Featured Blogger: Heather from Based on a True Story

Today please welcome Heather, who blogs at Based on a True Story.

What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

I tell stories about my life from my perspective. I'm allowed to embellish though.

How long have you been blogging?

Since 2004 and since 2005 on this site.

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

I review books but my blog isn't limited to that. I quilt. I write weekly fitness reviews. I also talk my family and pets. Sometimes I go off on rants.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I read everything. Fiction, nonfiction, all genres. I write most often about urban fantasy, historical fiction, and nonfiction. I'm sure there is some deep reason for that but mostly I wish there was magic and I like history. My brain just wants to be entertained.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Nope! I get all my books from the library and they frown on that.

What's your favorite place to read or blog?

In bed.

What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?

I've learned the joys and challenges of tracking what I read. I've been tracking locations of my books for a few years to increase where I read. This year I'm working on reading translations and authors of color.

Do you judge a book by its cover, or its lover?

I'm a sucker for a good cover.

One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?

I hated Catcher in the Rye and Of Mice and Men and Great Expectations.

To DNF or not to DNF?

I ruthlessly DNF. Life's too short to suffer through boring books.

If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?

I'm actually going to Bath in 2015 because of all the Regency romances I've read.

How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?

Quilting, vegetarian cooking, walking

Thank you for joining us today, Heather! Remember to check out Heather's blog, Based on a True Story, and leave a comment or question.

Featuring Suzy of Fiction Dreams

Today please welcome Suzy Turner, who blogs at Fiction Dreams.

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What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

Fiction Dreams was about day dreaming about books and fiction. Dreaming about all those wonderful stories out there.

How long have you been blogging?

Probably about 8 years or so but Fiction Dreams is still in its infancy - I created it last summer (2013)

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

Fiction Dreams specialises in books by women and/or for women. I've always loved women's fiction, whether it's chick lit, YA urban fantasy, romance, drama, historical or even horror and more! I've always tended to be drawn to books written by women so I wanted a place to celebrate those awesome women.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I am actually an author as well as a book blogger so I tend to read and write the same genres - chick lit and YA. However, since starting Fiction Dreams, I have read a lot more different genres and I find my tastes are far wider today than they were before. I've recently been introduced to the New Adult genre and I love it! 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

I remember reading a book called Z for Zachariah when I was a kid. It had quite an impact on me at the time. In fact, I've just ordered it. I can't wait to see what I think of it so many years later!

What was the first book you read over and over, or the book you've reread the most?

The book I've re-read the most is actually Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. Surprisingly it's not the kind of book I would have imagined enjoying but whenever I pick it up, I can't put it down!

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

No, no no no no!! A book should be cared for and looked after. The only writing I agree with is an autograph!

What's your favorite place to read?

If it's not too hot or cold, I like to sit in my hammock in the garden and read. But otherwise, I love to curl up on the sofa. We are building a new summer house at the moment and I have a feeling that might become my new book nook :)

Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?

Well, my Kindle of course! I'm obsessed with it. What a fantastic invention. Note: I still adore my paperbacks too though. Oh, and my special Kindle cover which has a light attached to it so I can read at night and not bother my husband!

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

... full of books I haven't read yet. Since starting Fiction Dreams, I've been reading so many books on my Kindle that I haven't had time to read all those lovely paperbacks.

My TBR pile is...

... HUGE! And I'm so happy about that. I just adore having all these awesome books piling up reading for me to review :)

What's a book that's changed your life?

I'd actually say Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Not because it was so utterly spellbindingly amazing (which I admit to feeling at the time!), but because it kind of encouraged me to get off my butt (or on my butt) and start my own writing career.

One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?

The Time Traveller's Wife. I just could not get into it. Everybody else was raving about how awesome it was and when I read the synopsis, I figured it would totally be my kind of book. But nah... just wasn't, for some reason. *shrugs shoulders*

To DNF or not to DNF?

Life's too short to do stuff you don't enjoy so if I'm reading something that just isn't singing to me, then I'll stop reading. I used to feel guilty about it, but not any more. It's my time... I want to enjoy my time :)

What's one book that intimidates you?

War and Peace. Say no more.

If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?

Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, no question! In fact, I've just booked my next holiday where I get to visit them in Orlando!! YAY!! So excited... *almost falls off seat*

How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?

Watch my favourite TV shows and movies. At the moment I'm obsessed with Elementary, The Hart of Dixie, Castle. I'm even obsessed with Say Yes to the Dress!!
I'm also a huge yoga fan. I started 4 months ago because of a bad back and I'm like a new woman! I LOVE it :)

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

The Devil Wears Prada was pretty awesome - it was just as good on screen as off, which is unusual. The Bridget Jones books too.
I recently watched Vampire Academy (I haven't actually read the books yet though) and I was very disappointed.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

• Books a la Mode
• Girls Love to Read
• Parajunkee 

What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

The All-Rounder


Thank you for joining us today, Suzy! Remember to check out Suzy's blog, Fiction Dreams, and leave a comment or question.

Featuring: Blodeuedd of Book girl of Mur-y-Castell

Today please welcome Blodeuedd, 

who blogs at Book girl of Mur-y-Castell.

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What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

Sometimes I wish I had chosen something easier, but at least I am unique. Blodeuedd, the name I use, lived at Mur-y-Castell in Welsh tales.

How long have you been blogging?

I am going on 5 years now. I did blog personally before that though, so...10 years.

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

I, oh I do not know, I just got a style of my own. Not too long and like I am talking to a buddy. I also review a wide range of books and it's mostly reviews on my blog.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

I love many but I do think 3 are the most read on my blog. Fantasy because I adore it over everything else. Urban fantasy because it is so kick-ass, and historical romance because I love that it's light and fun (the rest of the space is occupied by historical fiction, fiction, contemporary romance and paranormal romance).

What's your earliest memory of reading?

Sitting at the library looking through books on a warm summer day and borrowing lots.

What was the first book you read over and over, or the book you've reread the most?

That would me Magician by Raymond E. Feist. Before I got overwhelmed by my TBR pile I reread it very summer.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

NO! If it's not a textbook for school.

What's your favorite place to read?

My comfy bed.

Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?

...bookmarks.

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

Over crowded.

My TBR pile is...

HUGE.

What's a book that's changed your life?

I can't say that any book changed my life but I can go with Magician by Feist, because that got me to start reading only English books.

One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?

I really can't say there is any book like that, maybe I know too many different kinds of readers.

To DNF or not to DNF?

Before no, now YES! I have too many books to read books that suck.

What's one book that intimidates you?

I would say Outlander, because there are so many of them so I go all, sighs, it would take so long.

If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?

A tough one because there is not really any destination like that...but if it can be one that is not real then anything in Middle Earth.

How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?

Then I watch tv or spend way too much time online.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Least favorite is any attempt at Dune by Frank Herbert. My favorite must be Lord of the Rings.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Between dreams and reality
Boeklogboek
The geeky blogger's book blog

What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

The 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.

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Thank you for joining us today, Blodeuedd! 

Remember to check out Blodeuedd's blog, Book girl of Mur-y-Castell, 

and leave a comment or question.

Laura from Little Read Riding Hood

Please welcome Laura, who blogs at Little Read Riding Hood. Laura's blog is know for fantasy, paranormal, and UF reviews.

Questions:


How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging since March of 2012. It is the longest running hobby I've ever had (other than reading of course!)




What's your earliest memory of reading?

I don't know about my earliest memory, but I do know that when I was younger my parents would have to ground me from reading because that was the only thing they could take away that would really hurt. "Go to your room!" "No TV!" Etc, and my answer was "Ok, I'll read!" My mom still feels bad about that!




Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Oh hell no! My books are pristine. I can barely tolerate a bent spine. Which is why ebooks have been so handy to me :-)




To DNF or not to DNF?

Honestly, for a long time I was anti DNF. But the longer I blog and the more I read, I have realized there are too many good books out there. Why should I have to force myself to pick up the book I am currently reading? If I am not excited about it by about 40%, or at least even interested in the story, then I DNF. I will say on the blog and goodreads why I DNF'ed, but I don't give it a star rating.




What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

"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, Laura! Remember to check out Laura's blog, http://littlereadridinghood.com, and leave a comment or question.

Colette from A Buckeye Girl Reads

Please welcome Colette, who blogs at A Buckeye Girl Reads. Colette's blog is known for romance reviews.

Questions:


NAME OF MY BOOK BLOG(S): A Buckeye Girl Reads

I HAVE BEEN BLOGGING SINCE: I have been book blogging for almost 4 years now! I can't believe it's been that long. :)

GENRES COVERED MOST ON MY BLOG: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

THE BOOK I HAVE RE-READ THE MOST TIMES: It's a tie between The Gift By Julie Garwood, Till Dawn Tames The Night by Megan McKinney, and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.

MY BOOKSHELVES ARE: A hot mess!

MY TBR LIST/PILE IS: Ever growing! Here are some books in TBR: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, The Atlantis Series by Gena Showalter, Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson, Smoke & Bones by Lani Taylor, Insurgent by Veronica Roth, Hallowed & Boundless by Cynthia Hand, Sever by Lauren DeStefano,

A BOOK THAT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE IN SOME WAY: Touched By An Alien by Gini Koch. I picked it by chance, loved it & devoured the whole series. It led me to be Gini's assistant, which I love doing!

A BOOK I LIKE THAT NO ONE ELSE SEEMS TO: Twilight. (The books are so much better then the movies!)

A BOOK I DON’T LIKE THAT EVERYONE ELSE SEEMS TO LOVE: P.S. I Love You by Cecila Ahern and Eat, Pray, Love

IF I COULD GO TO ANY LITERARY DESTINATION I WOULD CHOOSE: Hogwarts!

MY FAVORITE BOOK TO MOVIE ADAPTATION: Hm. The Hunger Games is the first movie that popped into my head. I think I was just so surprised that it followed the book at all & did a semi-good job with casting. (Although Peeta was so much more likable in the books!)

MY LEAST FAVORITE BOOK TO MOVIE ADAPTATION: P.S. I Love You-I watched the movie as part of a reading challenge, and they changed the main characters nationality to an American!

MY MUST-READ BLOGS (PLEASE LIMIT TO 3): Truth, Beauty, Freedom & Books, Hanging With Bells & boeklogboek

MY READING PERSONALITY (http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/) IS:
Serial Reader:
You may read a lot or a little, but either way you're a publisher's dream, because once you discover a favorite writer you stick with him/her through thick and thin and eagerly await the next in the series; but even you need to discover some new blood from time to time!



Thank you for joining us today, Colette! Remember to check out Colette's blog, A Buckeye Girl Reads, and leave a comment or question.