Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads
This is a very exciting week in the world of books ~ the North American Book Publishing Industry is hosting the annual BEA Trade Show in New York City ~ many authors, book bloggers, and of course, publishers will be at BEA. Those of us bloggers who are not able to attend are participating in a week-long event entitled “Armchair BEA.” Around the book blogosphere you are likely to see interviews, introductions, giveaways and just some really cool topics on the subject of BOOKS. Today, those of us participating, have been asked to give an official “introduction.” Without further ado, here’s me
Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging?
I’m going to answer the questions backwards ~ working my way around to “who I am.” I’ve been blogging over 3 years, and I got started for probably the same reason most book review bloggers start ~ to talk to someone about the books I’ve read. My children were all teenagers with their own interests and the book club I was in at the time kind of floundered so I did the next best thing ~ I started a blog. Going back and reading some of my initial reviews and posts is quite an experience, but I’m so very glad I have stuck with blogging….though sporadic at times. I’m in awe of the bloggers who post daily and keep telling myself that ‘when I grow up, I’ll be just like ____!’ Which brings me to the next question ~
What is your favorite part about the book blogging community?
There are many things I love about the book blogging community but definitely first and foremost is the camaraderie. I realize there are different cliques of bloggers, but, for the most part, those I ‘hang around’ are some of the most kind-hearted, giving, and smart people I know. A couple of my favorite include Kathy from BermudaOnion (Kathy has sent me books she knew I would appreciate and met me at author events to ‘show me the ropes;’ a very, very lovely lady!) and Julie from Booking Mama (at BEA in 2011, I missed out on one of the lines for a sure-to-be knock-out book, Julie just came up to me and handed me an extra copy she received…she’s also pretty darned smart at picking children’s books!) And that’s just a couple of the fantastic bloggers I’ve met and consider friends over the years.
The short answer ~ the book blogging community is a tremendously giving and supportive community of exceptionally smart folks!
Wee Library in Downtown Park
Where in the world are you blogging from?
Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? Do you recall that show?!? I always thought it was so much fun!
Where in the world is The Novel Life? A small town in the North Georgia Mountains. Home to the first Gold Rush in the United States and gateway to the Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Mountains and wine country; Dahlonega is a small-town with a big heart…..and “gold in them hills!”
the old trestle bridge
waterwheel welcoming visitors to our town
What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2013?
My reading days have slacked off tremendously these past few weeks ~ recovering from judging the INSPYs down to the short-lists. But, I have been listening to the new Dan Brown thriller, Inferno and just finished this month’s book club selection by Isabel Allende, The House of Spirits. I have several books to catch up on and review….I’ll be posting my ‘to be read’ pile pictures to Instagram this week and those stacks are scary huge!
If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?
It’s ironic that this should be one of the questions asked for our introduction as I recently wrote A Love Letter to my all-time favorite author, Madeleine L’Engle. If I could spend even a few minutes with the author of such beloved novels A Wrinkle in Time and A Ring of Endless Light, oh my world would be ever so complete. Madeleine L’Engle passed away in September, 2007 at the age of 88. A lovely author and treasured storyteller – she is the epitome of all that is good in a person and a writer.
I look forward to meeting new book bloggers this week and connecting with those I’ve missed! Join us on our journey in celebrating all things books!
Happy Reading!