Monday 25 January 2016

Seventeen Reasons Why I Love Being a Book Blogger



At the beginning of the year, I posted my 750th blog post. It was a milestone I never expected to hit, having never imagined I’d still be blogging over two years after I made my blog. I know that to some people it is a “sad” hobby, or others may not understand why anyone would spend so much time doing something they’re not getting paid for, but the simple truth is that I love book blogging. And why would anyone want to give up something they love?

A message from a blog reader a few days ago, who was considering setting up a book blog but wasn’t sure if it was worth it, got me thinking of all the reasons why I enjoy book blogging. So not just because I am procrastinating on writing a few book reviews, I decided to share all the reasons I love being a book blogger and why you are not getting rid of me just yet…



1) It’s the middle of January and I’ve already read three incredible books and contenders for my book of the year – two of them authors I wouldn’t have discovered if I wasn’t a blogger.

2) I’ve always got something new to read. None of this leaving the house because I’ve run out of books business.

3) It makes me feel all valued and trusted to receive a book to review that isn’t even out yet.

4) Ever read a book and have a million questions you want to ask the author? As a blogger, you have the opportunity to question the author about all the juicy bits.

5) A blog is a lovely way to keep track of the books you’ve read, the authors you’ve chatted to and the events you’ve attended. I understand the simple appeal of just reviewing, and not blogging, but I do love scrolling through my blog and reminding myself of all the bookish goodness the year has brought.

6) Nobody you know in real life may read but there’s always a blogger about who has read the book you’re dying to talk about.

7) Sometimes you get an invite to a book launch. Which means heading to London, dressing up and drinking wine or nibbling canapes. Leaving the house is exciting enough.

8) You never walk out of a bookshop empty-handed. Blogging means you have a never-ending list of favourite authors, series to finish, unmissable debuts. It’s easy to find a book or five to buy.

9) That plot was mega confusing. That twist didn’t even make any sense. How could they kill him off??? All are questions or thoughts you no longer need to keep to yourself because your fellow bloggers understand how you feel. They’ll help you through the devastating day the author killed your favourite character or the infuriating moment the girl got with the wrong guy.

10) It doesn’t matter how socially awkward you are. There’s always a fellow book blogger there to befriend you. You like books – that’s enough.

11) The postman actually brings us nice things and not just bills.

12) Meeting an author we love is the equivalent of meeting a celebrity – ie. very very exciting.

13) Meeting book blogger friends is just as exciting. I met my fab friend Bookaholic Holly last year after chatting for aaaaages online, and I got a bit fangirly about it.

14) Sometimes we’re lucky enough to have our review quoted in books or on their covers, which is an incredible feeling.

15) After book blogging for a while, you’ll find you think more in-depth about each book you’re reading. Sometimes it’s nice to have more to say than it was brilliant or I hated it.

16) It’s ok to spend all day on Twitter and Facebook. Bloggers are meant to be social media savvy.

17) Blogging has genuinely changed my life. It’s made me confident enough to travel on my own, to share my opinions and not feel afraid to have a voice. My writing has improved. It’s inspired me to start writing my own novel, something I’d never have even considered had I not met all the brilliant authors through my blog.



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Ok, I really could go on! But I don't want to bore you all.

Can you relate to any of these? Any other reasons why you love being a book blogger? I’d love to hear what you think!

34 comments:

  1. Great post, Happy to meet another fellow book blogger.

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  2. Such a lovely post Sophie, and I agree with every single one of your points. It's a special world that we are part of and I love it too xx

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  3. Love this post Sophie. Especially agreeing with no.10 :) xx

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    1. One of my faves too :) Thank you Laura xx

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  4. Love this! I only started book blogging a few months ago but it's such a fun way to express my life-long obsession with books :)

    http://eggplantemoji.com

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    1. Thanks Emma - hope you keep enjoying your blog :) xx

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  5. Fab post Sophie! I totally relate to all of the points you make, particularly #1. There are soooo many books that I wouldn't have read or authors that I wouldn't have discovered if I hadn't started blogging/reviewing :) x

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    1. Thanks! Me too - most of my favourite authors now are ones I don't think I'd ever have discovered before :) x

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  6. Anonymous25/1/16 15:49

    Great post!!! As a blogger I agree with so many of these!!!

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  7. Great post, and although I agree and know these points, it is good to be reminded of them. It makes me sure to appreciate what I have, what I am doing and all the lovely books, Authors and other bookbloggers out there.
    Thanks,
    Amanda

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    1. Thank you Amanda, it's nice to remind ourselves of all the positive reasons we do this :)

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  8. Great post Sophie, I love book blogging x

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  9. Brilliant list, I'm yet to go to a book event but that will be changing this year - I'm so excited to meet some fabulous bookish people I've only known online :) By excited, I mean excited and terrified all at the same time!
    Number 11 really made me laugh it's so true! Book post is the best kind of post!
    x

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    1. Yay - you will have a brilliant time (though still a little terrifying, I'm not gonna lie!) x

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  10. Yeah I've got one, you get me annoying you at least 20 times a day 😉😉😉❤️❤️

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    1. oh damn, knew I was forgetting something! ;)

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  11. The main thing is that you're doing something you so obviously love and sharing it with other like minded people - that's priceless. Angela Britnell

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  12. You forgot - you get to inspire authors when they are full of self-doubt, Sophie. :) You're a total star for giving of your time, sweetie - and you are loved for it. Thank you! xx

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    1. Aw, don't think I can take the credit for that! Thanks, Sheryl xx

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  13. After reading this post, I would like to invite you to the launch party for my new series. It's an 'invitation only' event so please contact me via my website if you'd like to receive an invitation. I do hope you can join us! Best wishes, Leigh Russell

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  14. Agree with all of these xx

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  15. Nice list! I enjoy blogging so I can share a few thoughts with other book lovers. My problem is that most people I connect with don't share the same book tastes so we visit often but can't always think of a comment to leave! Being zombie obsessed has it's down side!

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    1. Thanks! Sure there are some more zombie obsessives out there somewhere!

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  16. It's a wonderful thing to love what you do! Thank you for sharing your list:)

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  17. I loved reading this. I can tell how much you enjoy your roll. I would love to meet authors.

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