Winners in the Armchair BEA Giveaway!

Sorry I postponed announcing the winners - hopefully no one was kept in too much suspense :)

I chose two winners!  The winner of the signed ARC of Across the Universe by Beth Revis is...

Devan of Book Strings

The second winner, who is getting two bookmarks signed by Ally Condie and Andrea Cremer, is...

Julie of My Book Retreat

I've contacted both of you and will have the prizes sent out soon. Thanks everyone for entering the giveaway and for stopping by my blog for Armchair BEA!

And a happy Memorial Day to all you Americans!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

The Armchair Stops Here

Well, another Armchair BEA has come to an end.  It was fantastic, as it was last time.  A huge thank you goes out to all of the organizers of this event!  All that time and effort really made those of us who didn't get to go to BEA feel like we were a part of something just as fun.  Here's what happened this week:

Day 1: Welcome to my blog - intro to me!
Day 2: Enter my giveaway for a signed ARC of Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Day 3: Read my interview with Laura of Tattooed Books
Day 4: My advice on how to win publishers and influence bloggers
Day 5: Blogging about blogging: the blog is not my life 

My favorite part of Armchair BEA was meeting and getting to know other bloggers.  I loved attempting to be a part of the twitter party (even though it was a bit overwhelming at times).  I loved hopping around different blogs to find new book friends and especially all their advice about blogging relationships and blogging tips.

It was awesome to watch Emily's videos of what it's like to be at BEA and to see all those cool photos.  And the giveaways!  I won't lie: those were amazing (though, I've got some serious inability to win, apparently).  So, obviously I'll be participating next year (and probably the next many years, since it will be a LONG time before I get the funds/time to make it to BEA).

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Armchair BEA: Blogging is NOT My Life

Today's Armchair BEA topic is blogging tips and I really only have one or two thoughts on this.  Go to the Armchair BEA site for more extensive advice :)

I "attended" the twitter party last night and boy was it crazy!  One thing I noticed being RTed over and over was something @BookaliciousPam said (and of course I can't find it now).  Essentially, book bloggers sometimes feel like they HAVE to post.  But we don't.  If you don't want to or don't feel like it, don't!!  It's much easier (for me) to say than to follow through.  I hate missing more than a day or two, but sometimes you just gotta take a break.  And honestly, this is the best and only piece of advice I have for finding balance in life and blogging: to remember that blogging really isn't my life.  Even though it feels like it sometimes :)


I would like to talk about what memes and blogging events you think are the best.  The only one I regularly do is Tween Tuesday from GreenBeanTeenQueen and I plan to continue that.  I like having a chance to focus on non-YA books for a change.  Also, I like Retro Friday Reviews from Angieville, though I've been anything but consistent.  I think having events/memes that focus on stuff I don't regularly review or talk about is good for me.  It helps keep the content fresh and interesting.  For the most part, I've kind of done my own events like Listless Monday, I Actually NEED It, Name that Book, Double Features, Cover Sillies, and Libraries Around the World.  

Are there events out there that you think I should totally be participating in?  What are your favorites?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Armchair BEA: How to Win Publishers and Influence Bloggers

Ok, right from the start, let's just say I'm the one in need of advice about blogger/author/publisher relationships. I'll be reading everyone else's relationship posts religiously for some tips.  Mind you, I have some contacts with publishers, publicists, and authors, but I'm definitely not a model for others to emulate.  So, with that oversized grain of salt, here's my two cents:

1. Remain courteous no matter what.  Seriously, imagine being face to face with them, would you say nasty things?  No.  If someone is making you angry, cool off before you shoot them an email (or twitter/other social network something nasty).  Personally, I've never been that angry, since they are all really nice, even when I give them a not-so-amazing review.  

2. When receiving a review request from an author, think carefully about the book.  If it's an author that is tried and true good for you, then you can probably accept a request without worrying.  For those you know less about or if a book doesn't sound like something you would like, don't feel bad declining.  I think sometimes they'd rather have you decline than accept and hate it.  And believe me, it's hard to send a not-so-glowing review of a book to the author.  I've done it.  It stinks.

3. Don't be afraid to send out requests for books you're interested in!  Maybe this only applies to a small minority like me, but I was absolutely terrified to send requests to publishers.  I've only done it a few times, but every time they politely responded or simply sent the book without a response.  Either way, there was no pain involved.  Give it a try.

4. On the other hand, don't overdo it.  Don't request too many books, especially all at once, especially if you are very new at blogging.  I've heard this over and over from much smarter bloggers and it rings true to me too.  I didn't send a request until I'd been blogging for at least 2 years.  Not that you have to be like me, but wait a few months at least.  And don't forget to send them info about your blog, your stats, and your mailing address.

Other Book Bloggers:
Again, I'm not very good at blogger relationships, but here's my experience.  You can make fantastic personal connections online, but meeting bloggers in person definitely solidifies friendships.  I was so lucky to meet up with bloggers in Utah (see all these Utah Book Blogger Social posts) and I joined Suey's excellent book club as a result as well.  I made some of my best book-y friendships during those socials, so I highly recommend trying it out.  Now I just gotta find me some Arizona blogging friends...

Some of the Real-life Book Blogging Friends
Suey of It's All About Books
Natasha of Maw Books
Jessica of The Bluestocking Society
Kim of Good Clean Reads
Jenny of Alternate Readality
Emily of Emily's Reading Room 
Britt of Confessions of a Book Habitue
Julie of A Small Accomplishment

Meeting other bloggers is one thing that really makes missing BEA and ALA events suck.  Still, relationships can (and do) flourish virtually.  I'm open to receiving your advice about that, cause it's definitely something I could work on.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Armchair BEA: Blogger Interview Fun!

I had the very great privilege of interviewing Laura of Tattooed Books.  It was so fun to peruse her blog and see what she has to say about books.  But, it was even more fun to ask her some questions and get to know her more.  So, here we go!

Tell us a bit about yourself, including when and why you started blogging about books and about your librarian training.

My real name is Laura, but my handle is Loreleimarsh. I started Tattooed Books in July of 2009 because I needed a creative outlet for my bookish opinions. I have kept a detailed journal with book reviews & ratings for years, but my blog allowed me to share them with more people than just those fortunate enough to know me in real life.

Interestingly enough, I am not currently in school to become a librarian. For those who don’t know, in order to truly be a “librarian” you must obtain a Masters in Library Science (or some variation thereof). Honestly, I just love libraries! I was raised on books & started working in my high school library my junior year. I have worked in libraries ever since (9 years total). Though I must say that the best & most important training one can receive in this field is taught hands-on by those who have a passion for it.

I sure wish I'd kept a detailed record of what I'd read.  I kept nothing but my brain, which has proven iffy at best.  And, as one who did do the official "training" I completely agree that hands-on is twice as important as by the book.

What do you think is the best part of working at a library? What is the worst part?

The best part is customer interaction. Whether I am doing a teen program or helping people find the book they’re itching to read, the patrons are what make it great.

The worst part is definitely the bureaucracy. I work in a county-run (read funded by taxes) library & a lot of very important decisions are being made by higher-up folks who have forgotten what it is like to work with the public.

How do you balance your time in order to contribute to your blog, enjoy time with family and friends, and find time for reading? Do you have any tips for those of us who still struggle to find this balance?

Honestly, I am the worst person to ask! :D My balance waxes & wanes like the moon. I read when I can, which is mostly on breaks at work & in the evening at home. While I am married, due to the craptastic economy, my husband has been living 800 miles away for the last year. He really keeps me balanced & helps me make the most of my time. I’ve been in a bit of a funk, so I’ve been taking time off every few weeks & I think that is the best thing to do. Blogs are not a chore; they are a release & if it starts to feel like a burden, then step away. That has been the absolute best way to keep things in perspective.

I agree 100%!  Mind you, just because I know that I need a break, doesn't mean I take it :)  

What is one of your greatest passions in life, aside from reading?

French. My BA is in French & I even got to study abroad for a semester where I met some of the most amazing people ever! I love the sound, the culture, the food, & most certainly the people. J’adore le français!

I have fantastically fond memories of my short visit to Paris as a teenager.  And oh, the food!

Have you ever tried assigning ratings for books you review? Do you like reading reviews that use ratings of this kind?

I did that in my notebooks & I use it on Goodreads, but I just didn’t want the hassle of trying to make it work on a blog. If the blogger is serious about their ratings & uses them judiciously, then I enjoy them on blogs.

What's the strangest request you've received as a librarian?

If we could accept several boxes of pornography as a donation to the library. Talk about awkward.

Awesome!  That must have been quite interesting :)

If you didn't work at a library, what job would you like to do instead?

I think I would like to be a Human Resources educator (teaching classes like the 7 Habits & Effective Communication) or an Academic Adviser in a university.

If you could meet any three authors (dead or alive) for lunch, who would you choose and why?

Rachel Vincent, Mary Oliver, Corrie ten Boom

Rachel Vincent is an AMAZING writer. I love her characters & her realism she brings to an urban fantasy world. Mary Oliver is one of the most memorable poets I have ever had the fortune to read & I would just love to hear her read a few lines. Corrie ten Boom was the narrator of one of the most influential Holocaust memoirs I ever read. I still re-read The Hiding Place often.

What a diverse group!  Having just re-read The Hiding Place myself, I wholeheartedly agree that her story is just so uplifting and powerful.  I haven't had the chance to read the other two authors yet, but I'm intrigued now.

What is one talent you wish you had?

I wish I could just pick up my guitar (I have both an electric & an acoustic) & play without having to work so hard at it.

What YA books do you recommend to adults (family, friends, strangers) the most and how do you sell it to them, especially if they are reluctant to read "below" their age level?

The biggies that I recommend (depending on who I’m selling it to) are The Hunger Games, Delirium, & The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. I remind whoever I am recommending the book to that just because it’s in YA, doesn’t mean that there was any less thought put into the story development. There may be a bit of teenage angst & whining in many YA books, but looking past that (like I turn away from more graphic scenes in adult books) allows you to enjoy a plot that you would have otherwise missed. And the story is all that matters.

Well said!  Thanks very much for answering my questions, Laura.  You can find Laura (aka Loreleimarsh) at her blog Tattooed Books and on twitter. 

If you are interested in seeing my responses to a fun interview (and possibly a deep dark secret) visit Molly at The Bumbles Blog.  

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

A Moving Discovery: Armchair BEA Giveaway!

Welcome, welcome!  So, as you may know by now (if you checked out my intro post yesterday) we just moved to Arizona and let me tell you, moving with books is awesome!  We had some folks help us pack up the truck and then unpack it when we got here and they all commented on how many boxes of books they hauled in and out.  I told them it was one of the hazards of helping a librarian move.  :)

One of the other "hazards" is discovering books you forgot you had.  Just before we left, I found my ARC of Across the Universe that I had Beth Revis sign when she came to SLC for the Breathless Reads tour.  Want to see who she signed it to?  Of course you do.

Ok, so you may need me to interpret.  It's to "a book lover."  That's where you come in.  

Rules:
Must be 13 to enter.
US addresses only.
Fill out the form to enter.
Giveaway ends this Saturday, May 28th.  

Oh, and there just might be some other little things I got signed from that event.  For another winner.  :)  I'd still love to hear about some of your favorite reads of 2011 in the comments!  [Edited to add: ok, here are a few of my favorite books so far this year: Red Glove by Holly Black, Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi, Divergent by Veronica Roth.  As for what I'm looking forward to: Crossed by Ally Condie, The Death Cure by James Dashner, and Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.]

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Armchair BEA: Welcome and Hello!

Hello all and welcome to another year of Armchair BEA.  The prompt from the organizers is to introduce myself.  I'm not great at intros, I'll be honest.  I'm uber shy in real life.  And a little in virtual life.  But here goes:

-A librarian in search of a job: just left my academic library job in Utah to move to Arizona so my hubby could get more schoolin'.  I'd really like to end up working with young people, recommending the books I love most to them.  

-A kid-at-heart: something always draws me to read the MG and YA stuff.  I used to be an adult-classics-only reader, but once I found discovered that younger stuff (again) I haven't been able to feed the addiction enough.  Though I do try once in a while to broaden my horizons and pick me up an adult book.  I'm sure it's good for me.

-A board game player extraordinaire: ok, maybe a slight exaggeration, but I have addictions to playing board games.  My current favorites are Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Catan.  Now I just have to find some local buddies to have game night with.

-A camper/hiker/backpacker: Right about this time of year (and, you know, four months ago) I get a real hankerin' for some camping.  I used to live for our family camp outs, driving two hours and hiking twice as long, to escape from civilization (and trust me, we didn't bring it with us).  I don't get to go for nearly as long or a far as I used to, but that desire to escape hasn't disappeared.  I'm thrilled to have a whole new state to explore the outdoors.

Ok, I think I've bored you enough with all those random details.  I Armchair BEA because my husband's in school and I currently don't have a job and pretty much, the money says no.  But, I'm ok with it for now (though don't ask me after I read all the BEA posts, I'm sure the green-eyed monster will strike).

Welcome to my blog and I hope to meet many new bloggers this week!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Blogger Conference via Armchair BEA

Welcome to my attempt at Book Blogger Conference ideas.  Really, at this point I'm wishing I was there to hear other folks ideas on these things.  However, here's what I have to say about writing and content on blogs.

Tips and tricks on writing good book reviews:
The best I can say is to write what you feel.  Almost all book reviews are subjective.  You as a reader had a reaction to the book and the experience of reading it.  You share those reactions and feelings in a review.  It is so difficult to say objectively something about a book, writing, story, because everyone has their own opinions on the matter and we won't all agree on what's "good" or "bad."  Therefore, I say again, tell us what you feel.  

I do reviews both of books I enjoyed and those I didn't.  If I finish a book, I review it here.  This is why I have both a "Things I Liked" and a "Things I Didn't Like" section.  I rarely have a book that doesn't have something in both categories.  I do have to make sure, however, that I'm not specifically looking for things not to like in a book.  I know it's hard work to get it published, so I don't want to be picky and talk about every small detail that bothered me.  Still, I like to be balanced.  Not everyone is going to want to do this.  Which brings me to:

Do what you are comfortable with.  Find what works best with your style and personality.  You don't have to do things the way others do.  You don't need ratings or stars or publication information.  All you really need is the title, author, and your opinion.  You will probably want more in there, but those are the basics.  Don't try to conform to someone else's standard.  Make your own.

How do I balance reviews with other content?
This is an interesting question.  Going along with my last point about doing what you want, this is kind of the same.  If you've read my blog at all, you'll know that it is heavy on the book reviews.  That is just how I want it.  The purpose for my blog is to review books.  The other content, I try to keep to a minimum, generally two non-review posts and four reviews a week.  This is definitely not going to work for every blog.  In fact, lots of the big and popular blogs have plenty of non-review content.  Another reason I decided to do this is that reviews are what I like to read.  I'll be honest, I skip lots of the TV, music, random thoughts posts on other blogs.  I'm more interested in what someone thought of a book than those other things.  I think it's a great idea to do what you want to see on other blogs.  And also balance it according to what you enjoy writing.  

I'm out of ideas what do I do now?
Read a book.
Read a book blog.

That about does it for my thoughts.  Here's hoping I may have helped someone somewhere decide something!

Feel free to leave your ideas and suggestions for these questions as well! (No, really.  I could use them.)

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Dystopian Love and A Giveaway!

As I noted yesterday, I'd love to have attended the dystopian panel for BEA.  Dystopian lit is a new favorite of mine.  Except, it isn't entirely new.  Back in high school, I remember reading and loving Fahrenheit 451.  That was my first taste of this sci-fi futuristic dytopian look at society.  That was followed closely by Nineteen Eighty-Four, which I didn't enjoy quite as much, but still found fascinating.  Those books have stuck with me for all these years, but it wasn't until I picked up Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer that I rediscovered my love.

Ever since I first read this book, I have thought about, written about, and read most anything dystopian I can get my hands on.  I was more recently blown away by Ella Minnow Pea (which doesn't exactly fit the mold, but was similar enough for me to count it), Incarceron, Birthmarked, The Dead-Tossed Waves, Inside Out, The Ask and the Answer, The Maze Runner, and of course Hunger Games.

My appetite seems insatiable when it comes to this, since I am anticipating more delicious dystopian books like Matched by Ally Condie, Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, and The Passage by Justin Cronin.  I also discovered a delightful new dystopian author blog that fans will want to check out.  All of this is adding up to:

A giveaway of that book that rekindled my fire:

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

 
I just so happen to have recently picked up a second copy (what can I say, it was on sale).  Up for grabs, as part of Armchair BEA is my new paperback copy of Life As We Knew It.  

To enter, leave me a comment telling me your favorite thing about dystopian fiction (and a way for me to contact you). [Edit: US only, sorry.]  This contest will end on Monday, May 31st, winner announced Tuesday.  Good luck!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Paneling is More Than Just Really Ugly Wall Covering

Second day of Armchair BEA, and apparently I really dropped the ball on this one.  Blogger interviews?  Oops.  Well, I've been enjoying reading all of yours and getting to know new bloggers.  

Instead of interviewing myself (which really sounds horrifying), I'm taking a page out of Marg at Adventures of an Intrepid Reader's book and mentioning some of the panels/events I would love to attend.

BEA Young Adults Editor’s Buzz
Blurb: Insightful and passionate, this intimate editorial exchange will provide you with an editor’s perspective on some of the Fall’s new YA discoveries and potential breakouts.

YA Authors of YA Editor's Buzz
See above - hearing the authors of said buzzing speak.  Excellent!

You're Reading That?
Blurb: How can booksellers and librarians supply the interests of their teenage customers yet stay connected with that crucial 18-35 year old demographic — the ones who still read and buy YA titles in great numbers? The recent success of Little Brown’s Twilight Series highlights the need for industry professionals to be proactive in supplying fresh and fascinating titles for this burgeoning market.

Dystopian Fiction
Hello, Ally Condie - local author with fabulous (well, I haven't read it, but I expect fabulous) new dystopian book coming out?  Why wasn't she on my author list yesterday?

Librarian's 2nd Annual Book Shout and Share!
Blurb: Two days, thousands of books, eight librarians!  Collection development librarians share their top picks (and best buys) direct from the floor of Book Expo America 2010.

And speaking of authors I forgot to put on my list to meet yesterday, why oh why didn't I include Maria Snyder?  I have serious love for her books.  All of them.  Sigh.

Anything you'd like to attend?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Sign Me Up!

When I saw this lovely idea show up in the blogging world, I was very excited!  I mean, I already whined about reasons I'm not going to BEA, so here was a chance to experience some of the fun right from my own armchair.  Hooray!  

I've noted some of the book signings I've been to before.  When I went through my books last night to see how many I had signed, I was surprised at the number!  I never thought of myself as a big collector of signed books, but apparently I'm off to a pretty good start.  Nearly all of my books are from local authors, who I love and adore.  A few were from visitors to the great state (I've never gone to one outside of Utah).  One was purchased already signed (not one of the fortunate to meet Stephenie Meyer in person).  But, they all bear the mark of the author inside.  Each one scribbling their name to express pride in their work and appreciation of those who read it.  I love a signed book for the meaning and the memories.  

Here's a break down of my signed books, (there were pictures, but right now I'm having technical difficulties) photos included (though, they don't necessarily correlate with the breakdown):

Most by one author: Shannon Hale (6)

Most recent: Mette Ivie Harrison (The Princess and the Bear)

Most famous: Either Stephenie Meyer or Kathryn Stockett (take your pick)

Most prized: hm...can't say that I am able to choose!

Number signed, but didn't meet author: 4

Number signed, but not read: 2

Number Non-Utah authors: 5

Number of complete series signed: 0 (close with Fablehaven and Books of Bayern!)

Total number: ~25

I may also have mentioned before that I'm not really articulate when I do get my books signed.  Usually a well-placed "Thank you," is all I can get out.  The few times I have spoken, it was usually to say something that sounded better in my head than out of it.  (This is actually pretty true of when I meet new people in general.)  I got a real kick out of Suey's post about approaches to signings a few weeks ago.  

In any case, as I was trying to decide what authors I'd really love to meet, I realized I'd have to make categories.  (What can I say? I'm a librarian.  I categorize.)

At BEA: 
Kate DiCamillo, Richard Peck

Not at BEA: 
Robin McKinley, Megan Whalen Turner, Jean Ferris, Juliet Marillier, Karen Cushman

Not Likely (Ever):
J.K. Rowling, Patrick Ness, anyone British

A Bit Too Late:
Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis

Really, the longer I think about it, the more authors I would be adding to the list!  So, I think I'll just cut myself off now.

Who are you dying to meet - living, dead, possible, impossible?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage