Today is our last day together celebrating the world of book blogging for another year. I hope you all achieved a level of appreciation for our fabulous community and was able to reenergize yourself with all the blogging love.
The world of blogging is continually changing. Share 3 things you find are essential tried and true practices for every blogger and 1-3 new trends or tools you’ve adopted recently or would like to in the future.
Ah, trends in book blogging – a theme near and dear to my heart this year! My first and essentially only tried and true practice for blogging is the idea that there are no rules to blogging. Depending on what you hope to get out of blogging, there are some tricks of the trade that can make your life easier, but they should in no way, shape or form be adopted by every single book blogger out there. Blogging will always be a hobby for a large majority of us, and hobbies should never be stressful or tiring and should remain fun. Do what feels right for you, from your blog design to your posts to the books you read and the reviews you write. If you do this, then you will never get tired or experience burnout. It took me over two years to come to this realization, and I am a much happier blogger now as a result.
As for trends or tools I want to start adopting, I am a huge proponent of Google documents. It has kept my TBR pile manageable, which is saying something when it contains over 450 books. I have different tabs to track those unread books I’ve purchased versus those that are review copies versus those I requested and still have yet to receive. I also distinguish between e-books and audiobooks. My file also allows me to sort through the lists so that I can quickly find which review book is next on my list to read and review, when a book was/is being published, and so forth. I can also keep track of those books for which I still need to write reviews. The fact that I can access this document wherever I have a wi-fi connection thanks to smartphones and my NookColor is a huge bonus. It may take a bit of work to set up initially, but it is SO worth it in the end. It isn’t a new tool, but it is one upon which I rely the most!
Thank you to everyone for making this week such a blast! I am proud to be a member of the Book Blogging community!!
LOL! (You were on mine! 😉 )
Thank you! Google docs is a feature of Google that allows you to create a document and access it wherever and whenever you have access to the Internet. So I can create a spreadsheet or letter at home and finish it or access it at work. They are so useful. You should definitely check them out!
Thanks!
You are very welcome! I cannot rave about them often or loud enough!
That's why I adore them. I was getting tired of not having access when I was at work or out and about on my Nook. They are a life-changing tool, are they not?
Ah, this is just the anal-retentive part of me that loves lists and tracking! I only started using it last year and amazed at how much of a difference it makes.
I actually got the idea from another blogger and have adapted it for my own needs. It really is an amazing tool. I cannot rave enough about it!
You are very welcome! I use mine several times a day and do not know what I would do without it!
It did take a long time, but maintenance of it is a breeze. It is my go-to, must-have tool for blogging.
Man, that sounds very organized!
hm, you are not on my Google Reader… That's weird. I will add you now!
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Blimey, great advice
Great point about blogging not being stressful since it's a hobby and that means doing what works for you and feels right. I'm glad I, too, figured this out because it really makes blogging the fun and entertaining hobby it should be.
I have no idea what Google documents are but it sounds great! Discovering your blog is definitely a reason O treasure this week!
Ah, google docs. I need to utilize them more. Thanks for the tip!
My recent post BBAW Day 4: Readers and the Seven Realms
I love Google Docs! I've used it from everything from stat tracking to keeping my TBR lst to creating sign-up forms. I love that I can access it from anywhere, too, using my phone.
My recent post BBAW: Thoughts on Blogging
Wow, that sounds so organized! Another insight in how you manage to do it all. 😉 I don't know that I will ever be that organized about anything but I love learning about how others maintain their lists and books. Thanks for sharing, Michelle!
-jehara
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http://sidnebkclubreviewz.blogspot.com/2011/09/la…
I'm going to have to dab into that Google doc. it sounds just like what i need. come on by and read a wonderful post for the last day of BBAW
I love Google docs! Thank you for showing me your review book spreadsheet. I adapted it to suit myself. Great advice!
My recent post Friday Bookish Buzz: On the Fifth Day of BBAW
Wow, that would be a lot of work to set up but sounds cool too. Thanks!
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