This Love Hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer. Welcome back lovely hoppers! The last hop, Dreaming of Books, was absolutely fantastic — I had so much fun meeting so many new people and seeing so many great blogs! This Hop is very similar; it runs from now until February 13th at midnight. Please stop by and check out all the participating blogs — last month I won two books simply by signing up and following!
Up for grabs this time around, to celebrate Valentine's Day, I am giving away an ARC of "The Iron Queen"!
Like last time, I am also offering a $20 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.com if we reach 350 followers! That's TWO possible winners for one great contest! You must be a Google Follower to enter — see right side bar to follow! And, OH, did I forget to mention that this contest is INTERNATIONAL — because it is.
While you're here -sign up to win "DELIRIUM"as well! This contest ends January 10th!
Today I'm participating in two memes — the Book Bloggers Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books & Follow My Book Blog Friday, hosted at Parajunkee's View. I am also putting up my weekly recap... get it? "Follow My Hop Recap?" If you're a new follower, please leave me a link to your blog in the comments below so that I can return the hello! This week's question from the Hop: "Tell us about one of your posts from this week and give us a link so we can read it (review or otherwise)!
This week I started a feature called "Back to the Basics" where I answer any questions blogger may have (that I am able to answer). This week we talked about the Follow Me Friday and the Blog Hop and how to appropriately comment while making it easier for people to find your blog and return the blog and comment love. Read the post to find out more. This week's question from Follow Me Friday:
What is your favorite romance hero-type? Stereotype wise. Do you like the strong silent type or the brute macho man?
I'm definitely drawn to the witty, intelligent, strong, and silent type rather than the brute macho man. Fictional men like Clark Kent and Mr. Darcy are intoxicating to me. Men who can be stubborn and infuriating, but caring and even bookish (gasp!) totally win me over. But at the same time I am a complete sucker for the hilarious side kick (Ron Weasley all the way). I guess I'm multi-faceted? In real life, my fiance D is definitely not infuriating (good thing) and, of the two of us, I'm definitely the stubborn one. D definitely fits the funny, care-free character who provides endless conversation and partakes in witty banter when I feel the need. He also feeds me... which is a big deal (yes, I'm marrying a very good cook).
Back to the Basics Class — HTML Code Love Hop Giveaway — WIN "The Iron Queen" ARC Review — "How To Say Goodbye in Robot"
Last week I also hosted a contest as part of my Follow My Hop Recap for a copy of Delirium by Lauren Oliver — my favorite read of January 2011! The winner is:
Thanks to everyone who participated! I am still hosting a giveaway of an ARC of "The Iron Queen" so, if you haven't already, make sure to enter! Contests ends February 13th!
Today I'm participating in two memes — the Book Bloggers Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books & Follow My Book Blog Friday, hosted at Parajunkee's View. I am also putting up my weekly recap... get it? "Follow My Hop Recap?" I really enjoy these two memes because I love the community and this is the a great way to meet people and visit other bloggers. I don't ask for a "follow" — simply a "hello.":) If you like what you see I definitely invite you to stick around and introduce yourself.
This week's question from the Hop: What do you do when I'm not reading? Well, I am currently teaching summer school but in my "spare" time I love spending time with my husband and working on our new house. I also love going to the movies and TCBY. This week's question from Follow Me Friday: Q. How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? I currently get most of my books from NetGalley and the Galley Grab. But I make use of my library (especially when it comes to my audiobook addiction). I don't buy many books simply because of the expense — but if there's a book I can't live without I definitely fork over the cash.
Review — "Forever" by Maggie Stiefvater Review — Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson It's Monday — 7.11.11
I've been thinking about blogging a lot lately, you know... rather than actually doing it.
I have some confessions to make. I've been a "bad" blogger the last couple months. I got frustrated with the lack of progress my blog had made in two years and I compromised my integrity to get higher numbers.
Yes. I did.
What exactly did I do to get the numbers I wanted? Are you prepared? It's pretty awful.
I hosted several contests where you had to be a GFC follower to enter. I participated in Giveaway Hops, again, where you had to follow in order to enter. I became obsessed with Follow Friday and the Book Blogger Hop — where you follow and comment for the purpose of numbers. Yes, I did find a few (I can think of three off the top of my head) bloggers who I've actually built a relationship with.
Now, this is not a slam on those memes, but the basic purpose (as far as I can tell) is to gain followers. And... I won't lie, my blog has grown exponentially. The thought behind these memes is to meet other bloggers etc and visit new blogs, but the truth is (for me) it was about numbers, about putting forth as little effort as possible (posting a simple response to a question) and watch my follower number increase.
As part of my confession, I want to illustrate just how much participating in these particular blogging extracurriculars boosted my "numbers"; I actively began participating in January. (Note: Blogger began keeping track of stats in the middle of June).
There's no doubt about it — if you want numbers it works. I thought I wanted numbers (and I still kind of do — I won't lie).
But the fact is, if I'm going to stress about blogging (never a good thing) I'd rather stress about my content than numbers. I'm being completely honest — I blog for me and my students, I blog because I love the community, I blog because I love books, I blog because I love blogging. But honestly, I just don't think it's as fun blogging if no one reads it. There will always be those people who say "I don't care about numbers" etc (and I mean no disrespect) but generally, it seems, like the people saying that HAVE the numbers and have the niche.
It'd be easy to lie. It'd be easy to say: "No, I don't care about numbers or followers or a larger readership. I don't care about my blog being successful. I blog for me and me alone." But I'm not going to do that. Yes, I blog for me and because I enjoy it, but I do care about the success of my blog. If I didn't, I would read books and form opinions and move on without a review. If I didn't care about the success of my blog I wouldn't have taken all the steps I have to market and promote my blog. I wouldn't be spending countless hours reading other blogs, commenting, tweeting, and working on the look of my own blog. I wouldn't be so engrossed in the social media of the book blogging community.
So, what do I do? I feel like I've lost my blogging integrity and I've lost focus. I don't want my blog to be about numbers. I don't want to post memes to "fill space" and "gain numbers." In order to gain back a bit of my blogging integrity I vow to all of you faithful (and amazing) readers:
Never to host a contest where you must be a follower. I want my online space to be content driven, not numbers driven.
Instead of posting mindless, contentless meme posts in hopes of adding followers, to instead visit three other blogs a week and attempt to build a real content-based relationship with them. Rather than leaving a quick comment: "New follower here stopping by for the Hop/Follow Friday/etc"
To never (or hardly ever) feel stressed or obligated to post
Yes, I'll still be participating in a few giveaway Hops but nothing excessive and you don't have to be a follower to enter. I want to visit new blogs and meet new bloggers and, really, these memes are a great way to do that. But when you stop by 50 or 100 of the blogs listed nothing really comes of it (in my case anyway). With these confessions and new vows I hope that I can atone for my blogging sins. The truth of the matter is that I love blogging and I do it for me, but readership and even the concept of "numbers (of followers)" count (in my opinion obviously). The question is how much do these numbers count? How far do you go to get the numbers you want? What do you do differently? Do you compromise your content for the sake of "quick followers?" If not, how do you compete with those that do — simply with the satisfaction that yes, they have more "numbers" but you have better content? "Veteran" bloggers say "be patient" and "keep working on it" — but it's been years (for some). What can (new and old) bloggers do to keep their blogging integrity but still be competitive in the book blogging market?
I apologize for the use of parentheses.
Edit: I forgot to mention this. Thank you to all of the "content-driven" readers that I have. Besides my love of students and books, you are the reason I keep blogging. You're the reason I love hearing that little Blackberry email chime on my phone when you comment. Thanks for all you do.
I solemnly swear I will post a review this week.:)
With the New Year I'm trying some new things. Today I'm participating in two "new to me" memes — the Book Bloggers Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books & Follow My Book Blog Friday, hosted at Parajunkee's View. I am also putting up my weekly recap... get it? "Follow My Hop Recap?" If you're a new follower, please leave me a link to your blog in the comments below so that I can return the hello! This week's question from the Hop: Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it? This, for me, is an easy answer. I read YA because my kids read YA — mostly. The truth of the matter is I love YA, I've been reading it my whole life. I remember being very young and venturing over to that side of the library and finding a book and teaching myself how to read it. I think that's a huge reason why I'm a teacher. This week's question from Follow Me Friday: What makes up your non-human family? I have a very very special red golden retriever, Pippin. He is five years old and he truly is my best friend. Pip (named for my favorite hobbit) came into my life my Junior year of high school after an awful break up — one of those break ups where you think your life is just going to end. One day, randomly, after work my dad says "Let's look for a puppy" — ten hours later Pippin was mine. I spent the summer spoiling training him and every summer since then (after I went to college) Pip and I enjoy Northern Minnesota's outdoor activities — we run, we bike, we hike, we swim, and we definitely fish.
This week at Miss Remmers' Review I'm Expecting! Review — "Wake" The Delivery I Am a Stuck Up Snob: Across the Universe Review — "Change of Heart" Review — "Beasts and BFFs" Giveaway Hop — WIN DELIRIUM!
Today I'm participating in two memes — the Book Bloggers Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books & Follow My Book Blog Friday, hosted at Parajunkee's View. I am also putting up my weekly recap... get it? "Follow My Hop Recap?" If you're a new follower, please leave me a link to your blog in the comments below so that I can return the hello! Also, please follow me on Twitter — it's like my connection to the world! I love connecting with different bloggers! This week's question from the Hop: "Do you read only one book at a time, or do you have several going at once?"
Even with my Nook, I have an extremely hard time reading more than one book at a time. I end up feeling like a complete misogynist who cheats on one great book with a "hotter" book. It never turns out good for me. I am able to listen to a different book (thank goodness). But other than that, I am definitely a one book (at a time) woman.This week's question from Follow Me Friday:
Q. How did you come up with your blog name?
Miss Remmers' Review came from a bulletin board I knew I wanted to have in my classroom (I was a junior in college when became a book blogger). When I finally got my own classroom this fall it was the first thing I did to my room. It's where I post my "favorite" reads, what I am currently reading, and what it "up next." Then, once I finish a book, I take it and put it up above my board. Below is an older picture, now I've got cover along pretty much the whole wall.
I love the alliteration and it makes this blog a bit more student friendly. Now that I'll be changing my name I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I don't think I'll change my blog (which is weird I know). But I've built a readership and I just don't feel comfortable changing it along with the buttons and everything else that goes with changing the name. Plus, Mrs. Urbanec's Review definitely does not sound as cool.:)
I Got It Bad: Book Mourning Review: "Wither" Giveaway: Win "I'd Know You Anywhere" (SIGN UP TO WIN!) Back to the Basics: Commenting
Today I'm participating in two memes — the Book Bloggers Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books & Follow My Book Blog Friday, hosted at Parajunkee's View. I am also putting up my weekly recap... get it? "Follow My Hop Recap?" If you're a new follower, please leave me a link to your blog in the comments below so that I can return the hello! This week's question from the Hop: "What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011? Why are you anticipating that book?" I haven't really looked too far ahead this year, but DELIRIUM and THE IRON QUEEN are released this Tuesday, February 1st — and I'm extremely excited for both of these books to be "out in the wild." This week's question from Follow Me Friday:
What is/was your favorite subject in school?
I definitely love English and Reading... but (despite being horrible at it) I like math as well. This week at Miss Remmers' Review (it was a sparse week I guess): Review — "Nocturne" Review — "Cryer's Cross"
Today I'm participating in two memes — the Book Bloggers Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books (post here) Follow My Book Blog Friday, hosted at Parajunkee's View. I am also putting up my weekly recap... get it? "Follow My Hop Recap?" I really enjoy these two memes because I love the community and this is the a great way to meet people and visit other bloggers. I don't ask for a "follow" — simply a "hello.":) If you like what you see I definitely invite you to stick around and introduce yourself.
This week's question from the Hop: How have your reading habits changed since you were a teen? While my reading habits have changed I feel like I'm still reading the same amount. As a teen I feel like I was given more time to devote to reading during school. What with DEAR (drop everything and read) and "down time" before and after the lessons, I always had a book with me and it was always open (unless, of course the teacher was (oh, I don't know) teaching. Now it's on me to find that time to devote to reading and it's a bit more difficult. What about you? Anyone else find that they miss how reading was "required" in school? This week's question from Follow Me Friday: Highlight one or two titles in your personal collection that have the most interesting titles! This is a hard question. Um... Let me go check my shelves!
This week I was on my mini-moon so I uh, I kind of slacked off. First post of the week! Whoot?
Welcome to the 2nd Back to the Basics class! If you missed the first class on inserting an HTML direct link to your blog into comments — make sure to check it out (much like this):
This week we are talking about the same thing but with an added bit of civilization: commenting.
Small Review brought up a good point last week — how to comment, leave a link, and not be spamming.
I replied with following but I want I think that she brought up a very solid point. It seems like every comment I get on my Friday Meme posts are spam.
The question then becomes how can you leave a direct link to your blog (to make it easier for the blog owner to return the comment love) but not be spamming?
Like I said last week, the point of many memes is to visit new blogs and get your name out there (especially for the Book Bloggers Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books and Follow My Book Blog Friday, hosted at Parajunkee's View) . But you need to comment. Last week I pointed out that it was easier for the blog owner to visit your blog by leaving a link; what I left out was the apparent need to leave a valuable comment. Yes ladies and gentlemen, I am talking comment etiquette.
These two comments, while they leave me direct links to their blogs, are not "content rich" comments. They tell me nothing about the blogger or their responses to my own post. They give the impression that they didn't even READ my post, just copied and pasted a generic comment in an attempt to gain me as a follower.
Well, sorry folks — life don't work that way (grammar cringe). If you're going to comment (and I hope you all do), leave a valuable, content rich comment. Not something generic that you leave on all 400 blogs that participate in any given meme. The second commenter at least tried, but really... that's all you're going to give me? Now, this does of course depend on the blog owner's ability to write a "content rich" post worthy of valuable feedback — but that's for another time.
When you leave comments like those above you do yourself and your blog a disservice by misrepresenting yourself. You think you are only leaving a harmless comment but in reality you are marketing yourself as a shallow, self-centered, and basically bad blogger (not to mention spamming). I'll admit it: when I receive comments like those above I don't waste my time visiting that blog (even if it easy to find via the direct link). Why would I waste my time to visit another blog (much less follow), when they can't even leave a legitimate comment! The inability to leave a valuable two sentence comment proves to me that blogger's inability to write a content rich post.
So what's a blogger to do?! It's simple: leave a good solid comment responding to the post's content (show me that you read it!) and then leave a link. Sonette from Sonette's Bookworm Blog has mastered this technique! I mean look at this comment! It's full of content and opinion and she even mentions a previous comment! Plus, she still makes it easy to find her and return the blog love!
So, please boys and girls, if you want to present yourself in a professional likable manner the next time you blog hop, take it from me and take the time to leave a "content rich" comment. Not only will your fellow bloggers be more apt to return the comment and blog love, but you'll be presenting yourself in a welcoming and warm manner. Yes, it's easy to copy and paste the same comment on hundreds of posts but it won't get you very far: do your blog a favor take the time to comment right. If you have a question please fill in the form for next week!
Welcome to the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop! Make sure to check and see who else is participating so you can sign up to win as many awesome prizes as possible! For those of you who are new to Miss Remmers' Review — WELCOME! I am a freshmen English teacher in South Dakota who loves to talk books and reading! I've been blogging for almost two years and have loved every minute of it! I attended BEA last year and will be making an appearance this year as well so I look forward to meeting any of you who will also be in attendance!
But you're all here for a reason! The Giveaway Hop! Up for grabs at Miss Remmers' Review is an ARC copy of Lauren Oliver's "Delirium"! This is absolutely an amazing read that I could not put down — here is my review. It's not out until February 1st — so win and be one of the first to read it! Unlike most of my other contests — this one is INTERNATIONAL! But there's more... if we reach 150 followers by Monday night, I'll also put up for grabs two $25 gift certificates to Barnes and Noble! So that's THREE winners in one awesome giveaway! You must be a Google Follower to enter — see right side bar to follow! There's one last thing, I want to know who all came by and give everyone who visits my blog a chance to visit YOUR blog! So please sign the Mr. Linky with a link back to your blog! I'll definitely be stopping by and I hope my new followers will as well. The Book Blogging Community is so vast — it's great to meet so many new people! (This is not mandatory to enter the giveaway — it's just something fun to spread the blog love!)
"Rebecca Bloomwood just hit rock bottom. But she's never looked better...
Becky Bloomwood has a fabulous flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is that she can't actually afford it — not any of it.
Her job writing at Successful Savings not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. And lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from Visa and the Endwich Bank — letters with large red sums she can't bear to read — and they're getting ever harder to ignore.
She tries cutting back; she even tries making more money. But none of her efforts succeeds. Becky's only consolation is to buy herself something... just a little something...
Finally a story arises that Becky actually cares about, and her front-page article catalyzes a chain of events that will transform her life — and the lives of those around her — forever."
I listened to "Confessions" via an audiobook.
This is going to be an odd review. For most of the audiobook, I simply listened to it because I had nothing else to do. There were times where I had to turn the volume down because I was so embarrassed and ashamed for Becky. So that proves to me that it was a good book, I definitely connected with Becky. But I'm not sure if I want to connect with her.
By this I mean, Becky is probably one of the most flawed characters (no Twilight jokes) I've ever met. Yes Bella and Edward have their "issues," but they at least do things for love of the other (whether it be stalking each other or mishandling a situation with severe depression — okay no more jokes, I promise). But Becky lies to absolutely everyone, I don't even think she knows how to tell the truth (or what the truth is!). For most of the book she hurts everyone she comes into contact with only to advance or save herself.
But that's understandable, protagonists are meant to be flawed so that they can grow (insert Twilight joke here, but really, I'm done). So the last couple of chapters I begin to see all of Becky's lies catch up with her and I see her decide to be better, and she is! But then the ending (don't want to ruin it, so I won't)...
So I guess I'm just a bit frustrated with such a flighty character that showed no growth.
On the other hand, as a light "listen," I enjoyed this book. It was fun seeing what Becky was going to get herself into next. And even I couldn't believe all the bad things that happened to her. I would have loved to see more interaction with Becky and Luke (which is why I'll be listening to the second book).
Yes, you heard me right. I've already interlibrary loaned the second audiobook. The last couple hours I just had to find out what happened and was listening to the book all the time — in the car (obviously), in the shower, while doing homework, while getting ready for school, etc. The narrators British accent made me want to hop a plane the day after graduation and move to Europe. No luggage, no plan. Just move. I was inspired. I was also inspired to get on with my life and that there was life after college. All the "business" talk made me want to purchase my own briefcase.
I warned you this would be an odd review. I shouldn't have liked this book — but I can't help it, I do.
Oh, and I apologize for my Twilight jokes. Read my reviews, I really did like Twilight and I was super excited for the movie to come out. But I'll be the first to point out it's flaws as character development and even plot goes. I mean no offense to anyone.
Kristie Cook is having 2 amazing giveaways right now! One is the Mr. Beautiful Halloween Hop. For details of this giveaway USE GOOGLE! But hurry, it ends Friday! You could win a KINDLE!! All you have to do is be creative with the picture on Kristie's contest post. Easy! Since I loved Promise I just had to enter! I decided to make something for my daughter to wear. She also has purple hair pieces in and ribbons: ) Gotta love purple!!
To celebrate the beginning of Banned Books Week, I am participating in the annual Banned Books Week Hop hosted by Reader/Writer. You DON'T have to follow to participate. I'm simply trying to spread the love of my favorite banned book (that I'm currently teaching), "To Kill a Mockingbird."
I hadn't read this book until I taught it last year and it was one of those books I thought I'd hate — it's old, out dated, and irrelevant. But it's not. Yes, I'll admit that the book is lacking a "hook" and that it definitely starts off slow — but if you haven't read this book (in particular) this giveaway is for you.
This particular hop is only open to US residents and ends October 1st (next week). Stay tuned this week for other Banned Book Week posts!
Read my Teacher's Review of TKM and my personal review of TKM.
Up for grabs this time around, to celebrate Valentine's Day, I am giving away a hard cover copy of "Nocturne " by Syrie James (read my review) ! This was absolutely a fantastic book that I read in a weekend; I was completely enticed! It is the perfect after V-Day read! This hop is hosted by Good Choice Reading.
This is an International Giveaway and ends on February 16 @ 11:59 PM. You do NOT have to be a follower to enter. But if we do reach 400 followers by the 16th I'll also be giving a second winner a copy of "Dracula in Love."
I've been hinting about "The Big Announcement" for a while now and it's time to finally unveil! I am now introducing Book Blogger Reader Appreciation Week (BBRAW) 2012! Spun from the idea of BBAW (hosted by My Friend Amy) , BBRAW is all about your readers. I find myself in constant awe of the brave few who stop by my blog on a regular basis and comment (or even who don't comment) and want to say a big huge THANKS! Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join in with me, but know that this is not a blog hop/giveaway extravaganza*.
On Monday (2.13) I encourage you to nominate the name of your MVR (Most Valuable Reader — the reader who you feel positively influences you as a blog writer). On Friday I'll announce the three readers whose names have been submitted the most. The first 15 names to be submitted as MVR will receive a small swag package in thanks for beings such awesome readers. The top 3 names will receive a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble^. I know that BBAW uses categorizes, but because I'm not sure how many people will participate I just want to keep it simple.
Like with BBAW, each day there will be a prompt to discuss on our blogs if you choose to participate. I will post the prompts the week before BBRAW so if you'd like to plan and schedule your post you may. BBRAW will be pretty "lax" as it's meant to celebrate the reasons we all blog — our readers. I remember that first month of blogging when I think I had three readers (and one was my mom), I was so appreciative and thankful. Every time I received an email saying "Comment" I was completely in awe. I know we always say that you should blog for you (and I agree), but blogging for you when you know others are reading what you're writing is (in my opinion) so much better and worthwhile.
I know I'm a bit scatter-brained but as BBRAW nears things will all come together. I'm so excited to finally share this idea with you all as I've been planning and brainstorming for about two months.
If you'd like to do a reader interview, I very much encourage it. We won't be doing an organized interview swap due to the fact that you'll probably want to be interviewing one of your own readers, rather than someone random (theoretically). Stay tuned throughout the next month for more information and more excitement! I have big hopes for BBRAW and am so excited to finally have shared the news. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please don't hesitate and send me an email or leave a comment! I'd love to hear your thoughts because, really, I'm sort of making this up as I go !
*If you'd like to host a giveaway of your own to thank your readers, please feel welcome to. But don't misconstrue BBRAW as a way to "win followers"; it's purpose to show thanks of the readers who have influenced you and supported you for years, months, or even weeks.
^Unfortunately because I am funding this myself, anyone receiving a prize needs to be in the US. In the event that an international reader would be elected they will still of course be announced. Sorry for any inconvenience and, yes, I know this sucks.
Huge thanks to KD Designs (Katie from Sophitikatied Reviews) for the awesome button!
Today is the release day of Suzanne Young's newest book A Need So Beautiful . I can tell you that I have read this book and it blew me away! It is unique, captivating, addicting, and more! In order to celebrate this epic release, a few lovely people came up with a great idea of how we can all"pay it forward" and show some kindness to others. If you are wondering why that is important to the book, here is the book summary.
We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten…
Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.
But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.
Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences. Authors have provided several Random Acts of Kindness to me that have helped me stay positive and enjoy my passion of books. When my blog first started it was those initial conversations with my favorite authors that inspired me to keep going and share my love of books with others. I will never forget the people who helped me along the way. It's important to always pass on kindness in any way you can.
Giveaway We have several giveaways to tell you about, with lots of ways to get extra entries!
Extra Entries:
Earn one extra entry for each of the following: -Take a picture of an author's book in the wild and tweet it to us and the author -Post a positive Amazon review for a book you loved -Donate a book to a library or classroom -Tweet a good deed you plan to do this week, using the #ANeedSoBeautiful hashtag
Earn 10 extra entries for each of the following: -Take a picture of A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL in the wild and tweet it to us and Suzanne Young -Post an Amazon review for A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL -Donate a copy of A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL to a library or classroom
Prize List: First 3 chapter critique (Jessica at Confessions of a Bookaholic ) YA Lit Swag Bag (Sara at N ovel Novice ) Hourglass Order from TBD – Int (Corrine at Lost for Words ) Random Books (Jessi at The Elliott Review ) 2 Header/Button Packs (Jessica at Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile ) First 3 chapters Critique (Cindy at Books Complete Me ) First 15 pages Critique (Kari at A Good Addiction ) Signed ARC of Hereafter (Kari at A Good Addiction ) Query Letter Critique (S hannon Messenger ) Signed copy of Invincible Summer – US/Can ( Hannah Moskowitz ) First Chapter Critique and a Skype Chat ( Keri Mikulski ) Signed copy of Tell Me a Secret with signed TMAS art print — US ( Holly Cupala ) Signed copy of Chasing Brooklyn – US ( Lisa Schroeder ) The Pledge Swag Pack including ARC ( Kimberly Derting )
Daisy Whitney's Blog: 5 copies up for grabs by going to her facebook page or blog.
Rules: Contest ends June 28th Open Internationally but some giveaways are US only. Fill out the form below to enter.
*NOTE- This is the same form on ALL of the participating blogs. Please only enter once!
I am also giving everyone a chance to win a copy of A Need So Beautiful in the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop. It is open Internationally.
Suzanne Young: Website | Twitter
A Need So Beautiful: Balzer & Bray (6/21/11) Add to Goodreads
I've decided to start a new feature at Miss Remmers' Review — welcome to the first Back to Basics Class!
Now, I am by no means an expert and I don't pretend to be. I've been blogging since June of 2009 and would like to share some of the knowledge I've picked up along the way! This is simply my way of helping new bloggers out by answering any type of question they may have about blogging, blogs, HTML, etc.
The first thing I want to address is a simple but great HTML code to be used when commenting (especially for the Book Bloggers Hop, hosted by Jennifer at Crazy for Books and Follow My Book Blog Friday, hosted at Parajunkee's View.) These memes are used to grow a follower base and to visit new blogs.
It goes without saying that you get what you put into these memes. You can't simply post, sign the link, and expect to be famous — it doesn't work that way. If you post, sign the link, and visit as many blogs as you want to visit you and comment you'll get the results you want. But I will say that gaining massive amounts of followers overnight adds nothing to your blog — you need good content and this takes time and patience.
Commenting is essential if you want the bloggers who you visit to return the favor. You can't just expect them to know that you stopped by. When you comment it looks something like this:
Now Michelle and I are blogging buddies so I know the link to her blog Hooked to Books and my computer has it "memorized" so when I go to type it in to visit I just have to type in "Hooked" and it automatically takes me there.
But if you are new to my blog and you comment, in order for me to return to visit I have to go through these steps:
Click your name on the comment which takes me to your profile page
Find your blog and click that (extremely difficult if you have several blogs listed)
Comment on your blog
Three steps may not seem like a big deal, but if I have 25 comments on Follow Friday post and I want to return the visit to those 25 bloggers, those three steps are cumbersome and actually deter me from returning the comment.
Instead of deterring fellow bloggers from going through all the steps to visit you, promote your blog and promote commenting by adding an HTML link directly to your blog when you comment. You can insert this link for ANY comment — not just Friday Memes! It makes it easier for the owner of the blog and any other visitor reading your comment to get back to your blog! It looks like this:
It makes it so much easier to return the visit and return the comment love because its a direct link to you!
How do you do this? You simply take the HTML code below and insert your own link and name:
<A>insert title of Blog</A>
Here's how mine looks:
<A >Miss Remmers Review</A>
I keep my link saved to my desktop with a Stickie (Mac) so it's easy to find and I can bring it up and copy and paste whenever I want. This makes it so much easier for fellow bloggers to find their way back to your blog without the hassle of "steps." Try it this Friday and let me know if it works for you — do you find more people are commenting on your blog in return? I hope this first "session" of class was helpful to you. If you have any other questions please send them in for next weeks!
Huge thanks to @MichelleBall (Hooked to Books) for being such a great sport/volunteer.
-the-ultimate-japanese-horror-movie-06-761722.jpg)
