It’s time for stage 4 of this lovely little blogger appreciation event we have going on here. Today I will be introducing Heather and Ren from A little bit of R&R, and Author Casey. L. Bond.

Both Ren and Heather answered the interview questions for their shared blog, which I find fabulous.

1. First off, tell us who you are. Let us know a little bit about yourself.

Heather: Hiya, I’m Heather. I co-blog for A Little Bit of R&R. I’m 30, married for the past six years to a great dude, and we have one 3 year old son. I’m a licensed social worker in Texas, which I’ve been doing since 2007.  I ready just about any books and I love meeting folks and helping others.

Ren: Hey there! I’m Ren. I’m the original chick from A Little Bit of R&R. I’m 30 years old and have a rad ass 5 year old boy. I work in the Reference department at a library here in Jersey and have been here for 11 years!

2. Why do you blog about books?

Heather: I love to read and help authors.

Ren: Because why not? I love to tell people about the books I love. I’m a huge indie reader and a lot of the people I recommend books to don’t even know about them. I always help out when I can.

3. What books are your favourites? which author do you thank most for making you a book lover?

Heather: My favorite have to the huge genre and sub genres that make up fantasy and paranormal. I became a huge reader when I started with Tamora Pierce and L.J. Smith as a youngin.

Ren: I have a whole story of how I became a reader. I’m sure it would bore you to death so I’ll just give you the basics. Evermore by Alyson Noel is the book that got me started. Significance by Shelly Crane is the one that made me fall in love with reading. I have too many favorites to list but you can check out my yearly favs by searching the blog.

4. Where can we find you? Twitter? Website? Any sort of social media platform.

 http://alittlebitofrnr.com/

Twitter: @1laureezy3 (it’s Ren’s twitter but all the stuff gets posted there anyway)

https://www.facebook.com/ALittleBitOfRnR

My personal page: https://www.facebook.com/laureeezy

If you’d like to read the rest of the interview, (which I know you do), go show the ladies some love on their blogsite: A Little Bit of R&R

Now for the post from Casey.

Bloggers: The Lifeblood of an Author

 

Bloggers are amazing. Without them, an author will have a difficult time selling their books. Why, you ask? Let me tell you. J

 

Bloggers give so much.

TIME: A blogger is a person. People have lives. Lives are hectic. There are responsibilities, obligations and distractions in those lives. Time is a commodity to everyone. There simply isn’t enough to go around. Have you heard someone say, “There aren’t enough hours in the day?”

I say it all the time and it’s so true. We’re all pulled in a million different directions at once. All of those things are competing for….time. A blogger takes his or her time to make posts on behalf of authors. Sometimes it’s a post about a new cover. Other times, it’s a review of the author’s book.

It takes a lot of time to read, write a review, post about the book, etc.

 

Let’s talk about reviews!

A blogger’s reviews, any review, isn’t for the author’s benefit. Some do mention things that can help the author grow in their craft. And that’s amazing! But a review is for other readers. If a blogger or reader cares enough to spend their time writing a review, it’s because they loved the book and because they want other readers to share in the awesome!

 

Thank you to all of the bloggers who have, do and will support my dream in the future. You’re amazing and we would be NOTHING without you. <3 ~Casey L. Bond

 

Thank you ladies. As always it has been fantastic speaking to you.

Keep an eye out. In the next day or two I will be posting about a giveaway that we will be doing on the 29th of May. Some fantastic ebooks and gift vouchers will be up for grabs. But I don’t want to spoil the surprise.



Have a lovely booky day!

It’s time again for the blogger appreciation post. For the third instalment, I will be introducing to you Tia Bach and SammyJoe Dube.

Thanks for the Spark

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Albert Schweitzer

What’s a fire without that first spark? And how does it continue without continued support?

Since I was a little girl, I’ve filled notebook after notebook with words and read as many books as I could get my hands on. Then one day, a teacher pushed me for to consider writing as more than just a hobby.

Fast forward to the day I decided to write a novel. Every time I almost gave up, almost thought my words weren’t important enough, there was a reader or blogger who sparked my passion again. Without them, I wouldn’t have gone past book one.

All of our lives are extremely busy. To know that a reader takes the time to read my work is amazing. Then, for that reader to go another step and write a review or blog post, well, that’s the kind of spark that can keep this girl writing for a long time.

Time is precious, and for someone to carve out a piece of it to pass on their love of words and books. Awesome! I find myself inspired every day by people who fall in love with books and share their passion and excitement. I am a reader who picks most of her books by word of mouth, so some of the best gifts in my life have been the books someone recommended.

Thanks to everyone who keeps the passion of words and books alive by spreading the spark. Please know that many people’s lives are made brighter by your recommendations, enthusiasm, commitment, and generosity. In addition, many authors are spurred to write even better books to give back just a little.

Kudos to the readers and bloggers who spark the flames and keep them raging!


And then there was an interview…



1. First off, tell us who you are. Let us know a little bit about yourself. 


I'm originally from Zimbabwe and have been living in SA for the last 7 years. I'm the 3rd of six girls. I've been blogging for 4 years. I love jelly babies, reading though I watch more TV than I read. I enjoy adventure and learning new things which is why I'm blog for City-sighting seeing red bus blog. What better way is there to see the city and have adventure. I'm working hard at not being a procrastinator so I can discover more about myself and what I'm capable of. 



2. Why do you blog about books? 


I blog about books as part of my lifestyle as my blog is a life style blog focusing on my aim to achieve my goals and I believe books will help me to grow. 


3. What books are your favourites?


Which author do you thank most for making you a book lover? Mmmm this is tough one but I'll say the Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer I've only read two of the seven books just found out there's 7 of them. Enid Blyton is the author that got me reading and to love reading The Famous Five was the best. 


4. Where can we find you? Twitter? Website? Any sort of social media platform.


Blog link: https://dumbellsanddelights.wordpress.com/


Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/EbonyDelights?lang=en


Facebook page: Under construction


Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sammyjoe91


Instagram https://instagram.com/sam_delights/


5. What is the hardest part about being a blogger/reviewer? 


The hardest part for me personally is not having enough time to read the books which why I started the blog as way to get things done by documenting them. Also not having money to buy the books I want to read. 


6. Besides blogging what else do you do? Do you work? Are you a parent? Do you walk your cat on the moon? (This will totally be a thing one day.) 


I'm working full time as a debtors clerk and studying part time for my junior bookkeeping certificate. 


7. What do you, as a blogger, do for the community? 


I think I help put information out there that has a personal connection to it. People can relate to me because I am a real person who they interact with.



Thank you ladies! See you again on Wednesday.

It’s that time again. Today I introduce to you Leenna Naidoo and Stormy Smith.

 

1.                  First off, tell us who you are. Let us know a little bit about yourself.
Hi there. I'm Leenna. I'm both a writer and a blogger. I blog about all sorts of things that interest me: from books, to writing , to where to find the best chocolate in Harbin (China), or what happens at the pre-wedding ritual of a Telegu wedding.
My first self-published book was I Find Myself Charmed, a collection of short-stories. I've only been blogging since I got back to South Africa in about September last year. It's been a fun, interesting journey. And I'm still learning everyday.

2. Why do you blog about books?
I've always loved books. I get anxious at libraries sometimes, because there are so many books that I want to read, but I can't! I like telling others about a story I've enjoyed and what I've learned from books, 'cos there is always something new that I learn from a book, no matter if it's fiction or non-fiction. Sharing about a book is caring about the book.

3. What books are your favourites? which author do you thank most for making you a book lover?
I have so many favourite books, it's hard just to pick one. It wasn't any author who got me loving books, it was my mum. When I was three, or so I remember turning the pages of her old history book. It had grayscale pictures on glossy paper for illustrations. I loved it so much that I scribbled all over it. I read it when I was about ten or eleven. I still have that book amongst my treasures. 
As for the authors that I thank most for inspiring the writer in me: that would Mary Stewart with her romantic suspense and her retelling of the Merlin story in The Crystal Cave Series. I love her writing and the way she combines well researched history with myth and an amazing character. I also loved Dianna Wynne Jones, Magaret Mahy, Douglas Adams and Harry Harrison's Steel Rat series. Recently, I've been more influenced by Terry Pratchett, Elizabeth Peters and Dorothy Cannell with her comedic mystery series which includes How To Murder The Man Of Your Dreams.

4. Where can we find you? Twitter? Website? Any sort of social media platform.
You can find my blog, Inbetweener, at: www.leennanaidoo.wordpress.com
On Facebook, I'm on: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leenna-Naidoo/802736069794593

5. What is the hardest part about being a blogger/reviewer? 
Finding the time to fit everything in. Finding good images to add to your post. Not always getting feedback from my readers.

6. Besides blogging what else do you do? Do you work? Are you a parent? Do you walk your cat on the moon? (This will totally be a thing one day.)
Well, besides being a writer, I also love designing and trying to paint. Still need lots of practice on the painting. I love traveling, so I'm also planning trips I'd love to take, even though they aren't doable just now. My ultimate trip would be going on an ice-breaker on the first trip of the season to the Arctic. I'd love to walk my dog on Mars one day. I like the red sand :-D

7. What do you, as a blogger, do for the community?
As a blogger, I entertain and inform the community. I hope I bring a new perspective, some positivity and some fun. I help support authors and other artists where I can, especially when I feel drawn to their material. I share information and views in a way that is unique to me.

 

And now for an open letter to book bloggers from Stormy Smith

 

Dear book bloggers,

 

Thank you. Thank you for loving books, for delving into world after world and entertaining a revolving door of swoony book boyfriends and main characters that are tied so close to each our hearts.

 

Thank you for reading emails from complete strangers, who just released their first book, and being willing to take a chance on someone unproven in the market.

 

Thank you for posting your reviews to your own blog and sharing our stories with your dedicated and trusting fan base. Thank you for also taking the time to post those reviews to Amazon and GoodReads and all the other sites that help impact sales and bolster our credibility in the marketplace.

 

Thank you for your tweets, instagram photos, Facebook posts and comments/likes/shares. Thank you for believing in us, for rooting us on and reminding us why the late nights and early mornings are worth it.

 

Thank you for the extras…the release days blasts, the social sharing during sales and the general excitement you bring to the table whenever our books are mentioned other places.

 

Thank you for loving books so much that you do all these things after hours, between gigs, while your kids are napping or during the same late nights and early mornings we are working, too.

 

Thank you for being our support system, cheerleaders, marketing team and most of all, our friends.

 

Love,

The authors

 

That’s it for today. See you all again on Monday.

 

Hey there lovely book lovers.

This event has been in the works for a while and it has taken us a while to start posting. We apologise. Life unfortunately got in the way.

We have a list of lovely ladies who are going to be featured on this blog. Both as bloggers and as authors who appreciate bloggers.  

As writers and readers we rely on bloggers’ love and passion for books to keep us always craving more.

The first post will feature a write up by Catherine Stine and an interview with Ginny Gallagher.

 

 

Blogger Love by Catherine Stine

 

Bloggers are the glue that holds a lot of the indie writing world together. They are fellow writers, cheerleaders, booklovers, and avid readers, and they do it in large part for the pure enjoyment of the written word and to support the indie community. That’s a rare commodity in this greedy, dog eat squirrel world.

 

I’ll always remember how incredibly grateful I was in the winter of 2012 to have bloggers eager to tour and review my first indie published book, Fireseed One. I was amazed to discover that some of the most accomplished and enthusiastic bloggers were teens still in high school. Ezmirelda at Parafantasy and Blair at Comfort Books come to mind. They might’ve been too young to drink at a bar, or even drive a car, but they weren’t too young to completely understand a complex novel and be able to describe it even better than I could—what made its heart beat, and why they felt it was important enough to encourage others to a take a gamble on reading it.

 

I love the more savvy, seasoned bloggers, too, who’ve been crafting and shaping their site for years (well, now Parafantasy and Comfort Books can be put in that category J ). They have made their blogs into a wonderful work of art, from the graphics to the widgets to the intricate headers to their catchy regular columns we’ve come to depend on. I’m thinking of Ren Reidy’s A Little Bit of R & R, My Book Addiction, XoXo Book blog and NA Alley just to name a few.

 

Some say blogging has become less popular, or that blog tours are less relevant. I say bite me. Sure, there are other ways to let people know about a new book. But a blog feature, review, interview or guest post is still a fine way to announce its launch. I blog, too, though I don’t generally write reviews. And I would really miss it if I ever stopped. There’s something magical about reading the scrawls and rants of bloggers, whether it’s a take on the latest publishing scandal, an insightful book review, information about writing craft, or simply a day in the life. The blog community helps keep us all connected, caring and inspiring each other. Huzzah to the bloggers!

If you would like to follow Catherine on any of her sites, you can find her here:

Fireseed One: http://www.amazon.com/Fireseed-One-Catherine-Stine-ebook/dp/B006O4SL3O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1430524904&sr=1-1&keywords=fireseed+one

Her website: http://catherinestine.com/wp/

Her blog (Idea City): http://catherinestine.blogspot.com/

 

And now for the interview. I sent every blogger a set of questions and this is what Ginny had to say.

 

First off, tell us who you are. Let us know a little bit about yourself.

 

Hi everyone (waving crazily)! I’m Ginny. I’m a slightly sarcastic, happily married, writer, cover designer, blogger, and the creative force behind Gin’s Book Notes & Design.

I’m currently writing the first book in a young adult paranormal series and can’t wait to share it with everyone (should be within the next 4 months…happy dance)!

I LOVE everything about books and there’s nothing I enjoy more than creating cover art and hearing the words “you nailed it” from the authors that I’m blessed to work with.

I usually have marker or paint on my fingers and I’m happiest when writing, creating, reading, or spending time with my family and five fur kids.I believe in happily ever after, know that magic is real, and refuse to accept that the world isn’t all rainbows and butterflies.

Why do you blog about books?

 

Oh this one is easy….I LOVE BOOKS; always have, always will.

 

What books are your favourites? Which author do you thank most for making you a book lover?

 

This one is not so easy. I have so many favorites across many different genres. I honestly couldn’t pick just one.  The first chapter book that I read that made me fall into the pages and when I looked up realized that hours had passed was A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. I was rarely seen without a book after that.

 

 

 

Where can we find you? Twitter? Website? Any sort of social media platform.

 

I LOVE getting to know fellow book lovers. Stop by and chat with me at the following sites.

Website/Blog: http://ginsbooknotes.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@ginsbooknotes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GinsBookNotes

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ginsbooknotes/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7068334-ginny-gin-s-book-notes

Google+: https://plus.google.com/100318182482441378138/posts

 

What is the hardest part about being a blogger/reviewer? 

 

Time management! It is very easy to let blogging take over all your time because there is always “one more” thing that needs to be done or that you want to do. Learning to balance blogging with the rest of your life vital to blogging happiness.

 

Besides blogging what else do you do? Do you work? Are you a parent? Do you walk your cat on the moon? (This will totally be a thing one day.)

 

Let’s see…my job is designing covers and other graphic materials for authors when I’m not doing that I’m working on writing my first book (I mentioned that it should be done in 4 months or less…right?!...I’m so stinking excited). When I’m not doing those two things or blogging I enjoy chilling out with the hubs and fur kids, watching a few of my favorite TV programs (Arrow, Flash, Baby’s Daddy), and relaxing by doing some arts and crafts.

 

What do you, as a blogger, do for the community?

 

I read, buy, and review a LOT of books! LOL…that’s true but I also try to participate in any type of charity related book programs. I’m especially drawn to programs that bring books to children that otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to enjoy them.

Thank you Catherine and Ginny. You ladies have been wonderful to host.

Keep an eye out, we will be posting more information on a giveaway soon.





Yay! That marks the end of our first post. We will be posting again soon!

 

UtopYAcon is an event that is filled with people that have changed my life forever! 
T His might be a lengthy post - there is just way too much excitement bubbling inside of me to keep it short - I never dreamed Id attend such and event as and author and now I am privileged enough to attend it for a second time all the way From Sunny South Africa #timetorepresent

"UtopYA is a booklover’s Mecca—bloggers, readers, and writers alike should make this pilgrimage a must year after year."  ~Addison Moore 
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author 

Dubbed “The conference with heart” by Publisher’s Weekly, utopYA continues to combine heart with art for the 2015 conference!

THe entire event was a highlight for me. I was so nervous having to fly in all the way from South Africa and stand beside the best in the industry, but I needed have been - to me UtopYAcon was my home and my family away from home. I dedicated an entire blog post to the do's and dont's of the con and what I would have done differently!  
You can also read my interview with our local papers on what UtopYAcon meant to me  and has given me...

While I have you here dont forget that I am flying in all the way from South AFrica. My bags will be stacked with shoes and outfits so my books will be shipped to the hotel. this means I will have little to non extra stock with me. It is important to pre - order with me before the end of the month - take in account I sold out my books the first hour last here; I dont want to turn you away at my table - pls fill in the pre-order form now! 

5. Favorite genre?
      That is easy I love more that one they are fantasy, romance, mystery, young adult, and paranormal romance and so many more.

6. Favorite time of the day and why?
     It's late afternoon cause it's when my favor spot outside sit is in the shade where I might get a hour or two to myself.

7. Do you have a bolg? If yes how dis you get started?
     Yes  and I got stared almost a year ago cause I wanted to help share all the wonderful authors I have meet and sharing new authors who have some awesome books they have written.

8. Share your dreams with us
      I love to travel the world with my husband after the kids are all grow up.

9. Favorite book to movie adaption?
      Harry Potter series,Twilight series and the Hunger Game series are two I can think off the top of my head but there are a few more that I have really enjoy.