Follow Friday: features I have

Question of the Week: Have you come up with any special memes or features on your blog that you'd like people to visit more? - Suggested byTake Me Away

I actually started a new meme this week called Reverse Thursday.
Here is my intro page Reverse Thursday and here is my first post Reverse Thursday with the mr linky. I really hope it's something that people will like because I need that extra push to read an older book. :)

I also started a feature awhile back that I only did for a short time, but I really want to get back to doing it. It's called Are you a bookaholic? I thought they were pretty fun questions. Depending on how I do it again I might even add a $5 dollar gift card for the people that choose to do the feature. Who knows?

Another little feature I do is called Questions? Answered! 

You know when you find those interesting discussions and maybe you feel like writing a whole paragraph about it, or something well I turned that into something. Go take a look. (I do this sporadically)

Another feature I do sporadically is called "Books I'd quit support group for" which I haven't done one in awhile it's sort of a WOW, but not.

Feature: Are you a bookaholic? Lan from Write Obsession

Welcome to a feature I do here every once in awhile called Are you a bookaholic? Where I ask questions that other bookaholics can answer. Want to join the fun? Click-> Fun->Feature->Are you a bookaholic and sign up. better yet here -> Are you a bookaholic?

Today's feature is Lan from The Write Obsession

ARE YOU A BOOKAHOLIC?
Are you a bookaholic (remember admitting it is the first step)?
I most certainly am. And I'm proud of it.

When did you notice you had a problem?
I've always loved books but didn't notice until I finished reading The Hunger Games and couldn't get the story out of my head that I might have a problem. I wanted so desperately to discuss what I'd just read with some else. That's when I discovered book blogging and realised that I feel the same way after almost every great book I read. Totally and utterly obsessed.

THESE CAN BE STRICTLY YES OR NO OR YOU CAN GIVE A BRIEF ANSWER.
Do you lose time from work due to your reading?
I have been known to read PDF format books on the computer at work but please don't tell anyone.

Have you ever got into financial difficulties as a result of reading?
According to my credit card I do, but you can't really put a price on a great novel!

Do you crave a book at a definite time?
I always want to read while I'm eating. It seems like a winning combination to me. Except that I get stuff all over the pages.

Do you want to read the next morning?

Does reading cause you difficulty in sleeping?
I have difficulty sleeping because I read! Reading never puts me to sleep so if I've even opened a good book before I go to bed I will end up staying up to read.

Do you read to escape from worries or trouble?
This is one that I don't do. I seem to only feel the need to read when I'm happy. When I feel worried, TV is my answer.

Do you read alone?
Always. I get distracted very easily and I'm one of those people who feels the need to fill silences with endless chatter so I need to be alone when I read.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR ADDICTION (You can answer as little or as many as you want for this part)
What type of reader are you?
A slow one. It takes me forever to read a book because I'm a bit OCD and if there are bits that I don't get or there's some plot point that bugs me, I will go back through the whole book to find the answer. Hmm...I feel like I'm incriminating myself with this answer somehow...

What type of books do you typically read?
I'm a YA girl all the way. I used to say fantasy was my favorite genre but that's changed in the past few years. I'll read anything really as long as it strikes my fancy.

Do you prefer print books or e-books?
I'm slowly getting into e-books but I think my first love will always be print books. There's just no substitute for the touch and smell of a book. I guess I'm just a very tactile person. So if there were a choice between the two, I would always try and get the print book.


What are five of your pet peeves related to books or reading?
1. Never enough time to read.
2. You feel like a weirdo if you don't like a book that everyone else raves about.
3. Books that try to overtly push morality and other messages onto readers.
4. Having super high hopes about a new book and then being disappointed.
5. Having to wait for future books in a series that you love.(I agree with #2 THG is my weirdo book. :) and #5 waiting sucks!)

If you had to choose between really good characters and a bad plot or bad characters and a really good plot. Which would it be?
Really good characters and a bad plot any day. I can live through a bad plot if I care about what happens to the characters, but I can't do the opposite. Case in point: House of Night series. The plot could have been good, I don't know, I didn't finish it because I wanted to slit Zoey's throat. On the other hand, Vampire Academy 4: Blood Promise, plot bored me a little but I didn't care. I just wanted to know that Rose and Dimitri would be together again.

Do you always have a compulsive need to buy books or are you someone who likes books, but doesn't always have the desire to purchase them?
I'm a frugal book buyer. I can't think of anything worse than owning a book I dislike. I always check books out at the library first before I decide whether I will buy a series.

We all have those characters we love. Are you more addicted to the tall-dark-handsome-mysterious type or the sensitive-laidback-bestfriend type?
Can I be greedy and say both? If I have to choose, I'd go with tall-dark-handsome-mysterious guy as long as he's not also creepy-stalker-watching you while you sleep guy. Having said that, I really love the best friend angle and wish there were more books where the laid back best friend gets a shot.

I know we all want to read everything, but sometimes we can't. If you could only read 3 books for the rest of your life what would they be?
This question is too hard. The Hunger Games, The Obernewtyn Series and Harry Potter. Unless my e-reader counts as one book.....

Are you predictable when shopping for books? Do you have a shopping pattern?
I'm not an impulse buyer normally, unless I've had a bad day and need some retail therapy. Usually, I will think I want a book for a long time before I buy it.

What one book would you recommend over and over again?
I think you know the answer to this one ;) The Hunger Games for sure. I think I have recommended this book to so many people Suzanne Collins should start paying me commission.
(LOL, Yeah, I could have definitely answered that for you!)

How much does the book blogging community contribute to your book buying habit/addiction/pattern?
100%. You guys have no idea how much influence over me you have! I haven't picked up a book in the past 6 months that hasn't been recommended to me on someone's blog.

MY BLOG IS MY LIFELINE TO THIS CRAZY ADDICTION
What's your blog name?
The Write Obsession

In twitter detail (140 characters or less) describe your blog.
I'm an aspiring writer as well as a reader so my blog is a mix of these two loves. I do reviews, weekly writing discussions and sometimes I just vent about things that annoy me.

How long have you had your blog?
About 5 months now. My how time flies.

For everyone who wants to start a book blog (or any blog) what's the best advice you can give them.
Be prepared to put in the time and effort that it takes to maintain a blog. It's a lot more work than I thought. Be interactive and social because there is nothing worse than having thousands of followers for the pretty numbers and zero interaction. Don't be disheartened at first if it feels like no one is reading your blog because you never know when you'll meet a blogger that you just click with. I've made some great online friends from my blog. But most importantly, don't let it take over your life!!!

WANNA STALK ME- (You can choose which you want share if any.)
Twitter- I don't have twitter.
Goodreads- Lan (The Write Obsession) or search lc.novel@gmail.com
Shelfari- I'm assuming this is Amazon?
Library thing- N/A
Or any others sites you can join.

Thank you Lan for taking the time and answering my questions. It's always nice to learn a little more about our Australian Bloggers. You guys if you haven't checked out her site yet what are you waiting for go..go. She's super sweet and has some awesome discussions.

Are you a bookaholic: Michelle at Book Briefs

ARE YOU A BOOKAHOLIC?

Presents: Michelle at Book Briefs

Are you a bookaholic (remember admitting it is the first step)?

Well, if I'm not then I don't know anyone who is. In the world. The whole wide world.


When did you notice you had a problem?

It was probably when I found out I could not walk into a bookstore or even log onto amazon without buying something. My roommate also may or may not have referred to me as a book hoarder.

THESE CAN BE STRICTLY YES OR NO OR YOU CAN GIVE A BRIEF ANSWER.
 
Do you lose time from work due to your reading?
Ha! Yes.

Have you ever got into financial difficulties as a result of reading?

not seriously, but almost all of my extra money goes towards books.

Do you crave a book at a definite time?

Yes, specifically all the time.

Do you want to read the next morning?

You know it.

Does reading cause you difficulty in sleeping?

I've been known to stay up pretty late reading a book that I could not put down.

Do you read to escape from worries or trouble?

Yes.

Do you read alone?

Only if you don't count the tons of awesome characters I meet.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR ADDICTION (You can answer as little or as many as you want for this part)
What type of reader are you?

a voracious one! I read everything I can get my hands on!

What type of books do you typically read?

I read a wide variety of books but my favorite are YA. Specifically, paranormal, Dystopian, Supernatural, UF, and contemporary.I also read some adult books in these genres. 

Do you prefer print books or e-books?
I love my kindle so much and its so convenient, but I just love seeing all the pretty books on my book shelves so I could never give up my print books. 

If you had to choose between really good characters and a bad plot or bad characters and a really good plot. Which would it be?

I need a good plot. I can get annoyed at characters and still enjoy the story, but if the story is bad I have a hard time enjoying the book overall.


We all have those characters we love. Are you more addicted to the tall-dark-handsome-mysterious type or the sensitive-laidback-bestfriend type?

I like both of those types as long as they are nice/good guys. I'm not really a fan of bad boys; in real life or in books.

I know we all want to read everything, but sometimes we can't. If you could only read 3 books for the rest of your life what would they be?

The hunger games trilogy

The Harry Potter series

The Mediator Series

How much does the book blogging community contribute to your book buying habit/addiction/pattern?

They are the biggest enablers on the planet! I think that is why my book buying habit has grown so much since I started blogging. Hearing people gush over how much they love a book makes me need to run out and get the book ASAP!

MY BLOG IS MY LIFELINE TO THIS CRAZY ADDICTION
What's your blog name?
Book Briefs

In twitter detail (140 characters or less) describe your blog.

Book Briefs are so much more fun than law briefs, so stop by my blog for (mostly) YA book reviews, giveaways and bookish news.

How long have you had your blog?
Book Briefs is only 8 months old. It has almost started walking :)

For everyone who wants to start a book blog (or any blog) what's the best advice you can give them.

Don't get caught up in doing what you think you need to do. Do what you want- it is supposed to be fun! And don't feel bad about saying no to book review requests if you don't have time or think you won't enjoy the book. It is much harder to write a negative review after a sweet author has sent you their book, than just passing on the book in the first place. 

WANNA STALK ME- (You can choose which you want share if any.) I love stalkers ;)
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/BookBriefs
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4253940-michelle-adams
blog- http://www.bookbriefs.blogspot.com
FictFact- http://fictfact.com/user/bookbriefs

Are you a bookaholic: Theresa at Fade into Fantasy

BOOKAHOLICS ANONYMOUS PRESENTS:

Theresa at Fade into Fantasy

Here's your button. Wear it proud!

Are you a bookaholic (remember admitting it is the first step)?

Theresa:  Absolutely.  I have more books than I have shelves for, I work at a book store, I operate BLB Book Tours, and I'm an editing intern with an online publisher.  If that doesn't make me a bookaholic, I don't know what would. lol

When did you notice you had a problem?

As a teenager, I could always be found in my bedroom with a good book.  After having my children, my reading habits changed due to never having the time to relax with a book.  Now that my kids are older, I have the time to escape into good books again.  As far as when I noticed the problem... that would probably have been last fall, right before I started my blog, Fade Into Fantasy 

THESE CAN BE STRICTLY YES OR NO OR YOU CAN GIVE A BRIEF ANSWER.
Do you lose time from work due to your reading
Actually, since I have the best job in the world (working at the local book store), I'm allowed to read at work and get to pet all the pretty covers when the shipments come in. :)  It's like Christmas!

Have you ever got into financial difficulties as a result of reading?
No, I haven't.  Although books are my favorite things to buy, I never buy one unless everything else has been taken care of first.  When I got the job at the book store and found out that I could get a great discount and buy books on account (almost like running a tab), I had to put a limit on myself.  I'm allowed to buy one book per paycheck.  Of course, there are times when I can't resist.  Just the other day, I ordered Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor because I can't wait to get my hands on that one! 

Do you crave a book at a definite time?
Not really.  My cravings come at all times.  Just last night, I woke up at about 1am and thought about reading for a while but decided against it. 

Do you want to read the next morning?
I usually read in the afternoon/evening.  Mornings are for checking emails, doing homework (I'm enrolled in the online Creative Writing program at Southern New Hampshire University), taking care of book tours, etc.

Does reading cause you difficulty in sleeping?
Occasionally.  I read in bed a lot, so when I am reading a book that I don't want to put down, I find myself reading until I literally can't hold my eyes open anymore.  Those are the nights when I wake up at crazy hours and want to read. 

Do you read to escape from worries or trouble?
Of course!  Who doesn't?  Reading is always my escape. There is nothing better than immersing yourself into a completely different world and forgetting about the worries of real life for a while. 

Do you read alone?
Unfortunately, I do.  I am the only reader in our family and the only female.  Every time I get another book in the mail, the boys give me that look that says, "Mom, you're freakin' weird." LOL

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR ADDICTION (You can answer as little or as many as you want for this part)

What type of reader are you?
(not exactly sure what you are looking for here)
My reading doesn't ever seem to be consistent.  I read one boo
k at a time, read for a few days, then take a day off to get other stuff done. 

What type of books do you typically read?
Everything paranormal, urban fantasy, or remotely creepy :) 

Do you prefer print books or e-books?
Although I own a Nook, I still prefer print books by far.  There's just something about the feel of paper in my hands. 

What are five of your pet peeves related to books or reading?
1.  Dog-eared pages!  For shame!
2.  Crinkled or bent covers (seeing a pattern here?  I take very good care of my books)

3.  Poor editing.  I can't stand it when I stumble over the words of a book because poor editing disrupted my reading flow.

4.  Misleading or extremely vague synopsis's.  The synopsis of a book is what I use to decide whether or not to read the book.  When the book doesn't match what the blurb led me to believe, I almost feel cheated.

5.  Crappy cover art.  I know I'm not alone when I admit that a cover is the first thing that draws me to a book. 

If you had to choose between really good characters and a bad plot or bad characters and a really good plot. Which would it be?
That's tough, but I would have to choose a really good plot and crappy characters.  If a book doesn't have a good plot, it won't hold my attention. 

Do you always have a compulsive need to buy books or are you someone who likes books, but doesn't always have the desire to purchase them?
If I had enough money, I would buy every book on my wish list (which has almost 180 books on it, lol).  Since I'm generally always broke, buying them isn't usually an option. 

We all have those characters we love. Are you more addicted to the tall-dark-handsome-mysterious type or the sensitive-laidback-bestfriend type?
Definitely the tall-dark-handsome-mysterious type!  No contest there. 

I know we all want to read everything, but sometimes we can't. If you could only read 3 books for the rest of your life what would they be?
Wow, this question really stinks for someone who generally doesn't re-read books. LOL  Um... I guess I would pick DANANN FROST FALLS FROM GRACE by Joanne Valiukas, LANEY by Joann Martin Sowles, and DARK LOVER by J.R. Ward. 

Are you predictable when shopping for books? Do you have a shopping pattern?
Since I don't get to shop often, I haven't developed a pattern.  You can always find me in either the paranormal or YA section, though. 

What one book would you recommend over and over again?
This actually changes for me over time.  One that I read last year and still recommend is DANANN FROST FALLS FROM GRACE by Joanne Valiukas.  A more recent read that I loved was GRAVEMINDER by Melissa Marr. 

How much does the book blogging community contribute to your book buying habit/addiction/pattern?
I would say 90%.  The other 10% comes from the books I see at work. 

MY BLOG IS MY LIFELINE TO THIS CRAZY ADDICTION
What's your blog name?
Fade Into Fantasy 

In twitter detail (140 characters or less) describe your blog.
Exploring the dark side of fantasy, including all paranormal and urban fantasy genres. 

How long have you had your blog?
I started blogging about books on October 13, 2010. 

For everyone who wants to start a book blog (or any blog) what's the best advice you can give them?
Be yourself!  Don't try to do what everyone else does.  Find what works for you and stick with it.  Also, don't stress about the follower number.  If you put your best self out there, the followers will come. 

WANNA STALK ME- (You can choose which you want to share if any.)
Twitter- FadeIntoFantasy
Goodreads- Theresa
   Facebook - Fade Into Fantasy 

Leave some comments for Theresa either here or over at her site. Go check it out Fade into Fantasy. She has some cool stuff over at her site. Book editing, Blog tours, and did I mention I love her layout. I love the ghostly look. :)

Thank you Theresa for joining me in my first Are you a bookaholic Feature!
You are now initiated into the group. :)

Let me know what you thought of my first feature!

Do you want to be featured on B.A?

Hi I'm Ashley from Bookaholics Anonymous.

And I want you...to join me in letting the world (or just the book blogging community) know that you are a bookaholic. So go fill out my form and you'll get to be featured on  my site (but only if you truly want to. I don't want to make you.) It'll be fun though I promise. I love to be able to interact with my followers/readers. This is sort of my way in doing that, and who knows you may get more exposure.

Does this sound like something your interested in? Go to Are you a bookaholic?

Here is a sample Ashley Admits she's a Bookaholic of what I ask, or how I want it to go. I answered all my own questions and in video format. You can do it by simply filling out the questions.

Are you a bookaholic: Ashley at B.A

My name is Ashley and I am a Bookaholic.

Alright, mine will be a little different then what you will see from the others because I'm sure others won't do Videos like me. (I love videos.) ENJOY!

WARNING: this video is kind of long. Sorry.