So, without further ado, here was the winner of August's 'I Love Your Blog' Award.....Bewitched Bookworms! These girls are so wonderful with their reviews and lovely design, I got to have the privilege of interviewing Uhyesplease and she happily answered! Here's to you, girls! Keep up what you do best!
*interview updated*
How did you get your blog started?
Basically I posted a real life book review on a fanfiction site that OnePushyFox and I co-write. Danny thought it was so cool that I decided to blur the fanfic with an actual book she thought it would be fun to start a book blog with a bunch of our fanfiction friends. It took off like wildfire!
Why did you decide to name your blog, Bewitched Bookworms?
We threw a bunch of names around, and the majority liked this one the best.
What is your blog about?
Quite simply, we write reviews for books we have read! The coolest part now is that we've gotten to meet and speak with authors, hold Q&As, host giveaways and now are getting ARCs! Who knew our hobby would be even cooler than it was before!
What kind of books do you review about?
We review mostly fiction, heavily slanted towards YA. But we are all adult readers and enjoy the mature books too.
I think we're one of the few co-authored blogs. There are five of us who read and review, so our calendars are full for months. We are also friends in RL and I think our supportive vibe shines through. Oh - and our blog is super PURDY! Danny is one heck of a websigner!
How did you all decide to do a book review blog together?
Several of us have solo blogs, so it made sense to join together and co-blog. Both because we are all so busy - but mainly because we enjoy the support and bouncing ideas off each other.
What kind of giveaways/contests do you usually have? Are there any current ones at the moment?
We are so close to our 500 (just a few more to go!) followers and plan on a big give away for that. Our contests are generally focused around book giveaways, but we enjoy a few surprises or two!
I saw that you guys are participating in the Book Blogger Appreciation Week, what are you guys nominated for and how can people vote for you?
I think this is more of a showcase for book blogs. You may need to ask Danny to answer this one for me. :)
What new things will be coming to Bewitched Bookworms?
Good question! I think we're going to try to add even more fun to our blog with a few special features each month from the bloggers, as well, as participating in some of the fun Meme's floating around.
What is Cutie's Corner and Mystery Book Exchange about?
Cutie is a super avid reader and has her own column to chat about the books she loves. Since she is currently getting an English degree (that's right Cutie, toot toot!) she is totally down with what is hot and The Classics as well. The MBE is something that came up after talking to Pushy and trying to get her to read one of my favs! We got to talking and BAM! it was born! Basically we challenge each other to read something we love, that is out of the other reader's comfort zone. I got to read a historical romance book, which isn't normally my cup of tea, but surprise, surprise, I loved it!!! We'd love for our readers to also challenge us to read something they love too! I'm doing an MBE with a friend of mine and I can't wait to post my review of the book she gave me. It was Superb!
What was the best book you read since the blog was started?
Uhyesplease: The Darkfever series by Karen Moring have been the most fun for me, but BEST book I would have to say Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
Danny: The Fever series from Karen Marie Morning, most definitely! I would have never read them if some of my new Book Blogger friends not have told me that they are awesome!
Cutie: Oh dear me!! There is just no way I could answer this question....
How about a top five (one that I reserve the right to change!).
1. the truth about forever by Sara Dessen
2. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
3. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
4. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
5. The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
Oh annnnnnd..... *slaps hands*
Pushy: Going Bovine by Libba Bray
Heather: all 8 of JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series
How do you balance blogging, reading, and daily life?
Uhyesplease: I don't! At least, not well! Let me know how to do it and I'll be thankful!
Danny: Ieeek, it feels like a second job besides my real job. It definitely takes tons of times and I have to admit that I sometimes do Bloggy stuff at work. "bad danny, realllllyyyy bad". But I'm happy that I can at least share the Bookworms Blog work with my beloved friends here. Alone, I wouldn't manage!
Cutie: um... I don't, truth be told. With four kids, a house to keep up with,college, and on and on and on it's a little hard to breathe at times let alone blog and read. So there is always a trade off. Either I am reading too much (can a person ever read too much?) and not blogging enough or vise vica. It's the sad truth.
Pushy: I don't! It's a madhouse around here! I read a lot after the kids are in bed in the evenings, I also blog then and in the early morning before they wake up. And I like to listen to books when I work out.
Heather: I try to limit my blogging and reading to my train commute and after my son goes to bed.
What are advantages/disadvantages of being a book blogger?
Uhyesplease: I hate getting spoiled on accident, that has happened a few too many times reading other's blogs. The best part is my friends, and our crazy book convos. Oh and ARCs! I feel like it's Christmas morning when one arrives in my box!
Danny: It makes you read so much more! Plus, I have discovered books I would have never picked up before. And, I met so many wonderful people and authors - this is rewarding! It brought me also closer to my the other Bookworms and for that, I'm really grateful!
Cutie: I can't really think of any disadvantages, other than it can take over a persons life and one must learn to pace themselves (and that goes for any blogger honestly). The advantages are a plenty from meeting fabulous people to getting to share you thoughts and ideas with others.
Pushy: I can't think of any disadvantages, it's so much fun. Advantages are getting to know authors and publicists and helping out authors I like or meeting them. I also love the book blogging community, which is full of so many fun, intelligent people.
Heather: Advantage: discover new books and authors that I would have never been exposed to otherwise. Disadvantage: have way too many books lined up. My TBR pile is about 30 books long now.
What are some tips for new and upcoming bloggers? Book bloggers?
Uhyesplease: I'm a big fan of reading outside of your comfort zone and being HONEST. We all know some books speak to us and not others, and it doesn't mean the book is bad, but be honest with how you felt about it. Also it's a lot more fun to blog with a friend - so see if your bestie from High School wants to start a book blog with you - I guarentee hijinks will be had!
Danny: Have fun! Blogging is fun. Besides reading and posting the reviews I think it's also important to network. Because it's all about sharing the excitement and opinions about books.
Cutie: I think as long as a blogger remembers the golden rule "this is all just for fun" then all will be well.
Pushy: Just start a blog! If you want to build a larger group of followers, you could host a contest or join in on the memes to meet other bloggers.
Heather: No when to say no so you don't get overwhelmed and enjoy the ride.
P.S. BB is having a 500 Follower Giveaway over at their site! Click here and be entered to win a signed copy of Radiant Shadows to a blog design package!
Peace and Fangs,
Alisha
Woohhoo Thanks for this awesome interview. The questions were great.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for featuring us and for the award of course!
Yes - thanks again!!!
ReplyDelete