BBAW Interview Swap: Angie From Angieville

One of the best things about BBAW is that I get to add new (to me) blogs to my reader and meet some great bloggers for the first time.  One of those bloggers, Angie of Angieville, will be the first one added this year.  Even if I don't have time to do any of the other posts, I always sign up for the interview swap.  It's always fun to get to talk to someone I don't know.  Thanks to BBAW I'll be a regular in Angieville now.

1. What got you into reading? Have you been a book lover all your life or did it happen later on?

Quite simply, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe got me into reading. Both my parents have always been avid readers, and they encouraged reading in the home and read to me all the time as a kid. And I, well, I humored them. I'm not proud of this. But I didn't really seek things out on my own as a very young girl. My imagination just wasn't fully engaged until my aunt sent me the Chronicles of Narnia box set for my tenth birthday. I read the first book on a transatlantic flight to Sicily, where we were moving, and nothing was ever the same again. I didn't even get past the dedication before I was a goner. And it's been books, books, books ever since. 

2. What inspired you to start your own blog? What do you like the most about blogging?

My husband is tech savvy, and somewhere around five years ago or so he mentioned that I should start up a blog. I had only the vaguest notions of what they were at the time. I asked him what in the world I would do with it, and he shrugged and said, "What about a book journal?" I thought it was a great idea, and for the first couple of years, the blog was merely a personal record of the books I read (and re-read) each month, with accompanying thoughts and images. Then I started reading other book blogs and--once again--my imagination became fully engaged. And the blogging took off accordingly. 

As for what I like most about blogging? That moment when someone I don't know comments or emails or tweets me to say they read the same book and they felt the same way. It's like they reached out and took my hand in the dark. I never tire of the thrill and I don't think I ever will. 

3. Has your taste in books changed through your life? Have you found yourself reading books you might not have when you were younger? Or are there books you loved in the past and now you can't imaging why?

I guess I'd say my taste has broadened as I've gotten older. I don't think I've ever really turned my back on books or genres I used to like, which is why I'm a serial re-reader. Nothing is as comforting as characters and words you know and love. No one welcomes you home like they do. But I definitely have started reading books I probably wouldn't have when I was younger. These would include books that previously scared me off, specifically horror or romance novels. Though I still read on the tame end, I'm sure. My husband is a die-hard Stephen King fan and finally broke down a couple of years ago and shoved a copy of It into my hands, begging me to read it. I took a deep breath and dove in and what a book. I was unprepared for how much I would love those seven kids and the wonderful writing. I'm so glad to have the book blogging community to tell me what I'm missing out on and to egg me on to try new things and fall in love with new characters and new words and add them to my beloved bookshelf.

4. This is a totally subjective question. What elements do you look for in a book? What makes a book a "good read"?

Two things: I connect with at least one character. And the words are right. And you're correct--it's utterly subjective. The characters I connect with and the words I love are not necessarily the same ones for anyone else. Whether or not the words are right is  a matter of my own taste and aesthetic criteria. My reasons will perhaps not be the same as others'. Occasionally I will connect with a character, but the narrative doesn't do her or him justice, and the book and I don't click. And it has happened that the prose is beautiful but the characters are empty for me, so the book and I don't click. But when those two elements meet--the results are sublime and I will read it through to the very end. Every time. 

5. What book has most influenced the way you see life and your role in it?

My life has been broadly influenced by all kinds of literature. But when I think of the novel that has most influenced the way I see life, I have to go with Middlemarch by George Eliot. It's difficult to overstate the effect it had on me when I read it in grad school. I still remember my throat tightening with emotion and wonder at the way she was able to capture the human experience in such quiet, crystalline moments. It changed me, brought focus to my academic pursuits, and is one of the books of my life. 

6. Other than reading, what do you do for fun? Are you a adventure seeker or do you like something a little closer to home?

I love good food, good music, and traveling to new places. Preferably all three together. 

7. I love the idea of your Retro Friday meme.  I'm a huge fan of older books and I try to read as many as I can.  What made you start the meme?  Was there an older book that you feel in love with that got you hooked on the idea of reading older books instead of the constant stream of new ones?

Thanks! I was looking for a weekly meme to start up on the blog, and I kept coming back to the fact that I spend a huge chunk of time re-reading old favorites when I could be reading newly published works. But I wouldn't want it any other way. In fact, I don't think I could stop it if I tried. I'm baffled by people who don't re-read. How can they not long to go back and spend time inside their favorite stories again? And so I thought, hey, why not review some of the old ones on a regular basis? Maybe it will spark some interest in some under-the-radar books. Maybe I'll even get to talk about them with others who've read and loved them, too. That's how Retro Fridays was born.

8. What are some little known facts about yourself?

Ha! Well, here's one little known (and literary) fact about me. In lieu of having the birds and the bees talk, my mother decided to hand me a copy of Lady Chatterley's Lover and call it good. And, honestly? After reading that book, I had no questions left. 

Thanks for having me!

If you are even a little bit curious, head on over to Angieville to read my answers to her questions.

BBAW: The Interview Swap

This year I got the honor of interviewing a blogger that was brand new to me, Honey of Coffeespoons.  Just by perusing her blog over the last few days I have to tell you I really like her taste in books.  I'm looking forward to getting to know her and her blog better over the years.  So with no more chatter from me, I present Honey in her own words.  By the way, I know we would both love it if after reading this interview you went over to her site and said hi.  Of course you are more than welcome to read her interview with me while you are there.

1. What got you into reading? Have you been a book lover all your life or did it happen later on?

My mom got me into reading. I like to tell the story of how, when I was 3 years old, my mom brought me to a mall, and she told me she was going to buy me a book. I remember that clearly, even if I was that young, because it struck me that my mom seemed so happy and excited to get me this thing called a "book." I remember I had no idea what a book was, but I thought, "If mommy's so excited about it, it must be great!" So she bought me copies of Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. And every night thereafter, she'd read me one of those books. Or at least, every night she wasn't at duty in the hospital, which was more often than I liked. Anyway, I've been into books ever since.:)

2. What inspired you to start your own blog? What do you like the most about blogging?

Well, I joined this online book group at Shelfari called Flips Flipping Pages in 2008. Back then, I just wanted to talk about books with people who were willing to talk about books. Then it got to the point that talking didn't seem to be enough, that I had to write about it. (Oh, also, I was immensely bored with the job I had then.) So, I started a blog, mostly for me. First it started out as a way to document my reading goals. Then it became about the need to do something creative, like write, because, I learned, one way to survive in a job that bored you is having a creative outlet. Then, it became the need to know the community better. I think these three things are what I love about blogging. (Sorry I can't name just one!) I love book blogging because I talk about what I love. I love it because it allows me to do something creative for me alone. And I love blogging because of the people I've met through it, some of whom have become my friends in the real world.:)

3. What book has most influenced the way you see life and your role in it?

Gosh, this book changes depending on what phase I am in my life, I think. I always say that my favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, because when I first read it, it floored me. And I had to stop at all those great quotable quotes to just really think about it. Like, "Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what." I took that and still take that to heart. Or Scout's quote about reading: "Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing." I mean, it's not a life changer, but it sure echoes a truth I believe in.

But since we take different roles at different parts of our lives, books that influence me change, too. One of the books that made a great impact on me was Blind Assassin. Just the thought of a woman who battles both little and big things in very small ways was something that began to resonate with me very much.

4. Has your taste in books changed as you've gotten older? What genres did you enjoy earlier in life and what genres do you read now?

Oh yes, indeedy. I used to read a lot of trashy bestsellers when I was in high school (read: Sidney Sheldon, Judith Krantz, Danielle Steele, romance novels). My apologies to those who like these books. I used to like them. But now, I don't. I tried rereading them, and lost patience. Then, when an old boyfriend gave me a Piers Anthony Xanth series, I got into a sci-fi/fantasy phase, which lasted till college. After my sci-fi/fantasy phase, I got into a classics phase, till I finished college. Then, strangely, I only started liking Young Adult lit when I started working already. Now, I read a mixture of all those other genres that I liked. Generally now, I read contemporary lit and young adult, but I also like a fast-paced bestseller or a good mystery, or even a vampire novel. And fantasy, and science-fiction. And I'm trying out non-fic, too. So, yes, I'm an eclectic reader.

5. What authors can you never get enough of? If they are current authors do you reread their older books while waiting for new releases?

I love Jane Austen. I used to reread Pride and Prejudice every year. I guess I should start doing that again, huh? But I don't like any of the Jane Austen inspired books. As for current authors, I'm a big fan of Neil Gaiman and Jasper Fforde. I think they're the only authors I really follow. I've read all of Fforde's books and Gaiman's trade books. Not all of Gaiman's graphic novels, though, because they cost a bit here. Anyway, I hardly reread, except for a few authors, like Austen or, um, Shakespeare. (Kind of embarrassing, but yes, I'm a fan.) Oh wait! Charlaine Harris, but only her Southern Vampire mysteries and her Harper Connelly books. If these authors don't come out with new releases, I'm ok. There are lots of other books on my Mt. TBR.:)

6. How much of your day do you get to devote to reading? Do you get to read whenever you want to or do you have to make time for it?

Oh, gosh. You know, last year, I read and read and read. I quit that job I was bored in and got a job that fits the kind of schedule I wanted, so I had the time I wanted to read. Now, because that new job has suddenly become more hectic (in a good way), I don't get to read as much per day. Actually, I do read a lot, because my job requires me to, and I like the stuff that I read. But, I guess, since I have to read more now at work, sometimes when I get home, I just want to turn on the TV and surf through the channels. I don't spend as much time on leisure reading as I did last year. But I guess that's ok. I honestly find the stuff I read for work fun.

7. What is your favorite book that you may be embarrassed by?

Twilight. Hah! Actually, Twilight isn't my favorite book, but I did truly enjoy reading it, because it was just a delicious romance. And, after reading the last part of your question, this book immediately popped into my head. I know a lot of people hated it, but, what can I say? I was tickled by the love story. So, when friends find out that I liked Twilight, they look at me weird, and I know I dropped in their estimation a tad, but hey--I figure if we can't like what we like, what's the point in reading?

8. Other than reading, what do you do for fun? Are you a adventure seeker or do you like something a little closer to home?

Ooh, I like reading. Hahahaha! Gosh, I'm such a one-trick pony. Actually, for fun, I like eating. There, I said it. Sometimes, I like eating better than reading. I like going out and finding hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serve good food and are affordable. And then, I bring my family there and tell my friends about it. Also, I love hanging out with my kids. I've two beautiful children, aged 6 and 5. It doesn't matter how rough my day has been: I go home, and I play with them, and I think, "What the heck was I bothered about?"

9. Tell use some little know factoids about yourself.

In college, I majored in Electrical and Electronics Engineering till I was in my fourth year. And then I had an epiphany. I realized my passion was literature. And teaching. So, I shifted courses and went into education. Spent 2 additional years in college, but I never looked back.

I hate roaches. I hate them, I hate them, I hate them.

I love cakes. I love them, I love them, I love them.

I used to know the entire libretto of Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon. Oh, and I also memorized all the songs in Disney's Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Why? Just cause.

I would like to thank Honey for her time and encourage everyone to go and tell her hi!

BBAW 2010 Registration Is Now Open

Well it's almost time for Book Blogger Appreciation Week 2010.  It's just around the corner and now is the time to get registered.  Registration ends on July 7th, so if you are interested in nominating your blog or even in voting you need to get over and register.

BBAW is a celebration of all things book blogging.  It's a time for awards, interviews, prizes and getting to know our fellow bloggers on a level you may not have before.  I had a blast last year and got to know some fantastic bloggers who I now consider friends.  So needless to say I'm very excited to participate this year as well.  Now I'm a little self effacing at times so for me to submit myself into the awards process took a little prodding from some friends (thank you guys).  Now that I've decided to take the plunge I'm excited to see what happens.

As part of this year's nominating process we are being asked to select a niche that we feel our particular blog falls into.  I'm rather all over the place as far as the books I review so the only niche that I would feel comfortable saying I'm in would be Best Eclectic Blog.  Once we decide on the niche, we need to select 5 posts that paints the picture of our blogs. 

So with no further ado here are my 5 posts for Best Eclectic Blog:

The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff

The Lunatic, the Lover, and the Poet by Myrlin A. Hermes

Dream House by Valerie Laken

In The Woods by Tana French

January GLBT Mini Challenge: Why Reading GLBT Works Is Important To Me

Fun Random Questions for BBAW

I'm a sucker for random questions so I can't help myself but answer all of them.

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?

All the time I can't help it. Normally it's stuff like popcorn or chips. Lately it's been a lot more plums, Havarti and salami, Havarti and pears, Havarti and crackers. I'm on a weird Havarti kick right now. I also tend to like cucumbers and radishes with a little ranch dressing.

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears?Laying the book flat open?

Bookmarks all the way. I used to dog ear when I was younger but I am now out of that stage. Every once in a while I will set the book down open but I try not to do that too much.

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?

Both, though the non-fiction I read tends to be either about politics or autobiographies.

Hard copy or audio books?

I haven't done a lot of audio books because the only time I would listen to them except in the car and then it's mainly on NPR.

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?

Just whenever I'm done reading for the period of time. If their is something really big going on I will try to get to the end of that part, but if I'm too tired I can hold off for a while.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?

Only if I can't figure it out by the context of the passage it's in.

What are you currently reading?

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

What is the last book you bought?

3 of them from the Dollar Tree: A Shadow in Summer by Daniel Abraham, Monster by Frank Peretti, and Manor House: As Seen on Public Television by

Juliet Gardiner.

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?

I tend to read through multiple books at a time though my main focus is on one.

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?

Whenever or wherever I can.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?

Both. I love series because if I love a certain character/characters I want more of them. Stand alones do a really good job or getting you to care about characters right away.

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?

Agatha Christie has to be the one author I push on everyone. A few of the books would be Pandemonium by Daryl Gregory, The Thief of Always by Clive Barker, and The Last Herald Mage trilogy by Mercedes Lackey.

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)

When they are organized I try to do the fiction by author's last name and have the non-fiction sorted by subject in alphabetical order.

BBAW Interview Swap: Spotlight on Sheila

Over the last few months I've had the opportunity to get to know a great blogger who puts a smile on my face every time I visit her blog. As many of you already know she is truly a kind person who always has a nice thing to say. So I was ecstatic when I drew her name for the interview swap. So with no further ado I would like to present to you Sheila of One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

Sheila hard at work.

1. What started you down the road of reading?

As long as I can remember I have been a reader. I cant put my finger on the when or why... in 2nd grade I won the Bookworm award for always having my nose in a book.

2. Was there a book or books that you feel changed your life in a positive way?

Hmmm... The Betty Crocker Cook Book. LOL.... Seriously... there are so many books that I hold dear to my heart and each one for a different reason... Other than the Bible I don't think I can name one.

3. How has having a family influenced you in your reading habits? Do you read books that you wouldn't have otherwise?

That is actually funny as I started reading the Harry Potter series to see what my boys were reading. By book two, we had to have three copies of each book in the house so we all could be reading it and by book three I was finishing them faster than either of them and waiting for them to finish so we could talk about it!

4. In what way does your faith influence you in what to read or not to read?

I really enjoy almost all styles of books other than real graphic gory, a lot of strong language or sexual content type books. I think to me that is my personal preference and not really a faith decision. If a book doesn't feel right to me I would put it down. Plenty to read out there that I would enjoy! :)

5. What influenced you start your own book blog?

I started my book blog for me. I am pretty sure when I started it I didn't know it was a book blog. I thought I was just recording books that I read in an online journal format. I thought what I was doing was unique and I did it only for me. This past June when someone commented on my blog (which was unusual) I followed their link and found the book blogging world!

What a fantastic outdoor workspace.

6. How has book blogging changed your life? (reading habits, time management, that sort of thing)

I really put more time into it than I ever thought I would. I am not complaining! It is a whole new world for me and I am still at the kid in a candy store phase. I love reading about new books on blogs, I love entering the contests, chatting with fellow book lovers, helping them.... if anything I need to limit my online time as it can cut into my reading time. I really do enjoy blog hopping.

7. Has your taste in books changed through your life? Have you found yourself reading books you might now have when you were younger? Or Are there books you loved in the past and now you can't imaging why?

My book tastes have really changed. In the early adult years I read everything I could get my hands on by Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Nora Roberts and Daniele Steel. When I started our book club 8 years ago it was to expand my reading and now I couldn't name a favorite author if I tried. I have learned to really enjoy diversity in books.

8. What is your favorite genre to read?

That's tough... I enjoy women's literature, historical fiction, books on other cultures.... yet recently have also dabbled into some YA and fantasy that I am really liking as well.

9. Are there favorite authors you tend to go back to whenever they have new releases?

Yes, there are a few... Harlan Coben is a must read every time! I keep an eye on what Jodi Piccoult is doing and I still watch Dean Koontz although I do not read all of his books anymore but occasionally see one that I want to read.

10. This is a totally subjective question. What elements do you look for in a book? What makes a book a "good read"?

I like strong characters. Wimpy characters are disheartening. Strong plots - a strong cause.... causes can really get me reading. I also find I like books with not a lot of characters. This may be just me, but books with many characters can be confusing. If their names sound anywhere near alike (IE. Bart and Barty) I find myself mixing up their characters and having to back track in the book to see what is what. I like to know the characters and too many takes away from that.

Does this look familiar to anyone?

11. How do you decide what books to review?

When I get an offer for a review, I make sure that the book is something I really think I will enjoy. I look at the author and see what else they have written. I read about the book and Google it for more information on it. I still occasionally find one I do not enjoy, but it certainly isn't from lack of research.

12. Are there certain foods or drinks you absolutely have to have when you are reading?

Yes, green M & M's and only in even quantities with a diet coke at room temperature. I am kidding.... actually no ritual foods. I do like to snack while I am reading but it is usually whatever is handy, sometimes popcorn or chocolate if I was foolish enough to leave it within my reach. :)

13. How much time are you able to read in a day? How do you juggle the desire to read with other priorities?

Really depends on the day. Most of my read time is in the evening. My husband and I own an excavating company and he keeps weird hours like up at 5 am and asleep by 8 pm. I am a night owl so I read (if I am not on twitter or blogging) about two hours+ a night. On a weekend if I do not have plans I can finish a book a day. As far as juggling priorities, I work in the office so I can check postings occasionally throughout the day - make a blog comment here and there and read during my lunch break. I have mastered reading while on the tread mill or elliptical when I work out and have taken to audio books when I am traveling so I really get my book fix whenever I can.

14. What are some little known facts about yourself?

1. I have been to Honduras five times and worked with children who live in the street. I will be going a 6th time at the end of October. 2. I fell off a horse when I was 14 and was in a coma for 5 days. They told my mom I had a 10% chance of living. 3. After a house fire in 1980, my mom and I lived in Soldotna Alaska for a year with relatives and I completed 7th grade there.

Spolitght on My Favorite Bloggers for BBAW

This is the first day of Book Blogger Appreciation Week and I'm so excited that I can barely sit still long enough to finish this post.

For the first day we were asked to shine a spotlight on our favorite blogs that did not make the short list. This on the surface sounds like an easy thing to do. Pick out our favorite blogs, type up a few kind words on the keyboard, and you have a post all tied up with a nice red bow.

When I sat down to do this, reality set in. In the short time I had been blogging quite a few blogs and bloggers have made an impression with me to the point that I want to highlight them all. Now if I did that I would have to sit at the computer for 3 days and the post would be the longest in history. So I narrowed the kind words to 4 bloggers that I have grown close to as friends.

The first one is Deb at Bookmagic. Princess Deb of the Kingdom of Wordsmtihonia, Duchess of Wordsville, Marquess of Gotham was one of the first people I really enjoyed talking to over at Barnes & Noble's Book Clubs. She is opinionated, feisty and a lot of fun to talk to. So when she started her won blog I had to be one of her first followers and read every interesting post she ever put down on keyboard. She is a brilliant blogger who always has an interesting take on a book that I have grown to trust. After hearing her have so much fun I had to jump on into the pool and start my own blog. So in a way you can say she was my muse and inspiration and I owe her more than I can ever properly say. She has been a great friend and I know I can always count on her for advice and help. Please, please visit her blog and say hi if you haven't before.

The second one is Melissa at My World. Lady Melissa, Marquess of Tar Valon is another one of my Barnes & Noble friends that I have had the privilege to know over what is almost a year now. She is a lot of fun to talk to and always has a kind word to say. She always cheers me up when I'm feeling a little stressed or tired and started her own blog within the last two months. Her blog is now on my must visit everyday list and if a day goes by that I don't get to chat with her on Twitter or B&N I feel that the day is just not complete. I wish her all the success with her blog (which is fantastic by the way) and I hope she will always be there to talk to and enjoy a conversation with. Her blog is a lot of fun and I encourage everyone to visit.

The third blog I want to highlight is Krista at Life or Something Like It. Lady Carmen (Krista), the Baroness of Dinotopia is the third and final noble of Wordsmithonia from Barnes & Noble's Book Clubs to enter bloggerville and start her own blog. She is probably the most upbeat and giddiest (if that is a word) person I have known in a very long time. She always has a kind thing to say to everyone and seems to really appreciate life and all that comes with it. Her blog is one of the funnest around and I always find myself smiling every time I visit, which is daily now. How can you not smile when the background is so bright and cheery, she posts great reviews that makes you want to go buy the book that day, and shares her wonderful artwork on a regular basis. For those of you who have not visited before, please do so. It is well worth the time.

The last blog I want to highlight is Michelle at The Book Addict. I haven't know her for as long as I have the other three I highlighted but it seems that I have. She is a great friend I first met on Twitter and the day does not seem complete without talking to her. She is a fantastic person who always has a way of putting me in a good mood and making my day seem that much better. She recently started her own blog and it is on my daily to do list. She has a fabulous layout and even better content. Her reviews are always dead on and I know I can always trust them. I hope everyone goes and visits her blog and says hi.

If you want to know the other blogs I enjoy and visit on a regular basis all you have to do is look at my blog roll on the left hand side of the blog. Every single one of those blogs deserves a spotlight on them and I hope you take the time to visit them as well.

BBAW Nomination!

I'm still a little in shock but I was nominated for Best New Blog for Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Needless to say I'm grateful to the person who entered my name into the hat. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

I've been twittering with some fellow bloggers about what posts I should send in. After many, many tweets I think I have it narrowed down to the ones I want to use. I'm going to think about it overnight and send my email in tomorrow.

If anyone has any suggestions please leave a comment. I would like to hear any and all suggestions.

BBAW: Getting to Know You Questions

Well since I'm brand new at this blogging gig, only been doing it for less than a month, I figured I would jump in head first and get involved with Book Blogger Appreciation Week.

The best way to learn and grow is to get involved so here I am. They posted 3 questions for those experienced paragons of all that is a book blogger and another 3 questions for those of us who are wet behind the ears and don't know quite what we are doing or getting ourselves into.

Since I most definitely fall into that second category I figured I would go ahead and answer the questions. So here are my responses to the getting to know you Q&A.

1) What has been one of the highlights of blogging for you?

Wow, not even sure where to start. I don't have a lot of time under my belt so this may seem a silly answer to some, but the best part so far is meeting some incredible people and realizing how much is out there. I never even thought about blogging before a Barnes & Noble book club friend started one of her own ( Deb over at Bookmagic) and seemed to be having a lot of fun with it. So I figured I would dip my toes into the proverbial pool and see how warm the water was.

What I discovered was an entire community of people who love books and reading as much as I do. That no matter how different individual lives may be that this group of people come together and celebrate something that means so much to me. I have enjoyed discovering new books and topics that I may have never chanced upon and "meeting" people I never would have had an opportunity to get to know.

2) What blogger has helped you out with your blog by answering questions, linking to you, or inspiring you?

Obviously Deb at Bookmagic because she was the inspiration behind me getting involved to begin with. I'm really scared to name anyone else because I don't want to hurt anybody feelings (not that I've been doing this long enough to really run that risk). However I think the blogger I've gleamed the most information from (without ever really bugging her with a question) and tend to find myself going back to her blog the most is Sheila at One Persons Journey Through a World of Books.

I know there are other sites I've really learned from and gotten great ideas from but I have a massive headache so my thought processes aren't exactly up to their usual high standards. So I apologize now to all you bloggers out there that I've learned from without you even knowing it, for not mentioning you by name. You are all inspirations and role model to those like me who are just starting out.

3) What one question do you have about BBAW that someone who participated last year could answer?

You know, this is probably the hardest question to answer. For I don't know what I'm missing out on. I'm not really sure what information I need that I'm missing. I guess all I can say is if anyone feels like taking the time and telling me about last year's event, I'm all ears (and eyes).