Today please welcome Darren, who blogs at Bart's Bookshelf.
What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?
I picked up the nickname Bart many years ago, and I liked the alliteration of Bart's Bookshelf.
How long have you been blogging?
I can't quite believe it, but since 2008!
Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
Well , I'm not sure about unique, but certainly male book-bloggers are in the minority, how different that makes my voice? I don't know...
What genres do you write about most, and why?
Well, it's not a genre, but certainly young adult books make up a large percentage of my reading, but as an actual genre, I'd probably say some form of fantasy or any of its sub-genres.
Every blogger feels pressure at some point. What's something you feel pressured to do or not do on your blog? How do you deal with it?
Honestly, can't say I've ever felt that much pressure, I've always kept the rule that blogging should be fun, and when its not, I step away.
That said, the last couple of years have seen a couple of blogging/reading slumps that have been hard work to get going again.
What's one book you think everyone should read?
Nation by Terry Pratchett
Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?
Nope!
What's your favorite place to read or blog?
Absolute favourite place? Tucked away in a quiet corner of a hotel bar, in some foreign clime for an hour or two before bed. :) As that unfortunately does't happen very often... Most of my reading is done on the bus.
Do you judge a book by its cover, or its lover?
Bit of both, blogging has brought some fantastic books into my life, but I am also easily seduced by a great cover!
One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?
I just couldn't get into The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?
Diagon Alley!
How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
I really enjoy trying different craft and real ales, it's definitely quality over quantity these days!
Music is also an important part of my life and I love going to see bands play live, when I can. I also seem to have developed an addiction to vinyl LPs again.
What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?
Least favourite, probably The Golden Compass. Favourite: The Lord of the Rings.
What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)
The All-Rounder
Your responses showed you fitting equally into all four reading personalities:
Involved Reader: You don't just love to read books, you love to read about books. For you, half the fun of reading is the thrill of the chase - discovering new books and authors, and discussing your finds with others.
Exacting Reader: You love books but you rarely have as much time to read as you'd like - so you're very particular about the books you choose.
Serial Reader: Once you discover a favorite writer you tend to stick with him/her through thick and thin.
Eclectic Reader: You read for entertainment but also to expand your mind. You're open to new ideas and new writers, and are not wedded to a particular genre or limited range of authors.
Thank you for joining us today, Darren ! Remember to check out 's blog, Bart's Bookshelf, and leave a comment or question.
I picked up the nickname Bart many years ago, and I liked the alliteration of Bart's Bookshelf.
How long have you been blogging?
I can't quite believe it, but since 2008!
Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
Well , I'm not sure about unique, but certainly male book-bloggers are in the minority, how different that makes my voice? I don't know...
What genres do you write about most, and why?
Well, it's not a genre, but certainly young adult books make up a large percentage of my reading, but as an actual genre, I'd probably say some form of fantasy or any of its sub-genres.
Every blogger feels pressure at some point. What's something you feel pressured to do or not do on your blog? How do you deal with it?
Honestly, can't say I've ever felt that much pressure, I've always kept the rule that blogging should be fun, and when its not, I step away.
That said, the last couple of years have seen a couple of blogging/reading slumps that have been hard work to get going again.
What's one book you think everyone should read?
Nation by Terry Pratchett
Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?
Nope!
What's your favorite place to read or blog?
Absolute favourite place? Tucked away in a quiet corner of a hotel bar, in some foreign clime for an hour or two before bed. :) As that unfortunately does't happen very often... Most of my reading is done on the bus.
Do you judge a book by its cover, or its lover?
Bit of both, blogging has brought some fantastic books into my life, but I am also easily seduced by a great cover!
One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?
I just couldn't get into The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?
Diagon Alley!
How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
I really enjoy trying different craft and real ales, it's definitely quality over quantity these days!
Music is also an important part of my life and I love going to see bands play live, when I can. I also seem to have developed an addiction to vinyl LPs again.
What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?
Least favourite, probably The Golden Compass. Favourite: The Lord of the Rings.
What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)
The All-Rounder
Your responses showed you fitting equally into all four reading personalities:
Involved Reader: You don't just love to read books, you love to read about books. For you, half the fun of reading is the thrill of the chase - discovering new books and authors, and discussing your finds with others.
Exacting Reader: You love books but you rarely have as much time to read as you'd like - so you're very particular about the books you choose.
Serial Reader: Once you discover a favorite writer you tend to stick with him/her through thick and thin.
Eclectic Reader: You read for entertainment but also to expand your mind. You're open to new ideas and new writers, and are not wedded to a particular genre or limited range of authors.
Thank you for joining us today, Darren ! Remember to check out 's blog, Bart's Bookshelf, and leave a comment or question.
Fun interview. Nice to get to know Darren a little better. His blog was one of the first I discovered when I started blogging (also 2008)
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great interview! I have never read a book by Terry Pratchett, but I think I really need to fix that!
ReplyDelete