MEET BOOK BLOGGER REL from RELZ REVIEWZ

I'm so pleased to host this next guest as she's been at this blogging and reviewing thing for so long, she might be the first 'book blogger' I'd heard about when I started back on the path to publication!  Please welcome Rel Mollet!

Deb asks: So, how long have you been reviewing and how did you decide on the theme for your blog?

Rel answers: I’ve been reviewing books for 14 years and have been book blogging at RelzReviewz.com for 12 years.

D- Yes! I was right. It's been a long time!
What’s the best part of being a reviewer?

R- Connecting readers with books and authors. My best book blogging days are when I receive a comment or message from a reader letting me know they read a book or searched out an author on my recommendation, and they fell in love with the story and the author’s talent.

In addition, I’ve had the privilege of attending the ACFW conference in 2013 and 2016, meeting dear author friends along with many amazing writers I’ve been reading for years.

Authors Dorothy Adamek and Tamara Leigh  with Rel Mollet

D-  (PS I got to meet Dot and she's a doll!)
What’s the most difficult part of the ‘the job’?

R- The time commitment, for sure. Blogging is very time intensive from reading, preparing a review, creating the post, adding links, etc. It is a labour of love for me and I wish I had more time to devote to it.

D- What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

R- I’m halfway through Joanne Bischof’s July release, Sons of Blackbird Mountain. I’m captivated!

D- I'll try not to go all fan girl here, but I had a post Charlie Lionheart hangover for about two weeks after her first book!  Double Sigh.

What keeps you busy or entertained (beyond reading and reviewing!)?

R- My husband and 3 daughters keep me both busy and entertained, no question, along with my work as a Virtual Assistant through my business, Author Support Services.

Rel with Steve and Sherlock

D-What is your fiction favorite…setting? Place and time? Genre’?

R- I read very broadly, but if push comes to shove, romantic suspense is my favourite genre. I’m completely flexible on place, time, and setting, but I have to admit, as an Australian, I’m loving seeing international settings (outside the US) more these days. If you want to venture to Australia in the 1800s, get your hands on Dorothy Adamek’s Carry Me Home. If Europe takes your fancy, Rachel McMillan’s novella, Love in Three Quarter Time, is a must read. You can also visit my beautiful country and the gorgeous New Zealand in Kara Isaac’s Then There Was You. And if you are into globetrotting, travel across a few continents with Ronie Kendig’s Tox Russell and his team in Conspiracy of Silence, Crown of Souls, and the upcoming Thirst of Steel!

That said, as long as connect to the characters and the location and cultural settings are authentic, I’m hooked.

Authors Becky Wade and Kate Breslin with Rel Mollet

D- That's quite a list! And super great word-of-mouth for these authors!
If you had a rainy afternoon alone to watch a movie what would it be?

R- I can’t go past North and South, based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, starring Richard Armitage! And it would have to be an afternoon and an evening as it’s a mini-series rather than a movie.

D- Goodness. If we had a nickel... that series is tops on many a list! Sigh...

And what meal would you have delivered during that latest showing of North and South? I’m paying with my virtual bank account!

R- Mmmm…that’s hard as I’m not a huge fan of take-away food! But nothing beats what we call a Chip Butte 😉 Hot chips (thick cut, not French Fries) from the Fish & Chip shop, brought home placed between two slices of buttered fresh white bread!

image borrowed from BBC America

D-You didn't mention ketchup/catsup, but this is the best I could find!

If you could wiggle your nose and be in your dream career, what would it be? Or are you already living it?

R- I’m living it. After 21 years as a lawyer, I now work full time as a Virtual Assistant to authors in the CBA. I love being able to lift the burden of essential tasks that take away from a writer’s time to do what they do best…writing their stories. I’m privileged to work with talented and passionate storytellers – something I dreamed of doing for ten years before it came to fruition!

D- I dream of  employing one! It's an amazing gift to authors because marketing seems to take up as much time as writing!
What piece of advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?

R- Write, write, write!

Then, if you are heading towards publication, an informative and CURRENT website is a must. Connect and engage authentically on a social media platform of your choice. Don’t be afraid to contact book bloggers (after reading their review policy to be sure your book is a good fit) and ask to be featured.

So, I guess I went with pieces of advice rather than just a piece!

D- That's wonderful!  More is Better and you've got the experience to show for it!
Same for new reviewers—

R- Review, review, review. Share your opinion of the story (not the author) honestly, - what you loved about the setting, characterization, and plot, and what you didn’t - all with sensitivity and grace. Avoid spoilers like the plague!

D- Thanks so much for visiting indulging me! I loved getting to know more about you, and appreciate your visit and your experience!

R- Thanks for having me, Deb – it’s fun to be on the other side of blogging 😊

Rel Mollet with Authors James Rubert and Ronie Kendig

Links

Website: http://relzreviewz.com/

Instagram: RelMollet

Twitter: @Relz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relzreviewz/

Meet Book Blogger Beckie from By The Book!

Thanks for agreeing to be my guest, Beckie! Especially after I asked you for your answers and hadn’t actually sent you the questions! 

Debra asks-- How long have you been reviewing, and how did you decide on the theme for your blog?

Beckie answers-- I started blogging about books in 2009 as part of the library ministry at my former church. I thought it would be a great way to introduce church members to what was available in the library. When I found out I could get free books for the library by taking part in review programs and tours, I jumped at the chance. My first reviews are a bit embarrassing, but hopefully I’ve grown since then. ;) My blog’s name, By The Book, is the name of my book club that started in 2002. When I switched from being the church library blog to a personal blog, I thought that the name was fitting.

D- The good thing is that authors like reviews, and understand being ‘our worst critics’, so we all look back and may want to cringe, but it's good to see improvements in your reviewing. Most importantly, just know that even your first efforts were appreciated!

This is Beckie, by the pond, not by the book!
(Enjoying their getaway place in GA).

What’s the best part of being a reviewer?

B- There are so many perks to being a reviewer — access to authors, “inside” info from publishers, and books, books, books galore! But honestly the best part is being a part of a wonderful community of book lovers, specifically Christian fiction lovers. They care about books, yes, but the emphasis on sharing God’s love is something truly special. I view this blogging gig as a ministry, and I have been touched by how “story” reaches people where they are.

D- Yes, and I’m glad to see that there’s more opportunity for authors to present a wide variety of stories to reach people. Now there’s fantasy and SciFi and stories with controversial subjects that would never have been available even ten years ago.

What’s the most difficult part of the ‘the job’?

B- Saying no to books! LOL! I have had to curtail my reviewing because of life. I want to say yes to the many book offers that make their way into my email, but it is just not possible to read all the books out there.

D- I really can’t imagine how bloggers read as many as they do! At least when I hoard books, I’m not obligated to get them read in the next ten years!

What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

B- I am currently reading it! The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright is my book club’s March selection. It is absolutely riveting, and the writing is outstanding. (When I finish typing, I am headed back to the book!)

D- You are certainly not alone. I’m really eager to get to this one because it’s so close to my favorite genre’ (which I used to call historical romantic suspense with a gothicy feel.

What keeps you busy or entertained (beyond reading and reviewing!)?

B- For years I followed my kids around to soccer games and swim meets. My daughter played soccer in college, so while the nest was emptying, I was still able to show up on campus without anyone thinking it was weird. Now the nest is completely empty and no grandkids have come along . . . yet. So my husband and I have started to travel. And we have a cabin in the North Georgia mountains where we escape.

D- ooh, that sounds nice!  I, too, had the years of kids-playing-sports.  Many years. And now the grandkids are at it. Enjoy the break! Haha! 

Don't you love this Burnham Family wedding rehearsal photo?

Beckie, what is your fiction favorite…setting? Place and time? Genre’?

B- I have been a mystery and suspense fan since my Nancy Drew days. I love to try to figure out whodunit along with the sleuth. Setting and time period don’t matter. Just give me a good mystery!

D- Hmmm, have you heard about The Nosy Parker Mysteries? (hint hint!)

What person from history would you most like to text with?

B- I guess I will be a bit cliche and pick Jane Austen. While she didn’t write mysteries, unless you count Northanger Abbey, Jane has always fascinated me. I would love to know the goings on in her family and life.

D- Hmmm, have you heard  about Alarmingly Charming? Okay I really have to stop teasing. And while Jane Austen may not be a novel choice (as in not-cliché), I’m sure she’s going to be at the top of the answer list for this question!

If you had a rainy afternoon alone to watch a movie what would it be? And what meal would you have delivered if that afternoon included a quiet evening as well? I’m paying with my virtual bank account!

B- I may be kind of a cheap date for you! I would probably watch Persuasion — the version with Ciaran Hinds. That is my favorite of all Austen’s works. And although I am on a diet, I will have you spring for some Chinese food — Happy Family with fried rice and an egg roll sounds good.

 

Deb could be persuaded to be a bit jealous!

D- yes. Really cheap date because I own that particular version of Persuasion too.  While Rupert Penry-Jones wowed me when he walked on screen as Capt. Wentworth, there’s a compelling mix of power and gentleness in Ciaran Hinds’ portrayal. That’s just such an awesome production! I hold my breath during that note scene –as if I don’t know what’s coming!

 
If you could wiggle your nose and be in your dream career, what would it be? Or are you already living it?

B- Since my day job is keeping the books for my husband’s business, I’d better say I already have the dream job. I’m inching up towards retirement, so I’ll stick to the job and the blogging gig.

D- Haha. Good call! What piece of advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?

B- Reach out to reviewers. We love to read new authors. And if they like your work, you will have a great cheerleader for future projects. But make sure that they read your chosen genre. Don’t expect a romance fan to give glowing reviews to your “zombie cowboy” saga. Just sayin’.

D- True. When I started at zero with reviewers, I did it by contacting them like a ‘cold call’, and now I know so many of them like good friends because they gave me a chance and offered support. Which is why I enjoy doing these blogger interviews and hosting reviewers!

Advice for new reviewers?

B- Take a chance on indie authors. I have read some fantastic books from indie authors. It’s a growing part of publishing, and those authors need our support.

D- Absolutely. Small publishers are producing some of the most popular stories. It’s not just the big guys anymore, and many ‘Readers’ Favorites’ last year were Indie published and small press. And, they don’t have the resources behind them that the big houses do!

Thanks so much for visiting with us, Beckie! I’ve really enjoyed our chat!

Beckie and Hubby during his 'bucket list' trip to Mittenvald, Germany!

Beckie's Blog: By The Book

Beckie on Twitter: @BeckieByTheBook

Beckie on Facebook  BeckieByTheBook

Beckie on Instagram : @Beckiebythebook

Book Blogger Party and Giveaways

Welcome to our Book Blogger Party!

Over the last seven or so  months, I've had the pleasure of hosting "Book Bloggers" aka Very Busy Reviewers who blog as a way to promote their important work and have some fun along the way.

Grab a treat from our buffet, or grab a seat and let our waitstaff assist!

Sorry, it's just not an Inky party without JLM in costume.

In no particular order, here's a quick recap with link to each of my first thirteen guests:
 
Andi Tubbs began blogging in January 2016 after her eleventh year as a reviewer. Read her Inkwell interview here. Andi had an inspiring message as well as lots of encouragement for reviewers. Visit her at Radiant Light (" because I want my blog and reviews to be a light in our dark world"). The address is http://frommipov.blogspot.com

Rachel Dixon has been reviewing/blogging for a little over 3 years now. "It's been lots of trial and error" and " it wasn’t until I got connected with other bloggers (specifically Annie on Just Commonly. and Carrie on Reading is my Superpwer ) that things really started coming together.   
 Find Rachel at BookWorm Mama
Read her Inkwell Interview here.

Katherine Good, aka "Kat" began blogging when friends kept asking her opinion and she thought it’d be an easy way to share with them. "I was writing reviews anyway and really appreciated how bloggers' thoughts helped me figure out if I’d like a book."  Read her Inkwell Interview here.
Find her at Kat's Corner Books

It's that time of the year. Bring on the Butter and Sugar!

(that's my cue to bring in Richard Armitage and a Cat)

\Okay. So, where was I?



#bonus fun! I had a chance to spend extra time with Jessica Baker in August when we drove to the Christian Fiction Reader Retreat! Here's what she has to say about book blogging: "The best part of being a reviewer is sharing my love of reading with others. I am a book nerd, there is just no getting around that. So if I can help someone find a new author, a new book, or encourage them to review on their own, I am a happy girl."
Visit her blog A Baker's Perspective here:  
And read her Inkwell Interview here

Blogger Trisha Robertson's Inkwell Inspiration visit can be found here. She says "After visiting several blogs of friends I’d made from the various review teams, I started my blog Joy Of Reading in February 2017. The first thought I had is that I’d like to bring Joy to others and thus, my blog name.  I pray that by sharing my Joy for books, that it brings others Joy in return and brings them closer to the ultimate Joy giver!  Visit her blog  Joy of Reading here  

This next guest was one of the first book bloggers I found when I started writing. Here's what blogger Jenny Blake had to say about reviewing: "Don’t be afraid to write a review even if it’s only a few sentences. Only review on the first three chapters of the book so you do not give away too much of the story. One other thing would be if the author has hidden gems in the story that are unexpected do not mention them in a review. They are there for the reader and it’s nice to have surprises. If you put in spoilers mention there are spoilers in the review." Read her Inkwell interview here  and visit her blog "Come Meet Aus Jenny" 

Our youngest book blogger is Raechel -
"I’ve been reviewing for about 7 years, I believe. As for how I came to decide on the theme of my blog, it started out just being an All-Purpose blog when I was about 14 years old - I really loved the verse and concept of being God’s Peculiar Treasures, so I adopted that into the name Godspeculiartreasurerae.wordpress.com and kept with it. I do still use my blog for all-purposes, but reviewing is the primary posts because...well, I love books. :) "  Here's Raechel's interview!

The brave first guest for our Blogger feature was Beth Erin!
"I launched Faithfully Bookish in April 2016 but I have been actively reviewing for about two years now. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I hoped to accomplish through blogging and 1 Thessalonians 5:11 is the verse that has settled in my heart so I’ve just been trying to live that out by connecting and encouraging readers and authors." Here's the link to Faithfully Bookish and to Beth's interview at the Inkwell back in May 2017!

Probably one of the first reviewers I met online was the very prolific Kav Rees. Here's part of what she had to say: "I review a different book a day from Monday to Saturday and each book includes a giveaway opportunity. Sunday I announce the winners and post what I’ll be reviewing and giving away in the coming week."
Here's the rest of her interview!
Her blog is simply called Best Reads  and here's the Link!   http://bestreads-kav.blogspot.ca/

Ooh. I think we all need to take a break here. I see how busy I've been hosting and need some nourishment! (I just fell off the Whole 30 wagon by looking at those pastries!)

Yes, this is me hanging out with historian Alistair Bruce, OBE,  best known from his cameo roles and input on Downton Abbey.
I actually had a good hair day so this is a unique photo I can't ignore!
Aren't you impressed?

Okay, onward and upward. Four more to go! You seriously need to check them all out in more detail whether you're a reader or an author. #ReviewersRock

An energizer bunny of the book blogger world-- Meez Carrie!  Carrie Schmidt--
"In 2015, I had newly discovered my love of reading and was having fun recommending books to my friends when they would ask (and sometimes when they wouldn’t lol). When I decided I wasn’t going to burn out on this blogging thing anytime soon, I bought the domain http://readingismysuperpower.org 
Read Carrie's interview here.

Next, Bree of Bibliophile Reviews. (another mystery lover!). Bree said,
"I love finding the piece in the book to share. I am not a blogger that summarizes the book in a review. That isn’t what authors are looking for. I am a reviewer that finds a part of the book or a character to share about. It is like a treasure hunt where I always find the treasure." Here's her blog link (Bibliophile Reviews)
and her interview at the Inkwell!

Like Jenny Blakc, Katie Donovan manages to stay one step and many hours ahead of us. I just figure she's asleep when I'm awake. Visit her blog, Fiction Aficionado, to see why!
Katie says, "I kind of crept onto the reviewing scene quietly, testing the waters for a little while, not making much of a splash and generally finding my way. But once I started connecting with authors and other bloggers, things really started taking off. I love the way those in the book-blogging community support each other.
There was never any question that my blog would be about fiction and my
love of reading. My official tag line is ‘The power of fiction, the beauty of
words, and the God who made us to wield them for His glory.’ 
Read the rest of her Inkwell Interview here! 

And my latest guest is Carole Jarvis at The Power of Words. (here's the link!)
"I started playing around at blogging back in 2008, mainly because I wanted to share about my three passions – art, music, and books – but it wasn’t until November of 2012 that I got serious about book reviews. (Actually, I still can’t believe that I’m a reviewer, because writing is very difficult for me. Let’s just say that no one could afford to pay me for my time!)"  Here's the link to her Inkwell Interview.

OKAY, you've hung on this long (and gosh I've been busy with these gals!) and now we have #Giveaways brought to you by Rafflecopter, Susie Dietze, Julianna Deering, and probably another cute waiter...

Flip through all the rafflecopter screens as there are multiple prizes!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF MY BLOGGER GUESTS. I look forward to another year of bringing great reviewers to the Inkwell as I work to give these amazing people a little fanfare for all of the work they do for Authors and Readers!


Now - let's hand out goodies!  We're not making you prove you've visited and liked these social media sites but that what we're hoping for. The more you follow, the more points you get for our drawing! There are five prizes so scroll through them all, then visit our bloggers. 

My Question is: (and you get a rafflecopter point for it), is...How many books do you read in a month?

a Rafflecopter giveaway