Blogger Recognition Award

blogger-award

I was so pleased yesterday to be nominated for this blogger recognition award by fellow Scottish blogger Kate The Quiet Knitter. There are a huge and growing number of brilliant book blogs around now so I really am flattered to be nominated, thanks so much Kate.

Here are the award rules:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.

2. Write a post to show your award.

3. Give a brief story of how your blog started.

4. Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers.

5. Select 15 other bloggers you want to give this award to.

6. Comment on each blog and let them know you have nominated them and provide the link to the post you created.

How Portobello Book Blog started

Almost two years ago now (where does the time go!) I became aware of book blogs through an online Facebook book group I was a member of. I thought this was a great idea as I read A LOT and like to chat about what I’ve been reading. There was a risk I was boring my friends to death asking them ‘have you read this book or that book yet?’ so I thought a blog was a good way for me to talk about the books I’ve been enjoying. Since then I have been amazed that so many of you lovely people actually read and seem to enjoy my reviews. Even better is when someone comments that they have bought a book on my recommendation! And it’s been just lovely to interact with authors, publishers and other members of the blogging community. We’re a friendly bunch!

Two pieces of advice to new bloggers

Be realistic! It’s very flattering if you are asked by an author if you’d like to read their book or have the opportunity through a publisher to read an advance copy of a book. But if it’s not one you fancy or you know you just won’t have time, you must say no, politely of course. You really can’t read everything, no matter how much you’d like to.

You don’t have to review everything! As your blog becomes established and begins to get noticed you may find books arriving in the post. At first this is exciting (in fact it’s always exciting!) but it can become overwhelming. If it’s not a book you have specifically been asked and have agreed to read, you must make the decision as to whether you want to or have time to read it. You can always pass on books you don’t fancy to friends or offer them as giveaway prizes (though check with the publisher first if it’s a proof copy).

Tag 15 blogs

I know lots of bloggers will already have done this or similar award posts and if not, may be too busy to take part, so I will just mention 15 of the many wonderful blogs I follow. As Kate said yesterday, click the link to have a look and see if you might like to follow them. And if any of you bloggers I’ve mentioned do have time to take part, that would be fab.

Linda’s Book Bag

Being Anne

Random Things Through My Letterbox

A Tiny Life

Beauty Balm (as you’ve guessed, not a book blog but does have a monthly book round up)

Short Book & Scribes

BookLoverWorm Blog

It’s All About The Books

Jill’s Book Cafe

Put It In Writing

Little Bookness Lane

Cleopatra Loves Books