What made you want to be a book blogger?
Well, I actually just got involved with Goodreads, found out about Netgalley and ARCs, and wanted to read some books early. It sprung from that desire!
What have been your best book blogging experiences?
My absolute best moment as a book blogger was when I was contacted by a publisher to review the latest book from one of my favorite series. They gave me a free hardcover copy to keep after it was published and also let me do a giveaway... but the best part was that she set up an interview with the authors for me. It was such a thrill! Big thanks to Dan and shelfinflicted for letting me take over his column that week for the review, Q&A, and giveaway!
What has been your worst book blogging experience?
Oh, the worst is when you get a book that you just don't want to finish, but there's that obligation to do so... and it sits there on your nightstand or e-reader and taunts you with its awful self. "You HAVE to read me. HAVE TO." Ugh, hate that feeling!
How many books do you own?
Not sure if I could count. I have at least two hundred physical books, and WAY more Kindle books. (And that physical book count is following two purges for moving!!!!)
Who is your favorite author?
I always hate this question because I have so many! James Rollins probably takes the #1 spot, but he's closely followed by the duo Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Steve Berry, Jim Butcher, JK Rowling, and, my absolute oldest obsession, Agatha Christie.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Yet another hard question, but if I had to pick just one... I guess I'd say the one I recommend to people the most: The Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Great all-around mystery, thriller. Good characters, nice twists, awesome setup.
What are your thoughts on ebooks?
I avoided them like the plague for years... then I got a Kindle and started reading more than ever before. So, I guess they changed my reading life!
What are your thoughts on self-publishing?
I think it's an awesome way for aspiring writers to get their stories out and heard, but I think there are some issues with the actual execution too. No editor or minimal editing means more errors. There are probably three times as many duds as gems, as the normal publishing route usually weeds out the duds as much as possible. And, it also has made the self-published average (or below average) have an upped ego and caused some serious review/comment craziness in the reading world. Thankfully they aren't all like that... for example, Nenia Campbell, GoodReads reviewer and self-published author. Good stories, great attitude, and no drama! In fact, she ALWAYS stands up for reviewers.
Any literary aspirations?
I'd love to be a writer, but my high-stress job kills my creativity. One day I'll buckle down and get some self-discipline and get the random stories bouncing around in my noggin' onto paper. One day. We'll see!
Currently, though, my literary aspirations are to READ AS MUCH AS I CAN!!!
What's your favorite joke of all time?
What does a nosey pepper do? Gets jalapeno business!