Tuesday, May 28, 2013

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...

14 comments:

  1. Nice to meet you, Kristin! How nice to have a teacher and blogger. I have the utmost respect for teachers, but especially English teachers :)

    I loved Harry Potter! But I haven't read The Casual Vacancy yet.

    I hope you'll be able to go to BEA sometime! I'm hoping for next year :)

    Check out my intro post!

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    1. Thanks, Alyssa - it is very nice to meet you too. Congratulations on John Hopkins - that is quite an accomplishment!

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  2. Hi Kristin. Thanks for the shout out! I'm so glad you've decided to participate.

    I love that you've selected J.K. Rowling to have dinner with. I ultimately went with Jane Austen, but Rowling was on my short list. I'd love to meet her.

    I'm looking forward to reading your BEA posts.

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    1. Thanks for cluing me in to this fun (and free) way to participate in BEA! Austen would certainly be high on my list of dinner dates as well.

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  3. Hi Kristin. Welcome to Armchair BEA! JK Rowling would be one of my choices for a dinner companion. Think of all the behind the scenes stuff you could ask her.

    AH@Badass Book Reviews.

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    1. Speaking of behind the scenes, one of the "literary" places I would love to travel is the Warner Bros. Studio set where they filmed the Harry Potter movies. It's open to the public!!

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  4. As a Tarheel (born and bred) transplant in the Midwest I love that I found another North Carolinian blogger. I loved meeting Sarah Dessen as well, although I met her at B&N in Cary. It never gets old seeing an author you like! Armchair BEA, opening doors for lots of new friends! Tattooed Books

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    1. Yay for NC bloggers! I've seen her speak at the B&N in Cary too, but I mostly see her at Quail Ridge over behind Meredith. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. If you auditioned for The Voice, I would watch. :) Especially if you picked Team Shakira!

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    1. You guys are so supportive. :-) In addition to thinking about what songs I would sing for audition, I try to think about who I would choose as my mentor. Part of me thinks I would choose whoever turns around first!

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  6. The Voice would pay me to stay away. I had to sing for an audition once and I felt a smidge embarassed as I usually whisper or fake sing in church! Enjoy ABEA!

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    1. Haha - It is stressful! I've been singing for a while, and I still get shaky before performances - and they are definitely NOT on a national stage!

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  7. I still haven't read the Harry Potter books, but I can see the appeal of meeting Rowling. She would be interesting to meet and see where the topic of conversation goes. You should try out for The Voice!

    Have a great week participating in Armchair BEA. :)

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    1. Most definitely - no one can deny that she's brilliant. Thanks for your support!

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