Busting the Newbie Blues

So I was going through my blog reading list and this little blurb caught my eye. I thought this was a perfect chance to get my blog out there a little bit more and maybe even for you already following me to maybe learn a little bit more about why I started my own blog. It is also a great way for me to connect to other new bloggers and maybe face this whole new blogging experience together. If you are a new blogger or want to check out some new bloggers you should go on over to Small Review and check this years Busting the Newbie Blues out. Don't forget to link your own post! Everyone has to start somewhere right? So, without further adieu, let the busting the newbie blues questions begin! Oh, and again, thank you to Small Review for hosting this great event!

1. When did you start your blog?
I truly am a newbie to this world! I started my blog December 27th, 2011.


2. Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog because I love to review the books I read. I have been a member of goodreads since I bought my nook color back in February and through goodreads I had met so many book bloggers and authors with blogs that I couldn't help but be drawn to it. I wanted a way to connect with people with the same interests as me because, well, I have no one close to me who loves reading as much as I do. It took me awhile but I finally got up the courage to start my own and I really am loving every second of it. [:

3. What has been the biggest challenge you've faced so far?
The biggest challenge so far is a toss up for me. It is either figuring out all this design stuff to make my blog look pretty and dazzling or the act of getting my name out there and getting new followers. Oh, also the whole process of starting to try and get ACRs and eGalleys. Busting into the reviewing business is proving to be some work!

4. What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?
Like I said before, probably the most discouraging thing is breaking in and gathering a following. There is a ton of commenting, writing, and eye strain to make you want to go crazy! But once everything works out and you finally get to review and see the people start to follow you it makes it all worth it!


5. What do you find most encouraging?
The social networking sites/other bloggers. Everyone is so nice on here and willing to help out and talk to you. It really makes you feel at home even when you are starting out and the more comfortable you get, the easier it is to really create your own site and settle into your voice.


6. What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog? 
I think the best thing about the blogs I have been reading and following is each one has their own unique voice. There are so many people out there with the same love but somehow everyone stays true to themselves and the best blogs I have read are the ones that make me feel like I am actually talking to the person face to face. I hope to replicate that very thing with my own blog.


7. What do you dislike about blogs you’ve read? Do you try to avoid this?
The blogs that sound like the are just basically re-telling the book they read. I like a good summery just like anyone else, but I love reviews with personal touches behind them!! I do try to avoid the 'mono tone' blogs as much as possible. 

8. Any advice for other new bloggers?
Have fun! That is what I am trying to do anyway. I LOVE reading, this was just another way to bring that love of reading into my life. So if you are starting to hate the blog thing, it is probably best for you to take a step back and figure out if you really want to be doing it or not. 

9. Any questions you'd like to ask newbie or established bloggers?
 Do any of you feel the need to change the look of your blog all the time?! Eeep! It is the hardest. I love a look for a few days then I want to mess around with it. Also, I am trying to figure out some icons for a ratings system. Do you know where to get good ones?

10. Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your blog? Feel free to link a few of your favorite posts or posts you wish had more comments.
Just that I am new to this and learning as I go! I am trying to do the best I can so far and I really am loving it. I hope you all like my very own voice and please don't be afraid to contact me! Look around my page and any feedback or comments would be amazing. [: