Today I thought I’d turn the tables on book blogger and reader extraordinaire, Kate from “Me my books and I” and interview her! For those who don’t know much about book blogging, I thought it would be a great way to find out what it involves, and how you can connect with Kate and find your next great read.
- When did you decide to start blogging about books? And why?
I started my blog in January 2012; I had been reading various book blogs for a while and liked the idea of sharing my opinions. Whenever I finished a book I would want to talk about it and seeing as none of my family were into reading I had no-one to discuss it with (cue sad violin music). So I decided to start a blog as an outlet for my overflowing thoughts really – I honestly had no idea that so many people would be interested in my opinions and I’m still amazed by the amount of visitors my blog gets (thank you to everyone who has stopped by, I really do appreciate it)!
Bec – I know how that feels! Nothing worse than finishing a great book and not being able to discuss it with anyone.
2. Can you tell us how you find the books you read and rate?
Sometimes I’ll just spot a book I like the look of when I’m wandering around a bookshop/supermarket, sometimes I read a review online and just can’t resist getting it (my wish list and to read lists are huge) and sometimes I am sent books by publishers or authors. I have to admit that covers play a big part in my choice to buy a book!
Bec – Must admit, covers are what attract me in the first instant too!
3. How do you go about reviewing a book that didn’t appeal to you?
Luckily I don’t get too many of those because I generally only read books which have something in the blurb that appeals to me. However, there have been a few that sounded good and didn’t live up to my expectations and at the time I felt so torn about how to word my review (I don’t enjoy writing negative things). I know how hard authors work on their books so it’s very difficult – I simply try to pick out any parts of the book that I did enjoy and make it clear in my review that it just wasn’t for me but that doesn’t mean others wouldn’t enjoy it.
4. Were you always a big reader?
I always had my head stuck in a book when I was young; I even taught some of my younger cousins who were struggling to read. When I was 17 I met my husband and my reading habits definitely changed around that time. After we had children I was no longer working so I found myself with some time on my hands and turned back to books!
5. Which book would you say has changed your life?
I don’t think any one book has specifically changed my life but there have been many books that have made me think about my life in a different way. Finding My Happy Pace by Heather Wardell was one of those books, I had put quite a bit of weight on after having the children and this book encouraged me to get on the treadmill – I’ve now lost 2st so I guess that would count.
6. Do you have a favourite genre?
I like to read a variety of genres because I feel that it keeps things fresh and I don’t think I can pick just one favourite – I love chick lit and paranormal romance type books but I also enjoy young adult books and more recently I’m in love with all the new adult books that have become so popular. I’m pretty much up for anything as long as the blurb intrigues me.
7. If you had to have dinner with three authors, who would you choose?
Hmm that’s a tough one, I think it would have to be Amy Plum, Sarra Manning and Paige Toon because I’m such a big fan of their books – whenever they have a new book out I don’t even need to read the blurb because I’m so confident I’ll enjoy it and I have to say I’ve not been disappointed yet!
8. Do you prefer paperback or e-book?
I actually prefer paperback because I love the smell of a new book, my husband thinks I’m strange because he often finds me sniffing my books :). But saying that, I do enjoy reading on my Kindle – it’s easier to hold and I love the feature that tells you how long you have left in the book.
Bec –That visual made me laugh out loud!
9. How do we find you?
You can find me on my blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and Pinterest.
Thank you so much for having me on your blog today Rebecca, I really enjoyed answering your questions for my first ever interview!
Thank you for joining us today, Kate! I’ve found your blog a great place to connect with other authors, and to discuss books. Feel free and stop by Kate’s social media sites and say, “Hi.”. She regularly interviews authors, reviews books and has giveaways.
Thank you again for having me on your blog today, it’s great to be here! 🙂
Thank you so much for being here Kate! Love your blog 🙂
Great interview ladies!
Thank you! Thanks for reading it 🙂
Thank you Heidi, it was fun to be in the hot seat! 🙂
Really interesting! Thank you Rebecca and Kate! 🙂
Thanks Sarah! 🙂
Thank you! It’s good to be on Rebecca’s blog today 🙂
Yay, so good to read more about you, Kate! I love that you sniff books – one of the best smells in the world! I really like your blog and can recommend it to anyone thinking of checking it out!
It really is one of the best smells in the world 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words, I appreciate your support Joanna!
Agree! Thanks for stopping by! Xx
Lovely to see you being interviewed Kate 🙂
Thank you for stopping by to read it Shaz 🙂
Thank you, Shaz! Thanks for taking the time to read and reply 🙂 xx