BFF Blog Hop : My Favorite New Blogger + Giveaway
Hello everyone
I'm very excited to be part of the BFF Blog Tour hosted by Fiction Fare and Swoony Boys Podcast because I get to present to you one of my favorite bloggers/new internet friend that I have been lucky to befriend this year. Most of you probably already know her, but if not, say hello to Aentee at Read at Midnight.
I discovered Aentee's blog most probably through reading the comments at The Social Potato. I clicked on her blog link and I swear to you guys, I was stuck on their for hours. I immediately sent Nereyda a message and basically told her "This girl's blog is so pretty! I can't stop staring at her gorgeous graphics!". Then, I started reading some of her reviews and posts and I couldn't get over how eloquent she was. She might be a new blogger in blog age-wise, but this girl is masterful at what she does and from what I've seen a lot of her readers would agree with that.
I'm very excited to be part of the BFF Blog Tour hosted by Fiction Fare and Swoony Boys Podcast because I get to present to you one of my favorite bloggers/new internet friend that I have been lucky to befriend this year. Most of you probably already know her, but if not, say hello to Aentee at Read at Midnight.
I discovered Aentee's blog most probably through reading the comments at The Social Potato. I clicked on her blog link and I swear to you guys, I was stuck on their for hours. I immediately sent Nereyda a message and basically told her "This girl's blog is so pretty! I can't stop staring at her gorgeous graphics!". Then, I started reading some of her reviews and posts and I couldn't get over how eloquent she was. She might be a new blogger in blog age-wise, but this girl is masterful at what she does and from what I've seen a lot of her readers would agree with that.
Here are my top 4 reasons for choosing Aentee as my favorite new blogger:
1. AH-MAZING Graphics
Seriously, just go stare at her blog and all the fun watercolor graphics she does for her almost all her posts. They are warm and inviting and make you want to click and read them. I'm envious and in awe of her graphic design talents! Here are some of my favorites from her:
1. AH-MAZING Graphics
Seriously, just go stare at her blog and all the fun watercolor graphics she does for her almost all her posts. They are warm and inviting and make you want to click and read them. I'm envious and in awe of her graphic design talents! Here are some of my favorites from her:
Link - P.S You can download more of her Throne of Glass series phone wallpapers
2. Thoughtful, detailed book reviews
Her reviews are some of my favorites to read because she tells you about how she FELT while reading the book instead of re-hashing the story to readers. I love how she goes into details and I especially love it when she uses lists. Aentee reads mostly science fiction and fantasy books, both genres that I'm very new to still and I feel like I'm always discovering new books through her. I just recently bought a book from her favorite author after reading her review for one of her books and asking her for recommendations.
3. Smart discussion posts
Her discussion posts are just as fantastic as her book reviews. She is polite and shares valuable advice and writes fun posts to read. Definitely take some time to read them because she speaks nothing but the truth!
4. Lastly, but most importantly, she's is such a good friend
I've gotten to know Aentee in the past few months, and she has been a very good friend to me, listening to me when I have had issues, giving me advice and helping me making decisions. She's also really funny and always makes me laugh. I'm glad to call her a friend and I think everyone should just go shower her with love just for that!
I also got the chance to interview Aentee and grill her with some blog/book related questions!
Interview
Hi Aentee! I'm super excited to have you on Nick's Book Blog. When I discovered your blog a few months ago, I legit, scrolled through every page of your blog because of how gorgeous it is and how thoughtful your reviews are for a couple of hours!
Let's start with a cliched question, what made you want to start blogging about books and what made you want to incorporate all these amazing graphics of yours?
Thank you for having me here, Nick!
EEP DID YOU REALLY? It makes me so happy and also a little bit nervous to hear that, I don't want anyone to look through my old reviews as I'm certain they were horribly written.
I wanted to start blogging after stalking people on Goodreads for a good long while. I saw the tightly knitted community book bloggers had and I wanted in on the action.
I initially started writing text-based reviews only. When I read Red Rising, I quickly fell in love and wanted to do something special for it, so I started making a title graphic for reviews of books I loved. From then, I noted that I enjoyed making the graphics a whole lot more than actually writing, so I incorporate them into all my posts now. I like finding imageries that fit in with the book, and it's another way for me to pay tribute to stories I've read.
I like to ask every reader this question and since I don't know your answer, is there a specific book that made you fall in love with fantasy/scifi, since it's your favorite genre?
I learned how to read English by reading i) R. L. Stein's Goosebump books and ii) The Harry Potter series. It's such a cliche, but this is a large reason why stories with a fantastical or paranormal element appeal to me.
I remember that I loved learning about words I would not normally used in daily life: such as 'werewolves' or 'Quidditch' - yet would remain an important part of my vocabulary. I liked that these genres were an extension of the world I was learning about. Also, it's wicked cool going from not understanding anything you read to becoming fully immersed in these stories. It's a very special feeling I still marvel over.
Alright, I'm putting you in a tough position. You're stuck on an island all by yourself surrounded by only the ocean. What one book do you wish you have with you to keep you company while help is on the way?
I default to In The Night Garden by Catherynne Valente, a book I have reread many times yet still find details I had missed with every reading. It's such a complex and multilayered literary accomplishment, I highly recommend it to everyone.
What has been your best experience with blogging so far?
Definitely my fellow bloggers. I love my friends in real life, but I adore that I have an international and fiercely passionate group of friends online as well. I still have not met any bloggers in real life, but I hope to change that in the coming year - meeting fellow Aussie blogger is on my to-do list.
You also blog with The Social Potato ladies. How is it different from running your own blog?
It's such a wonderful and fun experience, but it's also a giant learning curve. I feel that as I am representing Faye, Aimee and Rashika whenever I make a post, I put more pressure on myself to not screw up. I confess that I rarely ever proofread my own blog posts on Read at Midnight, but I inspect my TSP posts with a magnifier. I am also very haphazard with my schedule when it comes to my own blog, but I have to plan ahead a little with the TSP posts. It's teaching me to be more organised. However, the greatest difference of all is having three brilliant bloggers I can run to with any questions, fangirling, or quarter-life crisis.
I've seen a few newcomer bloggers mention that they were intimidated by the bigger blogs. Did you ever feel that way? And if yes, how were you able to overcome that thought?
I definitely felt that way a little, I think established and popular bloggers are a little bit like celebrities, and it's hard not to be a wee bit starstruck. I used to get a bit nervous whenever Faye DM'd me, looking back, it's sort of ridiculous haha. My only advice is: popular people are popular for a reason. A lot of these bigger bloggers have enough commitment to stay around the community for years, this usually indicate they love being a part of it and seeing it grows - so they will almost certainly be nice to you!
Blogging-wise and reading-wise, where do you see yourself in a few years?
I'm still hesitant to sign my life away to blogging for all of eternity, but my love for books and my love for the community will not wane- so I hope to be a part of it in years to come. My goal is to go to one of the US based book expos by 2018!
Last question, why do you think people should visit your blog? Pimp out the blog! :D
Because I'll love you forever if you visit! Is that a poor response? OK, because I always strive to keep things fresh on the blog, both content wise and visually. I'm easily bored by routine, so I hope to continue surprising all my readers!
Nope! I approve wholeheartedly. :) Thanks for taking your time to answer these, Aentee!
Convinced that Aentee is an awesome human being and blogger? Then make sure to follow her blog and her social media accounts!
Social Media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/readatmidnight
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2212677-aentee
Instagram: https://instagram.com/aenteereads/
Giveaway
Prizes :
- I'm giving away either a graphic banner from Aentee's graphic design shop ($15) or a $15 GC from a retailer of your choice
Rules:
- Enter rafflecopter
- Must be 13+ to enter
- International
- I am not responsible for lost packages
- Cheating entries will be automatically disqualified
- Winner will have 72 hours to respond before another winner is chosen
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Wide Giveaway Prizes :
- A $75 GC
- A $50 GC
- A $25 GC
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Other stops today:
HelloChickLit – Blogger Interview - www.hellochicklit.com
We So Nerdy – Blogger RAK - http://www.wesonerdy.com
Thebibliophagist – Get Vloggy - https://thebibliophagist.wordpress.com
Thank you to Fiction Fare and Swoony Boys Podcast for letting me be part of this tour and to Aentee at Read at Midnight for answering my questions.
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