I have at last written an About Me page, so when you click on the link above you will now get to know a little bit about me, rather than an Under Construction image!
You may have already noticed that the direction of my blog has changed. When I started out I didn’t know about publishers and authors sending books for review, so I posted reviews on the books I had bought. When I did begin to receive books from publishers and authors they were mainly of the chick-lit variety due to my blog design.
However, my real passion is speculative fiction (just check out my Goodreads page and it will tell you the same thing). The majority of books I buy and read are within the horror, urban fantasy, science fiction, paranormal etc etc genres. Therefore, I have decided to cease accepting chick-lit for review. Although I do enjoy this genre it is usually limited to holidays/vacations. This is not to say that I will not review a book in this genre again. I still have books that were sent to me for review, which I will honour, but I will only be reviewing one or so per month and after that probably none. Just a note: I see certain ‘Romance’ novels and ‘Women’s Contemporary Fiction’ as separate to ‘Chick-Lit’ and so I may review a book of this nature from time to time. I also really enjoy the Crime/Thriller genre, so you will see a few reviews within this genre popping up now and again. But the majority of books I receive, buy and review will be Speculative fiction.
I think for me it’s best to review books in the genres I enjoy, which isn’t to say that just because I like the genre I will automatically like the book. I have read many speculative fiction novels that haven’t been very good and I will always give an honest review.
I realise that my blog design, with my gorgeous, pink haired brit chick, can be perceived as a bit girlie and so publishers passing by may think I’m a chick-lit blog. But I’m a girl who loves her books with a bit of bite and a kick-arse heroine (hence my love for Urban Fantasy). It may also surprise you, or not if you read my blog regularly, with such an innocent looking pink haired brit chick, that I love blood and gore and scaring myself silly (hence my All Hallow’s Eve event).
So, I hope you all enjoy the new direction my blog has taken. Sorry to those of you who enjoy chick-lit and followed my blog because I reviewed these kinds of books, I do hope that you stick around as you may find yourself loving some of the books within the speculative fiction realm as much as I do.
26 Comments
Aww, I'll miss chick lit reviews on your site, but I'm definitely sticking around since I'm a big fan of this lovely City!
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I love your blog design (it's gorgeous!) and the All Hallow's Eve event!!
I'm definitely sticking around cos I never perceived your blog to be a chick-lit review blog
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I love speculative fiction too!
I'll be here.
Love & Best Wishes,
Rob
xoxo
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Because of most of the content here, I had initially thought that your blog was more of a speculative fiction one but like you said the design doesn't imply that so I thought maybe I wrong. But I never thought of your blog as chick-lit either. So in this case, first impressions were right. I for one am also a big speculative fiction reader so you won't get any complaints from me.
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Since I'm not a big fan of chick lit, it doesn't bother me any. Keep doing what you're doing, cause you are great.
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Although I will dabble in a chick-lit now and again, you won't get any complaints from me if you stop reviewing them. I know when you first start blogging, it is fun to get ANY book to review, but it catches up with you fast!
I had noticed a diversion in genre here lately. I'll just be toddling along after you!
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Im not a huge chick-lit fan… so no complaints here hehe
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Well, I say review what you love! Plus, now I'll have reviews of books I may not have seen otherwise
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I read just about anything so I'll be sticking around.
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Honestly I think any direction you decide to go, you'll be successful. You have a strong voice in this community and whatever genre(s) you choose to focus on will bring a good following.
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I love your blog. I love speculative fiction and I think its wonderful that you have decided to primarily review within the genres you love.
I'll be here!
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You have to do what you have to do….no, but seriously love the blog either way. It's important that you like it though as well and if you prefer a particular genra over another, so be it. It just broadens the horizons of your readers. =0)
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You know, I never looked at your layout just your reviews! Are you going to change your header now too? Or leave it the same?
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Hi guys, thanks for stopping by. I'm glad the majority of you are happy with the direction I'm going in. It is interesting how some of you didn't even notice the change – I think that's probably because I have done it slowly and been sneaky
No I will not be changing my blog design or my banner. This is new although I have been blogging since the beginning of July my new blog design and banner went up at the beginning of Oct. So this is my blog, it wont change again – I love it!
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I love my chicklit but I love spec fic more so I will definitely still be hanging around. There are so many great fantasy books coming out so it's fabulous that you're concentrating on the spec fic genre.
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Classic case of "Don't judge a book (blog) by its cover"
Love ya BCC!!!
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I think it's wonderful that you are doing what suits you best. I'm a big speculative fiction fan so I'm looking forward to reading your reviews.
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I think this is a great direction! I still plan on reading your blog and look forward to your reviews! I am proud of you for not changing your banner! It's lovely.
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Lily – I actually had my banner redesigned when I knew that I wanted to change the direction of my blog. At first we tried it with a dark background etc to reflect the books I was starting to review and to move away from the 'girlie' look, but I didn't want a dark, dingy blog I wanted something light and fun, even if the content wasn't
So my illustrator and I decided to keep the banner light. And this design was born!
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Definitely review the books you enjoy!
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I'm more of a urban fantasy girl myself. Chick-lit not so much, so I'm ok
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I think that is one of my favorite things about your blog. It's bright and colorful, but your content is a bit darker! There's nothing better than being girly, but having some edge! I love it! I saw the old banner too. I joined your blog shortly before you changed it. I absolutely adore the new banner (though your older one was also nice)! I really like the colors you chose. Again, I look forward to your future reviews and am quite excited about the direction you are going in!
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I did get a girlie feel at first, but I can tell what you like to read. We have very similiar tastes.
Elie (Ellz Readz)
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Good luck sweetie! I adore Chick Lit but I totally understand. I know you'll be great at whatever you do.
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I'm glad that you are taking hold of the blog and its direction. Way to go girl. I love your reviews!
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I love a good thriller and I'll be joining the thriller challenge!
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