Meet The Book Blogger Tag

Hello everyone,

This is a tag where you will be given the chance to learn a lot more about me! I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but I am really looking forward to sharing my answers and the questions look great.

Thank you so much to Danni for tagging me. She is a wonderful blogger who posts a lovely mix of reviews, tags, and weekly memes among other things, so do give her a follow!

Rules:

• Thank the blogger who tagged you
• Mention the creator Lauren @ Lala’s Book Reviews
• Tag as many (or as few) people as you’d like
• Have fun and get to know one another!

So, on to the questions…

Introduce yourself!

I’m Stephen, I am 25 years old and I am from Bristol in the UK. I work as an administrator for the University of Bristol, and I am also a writer. I live with my family, but have recently bought a flat and will be moving in very soon!

I love books of course, along with visiting new places, learning new things, music, sport, and nice food (especially pasta).

Something almost everyone wants to know… do you have any pets?

Yes I do! We have a beautiful black cat called Freddie, who my younger brother decided to name after Freddie Mercury. I had no say in the matter…

What is your favourite thing to drink?

That has to be tea! I currently drink two or three cups per day. I also love soft drinks such as Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper, but last year I developed an intolerance which means I cannot drink them anymore without getting really bad acid reflux.

For that reason, the only things I really drink at the moment are tea, water, and hot chocolate. It is frustrating in a way, but I have got used to it.

What is your favourite season?

Even though I do love it, I must be the only book blogger whose favourite season is not autumn (fall)! 🙈

My favourite season is summer, mostly because I prefer the warm weather and love to sit outside and read. I also associate it with lighter evenings and spending time away, both of which I really enjoy.

Do you have any special talents?

Um, not really?? I write poetry and have often been told it is good, so that possibly counts. I also have a very good memory for facts, names and dates.

When and why did you start your blog?

I created my blog in its current form in January 2018. I started it in order to have an outlet to review and talk about books, giving my own thoughts. It was also a way of improving my writing, and of motivating me to read more books, which has definitely worked!

What is something that you wish you knew about blogging when you first started?

When I started, I wish I knew and understood just how time-consuming blogging can be! There is an incredible amount that goes into book blogging alongside simply writing the posts, so it is a challenge to stay organised and not to give myself too much to do. Nevertheless, it is always a lot of fun!

What has been the hardest part about blogging?

I have to agree with Danni here and say having confidence in my own blog. I had imposter syndrome for a very long time and it was so easy to compare myself to others and think I was not doing things right. I still worry sometimes if my posts are good enough, but I definitely feel more confident now.

What has been the most rewarding part of blogging?

Blogging has been so rewarding for many reasons, but most of all the amount of amazing friends I have made. The book blogging community is truly wonderful and my fellow bloggers are what make being part of it so special. It is also great to know that others value my opinion, like reading my posts, or even decide to pick up a particular book based on my thoughts.

Do you write your posts ahead of time or write them the day of posting?

I used to write a lot of my posts either on the same day or the day before they are published, but now I am much better and schedule them in advance. I now write my posts several days before, and in the case of most of my reviews, a few weeks.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

• Jessie Burton
• Elizabeth Acevedo
• Louise Beech
• Matt Wesolowski
• Lisa Jewell

What genre do you read the most?

I read a very wide range of genres and very rarely read two consecutive books from the same genre. But on balance, I read mysteries and thrillers the most.

What genre surprised you by how much you love it?

I always used to avoid historical fiction, but then I picked up The Miniaturist in October 2018 and now it is one of my favourite genres!

Which popular book didn’t live up to the hype for you?

A lot of people love Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough, but I strongly disliked it.

Who are some popular authors you haven’t read?

There are still a number of popular authors I have not read anything from yet! They include Taylor Jenkins Reid (I’ll get to her books eventually), Neal Schusterman (same), Neil Gaiman, Sarah J. Maas, Samantha Shannon, and Riley Sager.

What upcoming release are you excited to read?

That has to be The Once And Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow. Only two weeks to wait!! 😍

Do you listen to music while reading?

No, I usually need to read in silence. The music would be much too distracting.

Where else can we find you online?

• Twitter
• Goodreads

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I Tag:

Aayushi
Maisy
Caro
Sahi
Erin
Kaya
Krisha

No pressure at all to do the tag. But if you do, remember to tag me so I can see your answers!

Happy reading 🙂