Busting the Newbie Blues!

by Carmen Shaw 3:15 PM 6 comments

Busting the Newbie Blues is a meme hosted by Small Reviews for new YA book bloggers!

When did you start your blog?

I started Understanding Shae's Story on October 29, 2011. I'm new :)
Why did you start your blog?

I started my blog for the same reason everyone else did. I love to read, but my friends and family don't really share my love of reading, or they do but don't read the same kind of books as me. So I couldn't really talk to them about awesome reads without boring them to tears.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Getting my blog to look like how I want it to look has been an issue, but I finally got it to look right! Also, finding the right things to post about, to interest both myself and the viewer are hard.
What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?

I guess... not having a "rhythm" yet. Old bloggers usually have a set way of doing things, and I haven't found my niche yet. I just kind of post random things on whatever day I feel like it :)
What do you find most encouraging?

People writing nice comments on my posts make me smile. And when authors email me to review their book. I sometimes want to ask them if they're sure about that hehe.
What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?

I try to make my blog as simple AND decorative as possible. Also, I like when I can get a hint of the person behind the blog in their posts so I try to add as much personality as possible.
What do you dislike about blogs you’ve read? Do you try to avoid this?

Busyness & Confusion. Enough said.
Any advice for other new bloggers?

Love it, or don't do it.
Any questions you'd like to ask newbie or established bloggers?

Um... what's your favorite color? Lol I couldn't think of anything else.
Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your blog?

Understanding Shae's Story is a new book blog, mostly about YA books, but I don't limit myself to JUST Young Adult. If it seems interesting, I'll read it!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read a little more about me. Comment below if you want me to visit your blog :)

6 comments:

La ToyaJanuary 28, 2012 at 6:58 PM
Hey Shae! I'm La Toya from La Toya, Literally. Love your blog and the answers you posted here. My favorite color is red heheh :)

I love the idea of simplicity and decorative. The best blogs in my opinion have mastered that sort of balance on their pages.

I'm a fairly established blogger but don't have too toooo much traffic. So it's really cool to see newbies like you putting yourself out here like this. I will be sure to hop around your blog and check you out :-)

xo,
La Toya (La Toya, Literally.)
The Phantom ParagrapherJanuary 28, 2012 at 10:00 PM
Hi Shae,
Im Paula from The Phantom Paragrapher :) Isn't it interesting - most of us choose Blog titles with our names or initials as part of it :). I agree , I hate clutteredness - something that Ive tried not to do on my blog. MY favourite colour is hmmmmmmmm - I love Hot Pink and Lavender. I would consider myself an established blogger but don't have too much traffic flow but a few of my posts are commented on which I love :)
Im a new follower , www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com
Luv Paula xx
CelineJanuary 29, 2012 at 5:38 AM
My favourite colour is purple! Although I don't think that's really relevant, haha.

Thanks for stopping by on my blog. I would certainly recommend you to check out Netgalley. It's a site where you can sign up as a reviewer, and you get a big list of available books. You can then request a few of those books, as many as you like. The publisher looks at your profile/blog, and decides whether or not you're right for their book (:

It's an amazing recourse as starting blogger to get ARCs. But don't get discouraged if they decline your request, it happens all the time.

I really like the layout of your blog! It's very pretty without being too in your face.

Yay!
Celine ~ Nyx Book Reviews
KatJanuary 29, 2012 at 3:23 PM
I really wish that I had friends in "real life" who loved books as much as I do! I love how blogging connects you with people who share the same interests. :)

I don't think I've ever heard about the "simple and decorative" idea before. Now that I think about it, I think it's very true that good blogs have both in their design. I also think that your blog does a really good job of pulling it off! :D

Also, my favorite color is orange! :)

I can't wait to see more posts from you!
AnonymousJanuary 30, 2012 at 4:09 PM
Your blog is so pretty! I think you have the decorative part down!

There are some great blogs that review more than just YA. (And I do, too!) I follow mostly YA blogs, but I think a little variety can be nice, particularly if someone is always reviewing the same type of YA books.

My favorite color is blue. But I also like red.
Sarah W.February 2, 2012 at 2:58 PM
Welcome to the community!! It's always good to see new bloggers :) Should you need anything just give any of us a shout out! I guarantee we'd be happy to help.

Have fun!

-Sarah (Inklings Read)