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Jan242010
New Blogs on the Block: Michelle from The True Book Addict
by Carolyn • Posted in New Blogs on the Block
New Blogs on the Block runs each Saturday and highlights newbie book bloggers who have been blogging for under six months. If you want to know more about this feature then go HERE. Today I welcome fellow cat lover…
Michelle
1. When and why did you start blogging?
August 2009. I had been dabbling with a blog on MySpace, but I wasn’t very dedicated. Then I met Ryan (Wordsmithonia) on Twitter and checked out his blog. I credit him and his blog with inspiring me to start a “serious” book blog… plus I love writing/talking about books so it was an oxymoron!
2. Tell us a little about your blog?
The main focus of my blog is writing about books I’ve read in the form of book reviews. I do not use a rating system. I believe that every book has merit in some form and I just can’t put a number on it. I also like to help promote other blogs and I think a blog is a great way to keep a record of what I have read (I wish I would have been doing it for years). I participate in a few memes. A particular favorite is Mailbox Monday because I like to share the wonderful books I’ve acquired (I especially love buying books)! I participate in blog tours with Other Shelf Tours and was lucky enough to do an interview with author Frank Beddor (The Looking Glass Wars trilogy) in November.
3. Are there any features on your blog you would like to highlight?
I’m taking my blog in a slightly new direction in 2010 to highlight my passion for history and historical fiction. I will be starting a weekly feature this month titled “Addicted to the Past” in which I will blog about historical figures, events, or places. Great Finds–I frequent a lot of used book sales. If I find a particular “great find” for a steal, I use this feature. When I reread a book and review it, I title this feature as Blast from the Past. I may also occasionally talk about other topics… movies, music, etc. I have an item called Oscar Watch that I use to talk about a movie or actor that I think should be considered for that prestigious honor. I hosted The Christmas Reading Challenge for the holiday season 2009 and I’m currently hosting a perpetual challenge– The Michener Challenge.
Michelle’s sons Gabe & Reece
4. What’s been the high point of blogging so far?
The highpoint for me has been joining this wonderful community of book bloggers. It is so great to meet the myriad of other people that feel as passionately for books as I do!
5. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a mother (which I LOVE) of two sons, Gabriel (Gabe) and Reece. They are ages 7 and 8. I stayed at home with them until they were both in school full-time last year and then I started working again, but only part-time. I have been attending Tennessee State University since 2003. I’m pursuing a double major in history and English. I think I’ll finish when I’m in my mid fifties… LOL! Besides my great love of books (I have 1500+ in my home library), I’m also a big lover of cats. I had five when my oldest son was born, but that number has dwindled down to one gorgeous black cat named Alis! I’m also writing a book. I’m currently doing research on what I hope to be a historical novel with a (slight) paranormal twist. Lastly, I’m a Christmas fanatic (see question 9 for more about this)!
6. What’s your favourite book of all time?
It’s really hard to choose just one since I have so many, but if forced to decide, it is “Queen of the Damned” by Anne Rice
7. Who are your favourite authors?
Anne Rice, Stephen King, Terry Brooks, Jane Austen, Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, The Bronte Sisters, Louisa May Alcott (mainly because of Little Women), Charles Dickens
Alis
8. How many books are on your tbr list right now?
I have joined a ton of challenges for 2010 (including two hosted by Book Chick City!) and I think my TBR list for the year is about at 123 books. Will I really get that many read? I don’t know, but I’m going to give it the old college try! As I mentioned, I have 1500+ books in my home library and all my challenge reads are coming from my own books. My library is what I call the TBR iceberg and the smaller TBR pile is just the tip of it!
9. Where do you see your blog in a year from now?
I see myself continuing with the book reviews and with the new historical blog direction, plus the other features I mentioned. I may host more challenges. I hope to get the opportunity to interview more authors and host more giveaways. I’m also going to continue with occasional blog tours. And stop by my new Chrismas blog which I started in November 2009. I transferred it over from MySpace as I’ve grown a little tired of that social medium. It highlights my Christmas fanaticism (LOL) and my quest to keep the Christmas spririt all year long. Also, I will be hosting The Christmas Reading Challenge again in 2010.
I’m also hosting a giveaway that ends 31st jan HERE
My links:
Thanks Michelle!
13 Comments
Michelle is a great blogger, I am so glad to see her here!
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I just recently started following her. I love her blog.
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I've been following Michelle for a while now. Glad to see her spotlighted here! She is great!
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Thank you Carolyn for featuring me! It is great to see my name in lights, so to speak! I think I already picked up three new followers too =O)
Thanks Deb, Juju and Michelle for stopping by and for the compliments. You all are great!
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Michelle is a fantastic blogger and I'm honored that she gives me any credit for taking her blogging to the next level. She has a brilliant voice and I'm so happy I know her.
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Its really nice that you do this
You won an award btw
http://storywings.blogspot.com.....wards.html
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Nice interview Michelle, proud to know you, as we, you and I are the newbies that started at the same time!! Keep up the great blog…
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I'm a follower of Michelle's blog and love the new direction she's taking. I really enjoy historical fiction so I'll enjoy seeing what she's up to. And I can't wait for "Addicted to the Past!"
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Great interview! I love her blog-I'm so happy to see her featured on New Blogs on the Block!
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Michelle, you're welcome, it was great having you here
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More great comments from you all! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading about me =O)
A special thanks to Ryan again…as my original inspiration!
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Hey Michelle this is a great interview!
Book Chick City did a wonderful job putting it all together as well.
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another great interview with a new-to-me blogger…thanks again.
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