Book Blog Newbie Tag

I found this post and wanted to join in as I haven't written a book review recently.

1. Why did you start this blog?

To share study tips and advice because I was starting university in 2015/16. I'd written a few posts before that but didn't feel committed. I then left university and began studying with the Open University in 2016-present instead. I even changed my degree path from Film and Television to English Literature.

I started watching BookTube maybe in 2016 and so I wanted to share my own book reviews as well as studying. I finally got up the nerve to do it in January (2018) and I am loving it.

2. What are some fun and unique things you can bring to book blogging?

Hopefully I have a unique style when it comes to my reviews. I want to take more of my own photographs, I'm waiting on a new camera to arrive! I also want to write more than only book reviews, like book hauls and wrap ups. I have a few ideas for when my course slows down closer to the summer. (My final assignment is due in May)

I also have a bullet journal/book journal that I am using to illustrate my book reviews and notes for blog posts which I might share.

3. What are you most excited for about this new blog?

I would like to post regularly, at least once or twice a week depending on how many books I've read. I went through a phase of reading a LOT in February and posting all my reviews close together.

I would like my blog to grow this year, learning the names of regular readers and interacting with the community.

4. Why do you love reading?

I have been reading forever! I was quite competitive in school to read the biggest books amongst my friendship group. There were different coloured stickers on each book to mark the level of difficulty and we all wanted to be the first to read the books with the white label because they were the hardest.

5. What book or series got you into reading?

I don't specifically remember but I know that I always wanted to be like Matilda, with her little trolley filled with library books. I wanted to read ALL the books!

I used to email authors, I particularly remember emailing Michael Morpurgo. Lots of authors would send me bookmarks and sometimes free copies of their books. Cathy Cassidy and Jacqueline Wilson sent me a few books which was really lovely! I remember Michael Morpurgo's book Alone on a Wide Wide Sea and how much I was engrossed in the story. 

6. What questions would you ask your favourite authors?

Do you have any writing advice? What inspires you? Do you have a writing routine? How long does it take to research? 

7. What challenges do you think starting a blog will be the hardest to overcome?

Keeping a regular schedule and not prioritising blogging over studying. I have done this in the past and I want to keep a good, healthy balance.

8. When did you start reading?

For myself, when I started school around age 4/5. My parents would read to me when I was younger than that. I've always prioritised books and stationery over video games and sports. (They were my brothers interests)

9. Where do you read?

Anywhere comfortable - in bed, my chair, in the car/any transport, I used to read in school when I'd finished my work (and then one teacher threw my book in the bin!!), I used to read at break/lunch times in school.

10. What kind of books do you read?

I predominantly read Young Adult and modern poetry. I want to branch out this year into Classics, mainly because I will be reading a lot more for university in October and because Classics are still being published because they are SO important. I think there is a stigma around reading Classics because everyone had to deeply analyse certain books in school rather than reading them for what they are and enjoying the pleasure of reading.

That's all for now! Be sure to answer the questions if you are new to book blogging/want to join in.

Kazia x