- When did you start your blog?
I started this blog over my Winter Break from school on December 27. Well... I suppose that's not entirely accurate. I had the blog sort of up in October, but didn't get a chance to post until December!
2. Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog mostly because I wanted a place to show other readers like myself all of the great titles I was enjoying - and see what other YA books are out there! I hope that this blog can be a resource to any teacher, student, or reader!
3. What has been the biggest challenge you've faced so far?
I am not sure that I feel like I've faced a "big challenge," other than my impatience to generate discussion between myself and other bloggers. I want that to happen immediately, but I know it takes time and effort to build a successful blog.
4. What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?
I am still working on finding a way to join the conversation. It is so tempting to "lurk" on the sidelines - that is, reading without commenting. I have to remember that if I want comments, I suppose I should make them too... So, even though in my daily life I am anything but shy, as a blogger, I guess I need to overcome some nerves!
5. What do you find most encouraging?
It is so encouraging to see other newbie bloggers out there, struggling with some of the same issues I am. Also, I love seeing the wide variety of established blogs - there is so much creativity and joy, I can't help but feel inspired.
I have definitely already borrowed the idea of using a summary from an established website before I begin my own review of a book. I liked this technique because this way, someone can see if they would be interested in the book before reading my review - if the subject matter isn't interesting to him or her, after all, it's doubtful my review would be.
7. What do you dislike about blogs you've read? Do you try to avoid this?
Honestly, my biggest frustration with any blogs I read are posts that look hastily written. I prefer to take my time and thoughtfully write; if I want people to think about what I'm writing, then I should probably do so too! Then again, perhaps I am just a stickler because I can't turn my "English teacher" off...
8. Any advice for other new bloggers?
Don't be like me and hesitate to join in the action! We should all help one another to create meaningful conversations!
9. Any questions you'd like to ask newbie or established bloggers?
Oh goodness, too many! I would love to know what other types of media and posts (besides just reviews) generate conversation. What other sorts of posts do people enjoy reading?
10. Is there anything you'd like to tell us about your blog?
I would LOVE to hear from other teachers out there who are also book blogging. I definitely am always reviewing through that "lens," and would love to hear from others who are doing the same.
Oh, and anytime people stumble on a great series, I'd love to hear about it. I am a book series junkie.
Thank you to everyone for your support and enthusiasm! If you have any comments, suggestions... whatever... please don't hesitate to holler!
Hey! Thanks for stopping by my place and leaving a comment! And welcome to the wonderful world of book blogging :)
ReplyDeleteI also remember feeling a bit like an outsider and really impatient to make blogger connections when I was a newbie. Luckily, I found that people were super friendly and not intimidating at all. Also, I participated in this event last year and it was a major stepping stone to making new friends and attention for my blog.
ReplyDeleteThe best type of posts for creating conversation is discussion posts, I think. When you actively ask your reading audience questions on a topic, they are more inclined to comment and answer back.
I just finished The Knife of Never Letting Go, an utterly bizarre but utterly brilliant read (complete with a talking dog!) that is the first in a trilogy called Chaos Walking. Highly recommended!
Oooh you're very new! Hope you're liking it so far.
ReplyDeleteDon't be afraid to jump into conversations! Like you said, if you want comments you need to post comments. That's the best way to meet new blogging friends.
Alison at The Cheap Reader
Thanks so much for your comment! It really made my day! (: You can get the Currently Reading widget from goodreads.com. (Go to your Books, and then scroll down and "widgets" will be on the left.)
ReplyDeleteOther posts than reviews that create buzz? Memes are always good, especially when you can add your url to a linky, and you can always do features on covers you like, author interviews, and other stuff like that!
I love your hummingbirds background, btw! (:
<3, Sara of the Page Sage (:
Hey Colleen!
ReplyDeleteI always grab my book summary from the book, when possible. It's only when I don't have the book that I rely on a website for the summary.
I've found that my posts with the most striking photos grab the reader's attention, which leads them to reading my post and then commenting. So when possible, always include some photo to represent the topic you're posting about! Besides reviews I participate in a couple of weekly memes (Top Ten Tuesday and Waiting on Wednesday mostly, with In My Mailbox occasionally), I post cover/trailer reveals for books/series that interest me and any other interesting book-related thing I stumble upon (like a leaked prologue, or an author interview I found really interesting!).
Lastly, IMO, commenting is about creating a discussion. So the best way to foster discussion is to comment on other bloggers' posts. I always try to check out the blogs of people who have commented somewhere on my blog, and find a post I like my them to comment back on.
And if you're interested in learning some HTML, Small has some amazing tutorials on her blog!
Welcome to the world of blogging - enjoy!
Kelly
Radiant Shadows
Great question. I find conversation posts (where you ask your readers something) get the most feedback.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Juju , Questions in posts always generate a response. Im a new follower
ReplyDeletewww.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com