Introducing Bloggernomicon - An ongoing series of interviews with book bloggers and reviewers

Today I'm excited to launch Bloggernomicon - An ongoing series of interviews with book bloggers and reviewers.

I realised I enjoy learning about fellow book bloggers and reviewers almost as much as reading about favourite authors so I thought I'd devise a platform by which I could get to know them a little better. I've come up with a selection of 30 questions to choose from and have at least 22 book bloggers and reviewers keen to participate in this new series of interviews here on Carpe Librum.

I thought it was only fair to launch Bloggernomicon by setting the example and answering some questions myself first. So, here we go.

When did you start reviewing books and can you tell me the story behind your blog name?
I started my blog in 2005 and it was originally called My Four Bucks, because I always seemed to have more than 2 cents to contribute. In August 2012 I re-branded to Carpe Librum, a name aptly chosen by my husband who drinks and names things.

How many hits does your blog receive each month?
I've received an average of 11,400 hits per month over the last 12 months.

How many books do you have on your TBR? (Virtual and/or physical?)
I have 78 physical books at home to be read, a virtual TBR on GoodReads of 117 and a Maybe shelf on GoodReads of 105 books. Those on the Maybe shelf are books I think I'd like but haven't decided or committed to yet. If I add them together, I have 2.5 years worth of reading on my TBR. Not bad, but I'm very fussy and selective about what I add.

How do you organise and keep track of your reviewing commitments?
I use a spreadsheet to track all review requests and unsolicited books I receive, with dates and notes. I keep a few email folders for correspondence and record the books I request from publishers in Outlook Notes. I then keep a list of all blog posts I want to write (reviews, giveaways etc) in my bullet journal.

I use the private notes function on GoodReads for each book to record title specific information (e.g. requested on x date, received on x date from x publisher etc) so I can stay organised. Books I've requested always receive first priority, then unsolicited books and those from my own backlist jockey for position.

Can you share one of your proudest moments as a blogger or reviewer?
The launch of my logo in 2016 and reaching a million hits in 2017 were both super proud moments for me. I was on cloud nine for weeks both times. Being asked to be a blogger for the Melbourne Writer's Festival two years running was a major highlight and something I'm very proud of.

Does your blog make money?
Unfortunately no.

What book have you had on your TBR the longest? How long has it been there?
I've had Inheritance by Christopher Paolini on my bookshelf waiting to be read since.... 22 June 2011. Eeeek!

What are 3 words that tell you immediately a book is not for you?
Zombies, espionage and virus.

What are 3 words that tell you immediately a book is for you?
Twins, mansion, secrets.

If you could improve one thing on your blog, what would it be?
I'd love to increase my email subscribers. Having 11,000+ hits per month is fantastic, but having dedicated email subscribers who want to read your posts when they pop up in their busy inboxes gives me immense joy.

What's your most anticipated new release for 2020?
That's easy, The School of Glass by Bridget Collins. The Binding by Bridget Collins was in my Top 5 Books of 2019 list so I can't wait to read her new novel. I haven't even seen the blurb yet so I have no idea what it's about but I hope it's another masterpiece.

Name something you'd like to achieve in the world of reviewing and blogging about books.
I've had the pleasure of being mentioned in an author's acknowledgments and praise section of a book on a few occasions and that's always a huge achievement so I'd like to continue receiving that level of recognition. It's such a buzz every time and maybe I'll make it onto the back cover one of these days. I know some of my fellow bloggers have achieved this so it's definitely possible.

I hope you'll enjoy Bloggernomicon and are as excited as I am about the series. I'm pleased to announce the first interviewee is Anthea Proudfoot, author of Proud Book Reviews. Stay tuned!