I've been pretty absent during BBAW because this week has been packed with barely a minute to breathe, let alone blog. But I did want to at least write a few paragraphs during Book Blogger Appreciation Week about what blogging and book bloggers have meant to me.
First, book blogging has encouraged me to read more and more widely. I've always had eclectic taste in books, but fellow bloggers have encouraged and challenged me to read books I never would have picked up on my own. (Nerds Heart YA is a great example of this.) Though Presenting Lenore is known for being a YA book blog, pre-book blogging I mostly read literary fiction and classics.
Second, book blogging YA was the basis for my writing a YA novel and delving into the world of publishing. So much about the way the writing and deal came about is due to book blogging. Reading and analyzing hundreds of YA novels was a stellar education, and the relationships I developed as a result of blogging have been so important in my journey to publication.
The people I've met are the best part of book blogging. So many authors, agent, editors, marketing and publicity people, booksellers and of course fellow book bloggers. Some have come to me (Liviania, Beth S., Linda Gerber) and others* have invited me into their homes or met me out somewhere in their city or nearby: Michelle, Swapna, Jennifer L., Deborah and Diana Peterfreund in DC, Jamie in Princeton, Steph Su in Philadelphia, Nicole B., Chelsy, Lauren Oliver, Leila Sales, Bennett Madison, AS King, and tons more in NYC, Jenny and Sarah (FYA) and PJ Hoover in Austin, TX, Gail, Erica and a bunch of Apocalypsies in the Boston area, Trish, Pam, Laura and more in the San Francisco bay area, Amy in LA, Gennifer Albin in Kansas City, Melissa in Wichita, and tons and tons of authors and bloggers at my three years of BEA and two years of BBC. (Yes, Kathy, that includes you - though I hope to get to SC one of these days). It's so rewarding and fun to be able to meet up with others in our virtual community in real life - all over the world.
Thank you!
*It's late at night as I write this, so if I've somehow totally failed to mention our meeting, please remind me and forgive me.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
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8 comments:
Great post Lenore. I agree that blogging is its own education. Too bad you can't get college credit for it! I'd get my teaching certificate renewed no problem! :)
I continue to learn and grow in my reading from blogging. It has been such a rewarding experience, not just for myself, but for my classroom as well. The more I read, the more I can help my students find that perfect book that will send them on a journey of lifelong reading.
And of course, I am grateful that I was able to meet you and Daniel this summer. I hold both of you in such high regard because not only did you share your home with me, but your talents as well. I hope someday I am able to return the favor.
This is all so true Lenore, and inspiring. I have learned a lot as well through reviews and reading and knowing what I like and what I dont.
I think that is interesting that YA was not your main genre until you became a blogger... my reading has changed so much in the last three years of blogging that I dont think I know what I used to read...LOL
Beth - Well, you did start my addiction to Cherry Butter ;)
Sheila - It was so lovely to get to spend time with you in the presence of Adriana T. Because of book blogging, I've also gotten to experience a lot of cool stuff! That high tea was amazing!!
Thank you for being an awesome part of the book blogging community, Lenore. It's been so exciting to follow your journey into publication. You know I'll be first in line (in Arkansauce, at least) to purchase your L2. I love all our interactions on Twitter and I hope to meet you IRL some day. =)
Thanks so much for being such a huge part of why I blog or at least why I read other bloggers' blogs! I've been pretty MIA during BBAW this week, too, but it's been great to catch up on everyone's daily prompts.
So cool. I followed your book blog even before I knew you wrote or you became a fellow Apocalypsie! So cool to see the places reading and talking about books (and eventually writing them!) has taken you :D
What a lovely and true post! my reading has also expanded and I have learned so much from other bloggers. Blogging has enriched my world.
I have also been MIA during BBAW so don't feel bad. Life is one big juggling act!
Lenore, you are a tremendous asset to the book blogging community. Your reviews are insightful and fair and I know that when I see your thoughts on something they are well meaning and honest. On top of that you are an awesome friend. I so enjoy the time we get to hang out together!
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