Get up close and personal with Australian book blogger Kate :
On reading, book blogging & her fresh take on the future of books.
What motivates you to read as often as you do? Do you have a favourite genre?
I really love #reading for the experience. I am primarily motivated to read, as each time I pick up a new book I am suddenly transported into a new world. It gives me time to myself and to escape reality for a while. I also find that when I am feeling down or I am stuck on something I pick up a book and relax, I just find it de-stressing. I will pretty much have a book in my hand as often as possible.
I don’t know whether I do have a favourite genre or not. There are so many diverse books which can be put into multiple categories. I also don’t know whether to call ‘young adult’ a genre, but I often find myself reading a lot of books surrounding this area as they often involve a lot of current issues.
When did you decide to start your #book blog?
I have always wanted to do a blog or to just write. I have had multiple blogs over time, but it wasn’t until I got involved in the book blogs of Instagram that I truly came to appreciate the wonderful things that blogs can do. I made my blog early last year but didn’t really start to post until halfway through the year, mostly just because I was doubting my abilities.
I have always thought that it is important to express your views and opinions and I have really appreciated reading other reviews before I made my decisions on whether to read a book or not.
How do you find the time to blog & review when you also attend school full time?
Well this is a hard question, because simply it is hard to find time. I always try and balance my academic work and also work that I like to do but it never really works out that way. I just try and stay focused and use as much time as I can to blog. Recently I have been a little bit behind, but I always catch up.
Do you feel like #Indie Writer's are stepping up their game?
Yes, I do. I think that these books are becoming more interesting and enticing and more people are starting to support them which is so great. (YES!)
Self-published author's are accused by the publishing industry of having lower standards and the need for a big corporation behind us. What do you say?
I don’t agree with this at all. I can understand that big publishers are sometimes better but it is ultimately up to the author. As long as the authors have ways to get their books acknowledged it shouldn’t matter. Everyone should have a chance and have their say in what they personally prefer.
In your viewpoint is Big Publishing dead and the new wave is here to stay?
I’m not very sure about this, although I think that more people are now becoming independent, as they have more control over what happens... which is good.
Have you considered writing a book as well?
Yes many times I have considered writing my own book and have done so. Although, I need a bit more practice in it, again I also do have a lot of self-doubt but I am hoping once my studying is finished I’ll have more time to focus on all different types of writing.
We are in a global marketplace. Do you feel like the fact that you are in Australia doesn’t matter in “real time,” because social media connects us all?
Yes, I do feel like this in a sense. If it wasn’t for social media I wouldn’t be able to connect to authors and make friends in the blogging sphere. I also wouldn’t be seeing the books that I do read.
If you could name a favorite #book of all time what would it be and why?
I am always so bad when it comes to this question. I have so many favorite books, but if I had to choose I think that it would be- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, by Ann Brashares. This story is all about love, family and friendship and it has a lot of lessons and values that are really important. ( Me too! My reply to that question recently got me in hot water. I love that book! It reminds me of my own experiences back in the day. Good times! )
Young people these days are sometimes accused of not reading long text anymore. Do you find this is a myth? What is there inside a book that you cannot find in a magazine or in online content?
I believe that this is quite true, most young people these days are too busy being on their phones, which of course is not always a bad thing, but sometimes it is. Inside a book you have a chance to escape and expand your mind which is definitely something which magazines and online content does not have.
What do you see for the future in your blog in say, ten years? Do you plan on going into the publishing or book marketing business?
Hopefully my blog will be a lot more popular and I will be successful in my reviewing and also my own writing. I am planning to ahead and complete a Bachelor of Communication and Professional Writing next year which I am hoping will get me into both the publishing and book marketing business. It would be my dream job. ( Go for it! :)
Writing a book is just the beginning of getting the finished product into the hands of readers. What do you see your role as, in marketing and promoting authors? An additional question is, why do you do it for free?
I think the blogger and reviewers role is important in marketing and promoting authors as other readers can familiarize themselves with us. Knowing that someone else is loving and helping the author in their work is encouraging for a reader. I do it for free because it is something which I truly love doing. I don’t need to be paid to help, I just do it because I really want to. The most important thing is to help the author. ( See! #Writers need terrific people like Kate. No matter how amazing your work is, if no-one sees it- it will not emerge from the masses. )
What advice would you give an author about contacting book blogger’s? Is there a procedure or proper etiquette?
Most book bloggers are so happy to know an author wants to work with them. The biggest advice I can give is, to not be shy or scared to share your books with us. We are all happy to help and want to help you get the best out of your book. Also please don’t be mad if a couple of people don’t like certain parts of your books, it is always good to have this feedback as it can help you even if you don’t think it is.
Have you made a lot of new friend’s in this wonderful endeavour of yours?
I have definitely made a lot of new friend’s. Anyone from authors, to aspiring authors, to publishers and other bloggers like myself. It is wonderful to find people who have the same interests as you.
What do you think an author can do to separate themselves from the slew of new writer’s on Amazon?
Just promote yourself as much as you can. Also make sure you have connections to other bloggers so then they can spread the word.
If someone wanted to start their own reading blog, do you have any advice for them? Is there a platform you prefer or not and why?
I honestly just encourage you to do it. It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made as it has opened up so many opportunities for me. Also all reviews are good, even if you didn’t like the book always share your opinion because you are entitled to it! WordPress is probably one of the best platforms to use due to its easy use.
Lastly, what has your blog taught you about what is happening in the writing world? Is there hope for literature in say- a hundred years?
This blog has taught me that the writing world is alive and thriving more than ever. It is so refreshing to see so much new talent arise.
I definitely think that there is hope for literature in a hundred years. There are so many people who appreciate it now and there is no way that it is going anywhere.
** Thank you so much Kate! Words of hope for the future and a genuine partnership with emerging writers. You are the best! Good luck with your schooling and your future career choices. Follow and support my friend Kate on social media.
Contact Kate for help with your own books & join us both in the growing community of incredible book #bloggers, writers and readers changing the scope of how it's done.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/loadsofbooks
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Find your Peace, Love, Hustle & then Write -xoxo Bibiana
Twitter Handle: @Bibiana1Krall -Come say hello and join in the conversation!