So, our 5th blogiversary is coming up pretty soon, but I'm not all that excited about it. Honestly, I've been pretty apathetic toward blogging in general as of late. Well, that's not entirely true...some days are better than others. But I don't know if we're going to do a big celebration (read: giveaway) this year or not. I just bought a house at the end of last year and so funds are pretty tight as it is, plus April and I haven't even talked about doing anything, and it's less than two weeks away. Tells you where our priorities are, doesn't it?
Instead, I thought I'd just reflect on how blogging has changed me as a reader -- and maybe as a person, too. Because a lot can happen in five years and some things are harder to walk away from unscathed than others. And who knows? Maybe this will be the cathartic experience I need, and I'll be in the spirit to celebrate and give things away by the end. ;0)
For better or worse, here are a few ways I'm different because of blogging:
I don't visit bookstores anymore.
Back in the early days, I would run out to the nearest book store to pick up a book on release day. However, if I didn't already receive a copy from the publisher, or if I want a special edition or finished copy in addition to the review copy I received, I rely on other bloggers or Twitter to alert me to sales and pre-order deals, meaning that most of my book purchases are made online these days.
Also, my shelves are so unbelievably full -- I've even resorted to a "saved for Katie" shelf in the closet of the spare bedroom -- that it's not really feasible for me to just go peruse the shelves of Barnes & Noble or Half Price Books and take home an armload like in the good old days. Which is partially why I have this problem to begin with, let's be honest.
I know way more about authors than I ever wanted to.
Look, I love meeting authors, virtually and in real life. I love connecting with them and discovering their next project and seeing them interact with other readers. But I realize that they are not my friends and that I don't owe them a favorable review just because we're friendly on in the internets.
Shoot, I don't owe them anything, if we're being perfectly honest. If anything -- and especially if I've purchased and reviewed their book -- they owe me the respect any author should show any reader. Before I was a blogger -- and hey, maybe this type of thing didn't happen before blogging was a
thing, who am I to say? -- I was unaware of bad author behavior. I may have supported countless "bad" authors with my hard-earned cash because of it. But I also have to wonder how much of these situations is really bad author behavior and how much of it is the blogosphere and Twitter blowing things out of proportion. One never knows unless one is directly involved in the confrontation.
I've become a green-eyed monster.
We've all been there: envying the person on the other side of the screen because they got the coveted ARC you'd give your big toe for. I don't think I've actually ever posted about ARC envy because I try not to let it control me, but it's there all the same. And it's pointless because we'll ALL get to read the book sooner or later. It's just hard knowing others are discussing the book, that you're missing out on that aspect more than anything because you WANT to be part of the community but you always feel slightly on the outside, especially when it concerns a much-desired ARC.
But I'm not just envious of those who get review copies before I do. That's a grain of sand in comparison to the rest of it. My jealousy also stems from how very little time I actually have to spend on this hobby. It's hard to take off work for conventions. I end up writing most blog posts
while I'm at work. I pretty much have to wait until everyone else is in bed before I get time to myself to sit down and read. Working full-time and caring for a family take up a lot of time. A lot.
Oh, and how easy every other bookish person seems to be in the company of other bookish peeps! I am such a nervous nelly, so completely out of my comfort zone at bookish events, and so I avoid them for the most part. But I have an amazing, supportive friend who pushes me to do the things I want to do, even if they make me uncomfortable. She's the main reason I've been to any author events recently. So, I'm also completely and ridiculously jealous of you guys who are comfortable in your own skin and just put yourself out there.
I really don't like this about myself. Before blogging, I didn't worry about book events or getting advance copies. I felt completely anonymous...just another reader in the night. And I was more than okay with that.
I don't read old books.
These days, I put all my effort and physical reading time into reading and reviewing ARCs and don't spend nearly enough time on my backlist. Unless it's via audio. And that was only when I had access to the library in Austin. =( Now, I have to make the conscious effort to pick up an older title, or it just doesn't happen. And more often than not...
it doesn't happen. This is why it's so hard for me to get rid of books. The
want to read them is there, but the time is not. I've stopped requesting nearly as many review copies, and that's helped to some extent, but I don't think I'll be able read all of the books I want to in my lifetime. And that's just sad.
I listen to audiobooks.
Before blogging, I would NEVER have listened to an audiobook. In my head, that was like the equivalent of
cheating. Now, I constantly have an audiobook on-deck. I listen on my commute, while I work, doing chores, exercising...pretty much anything mundane that can be made better with a good book. And I'm able to revisit old favorites via audio, which is like,
the best.
I collect books.
I'd always planned to have my own library. I think that's kind of required for any little girl whose favorite fairy tale is
Beauty and the Beast. But I never planned to become a
collector. I've got multiple editions of the same book: paperback, hardcover, ARC, UK edition, signed, special printing, etc., etc., etc. My husband likes to point this out
a lot whenever I complain about running out of shelf space. I've been
better about culling books from my shelves, but I'm still not great. Hence, the aforementioned "saved for Katie" shelf. But there are just some authors I love more than others, some books that mean more to me than others. And those deserve special shelf space. And that's where the collecting comes in.
I have the urge to write...like, ALL THE TIME.
And not for the blog. I've got all kind of ideas -- lots of them saved in my notes on my phone -- that are just itching to be put on paper. Or screen, as it were. I used to write ALL THE TIME when I was younger. Horrible poetry. Really bad short stories. Journaling day and night. But then I met my husband and life was really good and I no longer needed the outlet that writing provided.
I'm not saying that's the only reason to write. It's not even why I want to write now. Sometimes you just have a desire to share a story, not necessarily get a feeling on the page so it's not in your head anymore. Though, admittedly, writing is really good for that, too.
At this point, I care little about getting published. I just. WANT. TO. WRITE. But, I also have to admit that because of blogging and social media in general, I have access to a lot more resources regarding getting published than I ever did before. Or at the very least, I know where to find them now.
I'm sure these aren't the only ways I've changed since starting blogging, but that's where I'm stopping for now. I feel like blogging has brought about some changes for the better in me, but it's also changed me in ways that I'm not certain I'm okay with. It's why blogging has become kind of a daily struggle for me.
As I reflect on five years of blogging, I'm trying to figure out ways to make myself love it again. If you've got any ideas or just general comments about how blogging has changed you, I'd love to hear them!
Monday, April 1, 2019
🌟 A Starry-Eyed Giveaway 🌟
This is no April Fool's joke! To celebrate Sabrina joining the blog recently, and the fact that the blog turns eight years old next month, we decided to host A STARRY-EYED GIVEAWAY! Also cause we made a big deal out of being back and well, we've kind of been on hiatus for the last two months because life. 😢
What can you win as part of this celebration/apology? Check it out below, or visit Jen on Instagram to see each individual item up close.
Stars Can't Shine Without Darkness journal | Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett
Constellation book sleeve from Pages Remembered | Stars Eternal candle from Novelly Yours
We love supporting our favorite authors and small businesses owned by other awesome bookish people. Some of these items are no longer available from these shops and are the last of their kind, but we still heartily recommend you check out the other items on offer from these shops, as they're some of our favorites. However, all items were purchased by us, and we are not affiliated with any of these stores or the author.
Rules:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck and happy reading!
Friday, April 22, 2016
How Book Blogging Has Changed Me as a Reader
Instead, I thought I'd just reflect on how blogging has changed me as a reader -- and maybe as a person, too. Because a lot can happen in five years and some things are harder to walk away from unscathed than others. And who knows? Maybe this will be the cathartic experience I need, and I'll be in the spirit to celebrate and give things away by the end. ;0)
For better or worse, here are a few ways I'm different because of blogging:
Back in the early days, I would run out to the nearest book store to pick up a book on release day. However, if I didn't already receive a copy from the publisher, or if I want a special edition or finished copy in addition to the review copy I received, I rely on other bloggers or Twitter to alert me to sales and pre-order deals, meaning that most of my book purchases are made online these days.
Also, my shelves are so unbelievably full -- I've even resorted to a "saved for Katie" shelf in the closet of the spare bedroom -- that it's not really feasible for me to just go peruse the shelves of Barnes & Noble or Half Price Books and take home an armload like in the good old days. Which is partially why I have this problem to begin with, let's be honest.
I know way more about authors than I ever wanted to.
Look, I love meeting authors, virtually and in real life. I love connecting with them and discovering their next project and seeing them interact with other readers. But I realize that they are not my friends and that I don't owe them a favorable review just because we're friendly on in the internets.
Shoot, I don't owe them anything, if we're being perfectly honest. If anything -- and especially if I've purchased and reviewed their book -- they owe me the respect any author should show any reader. Before I was a blogger -- and hey, maybe this type of thing didn't happen before blogging was a thing, who am I to say? -- I was unaware of bad author behavior. I may have supported countless "bad" authors with my hard-earned cash because of it. But I also have to wonder how much of these situations is really bad author behavior and how much of it is the blogosphere and Twitter blowing things out of proportion. One never knows unless one is directly involved in the confrontation.
I've become a green-eyed monster.
We've all been there: envying the person on the other side of the screen because they got the coveted ARC you'd give your big toe for. I don't think I've actually ever posted about ARC envy because I try not to let it control me, but it's there all the same. And it's pointless because we'll ALL get to read the book sooner or later. It's just hard knowing others are discussing the book, that you're missing out on that aspect more than anything because you WANT to be part of the community but you always feel slightly on the outside, especially when it concerns a much-desired ARC.
But I'm not just envious of those who get review copies before I do. That's a grain of sand in comparison to the rest of it. My jealousy also stems from how very little time I actually have to spend on this hobby. It's hard to take off work for conventions. I end up writing most blog posts while I'm at work. I pretty much have to wait until everyone else is in bed before I get time to myself to sit down and read. Working full-time and caring for a family take up a lot of time. A lot.
Oh, and how easy every other bookish person seems to be in the company of other bookish peeps! I am such a nervous nelly, so completely out of my comfort zone at bookish events, and so I avoid them for the most part. But I have an amazing, supportive friend who pushes me to do the things I want to do, even if they make me uncomfortable. She's the main reason I've been to any author events recently. So, I'm also completely and ridiculously jealous of you guys who are comfortable in your own skin and just put yourself out there.
I really don't like this about myself. Before blogging, I didn't worry about book events or getting advance copies. I felt completely anonymous...just another reader in the night. And I was more than okay with that.
These days, I put all my effort and physical reading time into reading and reviewing ARCs and don't spend nearly enough time on my backlist. Unless it's via audio. And that was only when I had access to the library in Austin. =( Now, I have to make the conscious effort to pick up an older title, or it just doesn't happen. And more often than not...it doesn't happen. This is why it's so hard for me to get rid of books. The want to read them is there, but the time is not. I've stopped requesting nearly as many review copies, and that's helped to some extent, but I don't think I'll be able read all of the books I want to in my lifetime. And that's just sad.
I listen to audiobooks.
Before blogging, I would NEVER have listened to an audiobook. In my head, that was like the equivalent of cheating. Now, I constantly have an audiobook on-deck. I listen on my commute, while I work, doing chores, exercising...pretty much anything mundane that can be made better with a good book. And I'm able to revisit old favorites via audio, which is like, the best.
I collect books.
I'd always planned to have my own library. I think that's kind of required for any little girl whose favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast. But I never planned to become a collector. I've got multiple editions of the same book: paperback, hardcover, ARC, UK edition, signed, special printing, etc., etc., etc. My husband likes to point this out a lot whenever I complain about running out of shelf space. I've been better about culling books from my shelves, but I'm still not great. Hence, the aforementioned "saved for Katie" shelf. But there are just some authors I love more than others, some books that mean more to me than others. And those deserve special shelf space. And that's where the collecting comes in.
I have the urge to write...like, ALL THE TIME.
And not for the blog. I've got all kind of ideas -- lots of them saved in my notes on my phone -- that are just itching to be put on paper. Or screen, as it were. I used to write ALL THE TIME when I was younger. Horrible poetry. Really bad short stories. Journaling day and night. But then I met my husband and life was really good and I no longer needed the outlet that writing provided.
I'm not saying that's the only reason to write. It's not even why I want to write now. Sometimes you just have a desire to share a story, not necessarily get a feeling on the page so it's not in your head anymore. Though, admittedly, writing is really good for that, too.
At this point, I care little about getting published. I just. WANT. TO. WRITE. But, I also have to admit that because of blogging and social media in general, I have access to a lot more resources regarding getting published than I ever did before. Or at the very least, I know where to find them now.
I'm sure these aren't the only ways I've changed since starting blogging, but that's where I'm stopping for now. I feel like blogging has brought about some changes for the better in me, but it's also changed me in ways that I'm not certain I'm okay with. It's why blogging has become kind of a daily struggle for me.
As I reflect on five years of blogging, I'm trying to figure out ways to make myself love it again. If you've got any ideas or just general comments about how blogging has changed you, I'd love to hear them!
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Celebrating FOUR Years With a Giveaway...or THREE!
When I started this blog, I didn't think it would become anything more than an online journal where I recorded my thoughts and feels on books and movies and the like. Never did I imagine that I'd meet so many awesome bookish people and find my little niche in this community.
There was a period where I wasn't sure if I'd continue, though. And then lo and behold, April mentioned wanting to blog WITH someone, and the rest, as they say, is history.
I felt the same way about blogging as Jen did early on. Just a little space to jot down my thoughts, but who cold have guessed all the amazing friends I would make. While I've only been blogging with her for a little over a year, I started up my own blog around the same time as she did. So we've been in this together from day one. The best experiences I've had blogging so far have been here with The Starry-Eyed Revue.
Truly. We know we haven't been around as much to respond to your lovely comments or to visit you at your own blogs, and we apologize for that. It's a struggle to find time to do all of that AND create new content on the blog, work full-time, and be awesome moms, too. :) We're not trying to make excuses...we just want you to know that we still value your thoughts and miss you guys terribly.
Anyway, that's not why we're here today. (We'll get back to doing all of that and it will be like old times. :D) No...we're here to celebrate! We've both been blogging for FOUR years, some of that together and some of that separately, but dammit, we deserve to party like it's our birthday. [Incidentally, it is my birthday on Friday. ;0) ] And what better way to celebrate our FOURth blogoversary than by having Four dance a little jig for us?!? All in favor, say aye!
Whew, it's hard to follow up Four dancing, but I think we have something that will be just as enticing. For being the best followers ever, we have a few giveaways for you!
Last year for Jen's Bday, I sent her Jenny Hans' Summer series. It's one of my favorites and perfect reading for this time of year. So these are what I'm offering up...
Rules:
- This giveaway is US only.
- One entry per household.
- Entries will be verified. Any entry found to be falsified will result in disqualification of all entries for that participant.
- Please note that if you use your Twitter account solely for giveaway entries and you enter using the Tweet about the Giveaway entry, that entry will be disqualified. Please remember that this entry method is to spread the word about the giveaway, not simply increase your chances of winning.
- Winner will be notified via email. Winner will then have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. Please check your SPAM folder!!!
- We are not responsible for lost packages.
a Rafflecopter giveawayAnd I've just been over here collecting ARCs and little goodies for you guys. Some I've read and absolutely adored and others I've heard great things about and can't wait till I can read them myself. And, of course, I had to share some of my favorite bookish things with y'all, too. This giveaway is US only, so the same rules apply as above.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
But we didn't forget about all of our international followers. For those of you outside of the States, we're offering up your choice of any book from TBD, up to $15 USD.
Rules:
- This giveaway is international. As long as The Book Depository ships to your location, you are good to go. (You can double-check that here.)
- One entry per household.
- Entries will be verified. Any entry found to be falsified will result in disqualification of all entries for that participant.
- Please note that if you use your Twitter account solely for giveaway entries and you enter using the Tweet about the Giveaway entry, that entry will be disqualified. Please remember that this entry method is to spread the word about the giveaway, not simply increase your chances of winning.
- Winner will be notified via email. Winner will then have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. Please check your SPAM folder!!!
- We are not responsible for lost packages.
a Rafflecopter giveawayJust our way of saying thanks for following and reading our rambling thoughts over these last four years. Here's to many more!
Friday, May 2, 2014
The Starry-Eyed Revue is Turning 3!!! - Day 5 Celebration & Giveaway
This week's giveaways aren't just a way for us to clear off our shelves and make room for new books -- though that is an awesome benefit, I won't lie -- but they're mostly to thank you for being here: for stopping by, for commenting, for tweeting...for everything. Without you to read what we have to say, we'd just be shouting into the void.
And so to celebrate the last three years, the changes the blog has undergone over the last few months, and what's to come, we have one final giveaway for you. We hope you've been good little readers and have been paying attention! ;0) I should probably mention that if you answer the question incorrectly, all entries but your comment entry are null and void. So, do your research. :)
We're THREE (yay!!!) and here's what we're giving away to celebrate today:
**Oh, I should also mention that both The Nightmare Affair & Lies Beneath are SIGNED, as is some of the swag.
Rules:
- This giveaway is US only. Sorry, international readers, but there was an international giveaway for you earlier this week. We just can't afford to ship this many books outside of the US. :(
- One entry per household.
- Entries will be verified. Any entry found to be falsified will result in disqualification of all entries for that participant.
- Winner will be notified via email. Winner will then have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. Please check your SPAM folder!!!
- We are not responsible for lost packages.
a Rafflecopter giveawayDon't forget to check out the rest of this week's giveaways in celebration of The Starry-Eyed Revue turning 3:
Day 1 Prize Pack
Day 2 Prize Pack
Day 3 International
Day 4 Prize Pack
Thank you all for sticking with us and for stopping by to celebrate this milestone with us! We wouldn't have made it this long without you all!
Thursday, May 1, 2014
The Starry-Eyed Revue is Turning 3!!! - Day 4 Celebration & Giveaway
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
The Starry-Eyed Revue is Turning 3!!! - Day 3 Celebration & Giveaway
Another day, another giveaway to celebrate the fact that our little blog is turning three this week! And this one is international, guys!!! We hope you've been good little readers and have been paying attention and taking notes! ;0) [Hint: You may need to read previous posts to find the answer, ahem, The Weekend Update, cough, cough.]
And here's what we're giving away to celebrate today:
The winner of this giveaway can pick one of the following books as their prize. All are recent favorites (2014 releases) and definitely worth a read, no matter what your favorite genre is. =)
As always, if you haven't started a series for which a sequel is listed, I am always happy to substitute the first book in the series for you.
Rules:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Also, be sure to check our other blogoversary giveaways so far:
Day 1
Day 2
Thank you all for sticking with us and for stopping by to celebrate this milestone with us! We wouldn't have made it this long without you all!
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A Starry-Eyed Prize Pack!
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About Me
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
View my complete profile