Saturday Spotlight - Red House Books

If you haven't seen her blog yet, you've probably seen her nickname floating around there on contests you run or contests you also enter for. But more than a contest-a-holic, she's a blogger with a ton of heart behind her blog. Check her out!

Name: Emily
Nickname and/or blog name: WilowRaven
Blog URL: http://redhousebooks.blogspot.com/

Tell me a bit about yourself.

Pretty obvious but I still love saying it – I love books! I have always been an avid reader and I thank my parents every day for cultivating this love. My whole family reads a ton and growing up there were always books around the house(s). I used to move around a lot and for a while my book collection suffered :( . A few years ago I bought a house and now – books books everywhere! There is a bookcase in every room (including bathrooms and a few closets) and I love it! Simply put, reading makes me happy. Being able to share my love makes me even happier.

When and why did you start your blog?

I started my blog in July of this year. I had been keeping track of the books I read this year in a journal and my blog kind of evolved from that. I discovered 2 great websites for book lovers (BookMooch.com and LibraryThing.com). Both gave me the opportunity to share with others my love for books and I see my blog as a kind of extension of that.

I love reading other people’s book blogs (my wishlist has GROWN a TON) and I hope other enjoy reading mine. I never saw myself as a creative person but working on my blog as given me an outlet for creativity that I didn’t even know I wanted!

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?

My blog focuses on Youth and YA books that I have read, want to read, think you should read, think you shouldn’t read :) and everything in between. I always have a list of current giveaways on my sidebar – these are usually contest I have entered that I think others might be interested in. I hope to start holding contests of my own soon (probably after I get a few more followers :) ).

As my blog progresses I hope to be able to post info on upcoming releases, books I’m excited about, and maybe even author interviews. I’ve started participating in a weekly In My Mailbox meme and have a few of my own weekly and monthly posts I hope to continue.

Do you have a review system? If you do, would you like to explain it for us?

I use the pretty standard 1-5 star rating. I hope to create a more personalized system in the future.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

Do it for you – it has to be something you enjoy. Don’t let anyone else tell you what should and shouldn’t be included (or excluded). If it feels right to you – do it. Be honest with yourself and your followers. And remember that you aren’t alone – there are so many great bloggers out there that would love to help you!

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

My favorite genres are fantasy and sci fi. I don’t mind a good fiction book now and then but for the most part I avoid them – especially ‘best sellers’ – something about those words totally throws me off. I have recently given in to the fact that I love YA books more then anything – so I’ll gobble up just about any YA Fantasy book out there! I like books with a supernatural aspect to them (that’s where the sci fi would play in). I don’t mind some romance in a book – but I detest true Romance novels. I love a good thriller / mystery / horror but tend to stick to a few well loved (by me) authors. My to be read pile at the moment is mostly YA books with a few adult sci fi and youth fiction.

Well, that’s me I guess. I welcome feedback from other bloggers and even though I’m new, I’m more then willing to help anyone else there that is just starting.

Happy Reading to all!

I want to thank Emily for taking the time to share her blog today. She's awesome, so go and take a look at her blog!


Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at bittahsweetharmony@yahoo.com.