Charleen Talks Overdone Romance

Today, we welcome Charleen of Cheap Thrills for a special guest post.  She is talking romance and relationships on a different level.  Please read on and share your own thoughts in the comments section.

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Romance is overdone. 

Perhaps it's not a popular opinion to have around Valentine's Day (or maybe it is, I don't know). But I, for one, am tired of the romances, tired of the love triangles, and ready to see more non-romantic relationships featured in fiction! 

I recently read Code Name Verity. While I didn't find it as amazing as a lot of people did, it's great for one thing in particular: it portrays an intensely strong friendship between two young women, a relationship that's stronger and more real than most romantic relationships I read about. One of the characters even makes the comment, "It's like being in love, discovering your best friend." 

And that's so true, isn't it? We have this term -- in love -- that we apply to romance. But what about all the other relationships? What about other kinds of love? Do they not get as much attention in fiction simply because we don't have easy words to talk about them? Because we have to work for it rather than falling back on clichés? 

Maybe that's unfair to authors, and certainly there are plenty of books in which a familial relationship takes center stage, or a friendship between men or between women. 

The one that I really miss, though, and want to see more of, is the platonic male-female relationship. These are practically non-existent. If there's a man and a woman, it's just easier to throw them together. Sometimes it's insta-love. Sometimes it's a will-they-won't-they scenario. But somehow, there has to be a romantic subplot. It's expected. It's what the readers want. 

But is it? 

I can only speak for myself, of course, but it's not what I want! Not all the time, anyway. It makes it harder to enjoy the story when I'm rolling my eyes and snarking to myself, "Hmm, didn't see that coming..." 

Which raises the question, do I really love seeing platonic relationships, or am I just so relieved it's not another romance? At this point, I don't care. I just want more. I want authors to push me to the point where I finish a book and think... 

"Another book without the slightest hint of romance?! Come on! These relationships do exist in real life! Why can't we see them more in fiction?" 

Here's to reading more books that celebrate all different kinds of love!

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Thank you Charleen for sharing your love of anti-love with us!  

Readers:  Tell us your thoughts on platonic relationships.  Do you want to see more?  Any book recommendations for those of us wanting more on the platonic front?

Featuring: Charlotte of A Place on the Bookshelf

Today please welcome Charlotte, who blogs at A Place on the Bookshelf.


How long have you been blogging?
5 months :)


Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
My blog not only features discussions about books and the odd review but I talk about my Creative Writing course at university and talk about other bits too - like crafts and fashion/beauty. Hopefully it appeals to many other bloggers out there!


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?
Yes! I love writing annotations in books, but then that's because I love the look of a used book and putting your own mark on things! When I was doing coursework in English at secondary school and we had to annotate books I got really excited...haha


What's your favorite place to read?
I love reading in bed or on the sofa with a blanket and a cup of tea. As long as I'm cosy and warm I'm happy to read there!


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...
Extremely full. But organised! At uni, I have one shelf of 'to be read', one shelf of 'read' and my last shelf is other things like plays and books for my course.


My TBR pile is...
Ridiculously large. But I will tackle it! I keep meaning to read certain books but then buy newer ones and forget about the ones I have left at home...


What's one book that intimidates you?
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace - it's around 1000 pages long and has footnotes that are endnotes, so you'd have to keep flicking back and forth to figure out what's going on. Eventually I will read it but reading something a little simpler is more motivating, especially during assignment time!


How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
I like to blog and do crafty things and watch a lot of TV and films...oops. At the moment I'm working on a Christmas stocking for my dog, Jack :) I also like to bake, although I haven't done that for a while. Most of my time is taken up with uni work though.


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?
My favourite ones are The Shawshank Redemption, The Great Gatsby, The Green Mile and Fight Club.


What are 3 of your must-read blogs?
A Bookish Heart
Hailes Heart Fashion
A Beautiful Mess


Thank you for joining us today, Charlotte!

Remember to check out Charlotte's blog, A Place on the Bookshelf, and leave a comment or question for her below!

Sorcha Discusses Review Requests & How to Handle Them

Please welcome Sorcha of Writing About Books.  She is here today to talk about her experiences with accepting books for review, from how potential authors and publishers can contact you as a blogger to deciding whether the review is right for you.  

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I have been receiving increasing numbers of contacts from writers and publishers with regards to reading and reviewing books. I therefore thought I’d share with you some of the things I’ve learnt along the way about handling contacts.

Have an “About” page on your site.

(Mine is here.)

This gives a brief summary about you as a person to let potential contacts know more about you. Share as little or as much information as you want, but I would suggest as a minimum:

• Include your approximate geographical location (America, Canada, UK, etc). This can have an affect on what items you can receive, tours you can take part in, etc. UK users can’t download ebooks from Amazon.com; publishers may be restricting tours to Australia or the Far East; paper copies of books may only be posted to UK or Europe addresses due to postage costs, etc. 
• Detail a way of contacting you. Your twitter ID. An email address – set up a separate address and have the emails forwarded to your proper address if you’re worried about spam. I wouldn’t recommend posting your physical home address online. 
• Have a link through to your Review Policy Page. 

Have a “Review Policy” page.

(Mine is here.)

This page should list what your rules are. Sometimes you will only change this to exclude something when it happens the first time and you want to prevent it happening again. So you need to cover:

• The books you do and don’t read/review. 
• Whether you charge for reviews. 
• What kind of reviews you will produce – if you charge for one, will you guarantee a 5* review? If you don’t, do you reserve the right to write a decent review, with whatever rating you feel like? 
• Whether you read only paper based books, or whether you also do ebooks (kindle, kobo, etc) and audiobooks. 
• How you accept requests – via email (point back to the “About page” or repeat it on this page), twitter, etc. 
• How you will NOT accept requests.
• I’ve had full page submissions posted into the comments section of my “about” page. That comment was promptly deleted, ignored, and my review policy updated accordingly to say I do not accept submissions via comments – I haven’t had one since. 
• I’ve had a request for a free review, sending me to a link where I can’t download the book. I replied back, declining to take forward, and the author wrote back a week later, asking again for free review, and sending me a link where I can get the book – at full price! This time I ignored him, and didn’t even reply. 

Handling Review Requests

First, know thyself.

• How fast can you read? Do you have other commitments that can take your time away from reading? How soon after reading can you produce a review? You don’t want to commit to a book and then not be able to deliver a review on time. 

Know your books.

• What have you already committed to? Do you know their publication dates? Are you able to read all the books you have already? 

When you know the answers to the above, you will already know the answer when you get another request come through for a review. Is it a book I like the sound of, and if so, do I have the time to read it?

• If the answer is “yes” reply politely and go “yes please!” Then work from there. Confirm the date the author would like a review up and published. Agree the format (e.g.mobi, pdf, paperbook). 
• If the answer is “I don’t know” then the answer really is “no.” If the answer is “no” reply to the request saying “no, sorry but thanks for asking.” Give whatever excuse/reason you are comfortable with, e.g. 
• I’m backed up with reviews. 
• Sorry, but I don’t think it’s my style of book and I don’t want to give you a bad review simply because I didn’t get on with it. 

Authors often want publicity as much as getting the book out there and reviewed. To take the sting out the tail of a “no thanks,” offer to hold an interview or giveaway. (Example interview and giveaway.)

Read and review the book.

• Know when the book is to be published, or the agreed date with the Author/publisher. 
• Read the book when you can. 
• Write the review and schedule it as close to the date agreed as possible. 
• As a reviewer, you are there, in part, to assist the author with sales or traffic. Wherever possible therefore, include links to where readers can buy the book and find the author, such as on Goodreads, Twitter and the related webpage for the book.

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Thank you Sorcha for a very informative article!

Readers:  Do you have any questions?  

Do you have any additional tips or suggestions that you would add to Sorcha's recommendations?

Featuring: Wesley of Library Educated

Today please welcome Wesley, who blogs at Library Educated.


What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?
The blog title comes from a quote by Ray Bradbury. His family was too poor to send him to college, so he went to the library several times a week, often for hours and read everything he could get his hands on. He said that this was a better education than he could have ever received at a school.


How long have you been blogging?
It hasn't been very long! I'd wanted to blog for awhile but had a couple of naysayers convince me that it would be a waste of everyone's time. This year I said "Whatever, I do what I want!" and started it. I'm so glad I did. Should have started sooner!


Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
I think 2 things make the blog unique.

First that a post is basically my review. I've seen book blogs where they copy and paste the amazon.com description and then review it in 2 sentences at the very end. How is that helpful?!

Secondly, that I review a wide range of books not just the most recent trendy books.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?
If it's a library book absolutely not. That book isn't yours! Use post-its!

If it's in my own book I usually am using highlighters for quotes. My copy of "Mere Christianity" is a yellow striped mess!


Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?
A comfy chair and the set of bookmarks my friend gave me for my birthday a few years ago. No dog eared pages in my apartment!


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...
surprisingly slim. I use the library so much that the amount of books that I do own are not overwhelming. If I own a book that means it gets my super stamp of approval, I'm exclusive like that!


My TBR pile is...
considerable. It's quixotic, I know I will never not have a big stack of intriguing books to read.


One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?
I can't get in to Jane Austen. I've tried a few times and just can't get into it. I kind of want to shake the people in the stories and be like "just be honest with each other and you'll avoid most of this mess!".


If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?
Uh, where wouldn't I go?

Paris, Ireland, Berlin, Japan, Greece, Italy...so many places that provide great settings for stories and wonderful writers.


How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
One of my favorite things to do is travel! Unfortunately it's an expensive hobby so it doesn't happen as much as I'd like. Right now I'm planning for celebrating my sister's 30th birthday in Mexico with her in Summer of 2014.

I also am pretty crafty (especially sewing) and I love watching movies and binge watching tv shows.


What are 3 of your must-read blogs?
Neroli Blossoms
101 Books
Travel Fashion Girl


What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)
I'm an all-arounder.I guess that's a good thing, right?

Your responses showed you fitting into three different personalities:

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 and eagerly await the next in the series.

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, Wesley! We enjoyed getting to know you and your blog!

Remember to check out Wesley's blog, Library Educated, and leave a comment or question below.

Suey on Swooning

I am so very excited to introduce Suey from It's All About Books today. When I first thought of scheduling fun romance-type discussions this month, Suey was the first person to come to mind. In particularly, Suey on Swooning! She really needs no more introduction than that, so I leave you with her. Enjoy!

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I don’t know why Tif thought of me when she wanted an article on swooning. I mean, I’m like.. old! I don’t swoon any more! Not at characters, not at actors, not at oh, particular authors. Wait what? You mean to say that you HAVE seen me swooning all over the place? Even drooling a little perhaps?

Okay, fine. I suppose that for the most part, I act like I’m 17 still, especially when it comes to swoon-worthy scenes in our favorite books, movies and TV shows. And okay fine, maybe I talk about swooning a little too much! But hey. I figure that these sorts of things are what makes life interesting. Am I right? Or am I right? 

So, let's get this out of the way first thing What does it mean, this thing we are calling The Swoon? 

My definition: 

To Swoon: the act which follows the reading or viewing of a particular moving scene or moment which causes you to clutch a book (or not, in case of the movie or TV show) to your chest and fall back onto the couch (or bed or floor… literally or figuratively) with a happy and blissful sigh. This particular feeling is accompanied by warm butterfly sensations in the stomach and a maybe even a rise in your heartbeat. And then, almost always, is followed immediately by a strong and powerful need to TELL someone. “Hey did you see….? Hey, I just read… and oh my gosh! Hey, can you believe what just happened on….” 

According to the dictionary, to swoon literally means, to faint. Or to be overwhelmed by ecstatic joy… a state of ecstasy or rapture. 

Yes. I agree. It’s all that too. 

Also, I’m wondering, is this tendency to swoon solely a girl thing? I think that yes, it probably is for the most part. But at the same time, I’m almost positive that there’s some other word we can call it when guys are emotionally moved, or feel the need to flail around about a certain scene. What should we call that? 

But anyway, so what, exactly causes us (or or most of us) to swoon? I’ve come up with a list (with help from a few friends, but most especially my sister who I swoon with often) and some examples: 

** SMILES! This is the main and most important aspect I feel is needed for something to be swoon-worthy. Smiles, especially when the giver of said smile is a bit stingy with them and suddenly, they let loose with one and bam… swoon. And especially, as my sister says, the smile is paired with some “fine eyes” and then the swooniness is even more powerful. 

Like, for example, Mr. Thornton’s smile at the end of North and South. Or Loki and his smile that happens all the time during the most inappropriate times. Or Valek who is so guarded and unapproachable during most of the book (Poison Study), but then out pops the crooked smile. 

** KISSES, of course. Especially the ones that either come out of nowhere, or the ones that you anticipate happening forever and then they finally, finally, they do. 

Like, for example, Mr. Thornton at the end of North and South. (Yes, you might see this character and book/movie come up a few times!) Or Perry and Aria in the middle of knife training, or Jack and Rose on the bow of the Titanic, or Indiana Jones all beat up asking for kisses from Marion to make it better, or Jim Craig and Jessica on the back of the horse in the middle of a thunderstorm, or Jim and Pam at the office, or that kiss that came out of nowhere on Sherlock the other day! 

** SWAGGER… for me there's something swoony about swagger, if it’s done right. Not in a pompous I’m-the-coolest way, but in a just sort of inherent attitude of confidence. 

Robin Hood does this well, in pretty much any version you’ll watch or read of him. Other characters full of swagger, Will Thatcher in A Knight’s Tale, Day from the Legend series, Roar in Under the Never Sky, Arthur in the Merlin TV show also has an abundance of swagger.

** BROODING… the mysterious raw emotions worn on your sleeve thing. The character that is full of all sorts of turmoil about how to express his emotions, which usually leaves them wearing a perpetual scowl. But once his broodiness is thawed, you are left with pure and simple love. 

Richard Armitage does brooding well in both his Mr. Thornton and Guy of Gisborne characters. The emotional tension is tangible with them both! 

Another brooding character is Heathcliff. Now, you may argue with me on his swoon-worthiness, but I maintain that he is swoon worthy at first. But regardless, he is brooding and volatility emotional! 

Michael Scofield in Prison Break is another broody character, one you just ache to console and make things all better. 

** DECLARATIONS OF LOVE… which often happens in the stories where the characters have been in denial through the whole book/movie and finally at the end, or at some point, one of them breaks down in a declaration. SA-WOON! 

My favorite example of this is when at the end of Anne of... I think ...Avonlea, Gilbert and Anne are walking across the bridge and he stops and just comes out with it. I love that scene so much. 

Also, Darcy’s proposals. The first one is awkward and full of all sorts of problems, but no less swoon-worthy for me, but the second one with “my feelings have not changed” pretty much kills it. 

Or Dr. Who and Rose, that final episode. You know the one. 

Or The Empire Strikes Back… “I love you.” “I know.” And then the look. The LOOK! 

** BANTERING…. the witty, snappy dialogue between two characters, be they of opposite genders or not. 

For instance, the bantering between Sherlock and Watson, between Merlin and Arthur, between Dean and Sam, etc. 

Or between Rory and Jess (and Luke and Lorelai for that matter) and Philip and Marianne (in Edenbrooke), Bones and Booth, Castle and Beckett, Jo and Laurie, Elizabeth and Darcy, I could go on and on. 

** TENSION… I think in the end, all the above things I’ve already listed create this tension. The bantering, the withholding of smiles, the waiting for a kiss and the brooding. All of that mixed together creates this tension that can cause a person to swoon when these characters enteract. It’s a crazy thing, this tension. I don’t know how people get it right! Some are experts and it’s amazing! 

** And finally, there’s the all round SWEETNESS, ADORABLENESS, and GENTLEMANLINESS found in certain characters. That part of their personality just makes you want to think they are real and you’d like to keep them around forever. 

Characters that for me embody this sweetness are, Peeta, Captain Wentworth, Xander in Matched, Gilbert even if he was sort of mean-like at first, Matthew in Downton Abbey, etc. 

Actually, I could go on and on listing the nice guys, the brooding guys, the swaggering guys. I really could. The characters that are out there are awesome, and it’s truly one of my most favorite things about reading (or watching) stories, falling in love with characters and yes, swooning over them...over and over and over again. 

Now tell me, do you agree with my list of what makes something swoon-worthy? What would you add (or take away) from the list? What scenes or characters do you think I’ve especially neglected? Let’s talk swoon!

Featuring: CJ of ebookclassics

Today please welcome CJ, who blogs at ebookclassics.


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

When I decided to read all of the 100 classic books preloaded on my Kobo, it made sense to choose a name related to reading ebooks.


How long have you been blogging?
Almost one year, so I'm fairly new at blogging.


Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
The most unique feature on my blog are my Celebrities in Classics posts where I profile celebrities and the classic book adaptations they have appeared in.


What genres do you write about most, and why?
Right now I'm mostly focused on classic books, but a friend and I are planning to start a Canadian literature reading challenge next year. I am woefully not very well read in this genre as well.


What's your earliest memory of reading?
I remember being a big bookworm as a kid. Bookstores and libraries were always my favourite places to visit. I even loved to pretend play library and create my own numbering system.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

I don't have the ability to mark-up pages in my ereader, but if I was reading a printed book it would be without hesitation NO!

What's your favorite place to read?
Anywhere I can squeeze in a few chapters. I don't have a lot of time to read, so I take what I can get.


Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?
Just need my ereader and I'm good to go.


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...
... non-existent! I read exclusively on my ereader and borrow books from the library. Probably after I finish this reading challenge I'll return to physical books and will need some shelves. Or maybe not ...


My TBR pile is...
Under control so far, but that's only because I'm sticking with my list and not adding any new books.


One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?
Moby Dick. It was so complex and could be interpreted in so many different ways, and yet was also just an adventure tale about an obsessed sea captain and a white whale.


To DNF or not to DNF?
I struggled with this one for a little bit, but had to agree with everyone who told me there are so many good books out there to be enjoyed. Why put yourself through the pain?


What's one book that intimidates you?
Middlemarch by George Eliot seems to be a mammoth book that I think would be super long and challenging.


If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?
I would love to visit some of the great literary locations in London.


How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
I follow quite a few TV shows and love listening to music, but hanging out with my family is my favourite non-reading activity.


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?
All of the recent Sherlock Holmes adaptations have been very entertaining. I love them all!


What are 3 of your must-read blogs?
Reading in Bed
Doing Dewey
Bookish Realm


What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)
Apparently I have multiple personalities.


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

Book Bloggers International Is Back!!

Book Bloggers International is back 

and we have some fun changes coming your way!!

Over the last couple of months, the three of us have been reviewing your comments from our surveys.  We have been discussing the ideas, and we have firmed down our new 2014 schedule.  We have kept some things the same, but we also are bringing in a few new changes, some behind-the-scenes and others where you all can see.  We are very excited to now kick-off this new schedule and share it all with you!

You can expect the same great interviews with fellow book bloggers around the blogosphere.  You can still expect to see tips for your blog.  You can also expect some great guest posts from other bloggers on a variety of topics as well as theme months to focus on some of our favorite topics in the book and blogging worlds.  To be exact, here is our current schedule . . .

February:  Regularly Scheduled Programming

March:  Match-ups & Duels

April:  Regularly Scheduled Programming

May:  Blogging Events IRL & Online

June:  Regularly Scheduled Programming

July:  Classics & Historical Fiction

August:  Regularly Scheduled Programming

September:  Mystery & Horror & Thrillers

October:  Regularly Scheduled Programming

November:  Diversity Awareness

December:  Regularly Scheduled Programming

Doesn't that look like fun?!?  Despite the fact that February is a "regularly scheduled programming" month, we do have a few surprises for the month of love and romance.  You may find little surprises like these throughout the year, so make sure you are following along and you don't miss out!  The fun begins tomorrow!!

In the meantime, we encourage you to check out our new Blogger Index and Guest Post Index to see who and what has already been featured here at BBI.  You can now access both of these easily in our top menu, and it will be updated on a regular basis.

As always, we are always looking for more interviews and guest posts to add to our site from all the wonderful book bloggers out there.  If you are interested in being featured in one or both of those ways, just fill out our How To Be Featured form or email us at bookbloggersintl (at) gmail (dot) com.

Here's to hoping you enjoy the changes!

Becca, Tasha, & Tif