Armchair BEA: Beyond the Blog
Has blogging opened up opportunities for you beyond getting free, advance copies of new books? Has it helped you get offers to write or review elsewhere (maybe even for pay)? Have you gotten invites to special events or places you might not have been to otherwise?
I don't really have much to say on this entry. I've been blogging for just over a year and while my blog has and is growing and developing, I still have a long way to go before the blog is exactly what I want it to be. I'm hoping to make some positive changes over the summer to make my blog more attractive and user friendly. In the meantime here's where I'm at.
I have been receiving books from authors for review which I enjoy. I like helping authors promote their work as well as share good books with my readers. I've also enjoyed making more personal connections with some authors. I've also enjoyed participating in giveaways, I'd do more if my budget allowed it. There have definitely been some important connections that I have made that have helped me get more involved in the book blogging community. Special thanks to Kathy at I am a Reader, Not a Writer and her giveaway hops for helping with this. I also want to thank some specific bloggers who've had a huge impact on my becoming a blogger. Betsy Bird at A Fuse #8 Production does reviews unlike anyone else. Charlotte at Charlotte's Library was one of the first to welcome me to book blogging. And I continue to enjoy reading Amanda's quick and to the point reviews at A Patchwork of Books. And I thoroughly appreciate Jennifer's honest reviews at Jean Little Library.
I have not yet participated through writing guest reviews, but I am getting involved with a number of blog tours over the coming months, which I am really looking forward to (see the sidebar for more information on these).
I have not been invited to review for money, my blog isn't big enough for that and may never be. As much as I love book blogging, I do have a full time job, plus I'm an introvert and unlikely to aggressively pursue some kinds of opportunities. But overall I am happy with where I am headed and would like to offer a big thank you to the warm welcome I have received from the book blogging community. I do eventually want to attend blogging conferences and such, but until that is viable, I'll keep plugging along and enjoy the journey.
Yay for blog tours! I've done one for TLC book tours before, it can be a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck and happy ABEA! :)
Yes, I've got a couple coming up. I am excited.
DeleteThanks for visiting. :)
All that is important is to like what you are doing! You can always tweak and grow into what you want to be but have fun while doing it! I highly recommend conferences if you ever get a chance--you will meet amazing people!
ReplyDeleteI agree, my blog is gradually becoming what I want it to be. I would love to attend a blogging conference, I hope to do so some day. I have enjoyed conferences I've attended in the past.
DeleteI'm an introvert, too, and am unlikely to push myself into the money making foray when it comes to my passion. But, these posts are interesting to read to discover what people are doing with their skills and talents. Maybe for you and I, we're just content to read and write about books which is a good thing. :)
ReplyDeleteRight now, I am content to read and write about books, that may change someday, but I hope not.
DeleteI think the introvert mindset makes a lot of us content to have a place to express ourselves freely without trying to make a big deal out of our blogs.
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the nice things about blogging. Ironically, I find it almost easier to talk to people online than face to face.
DeleteFrom what I read yesterday it seems that a lot of book bloggers are introverts, I count myself among them. No one does the awkward turtle better than I :) But through things like blogger meetups and cons, it isn't necessarily only your blog that grows as much as we ourselves grow too.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you keep having fun blogging, keep at it :) Best of luck
Leila | The Fiction Pixie
I agree, meeting people face to face will make book blogging that much more enjoyable. I hope to make such connections eventually. Time to save my pennies. :)
DeleteI would love to meet up bloggers!! but I dont like near many but Blogging makes all of us happy!
ReplyDeleteThat's what it's all about isn't it? Enjoyment.
Deletegiveaways are always fun! Have you thought of asking some of the authors to sponsor them? That way it wouldn't take anything out of your budget and they'd get more promotion, too!
ReplyDeleteChelle
I have had a couple of giveaways where the author/publisher offered the giveaway. It was great!
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