BBAW 2012 Interview Swap

Brianna: Hi Dalene! Let’s start with the basics. Tell us a bit about your book blog. When and why did you start? What types of books do you read and review?

Dalene: I put my first few blog posts together in December 2011, but officially began January 1, 2012. I started a book blog because I wanted to share my thoughts with more than just my coworkers or someone I could find to bend an ear. I am an avid reader and read anything and everything. In my blog title, I state that I read mysteries and romances, however, to me that encompasses quite a few genres once you start getting specific. I pretty much read anything, except science fiction and hardcore fiction. I'm not a typical reader of non-fiction either, but will read if recommended and it is something I find interesting.

Brianna: What can people expect to find on A Date With a Book? Do you participate in any ‘extracurricular activities’ (like memes, reading challenges, events, etc.)?

Dalene: I do participate in memes, my favorite one is Sunday Post that I do each week. I feel this is great for readers as it sums of what's happened and what to expect in the coming week(s). I also like it for myself as it keeps me very organized. I have participated in a few reading challenges and events, but with personal time demands that weren't expected, I was not very successful. This is one thing I plan on growing and doing better in the near future.

Brianna: What are some of your top reads this year so far?

Dalene: Two of my top reads this year have been from Indie Authors. The first is Wake by Abria Mattina which is a young adult and further what I would classify as a contemporary drama. The characters and plots were superb. It was a five star on my list. The second book is Unspoken by Kerrigan Byrne; a historical erotic romance with some Celtic feel. And if you are looking for hot, this is definitely a book to read. My last top read is Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. This book was just emotional launching to me, if that is even a concept. I loved the ride from beginning to end.

Brianna: Which authors are on your auto-buy list?

Dalene: Debbie Macomber, Steven James, J.R. Ward, Nora Roberts.

Brianna: What is your preferred reading format? Do you prefer ebooks, hardcovers, trade paperbacks, or mass market paperbacks? And why?

Dalene: I have been a Kindle owner for almost five years now. I pretty much am converted to ebooks now, but still love grabbing a paperback to read once in a while. I am not a fan of hardcover; first because it doesn't fit inside the purse very well and is heavier to hold.

Brianna: I’m a Kindle owner (and lover) as well. Which model do you currently own? And what do you think of the new Kindle Paperwhite? (Me, I WANT it!)

Dalene: I currently have a regular Kindle, no keyboard. I upgraded to this from the very first generation Kindle. I'm amazed at how much smaller this new one is from the very first one. There are many things I loved about the first generation with it's navigation and turn on/off power and Wi-Fi buttons that I do so miss in the newer one.  I'm intrigued by the Paperwhite, but think I would have to see if before I bought it. My fear is that it would be too bright and straining on the eyes. I bought my daughter a Kindle Fire and I'm a little jealous of that and want one for myself...sometimes I wish money grew on trees.

Brianna: You’re currently accepting review requests for self-published books to coincide with your upcoming Indie Author Spotlights event. What can you tell us about this event?

Dalene: I had been approached by self-pub author Abria Mattina for a review and absolutely love her book. Along with the other great books I had read by self-published authors, I decided to make that my focus for review requests. I don't have a specific event, but just trying to help out those "little" authors who have great writing abilities. Hmm, maybe I will turn it into an event in the near future??

Brianna: What do you like to do, aside from reading?

Dalene: I am a mom of one daughter who keeps me so busy I have had to resort to a calendar. I run her to soccer, band, and any other extra curricular activities she likes to do. I am active in my church helping the youth with activities throughout the year. Any other free time I enjoy movies, camping, and vacationing with my family.

Brianna: It was wonderful being your interview partner! I’m glad we got the chance to ‘meet’.

 

Where to find Dalene: blog | twitter | facebook | google+ | goodreads

 

 

And here’s where Darlene interviews me for BBAW 2012.