I thought I’d put together a little post cataloguing all the cool things I’ve learned since I became a blogger last year. I’m dedicating this one to Dave at TheWriteReads…
In no particular order:
- Bloggers are amazing people. I’m so happy that I’ve met many wonderful people here on WordPress and on Twitter. Everyone is eager to help newbies learn the ropes and welcome them into the mix.
- NetGalley is pretty amazing: I tend to refresh a little too much during the day… I love the anticipation of a new arc coming out and clicking request… But then the wait!!! Oh, the waiting game!!!
- Never tag authors in bad reviews! Duh!
- A good routine is key to getting my blogging done. Taking time every day to work on my blog literally helps my health. It gives me a positive goal.
- Mixing up my reading genres is fun. I mostly read SFF. But I had only read a couple graphic novels before starting my blog, mostly because they were too expensive. But I found the library app Hoopla, and I’m out of control now! I also have loved getting into some excellent nonfiction reads. Oh, and a little YA. Gotta know what my students are reading, but I’ve actually always been a fan of YA.
- Reviews come in all shapes and sizes. Mine started out pretty short, and then they got a little longer and felt more like homework. In the past 6 months, I’ve found a happy middle ground of sorta short, but hopefully informative.
- Put that review up on the sites. Authors need boosts!
- TheWriteReads is a great group that promotes all the fun we have as bloggers. I love reading the daily posts. Some are straight book reviews and some dive into the issues surrounding our hobby. No matter what, they are always interesting. Thank you so much to Dave for all his hard work!!!
- I love, love the idea of getting my hands on new books and seeing other bloggers’ takes on them. Commenting on and sharing their reviews is important to me. It allows me to share my love of reading.
- Blogging inspired me to get a Little Library in my front yard. It’s always fun to see what kinds of books people pick up from the library and what people leave.
Paul's Picks 
Great post! 🙂
Most of the above really and also that reviewing books helps me to refine my critical skills!
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I totally agree!
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Great Post! I’ve found that writing reviews can be tricky, how much do we give away? Its the fine art of saying more than just the blurb, making it relatable, and yet leading the reader to want more or to understand your thoughts and feelings without actually spoiling the book! I’m completely with you on finding the right balance. What have you found the most rewarding and most difficult thing about book blogging in such a busy online community?
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Thanks for stopping by!
My rule of thumb is to not go past a third of the book in regards to plot points in my review.
I love the community and feeling that I’m getting to read books before they come out.
It’s difficult for me to write reviews at time when I just want to keep reading. Ha!
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That’s a good rule of thumb to follow!! My past couple of reviews I have felt it impossible to go beyond 1/3, 1/2 as otherwise I do feel as though I would be giving away too much.
Absolutely, that’s my problem too!!!! I’m like ‘I’ll write my review on x, and y just after I’ve read this chapter of z … 😂😂😂’
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Ha!!!
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My fav part is probably the community. I really enjoy chatting with all my fellow book lovers and interacting with authors and publishers. Not something I ever thought I’d be able to do ten years ago or more.
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Agreed, I’m happy to have found a little niche and get a style that works for me.
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These are all great points, I love this community too! And routine is everything. Bloggers who work full time really have to get creative in squeezing in reading and blogging time, so for me if my routine is changed, that stuff just doesn’t get done. Here’s to more happy years of blogging😁
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Thanks so much, Tammy!
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I agree! I especially liked your number 3 – “Never tag authors in bad reviews!” I hope you did not learn that one from a bad experience.
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Thankfully, no. I had a lot of other bloggers guide me away from that.
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I am so happy that I met you. I love that we get to chat about books often and share our mutual appreciation for graphic novels.
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Thanks so much, Beth. It mean a lot being a part of this wonderful community.
Let me know when/if you want to do another buddy read:)
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