Meet The Blogger - Bookshelf Banter

Welcome to the 1st Meet The Blogger of July! Am so glad you've come along to read the Q&A for this week.

This week's answers come from Krystal, one of the admin crew* of Bookshelf Banter, Nightshade Nexus, Incarceron Insider and one of the main volunteers on Twilight Series Theories. Check them and enjoy!

When did you start blogging?
I first started blogging when I began working with Twilight Series Theories, in May/June 2008.

What made you start blogging?
I kind of just fell into it. I was a huge fan of the Twilight books, but, at the time, did not know anyone who had read them. I found Twilight Series Theories while searching for Twilight podcasts on iTunes. I liked that their show was from an adult perspective, as most of the other ones I'd listened to sounded like a group of junior high kids talking over each other. I started sending in Twilight-related news articles I found to Kallie, the site owner, and she asked me if I'd like to work on the site. In the past three years, we've also worked on a few other blogs: Bookshelf Banter, Nightshade Nexus, and Incarceron Insider.

What was the first book you reviewed for your blog and what was your reaction to it?
The first book I recommended for our TST book of the month was "Poison Study" by Maria V. Snyder, but the first book I did a review for on Bookshelf Banter was "The Iron King", by Julie Kagawa.

When was the first time you realised you were a Book Blogger?
Probably when we first launched Bookshelf Banter (about a year ago). I'd worked on TST for a couple of years at that point, but the work was more about Twilight book and movie news, rather than reviews.

How much of your time a week do you spend blogging?
AHAHAH! I don't know why I started laughing hysterically. Sorry. How much time...A lot! At least three or four hours a day, but this increases dramatically when there is a Twilight book or movie being released. Then we have a deluge of news coming in and are trying to catch up!

Has your taste in book genres changed since starting the blog?
Yes, actually. I read YA almost exclusively now. I read some YA growing up, but around high school onward I was almost always reading adult fiction. Then Twilight came out, and the book world exploded! The quality and quantity of YA novels is really extraordinary now, so much so that I can never catch up with it! I am constantly adding more books to my to-be-read pile. And have I mentioned the covers? There is some truly incredible YA book art out there right now. Just gorgeous!

What book are you reading at the moment?
I am reading "Divergent" by Veronica Roth, which I'm sure you are happy about, Andrew! I've heard wonderful things about it, and am so glad to finally be reading it. Next on my list is "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray and "Crossed" by Ally Condie.

What book has got you very excited or made you cry?
I'm always super-excited when a sequel comes out from a series I really love. Right now I can't wait for Bloodlines, Wolfsbane, Lola and the Boy Next Door, and Tiger's Voyage! As far as crying goes, the last book I read was "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys, and I think I bawled my eyes out. If you haven't read it, I suggest checking out her author video online. It is so amazing! You know a book is going to be good when the book trailer makes you cry.

Have you read any book that you disliked so much you threw it across the room?
Sort of. I had that reaction to Eclipse, though it is my favorite book in the series. When Bella kissed Jacob, I wanted to scream at her and throw the book across the room, but I like that I had such a strong reaction to it. I have a bad reaction whenever I try to read or watch Wuthering Heights. It's supposed to be this great work of art, but I just don't get it. It makes me want to pull my hair out.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to take part or what to set up a book blog?
You are going to spend countless hours working on your blog, so make sure it's in a subject you really, really love! Also, you can write critical reviews, but be respectful and thoughtful about it. Make friends, work with other sites! That's the best thing about doing a blog, the connections you make with other people all around the world. You'll build up a network of friends that you can bond with, which is really the best perk there is :)

Now, to ask five fun quick-fire questions. What song are you listening to right now?
"Darkness on the Edge of Town" by Bruce Springsteen. He rules! And his lyrics are like ear candy.

MySpace, Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter! The other week I saw a post that said "Facebook is for lying to friends, Twitter for telling the truth to strangers" or something like that. Facebook is great for keeping up with friends I already have, but I've made so many new friends, especially blogger ones, on Twitter.

Hardback, paperbacks or eBooks?
Hardbacks. Paperbacks to travel. But if someone gave me a Nook, I'm sure I'd see the digital light ;)

Letters, phone, texting or emailing?
Emailing.

Zombies or unicorns?
Unicorns, of course! It IS YOTU, Year of the Unicorn. But I would love to see a zombie unicorn!



*I made a mistake so CORRECTION TIME: Krystal isn't the main person in charge. It's Kallie who owns and is in charge of the sites. I misremembered while I was typing it up. The mistake Is mine. Morale of this story: ALWAYS CHECK YOUR FACTS!