September 12, 2009

Saturday Spotlight & Ash Giveaway!


*Whew* This has been a tough week for me but I am SO glad it's the weekend! And because it's the weekend, you know what that means don't you? That's right! Saturday Spotlight!

For those of you that are just tuning in and don't know what Saturday Spotlight is, let me explain just a little! Saturday Spotlight is when I spotlight another blogger and their blog that they work SO hard on, right here on MY blog! If you would be interested in a Saturday Spotlight,PLEASE contact me and I'd be happy to help! (*Note: You do NOT have to be a new blogger)

Enough chit-chat (Something I'm SOOOOO good at) and without further hesitation let me introduce this week's blogger!


Please tell my readers, the audience, and fans your name. Kristen!

What's Your Online Alias? bookgoil

What Did You Name Your Blog? Bookworming in the 21st Century

And Where Can We Find You On The Web? http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/

Can you give us a quick bio about yourself?
I'm a 24 year old elementary school librarian. I just started that job this year and I'm really loving it. I love reading and especially reading Young Adult books. I've worked in a public library and a college library before as well - can you tell I like being surrounded by books? I'm getting married on October 24th this year to the man I love. He also likes to read - but mainly adult sci-fi and fantasy. (I'm trying to convince him to do some guest reviews on my blog right now.) No pets, but we want a dog eventually.

What's on your nightstand right now?
Right now, Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater is on my nightstand - being neglected for my review books, but I'm slowly letting myself read it. :)

Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog on June 9th of this year. So I've only been blogging about 3 months now.

What is your favorite genre and/or genres?
I love Young Adult books and really tend to read fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, and historical fiction.

Who is your favorite author?
I have a ton.. but Francesca Lia Block really can't be beat. I've read every single one of her books.

What's your favorite book of all time?
That's a tough one. Probably Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens - the ultimate action-adventure book.

What book do you wish you could read all over again for the first time?
The Hunger Games - it was such a stunning read. (*ahem* Please see contest on my blog this month...)

Have you ever "Faked It"? Get your minds out of the gutter! I meant it as in pretending to have read a book but not? For school possibly?
Definitely.. for school mostly. I never got through Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and I gave up on Into the Wild.

Name & describe your blog features:
Well, I review books first off. I participate in a ton of memes, a few of which I created. What are you reading Mondays, Teaser Tuesdays, Waiting on Wednesday, Link a Contest Thursday (created myself!), Friday Finds, and Saturday and Sunday Spotlights (created by myself as well..).

My Link a Contest Thursdays are a great way to find out about contests as well as letting other bloggers give their contests some promotion. It's also easy to manage because I use Mr. Linky. (Love this one!)

I started Saturday and Sunday Spotlights because I LOVE finding new blogs. Especially less known ones. So, I figured I'd start with Saturday Spotlights and then it exploded into a ton of interested bloggers and I made it a weekend special - Saturday AND Sunday Spotlights.

Describe your review system: I actually need to revise my review system a bit. I have a 5 rose system, but I rarely get down to 3. Right now, it's basically running like this:
5 Roses: Loved or enjoyed the book, highly recommended
4 Roses: Some flaws, but good read
3 Roses: I didn't like it, but someone else might.
2 Roses: Not sure how I got through that book - *cough*Skimming*cough*
1 Rose: Gave up. Completely.

How is your blog unique from other blogs?
I am an update-a-holic. I love posting and I love getting the word out there about other things going on in the blogging community - such as contests, cool sites, and more. I try to read and review promptly and I'm always trying to "fix-up" my blog. I like to show my enthusiasm on my blog and hope that shows through on my posts. I'm probably the calmest person around, so I don't get worked up about much and there's rarely anything negative written on my blog.

How do you market your blog?
Well, I run a lot of contests and I use twitter a TON. I also love being interviewed, note yet another interview... I finally created a button that people can use. But, I really think my main marketing strategy is friendliness. I try to get chatting with other bloggers, authors, etc. and so far it seems to have worked. (Note the crazy amount of followers I have... still don't know where they all came from *swears blogger is broken*). No...I think they're just attracted to your "cuteness"...wait? IS Blogger Broken? *Looks Around*

Anyway...Back to the "Spotlight"

Can you give us 3 tips about content?
1. Be honest when reviewing, but make sure you add something good in there as well.

2. Proofread - I know, I hate doing it too - but typos are painful to read and will make people less likely to follow you.

3.Make sure you're saying something meaningful - not just "it was good".

How about 3 tips to help blog promotion?
1. If you can, run a contest. It can be for homemade bookmarks or something small if you can't afford books or other types of giveaways.

2. Put yourself out there - find some blog lists like the YA Blogosphere and get yourself listed so people can find your blog.

3. Comment, comment, comment. I know whenever I see a new name, I have to check out who it is. So keep commenting and you'll find some new blogging friends following you.







LOVED your Answers! Thank you for Visiting "Park-Avenue Princess" Kristen! It's always a Pleasure!

Kristen is sweet enough to offer YOU a GIVEAWAY. She has a copy of "ASH" by Malinda Lo! So, if you'd like to win. And I *KNOW* you do! Please follow the instructions Below!








SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT GIVEAWAY!!

ONE Of My LUCKY Readers Will WIN A Copy Of ASH For Their Very Own!!
Courtesy of BookGoil and Park-Avenue Princess
You MUST Reside in the U.S. or Canada ONLY
Also, You MUST Have a Street Address that You Can Give Me IF You Win
NO P.O. Boxes Please!

How Do you Win?

It's Simple!
You must follow BOTH Blogs by hitting the FOLLOW button
that way we can see you and know you are one of our readers!
If you are NOT willing to follow this rule, you can't participate.
(But, how simple of a step IS that...plus, you'll get all the important updates)

All Entries MUST be in By Midnight October 10th Winner Drawn on the 11th!

Extra Entries

You MUST be a FOLLOWER with GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT HERE ON BOTH BLOG
(It's the Button Over On The Right Side Of the Blog You Should See Your Picture)
I Recommend Following On Twitter -It's NOT Required But I do Contests
and Giveaways There Plus Major Announcements!


The Choice Is Yours!

+2 If you Subscribe by Mail
+2 If you Subscribe via Google Reader
+3 If you TWEET About This Giveaway
+3 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see bottom of blog)
+10 If you Follow Me @APrkAvePrincess on TWITTER! (Leave @TwitterName)
+10 If you Follow Kristen @BookGoil on TWITTER!
+10 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (or any others I'm having)
+20 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back

Try to Separate your entries one per post!

(+15 for each and every NEW follower you bring me)
They just have to mention it in their post!

Good Luck and HAVE FUN!!
Thank you ALL for Stopping By!
Without you, your comments and input, this blog
wouldn't be able to continue to grow!

Questions/Concerns? Please do not hesitate to Contact ME!
If you'd like to be FEATURED, Please Hit "Contact Me" or
Send me an email at IAmHiMaintenance@aol.com
and Preach to the Princess!!


x0xx ~ KISSES

101 comments:

  1. Kristen's blog is awesome! Love this feature!

    ReplyDelete
  2. First again...

    I'm happily following both of you!

    melacan at hotmail odt com

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am a follower of both blogs and would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
    wandanangreb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I subscribe via Google Reader.
    wandanangreb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Saturday and Sunday seem to be slower blogging days, so this is a cool feature for the weekend.

    I'm off to follow Kristen's blog and both of you on Twitter!

    Ever Expanding Library

    ReplyDelete
  7. Please enter me in the draw!
    I ran into your blog from Kristen's blog.
    I am following you both.
    +3 Tweeted http://twitter.com/Tynga/status/3934072251
    +10 I am following you on twitter (@TYnga)
    +10 I was already following Kristen on twitter
    +20 You button is on my blog http://tyngasreviews.blogspot.com

    Can you tell I really wat the book? lol
    I think it would be kind of over kill to post 43 times for my 43 entries, so I'll keep it short if you don't mind?
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm following the Princess on Twitter: @seolmara

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm following BookGoil on Twitter, too! @seolmara

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm also following both through Google friend connect.

    And, now, after all of my hard work, I'm hoping this contest is open to us Canadians, too. If not, I've at least helped to get the word out ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I follow both blogs!
    bekki1820cb@yahoo.com and/or bekki1820cb@gmail.com

    Look like a good read!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I subscribe via email. bekki1820cb@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I subscribe via email. bekki1820cb@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Please enter me in the giveaway

    I follow both blogs

    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  15. +2 I Subscribe by e-mail
    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  16. Please don't enter me in the contest, as I already have the book Ash! I just wanted to commend you on having Kristen spotlighted! I love love love her blog. :-D

    ReplyDelete
  17. Please include me in your giveaway.
    +2 I subscribe in google reader.
    +10 Follow on Twitter - Debdesk
    +20 Your button is on my blog.
    Thanks
    Debbie
    debdesk9(at)verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  18. First off, I follow both of the blogs...

    +10 I follow you on twitter

    +10 and I follow Kristen on twitter

    @shootingstarmag for both

    -Lauren
    lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh, and +20 your button is here:

    www.bridgethegapx.blogspot.com


    -lauren
    lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Ooh! I want this SO bad! Im already a follower of both the blogs :)
    -Liz

    liztapioka14[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  21. +10 I follow you On Twitter
    +10 I follow Kristen on Twitter
    -Liz

    liztapioka14[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I forgot to say that I follow both blog.
    Thanks
    Debbie
    debdesk9(at)verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  23. No need to follow me (I don't use the follow feature anyway. I'd sooner put you in my reader). I'm dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail, darling. I've got this up at Win a Book.

    ReplyDelete
  24. +2 I follow on Google.

    Thanks for the great intro to another fantastic blog!

    Keep up the great work.

    bsyb100 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm an email subscriber.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Please enter me; I follow both blogs!

    nbmars AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  27. +2 subscribe to both blogs via Google Reader.

    nbmars AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I was already getting your emails and read about this. Don't know how I've missed it before and I am now following both of you

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am following both blogs and would love to be included in the giveaway.

    heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I follow both blogs and also follow both on Google Friend Connect.

    +2 Google reader subscriber

    jen4777[at]hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wicked Awesome contest! I would love to be entered for this book.
    And of course I'm following both of you. Thanks! Indigo

    ravensquietscreams(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. +10 I'm following you on Twitter via @sageraven. Thanks!

    ravensquietscreams(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm following @BookGoil via:
    @sageraven. Thanks! Indigo

    ravensquietscreams(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm following both of you.

    shutupjessicasreading at gmaildotcom
    Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  35. Please enter me. I follow both of you.

    neverendingshelf@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. +2 If you Subscribe via Google Reader

    neverendingshelf@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. +10 If you Follow TWITTER! (@neshelf)

    neverendingshelf@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. +10 If you Follow Kristen on TWITTER! -- @neshelf

    neverendingshelf@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I follow both blogs!
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. +2 subscribe via email
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. +2 subscribe in google reader
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. +10 follow @APrkAvePrincess on twitter @throuthehaze

    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. +10 Follow Kristen @BookGoil on TWITTER @throuthehaze
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. +20 button
    http://throuthehaze.blogspot.com/

    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'm following both blogs now!

    Thanks
    heidivargas [at] live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I now subscribe through google reader!

    melacan at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. +2 subscribe through googlereader

    gaby317nyc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. please count me in! thanks so much

    gaby317nyc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. +10 i follow on twitter

    startingfreshny

    gaby317nyc at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am a follower
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. +2 I subscribe via email
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I follow yours and her blogs.
    Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I would love to read this book. Please enter me. Thanks!

    +2 Subscribe by email

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  54. This book has the most amazing cover...

    +2 Subscribe by Mail
    +10 Follow on TWITTER (@xbellaxmiax)
    +10 Follow Kristen @BookGoil on TWITTER

    dubeltake@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I'd love to be entered for the giveaway, please! booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

    I follow both of your sites already.

    ReplyDelete
  56. +20 I put your button on my sidebar at http://booksobsession.blogspot.com

    booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  57. +10 I follow Kristen on twitter @booksobsession.

    booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  58. +3 I rated you on Blogged.

    booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  59. +10 I follow you on twitter @booksobsession.

    booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  60. +2 I subscribed via Google Reader.

    booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Would love to win Ash : D

    +10 following Kristen on Twitter - bookgoil

    BevE
    merryweatherbookblog@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. Count me in : D

    +10 following APrkAvePrincess on Twitter

    Thanks

    BevE
    merryweatherbookblog@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I follow both blogs.
    +2 If you Subscribe via Google Reader

    iheartpinguinos(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  64. +3 for Tweeting the contest here:
    http://twitter.com/Nikkayme/status/4489788961

    iheartpinguinos(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  65. +10 I follow you on twitter (@Nikkayme)

    iheartpinguinos(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  66. +10 I follow Kristen on Twitter (@Nikkayme)

    iheartpinguinos(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Great guest blog and contest.
    I follow you both.
    +20 follow you both on twitter @weareattached

    +20 put your button on my blog

    thanks

    teensatthelibrary[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I follow as DG through google friend connect


    dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com
    https://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/4516625027

    ReplyDelete
  69. +2 email subscriber

    dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  70. +3 tweeted dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com

    https://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/4516625027

    ReplyDelete
  71. +10 I follow you - deegee13

    dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  72. +10 I follow kristen on twitter as well (Deegee13)

    dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I am a follower of both blogs. I really like this cover! Please enter me.

    squiggles87(at)aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I am a follower of your blog and Kristen's (since the beginning, I love her blog!)

    ~Misty
    mbradenwf@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. +3 tweet (@DarlingMisty)

    ~Misty
    mbradenwf@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. +10 twitter follower (@DarlingMisty)

    ~Misty
    mbradenwf@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. +1 Kristen's twitter follower @DarlingMisty

    ~Misty
    mbradenwf@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. +2 I subscribed via Google Reader :D

    Justine
    justeena_25(at)yahoo(dot)ca

    ReplyDelete
  79. +10 I'm following you on twitter (@justeena)

    Justine
    justeena_25(at)yahoo(dot)ca

    ReplyDelete
  80. +10 I'm also following Kristen on twitter (@justeena)

    Justine
    justeena_25(at)yahoo(dot)ca

    ReplyDelete
  81. Erin from Long IslandOctober 1, 2009 at 9:32 PM

    I follow you both and REALLY want to win!

    erunuevo@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. Erin from Long IslandOctober 1, 2009 at 9:34 PM

    +2 I subscribe by email

    +2 I also subscribe in Google reader

    erunuevo@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Erin from Long IslandOctober 1, 2009 at 9:37 PM

    +20 I follow you BOTH on twitter
    @erunuevo

    +3 tweeted http://twitter.com/erunuevo/status/4541145738

    ReplyDelete
  84. Erin from Long IslandOctober 1, 2009 at 9:39 PM

    +3 I rated you on blogged

    +10 posted a blog on myspace about this giveaway

    erunuevo@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Sign me up please =)

    I follow both you and Kristen!!

    mishtakes AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I follow both of you on twitter too!

    mishtakes AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  87. +2 If you Subscribe via Google Reader

    foltzsfantasticbooks at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. +10 If you Follow Me (@justkeepreading)


    foltzsfantasticbooks at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. +10 If you Follow Kristen (@justkeepreading)

    foltzsfantasticbooks at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. +3 If you TWEET About This Giveaway

    Did an @ to you. @justkeepreading

    ReplyDelete
  91. And finally I do follow both of you on Google Reader

    foltzsfantasticbooks at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Oh my gosh! I want to read this book so bad!!

    +2 subscribed via e-mail
    +2 via google reader
    +3 tweeted @jmoose09
    +3 i couldnt find where to rate but if I did on a scale from 1 to 10 it would be a 10 I love your blog!!
    +10 I follow on Twitter.
    +10 I follow Kristen on Twitter
    +10 posted about the contest
    http://insidethemindjm.blogspot.com/2009/10/contests-from-around-blogosphere.html
    +20 added your button to my blog.

    Thanks
    Jordan
    jmoose09@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. Cool contest-I follow both blogs

    +2 subscribe via Google Reader

    stephaniefleischer889[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I am a Google Friend Connect Follower of BOTH BLOGS.
    +2 I am a Google Reader Subscriber.
    +2 I am an Email Subscriber.

    gcwhiskas at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. +3 rated
    +10 follow on twitter
    +10 follow Kristen on twitter @elnice

    zenfoxflower@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I follow both blogs! But there's no way I can separate these entries into more than 40 comments.

    Extra Entries

    +2 If you Subscribe by Mail
    +2 If you Subscribe via Google Reader
    +10 If you Follow Me @APrkAvePrincess on TWITTER! (@ParadoxRevealed)
    +10 If you Follow Kristen @BookGoil on TWITTER! (@ParadoxRevealed)
    +20 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back (http://paradoxrevealed.blogspot.com/)

    paradoxrevealed (at) aim (dot) com

    ReplyDelete

Feel like Preaching to the Princess?

Well then...Please leave all of your Noble Notes and Royal Ramblings here...

All will be taken into consideration.

XXX ~ The Princess