Incase you haven't already, check out Bella Aire's fabulous blog: The Not So Closet Geeks! The first contest I ever won was on this blog, and trust me, I never win anything! NSCG features reviews of the latest ya lit, guest blogs, author interviews, contests, and much more! BLOGGER PROFILE
Alias: Bella Aire Holland
Name: I'm keeping this one a secret, but I will say that I picked the "Holland" part of my alias in honor of my real name...
Blog Name & URL: The Not So Closet Geeks (http://not-so-cg.blogspot.com/)
How Long Have You Had Your Blog Up and Running?
Hmmm. I began our Myspace page in June '08, but it lay dormant for several months. It wasn't until I created the BlogSpot in October '08 that I started reviewing seriously (and semi-frequently).
What Prompted You To Start Your Blog?
There were tons of contributing factors. But the bottom line is that I, an over-the-top bibliophile, stumbled across Book Chic's MySpace page in the summer of '08. Before then, I had never seen a reviewing site of any sort. It was all the inspiration I needed. I was already reading the books and giving my friends books and suggestions. In fact, I'm pretty sure my bookshelf was busier than the local library that summer. I figured, why not make my suggestions and thoughts more permanent and open? But I wouldn't stop at that. I proceeded to drag in my bookish friends as well. They are very grateful though they may, at times, profess otherwise.
In 20 words or less, tell us what we can find on your blog:
Reviews, interviews, contests, guest blogs, Name Games, Geek Fest, Spring '09, random updates, and much more!
Stranded on an island (or the airport, in an elevator, etc), which 3 books do you HAVE to have:
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - I'll admit it, I'm a bit of an Eyrehead. I read this first in fifth grade and have never stopped loving it. Romance, Mystery, and Morality. Love, Intrigue, and Social Commentary. What is there not to love?
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand-I read this book earlier this year and was blown away. Talk about an original perspective on life! Ayn Rand's philosophy is so out-there and unique that I could spend years on my island just trying to understand the basics.
The Jacky Faber Series by LA Meyer-I cheated a bit with this one. But trust me, if I ever wound up stranded anywhere, you'd better believe that I'd have smuggled in some extra books. This is my current favorite YA series. It's been holding first place in my heart for a few years now. This book is so different from the other YA adventurous-girl-pirate books, and Jacky is without a doubt the most entertaining heroine I've ever read about. These books make me laugh a ton and even cry some. What is even more remarkable is that LA Meyer is Louis A. Meyer- a guy! How he gets the girl perspective so right is beyond me. And I'm also slightly obsessed with Joseph Jared. But you don't want to get me started on that.
Top 5 Books on your Wishlist (want to read but don't have yet):
A few of these aren't published yet, but that's alright...Storm Glass- Maria V Snyder (came out about a week ago)Rapture of the Deep (A Jacky Faber Novel)- LA Meyer (Fall '09)Mastiff- Tamora Pierce (2010)Catching Fire- Suzanne Collins (Fall '09)Green Rider Series Book 4- Kristen Britain (This one may take awhile...)
All of these authors come with my highest recommendation.
What advice would you give to new bloggers?
Blog for the love of blogging and not for ulterior motives. Whenever I see a blogger say that they began reviewing only for the free books (and I have seen this, believe it or not), I cringe. For one, they aren't really free. Reviews take time and (for me) a dedication to remaining organized. I see it more as an exchange.
For those who really want to make the most of reviewing, do your best to make connections not only with authors, but also with their publishing houses. And don't forget your fellow bloggers! In my opinion, bloggers are incredible people. I love getting to know them. In fact- if you're a blogger, and you just want to say "hi", etc- my email is not_so_cg[at]yahoo[dot]com. I love meeting new people.
Think about the people reading your blog. Do you have a target audience? Always keep them in mind.
GRAMMAR. I certainly have slip-ups, but please do your best to keep your grammar (and spelling) in good shape. Blogs written in text-speak give me headaches.
And most importantly in the first few weeks/months: get your name out there. Leave relevant comments on reviews, host contests where posting about the contest earns extra entries, etc. But never push or attempt to advertise your blog on other people's blog (Ex: Leaving a "Hi, everyone! This is ___ of ____. Come to my blog here at ___!" comment is definitely pushy advertising and usually seen as rude.) Sometimes new bloggers make faux pas when they really mean no harm.
That was probably more advice than anyone actually wants to read, but that's alright.
What is one thing you think everyone should know about your blog OR What sets your blog apart from others like it?
What sets us apart: Range. Right now, the NSCG site has 9 reviewers. About 4 review frequently, but I still hold out hope for the rest of them. The NSCG reviewers are diverse in every sense of the word. I think this gives us a greater variety in perspective and opinion. Plus, it means I am able to assign a book to the person who is most likely to enjoy it the most. In the past, I've done "double" or "with a note" reviews where another reviewer (usually me), adds in their take on the book or on a particular place in the book. This way our reader can see through a different pair of eyes. I believe this gives both the book and the reader an advantage. I highly recommend that frequent readers take note of which reviewers share their tastes in reading most- this will help readers figure out which books they will truly enjoy.
Thank you so much for having me, Reviews of Young Adult Literature!
And thanks to you Bella Aire for participating in this month's featured blogger profile!!!
Check out the The Not So Closet Geeks today! Comment on this post and/or become a follower of NSCG and get an extra entry in my Book of the Month giveaway for May! (Just be sure to let me know you did so when I post the contest!)
9 comments:
Great advice. :)
Great interview, and thanks for the mention! Glad I could inspire you. :) That makes my day!
I love the term Eyrehead! I'm going to have to use that one! :)
I love the advice for new bloggers. Very helpful
I definitely need to read Jane Eyre. I think I'm one of the only few who haven't.
Great advice!
I read Jane Eyre in fifth grade too!! What a coincidence. :)
Dude, I commented twice. Well... let's ignore that. (I think I was really tired there, lol, because I don't remember the first comment.)
Awesome advice!
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