Earlier this year, lovely Stephanie @No BS Book Reviews blog tagged me to do The Secret Life of a Book Blogger tag. I don't know who initially started this tag but I would like to give credit and link it back to the first blog tag post so please let me know in the comments if you know!
1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A BLOGGER?
It is exactly three years this month. Which reminds me that I completely forgot to celebrate my 3rd blogoversary. I need to rectify that soon!
2. AT WHAT POINT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL STOP BLOGGING?
I have no idea. So far I am managing my work, personal life and blog alright. If at any point in the future blogging starts to interfere with my real life negatively, I will consider quitting or at least taking a long hiatus. But for now, all is good.
3. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BLOGGING?
Being heard. My main reason to start blogging was possibility of sharing my love and opinions about books with wider audience of like-minded people. To have readers/bloggers reading my posts, commenting on my posts, sharing their own opinions with me, loving new books based on my recommendation... that is all the biggest reward I could get for the time that I spend blogging.
4. WHAT IS THE WORST THING? WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAKE IT OKAY?
Pressure to write interesting posts that people want to read. I realized that it is impossible to write great unique posts every day so I adopted "quality over quantity" policy. And I can happily say that it helps to minimize the stress factor in my blogging!
5. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO CREATE/FIND PICTURES TO USE?
It depends. If it is custom made banner as is the one at the beginning of this post, it takes only couple of minutes. But when it comes to picspam or collage for review, it may take hours or even days.
6. WHO IS YOUR BOOK CRUSH?
Jamie Fraser from Outlander series. Without a doubt. "A big man, with hair like fire, and eyes like the summer skies". He is the perfect example of how to write unforgettable character. Stubborn but kind. Temperamental but courageous. Proud but selfless. Believe me, it is impossible not to fall in love with him.
7. WHAT AUTHOR WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE ON YOUR BLOG?
Pierce Brown - incredibly talented author of Red Rising trilogy. I am super huge fan of his books and I have been following him on social media for almost two years. Nothing would make me happier than interviewing him or having Pierce himself to write exclusive guest post for my blog!
Photo: Joan Allen
8. WHAT DO YOU WEAR WHEN YOU WRITE YOUR BLOG POSTS?
Comfortable home clothes - sweatpants, t-shirt, hoodie.
9. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO PREPARE?
If it is review post, it takes under 30 minutes because I write down notes into notebook while I read so it is only matter of retyping it and formatting. If it is discussion post or any other thematic post, it takes me days or even week or two. Why? I repeatedly change, edit, delete and add stuff so it is a long process until I am 100% happy with result.
10. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE BOOK BLOGGER COMMUNITY?
I feel really good about book blogger community. It is my extended online family and I found many great friends while blogging. Of course, there were/are people who made me question my love for book blogging but I resolutely avoid such people as much as I can and surround myself only with like-minded people. Why to engage in bad if there is so much good to enjoy?
11. WHAT DO YOU THINK ONE SHOULD DO TO GET A SUCCESSFUL BLOG?
Be yourself and be part of blogging community. Meaning? (A) Do not be afraid to be a "black sheep" and share opinions that are different from majority of other bloggers. You may be surprised how many other readers/bloggers feel the same way and this way you can get new genuine followers. But remember, be honest and polite. (B) Be social. Comment on other blogs, share stuff posted by authors or other bloggers and reply to comments on your blog. Blogging alone and ignoring blogging community is no fun at all. The rest is up to your creativity!
THIS IS QUITE AN OLD TAG SO MOST OF YOU'VE PROBABLY DONE IT ALREADY.
IF NOT, CONSIDERED YOURSELF TAGGED IF YOU ARE INTERESTED :)
Kristin · 475 weeks ago
My recent post Review - The Final Empire (Mistborn #1) by Brandon Sanderson
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
Nick · 475 weeks ago
Haha, I always forgot my blogoversary when I was on my own. Hopefully, now that I'm with Nereyda, I can remember better but knowing Nereyda, probably not. :)
Collages take me FOREVER as well. They are very time consuming but thankfully I enjoy making them.
I love your tips for a successful blog because they are so true, especially the first. Speaking out will undoubtedly help you find you friends! I speak from experience.
It was good getting to know you better through this, Lucia! Oh and I hope your Pierce Brown dream comes true!
My recent post Who Should Pick Up Jockblocked by Jen Frederick?
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
nereyda1003 59p · 475 weeks ago
....you're probably right though. I missed my last 3 blog anniversaries haha :)
My recent post A Love Letter to Siren’s Song by Mary Weber
Latte Nights Reviews · 475 weeks ago
I hope Pierce Brown gets to be on your blog one day!
How do you find the pictures to use for the collages? I want to do them but I don't know from where I can get pictures due to the copyright and all that. And which app do you use for making them?
Well, I consider myself tagged because this was fun to read :)
My recent post The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine | ARC Review
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
And usually, I look for pictures for collages at We Heart It website. But I always double check for copyrights and watermarks since I do not want to get into trouble! And I use picmonkey to put it together, it is free and user-friendly.
downrightdystopian 68p · 475 weeks ago
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
booklyf 12p · 475 weeks ago
My recent post Book Review: Perilous Sea
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
stephaniebrown04 4p · 475 weeks ago
Enough said.
Loved your answers, Lucia! I hope Pierce works out for you, he's a total stud. HAHAHA
My recent post One-Liners (+ GIVEAWAY!): Into the Dim by Janet B. Taylor
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
evaallbooksconsidered 41p · 475 weeks ago
My recent post I love this trope, sub-genre, setting: Political Romance!
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
aentee 54p · 475 weeks ago
I totally agree with your tip of visiting and engaging with other bloggers. Very crucial <3
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
oliviaroach1 48p · 475 weeks ago
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
caitdrews 124p · 475 weeks ago
Pierce Brown tho. OMG. I'm terrified over Morning Star. XD I've been avoiding all reviews so far because I want to go in completely blind, but omg, I'm terrified my babies are all going to die. XD
And omg I delete and rewrite and fret over my discussion posts for AGES too!! I rarely write one and then post it straight away...editing is a lifesaver. XD
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
And good call avoiding Morning Star reviews. I did the same before I finished it myself. And that is the reason why I wrote nothing at all about plot in mine review LOL You will enjoy this book the best if you know zero about its plot!
nereyda1003 59p · 475 weeks ago
I can't imagine blogging in anything other than pajamas. I feel the same way as you do about pretty much everything you said!
Lucia 94p · 475 weeks ago
invinoveritas13-2 31p · 474 weeks ago
My recent post Review: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo