Behind the Screen: A Book Blogger Tag

Posted March 28, 2018 by Cristina (Girl in the Pages) in Tags / 10 Comments

It’s been a LONG time since I’ve done a tag, but I really liked the one Madalyn @ Novel Ink tagged me in, so I decided to give it a go! The Behind the Screen tag was originally created by Amber @ Du Livre, and it’s a fun way to get to know bloggers a little bit better on a personal level!

When did you start blogging and what was your first review?

So I created a wordpress.com account and started dabbling in blogging back in 2013, and my first “official” review was of a paranormal YA book, Everneath (ugh the formatting is terrible!). I didn’t really establish myself as a book blog though until February 2014 which is why that’s when I always celebrate my blog anniversary.

Who/what inspired you to start blogging?

I honestly don’t remember! I think I created the wordpress account on a whim one day after seeing that reviewers on Goodreads would link back to their book blogs. I was on tumblr for a few years and posted a few reviews there (like for The Hunger Games) but it didn’t really feel like the right format for me.

What is a blog-related goal you have?

I would love to continue developing relationships with publishers and authors!

What is one thing you wish someone told you about blogging?

Probably that in order to have a successful blog, it’s pretty time consuming. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE blogging, but it’s like a part time job!

What is your biggest blog-related accomplishment?

Well I just celebrated my 4th blog anniversary so I think keeping up with a hobby so consistently is a big accomplishment!

What types of posts do you enjoy writing? Where do you usually blog? What does your set up look like?

I love writing features and discussions, and I actually really do still enjoy writing reviews! I used to blog a lot from my couch, but it wasn’t great for my back and I started using a dual monitor set up from my desk and it makes me feel so much more efficient! You can see my dual monitors below along with my Erin Condren planner, iPad and a zillion pens.

What was your last 5 star read?

This series is SUCH a guilty pleasure read, but I love the books!

What was your last 1-star read?

I honestly don’t remember- I almost never give one star reviews since if I’m not enjoying a book that much I’ll usually DNF it.

What are three words that make you pick up a book?

This is such a good question that I’ve never really give much thought to! Let’s see- Royalty, witches, and food! (I’ll qualify this by saying that I mean royalty as in real life/contemporary royalty, not fantasy royalty).

What is your Hogwarts house?

Ok so this is a super loaded question for me lol. I self identify as a Ravenclaw (and was even the Ravenclaw prefect on a Harry Potter travel course I took in college), however EVERY SINGLE TEST I’VE EVER TAKEN EVER has sorted me into Slytherin. So I suppose that makes me a Slytherclaw…

What is your favorite reading environment?

Definitely the beach. I try to do some sort of tropical vacation every year and instead of doing excursions or activities I spend 90% of the week lying on a beach chair and reading books and it’s phenomenal.

What advice would you give to new bloggers?

Consistency is key! Be genuine and post regularly and before you know it you’ll be a recognizable voice in the community! Also, think about your brand and how it can be recognizable (for example, I think my blog has become pretty synonymous with teal/turquoise colors!)

I’m tagging anyone who wants to partake!

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10 responses to “Behind the Screen: A Book Blogger Tag

  1. I’m also a split between a Slytherin and Ravenclaw! The tests I take have all been really inconsistent and I even ended up with Gryffindor a few times (what even???) but I’m going to go with the first two.

    I also don’t really give 1 star reviews. They just feel so negative to me and typically, I can always find something positive about a book. Maybe this is the curse of eternal optimism…

    I really want to get a dual monitor set up when I finally get a bigger desk (that probably won’t happen for another year or so but it’s nice to wish). I used to hate having more than one screen to look at but it’s really convenient when you’re going between two tabs and split screen doesn’t show as much as you want it to.

    Laura @BlueEyeBooks

    Laura @BlueEyeBooks recently posted: Music Monday (9)
    • I just figure if I dislike a book enough to give it one star, I usually DNF it or won’t want to further waste my time by writing a review for it. The dual monitor will CHANGE YOUR LIFE! I started using mine (which is really a tv, lol) when working from home since I have two screens at my office, and one day I was like hmmmm I should try this for blogging. It’s super helpful for review writing since I can easily check my spreadsheets and goodreads for the books stats will having my post draft open.

  2. Royalty is definitely something that makes me pick up a book, too! And I totally agree with your advice for new bloggers – being consistent is important at the beginning.

  3. Your desk is so organized! I’ve been wanting to read the Crazy Rich Asians books so badly! I picked up the first one a little while ago but I haven’t gotten to it just yet. And I totally agree with your buzz words!

    • Thank you! I’ll admit I tidied up for this picture (lol) but I like to keep my desk fairly clean since I use it to work from home a few days a week. The Crazy Rich Asians books are SO hilarious and extra but I love them. I’m hoping they’ll release some special editions or a boxed set soon since I think the first book is going to be made into a movie!

  4. I have been sorted in both Slytherin and Ravenclaw, but I identify most with Ravenclaw too! THAT HARRY POTTER CLASS, WOW! I read your recap and that really is an experience of a lifetime. It must have been so much fun that you were able to travel with classmates who love Harry Potter as much as you do. And yes, anything turquoise and teal reminds me of your blog! 🙂

    Amaris (amarisafloria.com) recently posted: Books I Read in March
    • Thanks, Amaris! It was honestly one of the most incredible experiences I’ve EVER had, and I’m so blessed I was able to experience it (I keep trying to make my way back to London again while the course is happening so I can meet up with the class and shadow them hahaha). And thank you, glad my colors are recognizable with my overall brand! 🙂

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