I have been honored to be nominated for this award by A Little Haze Book Blog. If you haven’t checked her blog out, please do so. I fully recommend it. Not only is she a beautiful person, but she also runs a beautiful blog.

What is the Sunshine Blogger Award?

The Sunshine Blogger Award is given to those who are creative, positive and inspiring while spreading sunshine to the blogging community.

How does it work?

• Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
• Answer the 11 questions sent by the person who nominated you.
• Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
• List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

Questions set by Laurel (And A Little Haze Book Blog)

Why did you start book blogging?

Because I discovered it was a thing. I moved a lot growing up, so I never really formed a lot of long term and lasting friendships. I especially never connected with anybody who loved reading as much as I did. I wanted to connect with people who loved reading as much as I did. It’s been amazing!

What are your favourite parts of book blogging?

In all honesty, connecting with people. There’s a part of me that would love to make a living doing this so that I can expand things I do. I’d eventually love to run a podcast and dab into narrating as well. But I digress. The best part of book blogging is connecting with other bloggers and readers.

What are your least favourite?

The pressure I feel sometimes. I get behind and it makes me feel like I’m less than human. I know that most of that is self inflicted. I just hate letting people down.

What advice do you have for new book bloggers?

Be authentic to what works best for you. Don’t go chasing something that works for somebody else. We all have things that work best for us and things that don’t. Pressuring yourself into trying to do something out of your comfort zone will turn your blog into a chore rather than a pleasure real fast.

What makes you want to read a book?

The cover and the hype. I don’t read blurbs. I love to go into books “blind” so to speak. I try to learn as little as human possible about the book. I tend to enjoy the element of surprise when it comes to books. But I love an eye popping cover that intrigues me to know more.

What were your favourite reads of 2019?

The Harry Potter series to start with. The Kings of Linwood Academy is another. The Stephanie Plum series. I could go on. I read quite a few great reads in 2019!

What books were your least favorite of 2019?

Married To The Alien Doctor

What books lived up to the hype? Which didn’t?

Most of the books I read I hadn’t heard of until after I’d gotten my hands on. I didn’t fully become as active in blogging as I am now. I’ve dabbed in blogging off and on since 2013, but I started taking it seriously around August of last year.

What are your favourite tropes and why?

I really like the damaged to love romances. They seem a bit more realistic to real relationships than most romances. I also really love the paranormal spats.

Who in the book world (blogger, youtuber, bookstagrammer, author, friend, etc.) inspires you the most?

There’s an author I met in 2018. She and I connected instantly. She’s gone through a lot and she still keeps going strong. She takes criticism and works out something that works best for her and for the readers. She learns and grows every day. It’s amazing.

What is one book that helped you through rough times (or taught you something valuable?)

The Help. I really related to the main character in the story so much. She didn’t really believe in the opinions of those around her, but she didn’t know if she could branch out on her own. She found herself closer to those who everybody looked down on than those she should be close with.

It’s hard to choose 11 people. Especially since most of these die with me. Not complaining. People get busy. Plus, I read a LOT of amazing blogs on a daily basis. If you read this, you are tagged. I’d love to see your answers. I’m also going to steal Laurel’s questions at all. Please comment your blogs so I can read your answers!!! Or tag me in the blog!

Why did you start book blogging?
What are your favourite parts of book blogging?
What are your least favourite?
What advice do you have for new book bloggers?
What makes you want to read a book?
What were your favourite reads of 2019?
What books were your least favorite of 2019?
What books lived up to the hype? Which didn’t?
What are your favourite tropes and why?
Who in the book world (blogger, youtuber, bookstagrammer, author, friend, etc.) inspires you the most?
What is one book that helped you through rough times (or taught you something valuable?)

Thank you for Reading!

Maximize your reading options with Kindle Unlimited. Maximize your reading time with Audible Membership.

You can leave a tip for me on Paypal and Ko-Fi. All contributions are welcome, but not expected.

I was tagged in this by A Little Haze Book Blog. Thank you. It’s a true honor to be included in these things. I welcome all book tags and awards. If I miss any, please feel free to let me know!

If you read this and enjoy it, feel free to include yourself tagged. Please tag me in your blog or put your link in the comments.

The reason and story behind this blog is a mystery! There are some basic rules though!

The Rules

• Put the award logo/image on your blog.
• List the rules.
• Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
• Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well. (@OkotoEnigmasBlog)
• Tell your readers 3 things about yourself.
• You have to nominate 10 – 20 people.
• Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog.
• Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify).
• Share a link to your best post(s).

Three things about myself:

1. I’m a very avid reader. Since I started actively reviewing and interacting with authors and other readers more frequently, my reading has doubled. Actually, I think it’s tripled! I used to average reading 50-60 books a year. This past year I read a little over 200!
2. I’ve suspected that I was born left handed. I write with my right hand, but I do everything else with my left hand. For the past few months, I’ve passively practiced writing and drawing with my left hand.
3. I love coloring. I’ve loved coloring before adult coloring became a thing. I used to get children’s coloring books from dollar stores. I’m glad there’s options for adult coloring books. Though they can be overwhelming sometimes. I also am addicted to word searches. I used to get those at the dollar store as well. I love getting both coloring books and word search books as gifts. I also love getting art supplies.

Emer’s Questions:

Do you think there is a place for one star reviews in the blogging community?

While I have never made a one-star review, I do understand that there are people who use them for books they didn’t really enjoy that much. Personally, if I proclaim any book one or two stars, it’s a book I don’t finish. I absolutely refuse to review a book I did not finish. If I’m asked to review the book, I will privately reach out to the author or person who requested it and explain why I won’t be reviewing. I do like reading the one-star reviews. The constructive ones anyways.

How do you feel about audiobooks?

Audiobooks have changed my life completely. It has literally maximized my reading so much! I can read even when I’m not able to actually read. I listen when working out and cleaning. I listen when playing games and scrolling the internet. Anything where I can listen to the book while doing the activity (even blogging), I am listening! I even color and do word searches while listening. It’s amazing!

Have you ever emotionally identified with a character or plot in a book that you felt the author was writing the words that are etched on your soul?

Zoey Redbird at the very beginning of the House Of Night series. I know how it feels to have family want nothing to do with you for who you are and for standing up for what you believe in. There are things she does later in the series that I don’t fully connect with, but at the beginning of the series, I felt like I was almost reading about myself.

What was the last book (or film) that made you cry?

The book that comes to mind is called My Life As A Country Album. It’s a really amazingly beautiful book. It’s tragic though. I fully recommend it for those who haven’t read it. If memory serves, I believe it’s on KU. Even if it’s not, it’s more than worth the price. I want to reread it now just thinking about it!

What ice cream flavour do you think best represents your personality? E.g. are you vanilla with sprinkles? Maybe you’re a decadent salted caramel? Or maybe you’re a scoop of rocky road?

I’m not really sure. I really feel like it would have rainbows in it somewhere. Probably vanilla with rainbow sprinkles. I’ve never thought of this kind of question. It’s brilliant really!

Just a reminder, I’m tagging anybody who reads this who wants to join!

My Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on Audiobooks?
2. What was the best book to movie adaptation? The worst? Have you ever watched an adaptation that was actually better than the book?
3. What’s your book rating system?
4. I’ve been considering doing video book reviews. Do you do any book related videos? Or watch them? What are your thoughts?
5. What is a book that you read that has stuck with you forever?

Thank you for Reading!

Maximize your reading options with Kindle Unlimited. Maximize your reading time with Audible Membership.

You can leave a tip for me on Paypal and Ko-Fi. All contributions are welcome, but not expected.

I was nominated for this by Dear Kitty. Some Blog. I am truly honored! Go check her page out if you haven’t already!

The rules of this award are:

1. Post an image of the award.
2. Thank your nominator.
3. Give the story or history of your blog.
4. Give two or more pieces of advice for new bloggers.
5. Nominate 10 other bloggers and link to their blogs.
6. Comment on their blogs so they know of their nomination.

My blog is a bit of a complicated story. I’ll keep it as short and sweet as possible. I have been reading all my life. I didn’t really know many other readers. Actually, I was shamed a lot for wanting to read so much. It was a lonely life. I’ll say that.

September 2013, I discovered that I could write opinions on the books I read online! I can’t tell you how much that’s changed my life. I’ve met many amazing authors and fellow book lovers. Lately, I’ve been meeting some pretty amazing narrators as well. I am so blessed. I’ve even attended a book con (Literary Love of Savannah) the past few years.

In August of 2019, I made my blog here. I changed the name to Willow Writes And Reads. It’s stuck. I have felt more home since I made this blog than I have before. With the blog. I’ve felt at home since I joined the book community. This blog has grown so much and I can’t wait to see it grow farther. Thank you everybody who has read and followed my blog. You’re amazing.

My Advice:

1. Follow your passions and run with it. Don’t ever make blogs that you don’t have much interest in. It will show in the blog. Don’t feel you have to follow a theme or schedule. I don’t mean don’t schedule blogs. There are people who find scheduling posts helpful. I use scheduling for the tours I do and most that I’ve planned out. Most of my blogs are spur of the moment so those aren’t scheduled. Go with your heart. Follow your passion. The rest will follow.
2. Interact with your readers and read blogs similar to yours. It’s an amazing way to make new friends and connect with people. I have met quite a few people since starting this blog. If I could meet them in real life, I’d totally hug them. It also helps to know you’re not alone. You can help people out and seek advice from others as well!

If you’re reading this blog and you are a blogger, I’m tagging you. There’s so many great blogs that I really can’t choose just five! Please tag me or leave the link in the comments! I’d love to read your blogs! If I’m not already following you, I’ll follow you!

Thank you for Reading!

Maximize your reading options with Kindle Unlimited. Maximize your reading time with Audible Membership.

You can leave a tip for me on Paypal and Ko-Fi. All contributions are welcome, but not expected.

I was nominated for this award by A Little Haze Book Blog. I fully recommend everybody check out her blog. I’d also suggest you follow her for terrific blogs. Thank you for the amazing nomination!

What is The Awesome Blogger Award?

The award was created by Maggie @Dreaming of Guatemala. This is an award for the absolutely wonderful writers all across the blogging world. They have beautiful blogs, are kind and lovely, and always find a way to add happiness and laughter to the lives of their readers. That is what truly defines an awesome blogger.

The Rules

• Thank the blogger who nominated you.
• Credit the creator
• Tag this post with #AwesomeBloggerAward
• Answer all the questions given to you
• Nominate some people
• Write 10 questions for them to answer

Questions From A Little Haze Book Blog:

Who is your favourite side / supporting character in a novel?

I’d have to say Aphrodite LaFont in the House of Night series. She’s feisty and not always a likable character, but she’s fiercely loyal and intensely honest. If you have her on your side, you know you can count on her. Even if you want to strangle her.

What book do you think had the best world building?

I’m going to go with His Dark Material Trilogy here. There were multiple different worlds referenced in the book. It’s pretty creative.

You need to escape your house (for some reason) and can only bring five books with you. What books would you take?

I could be impossible here and say my Kindle and iPad, or use them as two of the five. They would probably be coming with me anyway. Picking five is hard! I guess I’d take the first five House of Night books!

Which fictional character do you most strongly identify with or feel that is most like you personality-wise?

I’m torn between Rose Hathaway from Vampire Academy and Audrey Rose in Stalking Jack The Ripper. Ironically enough, both have the name Rose. They are both fierce, loyal, and dedicated. They are also both very insecure with themselves, and have the weight of the world on their shoulder.

What animal would you want as your superhero side-kick?

I would have to say a dog! It’s hard to choose. I’m an animal lover!

Which genre of books is the most unfairly under-rated in your opinion?

I would have to say sweet romance. I’d also say they are misinterpreted too. I’ve seen negative reviews on sweet romance novels for “not having enough sex or heat”. That’s the point. They don’t have sex. It’s focused on the romance entirely. A lot of them keep cursing from their books as well.

What is your favourite flavour of ice cream?

Butter Pecan!

Would you rather read a great plot with average characters or a boring plot with amazing characters?

I’ll have to go with amazing characters. If the characters are amazing enough, they will make the story great!

Do you annotate your books?

I don’t. I don’t even write notes on what I read. I should. I just get so absorbed in the story. I feel like taking notes would take the enjoyment away.

If you could switch places with any character (book, TV show, or film) for a day, who would you switch with and what would you do?

I can’t remember her name right now, but there’s a character who comes in later in the House Of Night series. She’s blind, but once she’s marked she gets her vision back. She’s also marked as a red fledgling. She sees people’s auras. I’d love to be her.

Thank you again for nominating me for this post. It makes me feel special and important to be included in things like these. Joining the book blogging community was the best thing I ever did. I feel so included.

If you are reading this and you have a blog, I nominate you. There are too many bloggers I follow to only choose a few.

My questions:

1. When did you first find your love of reading?
2. Where is your favorite place to read?
3. Do you have a reading goal on Goodreads or anywhere else?
4. When did you start your blog? Give us a brief history of your blog!
5. If you could give advice to future book bloggers and reviewers, what would you say?
6. What’s your favorite book snack?
7. Do you participate in readathons?
8. Are you a member of any book clubs? (Please give links for any online ones that are open globally!)
9. What other things do you enjoy? Reading is great, but I’m sure you have other things you love as well!
10. What are some of your goals for the year?

I can’t wait to see your responses! Please tag me in your blog or put your link in the comments here! I wouldn’t mind if you do both! Again, I’m nominating every blogger who reads this!!!!

Thank you for Reading!

Maximize your reading options with Kindle Unlimited. Maximize your reading time with Audible Membership.

You can leave a tip for me on Paypal and Ko-Fi. All contributions are welcome, but not expected.