Friday, June 8, 2012

Armchair BEA 2012: Ask the Experts


Day 5... time to go cry. Just kidding!!! Don't cry! Yes it's almost over, but this week has been so much fun! I've loved reading all the posts and interacting with new bloggers! Today's topic is ask the experts. Today is out chance to ask those questions about book blogging that we've always had, and hopefully we'll finally get those answers!

1. How on earth do bloggers balance a full-time job with consistent reviewing? Especially those bloggers with children?? I have a full-time job, but no kids, and I still have trouble finding time to read and review consistently! Sometimes I wonder why people even read my blog anymore :P

2. What's the general opinion on reviewing DNF books? I tend to try at least 100 pages before giving up. However, what about those books you accepted for review, and found out it's not for you? Then what?

Yeah... so those are kind of lame questions. And only two. But honestly, I can't think of any more! :P I'm interested in seeing everyone else's questions too, so leave links below!

8 comments:

  1. Hey there. Great questions. So I work a full time job as well as a part time job (maybe 10 hours a week) and well you just find time. I read on my breaks and lunch hours or write review. I do most of my blog stuff after my kids go to bed. I also have written reviews for books that I read a while ago, before blogging, that I can post if I get behind. Like I am now :) You just do what you can. Remember this is your blog and do what you want when you want to. You will have lulls and times when you just need a break take them!

    I am about in the same range for DNF books. My take is this happens to everyone. I will still post my fair review and make it known what I found positive about the book and what turned me off from it. I do always try to include something along the lines of this book was not for me but it maybe a great fit for other readers who enjoy xxxx.

    Sorry that was so long. Hope I helped a little.

    Lisa
    www.lisasworldofbooks.net

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  2. Great questions! I'm probably not the best to answer, but will give it a shot. Actually, I talked yesterday about balancing life with the blog (I work full time and have pretty full days, though no kids). I think it requires discipline and prioritizing above everything else.

    As far as DNF books, I have a shelf on my goodreads for them and make a small note about it, but don't post on my blog. I'll usually then send the link to that goodreads review to the publisher/author noting that it wasn't for me.

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  3. I'm trying to figure out number 1 myself. Add wanting to write into the mix, and it's a landslide.

    As for 2, I have two books I was unable to finish this year. I will be posting reviews about both of them, because I think it's important to say why you didn't like a book. I like knowing a blogger's "taste" in books. The key thing is to be respectful, I think, and explain why it wasn't for you. No "OMG THIS BOOK SUXORS." Not every book is for every reader.

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  4. I have a part time job and full time kids and honestly from January to June I was unable to review and post. It was my first time back since 2000 and I needed all my time to keep my head about water at work. I am hoping to strike a balance this summer which will carry me through the Fall when work picks back up.

    As for DNF books, I try to only request and accept books I think I can finish. I have not yet had review copy which made me wonder how to politely review it. Thank goodness.

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  5. I work from home (home day care) part time and am a mom to two little boys. This fall, I am also adding part-time grad student into my schedule! I do my best with keeping up with the blog, usually doing most of the typing on weekend mornings, and then scheduling everything out. I am not the type that posts every single day, so I don't stress about that. I get my reading done at night as I don't really watch any TV at all.

    As for DNF books - if it is something I accepted from a publisher, I will do my best to finish it and find something positive to say about it. I dislike reviews that are nothing but negative. If it is something that I honestly cannot finish, I will email the publisher and let them know my situation in the best light possible. Every once in a while, I might do a quick post of "Added to the DNF pile" and just quickly mention the book and specifically why it didn't work for me. I may not have found the positive yet, but I'll try to highlight who I think might like the book even though I didn't.

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  6. Finding a balance is different for everyone, and I've found it is truly a moving target. What works one week may not work the next. I think the key is to be flexible and not put too much pressure on yourself.

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  7. Scheduling posts in advance is a great help. If you have free time on the weekend, for example, just write up a bunch and schedule it. Also, don’t stress too much about it. You don’t have to post every day. If you commit to new posts every Tuesday and Thursday, for example, then your readers will know to expect that from you and you will consistently produce high quality material.

    As far as DNF books, I write up a post on them. I don’t have a specific page count I try to get to because it just depends on the book. In my post I tell why I stopped reading and give my honest opinion of what I did read. I encourage others to take a chance on the book if they’re not bothered by things I don’t like and I try to be positive even if I didn’t enjoy the book.

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  8. Hi! I don't know anything either, but I just wanted to tell you that I loved your blog the moment I saw all the stars! Love the header! Happy Friday and Happy Reading!

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