I’m participating in Armchair BEA this year, a virtual conference for book bloggers who can’t attend Book Expo America in New York this week. So all week long, you’ll see me posting according to the daily themes for Armchair BEA.
Today’s theme is “Introductions First!” Participants were given a list of 10 questions and asked to answer 5 of them, so that we can all get to know each other a little better. So here’s a little bit about me!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging?
My name is Lauren, and I live in the vicinity of Nashville, TN. I am a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom (I’d tell you what my job is, but every time I do that, I see eyes roll into the backs of heads). I have two beautiful little girls, 3 and 6 years old, and am happily married to my best friend. He’s a Web developer, which is good, since I use him as free tech support for my site.
I’ve been blogging for just a little over two months, which just seems kind of bizarre to me. I feel like I’ve been doing it so much longer! I started blogging for a few reasons. First, I love to read, but kept falling out of the habit of regular reading because I didn’t have anything to keep me motivated. I thought a blog would keep me motivated, plus help me help me with the “what should I read next?” problem.
Second, I always am itching to discuss the books I read after I finish them, but never have anyone to talk to. I have a couple friends who are avid readers, but we’re often not reading the same things anywhere close to the same time. I wanted somewhere where I could get all my thoughts out, and someone would actually read them.
And third, I’ve gotta be honest, I thought the concept of free books was pretty awesome.
What is your favorite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?
I co-host the Throwback Thursday meme along with Mandi at Never Too Fond of Books. I love being able to introduce others to older books that I loved, and I’ve also added a bunch of books to my TBR list. Book blogging tends to focus a lot on new releases, but there’s a ton of books from the pre-blogging days that are amazing!
Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?
The post I’m probably the proudest of (and the Review that’s gotten the most traffic) is my post about why everyone should read The Princess Bride by William Goldman. It’s one of my favorite books of all time, and so many people don’t even know it exists.
What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?
I love how friendly and welcoming everyone is. I was (and still am) a newbie, and just kind of thrust myself into the center of activity, hoping people would like me. And no one told me that I was too new to play, or that I was being annoying (even though I probably was). On the contrary, I’ve “met” some great people and discovered some awesome new blogs and authors.
I can’t think of anything I’d like to see change in the blogging community, except maybe some way to consolidate all the different subscription options on blogs into one central place. Some bloggers prefer GFC, or RSS, or Linky…I think I’ve got 6 different ways I subscribe to blogs, and it’s hard to keep track!
Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging? How?
Yes! I already knew I enjoyed YA books (there’s just something so exciting and fresh about them), but I’ve totally embraced it since starting my blog. I read much less adult fiction now, although I still squeeze one in here and there when I feel like it.
Also, I’ve discovered the awesomeness of indie authors. I didn’t realize how many great books were out there in indie world! So I’ve read some amazing books I never would have stumbled upon if I hadn’t started blogging.
Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to introduce myself! I look forward to “meeting” you!
I’m a stay-at-home mom too, but my guy is only 1 1/2. I could definitely use some in house tech support so you are lucky 🙂
stacybuckeye recently posted..Armchair BEA – More than you need to know
He’s actually had me start filling out support tickets when I need something done to keep track of it all! Apparently I’m a bit demanding 🙂
I definitely agree with you regarding the subscription options, it can be definitely be confusing keeping track of everything!
Welcome to the blogging world, I am a newbie just like you! So glad to meet you 🙂
Claire recently posted..Armchair BEA 2012 – Day One – Introductions First!
I don’t think it would be nearly so complicated if WordPress and GFC were compatible, but oh well! I’m grateful for followers, no matter what the method!
Great to meet you too!
Hi Lauren! Only 2 months blogging? Welcome! I’m a newbie too, I just reached 6 months. Your blog looks GREAT, btw! I LOVE purple 🙂 I really like your Throwback Thursday concept. Old books deserve attention too!!
My introduction post 🙂
Thanks so much! My husband kept trying to make me change the color, but I was a firm believer in purple 🙂
Glad you like the Throwback Thursday concept! I’d love it if you’d come play along with us sometime!
I love The Princess Bride, but I STILL haven’t read the book, can you believe it? I keep meaning to pick it up, but alas I have failed so far. Some day soon though!
If you love the movie, you simply MUST read the book! You’ll love it!
Hi! Throwback Thursdays sound like a lot of fun! I think I’ll have to start following your blog! I do agree that I’ve read a lot more Indie authors after having started my blog than I ever would have before. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by a lot of them!
Debbie @ A Library of our Own recently posted..Armchair BEA – Hi there!
It would be awesome if you followed or participated in Throwback Thursdays! Thanks so much!
And indie authors are so much fun! I’m sad it’s taken me this long to discover the wonderful world of indie! Better late than never, huh?
Hi Lauren! Nice to meet you. 🙂 Throwback Thursday sounds like a lot of fun! I’ll have to keep my eye out for it. I agree that older books can be so much more fun than new releases, just because less people are talking about them. I love it when I find a book reviewed that I have not already seen 10-20 posts about over the past month.
And… I really think I need to read The Princess Bride. I love the movie, and if we follow the normal formula, the book is way better.
Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl recently posted..Armchair BEA 2012: Meet That Artsy Reader Girl!
I’d love for you to participate! There’s so many more older books than new releases out there that people simply aren’t looking for anymore, but they SHOULD because they’re GREAT. Plus, older books are cheaper at the bookstore and more likely to be available at the library 🙂
And the book IS better than the movie, although the movie is still fabulous!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Hi! Nice to meet you! By the way, props for educating the world about how The Princess Bride was a book first! Every time I try and talk to people about it they think I’m talking about the movie and it’s so annoying! I agree with you about the how to follow issue, it’s so hard to keep track of all your favorite blogs when there are so many different following programs!
Have a great Armchair BEA!
Bennji @ The Non Reluctant Reader recently posted..Armchair BEA: Interview
Nice to meet you too! I’m glad so many fellow TPB book-lovers are coming out of the woodwork 🙂
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Hi Lauren! I totally agree with you on the book blogging community. It’s truly a fabulous place, isn’t it? And The Princess Bride is definitely on my to-read list. I have to admit that I didn’t know it was a book for a long time, but I would love to read it, especially since you enjoyed it so much!
Natalie @ Mindful Musings recently posted..Armchair Bea: Introductions!
There’s no shame in not knowing it was a book first! I didn’t know either. But I definitely think once you find out there IS a book, everyone should read it! Thanks for stopping by!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
So great to meet you! Throwback Thursdays sound like a lot of fun! I will definitely be checking in on that! I still haven’t read The Princess Bride but I’m planning on doing that this summer!
xo Stephanie
Stephanie @LittleRedReads recently posted..Armchair BEA Introductions
We’d love for you to participate! And I really hope you enjoy The Princess Bride!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
I love the Throwback Thursdays idea. I really like when I find out about a great book that has been out for awhile and isn’t plastered across every blog in my reader. I have a 4.5 yr old and a 22 months old so I know how crazy it can be trying to blog, raise the kids and everything else. Hope you will stop by my introduction post. BTW, i think this is a Safari only thing (or maybe just my computer) since it looks fine in Firefox but there is a random wide blue column that goes down the middle of your posts.
Debbie’s World of Books recently posted..Armchair BEA Introduction
Nice to meet you Debbie! And I’ll put “tech support” on the big blue column. Are you on a mobile device or on a Mac? The hubs tested it on his Mac and it looked fine, so just trying to figure out where the problem is. Thanks!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies, but I haven’t read the book yet. I’m going to go to your post now to see what I’m missing out on.
I hope I can convince you to try the book!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Hi! nice to meet you!
ohh aren’t Indie Authors just the best? i have rad so many books by indie authors since i started my blog and i cant believe what a hidden gem thy all are!
Megan recently posted..Armchair BEA Day 1:
Bonus points for using the word “rad.”
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Hi,
Ooooh, I like the idea of Throwback Thursdays.
It’s nice to meet you!
Meagan @ Blooming with Books recently posted..Armchair BEA 2012 Interview Questions
We’d love for you to play along sometime! Thanks for visiting!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Hi Lauren!!! a lovely book blogging mama <3 isn't that sweet to know you're married to your bestfriend ahhh Happy Ever After, I wonder if ill have that XD lol what am I saying?
I never heard of The Princess Bride before… I'd probably check it out since it's one of your favorite 😉
Everyone is welcome in the book blogging community <3 I'm glad you're part of it and I hope you enjoy every minute of it!
Throwback Thursday sounds like a fun meme 😉 i'd love to join sometime!
–Jay
We Fancy Books
Jay @ We Fancy Books recently posted..#ArmchairBEA Introduction
I hope you find your Happily Ever After too 🙂
Never heard of TPB?!?! Well, I’m glad I can educate you then!
We’d love to have you join in Throwback Thursday sometime. Thanks for welcoming me to the community!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Throwback Thursday sounds great and I’ll definitely have to check out Princess Bride..
http://obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/armchair-bea-introduction.html
I hope you do! Thanks for stopping by!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Okay, how do I not know you? I live in Nashville too! Donelson specifically. Anyway, welcome to the wonderful world of book blogging. Yes, it is a good motivator. I started blogging mid-year in 2009 and only read 25 books that year. In 2010, I read 50 and in 2011, I read 58. See…I’ve increased my reading every year since I started blogging. 🙂 I still have my eyes on the prize of 100 books in a year and I’m hoping to do it this year.
I know exactly what you mean about the subscription deal. My Google Reader is so ridiculous. I’ve started following most blogs via email because it’s just easier for me. I don’t know if there will ever be an answer.
Anyway, fellow Nashvillian, I’m now following you. Lovely to ‘meet’ you!
Michelle @ The True Book Addict recently posted..Armchair BEA: Introductions
LOL, Nashville’s a big city! Maybe we will meet at one of the many local bookish events someday? (I’m trying to work out being able to attend UtopYA in July!)
I actually haven’t been keeping track of my books yet this year, although I definitely should. I think I’ve already passed last year though!
Great to “meet” you too!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Hi, I was a stay-at-home mom when mine were young and loved it! treasure every moment for they grow up far too quickly!
the Princess Bride…is it like the movie at all? my 3 daughters were obsessed with that movie and we watched it a LOT! I’ll have to check out the book!
Rhonda Nash-Hall recently posted..Armchair BEA–get to know me! Rhonda
It’s like the movie in all the best ways. All the greatest scenes and lines from the movie are straight from the book, but then the book has MORE amazing stuff too! I hope you enjoy it!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
I’m so jealous of having a techy husband! Mine is tech-phobic. Luckily I love tech!
I’m still a bit wary of indie’s, but I have read some great ones! I didn’t read Amanda Hocking until she got the publishing deal and I am obsessed with those books!
Rie @ Mission to Read recently posted..Armchair Bea: Introduction
There’s definitely some duds out there, but also some great ones!
And yes, I know I’m quite fortunate to have the techie husband!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Hello Lauren! 🙂 It’s great to meet you!
“He’s a Web developer, which is good, since I use him as free tech support for my site.”
^ Haha that’s so awesome! That’s actually quite similar to me. I’m a web designer and I love designing and making websites, but my boyfriend is a web developer so he helps me out with the PHP and functionality! It’s awesome, isn’t it??
Ashley recently posted..Armchair BEA 2012 Blogger Interview
Nice to meet you too Ashley! And yes, it IS awesome 🙂
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Hiya, I too am a first time participant of ArmchairBEA and I have to sayI love the idea of the Throwback Thursday meme. There are so many great books that I first read years ago and would like to get into again not to mention series I have never gotten round to reading.
Hope you have fun this week and I am now a new follower 🙂
Nikki Sapphireddragon recently posted..Armchair BEA Day One: Introductions First
Glad you like it! I hope you get a chance to participate sometime! And I hope you have a great week too!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Everyone *should* read Princess Bride! Too many people don’t realize that there even *is* a book.
Oh I didn’t think of the subscription thing! I decided not to answer that one because I couldn’t think of anything to change, but you’re right – we need a way to follow that can work for everyone, so we don’t have to have 6 different things for different sites.
Have fun with Armchair BEA!
Anne recently posted..Armchair BEA kick-off
EXACTLY! So glad to find someone else who agrees on TPB 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Welcome to the book blogosphere! I absolutely love the title and the header picture for your blog–it’s fantastic.
I’ve seen the movie adaptation of THE PRINCESS BRIDE, but I’ve never read the book. It has come up a lot in conversation with different bloggers lately, so I’d like to read it after I’ve knocked my TBR pile down a bit.
Heather recently posted..Armchair BEA 2012: An Introduction
Thanks so much! And I hope you enjoy The Princess Bride!
Good Morning! Welcome to Armchair BEA. It is a pleasure to meet you! It is so nice to see such a new blogger take up and spend the week with us, I hope you enjoy yourself!
Lisa
Thanks, I’m so glad to be participating!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
I also find that I am reading much more YA fiction since starting my blog than I used to. In fact, I probably read more of it now than when I was in that target audience!
Nikki recently posted..#ArmchairBEA: Interview With Myself
Agreed! I didn’t read ANY YA fiction when I was in high school, but I read a ton of it now! Funny how things change 🙂
Your website looks great for being so new! I’m glad you’ve joined the book blogging community and found it to be so positive! One recommendation for your subscription problem is Google Reader. If you have a Gmail account you can subscribe using that. I had the same problem and my techie boyfriend told me to use that and I’m much more organized now!
I actually do use Google Reader too, but so many bloggers have other preferences and I like to try to abide by those – hence being subscribed in so many ways. If there was just one way, and everyone had the same preference, my life would be simpler 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I loved reading The Princess Bride (though I watched the movie first, not realizing there was a book!)
I hope you enjoy Armchair BEA!
Amanda
Amanda recently posted..Armchair BEA, Day 1: Introducing….ME!
I watched the movie for years before I discovered the book – it’s a great movie! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m so glad you found your way to the book blogging world! Your Princess Bride review is one of my favorite reviews I’ve read all year 🙂
I completely agree with you in regards to managing subscriptions. I really need to figure out a better way to get all of mine organized… That’s on my to do list for the future. Which means maybe I’ll get to it by the end of the year? *sigh*
I’m so glad to have “met” you a few months back!
Sarah @ Breaking the BInding recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading June 4?
Thanks so much! I’m also so glad that I “met” you!
I was astounded by how friendly everyone is too! Motivation is a great reason to start a book blog: it’s motivated me to 🙂
Happy reading:
-Kirthi
Kirthi recently posted..armchair BEA: interview
Yes, it’s much harder to drop the ball when I know people will NOTICE 🙂
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Wow- you’ve accomplished so much in 2 months! How exciting! I started blogging for similar reasons (I was beginning to lose track of all the books I read!).
So glad to meet you and can’t wait to check out the rest of your blog!
Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for stopping by!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Great to meet you and welcome to book blogging! I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum as I’ve been blogging for 7 years (ack!). One thing I know for sure after 7 years: the book blogging community is GREAT. Very chatty and accepting.
Again, welcome! 🙂
Andi (Estella’s Revenge) recently posted..Armchair BEA: Wherein I VLOG!
7 years blows my mind! I hope I’m as dedicated in 7 years!
Thanks for stopping by!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
When I first started blogging, there was a Throwback Thursday meme…and I loved it. I have a lot of “oldie” books that I enjoy sharing. Then the host dropped it…and I lost track.
I’ll have to find yours.
I agree about the subscription options. I prefer subscribing to blogs by e-mail…although I’ve joined the GFC on some sites. But I don’t like reading in Google reader, which is why I prefer e-mail subscription.
I love the name of your blog! It drew me in…and even though I don’t really worry about housework much anymore, as I live alone, I do recall the days when it seemed to grab at me and steal my favorite moments.
Here’s MY ARMCHAIR BEA POST
Laurel-Rain Snow recently posted..AUTHOR’S HOME PAGE
I did some research when I wanted to start Throwback Thursdays, and couldn’t find anything more recent than 2010, other than Mandi’s feature on her blog. So I asked her if she’d ever considered turning it into a meme, and thus Throwback Thursdays was born! I’d love for you to participate sometime!
And I’m glad you like the name! Thanks for stopping by!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Hi Lauren!! Awesome blog design!! Its great to find new bloggers!
Welcome to Armchair BEA
Amanda recently posted..Armchair BEA: About Me
Thanks so much! Glad you like it!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Wow, your blog is very new – nice to see that you’re interacting with the community already. Isn’t it great fun!
I have a programmer husband at home, but my blog is wordpress and doesn’t need his help). But it’s handy.
Judith recently posted..Armchair BEA – Day 1: Introductions
It IS great fun! I moved to self-hosted WP pretty quick because my husband wanted to tinker with my design. It’s hard not to get swept up in all the customization possibilities!
Thanks for stopping by!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
That’s a very good point about all of the different ways to follow people. Nice to meet you!
Kate @ Ex Libris recently posted..Armchair BEA Introductions
Nice to meet you too!
I am made so many friends in the blogosphere! It has really kept me going! I do agree with you about all the following stuff and Blogger took away GFC from non-blogger blogs like mine in March. I love sharing my thoughts and am just thrilled people stop by and read them 🙂
I will see you again this week I am sure!
Dollycas
lori/dollycas recently posted..Armchair BEA – Day 1 – The Interview
It sure would make life easier if all blogs could have GFC! Oh well, I’m sure we’ll all muddle through 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and yes, I’m sure we’ll meet again!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
How lucky to have tech support 😛 I totally agree about all the ways to follow people. It can definitely be overwhelming.
Hope you can visit my Intro
Katrina recently posted..Armchair BEA Day 1: Introductions!
Thanks for stopping by! And I see that you’re a crafter – I am totally non-crafty, but my friend Jessica has a great craft blog that I’ve linked to in my sidebar – maybe you’d enjoy it!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
No one’s ever too old for YA! 😉 awww and now you have me curious as to what your job is! http://fiction-freak.blogspot.com/2012/06/armchair-bea-self-interview.html?m=1
It’s not a big mystery, just most people think it’s dull, so I don’t go into the details anymore! I edit and do internal QA for corporate financial earnings calls. Basically, all publicly traded companies have to report earnings for their investors once a quarter in the interest of full disclosure. I go through the audio and transcripts for the calls and make sure everything is accurate, plus I do internal QA for my company to ensure we’re putting out a good product.
See? Did you REALLY want to hear about that? 🙂
First, I must say I love your blog icon — the woman reading — adorable! Welcome to book blogging! I’m super curious about this eye-ball-roll-inducing job of yours! 😉
I’ve found the book blogging community so friendly too — it’s refreshing!
Audra recently posted..Equal of the Sun by Anita Amirrezvani
Thanks so much! That’s actually me! Hubs did a good job with Photoshop, didn’t he?
I went into detail on my boring job (I actually like it, but most people think it sounds frightfully dull) in the comment above 🙂
I LOVE the princess bride! I read the book ages ago and I thought that the S. Morgenstern book that he “abridged” the story from was a real book! I was very disappointed when my library didn’t have it. I kind of wanted to read the “boring” parts. Your princess bride review was hilarious!! 🙂
Jessica @ Books: A true story recently posted..Armchair BEA: Introductions First!
I did the same thing! I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t find that book…until I figured it out 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
I am from north Alabama (tho I live in SD now) and middle TN is one of our favorite places, specifically around Murfreesboro. My husband and I often talk about moving somewhere in the Murf/Nashville/i-65/ Hunstville area.
So nice to meet you! I will definitely be back.
LIsa recently posted..Armchair BEA Introduction: Lisa @ Books. Lists. Life.
We used to live out towards Murfreesboro (Smyrna), but we’re over in the Brentwood/Franklin area now. I agree, my husband and I are both originally from the Northeast US, but middle TN just called to us. We love it here. Glad you stopped by!
Hi There!
Inconceivable! I read The Princess Bride a few weeks ago for the Once Upon A Time Challenge: it is a small world! 🙂
SueCCCP recently posted..Read Along of Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman: Part 3
Yay! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do 🙂
You had me at your blog’s title. The subhead is just too good. My favorite refrigerator magnet is “A Clean House is the Sign of a Wasted Life.” Here’s to reading.
I love it! I think I need that magnet in my life.
Only two months? Man … you put me to shame. I feel like the fat kid trying to play catch-up even though I’ve been doing it longer. Lol.
Side note: we don’t live terribly far away from each other. I live in Lexington, KY.
Jessica @ Tales Between the Pages recently posted..Armchair BEA 2012: Introductions
Nonsense! I always enjoy your blog. If anything, I’m the fat kid playing catch-up to all these bloggers who have been around for so much longer than me!
Maybe we’ll find ourselves at some of the same events in the future, since we live relatively close!
The blogging community definitely has plenty of book suggestions available! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Jo-Jo recently posted..Armchari BEA: A Few Things About Me!
Absolutely! My TBR list has become a formidable beast. Glad you could stop by!
Yay! I’m so glad you’re participating in this 🙂 Good luck this week–can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Liz Long recently posted..Book Review: Inhale by Kendall Grey
If the rest of the week is anything like today, it’s going to be CRAZY!
Also, you are totally one of the awesome indie authors I mentioned in the last question 🙂
Hey, Lauren! Wow! A lot of your answers and reasons are similar to my own. I don’t know if you knew this already, but my little girl is 3, as well, and I got into book blogging for much the same reason. My reading tastes changed much like yours, as well.
I love that you did a Princess Bride post. I read that book several years ago and really enjoyed it. Great book and great movie!
Looking forward to seeing what else you have to share for Armchair BEA. 🙂
Marla @ Starting the Next Chapter recently posted..Armchair BEA Day 1 – Who Am I? An Introduction
3-year-olds are so fun! Mine is currently putting on an entire show for herself using My Little Ponies. Shalena would be proud 🙂
It was great to meet you a couple weeks ago, and I’m going to go check out your post now!
The Princess Bride is a great book. People who stick to the movie are missing out.
Liviania recently posted..Armchair BEA: Introduction
Yes! They must be educated 🙂
I’m jealous that you have live-in tech support. My husband knows a little about computers, but most stuff I’ve had to learn on my own or I’ve asked other bloggers – one of the great things about this community is that everyone is willing to help you out!
I love the idea of the Throwback Thursdays meme. There are so many books out there that I want to read and some are definitely not considered new anymore.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and I hope you have a great week!
Kristin @ Always With a Book
Kristin T. recently posted..Armchair BEA 2012: Introductions
Yes, I am VERY fortunate! I have to bake him cookies sometimes in appreciation 🙂
And I’m glad you like the idea of Throwback Thursdays! I hope you can come play along sometime! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a great week too!
I didn’t even know there would be free books when I started! How lucky that you found out about that perk so quickly!
For only having a blog for about 2 months, you sure have established a presence. I hope your blog continues to grow and be awesome. 🙂
Alissa recently posted..Armchair BEA: Introductions first!
The first time an unexpected box full-o-books showed up on my doorstep, I was FLOORED. I nearly exploded in excitement. It’s only happened a couple times since, and each time it’s like Christmas! I love it!
Thanks for liking my blog! I’m still in awe of established bloggers with their massive followings and hundreds of publisher ARCs and author contacts. It’s intimidating, but I’m liking my little corner of the blogosphere pretty well 🙂 Glad you could stop by!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who loves to discuss books and doesn’t have any friends to discuss ’em with! My friends don’t like to read AT ALL – and it makes me so sad!!! So, I have to talk to random people at the library and book stores. Fun but not the same 🙂
So wonderful to “meet” you 🙂 Armchair BEA @ the Brunette Librarian
Brunette LIbrarian recently posted..Armchair BEA – Getting to Know You 🙂
Exactly! I like being able to make “friends” online – my only problem is that I wish everyone lived next door to me 🙂
It’s very nice to meet you, Lauren! 😀
You know, I have The Princess Bride on my shelf actually. I haven’t read it yet though, but it’s definitely one I’d like to one day. 🙂
That is an awesome point about consolidating all the ways to follow! It would be amazing if they could do that. I don’t use Linky Followers just because I really don’t want an additional way to follow blogs. GFC/RSS in my Google reader is enough for me…it’s even hard to keep up with those blogs, but it would be nice if all the ways to follow kind of meshed together. 🙂
Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself with us! 🙂
Ambur
.Ambur. recently posted..Armchair BEA: Day 1 – Introductions!
Oooh, take it off your shelf! You’ll be glad you did!
Thanks for stopping by!
I’m a SAHM as well, but I have two boys, ages 6 and 4. While I’m a recent addition to the blog, the other ladies have been around for a little over 10 months, so we’re still relatively new.
I love the idea of Throwback Thursday.
It’s so nice to “meet’ you!
~Christina & the other Litbrarians
Christina from The Book Hookup recently posted..Armchair BEA Introductions
Great to “meet” you too! And I’m glad you like the Throwback Thursday idea!
I’ve also discovered a lot of indie authors through blogging! 🙂
And I *love* the Princess Bride! Have you read his other one – the Silent Gondolier (?)? I want to, but haven’t gotten around to it yet — I hope it’s as great a read as Princess…
Welcome to the blogging world, and you’ve got an adorable site to be so young 🙂 Kudos to you!
RivkaBelle recently posted..Armchair BEA: Introductions First!
I have NOT read it, but if it’s anything like TPB, I’m sure I’d love it. I’ll have to pick it up soon 🙂
And I’m glad you like the site! Thanks for visiting!
Hey Lauren!
Aw, now I really want to know what your day job is! (and why it makes people’s eyes roll into the backs of their heads) Also, kudos on the blog design, very snazzy!
Rhiannon Paille recently posted..#ArmchairBEA The BIG Introduction Day
Thanks so much! Glad you like it!
My job isn’t a big secret, just most people can’t even get through my description without nodding off. I explained it a few posts up in the comments 🙂
I totally agree with you, The Princess Bride is a must read. And it’s scary how many people think it’s just a movie! It was one of my favorite reads when I was younger (the commentary by William Goldman about the pages of tree descriptions always has me in stitches), I still pick it up when I need a little extra fun.
Wonderful blog and happy BEA!
PS – new follower
Jessi recently posted..[Features]: Armchair BEA: Introducing Jessi and Otherwhere.Co #features
Yes, it can always make me smile, no matter what my mood! Thanks for visiting!
Hi Lauren! I’ve been following you from before, but I can’t believe you’ve actually only been blogging for 2 months! You don’t want to KNOW what I was doing with my blog at two months! *Post, silence. Crickets chirp. More silence* Yep. o.O
My BEA Intro
Eileen @ ***Singing and Reading in the Rain*** recently posted..Velveteen Gush-Fest
I need some newbie advice! How to start a successful book blog and how to meet other bloggers, as well as how you got your name out there for the free books to review etc. If you have time, PLEASE help me! I am a stay at home mom as well, which I would also say is a full time job! If not a 24/7 job! I can’t wait to meet new people through blogging! Also, enjoy Graceling and Fire… let me know what you think!
Oh gracious – I’m still so new, I feel rather silly giving advice! The main things I’ve been doing are doing meaningful commenting on lots of blogs. Whenever I see a post that strikes my interest, I comment! I’ve met some great bloggers that way. I also have discovered a bunch of blogs through memes. My favorites are Top Ten Tuesday and Feature & Follow Friday.
Other than that: Twitter. Bloggers and authors are really active on Twitter – there’s a whole community out there that’s a lot of fun!
And for free books, those will come. I’ve gotten several from indie authors in exchange for review. Join NetGalley and request and review titles on there. Books from publishers take the longest – I’ve only had a couple publishers who have been willing to send books to a new blogger, and even then, I needed to have stats to support SOMEONE was reading my site.
Check out all the posts in the linky for Top Ten Tips for New Book Bloggers. Those bloggers have far more (and better) advice than me! Good luck!
I’ve discovered Indie authors, as well. It’s amazing to think that some of the best books I’ve read since blogging have been by Indie authors! 🙂
Cyndi M. recently posted..Day One: Armchair BEA 2012 | Introducing Myself
I know! I never would have guessed before blogging that indie books could be so good!
BTW Love your blog name! Housework can ALWAYS wait 😉
Thank you for stopping by my blog! 🙂 And I love indie books! I’ve been getting into them a lot recently! Im a follower now!
Janae’s Book Obsession recently posted..ArmChair BEA 2012 – Day 1 Introductions
Thanks so much! If you could see my pile of unfolded laundry, you’d know how much I live by my blog title…
Isn’t book blogging wonderful (if a bit overwhelming) in helping you pick out what to read next?
Alley recently posted..I didn’t forget about Armchair BEA, I’m fashionably late
And then some!
Fun intro post!! Two months does seem short at the moment… I must’ve started following you at the beginning. I agree. There are way too many ways to “follow” – it’s hard to keep track of ’em all!!!
Thanks for being one of the first!
“The Princess Bride” is one of my favorite books as well, and I recently wrote a review for it since we were reading it for book club. I’ve read it at least 3 times, and I have bought a total of 5 copies. Two were for me, the rest were given as gifts.
I need to keep more copies on hand to give as gifts. I keep loaning out my old tattered paperback. It’s getting tired 🙂
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Oh my GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is like WOW!! I haven’t even…
Well. First thanks for dropping by BookPics 😀
Can I CANNOT believe you only have 2 months blogging!! Your blog certainly doesn’t look so 😀
Oh noes ¬_¬ don’t give her the eye-roll people!!
And, blus- I haven’t heard of that book either…so I’ll have to look it up.
Again, completely agree with the people here!!! I LOVE how everyone is so welcoming AND even more so…when they don’t tell me I’m annoying when I’m most definitely am!! >..<
Alba @BookPics recently posted..Armchair BEA-Introductions First!
Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad you like it!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Just stopping by to say Hi! I’m off to check out your Princess Bride post… I seriously love the book and movie! 🙂
Chrystal @ Snowdrop Dreams of Books recently posted..Armchair BEA: Self Interview
Thanks for stopping by!
I’m with you on the whole book discussion thing! I love to talk about what I’m reading and it’s so frustrating when there’s no one around!
Danielle recently posted..ArmchairBEA: Introductions
How did people survive before the Internet? I’m serious. I mean, I remember life before virtual friends, but it’s all fuzzy and vague 😉
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
I love the Princess Bride as well! Definitely a must-read for everyone 🙂 Also, I totally agree about discovering Indie authors, who knew there were so many amazing ones out there! Good luck with your blogging and it’s nice to meet you 🙂
Angelya recently posted..Tour Launch and Giveaway: Kingdom, Anderson O’Donnell
Thanks so much for stopping by! Nice to find all these PB fans out there 🙂
Thanks for dropping by my blog! I love your blog name 😀 And I’m happy to hear that you’ve embraced YA — that’s fantastic! I read a lot of YA and should probably try a bit harder to embrace adult, LOL XD
Danya recently posted..Armchair BEA: Introductions
Glad you like it! Just read what you like – life’s too short to read what other people think you should read 🙂
Hi Lauren!! I myself am a fan of Throwback Thursday! I love the concept of spotlighting the older books ~ that’s all I used to mostly read b/c I just started really reading in the last 2 years!!
And yay, SAHMs! That’s me, too. I’m super curious what your work at home job is (it’s not sex-phone operator, is it???!!! lol!! that would get an eye roll or two!!). Actually, I can kind of guess what you do… 😀
Kristin Clifton recently posted..Armchair BEA: Introductions First!!
Heavens no! But that certainly would get some eye rolls! It’s nothing shady or mysterious – just sounds dull. I went into details a few comments up if you’re really curious 🙂
I love the idea of your Throwback Thursdays meme, I will definitely have to look into it more!! I too enjoy a few Indie Books that I would probably never have found since I started blogging! Enjoy the Armchair BEA!
Heather recently posted..Kicking off Armchair BEA!!
We’d love to have you participate! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Lauren,
Nice to meet you!! Throwback Thursdays sounds like fun–I will have to check it out. I could use some tech support with my blog–that must be awesome to have your hubs able to do that!! LOL..
http://bellesbookbag.blogspot.com/2012/06/armchair-bea-introductions-first.html
I’d love for you to participate in Throwback Thursdays sometime! And yes, the hubs is awesome. He’s been joking today that maybe he’ll get some freelance work out of this blog post. I told him only if he’s okay being paid in books 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
TheHouseworkCanWait recently posted..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (June 4)
Two months blogging!! WOW!!
Nice to meet you:D
I do like you blog title..hehe!!
have a great day!
Michelle
Glad you like it! Thanks for stopping by!
I agree it’s hard to keep up.. it used to be so much simpler, and even now the commenting gets technical on us.
I’ll have to read your Princess Bride post, I never really thought about reading the book =)
And LOL at the occupation/eye roll… same thing here.. I’m a bookkeeper for a construction company which really entails a lot more than it sounds!!
Here’s my Intro post. Nice to meet you!
Marie recently posted..Mailbox Monday
Yes, all I meant was that describing my job tends to put people to sleep, so I just don’t bother anymore 🙂 Blogging is a lot more interesting! (Although I actually do like my job…but I think I’m weird). I described it a few posts up if you’re curious.
Thanks for visiting, and I hope I can convince you to try TPB 🙂
Is there a way to consolidate all your blogs into Google Reader? That’s what I use, but I feel like you may be talking about something else, so I apologize if that suggestion was no help whatsoever 🙂
Aarti recently posted..Armchair BEA: Introductions
I do use Google Reader, but I also like to subscribe in a way that shows up on the blog itself, so the blogger knows I’m subscribed and can include me in their follower count. And it seems every blogger has a different preference, and I always try to abide by their preferences. Gets confusing! Thanks!
I love Nashville! My mom and brothers live in La Vergne, so whenever I go visit them I make a trip there.
Hope you enjoy Armchair BEA!
Danie recently posted..Armchair BEA, day 1!
I used to live 10 minutes from LaVergne, in Smyrna! I agree, I love this area.
Thanks for stopping by!
I cannot believe there are actually people out there who aren’t familiar with The Princess Bride. Both the book and film are so amazingly classic that it seems like it’s a rite of passage…. like Judy Blume books or the Harry Potter series.
^_^
(btw, thanks for the visit!)
Alisha (My Need to Read) recently posted..Armchair BEA Day 1: Introductions First!
It’s amazing but true! Hopefully there’s fewer of them out there since I made it my mission to educate the WORLD (or at least the tiny portion that reads my blog)! Thanks for stopping by!
I am excited to participate with Throwback Thursdays! see….Armchair BEA is great!!
Woohoo! Glad to have you participating!
Hi Lauren,
Thanks so much for visiting me at Stiletto Storytime and welcome to book blogging! I love you blog name by the way…it’s something I need to learn to tell myself and believe on a regular basis. I loved your answers by the way. We have a lot in common. We seem to share some book genre tastes and both are SAHMs…so glad I found your site. Maybe we can do some book chat in the future as I too love chatting about all things bookish and use the web as my outlet. It’s great to meet you again and have a great Armchair BEA week!
Courtney
Stiletto Storytime
I’ll have to check out Throwback Thursdays now. Sounds like a blast!
Jennifer recently posted..ARMCHAIR BEA: Day 2-Best Books of 2012 (So Far)
I’ve never gotten a chance to read the Princess Bride. I enjoyed reading your post about it. I like the meme too, Never Too Fond of Books, I look forward to following it.
Thanks for stopping by my blog too. Hope to stay connected. 🙂
Hi! I love your blog, and I may start doing some Throwback Thursdays- love it! Nice to “meet” you!
Marie recently posted..ArmChair BEA: Best of 2012 So Far- And What’s Coming Up Soon
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I never would have guessed your blog is so new….you already host a weekly feature and know a lot of bloggers…Great job!
I knew The Princess Bride is a book but I haven’t read it yet (sorry!) It is on my tbr and I’m looking forward to the experience and also hoping it’s as funny or funnier than the movie.
It’s very cool your husband is a web developer…and useful!
It’s very nice to ‘meet’ you Lauren!
Amy recently posted..Armchair BEA: Beyond Your Blog!