When do Book Bloggers stop reading for fun?

BOOK BLOGGERS ARE OUR HEROES

Starting off my writing career almost a decade ago, I also launched a book blog for one reason only – I needed to feed my brain with stories. Growing up in Apartheid South Africa we were limited to the types of books we could read. We had Disney, but I wanted more. So I spent my days outside making my own fairytales.

When I started my book blog, I read and reviewed all my new author friends’ books and was transported to infinite realms and learned the English Language well. But after about two years of saying “Yes, I will review your book.” it started weighing on me. I always finish a story on paper or on screen but like ET (do not ask) I found some books horrific to get through. And so came the hard choice to email the Author and face the dilemma of being honest (as I would want them to be to me) or lose a potential author relationship by telling them like it is.

This is how my appreciation for book bloggers to this day are still treasured. To review books is more than just a business. It is your passion , and can you ever lose that passion.

So I found a bookish lover with a great blog and decided to hold her to the candle!

Books with a Chance of Traveling!

❀ Bestfriends that happen to be sisters. ❀

is on the left, and her passion is clear in her work. Last year she read over 126 books – that’s 20 685 pages. And has read 45 book for 2022 already.

TO ME THEIR SITES ARE HIGHLY UNDERATED IF YOU SEE THE PASSION AND WORK PUT INTO THEIR BOOK WORLD.

BOOK BLOGGER INTERVIEW

• First off tell us your name, your blog name and what impact books and reading had on you as a child? My name is Cherokee, I’m the co-founder of Books With a Chance of Traveling aka BookswithaChance. Books, or reading in general, has been a big part of my life as far back as I can remember. I had always been a good reader in school, and enjoyed the escape it provided from all of life’s issues, even as an adolescent.
• The number one debate trending once again. Are traditionally published authors and books better in story and quality, than self-published authors? Give us the pros and cons for both. No, I don’t think so. I’ve read many traditionally published authors/books and have found them lacking in different ways. While being traditionally published is most definitely a thing to aspire to, it doesn’t necessarily make your book great. Yes, the author essentially pays nothing to be published traditionally, and their books make it into all the big name book stores, but it’s so time-consuming (several rejections before landing a publisher), low royalty rates, complicated contracts and limited creative control. Indie, or self-published, authors work so hard; from the writing to beta reads, ARC readers, and self-promo… everything they do is amazing. Their books can be published quicker than traditionally published books, they have creative freedom with their books, and the build actual relationships with their readers. Granted, indie authors have to pay for professional services (editing, proofreading, book design, etc.), and it’s hard for them to appear in physical bookstores.
• How many books do you read at a time? I try to stick to one… I can do multiple, I just don’t like to.
• Do you read for pleasure or to keep your blog going? Or might you be a reader that chooses what to read and review on her blog? Mainly for pleasure. I will rarely promote a book on my blog that I would not recommend, if it is mentioned, it’s more than likely to give my two cents on why I felt the way that I did. I love having the freedom to choose what I want to read and when, but I will sign up for book tours, as that is sometimes I good way to get your foot through the door with an author.
• What is your preferred genre? I will read just about anything, but my favorite/preferred genre would have to be Fantasy. There’s just something so magical about it.
• What impact does reading have on our mental health? Reading has many great benefits, all around health wise. It is said that reading reduces a person’s stress level by 68% and that you actually burn between 30-47 calories per minute of reading. Reading keeps your mind active, making your brain stronger. Memory skills improve, vocabulary expands, and reading increases your ability to empathize. Books are amazing!

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF

What turns you off in a book? I’m not a fan of Reverse Harem type books, I won’t usually pick those up… or bully borderline abuse romance. I’m really not a huge fan of too many trivial details, but at the same time I get upset when there isn’t enough action details. Oh, and if I see the same exact cover on someone else’s book, like no changes made to it at all.

What turns you on in a book? Action! Like battle scenes; I love show and not tell. I love meaningful relationships, awesome world building, and tropes!

What series have you binged? Oh boy… I binge read basically all of Kelly Oram’s books, uhh… all of Shayne Silvers books up to the current one. Hmm… oh! The Lochlann Feuds by Robin D Mahle & Elle Madison. I know there are others, they just are not coming to mind.

Who is your current book-boyfriend? I don’t have one, actually. Not that I don’t love book-boyfriends, I just haven’t read one recently that made me completely swoon.

What makes a perfect book-boyfriend? I’m partial to the “touch her and you die” book boyfriends, as well as the ones that are always there when you need them – no questions asked.

Are you tired of female leads? Explain your answer? Yes… and no. While there are a ton of book with female leads, I connect better with them for obvious reasons. However, I love male leads just as much; books with dual POVs are fantastic!

ALL ABOUT YOU

Favorite hobby besides reading? I collect hobbies… meaning I get it in my head that I will totally do something with all the money spent on said hobby, and then let it rot – forgotten.

A day in the life of…? I’m a SAHM of two point five (my bonus son is only with us every other week). I home-school my two heathens, as well as work with two stubborn GSD puppies. Long, long, LONG days.

Favorited snack? It really depends on my mood. I love snacking on chips, or pistachios, sometimes brownies or ice cream.

Your worst habit? Probably cussing…

Favorite TV show right now? I’ve always loved Futurama (so stoked that they are reviving it), and Bob’s Burgers.

WHERE CAN WE FOLLOW AND SUPPORT YOU?

All our links are on our website

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER TO AUTHORS? We offer a variety of services. You have the standard ARC/Beta requests; we also offer Editing/Proofreading services, Social Media Marketing/Promotion, and stock/cover photos (provided by Of The Woods Photography).

I will never take for granted the power , passion, movement and influence the readers and bookbloggers have on the writing world.