Do our blog writing skills improve? And some KingKiller Chronicles segues

There's a long winded built-up to this question, so bear with me.
I was describing to my colleague at work how I spent most of this weekend sleepless due to a) Baby and b) Reading Patrick Rothfuss.

Now, I've read both of Patrick Rothfuss' books before (The Name of the Wind & The Wise Man's Fear). I've written about The Wise Man's Fear . 
If you are new to these names, they are books 1 and 2 of the KingKiller Chronicles. These books cover Day One and Day Two of the narrative, and Day three (or Book 3: The Doors of Stone) ought to be released in the next couple of years.*


(Aside) This wait for the third book is quite exciting, actually! There is quite an enthusiastic set of  Tor readers over at Jo Walton's re-read on Tor.com. Lots of theories being discussed!

* We dare not name a date, for Rothfuss is infamous for missing publishing deadlines. Current Goodreads site for Day Three in the Chronicles shows nothing, and it was reporting 2020 at one point to throw cold water on us eager readers.
P.S. Mr. Rothfuss' hilarious take on the goodreads readers who like to "review" books before they are out - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/327213074

Yet I really can't do the book justice. Trying to make a summary of the plot or storyline is an exercise in futility, as I realized when explaining to my colleague why he should read Rothfuss. It also seems like I've had this problem before - When I last wrote about The Wise Man's Fear , I actually didn't do a full review! Just trying to goad people into reading does count though, right?

This brings me to my point - do our blogging skills improve over the months and years we blog? I know we all HOPE they do, but without critical assessments, does pure practice result in improved writing skills?

Armchair BEA - The Last Day and one more post

The last day of BEA has an intriguing question for us armchair BEA followers: "Ask the Experts"

Ask The Experts. In your post, ask the visitors to your blog for blogging advice.

My questions:
1. How do you avoid any blogging "slumps", where you stay away from your blog for a week or two on end?
2. Do you find, like I do, that weekends are slow for views/people reading your posts?

My tip:
Get Cross-blog audiences! Guest post, or interview on other blogs to help promote yours.
I feature a blogger interview every month here. 
Would you like to be featured here?
 
Read my first Armchair BEA post here 
Read sample author interviews or blogger spotlights here.

Blogger Spotlight #9: Vix the "pads-brat"

Give us an idea of who you are: 

Hmm, i never really know what to say with these things but i’ll try giving it in a nutshell... My name is Viktoria. In the real world i go by ‘Vix’, online it’s either TToria or Vix. 

I’m a twenty-four year old ‘pads-brat’ (army kid) I come from a long line of soldiers and so i’ve moved around a lot! The country closest to my heart is Scotland. I left home at sixteen, travelled around a bit etc then i bumped into my high-school sweetheart. He went to the same armed forces school as me in Germany. We got married and seven years later we’re travelling around (he’s in the army now too) and raising our five year old son :) I’m extremely close to my two sisters, though we all live in separate countries: England, Scotland an Germany. Moving around is a bit of a nightmare when it comes to working and studying. Thank goodness for the internet and the opportunities it brings! Right now my husband, son and I are in England but the two-year posting is finished in June and so we’ll be moving back up to Scotland. 

As most of us book bloggers would say “I’m an avid reader”, and i’ll say the same. It’s an addiction! I tend to steer clear of horrors though, eek. I hope to write my own novel one day, but i think i still have a lot to learn. It’s something that shouldn’t be rushed. 

Describe a typical day:

 My days are pretty unpredictable at the moment. With us moving soon i’m trying to get the house organised and packed while my son is at school. And obviously reading and blogging fits in with that boring stuff too. 

Blogger Tip #2: Checking Blog for dead links

Did you know your blog might have a bunch of dead links that you are still linking to?
The recent Bloggiesta weekend revealed that I hadn't checked for this ever.

To check for dead links, you can go to http://validator.w3.org/checklink
This will check for dead links in your blog, website or any webpage and give you a complete list. When I tried it, I got about 85 links that the site said I had to manually check - most of those were "Tag searches" and worked fine on clicking.

Blogger Tips Series: 

#1 John Updike's rules for reviews

Blogger Tip #1: John Updike's Rules for Writing Reviews

The From Picked-up Pieces (1975):

1. Try to understand what the author wished to do, and do not blame him for not achieving what he did not attempt.
2. Give him enough direct quotation — at least one extended passage — of the book’s prose so the review’s reader can form his own impression, can get his own taste. 

3. Confirm your description of the book with quotation from the book, if only phrase-long, rather than proceeding by fuzzy précis [a summary or abridgement]. 

4. Go easy on plot summary, and do not give away the ending. (How astounded and indignant was I, when innocent, to find reviewers blabbing, and with the sublime inaccuracy of drunken lords reporting on a peasants’ revolt, all the turns of my suspenseful and surpriseful narrative! Most ironically, the only readers who approach a book as the author intends, unpolluted by pre-knowledge of the plot, are the detested reviewers themselves. And then, years later, the blessed fool who picks the volume at random from a library shelf.) 

Blogs that no longer post - what's to be done?

This morning I did some blog cleanup - unsubscribed from a few blogs, reconfigured my feedreader to point to some blogs that moved. I must say I feel rather guilty - I promise each one of my followers that I would follow back, and I DO! However, if a month goes by with no updates, is that a sign?

I had some blogs that were dead since early this year - those had to go!
What time-frame with No updates do you use?

               ***

If you haven't subscribed to E-Volving Books, the link is to the right! That should add it both to Google Friend Connect, and to your FeedReader, if it is Google Reader.
Leave a comment letting me know, and I will follow you!

Help from another blogger?

I realized recently that my blog header image doesn't always open the same on other browsers. The Problem:

I've tested my blog's header on Firefox and Safari, and things seem fine - I can see the header image of the Kindle and pencil juxtaposed, and all my posts are on one screen, visible as the page loads (no right-scrolling needed).

On Windows Explorer, the Header image seems oddly extending beyond the image area and into the right-side bar where I have contact info, follower bar, and recent posts.

If you are reading this, do you mind telling me what browser you are using, and if you are able to see this blog without scrolling to the right?

Can someone help me figure how to fix this?

Bryan's Blog Tour - this month!

The very talented Bryan Cohen's blog tour is this month, and will be coming to e-Volving books on the 19th of May!

Bryan is the Author of 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts: Ideas for Blogs, Scripts, Stories and More

Bryan wears several different hats - author, playwright, producer and more!
We'll get to see a guest post by Bryan, AND Win some books, and personalized writing prompts!
More details next week.

Blogger Spotlight #7 - Lindsay Cox from The Violet Hour

We took a break from the Blogger Spotlight, but its BACK!
Introducing *drumroll, please* Lindsay Cox from www.violethourbr.com

***

Give us an idea of who you are: I'm 26, and have been married for almost 7 years. I'm a hair stylist, and my husband and I live in a small town in West Virginia.
We are both crazy bookworms, and had accumulated so many books (lost count at around 300) that we've had to downsize our "bookstore", and keep/buy only books we love. With the eReader, we don't have to worry about books taking up so much space!

E-Reader: Kindle (3rd Generation)
A Recent Read: The Iron Daughter by Julia Kagawa. It was FANTASTIC. Meet my reading buddy, Stella!
About your blog: I borrowed the name from a song that had been stuck in my head for a few weeks, The Violet Hour by Sea Wolf.
I've read paranormal/horror books since I was a kid. (Goosebumps and Fear Street, anyone?) None of my friends read very much, and if they do, it's not 'my genre', so blogging about what I'm reading is my outlet to talk about books.

Meet Stella, Lindsay's reading buddy!

Did you consider other readers in the market? Why did you pick the Kindle 3
My main two focuses were the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes&Noble Nook. Both sound great, and have a lot of the same features.
I based my decision on a few things:

• price ($139)
• physicality of the device (Kindle is 7.5″ x 4.8″ x 0.335" and weighs 8.7 ounces. Nook is much heavier at 12.1 ounces.)
• screen contrast and glare (reported 30%-35% less glare than Nook)
• battery life (The Kindles battery lasts up to a month before needing recharged, with wireless off or minimally used.)
• cheaper, wider range of books
• eInk technology and faster page turns

At the time, the Kindle 3 was the newer of the two eReaders. The color and touchscreen are big selling points with people for the Nook, but I wanted something that felt, as much as possible, like I was reading an actual book. I like simple.

What's the top thing you like about it?
I love how thin and light my Kindle is! Even though I carry a huge purse, a bulky hardcover took up too much room and was very awkward to haul around all the time. Especially on vacation when we'd have 5 or 6 books each!

When do you read a paper book and when do you pick up an ebook?
I read it at work in between appointments, while traveling, pretty much any chance I get. I normally save the paper books for when I'm at home simply because of the size and weight of the book. If it's a really good story, though, it goes in my purse along with the Kindle lol.

Have you transformed your reading style or frequency?
I don't think my reading style has changed, but frequency has increased. The Kindle also offers text-to-speech, so I can listen to my book while I'm cooking or cleaning. The 'voice' is a little funny sometimes, but not that big of a bother to me.

***

Meet and greet Lindsay over at www.violethourbr.com

Book Blogger Hop #19 - Feb19-20: Movies and books

Welcome to e-volving books! If you've been here before, you know that this site is about ebooks, epic fantasy, blogger spotlights and the Kindle/Amazon.

The Book I'd like to see made into a movie?

Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series! Though I'd combine several books into movies, as so much of the books is purely descriptive, world-building material.
Another book I'm excited is already making it to the wide-screen thanks to HBO is George R. R. Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice. The HBO Mini series is called Game of Thrones after the first novel, and will be out mid-April - how exciting!

 If you want to find an entertaining minute or two:

• Alisha @ My Need To Read is our Spotlight blogger featured here yesterday
• The Law of Unintended Consequences
  
• My confession: ebooks vs paper can be read here
• Review: Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco
• The Most Beautiful Public Libraries in the US 

If you follow, let me know so I can follow you back! Have fun hopping and following.

Blogger Spotlight #6 - Alisha!

Alisha @ My Need To Read is our featured blogger. This is one of the best interviews so far, so read on!

***

Give us an idea of who you are: I'm a native Californian currently residing in the musical capital of Vienna, Austria. The city happens to have one of the biggest cafe cultures (sorry, Seattle)…which lends well to being a bookworm and a fanatic of hot beverages. Score!!!

E-Reader: The now old-school (but classic!) Sony Reader PRS-505. It's still a tough act to beat.

Recent Read?: The Mysterious Lady Law by Robert Appleton. It was such a fun little steampunk tale, old-school mystery style.

A haiku about your blog: So I sort of need to read. A lot. If I don't have a book on me, I'm not happy. But what I don't like is reading in a proverbial vacuum. I love to swap thoughts on books, muse on reading-related topics, and connect with other readers. Thus, My Need To Read.

Did you consider other readers in the market? Why did you pick this one? 
I did do a lot of research. At the time the two biggies were the Amazon Kindle (version 1) and the Sony Reader 505. I really love libraries--borrowing, browsing, connecting with other local readers--and with the expanding e-holdings of these institutions, I wanted to be able to partake. The Kindle didn't allow that, so it was the Sony for me!

What's the top thing you like about it? 
Access to e-libraries, for one. But absolutely the best thing has to be the portability. Given that I'm currently living abroad (and this probably won't be the last time I do), it's such a blessing to keep belongings to a minimum. And for short-term trips? No more extra "book bag!"

When do you read a paper book and when do you pick up an ebook? I still vastly prefer hard copies for reference material. I've learned to embrace using an e-reader for fiction titles…although I will likely always have a problem with leaving a bookstore/library without a having bought or borrowed a book.

Have you transformed your reading style or frequency? For short-term trips, e-readers have made a huge difference. And instead of the previous ritual of visiting the bookstore once a week for a "fix," finding interesting material is now a constant possibility.

If your e-reader could have one magic feature, what would it be? Water-proof reader. Then I could read in swimming pools and other bodies of water…who hasn't wanted to read while scuba-diving? Really, though…I can't wait for color e-ink to become widely available.

***

Meet and greet Alisha over at  My Need To Read 
(p.s. by Dee - can I just say how much I love *LOVE* this photo of her reading spot?)

Blogger Spotlight #5: Tiffany!

Introducing *drum-roll please*: Tiffany from A Cozy Reader's Corner Reviews

Tiffany's ereader: I actually got a Kindle for Christmas. 

A recent read: A Chesapeake Shores Christmas by Sherryl Woods

Who I am: I am a stay at home mom by day. My typical day is filled with the duties of mommyhood including bringing my oldest to school and back. When I am not taking care of things around the honest, or ignoring them... I am reading! If the book isn't great my house is cleaned faster!! At night I work for a call center as a member of our Work Force Management team. My job consist of making sure all calls are routed and being answered by agents promptly. We also make the schedules and do many reports on each of the agents. My job pays attention to detail and troubleshoots quickly and efficiently. Attached is a photo of my most recent Library Book Sale treasure!

Did you consider other readers in the market? 

I did. I looked at all readers, for me it came down to the Kindle because I feel it is simply the best and most widely accepted reader. I like the design and attributes it offers.


What's the top thing you like about it? 
 The price in comparison with what it offers. I like that everyone knows the kindle. Every book is made to work with the kindle.

Bloggiesta Ole! This Weekend - Begins Now!

The Fantastic Bloggiesta event is a 3 day event across 21st to 23rd (this weekend), to celebrate blogging! It is a blogging marathon, and I'm going to use this time to refresh my blog as well.

1. Send Mail to authors confirming or requesting for Q&A and Guest Post events (at least 2) (completed one)
2. Writeup on my first post lauding paper books over ebooks
3. Schedule blogger spotlight interviews for next two weeks (Wednesdays)
4. Figure out my Blogging Goals
5. Put out three invitations for Guest Posts, and get one invitation for a guest post
6. Back up my blog
7. Get help or figure out a new background (I'd like more white in the background)
8. Start a Google document for Reviews Requested and when they are due. (Thanks to Jenn for the idea!)
9. Make a button? Lookit at my beyootiful button on the right!
10. Re-arrange/re-do sidebar

I'll be visiting other bloggers, and editing this page as the weekend progresses. 
oh, and HAVE FUN!

Two important Words: "You" and "Because"

This is my first article about blogging - I don't know if this would be a regular feature here (That depends on you!)

Most of us want to be better bloggers and keep readers interested, and here are two ways how:

• Use "You" in the title: Keeping more "you"s than "I" in your blog post makes it more interesting, because then the reader is the focus of the post
• "Because" is another word that research indicates is a 'trigger' for readers/listeners. The reason why is not as important as making sure that there is a reason given.

For more info: Two Most important Words in Blogging

Oh hey, one last thing - a study of 150,000 blogs discovered (to no surprise) that the most commented on blogs had two words in common:

'Giveaway' and 'Jobs'

What are the blogposts you comment on?

Blogger Spotlight - Julie from Book Hooked Blog

Introducing: Julie from Book Hooked Blog

Fav Recent Read: Falling Home by Karen White

What e-reader do you own and how did you get it?

I have a basic Nook.  I did some last minute edits on a book for my pastor.  As a thank you, he gave me a very nice gift card to Barnes and Noble and I made a quick decision to purchase a Nook!

Julie's Favorite thing about the Nook?

It is so easy to travel with!  In the past I've been the person trudging through the airport with a 20 lb carry-on full of books.  I never know what I'll be in the mood for, so even for overnight trips I'll end up bringing 3-5 books just in case.  Having the Nook makes it MUCH easier to have a variety of books in my purse at all times.

Click to read on about Julie and her reading habits! Mail me if you want a spotlight of your own!

Blogger Hop #14 - I enjoy reading bloggers' book recommendations

The question this week was 'What do you like about bloggers and blogging? Is it the giveaways or the book reviews, etc.
I enjoy meeting people who are THIS passionate about reading and books! Comment on any post you like, I will follow back and comment.

Blogger Spotlight #2: Tina!

Introducing: Tina from onemorepage.tinamats.com

========================

What e-reader do you own and how did you get it?

- I own a Kindle! :) I got it by ordering through Amazon and having it sent to my dad who works in Northern Marianas Islands. My mom, who was visiting him then, carried it home to me (I live in the Philippines btw). Funny thing was, I ordered a Kindle two days before the announcement for Kindle 3 arrived. Talk about timing.

Did you consider other readers in the market? Why did you pick this one?

- At first I really didn't want this because I thought my Kindle for iPod and Stanza (an ebook reading app in the iPod) were enough. Then a friend told me she got a Kindle and she loves it, and I finally started thinking about it. I thought about getting a B&N nook, too, since other people swear by it...but then I have already bought some books from Amazon for my iPod and I realized that I have always been an Amazon girl. 

When do you read a paper book and when do you pick up an ebook?

Book Blogger Hop #9: Oct 22-24th

This is a weekly PARTY hosted by Jen at Crazy For Books. It's a chance to discover new blogs and to garner new readers for your blog as well. 

This Week's Question:

"Where is your favorite place to read?"

What a great Question! I have a leather couch in my drawing room where I read a lot - it is in front of the TV and hence, next to my husband! :)

I'm launching a new feature on this site next week -  A blogger spotlight! Sign up to be heard.
This week's site news:
Review of Mairelon the Magician
Ebook Readers and Paper Book Fans
If you would like to try out ebooks - here are some FREE ones to start with:
Download Three Free Ebooks 

New Feature: Readers with e-readers

I love getting to know all you bloggers and visitors better, and I thought others might as well!

Hence, this blogger spotlight will feature folks with ereaders of any kind.

Here are some sample questions below - I'd like to end up with a few really interesting, funny questions, and will need Your help with those!

*****

Give us an idea of who you are:

Describe a typical day or send me a Photo of the region u live/your bookshelf/whatever. You can do both - photos are better! 

• What e-reader do you own and how did you get it?
• Did you consider other readers in the market? Why did you pick this one?
• What's the top thing you like about it?
• What is your favourite recent read?
• When do you read a paper book and when do you pick up an ebook?
• Where do you like to read? Did that change with an e-reader?
• Have you transformed your reading style or frequency?
• If your e-reader could have one magic feature, what would it be? (Top of Wishlist, really)

Now it is your turn!! Leave a comment if you would like to be a "Readers with e-reader" spotlit blogger.

And don't forget to help me with the questions - I need your suggestions!

Save the Date! Advance Buzz for Scott Nicholson Blog Tour

Scott Nicholson Kindle Giveaway Blog Tour

 Author Scott Nicholson and Amazon are giving away two Kindles as part of his fall book blog tour from September through November, including a stop here at e-Volving Books on Nov 11th. A Kindle DX will be given away through the participating blogs, and a Kindle 3 will be given away through the tour newsletter. A Pandora's Box of free ebooks will be given away through Nicholson's "hauntedcomputer" Twitter account.

"The digital era coincides with Act II of my career," Nicholson said. "The Kindle has broadened many people's horizons and given readers more power than ever, and this is an opportunity to celebrate them and the book bloggers who spread the word."

Nicholson is author of 12 novels and five story collections, as well as four comics series and six screenplays. His paranormal thrillers The Red Church, Drummer Boy and Speed Dating with the Dead have all hit #1 in the Kindle "Ghosts" category, and his new releases are the sci-fi thriller Forever Never Ends and the multiple-personality romp As I Die Lying.

As a bonus, if Nicholson hits the Top 100 in the U.S. or U.K. Kindle Store during the tour between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, he will give away an extra Kindle 3 through the blogs. Sign up for the newsletter at scottsinnercircle-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to get daily links to the participating blogs. Winners will be selected at the Watauga County (NC) Public Library in December. No purchase necessary, and the contest is international. Co-sponsored by Kindle Nation Daily and Dellaster Design. 

Details at www.hauntedcomputer.com.