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?
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 🙂
This is such an awesome tag!
Also Freddie is so cute 😻😻😻
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Great post, Stephen! I got to know more about you. I totally enjoyed this post!
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Thank you so much, Noriko! I hope you are well.
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I’ve been doing fine. As a matter of fact, I have just got back to blogging, https://bibliophilistchronicles.wordpress.com/
here’s my new site. No pressure! Visit me if you feel like 🙂
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Wow, I’m so glad you are well, and back to blogging! You obviously could not stay away for long! I’ll follow you again and take a look at your posts later 🙂
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Amazing Tag! Loved your answers!🌟🌟
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Thank you so much!
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Freddie is adorable 🙂 I look forward to hearing your opinions if you get around to reading Riley Sager and Taylor Jenkins Reid 😀
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He really is. And yes, watch this space!
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I love this post, Stephen! I loved getting to know more about you through this tag 😊 Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres too — I always get really sad when people push aside the genre for fantasy and contemporary… I’m definitely going to have to check out The Miniaturist!
Hope you have a beautiful day 💕
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Thank you so much, Abby! Historical fiction is such a wonderful genre and I am incredibly grateful to have discovered it since reading The Miniaturist. I’d definitely recommend it!
I hope you have a wonderful day, too 💖
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I enjoyed reading your answers! Taylor Jenkins Reid is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I’m excited for you to get to her books 🙌🏼
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Thank you! I really should read her books because everyone seems to rave about them.
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What a fun tag! It’s nice getting to know more about you. I totally agree about how time-consuming blogging can be! I had no idea I would spend so many hours blog hopping, engaging, posting, etc. but it’s honestly so worth it to make all these new bookish friends. Also, hello imposter syndrome 😅 That’s definitely something I’ve been struggling with lately and it’s so hard to shake! Great post 🙂
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Thank you! Yes, it is completely worth putting in all the time towards blogging as I adore the community and have made so many wonderful friends. And yes, the struggle is real with imposter syndrome.
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Aw Freddie is so adorable!! I love to see everyones pets (: I definitely agree with you about summer being my favorite season, though I feel like that switches every year haha! Blogging can take SO much time, I totally underestimated how much time I would spend just reading other peoples posts and engaging with fellow bloggers, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!! Thank you for tagging me, can’t wait to do this one! ♥
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He’s so cute! Yes, I never expected to spend so much time with blogging, but I absolutely love it. I wouldn’t change it either. You’re very welcome, Erin! I can’t wait to read your answers!
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I loved reading your answers! And agreed on blogging – we don’t really know what kind of a commitment we’re going to get into when we start! It is definitely fun to balance it though and it’s so worth it for the community that we have!
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Thank you so much! Absolutely, I love the community and it makes the time we devote to blogging so worthwhile 🙂
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What a great post, Stephen! Loved learning more about you 😄 and I adore your cat, Freddie, he’s so adorable and fluffy!! 😍
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Thank you so much, Alexia! I’m glad you enjoyed it and yes, he is such an adorable cat!
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Thanks so much for tagging me! I can’t wait to do this because it looks like so much fun xx Your cat is so adorable and I actually quite like the name Freddie for a cat haha
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You’re welcome! I’m really looking forward to reading your answers. And yes, he’s so beautiful! Have a great weekend, Maisy 🙂
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Thanks so much! You too x
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It was lovely to get to know you more Stephen 🙂
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Thank you, Jade 😊
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ahhh, i love this post so much! elizabeth acevedo is absolutely brilliant. and tea is the best! thank you for the tag💜
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You’re welcome, Kaya! I’m glad you enjoyed the post 😊
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Ah I loved reading all your answers Stephen!! Love your kitty and the name. Iconic mayhaps.
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Thank you, Ruby!!
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Stephen! In case you’ve not realized, your blog is AMAZING. They’re full of good contents and you review is just SO GOOD!
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Wow, thank you so much for the kind comment, Celine! That means a lot. I’m glad you think so highly of my blog! 🥰
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Amazing Tag!! I love reading your answers. Freddie is absolutely adorable 😍✨👏🏻
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Thank you, Sofii! Yes, he’s so cute and fluffy. 😍
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I really enjoyed reading your answers Stephen! I love animals but can’t have pets as my brother is allergic, so I’m very jealous of people who have cute familiars like Freddie! X
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Thank you so much, Florence! Ah, that is such a shame. I hope you get to have a pet one day ❤
P.S. I added A Thousand Ships to my Goodreads TBR, so I hope to get to it quite soon! Have a lovely week 🙂
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Thank you so much for tagging me, this is such a fun Tag! 😊 And omg your cat looks so sweet, I wish I had pets as well 😸
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You’re so welcome! I’m looking forward to reading your answers when you do the tag. I hope you get a pet one day 🙂 🙂
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Lovely answers got to know more about you. I like tea and water rarely coca cola or any fizzy drinks. I don’t drink alcohol
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Thank you, Shalini. I don’t drink alcohol either, I’ve never liked it even before I developed my intolerance.
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