial fiction read the world over.

I’m an avid fan of all forms of creative media. From movies to TV shows, games and books, every form of creative media has something to teach us, and I hope to create page-turners that will keep you reading well into the night.

Some of my favorite writers include Garth Nix, Christopher Paolini, Neal Shusterman and James Dashner. I enjoy listening to Coldplay, James Blunt, Linkin Park, Green Day and Paramore. And if I’m not hard at work writing a new book (or updating my blog!), I’ll probably be found goofing around on Xbox.

Blog: http://brettmichaelorr.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/brettmichaelorr

Facebook: http://facebook.com/brettmichaelorrwrites

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/brettmichaelorr

Instagram: http://instagram.com/brettmichaelorr

Founder of The Book Creators: http://thebookcreators.com

Current WIP: THE BUREAU OF TIME: http://twitter.com/#thebureauoftime

Book Blogger Conversation with Rae Oestreich

I'm excited to start a new series of posts with a group that is under appreciated--book bloggers!

Book bloggers are obviously so important to authors. They give consistent reviews. They open their blogs to us. They are readers and fans! I think we should honor them more.

So this series of interviews was born! Hopefully it will help authors find bloggers and give everyone else a better appreciation of them.

I'm happy to have Rae, who is a writer and book reviewer over at her blog, The Wallflower.

What types of books do you review?

Typically, I review the same books that I attempt to write: YA – any genre. I’m not picky in the slightest; as long as the premise sounds interesting, I’m likely to pick it up and start reading regardless of what’s already in my TBR pile. Although my favorite genres tend to be thrillers, science-fiction, and urban fantasies, I’m a total sucker for a good contemporary/romance when I’m in the right mood.

Do you have any guidelines for authors to follow in contacting you? A link will work.

As a matter of fact, I do! I love getting review requests – guidelines are as simple as emailing me with the premise and asking me if I’d like to review it. The exact guidelines can be found on the “Reviews” page on my blog: http://www.raeoestreich.com/reviews/

How do you find books to review or do they come to you?

While some of my reviews are requested, most of the books I review are books that I come across and purchase on my own. Normally, they’re books I find out about on Twitter – recommendations from friends or fellow bloggers, a book an author I follow is raving about, or I simply come across it on a book tour or through an email from a bookseller and I buy it on impulse.

What got you into blogging about books?

I started blogging about books at the same time I started blogging about writing. I’m a writer at heart, but writing and reading go hand-in-hand, so I love reading anything I can get my hands on and both enjoying the books and studying the techniques that the authors use to create such memorable plots and characters.

What elements go into a good review and how long does it take to write one?

I think what goes into a good review can differ from book to book, but the reviewer should make sure to point out the specifics of what they liked/disliked, as well as specifics of why (while also being spoiler-free; if a spoiler is necessary, remember to put a disclaimer at the top of your post). My favorite reviews to read are the ones where the reviewer’s personality shines through, where I get a chance to learn a little bit about them while also learning about a new or old book in a way I might not have seen it before. Being passionate and enunciating the different facets of the book that worked/didn’t work make for a good review.

As far as how long it takes to write a review…well, it kind of depends. I find that it’s a lot easier to write about a book that I absolutely loved and can fangirl about, or else one that I kind of severely didn’t like. Those ones might take an hour, tops. The books that fall between, that are simply “okay” but didn’t wow me in one direction or another, might take longer, simply because nothing – good or bad – stood out to me, so maybe I’ll write a few sentences here and there and gather a review over the course of a few hours? One thing’s for sure: if you take notes about things that stand out to you *while* you read, the process of writing the review is a lot faster.

How often do you post reviews?

Typically, I post a book review once a week, on Saturdays. When I happen to have more time and wind up finishing books at a quicker rate, I’ll occasionally double my reviews to twice a week – Tuesdays and Saturdays. So it usually depends on how much time I have, or if I happen to sign up for a review during a blog tour, but the absolute minimum is once a week (it’s like a personal challenge, to keep myself reading even as life erupts into chaos).

What types of things make for an extra special book? The kind you don’t forget?

The best books I’ll claim to have ever read are books that have depth to them. Regardless of their surface action, they’ll have a theme that runs deep – something that’s subtle yet strong enough to make me really think about the novel, the relationships between the characters, and even the repercussions of their actions long after I’ve turned the last page.

Favorite books you’ve reviewed.

Ooh, this is a tough one. What comes to mind right away are THE SCORPIAN RACES, by Maggie Stiefvater; THE WALLS AROUND US, by Nova Ren Suma; VICIOUS and A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC, by V.E. Schwab; and STATION ELEVEN, by Emily St. John Mandel.

Do you prefer kindle or actual books when reading?

I’m neutral. I own a Nook with a fair number of books on it, but I also have a massive collection of physical books. No real preference. 

Give us your best advice for a beginning book blogger. 

If you’re a beginning book blogger, I’d simply say to be reasonable with yourself – read as many books as you can, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Basically, know enough about your personal schedule and lifestyle that you won’t try to take on too many books and reviews at once; it’s much better to have fun with blogging than stressing yourself out over not having enough time in the day!

Thanks so much for having me, Michelle; it was such a blast being here!

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Rae is an undergraduate student in New Mexico studying to earn her B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. If there’s anything she’s learned while in college, it’s that every author’s writing style is something to be preserved; no two people can tell the same story the same way. Therefore, reading and writing both fascinate her, and while she teaches herself how to edit while preserving the integrity of any manuscript she’s given, she also writes her own short stories and YA novels that she hopes might someday (possibly?) be published.

Links:

Blog-http://www.raeoestreich.com/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/Rae_Oestreich

Tumblr-http://raeoestreich.tumblr.com/

Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/RaeSlaterBooks

Bloglovin’-https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/wallflower-13967301

Pinterest-https://www.pinterest.com/raeoestreich/

Book Blogger Conversation with Riki Cleveland

I'm excited to start a new series of posts with a group that is under appreciated--book bloggers!
Book bloggers are obviously so important to authors. They give consistent reviews. They open their blogs to us. They are readers and fans! I think we should honor them more.

So this series of interviews was born! Hopefully it will help authors find bloggers and give everyone else a better appreciation of them.

Welcome to Riki Cleveland and find out more about her and her blog. Be sure and check out her links at the end of this post.

What types of books do you review?

No book goes unloved at Refreshingly Riki! I review everything from middle grade to adult, with a special emphasis on Young Adult literature and adult romance. I’m a sucker for a well-written story, no matter what genre it comes in.

Do you have any guidelines for authors to follow in contacting you? A link will work.

Authors can contact me either by email: RefreshinglyRiki [at] gmail.com, or via my contact form: http://missriki.com/contact-miss-riki/

Do you post anything besides reviews—such as cover art or giveaways?

I absolutely love participating in author interviews and cover reveals! I typically feature at least one cover reveal per week and host authors for interviews as often as possible.

How do you find books to review or do they come to you?

I review in two ways. First, I review Advance Review Copies provided by various publishers, which is always a really fun thing. It’s amazing to be a part of generating buzz for an upcoming release. I do also review already published books as well, though. My review slate is a good mix of both.

What got you into blogging about books?

I’m a lifelong reader and have always loved talking about books in both a classroom and book club setting, so blogging about books was the next logical step. It’s like a huge book club just waiting to happen!

What elements go into a good review and how long does it take to write one?

I think that it is really important in reviews to be as honest as possible, but at the same time acknowledging that not every book is going to be for every person. When I don’t connect with a book I try to let my readers know why it didn’t work for me, while still acknowledging that it might absolutely work for them. I also believe that book reviews should stay away from spoilers as much as possible!

As for how long it takes to write one- it really depends. I’m known to wax poetic about books I love, so some of my reviews take longer to write than others.

How often do you post reviews?

I feature at least three book reviews per week.

  

What types of things make for an extra special book? The kind you don’t forget?

The books that stay with me long after reading are the ones that elicit an intense feeling for me. That can be a book that makes me feel fear, like in a good suspense novel, or one that makes me swoon, like in a good romance novel. The ones that I’m not likely to forget always give me heightened emotions of some sort. Bonus points for books that make me cry!

Any marketing tips you’ve noticed work really well for authors?

I think that it is absolutely true that readers love a good giveaway. I’ve noticed a large increase in traffic and participation in promotional posts that feature a giveaway, even if it is for something small like a signed bookmark or postcard. Readers love to have a piece of an author who wrote a book they loved, and giveaways are a wonderful way to provide that.

Favorite books you’ve reviewed.

This is an impossible question! I’ve fallen in love with so many books and their authors through the years! But if I had to choose my favorites, I would have to say that I’ve loved reviewing books that take me out of my comfort zone the most. I’m often guilty of reading prolifically within my comfort zone and steering clear of books that I’m not sure about, but when I’ve given those books a chance, I’ve found that I am inevitably wowed by the novelty and have found new favorites.

Books you are looking forward to in the next year.

Two books that I absolutely cannot wait to read are QUEEN OF SHADOWS by Sarah J. Maas and TRUTHWITCH by Susan Dennard. (Incidentally- I’ve never been much of a fantasy reader, but these authors hooked me, and now their books are at the top of my Must Read list!)

Do you prefer kindle or actual books when reading?

I’m split on this! I read about 50/50 e-books versus paper books. I tend to read most Advance Review Copies on my Kindle since they often come from NetGalley, but I’m a sucker for a beautiful hard copy of a book.

If you could only purchase one book, what would it be?

Ooh- what a good question! If I could only purchase one book to have on my shelves, I would choose Diana Gabaldon’s OUTLANDER. It has everything I love in a book, including compelling lead characters, high action, and an epic romance. Plus, it’s quite long, so it would keep me busy awhile!

What’s your favorite spot to read?

My absolute favorite spot to read is the beach! There is nothing better than being outdoors reading with the sound of crashing waves in the background. But when I cannot be at the beach, I typically read in a recliner!

Give us your best advice for a beginning book blogger. 

My best advice for a beginning book blogger would be to be open to reading new things. Some of my favorite books of all time have come from publishers when I knew nothing about the book in advance and might not have picked it up otherwise. Not only does it expand your horizons as a reader, but it also makes you a better reader in the process!

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 Riki has a long-standing love affair with all things books and writing. She indulged her love for all things literary with a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University and holds a certificate in novel writing from the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. Although she is well past her own teen years, Riki’s reading passion lies with Young Adult literature where she devours books that handle the “firsts” in life. When not reading and writing she can be found yelling at the television while watching sports.

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RefreshinglyRiki

Twitter: https://twitter.com/missriki

Blog: http://missriki.com

Book Blogger Conversation with Emma S

I'm excited to start a new series of posts with a group that is under appreciated--book bloggers!

Book bloggers are obviously so important to authors. They give consistent reviews. They open their blogs to us. They are readers and fans! I think we should honor them more.

So this series of interviews was born! Hopefully it will help authors find bloggers and give everyone else a better appreciation of them.

Welcome to Emma S and find out more about her and her blog. Be sure and check out her links at the end of this post.

What types of books do you review?

I review primarily young adult, which a few middle grade and Christian novels thrown in. I'm not very genre picky except I don't read horror, most paranormal, or erotica.

Do you have any guidelines for authors to follow in contacting you? A link will work.

I do! Here's the link to my review policy: http://bookworm716.blogspot.com/p/review-policy.html

Do you post anything besides reviews—such as cover art or giveaways?

I'm not usually part of mass blog postings. I have participated in a couple blog tours, though. But I do a couple memes - Top Ten Tuesday, Random Friday (which is my own invention), and Rewind & Review - as well as discussion posts.

How do you find books to review or do they come to you?

I usually request them from publishers via email or on Edelweiss or NetGalley. I'm also very fortunate to have a close relationship with an indie bookstore in my hometown. They let me review whatever YA ARCs they receive and I'm interested in.

What got you into blogging about books?

I started reading book blogs after I'd been blogging for about 2 years. Prior to May 2013, I mostly blogged about really random stuff. But then I realized that I could be a book blogger because the only requirement was that I loved books. So I started reviewing what I bought or checked out from the library, and then the owner of my local indie found out and offered me the pick of their ARCs.

What elements go into a good review and how long does it take to write one?

I don't know if there's any formula you can follow to write a good review. I think a cover, some sort of rating, a summary of the book (even if it's copied from Goodreads or a retail site), and links to buy the book are all important. Other than that, bloggers and reviewers should tailor it to their own style. My style is very categorical, and I never write super long reviews. On average, I think it takes me about 30-45 minutes to finalize every detail of my reviews, not counting break times in between.

How often do you post reviews?

I try to post at least one a week. I think on average, it's one or two.

Can you think of any special methods or personality types that an author has used to really help you draw close to a character?

Not really? I mean, if a synopsis mentions a bookish character, or one who's interested in the same things as me, I'll usually add that book to my TBR list. But I don't have any specific chart that tells me why I feel close to a character. Sometimes they just turn out to be a kindred spirit.

What types of things make for an extra special book? The kind you don’t forget?

I'm a sucker for Shakespeare retellings, Jane Austen retellings, and superheroes. I love when I just connect with the writing style - I can't predict when it'll happen, but oh, it's so thrilling when a book leaves me feeling like I had the most wonderful dream. I love slow burn romance. I appreciate a good meet-cute, but I also love when the couple in question have known each other for ages but were friends first. I also don't easily forget strong sibling relationships or friendships.

Any marketing tips you’ve noticed work really well for authors?

I love when an author connects with readers beyond their books. Personally, I didn't enjoy Lauren DeStefano's books, but I follow her on Twitter because she's personable and hilarious. And I love that Tara Dairman (author of All Four Stars and The Stars of Summer) talks about food a lot, which fits with her books and shows she knows what she's talking about. Honestly, any author who is active on some form of social media and acts like the regular person they are is my favorite. I feel like I can be friends with them, as well as admire their writing.

Favorite books you’ve reviewed.

So many! Off the top of my head, I can say Better off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg, Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord, Emeralds & Ashes by Leila Rasheed, and My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga.

Books you are looking forward to in the next year.

This is another one where I could list a million books. I'll be good and choose six:

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee

The Steep and Thorny Way by Cat Winters

When We Collided by Emery Lord

Do you prefer kindle or actual books when reading?

Definitely actual books. I read e-books on occasion and I get e-galleys all the time, but I prefer to hold a physical book, run my hands over the cover, look at the end papers (they can be gorgeous sometimes), and smell that book scent.

If you could only purchase one book, what would it be?

Nnnnnhhhhhhh. I could purchase books after this one right? It's just the only one I can buy at the store that day? If so, I'd choose the French edition of Cinder by Marissa Meyer. I'm trying to collect French editions of all my favorite YA books, and I think this one is next on my list.

What’s your favorite spot to read?

There's this little nook overlooking the middle room at my university's student center. It's still kind of loud up there, but there are usually fewer people upstairs. There's also a covered pathway at the back of one of the academic buildings, and it has these arches along the outer wall. You can sit under there, and it's pretty peaceful (except when class has just let out). Those descriptions are probably terrible, sorry!

Give us your best advice for a beginning book blogger. 

There's no right or wrong way of reviewing, really. 

Post count is important, but do what's best for you and don't kill yourself trying to churn out a post every day.

Don't tag authors in any negative reviews; in fact, it's really best to not tag them in any reviews anymore. 

Find your group of blogger friends. We're a great community, and there are so many bloggers that you'll easily find a circle you fit into. Books will always be common ground, so it isn't hard to strike up conversations.

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Emma is a self-proclaimed bibliobibule (that means someone who reads too much). She is also a book blogger and writer, who loves to threaten her friends with killing off their characters in her novels. Emma splits her time between her university in Kentucky and her parents' home in Virginia. In her free time, Emma fangirls over Taylor Swift, Disney movies, Shakespeare, fairytales, superheroes, history, and various book series. 

Links:

My blog:  Awkwordly Emma

My Twitter: @AwkwordlyEmma

My Tumblr: awkwordlyemma

My blog's Facebook page

Book Blogger Conversation with Danielle Davis

I'm excited to start a new series of posts with a group that is under appreciated--book bloggers!

Book bloggers are obviously so important to authors. They give consistent reviews. They open their blogs to us. They are readers and fans! I think we should honor them more.

So this series of interviews was born! Hopefully it will help authors find bloggers and give everyone else a better appreciation of them.

Welcome to Danielle Davis for our very first interview. Be sure and check out her links at the end of this post.

  

What types of books do you review?

Danielle: I review picture books, the kind that are smart, beautifully illustrated, playful, and/or unique.

Do you have any guidelines for authors to follow in contacting you? A link will work.

Danielle: I typically receive books from publishers directly, but I love it when an author or illustrator reaches out too. Email is perfect and my contact info can be found here.

Do you post anything besides reviews—such as cover art or giveaways?

Danielle: Yes, yes! I try to always pair a picture book review (and interior art) with something related to the book. Sometimes that’s a craft. It could be an interview. I might collaborate with someone who provides a book-related recipe. Or it might be pictures of pool floats. You know, stuff like that.

And I love hosting giveaways and do so with some regularity. They combine mail and passing books on to others, two of my very favorite things.

How do you find books to review or do they come to you?

Danielle: After two years of blogging, I now receive a lot of books in the mail directly from publishing companies. That said, I’m still always hunting online at other blogs, at independent bookstores, and at my local library, where I have my very own hold shelf. J

What got you into blogging about books?

Danielle: My love for them and wanting to share that. And, more specifically, I wanted to provide posts that make connections between picture books and their subject matter in fun, interesting ways.

What elements go into a good review and how long does it take to write one?

Danielle: What a good question. If I’m making something or collaborating with someone, a blog post can take days. If it’s a simpler affair, a couple to a few hours, which includes gathering interior artwork from an author, illustrator, or publisher as well as writing (and reading).

For picture books, I think a good review shows us illustrations from the book because it’s such a visual medium. And I think it also tells us what the blogger loves about it, why it’s special. And finally, I think it gives us a sense of the story, premise, or characters, without giving everything away.

How often do you post reviews?

Danielle: Usually twice a week though I’ve been posting only once a week this summer.

What types of things make for an extra special book? The kind you don’t forget?

Danielle: I think one big thing that makes a picture book extra special is that it takes full advantage of the form. So that means it’s visual in its storytelling, spare, and makes you either laugh or cry at the end. I think you really want that ending to resonate one way or another so that kid readers want to go back immediately and read it again or so that it sticks with them in some way. A book, any book, should change you after reading it—make you see a familiar thing with fresh eyes, make you giggle, make you feel something.

Favorite books you’ve reviewed.

Danielle: HUGME by Simona Ciraolo from last year charmed me. Maybe because it’s about an adorable cactus and I live in Los Angeles. But mostly because of its authenticity. There was something honest and slightly edgy about it that I really loved.

Books you are looking forward to in the next year.

Danielle: I’m excited to write blog posts on two soon to be released picture books: THEWONDERFUL FLUFFY LITTLE SQUISHY  by Beatrice Alemagna and SWAN by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Julie Morstad.

Both are inventive and beautiful and not to be missed! (And they make you feel things!) J

Do you prefer kindle or actual books when reading?

Danielle: Picture books are by their nature objects. The experience of holding one and often reading it aloud and showing the pictures is integral to the magic.

If you could only purchase one book, what would it be?

Danielle: Only one book? That. Is. Tough. Probably THE GIRL IN THE FLAMMABLE SKIRT  , a collection of short stories by Aimee Bender. I was introduced to it when I was just starting to commit to the idea of trying to be a writer ten years ago and everything I’ve written since has been influenced in some way by that wild and wonderful book.

Only one picture book? THE RED TREE by Shaun Tan. I know, it’s so sad! Oh well, that’s the one I’d pick because it’s brilliant and everything I need in a book.

What’s your favorite spot to read?

Danielle: For picture books, it’s my living room or the library. Or, even better, to a group of little ones with the amazing nonprofit called Reading to Kids that I volunteer with once a month. Yeah, that’s the best spot.

Give us your best advice for a beginning book blogger. 

Danielle: I think it’s important to post about books you truly like. That’s how you begin to develop your blog’s aesthetic and point of view. That’s how you create a voice. That’s how you throw glimmering bits of positivity out into the book universe. And that’s how you become a source others with similar tastes can trust.

One other thing: don’t be afraid to reach out to authors and publishers, even when you’re just starting out. They’re usually kind and appreciative of your efforts on behalf of books, no matter how new or small your blog!

Thank you so much, Michelle, for having me!

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Danielle Davis has an M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing, a membership with SCBWI, and a pair of roller skates. She writes books for young readers and helps others do the same. Her blog,  This Picture Book Life, is a good place to find her.

DanielleDavisReadsandWrites.com

ThisPictureBookLife.com

@writesinla