-Stephen
Blogger Spotlight #8:
1. Tell us a little about yourself, and your background.
I grew up loving book (my mom was huge into buying me books and reading to me every night when I was little). I got my degree in Literature from Texas A&M, and right before graduation I started my review site. I've always loved talking about books, so the review site seemed like a natural offshoot of it. After graduation I started working as a freelance editing for several small publishing houses, I job I love more than I could have ever imagined.
2. What kinds of books do you like to read for pleasure? Any favorites?
I read mostly Urban Fantasy in my down time, and my favorite writer would probably be Rachel Vincent. I love her work.
3. When did you start your blog, and what motivated you to do it?
I started it when I was about to graduate from college, mainly because I spent most of my college career writing huge papers about different books, and I realized when I graduated I wouldn't be doing that anymore. I knew I wasn't going to get my masters right away, but I wanted to at some point so I wanted to keep my writing skills as fresh as I could. Hence, the blog. I got to talk about all the different books I read, and as anyone who knows me will tell you, I am obsessive about talking about whatever book I am reading.
4. How did you come up with the name for your site? Is there a story behind it?
Since urban fantasy is my favorite genre, it seemed simple enough to just go with Urban Fantasy Reviews, I call it UFR for short.
5. What kinds of genres do you cover on your site?
While urban fantasy is my favorite, I am not limited to only urban fantasy. I love a good mystery, a do read the occasional chick-lit book, I like books that will make me laugh out loud. Generally speaking if the synopsis is good, I will probably give it a chance and review it on the site. If a synopsis just doesn't peak my interest, I don't read/review it because no author needs a bad review, and the fact of the matter is what I like is not what everyone likes.
6. What kinds of regular features do you have on your site?
I like to do interviews with authors and guest posts from authors.
7. What is the hardest thing about being a blogger?
BALANCE! Since my job is reading, I do tend to get burned out with reviewing and editing. I'm still trying to figure out that balance, especially when I have an influx of books to edit.
8. What are your favorite things about being a blogger?
Getting to read books before they come out. I am terrible about waiting for the next book in a series to come out, so I love getting books early for review. I get even more excited when I get a printed ARC with a note from the author in it, I love it.
9. If you could give a piece of advice or two to authors looking to work with a blog site, what would you say?
Don't be pushy! I can't explain how annoying it is when an author gets uber pushy with me about getting a review, or if the review wasn't enjoyed. Other than that, make sure you read their review policies before contacting the blogger will save you a lot of time.
10. Any last thoughts or things you might want to say to readers who are finding out about your blog for the first time?
I hope you enjoy the site, and if anyone has any suggestions or just want to chat about books, I am always up for a good conversation!
Be sure to visit Urban Fantasy Reviews and connect with Kate at the following links!
Site: www.UFReviews.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UFReviews
Twitter: @UFantasyReviews
For EDITING SERVICES e-mail kate@kathrynkoller.com
Great interview!
ReplyDeleteLove the interview and 2 new sites to follow.
ReplyDelete