Armchair BEA Introductory Post

Design by Emily @ Emily's Reading Room

The blogosphere has been blowing up lately with chatter about the upcoming Book Expo America, but as a North Carolinian on a budget, there was no way I was going to make it New York for a few days of book and blog partying. However, I discovered through Melissa at Confessions of an Avid Reader just the solution for homebound bloggers like me - Armchair BEA. Each day there will be a prompt so that bloggers who are unable to attend BEA will get a chance to join the conversation. But first, a little about me: 

• Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? 

My name is Kristin. I teach English at my local community college. I began my blog 2 years ago because I missed the bookish conversations I used to have while in graduate school and was looking for a place to begin those conversations again. I found that space in the book blogging community! 

• What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2013? 

Currently, I've been doing a lot of re-reading. I've had a very busy semester, so I haven't had a lot of time to pursue new reads. Since I'm not teaching this summer though, I hope to spend more time reading new releases. I've currently got Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell on the way!

• Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you. 

I would secretly love to try out for The Voice. Sometimes when I'm in the car listening to music, I pick out the songs that I would audition with. My current favorite is "Drinkin" by Holly Williams.

• If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why? 

I would love to pick J. K. Rowling's brain. I am a huge Harry Potter fan, but most of all I really admire her character development and world-building. Even though I didn't love The Casual Vacancy, I cannot deny that her writing style is captivating. If I was allowed an additional choice, I would go with Sarah Dessen. I'm currently re-reading all her novels in anticipation of the release of The Moon and More. Although I won't be seeing her at BEA, I will be seeing her at one of the independent bookstores in Raleigh at the end of June. She is such a down-to-earth person, and from reading her blog and seeing her speak numerous times, I think we are a lot alike!

• What literary location would you most like to visit? Why? 

Ever since I declared a Brit. Lit. major in college, I have wanted to visit the Lake Poets' various hangouts - Grasmere, Dove Cottage, etc. Now if I could just convince my husband to leave the country...