ArmchairBEA, Day 5: Today is the last day of a great week. It's been amazing to be part of ArmchairBEA 2011! So many people worked like crazy to make this a fun week for all of us who weren't able to make it to NYC for the Expo. I can't thank them enough for all they have done.

Today's topic is all about blogging about blogging. Some of the best advice I can give anyone is, if you're thinking about starting a blog, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. What are the right reasons you ask? Well, in my honest opinion, one main reason would be to make sure you're doing it for you and your passion for books. Share what you love about books and authors in honest reviews and content that means something to you. If you're honest and excited about what you choose to talk about on your blog, people who visit will see it all come through loud and clear. Because in the end that's a huge part of what book blogging is all about.

Honesty, excitement and passion over reading.

Another thing is not to get discouraged. I think we've all been through that from time to time. While it's a huge, EPIC community to belong to and you'll meet amazing people, far and wide, it takes time and sometimes hard work to be a book blogger.

None of us are paid for what we do. Well, in a way we are. We're paid in comments and friendships and the excitement when we find a new book or author... we're paid in the chance we get to have with talking and sharing about a book with others. Because, lets get back to basics here... book blogging is all about just that, the books. Your love of books and it's where it should stay the whole time you continue to be a book blogger.

Sorry if' I'm sounding preachy here, it's not my intention at all. It's a truth you'd hear from a majority of bloggers out there.

Now, I do have something else I'd like to talk to you about. This is something I've talked about before and to me it's something I'm sure not everyone who's a blogger knows about.

Comments! Yep, let's talk about comments. We all love them. Yes, we sure do. I'm a lurker, I'll admit it, but I have plans to change that. I need to come out of my shell more. But, I'm getting off track here, sorry!

So, comments. I have them emailed to me, whenever you leave me one. It's through those emailed comments that I respond. Yes, you can respond that way, but only if the person who's commented has done a couple quick steps to make it all work. Magic, right? Yes, I think it is. Here's how you fix your blogger and or google account so I can respond to YOU! First, here's an easy fix for my fellow bloggers out there.

Step to you need to know:

Go to your dashboard, and then to Edit Profile.
You'll see there, Share My Profile - click that box.
Then click on the box for - Show My Email Address.

Just remember it does NOT show your email address anywhere on your blog. You must have both of those boxes checked for this to work. HOWEVER, if you don't want a "Profile" or "About Me" section to your blog, then this isn't for you because it will add a profile section to your blog to make this work. So, just keep that in mind.

If you DON'T have a blog:

You need to be sure that you have your email address added to your Google Account and then make sure it's in your profile page as well.

Having your comments that are left to you on your blog emailed to you is easy. Here's how to make it happen for you:

In your Dashboard, click on Edit My Profile.
Scroll down a bit and you'll see Edit My Identity
You'll see where it says Email Address. Enter in there what email you'd like your comments sent to and it'll happen.

A couple of quick tips about comments: If you're worried about Spam, moderate them. It happens throughout everyone’s blog, some more than others. If you moderate them it gives you a chance to delete them before they post to your blog. It doesn't take long at all. I moderate mine here. Word Verification is up to you. I don't use it because I figure having moderation set kind of takes care of that. Word Verification can be a HUGE pain in the rear, so think about it and choose what’s right for you. It's all a matter of what you want in the end.

Another thing I use here with my comments, I have them Embedded in the post. All that means is that you won't get a separate pop-up window when you want to leave a comment here. Again, it's all what works for you and how you want YOUR blog to run.

I think that's all for me for now, hopefully this was all easy to follow and someone learned something new. I might post some other tips and tricks for bloggers in the future, so keep an eye out. If anyone has any questions, I'm always more than willing to help you out - feel free to email.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by. Thank you to everyone behind ArmchairBEA 2011. You guys ROCK! A Hello and welcome to all my NEW and OLD followers. If there's something you'd like to see here on the blog, drop me a comment or email and I'll see what I can do to continue to add new and exciting things here.

When I first started blogging I had no idea what I was in store for. I visited/lurked around a few blogs back then and finally thought I'd give it a try.

Since the start of my blog, I have met some amazing people. I've had people come to my aid for various things, big and small. Each person I've met through my blog has been left a mark in one way or another. Some of those people have turned into great friends.

Books, book lovers and blogging all go hand in hand for me. We're a group of people who are passionate about books and the authors behind them.

Some bloggers who have made a difference in my life are...

Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic - She might as well be my twin. We're very much alike in just about everything. She's my partner in crime and quickly has become my best friend. She's there for me and listens to everything from books to life and without her, my blogging life not to mention life in general, would be lacking. Her blog is a favorite of mine. We co-host events together and without her I don't know what the blogging world, or my life would be like. Now, to find houses to buy side by side to each other and all will be right in the world.

Natalie from Mindful Musings - Natalie's been a friend from pretty close to the beginning and last summer I had the chance to get to know her better. She's such a sweet and caring person and has truly made my almost two years of blogging better because of her friendship. As for her blog, I have to say that you can always count on her for honest and extremely thoughtful and well written reviews. Love her blog, so check it out!

Brianna from The Book Vixen - Soon after I started my blog I found hers. She was right there offering some amazing tips and tricks. Not only did she go out of your way to help out a fellow blogger when I was in my infant stages, but she did it in a way that made me feel welcome. She has always been so great to me and I can't say thank you enough for all you give to the book blogging community and to me as a friend. Being that she's "local", I hope that someday we're able to meet at a book event and hang out. Her blog is one of my favorites and if you haven't stopped by, be sure to head on over soon.

Julie from My 5 Monkeys - What can I say about my friend Julie? She's kind and caring and makes time for everyone. Her "Get to know bloggers" feature has been fun and I'm always excited when she sends out a new set of questions. Being part of that has made me feel like I'm even more part of the blogging community and I can't thank her for asking me to be part of such a great group of bloggers for it. With her blog you can find a large variety of things, from books to her kids. She always has something great, so visit today.

ReaganStar from Star Shadow Blog - We've been affiliates for awhile now and just recently We've started talking more. I'm thankful for her friendship and I hope we continue getting to know each other for a long time to come. It's great making new friends and I'm happy to call ReaganStar one. Check out her blog for great reviews!

Pam from Midnyte Reader - Pam is another new-ish friend. We've bonded over things and have recently been emailing and chatting on twitter more. She's so sweet and really, I feel like I've known her forever. Her blog is pretty great too! Check it out, leave some comments for her soon.

Nikki from Wicked Awesome Books - Nikki... I have to say that this is a girl who went out of her way to listen to me and talk to me about something that I was going through not to long ago. It says a lot to go out of your way for someone who you only know in passing. She went above and beyond and I can't tell her thank you enough for that. Not to mention she has a pretty blog with some "Awesome" reviews too, so what are you waiting for?

Aly from Kid Lit Frenzy - Aly is a very recent friend that I've met through, what turned out to be, crazy circumstances. I'm thankful for finding her as a friend and I can't wait to someday meet her in person at a book event. It's always great having/knowing there are fellow book bloggers who you can meet up with and she's one I look forward to seeing. She has a great blog and goes out of her way to talk about books for teens and kids of all ages.

Tons of friends on Twitter - you are all highly entertaining people!  When I ramble, you are always there to listen or, well, just let me ramble. Either way, thank you for that. Twitter, I feel is a huge part of the Book Blogging Community in how it has found many ways to bring us all closer and share in the many epic book and author events that happen throughout the country and sometimes the world.

My followers, old and new - without you... things would be quiet around here. I blog for myself, but having you there, with me... along for the ride makes the time I put into things here so much more worth it. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.

Blogs I love - besides the blogs already mentioned, here's a few others you should stop by soon: My Overstuffed Bookshelf, Book Obsession, The Fiction Enthusiast, I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read, Dreaming of Books, Pure Imagination, Electrifying Reviews, LA FEMME READERS, Good Choice Reading, Teens Read and Write, The O.W.L.,  and so many others! Just check out my Blog Roll or my scrolling Blog Buttons for even more!

ArmchairBEA Day #3 - Time for Interviews! Since I was late in signing up to interview and be interviewed by a fellow blogger, I thought I'd still like to take part in today's event/post and tried to come up with a different idea.

I was excited with what I came up with and couldn't wait to get started.

So, take a look... see what you think!

Today, I'm being Interviewed by friend and author, Kristie Cook. She has two books out in her amazing Soul Savers Series - Promise (Book, #1) and Purpose (Book, #2). I figured we usually interview authors for our blogs, why not turn things around and have an author interview me for my blog?

Here's what happens when an author asks the questions!

KC: Where is your favorite place to read?

I have a few places. If it’s raining, I like to lay/sit on a couch under one of the bigger windows here so I can enjoy both the book and the weather. Then I have a chair here that’s pretty comfy and in a quiet room… though my favorite place to read would have to be in bed.

KC: How many books are on your TBR pile/list?

I really can’t say. I don’t… or won’t count the books in my TBR pile/list. The number would be horrible and shocking I’m sure. I’m addicted to books and the ones I own on shelves and what I have on my Kindle totally reflect it lol. Very much an addict when it comes to books and I’m SO glad I know I’m not alone.

KC: How do you choose the next book you’re going to read?

Sometimes I close my eyes and grab something off the shelf, other times I have a stack of maybe 10 set aside and will read through that first… or if I have books for review, I’ll try to read and review going by release date. Then there are times when a book I can’t wait to get my hands on shows up on my doorstep and I drop all things and read it in one sitting.

KC: What book are you most anticipating the rest of the year?

WOW, great question. Here’s a few, totally off the top of my head. So here goes:

The Scorpio Races By: Maggie Stiefvater
Forever By: Maggie Stiefvater
Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles, #1) By: Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Legend (Legend, #1) By: Marie Lu
Tris & Izzie By: Mette Ivie Harrison
Shattered Souls By: Mary Lindsey
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer By: Michelle Hodkin
Every Other Day By: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Lola and the Boy Next Door By: Stephanie Perkins
Haunting Violet By: Alyxandra Harvey
Supernaturally By: Kiersten White
Touch of Frost By: Jennifer Estep
A Need So Beautiful By: Suzanne Young

And sooooo many others, I could go on and on and on. Some other titles would be the books I have featured in my Armchair BEA giveaway.

KC: What one author would you love to interview for your blog that you haven’t interviewed yet?

I would LOVE to interview… well, the most obvious would be J.K. Rowling, but we all know that sadly, that’ll never happen. Suzanne Collins would be amazing, so would Cassandra Clare… there are SO MANY AMAZING authors out there, that if I’m being totally truthful, I’d love to host interviews with so many of you!! I haven’t really touched the surface when it comes to interviews here, so if you’re an author I’d love to have you stop by.

KC: What character would you love to interview for your blog and why?

Another hard question, Kristie, you’re good! Lol I’d have to say… hmmm, Tris from Divergent, Peeta from The Hunger Games, Owen from the Soul Savers Series *coughs*, Joe & Lennie from The Sky Is Everywhere… Adrian from The Vampire Academy… this list could go on and on, so I think I’ll stop there for now.

KC: What’s your favorite TV show(s)?

A few I LOVE would have to be- True Blood, Sons of Anarchy, The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Haven, Doctor Who, Torchwood, Being Human (UK Version), Supernatural… and a few others.

KC: What’s your favorite musician(s)?

I tend to listen to more Alternative and Rock and some of my favorites (in no order) would be – Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Muse, Jimmy Eat World, Incubus, The Killers, Arcade Fire, She Wants Revenge, Raconteurs, 30 Seconds To Mars, Panic! At The Disco, Kate Nash, Gomez, Florence and the Machine, The Cure, Lady GaGa,…. Bang Tango, Blackboard Jungle, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Guns N’ Roses (old), Pantera… and many, many others.

In my opinion, the best radio station we have here is KROQ – which brings you Love Line with Doctor Drew.

KC: Say you’re stranded on an island and given a stove, oven, microwave and refrigerator. You can pick 5 foods you can have and they will be replenished as needed, but always the same 5 – you can’t change your choices. What 5 food items would you choose?

This is harder to answer than you think. How about - Microwave/Oven pizza, chicken, flower tortillas, homegrown tomatoes and chocolate eclairs! I figured we would get fish, etc from the ocean and there would be some kind of fruit on the island, so I didn’t add either of those two to the list.

Ask me this same question tomorrow and it would probably change.

KC: What 5 books would you have with you on the island?

Great question! Other than your two books I think I’d take – again in no order – Divergent By: Veronica Roth, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Sky Is Everywhere By: Jandy Nelson, Just Listen By: Sarah Dessen, The Hunger Games. Those are the first five YA titles that came to mind. For Adult titles… it would be a totally different list.

KC: If you could have 5 people, real or fictional, famous or not, currently living or not, join you on the island, who would they be?

WOW! Sky’s the limit here! Hmmm, let’s see. I take it I’d have my husband there, so since I’m assuming that, I won’t count him in my 5 people. Gosh… this is really hard! I have so many people I’d want to bring with me, family, friends, authors, characters, etc that I’m not sure I could really pick here. Great question though!

If you’ve read the interview this far, Thank You! Maybe you could answer this question in comments? Who would your 5 people be and why?

KC: What would be the first thing you would do once rescued from the island?

Well, I’d hope there would be a HUGE party with refrigerator cake, yum and food from our favorite restaurant, with everyone around us we love and care about. Throw in a shower and a nice bed and it would be the perfect homecoming. Books, TV, movies, music and everything else would come later.

Thanks so much for interviewing me today Kristie! It was fun to have the tables turned on me and have an author interview me, for my blog.

Find Kristie online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Order Kristie's books online:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

Day #2 of Armchair BEA is GIVEAWAY DAY! I'm excited about giving something away, are you? DUH! It's FREE stuff, of course you're excited! Since this is BEA week and all, I thought I'd offer a giveaway to help celebrate authors and books that will be featured this year at the event.

ONE lucky winner will get a chance to choose a book from the list below. This giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL! YAY, right?! lol I figured there were many of us bloggers/book lovers out there from other countries who can't attend, so I wanted to spread the love to everyone far and wide. If The Book Depository Ships to you - Enter!

Now, what books will the winner get to choose from? Well, check out this list and tell me you don't see something in there you can't wait to get your hands on! There were so many books to choose from that'll be featured at BEA in NYC and these are only a few, but ones that stuck out to me as just a few exciting titles I can't wait to get my hands on.

The Scorpio Races By: Maggie Stiefvater
Original Sin (Personal Demons, #2) By: Lisa Desrochers
Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) By: Richelle Mead
Legend By: Marie Lu
Jessica Rules the Dark Side (Jessica, #2) By: Beth Fantaskey
Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #3) By: Maggie Stiefvater
All These Things I've Done By: Gabrielle Zevin
First Kill (The Slayer Chronicles, #1) By: Heather Brewer
Blood Wounds By: Susan Beth Pfeffer
Never Eighteen By: Megan Bostic
Crossed (Matched, #2) By: Ally Condie
The Faerie Ring By: Kiki Hamilton

Rules, How to enter and the Form:

You MUST be at least 13 years old to enter.
To enter, please fill out the form provided.
Giveaway open: INTERNATIONAL! If the Book Depository Ships to you, feel free to enter!
Giveaway Ends: June 14th, 2011

Thanks for stopping by and good luck to everyone who enters. Keep checking back all week long as I continue to Armchair-it through BEA from the comfort of my own home.

As always, unless otherwise stated, winners will be chosen via Random.org. If you have any questions, be sure to check my policy page or feel free to email.

I have to say that I feel like I'm one of a small group people who aren't in NYC right now . It's sad, and yes... I'm a little jealous, but that's where Armchair BEA comes in! I heard about Armchair BEA last year when it was a little to late to join in on things, so I'm happy that this year I was able to take part. A HUGE thank you goes out to all those involved in making the event happen again this year.

Who am I? And How do I Armchair?

Well, my name is Lisa and I've been blogging for 1 year, 8 months. WOW, I can't believe how quickly it's all gone by. I have made great friends, which includes some amazing authors... read some incredible books, and I'm really looking forward to the exciting stuff happening in the world of books throughout the rest of the year... and the years to come!

I really love my blog. It might not be perfect, but it works for me. I'll always try to keep it growing and changing and hope that others will find many things to enjoy here as well.

As for my personal life, well... I'm married to a great guy. We met 11 years ago and will be married 10 years ago this October. He's pretty amazing and puts up with my habit of books and all things reading. He's from Liverpool, England so we go over as much as possible and might be moving there one day, but we'll see how that goes. He has an accent that still makes me swoon, I think I'll keep him.

Other than reading, and, well traveling, I can be found spending my time with friends and family - we have 2 nieces and 2 nephews. We also love watching movies and during the summer we can be found lounging out by the pool. We don't have any kids of our own, but we do have one furry little thing. She was a stray cat that adopted us and has been with us for about 4-5 years now. She's a character that's for sure... her name is Gilligan (it's a long story lol) and likes to think she runs this house. I swear in one of her other lives she was a dog. lol

I'm really looking forward to this week! I have plans to try to post something each day this week... Sadly, I didn't sigh up for the interview part of things, but I'm working on something that I could do interview wise to take it's place. So, keep coming back and check out all going on here for the week! I hope to get to know more of my fellow bloggers and have a great time Armchairing it on through BEA!