,
by
KT
Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another! Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!
Special announcement this week:
Smash and I would like to thank everyone who has participated in Let's Talk with us over the past 30 weeks. We really have enjoyed discussing everything with you. However, as both Smash and my career situations have changed for the better since we started, we have been looking for ways to streamline our blogs, and still have the best content possible in our limited schedules. So, unfortunately, this meme is one of the things that will be discontinued. Thank you again so much for joining us on this journey!
This week's question:
What do you consider the most necessary things to include when writing a review? Should there be something emphasized more in the review such as reading experience, the characters, or the writing style? Are spoilers or minor explanations of the plot to be omitted from a review? (Thanks, Angie)
I don't there is any set things to include in a review, nor do I think there should be. We all have our own personal style that works for us. Personally I use a 4 paragraph format. The first paragraph is always a summary. The second and third are much more fluid, it just depends on what really stood out to me in that particular book. However I typically hit on my feelings of the characters in the second paragraph, and then the romance (if there is one) in the third paragraph. Or I talk about plot instead in either of those paragraphs. The fourth paragraph is a conclusion, but sometimes I include another aspect from the book that stood out to me, that didn't fit in with my other two main paragraphs.
As far as spoilers, I try to avoid them as much as possible, but sometimes I talk about the smaller ones, because it's unavoidable, or something that I really want to discuss. Heck sometimes I've discussed major spoilers, but that's rare, and those sections are always set apart from the main review.
How about you? Spoilers or no?
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,
by
KT
Let’s Talk is a weekly meme that delves into the minds of bloggers and readers alike. *snort* Actually, we just talk about lots of entertaining and corny stuff half the time, but the meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. We talk about book-related things, as well as personal questions, always remaining respectful and never asking for too much detail. Each Friday, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.
It’s FUN. It’s EXCITING! It’s COOL!
Well, it will be if you
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY! 
This week's question:
What do you consider the most necessary things to include when writing a review? Should there be something emphasized more in the review such as reading experience, the characters, or the writing style? Are spoilers or minor explanations of the plot to be omitted from a review? (Thanks, Angie)
You can view all the Let’s Talk topics here, and if you have any fun topics to discuss, we’d love to hear them! You can submit your thoughts here.
read more
,
by
KT
Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another! Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!
We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.
This week's question:
Have you ever been inspired to do something creative by reading about it in a book? Examples cooking, baking, trying a new food or drink, making jewelry, designing clothes or shoes and even bookish inspired vacations. (Thanks, Alli/Alli’s World and Alicia)
Hmmm. I honestly can't say that I have. Although I will say that Gin Blanco in the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep makes me rather hungry whenever she is whipping up something fabulous. Other than that, I just can't say that I have. I read for enjoyment and an escape, so I just don't even think of real life applications. That's not to say that I haven't picked up a book specifically for a project, but that's non-fiction, and I don't think it really counts for this question. How about you guys?
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,
by
KT
Let’s Talk is a weekly meme that delves into the minds of bloggers and readers alike. *snort* Actually, we just talk about lots of entertaining and corny stuff half the time, but the meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. We talk about book-related things, as well as personal questions, always remaining respectful and never asking for too much detail. Each Friday, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.
It’s FUN. It’s EXCITING! It’s COOL!
Well, it will be if you
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY!
This week's question:
Have you ever been inspired to do something creative by reading about it in a book? Examples cooking, baking, trying a new food or drink, making jewelry, designing clothes or shoes and even bookish inspired vacations. (Thanks, Alli/Alli’s World and Alicia)
You can view all the Let’s Talk topics here, and if you have any fun topics to discuss, we’d love to hear them! You can submit your thoughts here.
read more
,
by
KT
Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another! Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!
We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.
This week's question:
Do you take advantage of Freebies? or Do you think Freebies are a good selling tool for authors and publishers? (Thanks, Shirley/Creative Deeds)
If by freebies, you mean Swag and other stuff? Then yep sure, I love cool STUFF just as much as the next gal. I have a spot on my bookshelf that's getting ridiculously full from all the swag, etc.
If you mean freebie promotions on ebooks, then HELL yeah! I love getting free books. I mean who doesn't, especially since you aren't out any money if the book is just terrible for you. You can just move on to the next without wasting anything other than a bit of time. But honestly and time spent reading, even on a bad book isn't time wasted to me.
And yes I do thing they are a good selling tool for authors who have more than one book out. If they offer the first book in the series for free, then tons of people will download it that might not of otherwise. Many will fall in love with the story and wind up purchasing the rest. It also works for stand alones, because if you enjoyed the book, then you'll want to check out the rest of the author's books.
How about you? Do you stalk Amazon for the free book promotions or does the weeding through to find the gems make you leery?
read more
,
by
KT
Let’s Talk is a weekly meme that delves into the minds of bloggers and readers alike. *snort* Actually, we just talk about lots of entertaining and corny stuff half the time, but the meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. We talk about book-related things, as well as personal questions, always remaining respectful and never asking for too much detail. Each Friday, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.
It’s FUN. It’s EXCITING! It’s COOL!
Well, it will be if you
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY!
This week's question:
Do you take advantage of Freebies? or Do you think Freebies are a good selling tool for authors and publishers? (Thanks, Shirley/Creative Deeds)
You can view all the Let’s Talk topics here, and if you have any fun topics to discuss, we’d love to hear them! You can submit your thoughts here.
read more
,
by
KT
Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another! Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!
We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.
This week's question:
Do you have pets? Are they your cuddle-buddies when you’re reading? Share the pet love! (Thanks, Sarah/Sarah Says Read and Miki/ Lecture toute une Aventure and Dovile)
My answer this week is pretty boring as I don't have any pets. Both myself and my son are highly allergic to animals, so we stick with the stuffed variety. I do love looking at pictures of other people's pets though as they are adorable!! So please feel free to share them with me!!
read more
,
by
KT
Let’s Talk is a weekly meme that delves into the minds of bloggers and readers alike. *snort* Actually, we just talk about lots of entertaining and corny stuff half the time, but the meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. We talk about book-related things, as well as personal questions, always remaining respectful and never asking for too much detail. Each Friday, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.
It’s FUN. It’s EXCITING! It’s COOL!
Well, it will be if you
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY!
This week's question:
Do you have pets? Are they your cuddle-buddies when you’re reading? Share the pet love! (Thanks, Sarah/Sarah Says Read and Miki/ Lecture toute une Aventure and Dovile)
You can view all the Let’s Talk topics here, and if you have any fun topics to discuss, we’d love to hear them! You can submit your thoughts here.
read more
,
by
KT
Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another! Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!
We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.
This week's question:
Do you accept review requests? If not, why? If so, then how many review requests do you get in a month? How many do you accept? How do you balance between review requests and reading your own books? Have you ever gone out of your way to reduce your incoming review books? With so many reviews books being offered (solicited or not) to book bloggers, have you ever emailed a publicist to reduce the number of books sent? Do you ever feel guilty over receiving these review books that you know you won’t be able to get to knowing other book bloggers could benefit from them? How do you deal? (Thanks, KT and Na)
Broken down:
Do you accept review requests?
Yes I do, and our review policy can be found here.
If so, then how many review requests do you get in a month?
Usually somewhere between 50-75 plus around 10-20 unsolicited physical copies that arrive on my doorstep.
How many do you accept?
I review 2 books per week. So when a request/unsolicited/Netgalley/Edelweiss book comes up, after I decide if the blurb sounds interesting, I look at the release date, and see if I have room in my review schedule before that date, or shortly thereafter. Also, I take into consideration if the book is the 2nd or 3rd, etc in a series where I haven't read the previous books. Unless I have time to read the previous book(s) first, its an automatic pass. So, some months I'll accept 8 max books, sometimes more if the requests are for books further out. So long story short, on average I can only accept two-ish per week.
Since Kirsten's tastes seem opposite to time in the paranormal/sci-fi/fantasy genre (I like romance in my books, she doesn't.), I'll send her anything where the blurb doesn't jump out to me (as long as it in our reviewed genres of course). She then decides if she's interested, and then if yes she adds it to her pile. She doesn't seem to have a limit, but I will say that she is very particular about the ones she does accept, so it works out in the long run.
How do you balance between review requests and reading your own books?
Since starting with Entangled, my reading and reviewing time has been cut back drastically. So, now it isn't very often that I read a book that isn't one for review or for work. However, I've compensated for being a whole lot more picky about which books I accept for review so that way I'm mostly reading things that I'm very excited about, not just mildly interested in.
Have you ever gone out of your way to reduce your incoming review books?
I wrote up our Review Policy page to help cut back on the requests outside of our review genres, which has helped some, but we still get a decent amount of oddball requests. I also stopped requesiting everythign that interested me on Edelweiss/Netgalley, only grabbing the ones that really jump out at me.
With so many reviews books being offered
(solicited or not) to book bloggers, have you ever emailed a publicist
to reduce the number of books sent?
Yes, but not really to reduce the number of books received, but I have emailed publicists letting them know that they have been sending me books/requests outside of my reviewed genres. The requests aren't as big of a deal, although I still do give them a heads up. However, I hate it when books show up on my doorstop that are in the wrong genre. I just am never sure what to do with them. It's not like a giveaway would really work as my readers come for the genres I review, so they sit on my shelf growing dust.
Do you ever feel guilty over receiving these
review books that you know you won’t be able to get to knowing other
book bloggers could benefit from them? How do you deal?
I used to feel guilty when books came in that were in my genre preference, but the blurb didn't grab me. I knew I wouldn't review it, so again they wound up sitting there gathering dust. But then I put the call out for an associate reviewer, and found Kirsten. It's really awesome because between us, there are few WELL EDITED books in Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal YA, Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Dystopian that won't appeal to us.
read more
,
by
KT
Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another! Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!
We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.
This week's question:
What is your favorite spot to read? Have you changed your furniture layout to better accommodate reading (i.e. purchasing certain laps or chairs). (Thank you, Alicia)
Curled up on my reclining couch. :) Reading in bed is a close second, especially due to the nice armed back support pillow the hubby bought me. The only change I've made was to buy an adjustable arm lamp that sits on the end table next to me. The overhead light just wasn't enough light for me. However, someday I'd love to have a reading nook to call my own. Like my own sanctuary.
read more
,
by
KT
Let’s Talk is a weekly meme that delves into the minds of bloggers and readers alike. *snort* Actually, we just talk about lots of entertaining and corny stuff half the time, but the meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. We talk about book-related things, as well as personal questions, always remaining respectful and never asking for too much detail. Each Friday, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.
It’s FUN. It’s EXCITING! It’s COOL!
Well, it will be if you
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY!
This week's question:
What is your favorite spot to read? Have you changed your furniture layout to better accommodate reading (i.e. purchasing certain laps or chairs). (Thank you, Alicia)
You can view all the Let’s Talk topics here, and if you have any fun topics to discuss, we’d love to hear them! You can submit your thoughts here.
read more
,
by
KT
Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another! Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!
We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.
This week's question:
Do you judge books by their covers? Why or why not? (Thank you Ashley/The Biblophile’s Corner)
I'm a cover whore, so I'm very guilty of this. I know that you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I can't help it. If a cover is terrible, it will be that much harder for me to pick the book up. Which is a shame because I'm sure that I've overlooked some pretty good series because of it. Here's some series that I've enjoyed, but had a hard time getting past the covers:
I love this series, but I cannot stand the covers. They are just boring
and do not stand out at all. If I saw this in a book store, not knowing
what it was, I would walk right on by. However, that being said, I really like the cover re-do for the Magic Bites Special Edition, so I'm hoping they stick with the new style.
This is another series that I’m not thrilled about the covers. In this
case it isn’t that I strongly dislike them, but more blaze towards them.
They are just boring, which is a shame because the content is anything
but. I realize they were probably trying to portray the more sensual
nature of the books, but I think they missed the overall mark. That being said, I LOVE the spin off covers, so I'm really glad they took the new direction.
I really dislike all of the covers in this series, but this one
definitely tops the list. I mean come on! What is going on there? It
just looks like a mess with an albino chick. Bleck! Also, I don’t know
if I would consider the book to be one of the best stories, as the
series has been slowly dwindling for me, but I have to give it props for
the throwback to the early Anita days.
These covers stink. Plain and simple. They are nothing compared to the books.
So it isn’t that this cover is bad, it’s just that it doesn’t match the
story. At all. Sophie is not a kick butt character in any way shape or
form like these covers would lead you to believe. It drives me batty!
I’m not the biggest fan of any of th covers for this series, but this one is
the worst. Georgina is supposed to be utter beauty and perfection, I
mean the girl can choose her shape and features. I just don’t think this
image portrays that, she just looks too plain to me.
Now for some covers on the opposite side. You know the ones that suck you in with an amazing cover, and then just fall unfortunately flat, or wind up just being mediocre in the end:
I love this cover. I mean isn’t it gorgeous? Too bad the story didn’t
live up to it. In fact it earned an extremely rare 1 butterfly rating
from me. I was just expecting so much more than what I got. Thank
goodness I had received a review e-copy, because I would have bought
that book purely for the cover, and then really regretted it!
This cover is stunning. I lOVE the colors. And the premise behind it? It was awesome, so much so that in the first few chapters I thought I was in for a hell of a read. Unfortunately, that didn't last long, and I was incredibly disappointed. Would I love to have this on my shelf? Yep, but only to look at, not for a re-read.
Another case of a gorgeous cover whose content fell flat. These things just sucker you in.
How about you guys? Do you judge books by their covers? Any examples of covers not matching/living up to the story?
read more
,
by
KT
Let’s Talk is a weekly meme that delves into the minds of bloggers and readers alike. *snort* Actually, we just talk about lots of entertaining and corny stuff half the time, but the meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. We talk about book-related things, as well as personal questions, always remaining respectful and never asking for too much detail. Each Friday, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.
It’s FUN. It’s EXCITING! It’s COOL!
Well, it will be if you
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY!
This week's question:
Do you judge books by their covers? Why or why not? (Thank you Ashley/The Biblophile’s Corner)
You can view all the Let’s Talk topics here, and if you have any fun topics to discuss, we’d love to hear them! You can submit your thoughts here.
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