Wednesday 14 June 2023

10 Fresh Ideas for Engaging Book Blog Content

Book blogging is an exciting and creative way to share your love for literature with a like-minded community. However, coming up with new and captivating content ideas can sometimes be a challenge. If you're looking to inject some fresh energy into your book blog, we've compiled a list of ten unique and engaging ideas to inspire your future posts. Let's dive in!

  1. Author Interviews: Conducting interviews with authors allows you to gain exclusive insights into their writing process, inspirations, and future projects. It not only provides valuable content for your readers but also offers a platform for aspiring authors to learn from established ones.

  2. Book Comparisons: Choose two or more books with similar themes or genres and compare them in a detailed analysis. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each, exploring different narrative styles, character development, or the effectiveness of plot twists. This approach allows readers to make informed decisions about their next read.

  3. Literary Travel: Create a series where you explore real-world locations that inspired famous authors or served as settings in well-known novels. Share your experiences visiting these places, offer recommendations for book lovers who want to embark on similar literary journeys, and weave in interesting facts about the authors and their works.

  4. Book Adaptations: Explore the world of book-to-screen adaptations, analyzing how books are transformed into movies or TV series. Discuss the challenges of adapting complex narratives, the portrayal of characters, and the impact of visual storytelling on the overall experience.

  5. Themed Book Lists: Curate unique book lists based on specific themes or moods. Examples could include "Books for a Cozy Winter Night," "Empowering Female Protagonists," or "Books That Explore Mental Health." These lists can serve as excellent resources for readers seeking recommendations in specific genres or for particular occasions.

  6. Book Club Discussions: Engage your readers in a virtual book club by selecting a book and dedicating a blog post to a comprehensive discussion. Encourage readers to participate in the comments section, sharing their thoughts, insights, and favorite quotes. This interactive format promotes a sense of community and generates stimulating conversations.

  7. Genre Spotlights: Highlight a specific literary genre or subgenre in each blog post. Explain its defining characteristics, recommend notable books, and discuss the genre's historical significance or current trends. This approach not only educates your readers but also helps them discover new books within their preferred genres.

  8. Book Hauls and Unboxings: Showcase your recent book purchases or subscriptions by sharing unboxing videos or photos. Describe your excitement about each book, mention why you chose it, and invite readers to engage in conversations about the titles or authors they are most looking forward to exploring.

  9. Reading Challenges: Create reading challenges for yourself and invite your readers to join in. These challenges could include reading a certain number of books within a specified time frame, exploring books from different continents or cultures, or tackling classic literature. Share your progress, recommended books, and personal reflections throughout the challenge.

  10. Bookish DIY and Crafts: Combine your love for books with creative DIY projects. Share tutorials on how to make bookmarks, book-themed decorations, or even literary-inspired recipes. Encourage readers to get involved by sharing their own creations and ideas.

With these ten fresh ideas for book blog content, you can breathe new life into your blog and captivate your readers with engaging posts. Remember, the key is to stay passionate, genuine and interact with your community. Happy blogging, and may your literary adventures continue to inspire and connect book lovers around the world!

Wednesday 7 June 2023

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Start a Book Blog

In the digital age, book blogs have become a powerful platform for readers to share their love for literature, connect with fellow bookworms, and provide valuable insights to the reading community. If you're passionate about books and eager to share your thoughts, starting a book blog is an excellent way to engage with others who share your literary interests. In this article, we'll guide you through the essential steps to start your own book blog and create a space where you can express your love for books.

Step 1: Define Your Niche and Purpose Before diving into the world of book blogging, it's important to determine your niche and purpose. Consider the genres you love, the type of books you want to review, and the target audience you want to reach. This will help you establish a unique identity for your blog and attract like-minded readers.

Step 2: Choose a Blogging Platform There are several popular blogging platforms available, such as WordPress, Blogger, and Squarespace. Research these platforms and choose the one that best suits your needs in terms of customization options, user-friendliness, and flexibility. Selecting a platform with a wide range of templates will enable you to create a visually appealing and user-friendly blog. I currently use Blogger but many other platforms are also suitable.

Step 3: Create a Memorable Blog Name and Design Your blog's name should reflect your personality and niche. Think of a name that is catchy, memorable, and easy to spell. Once you have chosen a name, create an eye-catching logo and select a theme or template that aligns with your blog's aesthetics and content. Remember, a visually appealing design will leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Step 4: Set Up Essential Pages To provide important information to your readers, create essential pages such as an "About Me" page, where you can introduce yourself and your blog's mission, and a "Contact" page, where readers can reach out to you. You can also include additional pages like a "Review Policy" page to outline your reviewing guidelines or a "Book Recommendations" page to showcase your favourite reads.

Step 5: Start Writing Engaging Content The heart of any book blog is the content you create. Start by writing book reviews, author interviews, reading recommendations, or engaging in discussions about literary topics. Be honest, concise, and expressive in your writing, and try to provide valuable insights or unique perspectives to captivate your readers. Remember, your passion for books should shine through your words.

Step 6: Develop an Engaged Community Building a community of engaged readers is essential for the success of your book blog. Interact with your readers by responding to comments, joining bookish discussions on social media platforms, and participating in blog tours or reading challenges. Actively promote your blog on social media channels like Twitter, Instagram, or Goodreads to expand your reach and connect with fellow book enthusiasts.

Step 7: Network with Authors and Publishers Networking with authors and publishers can provide exciting opportunities for collaboration, guest posts, and book promotions. Attend literary events, join online book clubs, and reach out to authors or publishers for possible partnerships. Building these connections will not only enhance the quality and diversity of your content but also give you access to advanced reader copies (ARCs) for early book reviews.

Step 8: Be Consistent and Regularly Update Your Blog Consistency is key when it comes to running a successful book blog. Develop a posting schedule and stick to it. Whether you choose to publish weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, ensure that you maintain a regular flow of content. This will keep your readers engaged and eager to return to your blog for more bookish content.

Good luck!

Friday 5 August 2022

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38


L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38


Writers of the Future is an annual anthology of short stories, illustrations, and articles with writing advice from bestselling authors.

Each story is the debut story of a new author, illustrated by a new artist.

Each author and artist has won the international writing competition for NEW authors of Science Fiction, fantasy, and horror short stories and illustrations: Writers of the Future.

The contest is open to all writers. There is NO entry fee. The winning stories are selected using blind judging, so your color, gender, or age do not have any influence—an equal chance for everyone. Authors keep the rights to their story!

And did I mention who selects the winning stories? That is the best part. The panel of judges includes some of my favorite sci-fi and fantasy authors: Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, Jody Lynn Nye, Kevin J. Anderson, Kathryn Kurtz, and many others. I could go on and on.

This is not only an excellent way for new authors to get their start but also a great way to find new authors to read. 


Synopsis:

In the World of Science Fiction…

…this Anthology stands out for three reasons:

The stories. The art. The extras. Which will you love most?

Standing on the shoulders of giants, these writers of the future have earned their place in the hallowed pages of volume 38. With 25-award winning authors and illustrators, this collection is a masterwork.

These diverse stories will fill you with new wonder. 

And a few just might break your heart.

Just imagine…


  • Saving the mammoths is in your hands—can you conjure the magic to make it happen?

  • You’ve got a monster BFF—whom you’re hiding from your own monster-hunting family.

  • You’re part of a sting, out to catch some bar hoppers who are not only bending their elbows, but bending time as well.

  • It’s game on, the fate of the universe is on the line—and you’re about to go all in.

  • And much more!


Think you've seen it all? Think again.

 

How would you like to know the “Single Most Important Piece of Advice” from the author of Dune? 

 

The beautiful art and writing tips are just as wonderful as the collection of stories. Volume 38 is a treasure. You'll love this collection from past and future science fiction masters because these stories are page-turners.

 

Get it now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VXXCP5T/

Book trailer: https://youtu.be/xBU1l0W
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If you are an aspiring writer and love science fiction, fantasy, or horror, here are some of the free resources: 

 

Writing Contest Rules:  https://www.writersofthefuture.com/contest-rules-writers/

Enter the Writing Contest: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/

Free Writing Workshop: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/writing-workshop/

Writing Podcast: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/podcast/

Writers Forum: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/forum/

Contest Judges: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/writer-judges/ 

List of Writers of the Future & L. Ron Hubbard books: https://galaxypress.com/l-ron-hubbard-books/ 

Newsletter sign-up: https://galaxypress.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Watch the 2022 Awards-Gala: https://youtu.be/0rrPaJGo-kM

 

Authors & Illustrators

 

Authors: L. Ron Hubbard, Frank Herbert, David Farland, Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, Diane Dillon, and 12 winners Azure Arther, Desmond Astaire, J. A. Becker, Lazarus Black, Z. T. Bright, John Coming, Em Dupre, N. V. Haskell, Michael Panter, Brittany Rainsdon, Mike Jack Stoumbos, M. Elizabeth Ticknor, and finalist Rebecca E. Treasure.

 

Illustrators: Bob Eggleton, Arthur M. Doweyko, Nick Jizba, Zaine Lodhi, Tenzin Rangdol Majid Saberinejad, Natalia Salvador, Brett Stump, Jerome Tieh, Annalee Wu, Jim Zaccaria, Ari Zaritsky, Xiaomeng Zhang, André Mata, and Michael Talbot.

 

How the contest started:

 

L. Ron Hubbard, well-known for his best-selling sci-fi epic Battlefield Earth, started the contest in the early '80s. The purpose, as he stated, was to create “a means for new and budding writers to have a chance for their creative efforts to be seen and acknowledged.”  

The contest has been championed by some of the great authors since the beginning, including Frank Herbert of Dune and the incomparable Anne McCaffrey of the Dragons of Pern series! The judges for the contest now are no less impressive, as I mentioned above.

 

Critical Acclaim

Writers of the Future Volume 38 is a literary smorgasbord where each new story comes with a feeling of excitement and mystery. It's a binge read. Just one more, you think, and the next thing you know the entire book is gone!” —International Review of Books, Gold rating

 

“Thirteen original stories described as powerful, unpredictable, nicely crafted, appealing with many twists.” —Tangent Online

 

“Captivating, compelling, and exceptionally well edited. It delivers.” —OnlineBookClub.Org


Kindle: B09VXXCP5T, Quality Paperback: 161986763X

Genre(s): Science fiction and fantasy

 

Author websites: 

https://galaxypress.com/l-ron-hubbard-books/

https://www.writersofthefuture.com/

 

Other Social Media Links: 

https://www.facebook.com/WotFContest/

https://www.instagram.com/wotfcontest/

https://www.pinterest.com/RealWotF/

https://twitter.com/WotFContest




Tuesday 28 June 2022

5 Books To Read If You Loved Bridgerton

via GIPHY


Let's be honest. You're here because you are in need of a good book to fill a  Bridgerton-sized hole in your heart now that we are on a break and awaiting Season 3 of the hit Netflix series to make its way onto our screens.

To tide you over here are 5 books to feed your period romance appetite while you're waiting:


1.  Bridgerton: The Duke and I


Bridgerton book cover


Coming in at No.1 we have the obvious choice of Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn. Give yourself a chance to immerse yourself in the original literary world created by Quinn and be intrigued by the slight differences in the book compared to the show.



2. Bringing Down The Duke by Evie Dunmore

Bringing down the duke cover

Another great read that shouldn't be missed is Bringing Down The Duke by Evie Dunmore. This romantic novel is perfect for fans of Bridgerton. Annabelle and Sebastian, we get to see that the greatest angle of this love story is that the characters weren’t delirious on love at first sight, or obsessed with how attractive the other was. In fact, if anything, there was a little hostility between the pair similar to the romance of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice.


3. My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid

my darling duke cover

My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid is the first book The Sinful Wallflower series offers. Miss Katherine Danvers is a wallflower with a family on the brink of financial ruin and, in a similar vain to Bridgerton Season 1, it is up to her to save her mother and sisters from ruin. She transforms herself into Kitty Danvers, the fiancée of the elusive Alexander Masters, Duke of Thornton.


4. Mr Malcolms List by Suzanne Allain

mr malcolms list cover

Mr Malcolms List by Suzanne Allain is 4th on the list showcasing 
Mr Malcolm who is the most eligible bachelor in town. In this Regency romance, we read about Mr Malcolm offending Julia, our leading lady, with a demanding list of attributes he requires of a wife. 


5. To Have and To Hoax by Martha Waters

to have and to hoax cover

To Have and To Hoax by Martha Waters is our final book on the list to help you get your Bridgerton-esque fix showcasing 
Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley in this historical rom-com. This book is filled with drama, comedy and enough romance to satisfy your hunger for regency entertainment.


Monday 27 June 2022

Discussion: How often should you post?


Discussion


Okay, so when I first started out with this whole book blog thing nearly 10 years ago (2012) I tried to post every day. I was very enthusiastic and I wanted to post as many reviews and articles as possible. This lasted about two weeks when I realised how hard it was for me to post decent, daily content and keep up with school work at the same time.


It was hard to keep up with other bloggers who always had new content and I realised I needed to find a blogging schedule that worked for me and wasn’t overly demanding. After all it is a hobby. 

I later decided I would post three times a week with at least one review a week. This was a doable amount of weekly posts for me and although I’ve been known to take a break or two from blogging when work has gotten on top of me, I always try to come back to the same schedule of three-ish posts a week. Sometimes more sometimes less but I always try to post something. If one week I’m really busy then I’ll at least post a Fun Fact Friday because I tend to feel guilty not posting anything.

Well in recent times I've been focusing on my career (Medicine) and navigating a pandemic which has put a lot of my content on hold. It has been hard to be as prolific as I was when I started out but that won't stop me from trying. 

How often do you think you need to post?

Wednesday 5 May 2021

Book Blitz: The Inbox by Daniel Ortiz

 
Twenty-three-year-old Devon Owens receives an unexpected message from an online stranger. One curious reply takes on a sinister turn when Devon suddenly finds himself trapped in an inescapable nightmare of online terror.
 
 
The Inbox by Daniel Ortiz
 
Buy now on Amazon
 

About the Author

Daniel Ortiz is a Puerto Rican author of thriller and horror stories for both teens and young adults. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up reading and creating short stories. Today he continues to write from his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You can message Daniel on Twitter at @theinboxstory or visit www.theinboxbook.com for future updates on his next book. 
 
 
 

Thursday 9 April 2020

Strange dreams lately? Reasons for your “Quarandreams” during the coronavirus pandemic.





No doubt being in self-isolation has been doing some strange things to us. The majority of us spend most of our time now at home. We don’t participate in our usual activities and our routines have shifted. One of the strangest things many people have been noticing recently is a change in their dreams with many taking to Twitter to report on the strange images their brains have been conjuring up during their sleep.



Influencer @snitchery tweets about weird dreams during quarantine


 User @_chismosa_ describes a similar experience

It goes without saying that we're living in strange times. Flights aren't running, supermarkets are limiting the number of shoppers at a time and we have to practice social distancing.


Another phenomenon we can add to the list is the increasing experience of vivid dreams many have been experiencing during the isolation period. Or 'Quarandreams' if you will.

I myself have been having weird dreams. So vivid, like it's really happening. Then to top it all off I wake up and remember every little detail. Seeing "quarantine dream" trending on Twitter was a comfort. I'm not going crazy, other people have been having wild dreams too.

Some have been dreaming of the things they normally do like going to a restaurant for a meal while others dream are more like nightmares, describing spiders with tentacles. Some dreams are more humorous, dreaming of toilet paper made out of N95 masks.

Whatever you've been dreaming of, there are explanations for it. Dream expert Lauri Loewenberg was recently interviewed by Grazia and GQ and was quoted for an article saying "Dreaming is a thinking process and our dreams are a continuation of our thought stream from the day".


She later goes on to explain how going through a stressful experience can be magnifyed by our brains. "When we are going through a stressful time in our life, our dreams will be a metaphor for the stress and magnify it." It's a way of better understanding our situations. Even if they don't neccessarily make sense. So what does my dream mean?

Here are a few explanations from the Lucid Dream Society for common quarandream themes I've seen on Twitter:

  1. Spiders: You're worried about getting emotionally entangled in a situation
  2. Being late (for a test ect): You're concerned about missng out on an opportunity
  3. Seeing old friends: becoming aware you've lost touch with someone. Pretty common feeling right now I'm sure.
  4. Being stalked: You're worried your behaviour may become uncontrolable.
  5. Losing something: You're concerned about how others see you

So now what? If you want to get your dreams back on track here are a few things you can try:
  1. Keeping a dream journal
  2. Social media cleanse
  3. Aromatherapy
  4. Relaxing music
  5. Don't go to sleep hungry

So that's all I've got for you today. Tell me about your dreams in the comments.