Guest Blogger: Monique Brady / Lady Raven Rave of Romance Novel Junkies (Book Reviewer)
All links are at the bottom of this post; but let us kick off with some Q&A!
Dianna - It's obvious from your many groups and sites that you love reviewing books. What is it about the review process that you enjoy so much?
Monique - I enjoy reading a book and being able to express my different stages of reading that book, and putting it in writing.
Dianna - From a reader's perspective, what do you feel has changed the most about the book industry in the past few decades?
Monique -
- Bodice rippers are not the same.
- Authors/indie authors are more expressive in their writing, writing what they feel without limitation.
- ebook devices are the best thing a reader can own.
Monique - ebooks, they allow me to get more books electronically than I would have in paperback.
Dianna - What's the longest length of time you've been without reading a book?
Monique - 2 days, maybe 4 if I'm out of town or with family.
Dianna - Do you get withdrawal symptoms?
Monique - Not really, but I do hate when I get in a funk not reading a good book.
Dianna - As a UK author, I always find it interesting how international readers respond to my work, compared to UK readers. Do you notice a big difference in the Romance writing style of authors from different countries, and if yes, what do you feel it is?
Monique - I don’t really notice a difference, but when there are certain phrases being used in books that I have no idea what they mean -- hehehe -- I get a little irritated, only if they are constantly being used. That’s the only difference for me personally.
Dianna - If you were going to write a Romance book, what kind of sub-genre would it be?
Monique - If I made an attempt (which I won’t) it would be Historical or Contemporary Erotica. I couldn’t chose.
Dianna - And what would your hero and heroine be like?
Monique - My hero that would be private -- heheheh -- and my heroine, she would be strong.
Dianna - Do you come from a family of readers?
Monique - My sister and I are the only ones that are junkies when it comes to Romance novels.
Dianna - You've mentioned in your bio that you were hooked by Romance novels at the age of 14. What was it about that novel that had you needing to read more?
Monique - The happily ever after, and back then, the passion of the novel got me hooked.
Dianna - If someone were going to write a book just for you -- a bespoke book -- with you as the main character, what would you like the plot to be?
Monique - I really love High School crushes that later reunite, that plot never gets old to me. I would love that plot for me.
Dianna - Lastly, please leave us with info on where we can find you and your reviews online.
Monique - My info is quite long as I am always trying to connect to everyone in some way:
ALL INFO REGARDING FAN PAGES & GROUPS
email: romance.novel.junkies@gmail.com
Facebook group - http://www.facebook.com/groups/Romance.novel.junkies/
Romance Novel Junkies has 750+ members great for Networking.
LIKE@ www.facebook.com/romance.novel.junkies
For book reviews
LIKE@ www.facebook.com/the.romance.novel.authors.library
A fan page library for romance authors of all genre to post and discuss new and seasoned authors.
LIKE@ http://www.facebook.com/RNJ.Treasure.Hunt.Book.Freebies
For free ebooks, gifts, treasure hunts by authors and more.
YouTube subscribe - http://www.youtube.com/user/romancenoveljunkies?blend=10&ob=5
We are on YouTube with video reviews - Romancenoveljunkies
Goodreads - Lady Raven Rave
Group - http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/50379.Romance_Novel_Junkies
Follow - www.romancenoveljunkies.blogspot.com
TWITTER @RomanceJUNKIES - For Reviews
TWITTER @RomanceAuthorsL - Romance Authors Library
ABOUT THE ROMANCE NOVEL JUNKIES GROUP
I created the Romance Novel Junkies group a year ago on Facebook not thinking anyone would join. When I started the group there were only five members consisting of my sister, and four friends that I had to beg to join. Thinking about it now is funny because they were not romance junkies other than my sister. In the group, the only thing I would post were recommendations of books I have read. Even though I love my mainstream authors, I knew there were many indie authors out there that are always looking for somewhere to promote. So I selfishly thought to myself, instead of going to shop for books, I will bring the books to me, so I asked a handful of authors to join with the help of author Valerie Marteen. The group started to grow and there were 50 members. I realized the authors were outnumbering the readers, so I promoted the group a little, getting a good response.
After the group reached over 300 members, I decided to help indie authors, and whoever would take my help, to promote their work. I do what I can, when I can, which I enjoy doing. Another way I decided to help was by doing reviews.
For my review fan page on Facebook, Romance Novel Junkies Book Reviews, I do not claim to be an expert on what I review. Everyone has different taste. What’s one reader's trash is another reader's treasure. I respect everyone's opinions and only list books that I like or I find appealing. Most of my reviews are for indie authors. When I'm posting on the wall I always remember everyone has different opinions when writing a review. If we all had the same reviews or opinions, it would be boring. Reviews can sometimes down play a good book or up play a bad book. It’s up to us to read the books and judge for ourselves and draw our own conclusion. That's the best thing about a review, it’s like a silent debate. I keep this in mind when reviewing.
I’m still trying to attract authors and readers to the group, daily, behind the scenes, and even though, I’m the creator of Romance Novel Junkies and there are over 750 members, the authors and readers are what makes the group what it is as well as enjoyable. Seeing everyone networking always brings a smile to my face. If you asked me a year ago if I thought that more than 20 members would join, I would have believed you, if you asked me if 750 members would join, I would not have believed you. I didn’t expect anything to ever happen with an idea to bring authors and readers together in one room that originally had 5 members.
Wow, that's an impressive list! Sign up now -- I already have!
Thanks for joining us today, Monique :)
Thanks for having me Dianna it was a pleasure.
ReplyDeleteWas great fun! x
ReplyDelete