Portobello Book Blog

I’ll bet that title got your attention! My blogger in the spotlight this week is Ali who explains the reason behind her blog name below. You can check out her blog here: Ali the Dragon Slayer

Thanks for agreeing to be part of my Blogger in the Spotlight feature. First of all, would you tell me a little about yourself?

Hi, my name is Ali & I blog at ‘Ali – The Dragon Slayer’.  I am currently fighting Leiomyosarcoma a rare incurable Cancer. Hence the name of my blog .. the cancer motto is to ‘slay the dragon’.

I used to be a nurse but obviously can’t work any more so blogging/reading/reviewing has become a major part of my life & helps to protect my sanity! I’m a proud mum, adore animals, watching movies, drinking tea & entering competitions.

I live in West Sussex where there is some beautiful countryside & the sea .. when I’m well enough I like to be out & about enjoying the scenery.

What books/authors did you enjoy as a child?

My absolute favourite was Enid Blyton. The Malory Towers & St. Clares stories I read & re-read .. always wishing I could go to a boarding school! I’m sure in reality it wouldn’t have been such fun. I also enjoyed the Famous Five plus The adventure series. I was reading before I went to school & my grandmother always bought me a new book every week .. happy memories.

What made you want to start blogging?

Being sick actually! I wanted to write about my illness to record progress but after chatting at length with my friend Rachel (Rachel’s Random Reads) & seeing how much fun she was having the book side of it kind of took priority & from that the book blog formed. I had always written reviews but now it is all combined.

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

The community, people I have ‘met’ the social aspect of being online. How quickly a post can be put together which delights an author just by doing a promo for their book. And having the opportunity to read so many fabulous books.

Tell me about your blog – sell yourself!

Aaaaaargh I’d never make a salesperson .. ‘Ali – The Dragon Slayer’ is simply my place to share any good books, competitions & my personal feelings on cancer or mental health. I’m just happy if anyone has a look 🙂 

What’s your favourite book you’ve reviewed so in the past year? Or favourite three if you really can’t choose.

Such a difficult question each book has had some wonderful qualities!

Truly, Madly, Greekly by Mandy Baggot

Handle Me with Care by Helen J Rolfe

Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin

What are you reading just now?

Currently (October) I am reading ‘What Rosie Found Next’ by Helen J Rolfe.

Tell me about your reading habits:  book or kindle, bed or bath, morning or evening?

I absolutely adore my Kindle .. the beaty of instant downloads, adjustable text size, built-in light & a constant supply of books without carrying loads is a life-saver for me. I read any time of day but always before I go to sleep, it has always been my routine to read in bed.

How can people follow your blog or connect with you on social media?

My blog is at: www.alithedragonslayer.co.uk

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DragonSlayerAli/

Twitter: @DrewComps

Google + : https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AliDrew911/posts

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/alisonruthdrew/

Bloglovin’: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/ali-dragon-slayer-14479073

Tumblr: http://savvy911.tumblr.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/alisonruth911/

And finally, if you could be a character in any book you have read, who would it be and why?

Another impossible choice! But going back to my favourite kids books I think it would have to be Darrell the main school girl character in the Malory Towers series, she kept me entertained for so long & I was desperate to be her when I was about nine!