Busting the Newbie Blues
1. When did you start your blog?
Blog has been around since Dec 2010 but I actually started blogging just less than a year ago. February 2011, I guess, but it hasn't been a book blog for that long.
2. Why did you start your blog?
Basically because I love to write, wanted a platform to build friendships with other bloggers and writers, and to just have fun, of course!
3. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Building a follower-base of people who regularly comment, look out and encourage blog posts. Some bloggers are the I'll follow you if you follow me kind of people, and they comment once and never come back.
4. What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?
The same thing as above. Most people comment so that I may read their blog in return, but it gets tiring pretty quick. But I keep commenting, because it's fun to spread the love!
5. What do you find most encouraging?
That most YA bloggers are so nice, and that there are, rarely, some people who have just the right words to describe a piece of story or a review or an artwork that I've put up. It makes my day.
6. What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?
Occassionally, the design. My artwork has improved vastly because of other awesome blogs out there. Sometimes I do socially responsible posts when my blogger friends do the same- it's very uplifting. I learned how to make a button and add the LinkWithin widget and all from other Bloggers and am thankful.
7. What do you dislike about blogs you’ve read? Do you try to avoid this?
Memes, or fluff-posts. They seem like fillers to me and I mostly avoid them, except for some favorites like Waiting on Wednesday, or memes related to art. But even then, I take part in them seldom.
8. Any advice for other new bloggers?
Be original, have fun.
9. Any questions you'd like to ask newbie or established bloggers?
One. I live in India and don't know if we get ARC copies of books over here. Does anyone know if publishers are willing to send books as far as here? If so, where would I go to get an ARC?
10. Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your blog? Feel free to link a few of your favorite posts or posts you wish had more comments.
Mine is not just a review blog: it combines art, writing and fiction into one. I support independent publishing, ebooks, self-publishing etc. And I also do some book cover designing- mostly for free, for the self-published authors.
Blog has been around since Dec 2010 but I actually started blogging just less than a year ago. February 2011, I guess, but it hasn't been a book blog for that long.
2. Why did you start your blog?
Basically because I love to write, wanted a platform to build friendships with other bloggers and writers, and to just have fun, of course!
3. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Building a follower-base of people who regularly comment, look out and encourage blog posts. Some bloggers are the I'll follow you if you follow me kind of people, and they comment once and never come back.
4. What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?
The same thing as above. Most people comment so that I may read their blog in return, but it gets tiring pretty quick. But I keep commenting, because it's fun to spread the love!
5. What do you find most encouraging?
That most YA bloggers are so nice, and that there are, rarely, some people who have just the right words to describe a piece of story or a review or an artwork that I've put up. It makes my day.
6. What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?
Occassionally, the design. My artwork has improved vastly because of other awesome blogs out there. Sometimes I do socially responsible posts when my blogger friends do the same- it's very uplifting. I learned how to make a button and add the LinkWithin widget and all from other Bloggers and am thankful.
7. What do you dislike about blogs you’ve read? Do you try to avoid this?
Memes, or fluff-posts. They seem like fillers to me and I mostly avoid them, except for some favorites like Waiting on Wednesday, or memes related to art. But even then, I take part in them seldom.
8. Any advice for other new bloggers?
Be original, have fun.
9. Any questions you'd like to ask newbie or established bloggers?
One. I live in India and don't know if we get ARC copies of books over here. Does anyone know if publishers are willing to send books as far as here? If so, where would I go to get an ARC?
10. Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your blog? Feel free to link a few of your favorite posts or posts you wish had more comments.
Mine is not just a review blog: it combines art, writing and fiction into one. I support independent publishing, ebooks, self-publishing etc. And I also do some book cover designing- mostly for free, for the self-published authors.
Magical Healing- a post I did for Blogging Against Disability in literature.
You blog looks great as well! You are doing an awesome job!
ReplyDeleteYou now have a new follower :)
Thank you, Crystal! Thanks for the follow as well. Hope to see you around :)
DeleteThank you for visiting my blog and for the kind words! I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to check out your writing! I'm a writer too! And I'm looking forward to reading your reviews!
Andrea (New Follower)
The Overstuffed Bookcase
No problem, Andrea. And do, do check out my writing- I'll be sure to return the favor.
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and your sweet comments! (:
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about design. I'm so jealous of some people's backgrounds! I do my best with the limited (and by limited, I mean virtually nonexistent) html knowledge I have. haha (:
I can't really help you with the ARCs thing, but you could probably email a publisher and ask.
P.S. I love your header! It's so pretty! (:
I know, some people have blogs that make my mouth water. Due to lack of funding, the virtually nonexistent knowledge is the only thing that will serve us people! It's sort of make the most out of what you've got.
DeleteThanks- I made it myself, so it means a lot that someone likes it :D
I agree about memes! They are perfectly fine in moderation and I can think of a few memes that are really well done and enjoyable to read. I think I used to use memes as filler in the beginning because I felt I had to post every day, which was tiring. I'm glad I got over that! Much more relaxing.
ReplyDeleteAs for ARCs in India, I'm not sure any publishers or authors would be willing to send them to you... at least there's always NetGalley and GalleyGrab.
I know- I'm getting e ARCS from Penguin and Simon and Schuster and all, but no print. Sigh, I just live too far from anywhere near their offices.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post! I have been blogging for almost a year and can relate to many of the statements you made. I always learn so much when I visit other blogs. Sometimes it takes a while to build some relationships, but there are so many fascinating blogs to check out. It is always so nice when people come back and comment. I like the layout of your blog- and your heading is awesome! Very clean and easy to read.
ReplyDeleteJess: Thanks so much :) Yup, I love checking out and following new blogs too, you never know when you find a total gem of a blog. The Blogosphere totally rules :)
DeleteHi! If you're wanting ARCs try Netgalley.com. I think e-ARCs are going to be your best bet because most publishers don't ship them internationally. Hope that works out for you!
ReplyDeleteAlison at The Cheap Reader