Designing Blogs

Today on the blog please welcome Belle and Bryan as they discuss their viewpoints on blog design.  Stick around and add your viewpoint, too!  

Now, introductions! 

You can find Belle at  http://msbookish.com and http://msbookish.tumblr.com.

You can find Bryan at http://stillunfinished.com and as a moderator for the Book Bloggers Discussion Group.


  Belle's Take:

For me, a blog design is all about the header. I use Wordpress, and the selection of themes is really quite amazing; most of them can look quite distinctive just by adding a custom header. You can end up with quite a nice look just based on the theme alone, but a customized header makes it distinctly yours, and lets you pull everything together, by picking social media icons and colors (for links, sidebar headers, post titles, etc) that match the colors in your header.  So when I decided I wanted a redesign for my blog, MsBookish.com, I was already using the Thesis theme, which I'd bought a while back, so all I was looking mainly for a well-designed header and a set of social media icons that matched the colors in the header.

I can't remember exactly how I found my designer, Don Naylor. I think it was on Twitter - someone had tweeted about the quality of his design work, and intrigued, I'd clicked over and checked out his site. At the time, he offered Wordpress designs and worked specifically with Thesis, so I took the plunge and contacted him about a design for MsBookish.com. (Unfortunately, shortly after he completed my design, he took on a large design project and I'm not sure whether he's doing much, if any, web designing these days.)

I am probably the world's worst website design client. I had no real idea what I wanted, other than the colors I liked (greens and blues). I was really amazed at the header he produced for me. He had me write him something about myself, so I told him all about what I liked to write and read. Then he actually drew/painted the picture and background for my header. I remember looking at the jpg he sent me in amazement - it turned out I did know exactly what I wanted, and the header Don designed was it! 

I got my new design early last year, and since then I've switched over to a different theme. The beauty of my header is that I can use it with any Wordpress theme that lets you use a customizable header. I'm proficient enough with HTML to change things like link and text colors in a new theme, so I managed to get my post titles and link colors the way I wanted them. In order to create consistency between my blog and my Tumblr, I also used the header in the Tumblr theme I chose. I probably should figure out how to use a part of it as my Twitter background, but that's a long way down at the bottom of my to-do list!

   Bryan's Take:

What do I think is good blog design? Less.

In my life recently, I've been attempting to do away with the clutter: physically, mentally and spiritually, well, more physically and mentally so far, but the spiritually will come. With my blog, I think I've tried to do away with the clutter too. The theme I use in my attempt to accomplish that...well...thematically...is the Shelf Theme via The Theme Foundry.

The most distinctive difference is that when you visit my blog, you scroll horizontally to see more posts (and to comment) instead of vertically like you would on most other blogs. However, that's not the only difference. As a result of the theme, there are no sidebars. A menu bar and social media icons are at the top, but along with the posts themselves, which I tend to keep short in keeping with the minimalism of the theme, a photo of me, the title and subtitle of the blog, that is all you see when you visit my blog. For me, it helps me not to get distracted and the idea is that hopefully you won't be either.

Speaking of which...

Oooh! Shiny!

We've heard from Belle and Bryan.  Now, I would love to know what YOU think. What kind of blog design captures your attention?  What kind of design makes you drop everything and read that blog?  What is YOUR take?  Share in the comments!  Inquiring minds what to know!

Book Blogging and Giving Back

Please welcome Ashley LaMar, founder and manager of Closed the Cover. Today Ashley has a great post about how she uses book blogging to give back to charities that support literacy. Welcome, Ashley!

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When I first started book blogging (in 2010 under a different blog name) I didn’t have any eReader device so I could only accept paperback ARC’s and novels for review. It didn’t take long before my home was overrun with books! I knew a lot of bloggers would run giveaways for the books they had read but I wanted to do something else. I ultimately connected with a few local organizations (Friends of the Library, the prison library in the neighboring county, and youth programs) and developed a donation list. I donated specific genres to each place as my piles became too large to manage (prison libraries won’t accept books with violence, crime, sex or language and obviously youth programs have equally strict requirements). The system worked out great and I felt good about what I was doing. I was reading ARC’s and other novels, reviewing them and promoting them online then sharing the literary love with organizations that needed books. It was a win-win…until my husband bought me an iPad and I converted from my old site to Closed the Cover.

Once I was able to read eBooks the requests for eBook ARC’s started to outnumber the physical books. I didn’t mind but I felt guilty that I was no longer able to be charitable and donate books to places that I had built relationships with over the last year. I struggled with a way to fix the situation when one day an idea hit me “Wham!” right in the face. For years I have been a strong supporter of a literacy charity called, “Room to Read”; I could ramble incessantly about them and how incredible they are but instead I’ll just encourage you to check them out at http://www.roomtoread.org/. I ultimately decided on a new set of book review submission rules: physical copies of books are accepted for review at no charge however authors, publishers, publicists, must understand that the book will most likely be donated to charity after review and eBook copies are accepted for review but require a minimum of a $5 donation to the literacy charity, Room to Read. My thought process was that either way books were being shared, authors were gaining reviews and publicity, and charities and organizations were being supported. I was a wee bit apprehensive when I first implemented the new policies; concerned that authors may be offended or irritated by the request for a donation. It has been my policy for over two years now and I have not heard a single complaint from anyone. I have received a lot of eBook submissions, raised over $700 ($400 so far in 2013), and heard a lot of positive feedback from people who support the idea.

As Closed the Cover gained more followers, increased in traffic, and expanded services I started to see a (small) profit earned from the blog site. The advertising started to raise a little bit of money (only coins per month really), Amazon affiliate purchases began to rise, my Amazon bookstore began to reflect purchases and authors were hiring me to promote their virtual tours. Once again, my guilt began to rise. I started to question how ethical it was for me to ask authors, publishers and publicists to donate to Room to Read in exchange for submitting an eBook when I was earning money (albeit very little) through other avenues and not contributing myself. It simply wasn’t the right way to operate so I changed my policies again. I have now started to donate 15% of all money raised by Closed the Cover and CTC Virtual Book Tours to Room to Read. Every year I choose a new Room to Read program (build a library, build a school, fund the Girls’ Education program, publish books in a small village’s native language, etc) to support. This year, in 2013, I chose to support the Girls’ Education program. According to Room to Read $250 will fully fund the education expenses of one girl for one year. Our goal was to raise $500 to fully fund a year of education for two girls. We have already raised $400 and are definitely on pace to hit our annual goal. It’s an incredible feeling!

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Thanks, Ashley! I just came across another charity run by Dolly Parton called Imagination Library, which mails books to children every month. If you know of any other charities that support literacy, share them in the comments!

Priscilla from Priscilla and Her Books

Today please welcome Priscilla, who blogs at Priscilla and Her Books.



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

Priscilla and her Books. It's pretty straightforward, I would say.


How long have you been blogging?

I'm a newbie book blogger. I've been in the blogosphere since late November 2012.


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

I include memorable book quotes.


What genres do you write about most, and why?

It varies. I've been reviewing a lot of fantasy books these days.


What's your earliest memory of reading?

I was 10. My parents enrolled me in a day care centre. I wasn't too fond with the idea at first, but when I spotted the mini library at the recreation room, I changed my mind. The rest of the kids were more interested in the computers games (neopets, sonic), so I had the library to myself.


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

Matilda by Roald Dahl. I misplaced (the worst thing a reader could do) the copy so I plan to buy a new one. The Third Eye by Lois Duncan has a special spot in my heart, as well.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

If it's in pencil, I think I can handle that. Ultimately, it's the content. Your feelings, opinions, favourite characters etc...


What's your favorite place to read?

A comfy couch in a quiet room. With hot chocolate or honey lemon tea!


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

If I'm reading on my tablet, my glasses.


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

my buddies.


My TBR pile is...

increasing day by day. I really want to read S. by J. J. Abrams and Doug Dorst!


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

I haven't found a book like that. I look forward to reading it.


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

I didn't enjoy Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.


To DNF or not to DNF?

Gosh, I had to google this stands for! It depends. If it's a badly written book, stop reading it. I always say that life is too short for crappy books.


What's one book that intimidates you?

Any book that has horror, gore and/or violence.


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

This is a fabulous question, though, can I get back to you?


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

Writing or basically just scribbling thoughts in my journal. I also enjoy blogging and hunting for vintage apparels and music on spotify.


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

The Help is probably my favourite. It's different, but in a good way. The entire cast especially Jessica Chastain (my bias) did a beautiful job.


What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

• http://alittleblogofbooks.wordpress.com/
• http://www.brainpickings.org/
• http://thegaudyblog.com/

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

All-Rounder!


Thank you for joining us today, Priscilla! Remember to check out Priscilla's blog, Priscilla and Her Books, and leave a comment or question.

Sherrey from Found Between the Covers

Today please welcome Sherrey, who blogs at Found Between the Covers!



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

That's where my parents could always find me if I had snuck off to read -- between the covers. My mom thought reading was a waste of time so I hid in my bed between the cover with a flashlight. Today I no longer have to hide, but I thought it was a bit catchy and after all it's how I remember reading as a kid.


How long have you been blogging?

Since 2006, when I retired from keeping attorneys happy almost 24/7. I love to write, and blogging was the answer to that initially. Found Between the Covers is only about a year old, but I have had other blogs over time and still do.


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

I'm not sure I consider Found Between the Covers unique. But if pressed I would say it's the number of memoirs I review. As a memoir writer, I find them interesting as well as educational from the writing perspective.


What genres do you write about most, and why?

Historical fiction, memoir and Christian fiction, because of my links to certain publishers whose interests lay in these areas as well.


What's your earliest memory of reading?

Likely my first memory of reading is linked to my first library visit. Can't remember who took, but most likely my dad because he loved books. That would have placed me in the simple chapter book category because I don't remember having much more at home than the Little Golden Books.


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

Definitely Anne of Green Gables! My dad surprised me on my 11th birthday with the first in the series and then thereafter each birthday or Christmas, I would receive the next until the series was complete. I still have all of them tucked away safely. Perhaps I should get the out and read them again.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

In self-help or instruction, yes. In something I might want to share or donate, no.


What's your favorite place to read?

Curled up in my recliner in the family room next to the fireplace with Maggie, our tuxedo kitty, curled up in my lap. If she beats me to the chair, then I take the overstuffed sofa on the other side of the fireplace. And I'll be found heading off to bed with a book in hand.


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

My Might-Brite book light if we're traveling! And my Kindle unless I'm reading something bound. I always said I'd never have a Kindle, but something changed.


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

overstuffed!


My TBR pile is...

on an Excel spreadsheet for sanity's sake but also stacked around the house between my office, bedroom and family room. It isn't really stacked; it's sort of sprawling.


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

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway


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

Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski


To DNF or not to DNF?

Here I waffle. If I'm really not enjoying a book, it's DNF. I did this recently on a book I agreed to review for an author. I had to email and say it just wasn't working for me. The author was very understanding. I can't see wasting my time on something I can't enjoy when there are so many other books waiting for me.


What's one book that intimidates you?

Anything by Stephen King (I don't like the genre) and I am definitely intimidated by Don Quixote. I've tried -- honestly.


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

I would love to to Paris. I don't know if it is still a literary hub as it was when Ernest Hemingway wrote there, but that was a high and intense time of writing for several well known authors. For me, having read A Moveable Feast by Hemingway, I just like to see the places included in that work.


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

I'm a knitter and a quilter, and I should be a more committed domestic engineer but I'm not.


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Not much of a movie-goer, so I'm going to pass on this one.


What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

• The Book Wheel
• Books Speak Volumes
• Relentless Reader
• Love at First Book

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

My quiz result was "All Rounder," meaning I fit equally into all four categories. Pleasantly surprising result!


Thank you for joining us today, Sherrey! Remember to check out Sherrey's blog, Found Between the Covers, and leave a comment or question.

Angelique from Angel Reads

Today please welcome Angelique, who blogs at Angel Reads!



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

The meaning being Angel Reads the name of my book blog is pretty simple, My names Angel and I post about the books I read. Haha. It not that creative.


How long have you been blogging?

I have been really blogging for about 4 months but i have had my blog going for about 7 months.


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

I don't really know what makes my blog unique. I just post true reviews about the books I read.


What genres do you write about most, and why?

I post a whole heap of genres, but i think the Supernatural/Dystopia/Fantasy is what I mostly write about. I have always liked these types of books so they are the books that I mostly read.


What's your earliest memory of reading?

My earliest Memory of reading was probably after Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone come out in the movies. I watch the movie and loved it, so my mum brought the book and she read it too me. I think I was about 4 or 5.


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

Any of the Harry Potter Books. I love them the most and I just can't stop reading them.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

If they are for school then I'm kinda ok with it, but I try my best not to. 


What's your favorite place to read?

My favourite place to read is in my bed under the blankets in the winter especially. I just love cuddling in my blankets. In Summer i love sitting outside on the chairs in the backyard.


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

A Pen and paper or my laptop, so I can write notes how I feel about the book and write quotes that hit me. I love quotes so if I read one that I love I need to write it down.


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

full and I need more.


My TBR pile is...

Big! opps haha. There is just so many good books out or coming out they just keep on bringing so many good books out.


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

I have said this Series alot but Harry Potter it was my Childhood, I grew up with it.


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

hmmm I can't think of any.


What's one book that intimidates you?

The Inheritance Cycle they are just so big and bulky.


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

The Wizardry World of Harry Potter haha. I just love Harry Potter.


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

I like to draw or paint. I'm not the best but it's fun.


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

Hmm My favourite Harry Potter or the City of Bones I thought that was done pretty goof. Least favourite Percy Jackson.


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

All-Rounder!


Thank you for joining us today, Angelique! Remember to check out Angelique's blog, Angel Reads, and leave a comment or question.

Follow-Up Survey: Guest Posts & Themes

At the end of October, our team posted a survey to get feedback from our readers.  We have examined your responses and are listening to your thoughts!  In fact, because of your answers, we have one more quick follow-up survey for you to share some additional ideas with us!

Two specific topics in particular stood out:  Guest Posts and Themes.

Many of you had indicated that you are interested in reading more guest posts.  It is now time for those of you interested to share with us what type of guest posts you want to see!

A large number of you also indicated that you are interested in seeing theme months here on Book Bloggers International.  We also want to hear more of your ideas of which themes you are particularly interested in seeing featured.

In addition, we want to know if you are interested in working with us, either by writing a guest post or contributing to a themed month ... or even writing a guest post for a theme month!  Afterall, Book Bloggers International is a way for book bloggers to connect around the globe, so what better way to connect than over a wonderful bookish conversation!

Please take a few minutes to share your ideas with us using the survey below.  If you are interested in contributing, please be sure to indicate yes in the appropriate box and you will be taken to additional questions to share your contact information with us.  We will be in contact with you for more information once we have reviewed and discussed the information we receive.

Thank you for your feedback thus far as well as in advance for completing yet another survey for us here at Book Bloggers International!

Becca, Tasha, & Tif

Shay from Required Reading

Today please welcome Shay, who blogs at Required Reading!



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

When I find a really good book, I often say that it is so good that it should be required reading.



How long have you been blogging?

Required Reading just celebrated its first birthday.


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

I'm an eclectic reader, and I include both fiction and non-fiction, as well as adult and young adult books and graphic novels, so I've got something for everyone. I also try to review the books in such a way that even if I didn't like a title, those who would enjoy it can recognize its appeal factors.


What genres do you write about most, and why?

A significant number of the books I read get tagged as speculative fiction, which encompasses everything with even a touch of the supernatural from science fiction to fantasy to magic realism.



What's your earliest memory of reading?

I can't remember a time when books and reading weren't a part of my life, even when it meant asking my parents or my grandmother to read aloud to me because I couldn't read to myself yet.


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

I read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire so many times that my first copy fell apart and I had to replace it, but the entire series is a touchstone for me, and I reread it frequently.


Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

I generally only write in textbooks or books I'm reading for school, and even then, only in pencil, never pen or highlighter. I keep a review notebook for writing down my thoughts about books I plan to blog about. However, sometimes when you're doing a lot of intense close reading for school, it is just to much trouble to copy everything over.


What's your favorite place to read?

Anywhere that contains me and a book. Bonus points if there's coffee.


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

Overflowing. My husband had this crazy idea that if he didn't let me buy any more bookshelves, I would stop buying books.


My TBR pile is...

Overflowing, just like my bookshelves. It seems like barely a day passes that I don't find a new book I want to read. I have piles of ARCS, piles of library books, and piles of books I've bought or been given. I recently suspended all the holds on my library card because I have so many books out at the moment! 


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

I've learned the hard way not to waste my time on best sellers if they don't sound appealing to me. I'm always tempted to see what the hype is about, even when premise doesn't grab me.


To DNF or not to DNF?

It kills me not to finish a book. I have two books on my currently-reading shelf on Goodreads that have been there for over a year, and I can't bring myself to admit defeat and create a DNF shelf. 

What's one book that intimidates you?

Anything by David Foster Wallace. Everyone is always talking about how dense and impenetrable his books are.



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

Until recently, I would have said the Lakes District, or possibly Scotland, but having visited both those places this summer... I'd probably just go back to the UK and see some of the places I missed, like Oxford. 


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

Hiking in the summer, and crocheting in front of the TV in the winter, but reading is by far my biggest hobby.


What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

I am fascinated by adaptations even though I am frequently disappointed by them. A&E's Pride and Prejudice miniseries is fantastic, and I love what the Game of Thrones TV series is doing with A Song of Ice and Fire. I think in many cases, TV is a better medium for adapting books. 


What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

• Mark Does Stuff
• Doing Dewey
• Book'd Out

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

Apparently I'm an Involved Eclectic, and I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, which might explain why my TBR pile is so huge. I'm always looking for new books, even when I really shouldn't be.


Thank you for joining us today, Shay! Remember to check out Shay's blog, Required Reading, and leave a comment or question.