Meet The Blogger

Meet The Blogger is an idea I had a few weeks ago, where bloggers from all over the blogsphere answer some questions about blogging, what's it like to blog and random questions. After asking some bloggers - peeps I know and some who wanted to get involved - am going to do this. It will take place EVERY THURSDAY from now till I run out!

So, just to warm up (and just because), I decided to interview myself with these questions. I hope you like and I hope you return on Thursday to see the first OFFICIAL Meet The Blogger post!

When did you start blogging?
Just checked. My first blog post was on 19th August 2009.

What made you start blogging?
I can't really remember. I think it was to write about books and, also, to show off my writing. But then, the reading and reviewing took over.

What was the first book you reviewed for your blog and what was your reaction to it?
Just checked. It was Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins and Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater.

When was the first time you realised you were a Book Blogger?
I have no idea. I still feel like I'm acting as a Book Blogger. I was asked to go to Atom Books Blogger Event, which was cool. But I felt like I was conning people. I think it was after that when Atom actually sent my copies of books to review. I tweeted in shock and people were going "Well, you are a book blogger!". I think it was then that I thought, "Ok, so I'm a book blogger".

How much of your time a week do you spend blogging?
It depends. Some times, it's not long. But other times, it takes ages! But what's interesting is how I've changed my thinking. I seem to constantly be thinking "That would be cool for the blog!"

Has your taste in book genres changed since starting the blog?
I think I have become a bit brave with my reading now. I still read YA and sometimes adult novels (mostly crime). But I'm braver in trying new authors and tackling issues I would stay away from. Also, with publishers sending me books I wouldnd't normally have chosen for myself, it's opening my eyes to new ideas.

What book are you reading at the moment?
At the moment, am reading Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck, rereading Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling for a possible blog idea and am listening to the audiobook of A Discovery Of Witches by Deborah Harkness.

What book has got you very excited or made you cry?
I have never cried while reading a book. It's the same with laughing. Books I get excited over... Too many to mention! I do a happy dance every time I get a book sent to me!

Have you read any book that you disliked so much you threw it across the room?
YES! Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwall. I got to chapter 10 before I snapped. She used the word "says" every time someone spoke! But, saying that, because of that book, I discovered Kathy Reichs and I class her as one of my favourite crime writers.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to take part or what to set up a book blog?
DO IT! Be brave and do it! Also, be open to new ideas and chat to other bloggers. They are ALWAYS so helpful with ideas and questions you have! Also, if you're going to write a bad review of a book, be CONSTRUCTIVE! Don't just bad-mouth it!

Now, to ask five fun quick-fire questions. What song are you listening to right now?
"Monster" by Paramore.

MySpace, Facebook or Twitter?
Hmm... Facebook or Twitter... (never had a mySpace account). I like Twitter because it's fast and fun, but I like Facebook because of family and friends.

Hardback, paperbacks or eBooks?
Depends on the mood. I just got an Kindle so will slowly join the eBook side soon. But I like paperbacks. There's something nice about a battered paperback that shows that people have read and loved the story.

Letters, phone, texting or emailing?
er... Texting, though I do email a ton. I hate phoning people and it's rare I write a letter.

Zombies or unicorns?
I asked this question because I didn't want to ask whether people were Team Vampire or Werewolf. Plus, it's more interesting, this question. Am Unicorn, BTW. I fear the day when a Zombie-Unicorn Hybrid is created. Or, worse, when a Vampire-Unicorn comes into the fight...