It Takes Me Forever To Write Reviews
I'll usually set up a review template immediately, but sometimes I wait so long to write the actual review that I actually have to go back and skim / reread the novel. There are some books that leave me so inspired and I have to write something then and there, but for the most part I tend to wait a few days / weeks. It's a bad habit I'm trying to break.
I Worry My Reviews Aren't Helpful
Some reviews I feel confidant about, but others I worry won't be of any use. It's always tricky, trying to share thoughts on a novel without giving too much away.
Blogging Has Made Me Crazy Over Mail
I used to be normal when it came to mail, and then I became a book blogger. It's kind of embarrassing how excited I get when I see a package on the porch (or how sad I become when UPS / FedEx drives by without leaving something). My folks definitely look at me like WTF is wrong with you whenever I get all giddy over a book.
My Shelf Has Unread Books That Are YEARS Old
Yeah. That's really embarrassing. A few are review books, most unsolicited, and the rest are purchased books I never actually got around to reading (like
Slice of Cherry,
Prophecy of Sisters trilogy,
Desires of the Dead,
Linger and
Sapphique - all of which I just had to buy but still need to read). Before I was a blogger, I'd read books immediately. Now, I hardly ever get the chance to immediately read books that I purchase. The amount of unread books I own is extremely ridiculous.
I'm Awesomely Terrible At Social Media
Sometimes I'm great at social media, tweeting up a storm, posting like a boss on Facebook, and so on. But other times, it's like I don't even exist. However, I'm trying to work on this!
Commenting Stresses Me Out Sometimes
I do always try to read my favorite blogs, but I don't always have a chance to comment on them, especially once my college classes start taking up most of my time. On my blog, I read every single comment I receive, and try to write back, but sometimes life is too busy and I feel like the world's worst person. Even once I start commenting, sometimes I find I have nothing useful to say, but still feel the need to say something.
I Can Be Insecure About My Book Blogger Status
Despite the fact that I've been around for years (5 years on July 15th), I currently only have a couple publishing contacts since most of my original contacts left or changed publishing houses, so I tend to receive less books for review than other bloggers. But, I also look at it as a highlight, since less books for review means more time to read the books I purchase or borrow.
Also, since I get busy a lot, I tend to be more like a ghostly presence for a good portion of the year. I'll post for a few weeks, disappear for a couple weeks, post, disappear, and so on. I'm hoping to be a bit more present this year!
I Spend Way Too Much Time Goodreads
Blogging has made me a bit book-obsessed. I've wasted hours simply strolling through Goodreads, looking for future releases to add to my shelf (not to mention staring at all the new covers)! I never used to care about looking books up. I'd simply go to the bookstore, see a book by my favorite authors, and buy it. Blogging, however, has made me a bit eager to be in the know about upcoming books.
The great thing about spending too much time on Goodreads is when I stumble across books like
Vanishing Girls, Lauren Oliver's new book, which I somehow didn't even know about!
Blogging Has Made Me A Picky Reader
I read so much more now than I used to, but I also spend more time wanting to read certain books than actually reading them. Before I was a blogger, I'd read a book right after I bought it. Now? I have books I purchased sitting unread on my shelf (and they've been there for an embarrassing long time). Sometimes I get so caught up in reading books for review that I forget about the books I purchased / won / borrowed. Other times, I get bored of certain genres and struggle to pick up yet another such-and-such story.
On Bad Days, I Wonder Why I Blog
On really bad days, I feel the burn of jealousy when other bloggers receive that ARC I really really wanted. On bad days, I wish I could have had the opportunity to host a blog tour stop for one of my favorite author's. On bad days, I struggle to find the right words for a single review. On bad days, I look at my blog and wonder what the hell have I been doing with my spare time?
Fortunately, those feelings and days never last and I always remember why I blog and how much I truly love being a book blogger. I'm such a lucky person, I've been a part of some wonderful promotions, I've met and spoken with amazing bloggers, publicists, and authors. So, on those rare days of why do I even bother, I think about the fabulous blogosphere and how wonderful it is to be a part of it.
What's one of your blogging / bookish confessions?
