Posts Categorized: Discussion

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Book Girls Don’t Cry: Blogging Schedules

Posted by 40 Comments

Inspired by Book Buzzers, Book Girls Don’t Cry is a weekly feature where we each discuss/vent/advise on the chosen weekly bookish topic. Don’t miss Jenni on Mondays, and Amy on Saturdays:

Planning is half the battle!



When you start a blog most people go in with absolutely no clue what it entails, nor how much organization goes into running one–especially if you want good constant content AND respect what publishers ask as far as reviewing the books they send to you on time.

My first few months of blogging were craz-ay! I was not using anything to keep track and just going about it with the flow, and it got pretty unorganized. I would forget tours I had signed up for, and I lost track of what was due for review (mostly Netgalley books then which are easier to “forget” you have at all). But first thing’s first, and I didn’t learn this until a few months after I started blogging hence why I’m mentioning it, but when you receive an ARC from a publisher, they like you to review them close to the release date. Some ask within 2 weeks, some within 4, and a few I’ve worked with had strict deadlines and wanted it no more than 1 week before, so how the heck was I supposed to keep track when NG started approving more and more and print copies would arrive? I’m very impressed to those who do blog successfully without a schedule as I know some do, and it may just be in my OCD nature, but I need more structure. And since publishers are feeding my reading habit, I like to respect their wishes as far as timing the best I can.

So here is what my blog calendar looks like–for those on a Mac, iCal is the best invention since sliced bread or something. But for PC I know there are some desktop calendars that exists, too, or Google Calendar is a good online one. Or if you’re more of an old fashioned gal/guy, a good paper calendar works–though online is nice because you can sync them to your phone (in most cases) and access them from anywhere.

(click for larger)
How to be a successful scheduler
It might look a little intimidating or time consuming to create a blogging schedule–I mean blogging is not a chore, right?–but it’s barely something I even notice doing and I admit I kind of like it. All you gotta do is open your calendar–do it! Now add in your weekly regular posts like any memes or features (the iCal has an easy “repeat” feature to make that super easy). Then, whenever you get an ARC–print or digital–go in Goodreads, add it on your ARC shelf (I know y’all have one ;), and since the release date is right there, pop up your calendar, select a few days or a week prior to release, and put it in! That was so not hard, eh? Then did you sign up for any tours? Even before you get confirmation that you were selected, put it in your schedule (most tour organizers will give you the date you requested during sign ups). This avoids double booking, and worst case,  deleting an entry is extremely easy I promise ;). Then what happens if you get an ARC and nothing is free close to its release (yes this will happen!)? Pick a random day where another review is scheduled and add it in; when the time comes you pick the one you want to read the most–we’re not machines! It’s also a good habit to schedule reviews realistically–don’t schedule 5 a week if you can only read 2.
On that note, will you get punished for skipping a review book? No! I’m not saying go request a book if you don’t have every intention of reviewing it, but publishers are aware that not all ARCs will get reviewed. Sometimes this is due to readers losing interest after the early reviews (or Blythe) convinces us it will not be our cup of tea (believe me pubs prefer no review at all than going in knowing you will hate it), and other times we just simply don’t have time. I have had to skip many ARCs that I have received and I have never been cut off from a publisher–although try to review at least “most” as these are not free of cost for them. With this said, if you can’t fit a new ARC into an empty review slot, double book and decide later on. Note that pubs also appreciate post-release reviews so don’t stress if you have to wait until after it’s released! If you see my screenshot I have a habit of putting “extras” on Saturdays and I keep moving them forward as months go buy–those are my “I should review when I can” book list. Yeppers, I’ve got a system for everything! >.<
A guide, not a rule
This leads me to talk about how you follow your schedule once you have it going. Don’t treat it as something set it stone. Don’t stress yourself out if you still have not read a book that is scheduled next week. Use your schedule as a guide, not a rule book. Don’t let it run your reading schedule either. If your next book on the list is a dystopian but you’re really not in the mood for that, switch it with another one. You have no idea how much my schedule gets moved around every week, but at least I’m aware of which book is due for review soon so that when I am in the mood for a dystopian, I should probably read that one. I have used a schedule for well over a year and not once has it caused a reading slump, a feeling of reading being work, or a dislike towards reading or blogging at all. Knowing how to use it and giving yourself slack is just as important as creating it.
So this is how I manage my blog! Anything blog related, even mailing out giveaway prizes and special notes for tour stops, I add it my calendar. I need order in my life! I don’t know how some do without *pulls hair out*.

How do you manage your blogging/reviewing schedule?
Seriously! I want to know your systems! 🙂

Also, don’t forget to leave suggestions for future topics you’d like to see! 🙂

You know you love me!
Xoxo, Book Girl!

Book Girls Don’t Cry: The Trendy Novellas

Posted by on 04/19/2013 • 53 Comments

Inspired by Book Buzzers, Book Girls Don’t Cry is a weekly feature where we each discuss/vent/advise on the chosen weekly bookish topic. Don’t miss Jenni on Mondays, and Amy on Saturdays:  

Optional No More?

All the novellas! What is up with ALL THE NOVELLAS? I completely understand that it’s a way to keep up with the series so you don’t forget the characters or your connection to them, or even to get to know those little side characters who are often the protagonists of these novellas. I’ve even enjoyed a few of these myself. However, on the other hand I’m not sure I like how the trend is turning them into must-read novellas. Which means that if you don’t read one, you find yourself a little out of place…

Book Girls Don’t Cry: Judging a Book by its Cover

Posted by on 04/04/2013 • 48 Comments

Inspired by Book Buzzers, Book Girls Don’t Cry is a weekly feature where we each discuss/vent/advise on the chosen weekly bookish topic. Don’t miss Jenni on Mondays, and Amy on Saturdays:  

Making a Good First Impression!

You’ve all heard that making a good first impression is important, right? During job interviews, meeting the parents, etc. And then you’ve also heard to not judge a book by its cover, no? Don’t you find both are kind of contradicting? A book cover is the first impression we get of a book, why shouldn’t we judge one by what we first see? At least to some extent. Sure there are tons of great books out there with mediocre covers at best, like so (and yes some of these were changed thank goodness):

Book Girls Don’t Cry, They RSS!

Posted by on 03/28/2013 • 37 Comments

Inspired by Book Buzzers, Book Girls Don’t Cry is a weekly feature where we each discuss/vent/advise on the chosen weekly bookish topic. Don’t miss Jenni on Mondays, and Amy on Saturdays:  

Goodbye Google Reader, Hello Something Better!

You heard me! Google Reader leaving is not exactly the end of the world, nor is it even bad at all. There are tons of other readers out there, some free, others that require a fee but give out a little something extra for it.Today I will feature two of my favorite alternatives which also seems to be the ones most liked by the majority so you might learn some tips and tricks if you’re new to these, or it may help you choose!

BLOGLOVIN Bloglovin’ is close to being the same…

Book Girls Don’t Cry, They Read New Adult!

Posted by on 03/21/2013 • 101 Comments

Inspired by Book Buzzers, Book Girls Don’t Cry is a weekly feature where we each discuss/vent/advise on the chosen weekly bookish topic. Don’t miss Jenni on Mondays, and Amy on Saturdays:   This week’s topic was suggested by Nick from Nick’s Book Blog

We are Growing Up! *Sniffs*

Young Adult, New Adult, Old Adult–is that the next step? >.<

There is a new fad, and we’ve all fallen victim to it–or at least that’s what it seems, I know some are avoiding it like the plague, too. But you know what? I may only have a few New Adult books read under my belt, but I can say I’m a big fan of the genre! I know some say it’s only YA with sex, it’s what I thought at first…

Book Girls Don’t Cry: Book-to-Movie Adaptations

Posted by on 03/14/2013 • 43 Comments

Inspired by Book Buzzers, Book Girls Don’t Cry is a weekly feature where we each discuss/vent/advise on the chosen weekly bookish topic. Don’t miss Jenni on Mondays, and Amy on Saturdays:   This week’s topic was suggested by Kezia of Pansycake Reader

Movie Adaptations are Taking Over!

Let’s take a moment and reflect on upcoming book to movie adaptations (linked to IMDB):      Beautiful Creatures Daughter of Smoke and Bone The Book Thief Ender’s Game Blood Red RoadBefore I Fall Delirium Divergent Forest of Hands and Teeth 13 Reasons Why Shiver Paranormalcy Heist Society The Maze Runner Pure The Luxe The Host Fallen A Great and Terrible Beauty  Matched Legend Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Mortal Instruments The Night Circus The Scorpio Races Shadow and Bone The Raven Boys…