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Friday, October 23, 2015

Book Blogger Conversation with Megan McDade

I'm excited to start a new series of posts with a group that is under appreciated--book bloggers!

Book bloggers are obviously so important to authors. They give consistent reviews. They open their blogs to us. They are readers and fans! I think we should honor them more.

So this series of interviews was born! Hopefully it will help authors find bloggers and give everyone else a better appreciation of them.


What types of books do you review?
I love all types of books but have a particular passion for YA in many genres but particularly PNR. I have also recently got into reading and reviewing New Adult books and adult reads.



Do you have any guidelines for authors to follow in contacting you?
I do you can check it out at this link

Do you post anything besides reviews—such as cover art or giveaways?
I post a lot of things other than reviews which are all book related. I take part in blog tours with interviews with authors or guest posts. I take part in book blitzes, I take part in popular book memes weekly as well as host giveaways. This year I have also been posting discussions on book related topics as well as taking part in fun book tags. I enjoy posting all these "extra things" it keeps the blog from feeling stale and there also fun to take part in :)

How do you find books to review or do they come to you?
I find a lot of books am interested in though other book bloggers, publishers and using Good reads. I also get review requests from authors and publishers. And then again I pick up books in stores a few times a month that interest me.

What got you into blogging about books?
I have loved books since I can remember. In 2008 I started to find out about book blogging through loving Twilight by Stephanie Meyer as I was seeking out all the information I could get about the books and came across some blogs. From there I thought why not spread my love of books online and it went from there.

What elements go into a good review and how long does it take to write one?
I am still trying to prefect "a good review" 5 years on. Everyone is different and everyone likes different types of reviews. It can take different amounts of time depending in the person. It's a learning curve that doesn't stop. I tend to have short reviews with 3-5 paragraphs or less. This year I have been trying to make them fun with adding GIFS or writing them in different ways. It takes me about 30 -45 minutes to get everything done for a review including scheduling it on the blog.

How often do you post reviews?
I try for at least one or two a week but sometimes it doesn't happen as I get easily distracted but if requested for a review for a certain time I can make it happen.

What types of things make for an extra special book? The kind you don’t forget?
Engaging characters, a unique voice and storyline as well. Also tackling a tough topic gets my attention.

Any marketing tips you’ve noticed work really well for authors?
It's a very obvious one. Interacting with people who read your books through social media. I have made friends with so many authors though social media. Social media is the way to go. I encourage all authors to use as many platforms as you can. It is such a great advantage and weapon to have in your arsenal.

Favorite books you’ve reviewed.
So many, this year I have loved reviewing Undertow by Michael W Buckley it's my favourite book of the year. I also loved my reviews of The 5th Wave and the Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey they where such fun to write. You can check out my reviews
Books you are looking forward to in the next year.
There is so many. However I am excited for another book from Cassandra Clare as well as reading a lot of YA debuts.

Do you prefer kindle or actual books when reading?
I prefer actual books. I tried to get into e books but it just never happened. I will still read them but I tend to not read them as much as actual physical books.

What’s your favorite spot to read?
My room it's where I get peace and quiet :)

Give us your best advice for a beginning book blogger. 
Interact with other book bloggers and authors, don't be afraid. Post what you want to read not what you think others want you to read. If you want to review older books do it :) it's not all about popularity.

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I'm Megan, a 26 year old red head from Northern Ireland! In the day am a child care worker and at night I love curling up all night  with a good book!

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