What made you want to be a book blogger?
Initially, I was drawn to the idea of being able to connect with other people who loved the same novels as I did. While Goodreads provided some sense of giving my opinion on the books I "liked" or "disliked", I wanted my own "space" where I could write whatever was on my mind about the genre of books that I love and get some feedback from others.
What have been your best book blogging experiences?
Honestly, there have been a lot, stretching from people actually discovering and reading my blog to making friends with other book bloggers to connecting with a group of spectacular authors. Each of those firsts were really memorable and spectacular in their own unique way.
What has been your worst book blogging experience?
Two really stand out to me.
One was a bad author experience I had when I first started blogging. Unfortunately, it was with a favorite author of mine from my teenage years, and while I should have foreseen the problems with trying to connect with this writer, it still hit me hard and destroyed the final remnant of any fanboy-hood that remained in my forty year old heart.
Two was the first really negative reaction I received to one of my reviews. In this case, a fan of a certain series took personal offense to my criticism of their favorite story and unloaded on me. Yet again, the extreme outrage at my honest opinion surprised me.
How many books do you own?
Close to a thousand, I believe. However, I do not really keep track anymore. In fact, I took it upon myself -- with a little encouragement from my wife, of course -- to go through my book collection this year and only keep those that I intended to re-read multiple times. Those books which did not fit that description found their way to my local used bookstore.
Who is your favorite author?
Like every book lover, I have lots of favorites, but J.R.R. Tolkien was my first love, so I suppose he will always be the author against whom I compare all others. Glen Cook, author of The Black Company, is a close second, however.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Lord of the Rings is the fantasy classic that embodies all that I expect an epic fantasy novel to be.
What are your thoughts on ebooks?
Initially, I hated ebooks and refused to use an ereader. I eventually surrendered to the ebook revolution and now find that I really enjoy the convenience of them. I still buy hardcover editions of my favorite novels, however.
What are your thoughts on self-publishing?
Doesn't bother me at all. Sure, my friends who complain that self-publishing allows a lot of really bad books to see the light of day are right, but in my opinion, the few excellent authors and stories that have been discovered only due to self-publishing makes it all worth it.
Any literary aspirations?
When I was a lot younger, I dreamed of becoming a writer, but after years of procrastinating actually writing anything, I am starting to believe the "aspirations" were more wishful thinking. I do have an idea for a fantasy series that I would love to write one day, but who knows if I will ever find the time -- or the talent -- to put it down into words that others might appreciate.
What's your favorite joke of all time?
In real life, I am an attorney, so I have people tell me lawyer jokes all the time, but my favorite is a really simple one: How do you get a lawyer out of a tree? Answer: cut the rope. I love telling that one to new attorneys, so I can see their faces go pale, as it becomes clear to them that they are now some of the most hated people in society.
That first negative encounter or reaction is definitely jarring. Great lawyer joke as well - I didn't know there were any that didn't involve sharks. LOL
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