If you’ve ever wondered if book blogging is for you, then I am here to emphatically tell you “YES IT IS”. And, because I’m super nice, I’ll even give you a list of reasons why you should start a book blog. I KNOW. My generosity knows no bounds.
And if you already are a book blogger? CONGRATULATIONS. This post is still mightily handy for you because you can print it out on an 8ft poster and then plastered all over your family’s front lawn so they understand why you are a book blogger and all the wonderful benefits it includes and they will never again question why you’re sobbing over trying to get a blog post up before midnight.
You’re welcome.
1. IT GIVES YOU AN OUTLET TO PASSIONATELY MONOLOGUE ABOUT BOOKISH THINGS WITHOUT YOUR FAMILY/FRIENDS BEING 1000% DONE, GAGGING YOU AND TOSSING YOU INTO THE MARINA TRENCH.
It’s odd that not everyone wants to fangirl about books all the time. (I don’t know what’s wrong with them either.) But if you have a book blog? There is ALWAYS someone ready to flail with you. Plus only with a book blog can you get away with writing 2,000-words analysing the strengths and weaknesses of your favourite book cover — WITH NO ONE INTERRUPTING YOU. That, alone, is most glorious.
2. YOU ARE NO LONGER THAT “WEIRD BOOK PERSON” BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE IS PROBABLY (AKA DEFINITELY) WEIRDER THAN YOU ONLINE.
I thought I was a rabid reader before I became a book blogger. HA. WHAT A JOKE. As many books as you consume, there is always someone who reads more. And if you flail wildly and weirdly about your favourite fandom? Someone is more weirdly obsessed than you.
Seriously “weird” has really no meaning on the internet.
Absolutely no one questions me when I mention cake in basically every blog post of ever. No one. It’s not even weird when I suggested The Fault in Our Stars would’ve been better with dragons. YOU GUYS ACCEPT THAT I CALL YOU PINEAPPLES WHEN IT MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL.
3. YOU OWN A PIECE OF INTERNET THAT IS ALL YOUR OWN, CROWN YOURSELF QUEEN, AND RULE MALEVOLENTLY IF YOU WISH IT.
Or use your powers for good. It’s entirely up to you. FREEEEEDOM. You can have friends or subjects. I mean, I have both? I also allow people to call me “Cait” even though the correct terminology is “your majesty”.
4. YOU CAN FIND HORDES OF DERANGED FANGIRLS TO SHRIEK WITH AND FEEL ENTIRELY AT HOME.
Honestly, you can make friends with people IN ANTARCTICA. (Okay, they’re probably penguins, but let’s not judge the penguins’ internet preferences.) I chat with people all over the world! And timezones aren’t even an issue because there’s always someone awake on the internet.
If I’m up in the wee hours of the morning sobbing over a book — I have instant support. Or laughter. Probably laughter actually?
I feel like I need to warn you about this…but when my friends introduce me to painful fandoms and I come sobbing to them — THEY HONESTLY JUST LAUGHT AT ME AND SAY “TOLD YOU SO”. And then they direct me to even more painful fandoms. And yet I listen???
5. YOU LEARN TO BE A BETTER WRITER.
Except I’m 99% sure blogging has made me a worse writer, purely from the fact that I a) have atrocious grammar, b) use made up words like “gargantuanly” and “feelsy”, c) misuse commas because they’re tricky beasts anyway, d) and overuse !! exclamation marks !! because !! I can !!!
Ahem.
But that aside. It has made me a better writer because I’ve learnt how to engage audiences with different writing styles. I’ve learnt how to type SUPER FAST. I basically write every single day and hopefully that’s good for you. My fingers are lean, mean, typing machines.
6. PEOPLE GIVE YOU STUFF AND THAT’S SO SUFFOCATINGLY MARVELLOUS!!
I know, I know. The “don’t blog for free books” thing is a loaded statement, and I kind of agree with it. Getting ARCs or review-copies shouldn’t be the SOLE reason you blog. (Because you have to put so much work into blogging; ergo you need to love to do it just for the sake of it!) But I think it’s FREAKING MARVELLOUS that you can actually be given things specifically to promote on your little piece of internet space!
(It’s never really “free books” though…when you think about it. I mean, say the book costs $20 and you spend 4 hours reading it an and 1 hour blogging? It ain’t free, folks.)
I love getting review-copies or ARCs (aka free books) as part of blogging. As a bookworm who has very little money to spend on books…THIS IS THE BEST THING OF MY LIFE AND DREAMS AND THANK YOU.
7. IF YOU PLAN TO BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR IN THE NEAR-FUTURE, YOU CAN BUILD AN ARMY. AND EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT, YOU CAN STILL JUST BUILD AN ARMY BASICALLY. FOR NO REASON AT ALL.
There is no downside to having an army, honestly. Even if you don’t plan to write a book and therefore instruct your army to buy it, read it, and zoom you to the bestseller list in 24hrs — you can use your army for other things.
I use my army to admire pictures of my dog. #priorities
Also there is something deliciously satisfying to gaze upon your follower count and think “WELL LOOK AT THESE HUMANS WHO ARE ACTUALLY COMING BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN TO HEAR MY DERANGED SHRIEKS.”
I mean the fact that people read my blog (which honestly is kinda weird and cake-obsessed) it just proves #2. Everyone here is SO WEIRD. And I love it.
8. YOU CAN CASUALLY DROP IN CONVERSATIONS PHRASES LIKE “OH, YES, I’M A BLOGGER AND I JUST CHATTED TO AN NYT BESTSELLER AUTHOR. WE’RE BFFS. JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE, YA KNOW.”
Just chattin’ with me mate * who is FAMOUS by the way.
Okay, but really. The first time I ever talked to an author on twitter, I raced upstairs and expired on the floor hyperventilating dementedly about talking to someone famous. I haven’t matured much since then? But. STILL.
I have interviewed Cornelia Funke. I have chatted with Derek Landy. I have had Rick Riordan share my post.
CAN I SHRIEK NOW??? THIS SURELY MAKES ME FAMOUS TOO, RIGHT????
* Although I’m not actually “friends” with any authors because I’m kind of terrified of them. They’re famous beasts! I’m an anxious fangirl! But I possibly maybe exaggerate to my family…you know. Just that one time…or two…
9. YOU CAN BLAME YOUR NEED TO CONSUME SO MUCH CHOCOLATE ON THE BLOG. NOT YOU. IT’S THE BLOG’S FAULT.
Not that we should technically have to explain away chocolate consumption? But if anyone ever looks at me dubiously while I instruct my dragons to fill the house with boxes of chocolate, I can just say dismissively, “It’s for the blog.” And they can do nothing but leave me to it. Perfect.
10. YOU HAVE HAVE SO MUCH MORE SPACE TO CONVERT PEOPLE TO READING AND LOVING YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKS.
Not to say the good ol’ fashion way is bad or anything. (And by “old fashioned way”, I’m referring to kidnapping a family/friend/alien/cat and duct taping them to a chair and forcing them to read your favourite novel for hours and hours until they swear to be a lifelong fan.) It’s still feasible. BUT. With a blog, you have so much more reach.
How often do I talk about Maggie Stiefvater? How many tweets have I received telling me that a human is reading Maggie Stiefvater because of me? How often do I post Stiefvater books on instagram? How often do I randomly pause in a post and shriek “STEIFVATERFAN!”? The answer is: muchly. And it works. The amount of books I’ve sold…sheesh. I’m sure Maggie Stiefvater is going to hire me pretty soon as her personal publicity manager.
CONVERTING PEOPLE TO MY FAVOURITE BOOKS = THE BEST FEELING EVER.
By the way, obviously, if you haven’t read a Stiefvater book yet…I THINK YOU NEED TO QUESTION YOUR LIFE CHOICES. I also have dragons. And they might come after you. Just putting it out there.
YES YES YES YES YES. The thing about writing every day, I totally agree with. Writing reviews makes me WAY better at doing analysis stuff in English (and it totally helps for the SAT). Also: Book Blogs are FFFFFUUUUUUN. I also agree with the weirdness– like I just repeated lots of words and letters in caps and I’m accepted for it whut. I love how much fun book blogging is, that I get to meet awesome people (like you!), that I have people to talk to and convert to reading books. I totally read Maggie Stiefvater for you AND I AM GONNA GET THE RAVEN KING AUDIOBOOK FROM THE LIBRARY NEXT WEEK!!!!!! I also recently converted one of my irl frinds to being a reader, and now we talk about how the ending of Champion is the most horrible thing ever instead of doing calculus or environmental science. Awesome post! Everyon should be a book blogger obviously
YES THEY ARE FUN. I’m kind of embarrassed that didn’t make it on my list. BUT IT’S A GIVEN RIGHT?!? 😂 I’m also monstrously pleased I converted you to Maggie Stiefvater. :’) BUT DUDE. YOU GET THE RAVEN KING THAT FAST?! I BE EXTREMELY JEALOUS. *howls* My order has shipped, but i’ll probably still be 2 weeks before it gets here. THE WAIT IS TORTURE. MY BONES ARE CRYING.
Ahehehe these are great reasons for blogging. Having your own corner of the Internet to screech bookish war cries into th night is the most fabulous thing ever. Normal human beings are so terribly boring and so terribly good at rolling their eyes whenever I mention books. Like, COME ON MAN. I love people’s reactions when I managed to quickly say in one breath what the book was about and they don’t quite finish laughing at me before going…oh, that one actually sounds good. Gosh. Blogging is so much more manageable with sensible crazy people.
Also oh my god how did I not know that you have a post about TFIOS being better with dragons!! *runs to post*. I just has a thought, and I think it’s a good one. WHAT IF you were to do a series of blog posts for select books and outline how the problems with the book could have been solved with dragons? Because the answer to everything is dragons, obviously (although I conceded, sometimes cake too). *climbs onto a Night Fury and flies away*
And trolol when my work colleagues go, wow Kirstie you type so fast, I just look at them and mouth book blogger. If there was a finger fitness Olympics, we would be the forerunners, let’s be honest.
Eh, yes, “normal” people….so very adorable and dull. *runs around like a manic potato* I’ve basically given up talking about books out loud though, because I ALWAYS make them sound cliche. Because you can’t use all caps and gifs and exclamation marks and honestly I neeeeeed those to properly share my enthusiasm for books. *nods*
BASICALLY EVERYTHING WOULD’VE BEEN BETTER WITH DRAGONS. But also series wouldn’t exist??? Because can we just admit that Katniss + dragon = only needing one Hunger Game book because she would’ve had the dragon eat Snow right up front. #sensible
We are the sprinters of the Internet Olympics. *awards fingers gold medals*
So I started blogging literally because I had no one to shriek to about books except for my parents and they would kindly nod along and go “yes honey that’s interesting.” (I couldn’t fangirl with my sister because she usually read books wayy too long after I did and wouldn’t talk about books with me after I spoiled LOTR for her. When I was like TEN and I was DESPERATE FOR SOMEONE TO TALK TO.)
So then blogging became my book-shrieking outlet.
Two and half years after I made a blog I started college and met three lovely people with whom I could shriek in person so I actually don’t know if I would have gotten into blogging (or into the internet community thing in general) if I hadn’t been kind of lonely my senior year of high school. Which is weird to think about.
And because of that my favorite thing is what you mentioned – the ability to go on the internet, any time, and shriek, and have someone from somewhere in the world shriek back. It’s like having friends available 24/7!
Omg, I concur with that pain. I TRULY DO. Except it was the other-way-around for spoilers for my sister and me. When I was a small bean (like about 14) all I basically did was WRITE. So my sister would read and then spoil the books for me. -_- And I would try not to strangle her. AHEM. But then she lost interest in reading AND I WAS ALONE WITH NO ONE TO DICUSS. THANK THE UNIVERSE FOR BLOGGING. (It’s really cool that you’ve met other people who like blogging/bookish things IRL though!!)
Invisible available friends, though. THE BEST KIND.
I love these reasons! I was contemplating for so long, because I wasn’t sure if I should do it and then I was like: why the hell not? I love books and I love to talk about it and now I can express my feelings about them. 🙂
YES. “Why not” is an excellent reason, too, actually. :’) Plus once one starts expressing feelings about books and discussing topics — IT IS VERY HARD TO STOP. :’)
YASS CONVERT ALL THESE NON READERS INTO READERS
And my army is growing, Cait… we may need to have a DRAMATIC SHOWDOWN sometime in the future… TO THE BATTLEFIELD *raises TGW flag on white steed*
AND YES! I LOVE TO OVERUSE EXCLAMATION MARKS!! AND awkward CAPITALISATION that makes basically NO sense at ALL!!!!!!! MWAHAHA.
I will subtly send this link to my friends and then follow it up with: ‘OH ERM WHOOPS. TOTALLY DIDN’T MEAN TO SEND THAT TO YOU. I ACTUALLY MEANT TO SEND THAT LINK TO ONE OF MY FANTASTIC BLOGGY FRIENDS WHO IS COMPLETELY GREAT AND IS ONE OF THE MAJOR PERKS OF BOOK BLOGGING WHICH OF COURSE I’M NOT TELLING YOU TO DO. TOTALLY ACCIDENTAL SENDING YOU THIS LINK”
I HAVE DRAGONS, PAUL. THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU CHALLENGE MY ROYALNESS. *flips hair majestically* But pfff normal grammar is for normal people. ALL CAPS ARE THE LANGUAGE OF THE FANDOM PEOPLE. *shrieks randomly*
I also approve of your subtle all caps message for when you accidentally send this post on. *nods*
YES TO ALL. Honestly, I would have so much free time without blogging and I don’t know what I’d do with myself. Any yep, it’ll hopefully be a good author platform 🙂
But omg, Instagram is such a great addition to book blogging. Like, I had to transport half my books to my sister’s room this morning for my rainbow shelfie and it took FOREVER but you know what #worthit
BOOK BLOGGERS 5LYF.
Sometimes I wonder what I did pre-blogging?! Like seriously it takes up so many hours. 😂 #noregrets though. (OH WAIT. I did used to write a lot. Like nearly everyday. But I wrote as slow as a tortoise back then and was way too in love with the backspace key.) Hopefully we shall raise MAGNIFICENT ARMIES to buy our books the moment they get published. :’)
I’m so so happy bookstagram exists!!! SQUEEEE. It’s honestly one of my favourite places now. :’) I’m still concerned as to WHY your sister has so many empty shelves though. Did her books run away? Is she planning to bequeath the shelves to you eventually?
As a student, I find writing blog posts an excellent way to procrastinate on writing essays. 😉
Seriously though, it’s just nice to have a place where you can talk for the writing equivalent of several hours about a book you love without your friend (who inevitably hasn’t read it) throwing her phone into the nearest lake. Incidentally, in a few days, I will probably be shoving The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman down everyone’s throats. 🙂
YES. IT IS GLORIOUS TO JUST RAMBLE ON AND ON. :’) I mean, it takes like 5 or so minutes to read a post, I suppose, as opposed to rambling on for ages in real life. 😂 BUT STILL. Internet time works differently, right?!
Duuuude, I really want to read The Invisible Library. So it’s super good? AHHHH I’M EXCITED.
I love this post so much. I’m going to come back to this post routinely whenever I get in a slump. It’ll make me smile and laugh like it did today, it’ll make me nod in agreement, it’ll make me look at number 7 and go “yes, yes that is what I want to do with my life”. So thank you, Cait (your majesty), for reminding me why I started my blog. (It’s only partly because I want to build an army.)
WELL I AM GLAD, ARA. I feel marvellously pleased then. *SHRIEKS* And who doesn’t want an army, really? They’re so incredibly useful. And also the needing-of-extra-chocolate is just a workplace bonus. :’)
YES!
I agree with you Cait 😀
CONVERTING PEOPLE TO MY FAVOURITE BOOKS = THE BEST FEELING EVER.
I am really like when people told me they started reading a book because reading my review and I like it better when they like the book too 😀
YES, isn’t it amazing?!?! It’s also nice knowing people trust our book recommendations, right?! 😂
Yes.. Could not agree more! 😀
*nods head wisely* I prefer the term word vomiting to blogging (because my blog is nonsensical 99% of the time?)
And all the humans around me are so boring (except the ones who read? And who I can talk (read: shriek) gloriously with?) and grammar? What’s grammar? *nervous laughter*
Honestly, I wish I could also write everyday but school is dumping work like the world’s going to end *cries*
OMG, STIEFVATER! I just started reading the raven cycle two weeks ago and I’m gloriously in love with it! 😍😍😍😍 Aye, thank you for converting me into a fan (and for all those epically epic pictures on Instagram)
I agree that being friends with authors are so hard. I’ve only talked to an author (Becky Albertalli) once and it was quite a indirect comment on Twitter and she replied to it and I was literally screaming and jumping and trying to breathe (Because oxygen? What is that?)
I think I should stop my excessive abuse of question marks, aye 😝
WHO NEEDS GRAMMAR ANYWAY? PFFFT. *flails deludedly* I used to blog every day. Yup. EVERY DAY. Omg. I was a crazy fish. 😂 Now I manage about 3 or 4 times a week and it’s less stressful, but I do a lot of answering comments and editing posts in between that. So much typing, right?! EEEEP.
(Also is it just me, or is finding bookworm-humans-in-real-life super hard!??!)
AHHHHH I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE A STIEFVATERFAN!!! *shrieks* I just finished re-reading The Raven Cycle (Well, the first 3 books) and afjdskalfdja I have feels and pain. I cannot WAIT for the last one. *hyperventilates quietly in the background*
I just started my book review website and I am so happy to see this post! I don’t know why it took me this long to start blogging about books. I guess I was just terrified of putting my thoughts out there, and I kept thinking, OMG I’m never gonna have the time to blog anyways, so why bother (and insert every other excuse here). But I am glad I launched my website, and I am super excited to keep posting reviews and just blogging about all book related thingies. A lot of stuff still confuses me like mail chimp for newsletters. The HTML/layout part is giving me a headache, but I guess I will figure it out one of these days. For now, feedburner is my friend.
YAYYY AND HELLO FELLOW BLOGGER!! *gives you bloggish cake* And omg I hear you with all the confusing sides. I still don’t understand html things, honestly, and I’d be a small snivelling mess if I didn’t have a relative who does web design. 😂 So good luck to you!!! And, omg blogging is just the best for expressing opinions and finding people to flail or discuss things with. :’)
I just love being able to talk about books with people, because I don’t know many bookish people in real life unfortunately. Book blogging is such an easy way to find like-minded people to chat with about stuff you like!
Plus I’m super shy anyway, so making friends or anything in real life is so hard. It is much easier online!
I’ve also discovered loads of books and series I might not otherwise of heard about through blogging, so it’s a really good place to get book recommendations (I am another person who has read a Maggie Stiefvater book because of you, so thanks! I finally got round to reading The Raven Boys). 🙂
I don’t know ANY bookish people IRL! My sister used to read, but not anymore. *cries* So it’s great to find other people to fangirl wildly with and know they understand the feels. :’) (I am also super shy…but I find it really easy to talk to people online! And if it gets too much, you can always shut the laptop lid and come back later. 😂) AHHHEM.
ZOMG I’M SO GLAD I GOT YOU TO READ A STIEFVATER BOOK!! *shrieks* Did you like it?!?)
Oh my goodness YES. One of the huge reasons why I started my blog was to just talk without being interrupted. Because you can’t get interrupted over the internet, now can you? I can post five times a day and no one is going to stop me. *evil laugh*
I also love it when I post something about a book I just fell in love with and someone in the comments just gets it and fangirls with me. Because that is the best feeling in the world.
EXACTLY. It’s like the perfect place to monologue without someone dying of boredom all over you. (Not that our obsessive topics are even boring. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD.) And yess, mutual fangirling is SO MUCH FUN. It’s nice when someone understands, right?!
Very valid points! Enough. Said! 😉
Why thank you, Penni! 😀
All these are great reasons to start a book blog- or, at least, to blog about books. (There is a difference, I think. You and Deborah (The Page Dreamer, not Road of a Writer) and a lot of my other friends have book blogs, where you primarily talk about books with a bit of life mixed in. I have a blog on which I primarily talk about life, which happens to include a lot of books. So, yeah. There’s a difference. But they have some of the same advantages.)
I think that the best part, though, is getting to meet other people who love the same things you do. 😀 That’s awesome.
(Oh, and regarding your last point . . . I read The Raven Boys finally! And I can definitely see why you love it so much! I mean, I still like Stengl and Sanderson and Tolkien better, but Stiefvater is awesome AND I NEED THE NEXT TWO RAVEN CYCLE BOOKS NOW.)
Oh too true! And I mean, my post could kind of also be just why it’s awesome to be a blogger. BUT! I like how so many people have uber different styles! I LOVE your blogging style. 😀 I would talk about my life but it…literally is just books. 😂 So I kind of do anyway. AHEM. But yesss, connecting with other wild rabid fans is amazing.
AND OMG I’M SO GLAD YOU RAVEN BOYED. (That’s, like, a verb, right?) And omg I just finished another Sanderson book and afjdkslafds I have all the feels. ALL THE FEELS.
Totally agree with point #5! When I graduated from uni, I kind of missed having writing assignments like what I used to have during the 4-year time of college. It sounds weird to miss writing papers and having homework in general, but seriously I prefer that to this miserable adult life I’m having (okay maybe not all the time). One of the reasons I created my blog is to improve my writing skill, which hopefully has been so since then.
Book recommendations are also one of the benefits I gain from having a blog! And yes, converting people to read my favorite book feels like a great accomplishment. I’ve convinced a few of my friends to read My Before You, and it’s safe to say I’ve become “evil” in their eyes hahahaha. No regrets though.
Also, meeting book lovers across the globe even while you’re still in your room at your house is one of the greatest experiences! Fangirls unite!
I missed writing book reviews when I finished highschool!! So I started keeping notebooks of them. 😂 Which turned into blogging, so I TOTALLY GET YA. And also book recommendations are amazing. I used to not have a TBR pile…and now it stretches to the moon and back and it’s awesome. I love knowing there are so many epic books to read. (Also telling people to read heart-breaking books is WONDERFUL. 😂 If we have to suffer, they might as well suffer with us, right?!)
These are all perfectly valid reasons. Especially the army part. It’s actually one of the reasons I blog, to have legions at my command. But book blogging? It looks hard, man. You have to stay on top of your reading and I can get super slow sometimes, depending on the book. The Death Cure is a tiny little thing, but it’s been sitting on my bedside table for three weeks because I’m lazy.
Writing blogging is defiantly for me. Though I did recently spend a whole day (yes you heard that right) on one master post and graphics. So it’s not always easy and I’m probably certifiably insane at this point.
THE ARMY IS THE BEST PART. Ahem. I mean, connecting nicely with other bookworms. (Nah. Let’s stick with shrieking “BUILD AN ARMY!” it’s so much more fun.) Ahhh, but yes, I mean, I guess it depends on how often you like to review? I only review once a week, usually, but I read at least 5 books a week. 😂 Thank goodness for goodreads. I know other book blogs that barely do any reviews too, so it all depends on what you want. BUT YAY FOR WRITING BLOGGING!! Writing bloggers are awesome, for sure. ;D
Haha! I love this post!!! I originally wanted to get ARCs by book blogging…but then I found myself fall in love with the huge Book Community!!! It’s so much fun to be a book blogger!!!
YAY THAT IS SUCH EXCELLENT NEWS!! I was more of a writing/book blog when I started but I preferred blogging about books and then I learnt about ARCs and it was aaaall excitement from there on out. :’)
I think these reasons could apply to a writing blog too…connecting with others who don’t think your random burst of excitement over something like a name or ancient fact are odd. And where you can ramble on and on about the topic without boring your friends or making your family think you are odd. 😉
I love your blog, by the way.
Basically to ALL THE BLOGS. 😂 I think blogs are so great for improving yourself and connecting. And army building. <-- most important fact clearly. Aww, thank you, Hope! *FLAILS WILDLY*
YES! Blogging is one of the better decisions I’ve made in my life. Nobody in my family reads, so I love that there is a community of Internet book nerds who I can talk to.
SAME! I mean, my mum reads, but more like historical fiction romances and … nope. Otherwise nooo one reads and IT BREAKS MY HEART. Book blogging has saved my sanity probably. (Or else demented it? Idek yet.)
Lol man you are so hilarious I can’t use “haha” it has to be “lol”… But you’re so right though. For me, it’s just a way to let out some steam… Get free books *ahem* and may be one day I will have an army of followers… Although I have no clue what I’d do with it.. Oh well…
Chocolate cake is nowhere to be found this morning… But the lady downstairs made me pancakes… You’re free to have some you know.. .
Never underestimate the use of a potential army!! You’ll find something for them to do eventually. :’) BUT YAY FOR USING BLOGS TO DISCUSS ALL THE THINGS. And also yay for pancakes! Not as good as chocolate cake, but we take what we can right?!
Beginning to worry about this army you’re building 😉
MWHAHAHAHHA…ahem. I mean. *coughs* I’m sure it’s nothing to be worried about.
Of course not. When the revolution comes, just let me be on your side 😉
Cait, you’ve read my mind! I was talking to my friend Jenn the other day and was trying to convince her to start a book blog. Now I can send her your list. =)
YAYYYY. YOUR FRIEND JENN WILL BE THOROUGHLY CONVINCED AFTER THIS. If not, just totally feed her chocolate. That should work. :’)
Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes. You know, I don’t think I disagree with a single one of these… Admittedly, I don’t think I’m so much a “book blogger” per se and I definitely have never had anyone send me a free book just because they liked my opinion, but I realize that the thought still stands even though it doesn’t directly apply to me.
If I were to add anything, though, it would also be that it is a great way to improve yourself, I think. There are opportunities to make yourself better regarding time management and writing style and voice and design and so on and so forth… And when you do it with other people it is a great time! 🙂
I’m not actually sure anyone really likes my opinion on books either. 😂 BAHHAHA. But they keep sending me the books and haven’t wised up yet, so *shrugs* I’ll take it. AHHHEM. But YES. These can convert to just “blogger” status easily. Particularly the chocolate one.
And yesss to your addition. I also think I think more deeply about bookish and society matters due to discussing them and reading other’s POVs so much in the blogging world?! WHICH IS AWESOME. And just generally trying different writing styles and learning how to network and aaaall the things. I suck at time management though AGH. 😂
Ahh, number 10. I just read my first Maggie Stiefvater book, Scorpio Races. AND I LOVED IT. I was going to ask for a recommendation for the next one to start, but I thought I’d just read ALL OF THE POSTS WITH THE TAG MAGGIE STIEFVATER. Did you know there are only three? I am the confused.
ZOMGGGG THAT IS TERRIFIC. I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT!! *shrieks happily*
Sorry, though, I’m not sure what you mean with “tag maggie stiefvater”. 😂 She has more than 3 books out! I tooootally recommend The Raven Cycle next!! 😀
Oh, sorry, I mean, when I search for “Maggie Stiefvater” on your blog, only three posts come up. I guess only three if them are marked with Maggie Stiefvater, even though you mention her all the time?
Oh oh! Don’t be sorry! I just misunderstood 😂 AH YES. Actually that falls under the tragedy of I talk aaall the time about her books but don’t actually blog specifically about them so much?! ERMAGERD. I should fix that. 😂 I’m planning to do a post REALLY soon on which Stiefvater books people should read first. ;D
*congratulates self on wise and very good life decisions* These are all so true! (Except the free books… actually no I have got free books actually so yes all of them. And chocolate is ALWAYS in order *thinks about once upon a time which she just started watching* *thinks about In The Heights which she just finished watching* *fangirls a bit* OH ANYWAY. Basically your past made me feel smart and wise and like I have a lot of good ideas. Thank you Cait! *hears Cait cough* OH I MEAN YOUR MAJESTY *still thinks Cait in head*
CHOCOLATE IS THE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING. And I’m glad you’re getting my title right. Good job. :’) MORE CHOCOLATE FOR YOU.
I promise I’ll read Raven Boys soon! Don’t send your dragons after meeee
Actually please do, I’ll steal them and make them into my pets.
THIS POST THOUGH, CAIT. YES FOR SO MANY AWESOME REASONS,
Writing every day? So good for you.
AND all the weirdness! I love it when I’m being honest and unapologetically weird on the blog and then people say it made them laugh or that they’re exactly the same. It’s so lovely!
I’m so happy you wrote this post!!
You haven’t read them yet? ANNIKA. FOR SHAME. YOU BETTER HURRY BECAUSE I WON’T HOLD BACK THESE DRAGONS FOREVER. *stamps foot* They are ferocious dragons and not pet material, nopity nope. (Unless fed cake, probably. I guess they’ll be suckers for cake. AhEM.)
And writing everyday makes you fast! 😂 Even though my comments are like 94% “oh oh afjdsakldjalkj” which is probably not terrific writing but BAH. I get my point across. I hope. 😂
These are indeed good reasons! That first point touches on one of my biggest problems. This is me: “I just finished this awesome book! The characters were so real and the theme… A-aren’t you listening?”
Yes yes, omg, why are people IRL so averse to being ranted/discussed/fangirled at when we’ve just finished reading the most MARVELLOUS story!? They are crazy beans. WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN DISCUSSING BOOKS?!?
Hmm, I’m not sure I’m convinced, Cait. 😉
I definitely think blogging would help my confidence in expressing things to strangers. Strangers are scary, haha.
Dangit Maraia. I WROTE THIS POST FOR YOU AND EVERYTHING. 😂
This. Pretty much every single one of these, really, are why I continue to be a book blogger. WE”RE JUST SO AWESOME. I originally started because my friend had stopped listening to my book recommendations because I gave them so many, and so I started a book blog as a way to say HEY WORLD, READ THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT IS AWESOME. And then it just kind of spiraled into so much more. I wasn’t expecting to find a totally awesome community, or a bunch of really cool internet bookish friend, and now if I consider stopping (because I’m so busy), my brain basically goes WAIT, WHAT? and I laugh because the idea is so stupid.
WE ARE. WE’RE JUST ALL SO FLIPPING FANTASTIC. *struts about majestically* I don’t know why everyone isn’t a book blogger tbh. This is the place to be. I didn’t even KNOW the bookish community existed until 2 years ago (even though i’ve been blogging for nearly 5 years!) and zomg I missed out on so much for so long. eVERYONE IS AWESOME HERE.
YES! All good reasons. I love reading fellow book blogger’s posts. It’s so nice to be able to find new books and then talk about the best of books and fangirl. 😀
YES. Talking about books and fangirling over them is just sooo fun. Especially if you don’t get to do it IRL!! Like me. 😂
Love this, everything I think and feel about book blogging in one delicious post!
YAYYY I AM SO GLAD, CHLOE!! 🎉 🎉
When I first started blogging, I wanted it to be a cosplay blog, then a fandom blog, and then I fell down the dark rabbit hole that is book blogging. I haven’t found a way out of Wonder-book-blogging-land yet, but I don’t think I want to find a way.
AND BEFORE YOUR DRAGONS COME TO GET ME, I HAVE READ SOME MAGGIE STIEFVATER BOOKS: THE SCORPIO RACES AND I’M CURRENTLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RAVEN CYCLE. SO YES. PLEASE DON’T SEND YOUR DRAGONS AFTER ME.
I’m not sure why I love book blogging(I mean, besides the reasons you already stated) My reason has probably lost itself in one of the many dark holes in my brain. That tends to happen a lot.
I guess I love everything about blogging: writing the post, finding the perfect gifs, taking pretty pics for the post, getting comments, designing the blog(the design is always changing. I’m actually thinking of moving the blog to WordPress sometimes in the summer. I’ve heard that WordPress is better than Blogger) and patting myself on the back with glee when I think of some particularly awesome and hysterically funny thing to put in a post.
The dark rabbit hole of book blogging is MARVELLOUS AND DEVIOUSLY DELICIOUS. *cackles* Also very addictive. Can you believe I used to be a travel blogger?! 😂 I KNOW. Randomly weird. Ahem. I only went on one holiday though and then was kind of like “now wut” … so I turned to my #1 obsession: BOOOOOKS.
MY DRAGONS ARE NOT COMING FOR YOU. Provided you love and adore them of course. *calms dragons*
It’s very satisfying too, right?! Like getting the right gifs and feeling proud of a post and all that. :’) AND YES WORDPRESS IS WAAAAY BETTER THAN BLOGGER. At least selfhosted is. 😂 I can’t speak for free wordpress because I’ve never been on it. But I think WP offers so much more freedom and, like, sense than blogger. I used to spend soo much time fighting with blogger on formatting issues. Gah.
*nods* I ADORE Maggie Stiefvater’s books. If I had to choose between the Raven Boys and The Scorpio Races I’d choose The Raven Boys.
Yeah Blogger is really restricting. I was trying to add a Goodreads widget, and it wouldn’t let me. *screams in frustration*
ME TOO. I’d always choose the Raven Boys. :’) Although, tbh, I’ve given everything 5-stars and The Scorpio Races is what got me STARTED on Stiefvater books, so I owe it a lot. 😂 BUT YEAH.
AAHHHHHHH I KNEW ALL THIS WOULD BE ON POINT! (Also – seriously. Why do we let you call us your pineapples?? Wait – WE LOVE YOU! (obviously an enormous amount – who else would be allowed to call us pineapples? PSHH.))
Also. RICK RIORDAN SHARED YOUR POST?!?!?!
?!?!?!?! Omg. YOU HAVE ACHIEVED MY LIFE GOAL. #PJOfan4ever
Honestly, free stuff is THE BEST. the best people in life are free….. and well, that kind of contradicts your fabulous army statement, but if I could build an army, I TOTALLY WOULD. AKA HORDES OF MANIACAL DERANGED FANGIRLS THAT SHRIEK ALONG WITH ME FANTASTICALLY.
Anyway, your posts always brighten my day! 🙂
WHO CAN KNOW. Pineapples just happened. (Actually it’s a Psych references. 😂 Have you seen that TV show?!? They have random pineapples everywhere and SOMEHOW IT JUST STUCK. I used to call everyone “squids” so be thankful that passed. 😂 😂) Ahhhem.
aND YES. I’M LIKE FAMOUS BECAUSE RICK RIORDAN LITERALLY SHARED A LINK TO MY MAGNUS CHASE REVIEW ON HIS BLOG. *dies*
ALL OF THE TRUTH, CAIT. Surprisingly, (!!!!) I actually do have some real-life friends (!!!!) to shriek about stuff with…but not the same level of enthusiasm as the Internet! We can say stuff like “askdfksad” and “DEAD” and not be judged, whereas in Real Life one’s impossible to pronounce and the other would probably just get you weird looks. Also yes to the fast typing- I think I can type about 80 words per minute and not have to look at the keyboard, mostly due to blogging (and one business class in seventh grade). o.O BLOGGING HAS MAGICAL POWERS.
Oh oh lucky you to have IRL friends that like books!! 😂 But I think we are all a bit more rabid on line about it, right?!? WHICH IS AWESOME, IF OCCASIONALLY SCARY. 😂 Ahem. I tested at 100 WMP I think when I took a test recently…although in actually I backspace A LOT so I’m not really that accurate. 😂 Spelling, pfft. Spelling is hard.
OMG I love this post!!! And not just because I scrapped my old blog earlier this month and just launched my new book blog this week lol.
Oh oh congrats on your new blog!! *dashes over to visit*
This lovely post of yours showed up at the best possible time! I’ve been weighing whether or not to start my own book blog recently. Mostly because I need a place where I can *fangirl* all crazy like about my favorite books and all of my readerly feels and the love and torture that comes from constantly ingesting literature. I read ‘Morning Star’ mooooonths ago (the final book in the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown) and was constantly and shamelessly hounding my other friends who are fans to finish it so that I could talk about all of my feelings about the final installment and the series overall. Those jerks took For. Ev. Er. Then I kept thinking….hmmmm, maybe I should just bite the bullet and get my own thing going so I have a platform to put it all out there.
Your #1 reason listed (IT GIVES YOU AN OUTLET TO PASSIONATELY MONOLOGUE ABOUT BOOKISH THINGS WITHOUT YOUR FAMILY/FRIENDS BEING 1000% DONE, GAGGING YOU AND TOSSING YOU INTO THE MARINA TRENCH) might be enough considering my friends and family are so over me and my book/story/author/character obsession. I think they’ve all just accepted their fate and learned to nod, smile, occasionally give positive listening cues and just wait until I’m finished blahblahblahing about it.
Thanks for the motivation and inspiration! I will honestly say that yours is one of the very few blogs, if not the only blog, I read from start to finish. I love your writing style and the content and the ridiculous brand of awesomeness. So keep doing what your doing!
OMG I WILL FLAIL OVER MORNING STAR FEELS WITH YOU!!! *shrieks* I just finished it this week and AFJDASKLFD FEELS AND PAIN. I had a heartattack. Like. TWICE. Especially that end plot twist…zomg. I was literally bawling and then IT WAS ALL A TRICK. DARN YOU, PEIRCE BROWN, MY EMOTIONS ARE EVERYWHERE. 😂 AHem.
But YES. Blogging solves this because you can almost always find SOMEONE to flail with, right?! (Although, tbh, I find it hard to find fans of the Half Bad trilogy. I ADORE that series but no one has read it?! Weirdness.)
Awww, I’m truly honoured that you like my posts that much. Seriously! THAT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME. <3
That *trick* you refer to in Morning Star, yeah…… I don’t know if it was worse reading through or listening on audio. The first time I read it I was crying so much I couldn’t actually keep reading and then when I listened to the audio version and knew how everything would go down, I was still crying like a baby and like “MAKE IT STOP. DON’T TELL ME THESE HORRIBLE THINGS. STOP YOUR DAMN WORDS!” Haha. Sometimes you just need to talk that through with someone else. Maybe I would have been over it sooner if I could have.
Just finished up Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Mist and Fury last night which I think is the first time since Morning Star that I fell into a book so hard. That’s how bad P. Brown messed me up with his amazing nonsense. Thank god for rebound books, even if they take awhile to reveal themselves. I’m already working on this book hangover (Why does it feel like the world is ending after every amazing book? Seriously) but I think it won’t be as severe.
Coincidentally, I am picking up Half Bad from work/the library today. I’ve seen you recommend it so hard and it has been on my radar for a while. Now seems like a good time to dive in since the entire series published and I don’t have to do any of that detestable waiting between installments. 🙂 It is an unnatural way to live… between books. Suspended within a story. *shudder*
AGH. SO MUCH MORNING STAR PAIN AND WONDER THOUGH. *dies a little just thinking about it* I got so anxious and sad I actually STOPPED READING after you-know-who got shot in the chest. I couldn’t taaaaake it. I was SO UPSET. Stupid me. 😂 I should’ve kept reading. bahhhhh. XD Ahem.
Omg bookhangovers though…the struggle is REAL. I actually read a TON of series finales this month and ended up having nine 5-star reads! NINE. That is like UNHEARD OF FOR ME. *shrieks* And yesssss, do read Half Bad. It’ll destroy you BUT IN A PERFECTLY GOOD WAY.
I’ve been thinking of changing my blog into more of a book blog, because I really like the idea of it, and now this post has made me want even more to become a book blogger!
Rose
THAT IS AWESOME NEWS, ROSE! I mean, any kind of blogging is fabulous, clearly, but books are like my biggest passion so I definitely get excited at any mention of them. ;D
Awesome post! These are all super good reasons to start a blog. I do have a lot of people in real life who talk about books with me, but I love having a blog because then I can organize and catalogue my fangirling and rants properly. 🙂 And yes, “weird” basically has no meaning on the internet!!
Omg you are LUCKY then if you have IRL human beans to accost with about bookish discussions. 😂 Everyone in my family zones out. hehe.
It’s seriously AWESOME that we’re all weird together on the internet. 😀
Okay, Cait, now you’ve really convinced me. I will start a blog … as soon as I have holidays from school again. Honestly, it sounds fabulous and amazing and a billion other synonyms/adjectives I could add. So I’ll get over my stupid fear of not having enough time or not knowing enough popular books or being a super picky reader … I WILL ENTER THE INTERNET!
omg, I convinced you?! AHHHHHHH. LET ME FLAIL A MOMENT ZOMG!!! 🎉 🎉 *composes self* Ahem. Anyway. YES it is fabulous and amazing and definitely drop me a link if you do start so I can
stalkvisit you! And honestly you can do whatever you want when it comes to book blogging. No rules. ;D#8. Totally did this today. Because of some convention volunteer work I’m doing, I’m now one degree away from a very famous author. I totally dropped this in the middle of a conversation today…totally. Did I feel bad? Nope, because OMG! I can’t believe I’m one degree away from said author.
OMG YOU’RE FAMOUS BY DEFAULT. EMBRACE THE FAME, TERRI. LIVE THE DREAM.
I love your post and agree you’ve read my mind x
WE ARE CLEARLY TWINS IN THIS MATTER THEN. 🎉
Great post! It’s really brightened up my Sunday morning! I blog about books and parenting stuff so my little blog covers most things! Xx
Yayyy I’m glad you liked my post! 🎉 🎉
All perfect reasons, I have blogged for a number of years but only this week did I start my book blog and I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner, talking to people who understand why you’re still raw after finishing a series or who are just as excited as you for new releases is just everything! Cake is also awesome 🙂
OMG CONGRATS ON YOUR NEW BABY BLOG THEN!! *feeds your blog cake to make it grow* Cake is the most awesome. It’s probably the answer to most of life’s problems tbh. *nods sagely*
And yesss…it’s so good to have people who UNDERSTAND the bookworm life and culture. :’)
I think blogging is just the greatest thing there is. We started our blog as a school project (I study journalism) and our teacher wanted us to learn more about running a blog and getting an audience ect. The project ended like 8 months ago, but our blog is still going strong. For me it’s really an outlet for my feelings, but also a fantastic way to promote the book we are writing.
I don’t know how you receive stuff like free books, but I hope I will find out one day, getting free books for reviewing sounds AWESOME.
Fabulous blogposts, as always.
x Amber, http://thenamelessbookblog.blogspot.nl/
Omg that’s such a cool origin story though!! You can blame your teach for when you’re a nationally famous book blogger. #legit *nods* I started mine when my sister told me to document my holiday in China. 😂 It rapidly turned into a book blog after that because GOOKS ARE LIFE.
If you’re interested, just google “how to get ARCs in [whatever country you’re from]” and there are tons of handy tutorials!
I think finding Goodreads, first, then blogs kind of saved me way back when, Cait. Hardly any of my friends in the real world are big readers, and so I felt like the weird one out when I got totally obsessed with what I was reading. To the point of not even wanting to go out with my friends, because fictional friends were somehow more fun at times 😉 And when I got my own blog, it was just great to have a place to happy-dance and fangirl over books, and actually have other people comment and do those things with me. So yes, bookblogs are total wins in every way 🙂
*curtseys to her majesty*
Have a fantastic week ahead!
I don’t know ANYONE in real life who is a bookworm!! Which is kinda sad, tbh, except I have the internet and that more than makes up for it. 😂 BLOGS ARE SO GOOD FOR HAPPY DANCING OVER BOOKS.
*lands back in* I have managed to survive without blog posts that mention cake and pineapples. I know, I’m shocked too. But I AM BACK NOW.
Anyways! These are all clearly legitimate and reasonable … reasons. (Better writer, right there.) But you’re so right about typing faster — I mean, how else can you leave long rambly comments on ALLLL the blogs? It’s a necessary skill that all book bloggers get, I think.
And yes to building an army. I literally call my readers a takeout army. No one has questioned that, either.
DUDE. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN. ARE YOU STILL ALIVE. DID THE DRAGONS EAT YOU. (Actually didn’t I ask you that on twitter? Probably. My brain = swiss cheese.) Ahem. And I’m like you like my reasonable reasons. We can be GREAT writers together because of our epic blogging wording skills. #legit And it totally does help my fast typing. I’m like a typing sprinter. WHERE IS THE TYPING OLYMPICS? I WANT IN. Ahem.
I love how no one questions things. Takeout army…pineapples…they just go with it. It’s so lovely. :’)
ALL THE REASONS
I love this, your majesty. It’s all so very very true. I do, however, wish my IRL friends tolerated more of my bookishness
*flails regally* WELL YOU ARE OFFICIALLY MY FAVOURITE. 😂 Ahem. But omg, what is it with finding IRL bookworms being like the hardest thing in the universe??? WHERE ARE THEY ALL. Sheesh. Without the internet, I would know exactly zero bookworms.
I’m not sure how a regal flail looks LMFAO and it’s so true. I have, like, five friends who are actually bookmarks. And none of them are as bookwormy as me.
I love to read and recently I’ve been thinking about starting a book blog but, so far, I haven’t got the confidence to actually post anything online. This post might just be the thing that pushes me to start my own blog, so thanks Cait 🙂 xx
Yessss, THIS IS GLORIOUS NEWS, KATE! *flails* And if you do start a blog, do let me know so I can come and flail over books with you. 😀
YES, do it. Dooooo it. Trust me, it’ll be so worth it 🙂
Hey, Cait. Loved your post on discrimination, might not comment on it but mentioning it here because YES, we need relatable books where people can learn NOT to discriminate against people because people are cool. I LOVED this post! My favorite part is #8. This is me, sometimes, I won’t lie but I’m more into debut, smaller authors (some of who DO end up as bestsellers coincidentally) and this makes me feel special. Book merchandise is A VERY SPECIAL thing. I do think blogging strengthens your writing skills over time because you’re just doing it so much that you’ll be able to recognize errors and it might prepare you for future jobs. I’ll be going into publishing as a publicist if not an agent and the will involve A LOT OF WRITING and the necessity of good writing skills so it’s good to practice now. I love blogging and weird people and YOU. You are the best anxious fangirl I know ❤❤❤ I wish we could be closer friends. I have so much to thank you for. I always fangirl whenever you respond to my comments and I anticipate it.
OMG I’M SO SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT. *flails in relief* I had a lot of people disagreeing (which is fine! hehe, I just started to doubt my opinion 😂 Yesss I’m weak fish). I think it’s really important that we can envision a world where it’s not an issue. Or else I feel sad about humanity’s imaginations, tbh.
ANYWAY.
Yayyy for you trusting in the small debut authors. <3 And omg it IS a good thing to help you know if you want to go into a career in books, too, right?!
OMG YOU ARE REALLY KIND. Honestly this means so much. <333 I adore your comments. You are such an amazing bean! YOU TRULY ARE.
Truth! Book blogging, well blogging in general, is for the most awesome peeps 🙂
Yesss. It is an awesome thing. :’) MOST VERY AWESOME.
First up, dude isn’t this blog on WordPress? I’m just curious, why do you comment on blogs with Blogger, because I go to click your name and it just links to all the blogs you like and I’m like gaaaah.
Anyway, yes yes and yes. I can remember when my blog was fully dedicated to blogs, and it was kinda awesome. Getting to converse with my favourite authors, getting lots of free stuff, getting invites to super cool events. Omg. Why did I stop????????
Amy;
Little Moon Elephant
Ah, yes. My blog is indeed WordPress. I also have a blogger profile, which actually links to this blog. 🙂 Under my profile picture there’s a hyperlink that says “my website”. Voila.
#1 and #10 are probably the two BIGGEST reasons I started my book blog. And it’s been wonderful. I’m not sure whether I’ve convinced people to read my favorite books based on my blog, but I hope I have! Another good thing, that’s kind of an expansion on #3 – you can do WHATEVER YOU WANT. Want to spend 5,000 words screaming about a book you love? Great. Want to write exclusively reviews/lists/discussions/ramblings? Go for it. Want to devote your entire blog to some ultra-specific subgenre? NO ONE CAN STOP YOU.
YESSSS. The “whatever you want” bit is totally legit and AWESOME. I mean, there are no rules. And anyone who says there are rules to book blogging is just living in denial that we are all actually LOKI and can do what we want. *runs howling manically into the distance*
YES YES – all of the above, YES 🙂
*hi fives* WE ARE TWINS IN THIS.
I’ll consider it but it depends on how many books you read, what genre and if your “army” is reading the same type of books. Are there any Debbie Macomber or the late Jackie Collins fans in the house? Paul in Oxford,
*prints blog post on an 8ft poster and then plasters in all over my family’s front lawn so they understand why I’m book blogger*
it*, sorry I got way to excited to type correctly, as it happens
EXCELLENT LIFE DECISIONS, MICA. I HIGHLY APPROVE.
These are all good reasons! I mainly started a book blog so I would have a place to talk about books and yes the knowing you’re not alone and be surrounded by other book lovers is great too. It also gives me an outlet, I like writing blog posts and sharing my opinion with others. And concerning number 8, I sometimes mention interacting with authors to my sister or how I get free books and even though I’ve been blogging for years now she is still partly amazed at it. And yes it’s the best when you convert others to read a book, every time this happens it just fills me with happiness, even better if they actually read it and enjoy it as well! And while I agree you shouldn’t blog for the free books, it is amazing. I am still amazed at is sometimes that people give me their books for free. And I still haven’t read a Stiefvater book. Great post Cait!
YES! *hi fives* It’s really awesome being able to find a community. :’) People are SO COOL on the internet, and there’s always someone who can match your rabid fan status. *shrieks happily*
I think it shouldn’t be taboo to be happy that a big part of blogging is getting the free books. I mean, they aren’t even FREE. Really. We spend a lot of time reading/promoting them. 😂 It’s an awesome perk. :’)
*throws Stiefvater books at you*
THAT’S A PTERODACTYL SCREECHING “HECK YES” FROM ME.
can I just cover my entire wall with a copy of this post on wallpaper?? and print it as a flyer to hand to all of the big scary adults and small naive non-reading children I know?? I’m trying to think of something to add, but you covered it all Cait! Mostly I just love knowing I’m not alone.
And a hearty nod to what you said about *thinking* you’re a rabid reader before blogging. It’s crazy awesome that there are so many more hard-core bookworms (*cough* *cough* you *cough *cough) out there to chat with and encourage me because IT INSPIRES ME. Two years ago before blogging, I probably read maybe 30-40 books a year. And now I’ve got it up to 100, which in two years, I’m proud of! 🙂
YES DO ALL THOSE THINGS. You fully have my permission. *nods*
omg I’m not even THAT hardcore. 😂 I know people who’ve read over a hundred books already and omg it’s only April. #goals It’s kind of awesome, in a way, though. Like no matter how much I love books, I KNOW there’s other people who are just (or MORE) dedicated. :’) Sometimes I laugh that I even CALLED myself a bookworm pre-blogging. I didn’t even go to the library much. WHAT DID I DO WITH ALL MY TIME?!?
This is awesome and hilarious! I like the second and fourth reasons. In real life, I don’t have any friends who love to read or fangirl over books. (Basically, I am the girl who reads books on her lunch break. “Old school books” aka print.) So yeah. Blogging is where I get to do that!
Someone asked me a while ago, “Why do you blog? Why is it so important? It can’t possibly be adding anything to your life.” My brain had this, “Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh,” moment (a common occurrence when verbally communicating). But I should’ve asked why breathing is so important. 😛
AGH, I HEAR YA…with having no one IRL that reads, I mean. 😂 All my childhood friends used to think I was very strange for reading so much. Heh. Being on the internet is a great way to not feel alone. :’)
But dude, seriously? Someone SAID that. Gawsh. Some people are kind of … rude? I mean, it’s a hobby. It makes you happy. It raises that army so you can smite non-believers. There is literally NO downside. *nods*
All very good reasons, definitely! I think having a blog (book focused or not) is fantastic because you can share about things you care about and people CARE BACK!
-Lauren
YES YES EXACTLY!!! THAT IS THE BIGGEST MOST WONDERFUL THING. *shrieks happily*
I’m glad you wrote this post. I’m just about to start my own blog and you’ve reminded me of some of the reasons I’m looking forward to doing it. And I’m always calling myself weird and it’s not like anyone can really define what is normal.
Yayyyyy!!! And even though weird vs normal is…I mean, who even gets to make the definition?!? At least you will be among fellow weirdos. *hi fives*
Love this!! I started a blog mainly because I had no forum to push books on people or obsessively talk about every detail about a book I loved. I love being able to do that! I agree that ARCs should not be the sole reason for blogging, but man is it a great perk. I had no clue what an ARC even was until I started blogging and I think I requested way too many books when I discovered NetGalley. I wanted ALL THE FREE BOOKS! Great post!
YES. EXACTLY!!! It’s such a great way to convince people to read books. :’) I mean, well, we’re only convincing other bookworms, but stilllll. It’s such an amazing feeling when someone reads a book you recommend, right?! (Okay, and kind of terrifying, BUT STILL. 😂) AND YES. I don’t like how it’s kind of taboo to admit enjoying getting free books. But I admit it! I enjoy it! I was blogging before being a book blogger, and a huge reason I worked hard on my blog was so I’d get to advertise for publishers. IT’S SO MUCH FUN.
I agree that the best thing about having a book blog is definitely the people- not having to explain the plotline/why you wanna read it when you mention a new book is the best feeling. It’s also a safe space where no one judges you for how long you spend on books (time or money wise) which is also the best <3 I love that spending $100 on books in one go is not craziness in these circles, it's a goddamn dream come true XD
Yessss, the “No judging” thing is totally true and AWESOME. Like no one cares if your TBR is taller than your house or if you own multiple editions of one book or if you’re really particularly about how you organise your bookshelf. WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. :’)
I love my book blog because of the connections, meeting people and finding blogs! And I love my favorites for my blog page, adding blogs and stuff.
YUS. Finding bookish communities is AMAZING. Rabid fans everywhere! IT’S GLORIOUS.
All fantastic reasons!! I especially love that, on the internet, I’m not strange at all – my bookish love seems downright normal!!
YES WE ARE ALL NORMAL. (Or are we all weird? Whoooo can know by this point. 😂) And I love that “weird” things (like book sniffing or flailing over authors) isn’t weird on the internet. :’)
Great post, I love the reasons you came up with, they are spot-on!
Yayyyy, I’m glad you liked it, Suze! THANK YOU.
Yes #2 is SO TRUE!!! I don’t have enough IRL book friends and so it’s always great to have people to chat with that are just as obsessed as I am. 😀 Great post!!!
I don’t know ANY IRL bookworms. 😂 The internet is the only place I can come for people to understand my bookish obsessions. <3
I think one of the main reasons I started my book blog was because I was reading a lot but not really engaging with the books properly – I was just racing through them in order to finish them. With my book blog though, I think about how I feel about the book a lot more and share my opinions with people which I LOVE DOING. I also love the book blogging community because everyone is just so damn LOVELY. Starting my blog was the best decision I’ve made in a long time!
Excellent post, I think you’ll convert many to book blogging!
Omg that is so so very awesome!! I love discussing books via blogging…like pre-blogging, I’d just forget what I read? Now books stick with me longer. 😂 AND YES ISN’T EVERYONE SO NICE?!?! IT’S AMAZING. I LOVE IT.
THIS. Creating a book blog was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. The book blogging community is so supportive and wonderful, and it’s great to talk to people who share your passion for books. And, of course, I met my fabulous bookish twin through blogging. 😉 Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous post! <3
*BOOKISH TWIN HI FIVE* OF COURSE! I love the community!! I mean, there are ups and downs, but it’s like 99% awesome and it’s just so good to find people who flail as hard as you do over books, right?! (And without you, I would never have read Flipped and HOW SAD WOULD THAT BE.)
LOOOOVE this!!! The quick typing thing is so true- how else could I write all my novella comments!? And armies are generally good- unless we find some evil book bloggers, as I am sure one or two exist? Also, I have totally name dropped because WHY NOT? I only get sad when the person I am talking to looks at me blankly and I have to impart the author in question’s biography on the poor soul who just wanted to know the time.
And we ARE weird. I like it, of course, because I am also weird. The great thing is that we are all pretty weird in unique ways too, so it’s extra fun! And as for ruling your own space, there’s a reason I could never have a co-blogger, and that is because I MUST rule my own space. I mean, I think I rule fairly, but who would even know, because I only answer to ME. Actually, I think that is a life goal- to ONLY have to answer to yourself. And the “free” stuff? Not going to lie, I love it. You are SO right though, it is not in ANY way free. I mean, think of the time you put into blogging before ever even THINKING of requesting a book, or having one sent to you or whatever. Then the time you take to read and review it, and just generally keep your blog afloat…. yeah, not free at all!
The best part of book blogging? The fellow weirdos. And the monologues. Because really, they are.
YES HECK YES. I mean, we write these little novella comments out….we’re just TYPING MACHINES. I’m sure this is why I write so fast during NaNoWriMo. I’m like in training all year round. :’) #win
And it’s kind of comforting how weird we all are, right?!? Which makes no on TOO WIERD. (Okay, um, some people are too weird, but stillllll. We pretend it’s okay.) And I’m with you on the no-co-blogger thing. I mean, I used to have my sister, but she was my younger sister, ergo I could boss her around 99% of the time. But now that it’s just ME. It’ll be just ME FOREVER. I am a selfish queen. 😂
We are basically doing publicity…unpaid publicity. Because for most other things you get the product to review PLUS payment. So I don’t even know who made the rules for book bloggers, but we’re actually getting a bad deal. 😂 STILL. AS LONG AS WE’RE HAPPY. HAHAHA. Ahem.
YES TO THIS POST AND IT IS SPLENDIFEROUS AND AAAHH. <3 Yes to all of the blogging things.
Also my internet was dead for OVER A WEEK and just OH MY GOODNESS I MISSED YOUR BLOG SO MUCH. *huggles it* I'm binge-reading all the posts I missed, so. Obviously it's a glorious morning. *nodnod*
WE WILL TOTALLY MAKE YOU FAMOUS WHEN YOU'RE FIRST BOOK COMES OUT IT IS OUR PLEASURE YOUR CAKELY MAJESTY. (Really because I love your writing and it's hilarious and WE NEED AN ACTUAL BOOK BY YOU but also because you're awesome and obviously our queen, so.)
OH THAT IS A TRUE TRAGEDY. *gives your internet cake so it’ll keep breathing* Aww, but I’m kind of honoured that you’re reading the posts you missed. 😂 SERIOUSLY. YOU ARE LIKE THE GREATEST. <3 Ahem. And AHHH my evil army plans are working!! Hopefully that'll be a day in the soon future right?!? *collapses in need* 😂
Hello Cait! It has been forever since I visited your blog (though you may not recall me, your majesty *bows head*) and, oh, how I’ve missed you! (Side note: It has been forever because I moved and my phone is horrible at loading the blogs on its tiny screen and I am a lazy little thing that didn’t unpack my computer for over a month… I have serious issues.)
I’m commenting on this post specifically (though I have read a bunch of them and they are all just !!!!) to tell you that I am now a rabidly shrieking Stiefvater fan. Her writing is one of the most beautiful of ever. I actually love her so much that past me and current me are going rounds about how she let us down. SHAME ON HER! I cannot believe I waited to experience this glory. While Harry Potter will always hold a very special (and no not at all shriney, why would you ask me that?) place in my bookworm hall of honors, The Raven Cycle is such a thing of beauty that it has waltzed its way into this secret chamber, taking no prisoners, and has seated itself on the silver throne – permanently. I cannot even tell you how much I love this series – I am literally staying home all day today to read The Raven King. Psshhh who needs money, or human interaction at a job? Certainly not me.
Anyway.. all that to say that you are a genius and thank you for shrieking so loudly about this. It is because of you that I purchased The Raven Boys when I saw it at my used bookstore. My heart will never be the same and I am so glad. You rule!
HELLO, ALISSA!! 🎉 🎉 WELCOME BACK. *gives you cake* Dude, but seriously, you can be without your computer for that long? I thik I’m glued to mine. Literally, stuck. Forever. We cannot be apart for more than a few hours. *hugs laptop* AHHHEM. BUT WHAT WERE WE SAYING? OH RIGHT. YES. BLOGGING.
This is the BEST NEWS OF EVER ERMAGERRRRD!! *SHRIEKS GLEEFULLY* Maggie Stiefvater is THE best writer of the universe. I just..I have to say it. :’) I just adore everything about her books. HER CHARACTERS MELT MY SOUL. I know the “who’s your favourite author” question is usually hard, but omg, not for me. 😂 STIEFVATER ALL THE WAY. Ahem. So yes. Mild fan here. Just miiiild.
I just spent all my days on bookstagram, which is such an insanely wonderful place! I do need to get a laptop though… so I can hug it. That made me jealous! haha But more seriously, I wasn’t sure where my computer was and I was a sad panda.. but then I got busy with work and just, yeah, booo! And I was bummed because I was almost ready to start a book blog (yay!) and now I’ve lost a lot of momentum due to non computerishness. But I’m going to really try to start one because I just know my heart would adore it.
I am going on a Stiefvater fest wherein I will read all of her work. The way she words is seriously inspiring. Like, how does she say so much with so little? Like this line from The Dream Thieves, “And Ronan was everything that was left: molten eyes and a smile made for war.” IT KILLS ME. IT’S SO PERFECT. It’s poetic and just shouts so so much! I love her and I am with you. She is by far my most favorite author. She has blown everyone I have read thus far away. I want to meet her and worship her and be her…… soooooo, yes, fangirling is happening over here. I could seriously talk about this forever.
And seriously, THANK YOU, YOU GLORIOUS PERSON!
Oh my, I think this may just be my most favorite post ever! I’m pretty new to book blogging (I only started in January) but A HUGE YES to every single thing on this list. Book blogging is great and I am so happy I finally started it 🙂
Also, I have just purchased The Raven Boys and plan to read and fall in love with that series pretty soon. My expectations are high, but I have no doubt that they will be met or even surpassed!
YAYYY THIS IS LIKE THE BEST THING OF EVER TO HEAR. 🎉 🎉 And welcome to the book blogging world! *gives you welcome cake* Plus you’re already on the right track if you’re reading The Raven Cycle. :’) it IS ONLY THE GREATEST SERIES OF EVER.
You inspire me. Thank you!
Aww, that’s the nicest thing to hear. :’) *sniffles happily*
I misuse commas too, but I do it marvelously. I basically blog to build my army, but no one knows that!
Spelling, grammar…pfft. WHO NEEDS IT. (Um, me definitely, but I’m allowed to live in denial, right?!)
You are hilarious, Cait XD I love you XD
*FLAILS MADLY* 😂 😂
All of these are good points! I think it’s amazing that people follow me because they like to read what I like about things. XD
It’s an uber special feeling right?!? 😀
OH MY GOODNESS, CAIT, RICK RIORDAN SHARED ONE OF YOUR POSTS??!!!! WHICH ONE??!! (Quietly reminding myself that famous authors are people too that can look at book blogs. But seriously, EEEP!)
Yes, these are good reasons to book blog.
ALSO DRAGONS.
WHICH COMPLETELY MAKES SENSE IN THIS CONTEXT.
YES YES HE DID. MY REVIEW OF MAGNUS CHASE. HE LINKED TO IT ON HIS BLOG AND I JUST ABOUT DIEDDDDDD. I’m guessing a publicist must’ve sent it through to him?! I was really surprised because I had only given it 4-stars, but tbh, I basically fangirled 1000% of the review. 😂 ANYWAY. MY MOMENT OF BRIEF FAME. *dies happy*
Another fabulous post Cait!! I’m so happy I decided to become a book blogger last year! I’ve met some amazing, wonderful, and weird people. (Then again, like you said, I would definitely describe myself as “that weird book person” so…. xD) It’s so great that you get to talk to other book people who understand the the books feels.
=D
We are ALL weird book people together. <3 And yesss, it's SO GOOD to not be alone in our rabid fangirling, right?! 😂
All of these reasons got me nodding, flailing, and giggling throughout. (Sometimes all three simultaneously!) I agree especially with #s 1 and 2. Whenever I wonder if my weirdness is going to start freaking people out, a fellow literary says / does something that reminds me that I belong, And that’s such a relief because I feel like my loved ones are about ready to throw me into the Mariana’s Trench. *eyes them warily* Yup, I should probably stick to literary folk from now on. Many hugs and cake to you, Cait!
YES!! WE ARE ALL SUPER WEIRD TOGETHER. 😂 Which is comforting, right?! hahaha. Ahem. But omg your comment made my day. <3
Book blogging has definitely changed my life too – it’s been awesome finding so many like-minded bookish people to shriek and fangirl with, and to discover so many amazing new things – not just books but TV shows and new obsessions and everything! I hope this inspires someone to start a blog too, Cait.
YESSSSS. There is always someone with a similar obsession to you on the internet, right?!? 😂 WHICH IS AMAZING. One never needs flail alone. :’)
Gosh, I love everything about this post because it is all so right! LOL @ the “it actually made me a worse writer” thing. I feel like my blog writing is horrendous – damn those commas! xD Also, I basically try to convert everyone to become a book blogger, or at least a “bookstagrammer” because this community is just so god damn kick ass!
AHHHH I’M SO GLAD MOLLY! 😂 And omg grammar, right?! Grammar is my worst enemy and I swear the English language is conspiring against me (yes it’s my only language BUT STILL. WHY DO NONE OF THE RULES MAKE SENSE) ahem. But this community definitely does ROCK. <3
I’ve kind of been thinking about making a book blog. I’m just scared because it’s a lot of work, and it hards to get started, and I’m really bad at doing reviews. Should I just try? Because I really do love books and I love book blogs. I just don’t know how to get started or run it or anything and ahhhhh there’s so much pressure!
It IS quite a lot of work…but not if you enjoy it, I think. :’) I have a ton of fun getting posts to look nice and writing things so it all ends up worth it for me. 😂 hehe. SO YES! Totally try if you’ve always wanted to!!
Oh my goodness! This is so perfectly amazing! Blogging definitely make me a better writer, or so I like to believe. I could connect the most on #4! That’s the real talk! To talk, shriek and fangirl over something and have all those things appreciated!! Awesome post, Cait! 🙂
YAYY I’M GLAD YOU LIKED IT!! *shares cake with you* And omg it’s SO nice to meet people online to flail with!! I know exactly zero people IRL who like books, SO I NEED MY INTERNET FRIENDS. <3
Number one was why I started, I got tired of the glazed eyes and not-so-discreet yawns whenever I tried to gush about my latest read. And number two was so true for me, I was once told I was some kind of mutant because of my reading speed but now I’ve found I’m on the slow side for a book blogger. Oh well, I’m sure I’ve got some other hidden super power!
SUPER POWERS FTW! And omg I’m the same!😂 Everyone thought I was a massively enthusiastic bookworm and I probably read like 50 books maximum a year?? Now? haha. Nope. Gotta read about triple that.😂
I’m glad you liked my post, Trish!! 😀
but like. free books is the reason. its the ebst one if not only one.
Yes to all of this. Number 8 reminded me of the first time I chatted with an author. I took a screenshot of the twitter conversation and shared it with everyone.I did this with like two more authors. It is always so exciting though. Great post!
Omg I still take screenshots whenever an author talks to me. 😂 IT’S JUST TOO EXCITING AFJDKSALFD *flails forever*
Awesome post !! I love your writing style. I just started a book blog but damn is it scary. I was always concerned about my grammer (because I’m terrible at it ). You helped me conquer that fear. Thanks!
Oh congrat son starting your blog!! *gives you welcome-to-the-blogosphere cake* 😀 And pfft, I’m horrible at grammar too, so don’t let that stop you. 😉
I’ve been thinking about starting my own book blog. I’ve looked into it and I’m really considering doing it. Just got get things together first.
Oh I hope you do!! It’s so fun and rewarding. :’) Best of luck!
You help me a lot!
I just started my own blog. It was an idea a long time ago and finally is more than that!
Thanks,
Anna
I’m glad you started a blog!! BEST OF LUCK and I hope you have tons of fun with it!
I’m just starting my own book blog and I’m sooooo excited. Reading this entry is definitely going to inspire me while writing…so THANK YOU! 🙂
Yayy! I hope you have fun with your blog!! 🎉🎉
I am new to writing book reviews and book related posts. I have a lifestyle blog which recently has become more about books as I found the passion for reading and books the beginning of this year. Started a bookstagram account a couple months ago and now I’m sharing also reviews in my blog.
Hopefully, my readers won’t mind my new obsession for books 🙂
Oh that’s awesome that you love books too!! *hi fives* An excellent life decision, I say. 😂😊😊 GOOD LUCK!!
THIS POST IS SO SO GOOD! It encouraged me to really become a book blogger ( I don’t know why I waited for so long, I guess I needed this post in my life, ha!). I’m totally into this and I want to start ASAP! Best wishes for you and your blog and I will totally read about Stiefvater (the dragons won’t get to me!)
OMG I’M SO GLAD.🎉 I hope you have a lot of fun starting your book blog!! Aaaand reading all the Stiefvater. 😉
Thank you so much!! This was so helpful. I’ve honestly been wanting to find an outlet lately to release how I feel about everything I read, being as I am the only person I know who is an avid reader. Not to mention I am a notorious lurker of every website known without ever commenting or reaching out (being the anxious little monster I am), so commenting now marks a change for me.
I also want to practice my terrible writing in some way, so I’ve been thinking of starting some form of blog to review books on, since that is one of the few things I am consistently passionate about. This has been such an insightful and encouraging post, I appreciate you taking the time to write this!!
🙂
Aww, I’m SO pleased you commented! *sends you all the cake* And I totally relate about being anxious commenting sometimes, but never fear. I will only squish you with kindness here. 😉 And blogging is such a good way to improve your writing and connect with other wild book fans and just have fun! And reviewing books is SO satsifying omg I love it.
Thank you for reading and leaving the nicest words!! 💕
Help I want to become a book review blogger. I just don’t know where to start. I have dabbled in blogging so I know the basics. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Shani Dee
I work in a high school library. I want to start a book blog club and have kids read and review the books. What are some good publishers and companies to work with for free books for them to read? Can you help?
Thank You! I have decided to just add a page to my Lifestyle Blog, titled Book Reviews and post links on it of my reviews and pictures.
Having piece of internet looks so pretty, until the the technical problem starts to pop up…
other than that I agree with all the points.. 🙂
Like this!
Cait,
I just was inspired by this post. Just started my book blog and feel better after reading this.
God bless you! and have a nice day!
Yay that’s so great to hear!💛I hope you enjoy blogging!
Thank you for your amazing, funny and enthusiastic post.. I am playing around with the thought about my own blog I just lack the courage to start. I have always been an avid reader and just discovered bookstagram and book blogs and am like blown away.. like I could turn my favourite thing in the world into something? Except I have no idea if I am even capable of writing a decent review, but that’s another story. Finding and connecting with fellow readers which I couldn’t until now, well.. it’worth a try! 🙂
I was on the fence about tarting mine bc I’m an inconsistent reader/writer, but you’ve convinced me! Thanks for sharing & inspiring me to get a move on.
Thank you for giving your readers a dose of guidelines on how to start a book blog. It starts why we need to start is more important and getting inspiration from different authors and bloggers. I really enjoy spending my time reading it. I hope I get create mine soon.
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Hahahahaha! This is the best post HONESTLY, and I’m 1000% printing it out for my family. Having a book blog has been kind of like telling my parents I want to be a professional snowboarder: they don’t like snow, or activities, or reading. HA BUT CRYING. Thank you for making me feel so good about life as a massive nerd that wants to share it! Found via Pinterest, sharing to all the boards 9,000,000 times.
I absolutely loved this. I am a huge book freak and I spend all of my time reading. I don’t have any friends that care about literature like I do so I find myself just thinking about it. I truly believe it would be amazing to put some time aside and really work on creating my own little place on the internet. I am an aspiring writer and you have put the faith in me that this is great practice. Thank you so much!
I was wondering what to blog on and after reading your post…. funny, indulgent, obsessive, witty and oh so BCD: bookish bad disorderly…… love it.
I was reminded how much I love books, all sorts of books, I am a book whore… I have stopped being the sort that reads only ‘literature’ .. hahahahahaha to infinity… I now read all sorts because I have come to respect and honour the person that makes the attempt…
Please do not take me for a redundant vacuous do-gooder all out to punt or encourage morons to numb and bore us to the pearly gates…. hell no…. I have a baby to raise and a few more years to live before needing to be assisted with my ablutions….
You are a bad fabulous influence and just what I needed to give me the push to blog and love it… yay…and I am so making a copy of this comment to use on my profile or something for my blog…. thank you thank you!!!
Hugs and Kisses wherever you are 😘🤗💞
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! so relatable 🙂 🙂 🙂 . I absolutely loved reading this – you had me giggling and laughing every minute of it ( including a few stares from my family ) I’m thinking of starting a blog because i feel like i’m going to explode if i don’t share my favorite books- my friends don’t like reading as much as i do and i reallyyyyyy need to shriek and laugh and cry with people who understands me !!! I’m also a rookie web designer so its the perfect opportunity 😛 thanks for the motivation !!!
Love this – so positive and you just made me remember why I started my blog
Thank you very much for these helpful tips. It has truly motivated to continue blog. The post was also very fun to read. Thank you again.
Yes, that is so true. I find book blogs the best.
Some great reasons to start a book blog. Though I’ve started blogging in 2017 as a hobby, but start taking it more seriously now in 2021. Books blogs are not only a part of hobby, daily life, and a safe place for own thoughts. I figured it out recently, they help a lot of readers to feel alive.