Blogger Recognition Award

I was nominated by the wonderful Mandy at Devouring Books. I’ve been back blogging for half a year now, but I still get flustered and flattered every time I get recognized by fellow bloggers. The book blogging community is just so lovely, full of amazing, supportive people. So, Mandy, thank you for this!

RULES:

• Thank the blogger that nominated you
• Write a post to show your award
• Give a brief story of how your blog started
• Give two piece of advice to new bloggers
• Select 15 other bloggers you want to give this award to
• Comment on each blog and let them know you’ve nominated them and provide the link to the post you’ve created

HOW I STARTED BLOGGING

I started In Between Book Pages in 2013. At the time, I was already writing for The Magic Room Project (now defunct,) a music blog I shared with two other friends. Balancing work with writing for two blogs and working on other personal projects went well for a time, but eventually I fizzled out. It ate up all my free time What used to be a fun thing turned stressful. That, plus other personal stuff I won’t mention anymore…well, I slipped off the wagon. I stopped blogging, stopped reading all together.

But I got my reading mojo back, bit by bit, until this April when I felt comfortable and confident enough to go back to blogging. I’m basically back to square one, starting with reviews and adding content as I go, so you could say that my blog is still under (constant) development, a work in progress. Honestly, it’s fun!

ADVICE FOR NEW BLOGGERS

These are two of the most important things I’ve learned/re-learned in the past couple of months.

1. Engage – I cannot state how important this is, and not only because of the stats. The book blogging community is a cool, supportive one. Everyone is just so friendly and they’ll accept you into the fold. I’ve gained new friends from blogging, and they all make what I do easier especially during moments when time is tight and I’m stressing out about getting that new post up.

Reading, liking and commenting on other bloggers’s posts is a great way to start. Twitter and Instagram as well. I used to just hit the ‘like‘ button on posts and not comment. I’m an introvert and I’m awkward talking to new people, but I eventually got the nerve to strike a conversation. Trust me, you won’t be ignored – the book blogging community is just that wonderful.

2. Take breaks if you need them – This doesn’t only apply to blogging, but also to reading and whatever else you do. Remember why you’re doing this, why you started blogging. Mainly for me it’s because I love reading and talking about books, sharing them to the world. It’s fun and I enjoy it. It could be demanding at times, but I’m ready for that. We all have our limits, though and it’s understandable if you take a break for yourself. It was something I learned the hard way, signing up for too much all at once.

Now I’m at the point in my life where I know my limits, know how to take care of myself. Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re a failure. You’re well-being – physical, emotional, mental and social – is of utmost importance. You can go back any time you feel ready again. So if things start to feel like too much, stop, breathe, rest, take your time then come back. You’ll thank yourself for it.

I NOMINATE:

Marie @ Kookbookery 🍂 Jennifer @ Tar Heel Reader 🍂 Noura @ The Perks of Being Noura 🍂 Jess & Teagan @ Fiction No Chaser 🍂 Kathy @ Pages Below the Vaulted Sky 🍂 Jonetta @ Blue Mood Cafe