Armchair BEA - #4: The Future of Book Blogging

 

Armchair BEA

Day 5 - The Future of Book Blogging

Before I jump in to today's topic, I just wanted to send a heartfelt, huge THANK YOU to the creators of ARMCHAIR BEA, and to everyone who hosted the Twitter parties.  I had such an amazing time this week chatting with new blogging friends and just getting to generally be as big of a geek as I wanted to be.  So, again, thank you!

Part of today's topic is "Ask the Experts."  By no means do I consider myself an expert, but I DO want to throw a few tips out there for new or even established bloggers.  I feel like I've learned a great deal in the last year or so, but am still learning every day.  

The second part of the topic ("The Future of Book Blogging") is how to keep blogging fresh and exciting, so I'm going to do a few tips on that, too!  

Blogging Tips

• BE YOU.  This is SO SO SO important, y'all.  Why would you ever want to be anyone else, especially here?  This is YOUR internet as much as it is mine.  This community is for anyone who loves books and wants to express that. The most awesome person you can be is, well, YOU.  Bring YOUR quirks, your passions, and YOUR thoughts to YOUR blog.  Don't, in any way, feel like you have to be like another, established blogger.  Be you, and people will respect that. 
• Take time to think on what you want your blog to be about before you jump in.  When I started, I wanted to review ALL THE BOOKS, then I realized, I was stretching myself too thin.  I also placed too much emphasis on memes and not enough on getting to know my followers.  I worried more about numbers than about readers.  So think about this: what genres do you want to review?  How do you want to interact with your followers?  What memes - if any - do you REALLY want to do?  
• Be creative with your blog - add a widget with where else you can be found - ie Twitter, Goodreads, etc - so your new blogger friends know where to chat with you.  But don't weigh down your blog with all sorts of count down widgets, banners, and such.  Make your blog a friendly, eye-catching, but CLEAN place to visit.  People want to see your posts and your thoughts, not wait 10 minutes for your blog to load.  It's awesome to be excited about 20 upcoming books - but do that in a post, on Twitter, or on Goodreads - not on your sidebar.  
• Be outgoing.  Even if you're normally a little shy, don't hesitate to say what you think in your reviews or discussion posts.  Absolutely have an opinion.
• Don't be jealous of other bloggers!  If they're receiving 5 ARCs a week, chances are they've blogged consistently for a quite awhile to get those ARCs.  And besides...there's SO MUCH MORE to blogging than just ARCs.  Trust me.  : ) 
• Be friendly to other bloggers.  Follow a few blogs, or however many you can handle.  Then go back and visit them again and again until they get to know you.  Reach out to the bloggers on Twitter.  Start making yourself known as a fellow book lover.  Don't get upset if it takes a little while for them to return the favor - but most people WILL come to your blog to visit.  As they get to know you, they'll talk with you, befriend you, RT your Tweets, chat with you about real life, books, or whatnot.  You want your fellow book bloggers in your corner, but you have to make the effort! 

Keeping Blogging Fresh

• Put down that book you're struggling through.  If you notice you're hesitant to go back to the book you're working on, then don't.  Put it down for a day or two to gain perspective.  Maybe it's not the book you need to be reading now.  Even if it's a review book, it can wait one or two days while you take a breather.  Maybe you want to read something different. Maybe you want to go a whole day without reading.  That's okay.  
• Take a break from time to time.  Book blogging is like my second job.  Granted, I LOVE it.  I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world.  But there are times when it gets overwhelming - when I have too many ARCs to read, or I accepted a few too many review requests, or I've read seven YA sci-fi/fantasies in a row and I'm exhausted.  There ARE times when you need a breather.   And you  know what?  That's okay.  You're human.  

Give yourself permission to take a few days off from blogging.  

• If you do need a break, let your readers know.  Do a short post stating when you'll be "back."  And then don't think about blogging until it's time to come back (or the day before if you want to schedule posts in advance.)  Get outside in the sun.  Go to a movie.  Spend time with a friend.  
• Do something different on the blog.  Start a discussion post - encourage your readers to participate!  Maybe you want to debate why Twilight rankles your feminist side.  (Or is that just me?)  Maybe you want to tackle female vs male POV in literature.  Or do a meme you haven't done before.  
• Ask for suggestion from your readers.  I did a survey last year - and will do another one this year - to see what my readers wanted to see at my blog.  I got some of the nicest encouragement I could ever have asked for.  And thanks to people's feedback, I made some big changes here, for the better, that helped me NOT fall into a slump.  
• Read a book from a genre you haven't visited in awhile.  As much as I love both YA and Paranormal Romance, sometimes I want to read Sophie Kinsella's newest book.  Or Jennifer Fallon's.  Or reread a favorite from Pat Rothfuss.  (Chick lit, sci-fi, fantasy, respectively.)  It's okay to "cheat on" your primary genres for awhile.  And if you normally read all genres?  Try a book from that one genre you've always shied away from - you never know how much you might like it.  

 Hopefully some of these tips helped you.  Let me know if they did, please!  And be sure to link me to your post.  I'll be making the rounds to tomorrow night.  

In My Mailbox - #18

 { ++ } Kristi at The Story Siren hosts this weekly meme which gives bloggers a chance to highlight the books we bought, checked out, won, or otherwise procured over the last week. And whether I've came into money (brb, laughing forever) or only had the goods to splurge on a book or two, they all deserve some love.

Books Mentioned

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock { Add it on Goodreads } | For review

Tempest by Julie Cross { Add it on Goodreads } | Gifted

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood { Add it on Goodreads }

Across the Universe by Beth Revis { Add it on Goodreads } 

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins { Add it on Goodreads } | For review

Gilt by Katherine Longshore { Add it on Goodreads } 

Torn by Amanda Hocking { Add it on Goodreads } 

Thank you to Harper Collins, the Debut Author Challenge ARC Tours, and to Rhiannon!  

Once Upon a Blogger - #3 Arianne from Arianne Cruz!

Because connecting doesn't stop at the "follow" button!

{ ++ } Once Upon a Blogger is a new feature I've started here at Once Upon a Prologue.  Each month (provided there's an ongoing interest!) I will feature one of my fellow bloggers (preferably a follower of mine) in an interview series designed to get to know my followers better, and also to spotlight other book bloggers.  I want to know who my followers are, beyond a name, and I want to put myself out there so y'all can know me better, too.  

{ ++ } This week's feature is Arianne from Arianne Cruz - she reviews movies, books, and the occasional television show (like The Vampire Diaries...bonus points!)  Have a look at her interview, then hop on over to her blog and show her some love!

I'm an actor, a reader, an occasional writer, a singer, a college student, and a businesswoman. If you want to know more, browse my blog or send me a message! I hope you enjoy your stay! :)

Find Arianne online: Twitter |  Blog

It's Once Upon a Prologue's First Birthday!

{ | } SO MY BLOG IS TURNING ONE - TODAY!  I've already put up a giveaway post, (up for grabs: a box of ARCs and as a runner up prize, a book of YOUR choice) but I wanted to take a minute to say a huge, heart-felt "THANK YOU" to everyone for the last year.  I've gained followers (which it still amazes me that anyone want to read this blog!)  It gives me a thrill when I gain a new follower; I never expected a dozen, much less several hundred. 

I've made blogging friends, and while I haven't been lucky enough to meet any of them in real life, I feel like I've started to get to know some truly wonderful, amazing, fun, and supportive people.  I'm still juggling the responsibilities of life with blogging (sometimes I wish my job was my hobby and my blog was an awesome job I got to do every day, though truly, I love my job and I adore blogging, so it all evens out.)  I've hit a few slumps but there have been a few people who've been with me from the beginning, and a few special, awesome followers who have really gone out of their way to welcome me to the blogging community.  I want to give a shout out to ALL of my followers/readers but to these amazing few:

1. Alison at Alison Can Read (She was one of my first few followers and is extremely nice!)
2. Rachel at Parajunkee's View (In case you don't know, Rachel is AMAZING.  She and Alison featured me for Follow Friday last fall and it gave my blog a wonderful boost.  Plus Rachel is such a pillar in the blogging community with her well-thought out reviews and Book Blogging 101 posts!)
3. Mickey at I'm a Book Shark (Mickey is totally fun to talk to, especially over Jodi Picoult novels.  Her blog is a great place to hang out and she's super encouraging!)
4. Anna at Literary Explorations (Her blog is awesome-sauce, and I always enjoy chatting books with her, or whatnot, and ARC swaps.)
5. Marie at Ramblings of a Daydreamer (Marie is one of the sweetest and most supportive people I know, and her blog is always a treat to visit)
6. Mimi at Mimi Valentine (How SWEET is Mimi?  She writes incredibly enthusiastic reviews
7. Michelle at Oh! For the Love of Books (Michelle invited me to participate in a blog hop in the fall and we've had a lot of fun getting to know each other since then!)
8. Jessica at Thoughts at One In the Morning (Jessica is such a passionate blogger, fellow writer, and we've hit it off over books and TV shows, like Castle!  HEE)
9. Caitlyn at The Cait Files (Cait is just plain fantastic!  She's supportive and hosts awesome discussion posts, is fun to chat with on Twitter, and writes amazingly honest reviews, which I LOVE.)
10. And a special, from the heart and soul, thank you to one of my BEST friends... Suz at A Soul Unsung.  Suz is the reason I started my book blog, and sometimes, the reason I kept mine going.  I admire her SO much for all the hard work she's put in to her blog and am so happy for the recognition she's been getting lately.  Seriously, if you don't follow her, please at least consider stopping by her blog.  Suz is "fantastic...and do you know what?  So was I."  (I went a little Doctor Who there at the end, but S won't mind.  ;))

I've had so many great moments and memories from this past year!  I wish I had the time and space to recap them all, but there's just TOO much... from writing my first review, to receiving my first ARC, to figuring out what the heck this whole "NetGalley" thing was, to reaching various followers milestones, being featured in Follow Friday, participating in blog tours...and through it all, reading some FABULOUS, heart-wrenching, life-changing books.  I can't wait for another wonderful, awesome year, and I hope y'all will be with me for the ride!

Discussion Post - #3: Blog Content

Blog Content I (and We) Like (and Dislike)

{ | } This week I thought I'd do something a bit different with my discussion post.  I think what I'm going to do is alternate between literary discussion posts and blog-themed discussion posts.  This is in conjunction with my next "If I Could Write a Letter To Me" which is going to deal with followers; this post, however, is all about what draws - and repels me - to my favorite blogs.  

As always we ALL get to have our say.  I'll point out a few things, then let's discuss in the comments!  These posts are ALL about us talking and getting inside each other's heads (in an academic, non-creepy way, yo').  I respond to ALL comments, so be sure to check back here so we can keep the discussion going!

Discussion Post - #2: Trends I'd Like to See More of in Literature

Trends In Literature I'd (and We'd) Like to See MORE Of!

{ | } As a reverse to my last discussion post, this week I'm going to talk about - and ask for input from you guys, my amazing followers - trends or plot devices I would like to see more of in literature, specifically YA literature, since in YA, it seems to be one sweeping trend after another, but as we've already talked about, sometimes those fads get old and worn out, and need revamping, or sometimes, totally done away with.  

So like always, I'll tell y'all what I think and am wanting to see, then it's YOUR turn in the comments.  And remember - I reply to each and every comment, so check back here to keep the discussion going.  : ) 

2012 Follower Survey Results

{ ++ } My reader/follower survey is officially over and I wanted to, in brief, share the results with y'all, and the changes that will be made here at Once Upon a Prologue.  Nothing drastic, but I'm changing a few priorities and such!

Memes:  Most everyone wanted to see less memes.  So from now on, In My Mailbox will be done once a month (unless I just get inundated with books and need to do once twice a month), Waiting on Wednesday will be done no more than twice a month instead of every week, and Top Ten Tuesday will be done once a week - my ONLY weekly meme.  Teaser Tuesday and Why I Love Wednesdays will not be done - the latter was not a popular meme and the former, while enjoyable, started feeling like a chore.

Cover reveals: Readers wanted less cover reveals.  So I won't be hosting any of those for the foreseeable future.   I might consider doing, once a month, a spotlight read on the new release I am most excited for or something like that if there is interest. 


Reviews: Readers wanted more reviews!  YAY, since I LOVE posting reviews.  For now, I am going to aim to post 2 reviews a week, 3 if I can ever get THAT caught up.  : )


Giveaways:  People were a bit split - some prefer a specific book for giveaway (like ARCs, etc), while others prefer a "book of your choice" type giveaway.  So I will be offering more of the latter, along with a few ARC giveaways. 


Original features: Most everyone is in favor of my features - Guest Who, Once Upon a Blogger, etc.  I will run those as long as there is interest!


Follower interaction: this is perhaps the most important.  By far everyone suggested discussion posts as the best way to increase follower interaction, so shortly I'm going to start a semi-regular discussion post - probably once every other week or so.  Feel free to comment on this post or shoot me an email with a topic YOU would like to discuss.  I may use my "letter to me" upcoming feature, or I may run that one AND discussion posts.  I'll be trying out some new things.  :)


{ ++ } Finally, I just want to say that I received some amazingly beautiful comments on my blog - and me - which I did not at all expect.  So thank you VERY much for all the love and support.  I truly adore my blog and the blogging community, which means all of y'all.  I always always want my blog to be a fun place for y'all to come hang out and want to visit again and again.  I try to visit as many blogs as I can, but if I haven't come by yours in awhile, leave me a link on one of the memes we both do, and I'll hop right over!  I am always striving to improve and I think 2012 is going to be a GREAT year here at Once Upon a Prologue!

2011 Year-End Book Survey

{ ++ } Hosted by Jamie at The Perpetual Page-Turner (and also one of the great minds behind The Broke and the Bookish), this is a fun and cute way of summing up your year of reading.  This was a unique year for me, considering I originally set a goal of 50 books this year intending to make my way through my physical TBR stack.  Instead, I hit a reading slump, started a book blog, and bought way too many books, which ended up in INCREASING my TBR.  Oy.  BUT.  It's also been kind of a magical nine months in that I've discovered amazing new books, made new friends, and found the book blogging community.  

1. Best Book You Read In 2011? 

This is a difficult question, because there were so many books that I read this year that I adored, for different reasons: characters, relationships, plot, romances.  A good book is one that makes me FEEL something, for the characters, for what they’re going through, and I experienced that with so many books, most of which I’m sure I’ll talk about throughout this survey.  

I have to mention Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.  I read it in the middle of January of this year.  It almost could be the best book I've read in 2011 but I think of the three Hunger Games books as one long story, and I can't fully separate them. The Hunger Games series means so much to me, and is so close to my heart, but I'll be talking about the trilogy and the characters a little closer to time for the movie.  

And then there was The Wise Man's Fear.    I paced back and forth practically waiting for the sequel to the Name of the Wind.  I've rarely fallen for a character the way I did for Kvothe.

But the BEST book I read this year is Tempest by Julie Cross (read my review).  I can’t explain it.  But this book somehow got ahold of my heart.  It hasn’t let go since.  I’m a HUGE Doctor Who fan, so that’s probably why the time-travel aspect appealed to me.  The story itself was great, with room for improvement like any book.  But it was the emotion to the story that really stuck with me.  I’m STILL thinking about the book and the characters, especially Jackson’s relationship with one particular character.  There were several scenes in the book that had me actually sobbing.  I just…I NEED the sequel.  

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane.  I go into every book I read hoping to love it, but this book was just a mess, in so many ways, which definitely sucks because it seemed so unique.  I’d probably read more from the author though, to give her another try.  

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

Probably The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell (read my review).  I haven’t read that many “period” books so I wasn’t sure what I’d think of this one.  But oh, holy wow.  The writing style was so gorgeous, and absolutely blew my mind.  The main character, Amelia took my breath away a bit, as did her romance, which was absolutely my kind of be-all-end-all courtship.  I wanted to hug Saundra for writing this amazing novel, and  I think I’ve probably told her so, at some point.  Plus she is absolutely totally friendly and fun to chat with on Twitter.  

Runner-up: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab (read my review).  I've never really read many ghost stories and this one was  really unique and different - part spooky story, part YA, part folklore. 

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

Either Hourglass by Myra McEntire or Tempest by Julie Cross.  I’ve talked various friend’s ears off about both book.  Both were amazing debuts, and incredibly promising starts to their respective series.  Tempest especially struck my so hard, emotionally, in a good way.  If you haven’t read them, oh please do.  Hourglass is already out and Tempest will be published in January, 2012.

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?

 

Hmmmm, another tough question.  I think I’m going to go with the Nightshade series by Andrea Cremer.  I was broke when Wolfsbane (read my review) first came out, and waiting a week for it was TORTURE.  It was absolutely worth it, though once I did get the book, all I wanted to do was savor it.  Andrea is a fantastic author who knows how to create characters you’ll just care so much about, and a story that keeps you turning page after page.  I'm absolutely, totally on edge waiting for Bloodrose (the final book in the trilogy) to be released.

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

I’ve read more YA novels this year than ever before, thanks to friends and largely, to the blogging community for recommending such awesome, amazing novels.  I’ve also read some self-published novels, something I’d never really considered before blogging.  So to list ALL my new favorite authors would take forever, but I’ll put a few out there who really reached out to me with review requests and whose books were stunning, or who I’ve interacted with through email/Twitter and adored their novels: Christine Nolfi, Saundra Mitchell, Ashley Willis, Amy Lichtenhan, Andrea Cremer, Tahereh Mafi, Myra McEntire, Jennifer L Armentrout, Victoria Schwab, etc.  (If I listed them, their books are worth reading, definitely.)

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton.  It's part historical fiction, part women's fiction, with a bit of a Gothic tinge.  I'm not really sure how to classify it, but it was kind of like when I first read Jodi Picoult, how I knew I'd found something different, an author I was definitely going to love.  The Forgotten Garden is so unique, full of mystery, just a dash of romance, and family secrets.  I absolutely adored it.  It was kind of like a grown-up V.C. Andrews without all the taboo-ness of VCA's novels.  I highly recommend it!

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead.  Just knowing it was the final book in her Vampire Academy series - everything was on the line - made it so breath-taking to read.  Plus, it was really kind of awesome. 

9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss.   I've fangirled over this man and his books since I picked up The Name of the Wind on a whim and fell utterly, head-over-heels-over-head-over-heels in love with the world he has created.  If you haven't read Rothfuss, we need to talk. 

Runner up: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.  Which I…still haven’t read.  *hides*  I plan to get to it hopefully in February!  

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

Oh definitely the cover of Cinder by Marissa Meyer.  Look at that funky, beautiful cover!  Isn't it just absolutley swoon-worthy?  :)  And that book is SO awesome!!!

11. Most memorable character in 2011? 

Emerson Cole from Hourglass.  Emerson is full of strength and courage.  She’s so genuine, and relatable.  She’s a very sympathetic character, whom I immediately bonded with.  I was head-over-heels for Em shortly after starting the story.  She just stands out in my mind as a true heroine, inspirational, and yet so human.  

Runner up: Elena from Kelley Armstrong’s Otherworld series.  Elena is a female werewolf, and she is so strong, stubborn, and fierce.  I’ve only read the first two books of the series, but Elena is amazing, and I admire her so much.  Her personality just kinda leaps off the pages at you, and you can’t help but love her.  

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.  I knew the basic premise of it, but I did not expect the haunting, ethereal writing style, the “voice” of Juliette, the protagonist.  There were some passages in Shatter Me that made me cry, and the book as a whole has stuck with me.  I HAVE to know what happens next.  I just, I adore the book, and Juliette, so much.  

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011? 

That would have to be Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall.  It is one of the VERY few books that, months later, I am STILL thinking about.  The character growth alone was so stunning and impressive.  And Lauren's writing is golden, and so emotionally-wringing.  I just, I adored the book.  The characters all felt real, and Sam's journey...oh man.  I tear up still thinking about the book.  I've been wanting to re-read it for months but I'm waiting awhile, so that I when I DO re-read it, it will feel like the first time all over again.   I savored every gorgeous word the first time, and I want to be able to do that again. 

Runner-up: Saving June by Hannah Harrington (read my review.) This one made me cry quite a few times.  Also: Take This Regret by Amy Lichtenhan (read my review).  I laughed and cried, I cheered, I despaired, I raged.  I ran the gamut of emotions...this novel was AMAZING. 

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read? 

Probably Hush, Hush (read my review).  I remember wondering what all the hype was about when a few of my friends read the book when it first came out, then thinking, “okay, can it really be THAT good?” and for the most part, it WAS.  I’ve been slowly reading a bit here and there when I can on the sequel, but I’m so anxious to continue the series.  

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011? 

“Maybe you can afford to wait. Maybe for you there's a tomorrow. Maybe for you there's one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around it, let it slide like coins through you fingers. So much time you can waste it. 

But for some of us there's only today. And the truth is, you never really know.”  - Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012? 

Definitely The Vespertine, and probably Hourglass, in order to be ready for the sequel, Timepiece.  I think I’ve already mentioned loving/flailing over both books, but they were THAT good.  I would definitely also reread Shatter Me, and probably will when it’s closer to time for the sequel.  

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Mmmm, Shatter Me for some of the steamy scenes between Adam and Juliette, A Need so Beautiful (THAT ENDING OMG), Wolfsbane for some of the amazing twists, Hourglass for a few scenes near the ending!

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2011

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2011? 

Well considering this was my first year of blogging, I’ve really loved ALL the blogs I’ve discovered.  But I like to think I’ve kinda built relationships with a few bloggers in particular, like Marie at Ramblings of aDaydreamer, Laurie at Bona Fide Reflections, Anna at Literary Exploration, Lisa at Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me, Rebecca at Kindle Fever, Liza at BookCrook Liza, Mimi (who is awesome!) at Mimi Valentine.  And I have to mention Suz at A Soul Unsung.  Suz is one my IRL BFF’s and the reason I started my own book blog.  

2.  Favorite review that you wrote in 2011? 

Probably my review of Shatter Me.  I thought it was way too fangirly, but then Tahereh Mafi herself read it and called it “eloquent.”  I about had heart palpitations.  HEEHEE. I could kick myself for not favorite'ing that Tweet!

3.  Best discussion you had on your blog? 

Unfortunately I didn’t do a lot of discussion posts this year, though with 2012 approaching, that is definitely something I want to start doing more often!  I want to get my followers involved, too!

4.  Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?

Specifically, I’m blanking on any particular one, but I ALWAYS love reading Rachel (Parajunkee’s) Book Blogging 101 posts and her 101 parties on Twitter.  Rie at Mission to Read’s Blogger Helper posts are also kinda awesome, and I’ve learned SO much from her!  (She was the first blog to feature me!)

5.  Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I always always have loads of fun participating in the Book Blogging 101 Twitter chats.  And doing IMM has been so much fun this year, getting to show off my pretty new books, doing videos, and seeing what other bloggers have received.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?

Being featured on Parajunkee’s Follow Friday (at Alison Can Read).  I felt so honored to be able to participiate and be featured.  It gave my blog a nice boost, for which I’m still grateful for daily.  I was also jazzed to hit 300 followers this year.  I don’t get to spend as much time as I wish I was able to promoting my blog, so I’m so happy being at 300+.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Definitely my giveaways, which is awesome, because it brings new traffic to my blog.  In 2012, I hope to continue that trend and to also drum up interest in the new features I’m starting: Guest Who (a monthly guest post from a fellow blogger) and Once Upon a Blogger (a monthly interview with a fellow blogger in order to get to know my followers better.) If you'd like to be a part of either of those features, simply send me an email at courageousgrace (at) gmail (dot) com because I'd LOVE to have you!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My review of Cinder!  I was SO psyched to read the book, then to share my love for it with the blogging world, and it could use a few comments.  This is a GREAT book, y’all, I promise.  

9. Best bookish discovery (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

The Book Depository!  They’ve been great so far with my orders.  I use them for giveaways for the free shipping.  I also discovered some new features at Goodreads and started posting reviews at my Amazon.com account.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I set a goal to read 50 books this year in order to make more time to read and less TV watching/etc.  Unless something changes in the next day or two, I should make that goal, just barely.  I hit two or three massive reading slumps, or I think I definitely would have read more.  My tentative goal for 2012 is to read 75 books.  

Looking Ahead

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and The Iron King by Julie Kagawa.  I’ve heard amazing things about both (yes, I cheated a little on the question) and need and want to read them both soon to find out for myself what’s going on with them each. 

 

2.  Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?

Timepiece by Myra McEntire.  Hands down, my most-anticipated.  Emerson is one of the strongest protagonists I’ve ever read about, and Myra just let us in on a Timepiece secret the other day that has me SO SO anxious/excited for the book.  

       3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?

I’d love to see my blog continue growing, both in number of followers, but most importantly, in building relationships with those followers.  It means more to me to have a smaller number of people that I KNOW are reading my posts and commenting than 1,000 who click the “follow” button, then never come back. So in 2012 I want to continue reading amazing books, posting quality content, and building my readership. 

{ ++ } If y'all participated in this survey, please leave me a link in case I miss your post so I can come and check yours out!  This was SO much fun! 

300 Followers Appreciation Giveaway

Once Upon a Prologue has reached 300 followers!

*dances*

*looks at the number in disbelief*

*eats chocolate*

*dances around some more*

*flails*

 { ++ } Thank you!  That's right, YOU.  You, reading this right now.   Y'all made this possible, everyone who has clicked that magical "follow" button in the past months.  I want y'all to know, from the bottom of my book-loving heart, that every single comment to my blog makes me smile.  I started this blog in March and never dreamed I'd have 1 follower, let alone 300+.  That is a true joy to me.  I do a geeky applause thing every time I gain a new follower, here on on Twitter.  I do a little dance when an author responds to my fangirl-y tweets, or emails.  I can't believe this is my life.  

{ ++ } So, to say "thank you" in some small way... Let's have a giveway! You guys like winning things, right?  Thought so.  Go enter, and spread the word...  I don't expect to reach this goal, BUT, if I reach 400 followers before this giveaway ends, I will add a THIRD winner. 

{ ++ } All you have to do to enter is leave a blog comment!  TWO winners will win a book of their choice up to $20 from The Book Depository.  And there are lots of chances for extra entries!  So...THANK Y'ALL and have fun with this one.  The giveaway is behind a cut for html issues, so just click "read more" to enter!