Before I get started, a quick question – what exactly makes someone a “book blogger”? I mean, I write this blog in my spare time, and I write predominantly about books, so does that make me a book blogger? I don’t know, I have this nagging feeling that I’m both too old and too unhip to be a true “blogger”. Nevertheless, I wanted to write a post that wasn’t a book review or poetry-related, so here were are! Enjoy this little sneak peak into my blogging life.
How Long Have You Been a Blogger?
Raincity Librarian first launched in October 2014. TWENTY-FOURTEEN! My goodness, I can’t believe it’s been almost three years! I originally envisioned my blog as a place for me to record my library story time outlines, and you can still find many of my family and baby story time outlines under the “programs” heading. Over the years, though, it has morphed primarily into a place for me to share reviews of the books that I read, both personally and professionally. More recently I have started playing around with poetry, too, which has added another dimension to the blog.
At What Point do you think You Will Stop Blogging?
Who knows! Perhaps when I no longer find the writing process professionally valuable or personally enjoyable. In other words, if it starts getting bored, I might very well stop.
What is the Best Thing About Blogging?
Connecting with other book lovers, particularly teachers, librarians and authors. Participating in the kidlit blogging world has taught me so much – I’ve discovered so many incredible authors and titles, and grown professionally as an educator and literacy champion. I’ve also met some exceptionally lovely and talented people who have inspired me and pushed me creatively. It’s really been a great experience.
I also enjoy being able to promote books that I’ve really enjoyed, or that I believe could really connect with young readers. I appreciate being able to support Canadian authors and illustrators, as well as debut creators. As a first-time author I know how intimidating the whole writing/publishing/promotion process can be, so if I can help a fellow creator out in some way, I’m happy to do so!
What is the Worst Thing about Blogging?
The most challenging aspect of blogging for me has been learning not to constantly compare my blog with others. There will always be blogs with nicer layouts, more comments, a larger list of followers, and more high-profile guests. That’s just life, and learning to accept that, and to not beat myself up internally over it is an ongoing process. This is something that extends far beyond the blogging world, of course, and this need to “keep up with the Joneses” is something that many of us struggle with on a daily basis.
How Long Does it Take to Find/Create pictures for your posts?
Not very long. I usually take book covers from Goodreads, and use free stock photographs from Pixabay. I am a bit fan of Canva, which offers free design tools, and is a fantastic resource both for bloggers and librarians looking to make professional-looking posters and displays on a budget.
Who is Your Book Crush?
Book crush? Hmmm….I don’t know that I necessarily have any book crushes at the moment, though I do have a lot of manga crushes, if those count? My current manga crush is Kakashi from Naruto. A ninja with a weakness for cheeky romance novels? Be still, my beating heart.
What Author Would you Like On Your Blog?
Oh, there are so many! I’ll narrow it down to just a few, in the interest of time and space:
- Josh Funk
- Jon Klassen
- Kwame Alexander
- Margarita Engle
- Jan Thomas
- Julie Flett
- Ashley Spires
OK, I have to stop myself there, otherwise this list would never end! Essentially I would like to have every picture book author and/or artist on my blog! Are you a picture book creator? Do you know any picture book creators? I’d love to hear from you!!
What do you Wear when you Write Blog Posts?
Whatever I happen to be wearing at the time. I tend to blog after work, so I’m usually in shorts and a t-shirt, or jeans and a t-shirt. Nothing all that exciting, I’m afraid.
How Long Does it take you to Prepare a Blog Post?
For my book reviews, I typically read the book, spend some time studying the text and imagery, then write my post. I’d say I spend less than an hour on each post. Which is handy, since I work full-time, and have to fit blogging into my packed schedule.
How do you Feel about the Book Blogger Community?
As I mentioned previously, I really feel participating actively in the book blogging community has allowed me to grow as a librarian, educator and writer. I have met so many inspiring authors, illustrators and educators who are really passionate about connecting kids (and caregivers) with quality stories that will inspire a life-long love of reading. It’s an incredible community to be a part of!
What should be done to achieve a successful blog?
Have fun. Have fun, and it won’t matter what anyone else thinks about your blog or its success. Have fun and enjoy the process.
I really enjoyed your answers for that one! I agree with you: meeting so many great people and being able to chat about books is the best thing about blogging for sure. I have the very same issue about comparing myself to others way too often… I can’t help it ahah – but just like you said, what matters is that we have fun, write from our hearts and love it 🙂 <3
Manga is a type of book, so it totally counts.
In that case I have sooooooo many book boyfriends…. 😀