Angel's Guilty Pleasures

I found this tag on Rantings of a Reading Addict and she found it on Read At Midnight.

The Secret Life of a Book Blogger

How long have you been a book blogger?

– I’ve been blogging for 3-years now. I started blogging in January of 2014, so I get to celebrate the blogs anniversary that first week of the New Year.

At what point do you think you’ll stop blogging?

– I have no future plans to stop. As long as I continue to enjoy what I do. I will do it. Once it stops being fun then it will be time to stop.

What is the best thing about blogging?

– Meeting other book lovers and talking about the books I love. It’s been wonderful to talk and connect to authors, bloggers, and readers. I’ve come to know many just through the community and have made some great friends and contacts through the online book world.

What is the worst thing? What do you do to make it ok?

– Negativity. I had one not so nice comment on a review I did the first year I started blogging. It hurt and I agonized over it for a few days. It interrupted my sleep, made me feel bad, and I was like; why? Should I replay or not? But, I finally came to the decision to just let it be.

I think everyone who blogs/reviews has run across someone who doesn’t have anything nice to say. All they can do is criticize something. I wish they would just not say anything, but we are in a world where you can be completely anonymous online. And, so it gives them the a chance to vent to anyone and everyone all their negativity or dislike. Nothing makes it ok. All you can do is “Let It Go”. HaHa I made a movie song pun. ^_^

How long does it take you to make/find pictures to use?

– When I first started I was pulling off the internet, but I soon learned that’s a NO NO. All the copyright issues and of course I didn’t/don’t understand it. I never got served a notice, but still not cool to take other peoples work. So, what did I do? Well I took those pictures down and gave credit to those I needed too. I also asked my blogger friends where they got their graphics, pictures, and what sites they use to make their graphics. Everyone was so nice and helpful! Herding Cats and Burning Soup directed me to VectorStock (not free) & to AllTheFreeStock.com (free pictures) for my stock photos/pictures. Reading In Pajamas told me about the sites they use to make all their graphics and teasers, which is Canva & PicMonkey. I found Canva to be the easiest to navigate, learn, and it’s FREE. So, all the pictures, teaser, and graphics you see on the blog where designed by me.

Who is your book crush?

– Well their are a few: Curran, The former Beast Lord (Kate Daniels series). Khalil, Djinn Prince of House Marid (Elder Races series), and Judd Lauren, a former Arrow (Psy-Changeling series). I really could go own and own. 

What author would you like to have on your blog?

– The Andrews Team. Their blog is so much fun and they sound like such down to earth people. I’m such a HUG FAN! I own all their books in ebook and paperbacks. I reread their work all the time. I’d love to have them visit.

What do you wear when you write a blog post?

– Cloths. I could be in my PJ’s or I could be in everyday close, like Blue Jeans and a T-Shirt. I’m a stay at home mom, so their really is no need for me to get dressed, but I do. I like to sit outside under our patio and work on the blog, check emails, or read, so I will be dressed for the weather outdoors.

How long does it take you to prepare?

– Prepare… Well I don’t know… For a post sometimes it’s 30min to a day depending on what I put together. For this post, it’s taken me little over 3 hours to think about these questions, write up my answers, and make sure everything looks perfect. For a blog tour all the stuff is included, so I just copy and paste it into a post, arrange it how I like, and that takes maybe 10-15min. For a review I usually set up the post in advance with all the important book information and links, which takes maybe 5-10min. Then I’ll come back to my saved post once I have the review written and I’ll past my review into the post.

So, do I prepare? Yes and No. I sometimes just wing it…

How do you feel about the book blogger community?

– It’s great. Everyone I’ve run into has been helpful and supportive. I appreciate the help I’ve gotten from everyone, the great feed back, and the wonderful followers.

What do you think one should do to get a successful blog?

– Be yourself! Share what you like! And, have fun! Learn to balance your involvement in the community, book world, and your own blog. Don’t worry about how many followers you have or your sit stats. Most of all be thoughtful, respectful, and communicate; either by visiting and commenting on other blogs posts and also by replay to those that comment on yours. Success is what you make it! To me it’s having someone stop in and say; Hi, I enjoyed your post or review, or I love your blog and all that you do. It’s the little “Thank You’s” that make me feel successful!

So, what did you think of my secret life in blogging? What are some of your answers?