Welcome to the second edition of #ScriptFlip with author Jessica Hawkins, where I flip the script & put bloggers in the hot seat. Today I'm talking to Brittany of Brittany's Book Blog. She's a full-time student who has been blogging since December 2013—and for any authors reading, she also edits on the side! I'm proud to call Brittany a member of my street team, and I can attest—she brings it every day for her blog and for us indies. You can read Brittany and her co-bloggers’ reviews on Brittany's Book Blog, or also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
JH: Brittany, welcome to #ScriptFlip! You’ve been a presence on the blogging scene for a while now, and I’m excited to get behind the scenes with you. Tell me about the concept behind Brittany’s Book Blog.
Brittany: I'm 19. I stared blogging when I was 19. I worked on a different blog who kicked me off because I wasn't doing things right. After much pushing from many authors, I started my own blog. And I love it so much!
JH: Sometimes things happen a certain way for a reason, don’t they? Now the blog has well over 3,500 followers on Facebook, so you must be doing something right! As you grow, I bet you get a lot of requests for reviews. For any authors out there or curious readers, what goes into choosing your next read?
Brittany: Well, I read what interests me. I also will only accept requests if they seem more personal, not a copy and paste post that everyone gets. If you ask, "hey are you accepting reviews" I'm more likely to say yes, I'll help you, than if someone sends me the synopsis and buy links and such through a message on Facebook, with the request hidden through all that. I honestly don't read those types of messages.
JH: That’s good to know. Authors take note! Chances of review go up with personalized messages. I know many blogs have a rating system to keep things consistent. What’s yours?
Brittany:
5*= yes! Loved it! Need more! Soooo much emotion!
4*= good, there was some emotion missing, but I want to read the next one.
3*= there were some things that bothered me, I don't need more.
I don't rate books below three stars. I feel every reader's experience is different and I don't want to persuade someone from finding their next great read.
JH: It sounds like you’re passionate about your reads, which you'd have to be considering there are new books coming out every day. (Side note: Brittany even started a Facebook dedicated to reading, where she features an author a month. Request to join Brittany's Book Talk here.) What’s been the best part so far, though?
Brittany: Oh the best part!! There's multiple things. I love connecting with the authors and the readers. I absolutely enjoy when someone tells me I helped them pick a book that they loved so much. I just love helping people and sharing my passion.
JH: The thing about bloggers is, their dedication and passion overlaps to help both readers and authors. As you discover indies, readers also benefit by finding their next great read. What would you say to any readers out there who're thinking of joining the blogger club?
Brittany: Do it! Or possibly admin on a blog first, so you can see what it's all about. It's fun, you will love it! Put yourself out there. It may be discouraging at first, but as long as you're friendly and show the real you, people will follow.
Great advice that also applies to authors. Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know whom you might connect with—it could be your next reader for life! Thanks so much for stopping by, Brittany. Join the discussion on Facebook in Brittany's Book Talk, and check out her fantastic reviews or send her a review request at the blog, Facebook and Twitter.
Have a question for me to ask or want to suggest a blog for me to interview? Tweet me @jess_hawk and include #ScriptFlip. Interested bloggers can contact me here.
JH: Brittany, welcome to #ScriptFlip! You’ve been a presence on the blogging scene for a while now, and I’m excited to get behind the scenes with you. Tell me about the concept behind Brittany’s Book Blog.
Brittany: I'm 19. I stared blogging when I was 19. I worked on a different blog who kicked me off because I wasn't doing things right. After much pushing from many authors, I started my own blog. And I love it so much!
JH: Sometimes things happen a certain way for a reason, don’t they? Now the blog has well over 3,500 followers on Facebook, so you must be doing something right! As you grow, I bet you get a lot of requests for reviews. For any authors out there or curious readers, what goes into choosing your next read?
Brittany: Well, I read what interests me. I also will only accept requests if they seem more personal, not a copy and paste post that everyone gets. If you ask, "hey are you accepting reviews" I'm more likely to say yes, I'll help you, than if someone sends me the synopsis and buy links and such through a message on Facebook, with the request hidden through all that. I honestly don't read those types of messages.
JH: That’s good to know. Authors take note! Chances of review go up with personalized messages. I know many blogs have a rating system to keep things consistent. What’s yours?
Brittany:
5*= yes! Loved it! Need more! Soooo much emotion!
4*= good, there was some emotion missing, but I want to read the next one.
3*= there were some things that bothered me, I don't need more.
I don't rate books below three stars. I feel every reader's experience is different and I don't want to persuade someone from finding their next great read.
JH: It sounds like you’re passionate about your reads, which you'd have to be considering there are new books coming out every day. (Side note: Brittany even started a Facebook dedicated to reading, where she features an author a month. Request to join Brittany's Book Talk here.) What’s been the best part so far, though?
Brittany: Oh the best part!! There's multiple things. I love connecting with the authors and the readers. I absolutely enjoy when someone tells me I helped them pick a book that they loved so much. I just love helping people and sharing my passion.
JH: The thing about bloggers is, their dedication and passion overlaps to help both readers and authors. As you discover indies, readers also benefit by finding their next great read. What would you say to any readers out there who're thinking of joining the blogger club?
Brittany: Do it! Or possibly admin on a blog first, so you can see what it's all about. It's fun, you will love it! Put yourself out there. It may be discouraging at first, but as long as you're friendly and show the real you, people will follow.
Great advice that also applies to authors. Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know whom you might connect with—it could be your next reader for life! Thanks so much for stopping by, Brittany. Join the discussion on Facebook in Brittany's Book Talk, and check out her fantastic reviews or send her a review request at the blog, Facebook and Twitter.
Have a question for me to ask or want to suggest a blog for me to interview? Tweet me @jess_hawk and include #ScriptFlip. Interested bloggers can contact me here.
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