The Best Books Ever

The world of blogging is continually changing. Share 3 things you are essential tried and true practices for every blogger and 1-3 new trends or tools you’ve adapted recently or would like to in the future. I still consider myself a bit of a newbie in the blogging world- but here is what I have figured out so far: 1.  Reviewing isn't always going to be fun.  I know, I know- I have been told, you should blog unless you love it.  I love READING and I want to share that love with everyone else- THAT is why I blog.  I don't consider myself an expert writer and I am not the most eloquent person (I try to compensate with humor ha ha).  I keep reviewing because I love reading other people's reviews and I want to be part of this community and this online discussion of books.  I have slumps, but I also have really productive weeks too! 2. I get my blog posts ready in advance- it helps SO MUCH.  If I get a large mass of books, I will prepare blog posts f...

Book bloggers blog because we love reading. Has book blogging changed the way you read? Have you discovered books you never would have apart from book blogging? How has book blogging affected your book acquisition habits? Have you made new connections with other readers because of book blogging? Choose any one of these topics and share your thoughts today! Man blogging has really changed the way I read!  I have found so many books that I have never thought I would read or be interested in from finding blogs and reading reviews.  I read SO MUCH more now!  I usually read 5 books a week (sometimes more). It is also fun because Mandi and I share the same passion for fantasy books that we didn't discover until recently. What about you?  Have your reading habits changed since you started reading/ writing blogs? Has my blog changed your mind on any book?  I would love to hear from you!

The world of book blogging has grown enormously and sometimes it can be hard to find a place. Share your tips for finding and keeping community in book blogging despite the hectic demands made on your time and the overwhelming number of blogs out there. If you’re struggling with finding a community, share your concerns and explain what you’re looking for–this is the week to connect! I have been wondering this same thing.  How do you develop community with those around you?  There are so many book blogs out there- how do you find people that share the same interests? I have found Twitter has helped some with the "belonging" feeling, but I know that a greater community is formed by meeting others in real life.  I haven't been able to go to any signings or conferences (not many YA conferences in Amish country, PA haha), but I look forward to being able to do that in the future....  So what do you think?  How have you formed community?  Mandi and...

 Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Jen from That's What I'm Talking about.  Let's welcome Jen to Short and Sweet! About Jen   I am an engineer and urban planner, who is mostly a Stay-At-Home-Mom. I used to read almost all of the time. But work and then marriage, motherhood and TV slowly degraded my reading until it was maybe 2 books in a year. In the fall of 2008, I discovered a wonderful series of books: The Twilight Series... I quickly read all 4 books. This lead me to join an online discussion group. The wonderful women (and men) of this group have introduced me to whole new world of books. I mostly read paranormal romance and urban fantasy. I'm so excited to read again. Several of my TV shows are now back-logged for WEEKS on the DVR! I have two small children: Boy and Girl. Joining me on my journey is also my husband, Hubs, and our 2 cats. We all live together in the New England region of the United States. How/Why did you start bloggi...

Monday September 12th: Community While the awards are a fun part of BBAW, they can never accurately represent the depth and breadth of diversity in the book blogging community. Today you are encouraged to highlight a couple of bloggers that have made book blogging a unique experience for you. They can be your mentors, a blogger that encouraged you to try a different kind of book, opened your eyes to a new issue, made you laugh when you needed it, or left the first comment you ever got on your blog. Stay positive and give back to the people who make the community work for you Today I wanted to introduce you to a few blogs that brought me into the world of YA blogging.  They made me take the step from "I love reading YA blogs" to "Hey- I can do that!" You may recognize some of these- but maybe some will be new to you: They all have interesting content. I came for The Mortal Insturments series and I stayed for the excellent content. There are ...

Everyday during BBAW, there will be a daily topic you can post about on your own blog. You are welcomed and encouraged to come back to the BBAW site and share your link in the Mister Linky. We are providing the topics now so that you can plan ahead! This year’s theme is Cultivating a Community of Bloggers and Readers . Monday September 12th: Community While the awards are a fun part of BBAW, they can never accurately represent the depth and breadth of diversity in the book blogging community. Today you are encouraged to highlight a couple of bloggers that have made book blogging a unique experience for you. They can be your mentors, a blogger that encouraged you to try a different kind of book, opened your eyes to a new issue, made you laugh when you needed it, or left the first comment you ever got on your blog. Stay positive and give back to the people who make the community work for you! Tuesday September 13th: Blogger Interviews This is the day you post the blogge...