Featuring: Arya of Arya the Fangirl

Today please welcome Arya, who blogs at Arya the Fangirl.

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


In my webpage class in high school we had code names so our work could be published without other students being able to judge an individual based on their skill level. Mine happened to be Arya. I added fangirl because I am proud of that title. If I love something everyone is going to know it!


How long have you been blogging?
I have been blogging on my current blog for 3 months now!

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
I think my book blog is unique because I read a large variety of books. My blog reflects my reading taste and I try to read and enjoy as many genres and topics as I can. I post on books from Middle Grade to Adult.


What genres do you write about most, and why?
The most written about topic on my blog is romance. :P What can I say I am a hopeless romantic! 
Besides romance I also love books that deal with real life issues.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?
I don't write in books that are for enjoyment. I have and will continue to write in textbooks for school. It happens to be so much help for me!


What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?
Community and comments are the best things ever! Everyone has been so nice and I love hearing from everyone! Share The Love!!!


Do you judge a book by its cover, or its lover?
I have friends who love to read if they recommend a book to me than I will for sure at least try to read it.
If I see an eye catching cover than I am drawn to pick it up and at least read the blurb. I've never bought a book just because of the cover!


What's one book that intimidates you?
War and Peace! The concept is something I know I would be in to but its so long and there is never enough time in the world!


If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?
Hmm! Is Hogwarts too cliche?


How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
I am a t.v. series junkie! If I'm not reading than I am binge watching a show! I recently also found Gimp and I love making blog buttons and banners and other assortments of creations.


Thank you for joining us today, Arya! Remember to check out Arya's blog, Arya the Fangirl, and leave a comment or question below!

Featuring: Jenny from Reading on the Farm

Today please welcome Jenny, who blogs at Reading on the Farm.  She's a newbie so be sure to welcome her to the community!

What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?
I live on a 10 acre farm with a lot of animals - cows, goats and chickens not to mention my indoor pets. So when I was looking for a name to express my love of reading and also show how much living on a farm is a part of my life, Reading on the Farm just seemed to fit.


How long have you been blogging?
It's been about 5 months now. I didn't even know about the book blogging community before the beginning of the year, which is surprising considering i've been an avid reader for so many years. When I discovered all these great book bloggers that were so excited about sharing their love of reading, I knew I had to become a part of that community. And it's been wonderful. Everyone has been so helpful and supportive and i've really been enjoying myself!


Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
I really want a visitor to come away from my blog with the idea that I take reviewing books seriously. I really take my time trying to give a reader an honest look at what worked and didn't work for me with a book. When I started reading book blogs, what I was looking for was recommendations. I loved this book - what should I read next? So I hope i've set up a place that's easy to use, where you can find the next book you would like to read.


What genres do you write about most, and why?
Mostly Young Adult books, although lately I've been doing a few New Adult here and there. I feel like YA books are focused on such a pivotal point in a person's life. There's so many things that you experience for the first time at that age, and it's a time where the direction of your life and how you feel about the world is getting developed. There's also such a wealth of wonderful authors writing for that genre.


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?
Hmm, I've gotten myself into the idea that I need to post 5-6 days a week every week, and some weeks that's not realistic. I have a family and a lot of things going on outside of blogging, as I'm sure everyone does, so some weeks it's just not possible. I just try and remind myself that I started this to have fun and connect with other bloggers and readers. No one's going to be mad if I miss a day or even a week of posting!


What's one book you think everyone should read?
I am a huge fan of Maggie Stiefvater. I grew up riding horses and the first book of hers that I read was The Scorpio Races. I recommend that book to everyone ever, whether you like YA or not. I just connected with that book on such a personal level. Also, she is such a wonderful writer and I'm always blown away by her books.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?
Ummm NO! It just feels like such blasphemy to me! I'm the kind of person who doesn't even bend corners to save her place so writing in a book is definitely off the table!

One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?
A lot of people seem to love The 5th Wave and I just . . .kind of hated it. I didn't think the writing was that great, and I just couldn't get into the story. Kind of makes me feel like the odd one out, but it wasn't for me!


To DNF or not to DNF?
I used to say no to DNF'ing a book. But as I've gotten more and more books on my TBR pile, I do DNF a book occasionally. I just don't have time to keep reading a book that I absolutely hate. I will give every book a fair shot though, I read at least 30% before I DNF.


What's one book that intimidates you?
A lot of the classics still intimidate me. I read a lot of them in high school but I see a lot of people still love to read them now, and I haven't picked one up in years. I'd like to try and read some Jane Austen within the next year or so.

How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
Well, most of the time I'm running around with my kids. But I love to knit and crochet even though i'm not great at either, and I love spending time with my animals. Living on a farm requires a bunch of upkeep, so generally I'm trying to fix fences or clean out the chicken coop. I don't watch much tv, the only show I've really been able to get into was Game of Thrones, and that's only because I started reading the books a long time ago.


What are 3 favorite posts or reviews you've read by other book bloggers?
Cuddlebuggery Review: Throne of Glass
Perpetual Page Turner - You mean I have to work at this?
Jenna Does Books - Make it a Movie Monday

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


Thank you for joining us today, Jenny! Remember to check out Jenny's blog, Reading on the Farm, and leave a comment or question for Jenny below!

Featuring: Debra of The Book Enthusiast

Today please give a warm welcome to Debra, who blogs at The Book Enthusiast.

What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?
I'm just crazy about books and talking about them. I can chat someone's ear off if they give me the chance! :)


How long have you been blogging?
I started the Facebook page in Nov. 2012 but really started seriously in January 2013.


Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
I think what makes our blog unique is that we really do focus on the indie author. New authors are given a shot yet we try to sprinkle in the more popular authors as well.


What genres do you write about most, and why?
There are a lot of bloggers now on The Book Enthusiast and overall we review books with a romance theme I guess. We all have very different tastes in books. I know I personally will read/review almost anything.


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?
When I first started blogging I felt pressure to review everything I was asked to review. I was all by myself and I just couldn't take the pressure and put the call out there for some help. I was so so fortunate in getting a group of ladies that are awesome, loyal and love blogging as much as I do. We respect each other and we all contribute to the blog in our own way. I feel very lucky in finding such amazing women to work with.


What's one book you think everyone should read?
That is like the toughest question to answer. Near impossible. However, I would say Sempre by JM Darhower and its follow up Sempre Redemption.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?
I guess I do when the book is like epic. But normally no.

What's your favorite place to read or blog?
I don't really have a favorite place. I just fit it in when I can.


Is Amazon.com the evil empire? Discuss.
I don't think it's an evil empire - without it we don't really have ebooks and the indie author isn't able to get their work out there on such a huge stage.

As with any company I think they can improve. The biggest thing is the 7 day return policy they have in place. I've learned lot about the back end of things since blogging and for a 99 cent book I think an author earns something like 15 cents after all the fees. 

Samples are provided to readers so I think there really isn't a need for a 7 day return policy. I can see having a one day return policy because mistakes do happen - I've purchased a book once by mistake. It's easy to do but 7 is extreme. I can read like 3 books in 7 days.


Book shelfie time! Take a "shelfie" of your bookshelves and share it with us.



What have you learned from other bloggers or your readers?
I've learned a ton! Most of it is probably boring stuff for the average reader but overall I think most bloggers are willing to help each other out. I know often there is a lot of negative thrown out there on Facebook but no one ever shares the positive.

I have a promotions site and I work with a ton of bloggers daily. I've not had a bad experience with any blog. I think if you are nice to people they are nice back - that goes for life in general, not just blogging. :)


Do you judge a book by its cover, or its lover?
Oh I'm a cover whore! I'm drawn in by covers but the blurb needs to be strong. The combination of the two can really help an author sell books and create interest.


One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?
How To Kill a Rockstar? by Tiffanie DeBartolo is a book that I just don't see or hear about often. I can't say it's a book no one likes but just not talked about a lot with the bloggers/readers I know. However, it is an awesome book and I highly recommend it.


To DNF or not to DNF?
I've only ever had one book I just couldn't finish. I always try to finish each book.


What's one book that intimidates you?
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.


If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?
I totally want to go to London so there are a few books I've read that part of the reason I love them so much is because they take place in or around London.


How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
Between my promotions, work, and blogging they take up a lot of my time, but when I just need a break I love spending time with my nieces an nephew. They keep me laughing! :)


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?
I tend to think the books are better period. However, the Twilight series is probably the most popular "book to movie" movies I've seen recently that were just bad. 

I thought the first one was the best and as they got bigger and bigger the movies just got worse. Sorry. I LOVED the series but the movies just didn't do it for me - although I saw them all.


What are 3 favorite posts or reviews you've read by other book bloggers?
Sorry I don't read reviews on other sites. I just don't have time.


What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)
I'm the Serial Reader!


Thank you for joining us today, Debra! 
Remember to check out Debra's blog, The Book Enthusiast, and leave a comment or question for her below!

Featuring: MaryAnn and Gabby from Chapter By Chapter

Today we want to welcome MaryAnn and Gabby, a mother-daughter team, who blog at Chapter by Chapter.


How long have you been blogging?
We have been blogging for almost 3 years. We started September of 2011.


Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
We are a mother and daughter blogging duo. Sometimes, you will find a dual review of the same book where we both provide our own thoughts about the title. Depending on the book that is being reviewed, you will get the thoughts of either a teen or an adult.


What's your earliest memory of reading?
MaryAnn: My earliest memory was back in elementary school (I want to say Grade 3). I was reading a book (I can't remember what it was) under my desk while the teacher was talking up front by the chalkboard. She busted me, came to my desk, grabbed my book and threw it against the chalkboard and I had to put my head down for the rest of the class. I've run into people that were in my class that day, and they STILL remember that happening. 

Gabby: My earliest memory was when I was in Grade 4 and my mom's box set of Twilight was so intriguing. I decided to read the series and read them in a matter of days. That's what actually got me hooked on reading!


What's your favorite place to read?
MaryAnn: In my bad surrounded by pillows and my blanket.

Gabby: My bed because it's really comfy...you know...warm.


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...
MaryAnn: hella full...

Gabby: FULL!

My TBR pile is...
MaryAnn: Ever growing...

Gabby: Big...

To DNF or not to DNF?
MaryAnn: Def. DNF. Why suffer through something that you can't finish...

Gabby: To DNF because sometimes you just can't do it!


If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?
MaryAnn: BEA because I seriously need to experience it!

Gabby: BEA because it sounds awesome!


How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
MaryAnn: I play the piano

Gabby: I write


What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)
MaryAnn: The All-Rounder

Gabby: The Exacting Eclectic Reader


Thank you for joining us today, ladies! Remember to check out MaryAnn and Gabby's blog, Chapter by Chapter, and leave a comment or question for them!

Infantina from Periodical Gazette

Today please welcome Infantina, who blogs at Periodical Gazette.

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

Seriously, i am not sure how to answer this question.The name of my blog came into my mind randomly.As my blog is a journal of book reviews that I post at a certain interval. I kept it's name as Periodical Gazette.

How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging since March 2013.

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

I blog about both fiction and non-fiction books.I guess this makes my blog unique.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Mostly I review general fiction, horror novels, contemporary romance , YA and plan to review much more in the future. In terms of non-fiction, I review motivational and inspirational books only as for now.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

My earliest memory of reading is when I was my 7 years old though I don't remember much of it.

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

That would be A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith which I brought from my college library last year and A Hole in the World by Sid Hite when I was 13 years old.

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

Actually there are four books, three novels which I couldn't get off my mind:  A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith, The Promise by Nikita Singh, House of the Lost by Sarah Rayne.  In non-fiction, The Saint, the Surfer and the CEO by Robin Sharma.

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

When I'm not with books I usually hangout with my TV and listen to my favorite music over and over again.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Q&A by Vikas Swarup is my favorite novel that was made into a famous movie called Slumdog Millionaire by Danni Boyle.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Donnie Darko Girl
Whit's Book World
Alison Can Read

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

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, Infantina! Remember to check out Infantina's blog, Periodical Gazette, and leave a comment or question.