2012: An Amazing Year

At this time of year in the season of giving, I look back on 2012 and realize just how blessed I have been throughout the year.  So much has happened that I can't help being overfilled with happiness and the need to share it with my readers.

I feel that this year I was really able to come into my own as a blogger because of all of the wonderful people I've met.  The local blogging community is such a boon for this librarian, and I'm always excited to attend different bookish events to see more of the amazing bloggers around my city.  Below are just some of the most awesome bookish people I've met this year:


Christin of Portrait of a Book


Kristin of Kristin Creative


Kate of Ex Libris Kate


Katie of Blook Girl


Maria of Cari's Book Blog

Kristina of Ladybug Storytime


Jen Bigheart of I Read Banned Books (<--Not local, but still a kickin' Texas librarian/blogger)

Trust me when I say there are more because you don't need to have a book reviewing blog to be an awesome bookish person. ^_^

I've also had the chance to meet some pretty fabulous authors this year including Houston authors Mary Lindsey, Joy Preble, C.C. Hunter, Lynne Kelley, and Christina Mandelski.  Before blogging, I didn't realize how many authors are located in Texas especially Houston.  We're very fortunate!

2012 has been a very good year for me, and I hope that will continue on into 2013.  ^_^

Monday Mashup: Ladybug Storytime

Welcome to the Monday Mashup, a no frills but all thrills meme with no commitment issues!  Just fun getting to know fellow bloggers. This blog is hosted by Amy of DJ Librarian Dishes and Poison Rose of Picked by Poison.  All we want to do is introduce you to your fellow bloggers whom you may or may not know and share the blog love!

If you'd like to be featured or know someone you'd like us to feature, contact either Amy or Poison. Welcome to the Meme and enjoy getting to know another blogger.

Today's featured blogger is: Kristina of Ladybug Storytime!

1.     Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you?

My name is Kristina. I am a book blogger and 9th grade social studies teacher.

2.     How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging since January 2011.

3.     Why did you get into blogging?

I wanted to meet other people like me who love books as much as I do.

4.     What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book that you have read so far in 2012?

I just started Dangerous Boy by Mandy Hubbard. My favorite book of 2012 so far has been Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry.

5.      What is your favorite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?

I really love when I have interviews and guest posts from authors.

6.      Where do you see your blog in five years?

I see my reviews getting better. I also see myself making more bookish friends.

7.      Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?

I love my interview with Ada Adams, author of ReVamped and ReAwakened. She is so sweet and funny. Here is the link if you want to check it out: http://ladybugstorytime.blogspot.com/2012/06/interview-and-giveaway-ada-adams.html

8.      If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?

I want to talk to Noah Hutchins (Pushing the Limits) because I love him! I would also want to meet Zsadist (Lover Awakened) because he has been through a lot and seems like a very interesting guy.

9.      What literary location would you most like to visit?  Why?

I don't really know if it would be considered a literacy location, but I would love to go to Paris, France and England, and see all of the old historic sites.

10.  What is your favorite part about the book blogging community?  Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?

I absolutely love all of the friends that I made through blogging! When I moved to Texas, every single one of them made me feel welcomed. I would like people to stop the stupid drama.

11.  Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging?  How?

It hasn't really changed, but I do find myself trying new books and genres more.

And now about you:

12.  Tell us three non-book-related things that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.

1. I have to wear socks when I go to bed.

2. I am happiest in the Fall, with dark nail polish on, my uggs and scarf, and with a hot chocolate.

3. I like to shower in the dark.

13.  What do you like to do in your downtime (besides read of course)?

Since I started my job, I have no free time!  The little time I do have, I use to read.

14.  If you were given a break to do one thing on your “bucket list” what would you do?

I would go to Paris, walk the old streets, and eat in a Paris cafe. 

15.  If you went to your dream vacation spot where would we find you?

Paris, France

16.  What are some of your hobbies and interests you enjoy?

I am a boring person. I don't really have time for hobbies and interests. I wish I did have time though!

Flash Round:

17. Cake or pie? Apple Pie

18.  Coffee or tea? Coffee. I need it to survive!

19.  Beach or mountains? Mountains

20. Night owl or morning dove? I am not a morning person at all, but I am most productive in the morning. I am really productive when I am half-asleep! 

Thank you so much for coming by today, Kristina!  And you're not boring, silly, you're just a busy, career-focused woman. ^_^  Keep on reading and I hope to see you soon!

Top Ten Tuesday (50): Bookish People I Want to Meet

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

Top Ten Bookish People I Want to Meet

(In no particular order)

Authors:


1. Rae Carson (The Girl of Fire and Thorns, The Crown of Embers) - I'm so thrilled to meet the author who broke some serious "norms" in YA fiction.  Elisa is one of the most courageous and amazing fantasy heroines readers will ever find.

2. Kerstin Gier (Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue) - It's so understandable how she became an international bestseller.  I cannot wait until Sapphire Blue is released in October. 

3. Jay Kristoff (Stormdancer) - If you haven't been paying attention to interviews, reviews, and the like involving either Jay or Stormdancer, I'm betting he's an awesome and hilarious guy to talk to.

4. Tamora Pierce (Song of the Lioness) - I missed the chance to meet this early YA writer when I was at Dragon*Con back in '08.  Should I have the chance again, you can bet your boots I'm going to meet her.

5. Gena Showalter (The Nymph King, Intertwined) - This was the woman who got me back into reading paranormal romance when I thought all there was to offer was vampires.  She seems like a fun lady, too.

Bloggers :

1. Marla from Starting the Next Chapter - She's been a great blogging friend and confidant when it comes to advice on what to get for the library.  I hope one day we can meet and chat about books and writing over coffee and dessert.

2. Poison Rose from Picked by Poison - As a new partner in crimeme *rimshots*, I'm sure she'd be a fun person to hang out with.

3. Christy from The Reader Bee - I've followed this lovely lady for a long time now, and she always has great reviews and such a cute blog.  She's one of the best precedents for bloggers, and I would direct any newbies to her blog.

4. Louise from Between the Covers - A hilarious and snarky lady, I know she'd be great to go shopping with, especially in a bookstore.

5. Kyla from Unbind with Words - Same goes for this pretty lady as with Louise, she's one awesome writer.

Monday Mashup (1): Picked by Poison

Welcome to the Monday Mashup, a no frills but all thrills meme with no commitment issues!  Just fun getting to know fellow bloggers. This blog is hosted by Amy H of DJ Librarian Dishes and Poison Rose of Picked by Poison.  All we want to do is introduce you to your fellow bloggers whom you may or may not know and share the blog love!

If you'd like to be featured or know someone you'd like us to feature, contact either Amy or Poison. Welcome to the Meme and enjoy getting to know another blogger.

Today's featured blogger is: Picked by Poison

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you?

My name is Sara. I'm a single mom and Web Designer up here in MN. I have a 7 year old son, Ryan who is in second grada.. I'm a jewelry addict! I have so many pieces, but I wear the same set almost daily, with the exception of holidays/ special occasions.

2.  How long have you been blogging?  

Its been a little over a full year since Picked by Poison got started.

3.  Why did you get into blogging?
I got into blogging after I got into Romance last year. I know sad, isn't it. Here I am at 33 and JUST getting into romance and all the steamy stuff..LOL. My Fav. Author, Laura Kaye, was still unknown before then to most, as she was still doing fan-fiction at the time. BUt she was at that point in the beginning phase of writing Forever Freed and posting a few chapters on textnovel.com - next thing I knew it was pulled and being published, so I sat in wait for almost a year before Lucien finally got his story.... *le sigh*

4.  What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2012?

Hard choice at first, but I have to go with Big Came (the V V Inn Series #3) by CJ Ellisson because I have been waiting for a while for the book, CJ has gone through some rough patches to get it out, but delayed it for good reason.

5.  What is your favorite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?

Author Interviews hands down. I get to ask about back-stories of characters, research whats to come and my set of fun questions for all the authors I've been lucky to interview.

6.  Where do you see your blog in five years?
Overbooked on mysite with request from author's on from Book Tours to keep it a one person gig. At my reading page I’m only getting in one book a week, and I'm not getting to the series I want to read with my commitments. Brutal honesty there.

7.  Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?Easy! Interview with CJ Ellisson, Vivian and Rafe.

8.  If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?
Oh, great question! With Author it would have to be Jodi Redford. She is funny, witty, and writes a sex scene that can involve objects one would NOT think can be sexy! Have you seen her guest post about Home Depot?!?!? Read it Here.

As far as characters I'd go with my first love, Lucien Demarco from Laura Kaye's Forever Freed He was my first true Romance love, and part of what got me into romance again. And got me into Paranormal Romance all around. He holds a special place on my "Book Boyfriends" list...LOL

9.  What literary location would you most like to visit? Why?
Detroit or NY where Forever Freed took place. I want to see the places described by Lucien and Sam.

10.  What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?
Meeting new book bloggers and making new friends. :)  Local groups which have lists of bloggers by region/state so I know who else is here in my area.

11.  Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging? How?
Not as much as one would think. I still try and stay with Romance mostly, but I do go into some of the darker toned books in the PNR genre and some horror as well. I have also delved more into erotica lately as I'm finding some great Authors who can write it how I like it.

And About You: 

12.  Tell us three non-book-related things that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.
I’m a roller-coaster enthusiast. I would love to join American Coaster Enthusiasts (A.C.E.) and travel around going from one amusement park to another riding roller coasters day in and day out! LOL

I’m a very stubborn Capricorn; I don’t like being told how to do things. I would prefer to try my own way and either watch it fail and try again of find I can succeed with my own methods.
I collect pins from places I’ve been as souvenirs.

 

13.  What do you like to do in your downtime (besides read of course)?
I like to go out with my friends, whenever we can all find the time; otherwise I love to attend concerts – seeing Seether in October, Halestorm and Trans-Siberian Orchestra in December.

14.  If you were given a break to do one thing on your “bucket list” what would you do?
Eesh, morbid thought. Hmm…I might try writing, but my grammar and English would have to be professionally edited extensively!

15.  If you went to your dream vacation spot where would we find you?
As of lately, I would love to be in another Disney resort. They are so much fun and loaded with amenities and the parks are never ending fun!

16.  What are some of your hobbies and interests you enjoy?
I love designing my son’s Birthday invitations and thank you cards. I don’t like the non-customized “boxed” invitations and such.
I love doing web design – I volunteered and took on doing my son’s PTO website for his school.

I collect pins from places I’ve been as souvenirs.

Flash round:

17.  Cake or pie?  Hands down, Cake!

18.  Coffee or tea?)  Neither – give me hot cocoa or apple cider!

19.  Beach or mountains?  Beach

20.  Night owl or morning dove?  Night Owl!

Thank you so much for visiting, Poison!  It's always great to learn more about blogging friends.  You're the peachiest! *huggles*

Top Ten Tuesday (43): Tips for New Book Bloggers

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

Top Ten Tips for New Book Bloggers

(Disclaimer: I still consider myself a novice book blogger, but I will give advice on what I've learned as a book blogger.)

1. Participate in the community.

There are many different ways to become involved in the blogosphere whether it's taking part in weekly memes or attending blogger meet-ups or book signings.  It's a way to get to know other book bloggers and let them get to know you as well.

2. Don't be afraid to say 'no'.  

This applies especially to review requests because it can really bog you down.  Not all review requests will be for books that you enjoy reading, so never feel like you have to accept every review request.

3. Network, network, network.

In order for others to learn about your blog, you must find other ways to put yourself out there.  Using Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads are excellent ways to put your name in the blogosphere.

4. Make sure to post regularly.

Even if it's just one or two posts a week, an active blog is a more noticeable blog than one that goes several weeks without a single new post (unless you are on hiatus).

5. Your blog should make others feel welcome.

Make sure that your blog is tidy and uncluttered, especially in the sidebars.  Also, if you do have music on your blog, make sure it doesn't automatically play.  It's quite startling when either a trailer or music plays suddenly when I visit a blog.

6. Refrain from "bashing", "flaming", and "disrespecting."

This goes for authors, books, and other bloggers.  Keep your reviews constructive, back up your critiques, and never let your review be about the author.

7. Take time to visit other blogs.

To have blog readers, you must first be a blog reader.  And if you like a post or want to contribute to the conversation, definitely leave a comment.

8. Reviews aren't everything.

Don't feel like you have to review everything you read, especially if you're a speed-reader *cough*Karen*cough* or read more than one title at a time.

9. Be sure to give back to the blogging community.

If you receive ARCs or participate in giveaways on other blogs, give it back to the community by hosting your own giveaways.

10. Above all, love what you do.

If blogging stops being fun and becomes more like a chore, take a break.  You don't want it to turn into something that's not enjoyable, so make sure it stays fun.

TGIF (13): Book Blogger Pride

TGIF is a weekly meme created and hosted by Ginger of GReads! that recaps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

Top Ten Tuesday (35): Books That Broke My Heart a Little

Review: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

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Book Blogger Pride: What do you take pride in when it comes to blogging?

My Answer:  I take pride in knowing all of the wonderful bloggers and authors I've been able to meet both online and in person thanks to joining the book blogging community. There's so much to learn and talk about with everyone, I can't help but be proud that I'm part of the community (even though my reviewing isn't as consistent as I'd like it to be).

TGIF: Book Appeal

TGIF is a weekly meme created and hosted by Ginger of GReads! that recaps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

In My Mailbox (22)

New Blog Design!

The Librarian's Advice: Entering Library School

Top Ten Tuesday (33): Books I Think Would Make Great Book Club Picks

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Book Appeal: When you're browsing Goodreads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?

My Answer: Shallow answer comes first, I know, but a cover will often grab my attention first and foremost.  However, a gripping summary will definitely make me want to read a book.  I think it really depends on the genre of the book to determined whether I want to read it.  Recently, I was caught off-guard by a lovely and wolfish cover for a new title by a well-known women's literature writer, but when I read the summary, the cove definitely had nothing to do with the actual story held within the pages.  Just goes to show I shouldn't always judge books by their covers, but luckily I know to read the summary after being captivated by the cover. ^_~  Here are some samples of great books with great covers.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone!  While I didn't reach my reading goal on Goodreads of reading 75 books (fell flat at 72, including graphic novels), I'm happy with the reading I did accomplish.  For awhile it seemed as though I was having trouble getting into books again.  However, seeing my Review list grow and grow makes me so very happy and proud with what I have done in the first year of blogging.  And it's also thanks to my fellow bloggers and readers.  I want to thank all of you that follow and read my blog and all of you that I am inspired by.  Here's hoping 2012 will be an even greater year for everyone!

TGIF Follow Friday (4): Giving Thanks

TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.

This Friday's Question:

Giving Thanks: Which books are you most thankful for receiving from other bloggers, friends, family members, or publishers?




My Answer: I'd have to say I'm thankful for any books received from my beau and my family (though the books from my family are few and far between since they don't always know my taste). My beau gave me a copy of The Last Unicorn graphic novel, which is one of my ultimate favorite graphic novels now. ^_^



Particular titles, I have to say I'm really grateful to Karen of Books Beside My Bed for giving me Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater for Christmas. She really knew I'd like it. ^_^


And any books I receive from other bloggers whether through giveaways or in sharing their books, I'm always grateful for and happy to do the same when I can. ^_^ Some in particular include Voices of Dragons from Carmel of Rabid Reads, Abandon from Jill of The O.W.L., A Discovery of Witches from Wandering Librarians, and most recently an ARC of The Night Circus from Marla of Starting the Next Chapter. Thank you, my fellow bloggers, and I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving this year.

TGIF Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop: October 21-24

TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.

This Friday's Question:

Book Blogs That Make You Smile: 
Pick 5 book blogs you visit often & think others should, too.

Yes, I have cheated on my first TGIF! These blogging ladies are all amazing, and I love visiting their blogs. I may not always comment, but I do read their posts. And Karen, I hope you don't mind my makeshift "button" for you since I'm not always at my most creative this early in the morning. ^_~

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As Crazy For Books says:

Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!

This week's question is:

 

“What is your favorite type of candy?”

Ever since my beau introduced me to Milka, it's been one of the only brands of chocolate I will eat.  And his sweet parents feed my addiction at Christmas, so lucky me!  A close second is Ritter Sport bars, another German candy.  Hmmm, guess I'm getting back into my roots. 

 

What candy is your favorite? ^_^