I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

I can’t think of a better way of spending Memorial Day Weekend than with all of you, and having a virtual outdoor BBQ by our pool.   Jeff  (Lori’s hubby…Dollycas’s Thoughts) has on his “Kiss The Cook” apron and chef’s hat on (I tried to tell him the hat was a bit much….but would he listen???   Men!!!) and is in charge of the grill.  Steve, my hubby, is in charge of the drinks, so just yell out Garçon when you need a refill!! lol  Today’s guest is quite special to me.  I haven’t known her long but I have known about her for a couple of months.  Speaking of hats, she wears a few.  Today, we will meet the blogging person.  I will tell you more about her, after we get to know her better, but I guarantee, once you hear her story, you WILL agree, she is a Shining Star.  Today my guest is MARY from SEX AFTER SIXTY

*When and why did you start blogging?*

My answer strikes even me now as hard to believe: My husband announced: Oh so Greta Garbo: “I need to live alone.” We’d been married twenty-one years and I had just turned 60.   I cratered.   I’m a writer and my first book had just been published.   Yeah, I know, a little late.   But I say, “It ain’t over ’till it’s over.”   But at that point, I thought my life was over.

My daughter and son-in-law, both philosophers, saw me weeping and falling in and out of love like a Victorian ingénue or a romantic comedy heroine in a film of my own making, and said: You’re a writer: Blog.   And I did.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?

My daughter and son-in-law came up with the title: Sex After Sixty.   Pretty apt for the foolishness and the fairy tales I was both reading and seeking.   The title was apt for the memoir I was writing—but I didn’t really realize that while I was living and writing the story.   The blog became a book (Re)Making Love: a sex after sixty story.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?

For the period of about two years—my husband and were separated for four—the title worked because the content was the blog that became the book.

But now I am writing about writing and some times I review a book I truly love.   One of the worries I’ve had about the title is that it would be associated with erotica.   Though I pull no punches in my memoir, I am not writing a sexually explicit story.

So, I’m not sure what to do about the current title.   I’m kinda branded with the blog now and have readers on every continent except Antarctica.   Boy, I’d love some advice on this question for those who do visit the blog and see what I’m doing.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?

I read literary fiction, literary memoir and poetry.   When I am doing research, I read anything that might help me get answers.  I sketch. So I am a fan of art books.

*How often do you post?

I know that I should post more often to keep a larger following.   But since what I really do is write books, I post about once a week, some times less often.  I am writing a novel now that deals with the question of memory.  In a blog post I did some time ago, I give a glimpse about where this novel wants to go.  What I wrote here is memoir, but I can’t tell this story and be tied to fact.  Still you’ll get an idea in this post: http://maryltabor.blogspot.com/2010/04/time-limits.html

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?

My readers.   They helped me through the most difficult journey of my life.   I am in their debt.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?

If you’d like to get a taste of my memoir, read a chapter on the blog (I still have them posted). Here’s one of my favorites: http://maryltabor.blogspot.com/2009/03/hypersensitive.html

Read about the terrific blogger and storyteller Cathryn Wellner.  I do take guest bloggers. Cathryn is just terrific here and everywhere: http://maryltabor.blogspot.com/2010/10/cathryn-wellner-on-risks-storyteller.html

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?

I think I need advice.   And would welcome it.   So comment away.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?

When bloggers write from the heart, I’m there whether it’s about books they love or whatever drives them.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!

I’m a writer who came to writing late in life.  In 1996, I left my corporate job when I was fifty and went off to grad school to find time for what had lain in wait.

My first book The Woman Who Never Cooked won Mid-List Press’s First Series award and was published in 2006.   In a slant way—’cause how else do we seek answers to the unanswerable?—I use food as metaphor to tell this real-life story: My mother died in 1990, my sister in ’93, my father in ’99—all from long, tortuous and serious illnesses while I remained well and strong.  Their lives, their difficult journeys made me question not only existence, but what I deserved.

So perhaps it was inevitable that when the bottom dropped out of my life in a way I could never have anticipated that I would end up writing a memoir.

I didn’t really know that I was writing a book until about a quarter into the blogging when the writer Marly Swick said to me, “This stuff is gorgeous, evocative, and you’re giving it away.   Do you know what you’re doing?”  (You may not agree with Marly, but let me tell you this: To have a reader who encourages and believes in you helps the creative process immeasurably.)

Did I know what I was doing?   By then the blog had a following and I was hooked by ordinary folk who kept reading and commenting.   The blog had taken on a life of its own and I couldn’t stop.   By the time my story reaches its ending—an ending I could never have anticipated, Marly has read it all and tells me I have a book: She tells me it’s luminously insightful, that I’ve written a literary love story when—as Vivian Gornick says in The End of the Novel of Love, that’s impossible—we’re all too cynical and wised up.   And Marly wants me to find an agent.

But then I did something else—very risky: A publisher comes along: 3ones, Inc., that describes itself as “a product development company for hire.”   But Kelly Abbott, is the owner and CEO.   He’s under forty, loves the manuscript, and says, “It reminds him why we bother to read in the first place: that empathy is better than callousness, trust more rewarding than cynicism.”   Pretty seductive stuff.   And he gets me.

More important to me is that, despite the fact that he is not an established publisher, he is the son of the writer and literary lion Lee K. Abbott and whose praise along with Fred Busch’s also graces my first book.

But on the blog to book road that is part and parcel of my story let me close with this: I forged ahead on the sea of my readers’ belief.   So you decide for this literary author: Here’re the q’s: Crazy or risky? Worth it or not?   Maybe you’ll have to read me to find out.

*Any other info you would like to share.

I am deeply grateful for Cheryl whose generosity shows in every word she writes on this blog.

  Thank you Mary for being my guest today and sharing a bit of you with all of us.

  And now, for what I promised to tell you about the history of how I was introduced to Mary, and have gotten to know the shy, humble, genuine, personable and caring person that I have come to know in a very short period of time.

  A few months ago, I was contacted by a publicist asking if I would like to read and review Mary’s book.  I had informed her that I was very behind but was interested and also offered to showcase Mary for a Guest Author posting.  I was told that they would check with the author and get back to me.  That was the last I heard.  Until a couple of weeks ago.

  Mary contacted me and asked if I remembered any correspondence with the publicists regarding her book.  She went on to say that the company informed her that they filed for bankruptcy, kept her money and gave her a list of bloggers that had been contacted and closed the door.  I was one of those bloggers.  Once again, she was knocked down.  It took her some time, as she told me in a later email, to get up the courage to contact me.

  Today you are meeting Mary, the blogger.  Next month, you will meet Mary, the author, as I have booked her for a Guest Author showcase as she tries to get the word out about her book since she is now starting from scratch.  She paid a large amount of money to this publicist to book virtual tours and contact bloggers to read and review her book, and now is on her own.  I felt so bad when I heard everything she has gone through and the obstacles she has had to overcome.  Even though I am just a little old blogger from New England, I felt that on a personal level, I wanted to lend a helping hand by booking her as a Guest Author, to introduce her and her book.

  This is one lady who keeps getting up and dusting herself off and in my eyes, she is a Shining Star!!!

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

I can’t think of a better way of spending Memorial Day Weekend than with all of you, and having a virtual outdoor BBQ by our pool.   Jeff  (Lori’s hubby…Dollycas’s Thoughts) has on his “Kiss The Cook” apron and chef’s hat on (I tried to tell him the hat was a bit much….but would he listen???   Men!!!) and is in charge of the grill.  Steve, my hubby, is in charge of the drinks, so just yell out Garçon when you need a refill!! lol  Today’s guest is quite special to me.  I haven’t known her long but I have known about her for a couple of months.  Speaking of hats, she wears a few.  Today, we will meet the blogging person.  I will tell you more about her, after we get to know her better, but I guarantee, once you hear her story, you WILL agree, she is a Shining Star.  Today my guest is MARY from SEX AFTER SIXTY

*When and why did you start blogging?*

My answer strikes even me now as hard to believe: My husband announced: Oh so Greta Garbo: “I need to live alone.” We’d been married twenty-one years and I had just turned 60.   I cratered.   I’m a writer and my first book had just been published.   Yeah, I know, a little late.   But I say, “It ain’t over ’till it’s over.”   But at that point, I thought my life was over.

My daughter and son-in-law, both philosophers, saw me weeping and falling in and out of love like a Victorian ingénue or a romantic comedy heroine in a film of my own making, and said: You’re a writer: Blog.   And I did.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?

My daughter and son-in-law came up with the title: Sex After Sixty.   Pretty apt for the foolishness and the fairy tales I was both reading and seeking.   The title was apt for the memoir I was writing—but I didn’t really realize that while I was living and writing the story.   The blog became a book (Re)Making Love: a sex after sixty story.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?

For the period of about two years—my husband and were separated for four—the title worked because the content was the blog that became the book.

But now I am writing about writing and some times I review a book I truly love.   One of the worries I’ve had about the title is that it would be associated with erotica.   Though I pull no punches in my memoir, I am not writing a sexually explicit story.

So, I’m not sure what to do about the current title.   I’m kinda branded with the blog now and have readers on every continent except Antarctica.   Boy, I’d love some advice on this question for those who do visit the blog and see what I’m doing.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?

I read literary fiction, literary memoir and poetry.   When I am doing research, I read anything that might help me get answers.  I sketch. So I am a fan of art books.

*How often do you post?

I know that I should post more often to keep a larger following.   But since what I really do is write books, I post about once a week, some times less often.  I am writing a novel now that deals with the question of memory.  In a blog post I did some time ago, I give a glimpse about where this novel wants to go.  What I wrote here is memoir, but I can’t tell this story and be tied to fact.  Still you’ll get an idea in this post: http://maryltabor.blogspot.com/2010/04/time-limits.html

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?

My readers.   They helped me through the most difficult journey of my life.   I am in their debt.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?

If you’d like to get a taste of my memoir, read a chapter on the blog (I still have them posted). Here’s one of my favorites: http://maryltabor.blogspot.com/2009/03/hypersensitive.html

Read about the terrific blogger and storyteller Cathryn Wellner.  I do take guest bloggers. Cathryn is just terrific here and everywhere: http://maryltabor.blogspot.com/2010/10/cathryn-wellner-on-risks-storyteller.html

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?

I think I need advice.   And would welcome it.   So comment away.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?

When bloggers write from the heart, I’m there whether it’s about books they love or whatever drives them.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!

I’m a writer who came to writing late in life.  In 1996, I left my corporate job when I was fifty and went off to grad school to find time for what had lain in wait.

My first book The Woman Who Never Cooked won Mid-List Press’s First Series award and was published in 2006.   In a slant way—’cause how else do we seek answers to the unanswerable?—I use food as metaphor to tell this real-life story: My mother died in 1990, my sister in ’93, my father in ’99—all from long, tortuous and serious illnesses while I remained well and strong.  Their lives, their difficult journeys made me question not only existence, but what I deserved.

So perhaps it was inevitable that when the bottom dropped out of my life in a way I could never have anticipated that I would end up writing a memoir.

I didn’t really know that I was writing a book until about a quarter into the blogging when the writer Marly Swick said to me, “This stuff is gorgeous, evocative, and you’re giving it away.   Do you know what you’re doing?”  (You may not agree with Marly, but let me tell you this: To have a reader who encourages and believes in you helps the creative process immeasurably.)

Did I know what I was doing?   By then the blog had a following and I was hooked by ordinary folk who kept reading and commenting.   The blog had taken on a life of its own and I couldn’t stop.   By the time my story reaches its ending—an ending I could never have anticipated, Marly has read it all and tells me I have a book: She tells me it’s luminously insightful, that I’ve written a literary love story when—as Vivian Gornick says in The End of the Novel of Love, that’s impossible—we’re all too cynical and wised up.   And Marly wants me to find an agent.

But then I did something else—very risky: A publisher comes along: 3ones, Inc., that describes itself as “a product development company for hire.”   But Kelly Abbott, is the owner and CEO.   He’s under forty, loves the manuscript, and says, “It reminds him why we bother to read in the first place: that empathy is better than callousness, trust more rewarding than cynicism.”   Pretty seductive stuff.   And he gets me.

More important to me is that, despite the fact that he is not an established publisher, he is the son of the writer and literary lion Lee K. Abbott and whose praise along with Fred Busch’s also graces my first book.

But on the blog to book road that is part and parcel of my story let me close with this: I forged ahead on the sea of my readers’ belief.   So you decide for this literary author: Here’re the q’s: Crazy or risky? Worth it or not?   Maybe you’ll have to read me to find out.

*Any other info you would like to share.

I am deeply grateful for Cheryl whose generosity shows in every word she writes on this blog.

  Thank you Mary for being my guest today and sharing a bit of you with all of us.

  And now, for what I promised to tell you about the history of how I was introduced to Mary, and have gotten to know the shy, humble, genuine, personable and caring person that I have come to know in a very short period of time.

  A few months ago, I was contacted by a publicist asking if I would like to read and review Mary’s book.  I had informed her that I was very behind but was interested and also offered to showcase Mary for a Guest Author posting.  I was told that they would check with the author and get back to me.  That was the last I heard.  Until a couple of weeks ago.

  Mary contacted me and asked if I remembered any correspondence with the publicists regarding her book.  She went on to say that the company informed her that they filed for bankruptcy, kept her money and gave her a list of bloggers that had been contacted and closed the door.  I was one of those bloggers.  Once again, she was knocked down.  It took her some time, as she told me in a later email, to get up the courage to contact me.

  Today you are meeting Mary, the blogger.  Next month, you will meet Mary, the author, as I have booked her for a Guest Author showcase as she tries to get the word out about her book since she is now starting from scratch.  She paid a large amount of money to this publicist to book virtual tours and contact bloggers to read and review her book, and now is on her own.  I felt so bad when I heard everything she has gone through and the obstacles she has had to overcome.  Even though I am just a little old blogger from New England, I felt that on a personal level, I wanted to lend a helping hand by booking her as a Guest Author, to introduce her and her book.

  This is one lady who keeps getting up and dusting herself off and in my eyes, she is a Shining Star!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Hi everyone!!  I’m so glad our Sunday sessions are back because I honestly missed our weekly “gab sessions”.  I know that they say, at least here in New England that it is Spring but I haven’t seen many signs of it, but then that gives us more time to sit around visiting instead of being outdoors enjoying the weather.  However,  the “boys”Jeff (Lori’s hubby aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) and Steve (my hubby) might be late in delivering the pastry as I overheard something about a round of golf!!!

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing a newbie to our community.  She contacted me not that long ago with so much enthusiasm and many questions (which I love) and has put together a beautiful blog.  I am excited to get to know her and hope you do too.  Today our guest is REBECCA from CONFESSIONS OF A PAGE TURNER.

Awww, thank you so much, Cheryl!! I can’t believe how kind and welcoming the book blogging community has been…I’m so honored to be a part of it! I’m thrilled that you have so graciously agreed to mentor me…I’m sure I will have questions along the way! I will definitely be keeping up with your blog frequently as well :).

When and why did you start blogging?
A dear friend of mine began a personal blog when her first baby was born, and urged me to create a personal blog of my own. Once I did, I realized how much fun blogging could be and started wondering what other kind of blogs were out there. As soon as I did some searching, I realized that there was this incredible book blogging community out there, sharing about their love of literature and I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of it! It has taken me awhile to get started because I was such a novice when it came to technology and computer lingo. But fortunately, after a lot of determination and devotion, I think I’ve started a blog that will be interesting and a lot of fun not only for me, but for my followers as well!

Name of blog?
I wanted something that was unique and catchy! Confessions of a Page Turner just popped into my head one day and was approved by the hubby! 🙂 It’s kind of a play on words…My “confessions” on the books which I read, but also the page turner’s (books) themselves who are divulging their secrets and lessons to us. It also sounded kinda girly, and I’m all girl!

Content of blog?
Books, books, and more wonderful books! With some movie reviews thrown in now and then for good measure.

Genres?
When it comes to books, I like a little bit of everything. Variety is the spice of life so they say! I do of course have my favorites, which are fantasy and historical fiction. My love of fantasy began when my dad read The Hobbit out loud to my sister and I when we were little and ever since then, it’s had a place in my heart. I also still cry sometimes over the fact that there will be no more Harry Potter books haha! I really think my blog will have a little bit for everyone, though. Look for reviews on everything from YA to mystery to non-fiction.

Advice for new bloggers?
Well, I’m a newbie myself, but what I’ve learned so far is that you just have to have patience. I started out as a total novice not even really being sure what a blog was! Now, I’m getting lots of great feedback on my very own blog and reviews! Also, reach out to other more established bloggers. It never hurts to ask questions and you will be amazed at how friendly and eager to help many bloggers are!

Things to know about me:

1. I was born and grew up in Ohio…It really is the heartland of America. Filled with quaint towns, and people who are the salt of the Earth. And yes, there is more than just cornfields there! 🙂

2. My husband is a medical resident and we are currently living in Oklahoma while he finishes his residency. We hope to relocate soon so he can set up his practice in either Maine or New Hampshire…I’m excited about living near the sea and seeing that incredible New England fall foliage you always hear about!

3. I’m an aspiring writer! I’m currently at work on two books. My dream is that maybe one day someone will be reviewing my books!

4. I like sparkly things.

5. Hubby and I have two “literary” dogs, Zeddicus and Atlas. Zedd or Zeddy as he likes to be called is named after the wizard in Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series. Atlas is named after the book, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

6. I adore the scent of roses.

7. I think I might be addicted to chai tea!

8. I watch the pbs version of Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea once a year…it’s like comfort food for the soul!

9. My favorite quote is: Life is the greatest fairytale of all by Hans Christian Anderson

10. I’m the proud aunt of a new baby girl, Adeline Frances!

Rebecca, welcome to the wonderful world of book blogging.  I am sure you are going to meet fantastic and create fabulous friendships.  I am also sure, now that you have been introduced into this neighborhood, and told us that your dream of being an aspiring writer, there will be a line of bloggers who would love to review your books.  You are right, ask questions, they will be answered.  The best advice my mentor gave me was just that.  Thank you for sharing with us today and being my guest.  I believe that you are a rising Shining Star in the awesome world of book blogging.

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Hi everyone!!  I’m so glad our Sunday sessions are back because I honestly missed our weekly “gab sessions”.  I know that they say, at least here in New England that it is Spring but I haven’t seen many signs of it, but then that gives us more time to sit around visiting instead of being outdoors enjoying the weather.  However,  the “boys”Jeff (Lori’s hubby aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) and Steve (my hubby) might be late in delivering the pastry as I overheard something about a round of golf!!!

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing a newbie to our community.  She contacted me not that long ago with so much enthusiasm and many questions (which I love) and has put together a beautiful blog.  I am excited to get to know her and hope you do too.  Today our guest is REBECCA from CONFESSIONS OF A PAGE TURNER.

Awww, thank you so much, Cheryl!! I can’t believe how kind and welcoming the book blogging community has been…I’m so honored to be a part of it! I’m thrilled that you have so graciously agreed to mentor me…I’m sure I will have questions along the way! I will definitely be keeping up with your blog frequently as well :).

When and why did you start blogging?
A dear friend of mine began a personal blog when her first baby was born, and urged me to create a personal blog of my own. Once I did, I realized how much fun blogging could be and started wondering what other kind of blogs were out there. As soon as I did some searching, I realized that there was this incredible book blogging community out there, sharing about their love of literature and I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of it! It has taken me awhile to get started because I was such a novice when it came to technology and computer lingo. But fortunately, after a lot of determination and devotion, I think I’ve started a blog that will be interesting and a lot of fun not only for me, but for my followers as well!

Name of blog?
I wanted something that was unique and catchy! Confessions of a Page Turner just popped into my head one day and was approved by the hubby! 🙂 It’s kind of a play on words…My “confessions” on the books which I read, but also the page turner’s (books) themselves who are divulging their secrets and lessons to us. It also sounded kinda girly, and I’m all girl!

Content of blog?
Books, books, and more wonderful books! With some movie reviews thrown in now and then for good measure.

Genres?
When it comes to books, I like a little bit of everything. Variety is the spice of life so they say! I do of course have my favorites, which are fantasy and historical fiction. My love of fantasy began when my dad read The Hobbit out loud to my sister and I when we were little and ever since then, it’s had a place in my heart. I also still cry sometimes over the fact that there will be no more Harry Potter books haha! I really think my blog will have a little bit for everyone, though. Look for reviews on everything from YA to mystery to non-fiction.

Advice for new bloggers?
Well, I’m a newbie myself, but what I’ve learned so far is that you just have to have patience. I started out as a total novice not even really being sure what a blog was! Now, I’m getting lots of great feedback on my very own blog and reviews! Also, reach out to other more established bloggers. It never hurts to ask questions and you will be amazed at how friendly and eager to help many bloggers are!

Things to know about me:

1. I was born and grew up in Ohio…It really is the heartland of America. Filled with quaint towns, and people who are the salt of the Earth. And yes, there is more than just cornfields there! 🙂

2. My husband is a medical resident and we are currently living in Oklahoma while he finishes his residency. We hope to relocate soon so he can set up his practice in either Maine or New Hampshire…I’m excited about living near the sea and seeing that incredible New England fall foliage you always hear about!

3. I’m an aspiring writer! I’m currently at work on two books. My dream is that maybe one day someone will be reviewing my books!

4. I like sparkly things.

5. Hubby and I have two “literary” dogs, Zeddicus and Atlas. Zedd or Zeddy as he likes to be called is named after the wizard in Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series. Atlas is named after the book, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

6. I adore the scent of roses.

7. I think I might be addicted to chai tea!

8. I watch the pbs version of Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea once a year…it’s like comfort food for the soul!

9. My favorite quote is: Life is the greatest fairytale of all by Hans Christian Anderson

10. I’m the proud aunt of a new baby girl, Adeline Frances!

Rebecca, welcome to the wonderful world of book blogging.  I am sure you are going to meet fantastic and create fabulous friendships.  I am also sure, now that you have been introduced into this neighborhood, and told us that your dream of being an aspiring writer, there will be a line of bloggers who would love to review your books.  You are right, ask questions, they will be answered.  The best advice my mentor gave me was just that.  Thank you for sharing with us today and being my guest.  I believe that you are a rising Shining Star in the awesome world of book blogging.

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

If any of you notice a change in Jeff (Lori’s hubby aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) it is because he has had 3 weeks off and is well rested.  So he delivered the pastry and early, however, I do think a few pieces are missing…hmmmmmm?????

I am sure today’s guest is known by so many of us as she has been blogging for many years.  But today we get to know her a little bit better, which I know I am looking forward to.  Since Sunday’s Shining Star has been on vacation for a few weeks, I am going to start right away by introducing our special Blogger, NISE from UNDER THE BOARDWALK

*When and why did you start blogging?
I first created a blog profile and blog to have an “identity” in order to comment on other blogs as myself rather than anonymous with no intention of starting my own. One thing lead to another and I started posting. My first blog was more about my family and my faith. I discovered that I had a hard time coming up with things to write about and slowed down posting on my first blog. My book blog started as a place to do meme, giveaways, contests, etc and turned into a forum to keep track of what I’ve read. Once I got to know that there were other book bloggers out there, the rest is as they say, “history”. Not that my family and faith are not important, but I’ve found my niche in book blogging. Now and then I still post on my other blog.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I thought about some of my favorite things in order to come up with a name. I live on Lake Michigan and love our beach and boardwalk. Two places I would rather be which led to the song Under The Boardwalk that I then used for my blog name.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Anything and everything about my reading life.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I honestly do not have an answer. I read so many books from many genres. My favorites are historical fiction, suspense/thrillers and anything about women/families and their relationships.

*How often do you post?
Three to Five times a week

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
The community. Discovering new authors. Discovering new bloggers. Sharing the enthusiasm of reading with others.

*What are some of the negatives?
At times it can be a time consumer. I can get so caught up in it that I lose track of time and things that need to get done are ignored.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I enjoy participating in different memes that other bloggers host.

It is my goal to review every book I’ve read.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
There is never a dumb question and most bloggers are more than willing to help you figure things out or tell you how they did “that”.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Shared reading interests.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
None really, everyone does things differently.

*Would you plase share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!

My very flexible day job is a Church secretary that I’ve enjoyed for 20 years.

My husband and I have been married 30 years.

Our children are young adults, two are not quite out of the nest. I have a daughter and two sons.

I recently celebrated my 50th birthday.

Besides reading I love to travel and go out to lunch with my friends.

Thank you Nise for being my guest today and sharing a little bit of yourself with us all.  I personally am amazed by this phenomenal blogger at the number of books she reads and reviews she writes in one week lol.  But not only that, she is a kind and genuine person which comes through in the comments that she leaves on blogs and emails she sends.  She is devoted to faith and family.  All traits that definitely make her a Shining Star!!!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

If any of you notice a change in Jeff (Lori’s hubby aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) it is because he has had 3 weeks off and is well rested.  So he delivered the pastry and early, however, I do think a few pieces are missing…hmmmmmm?????

I am sure today’s guest is known by so many of us as she has been blogging for many years.  But today we get to know her a little bit better, which I know I am looking forward to.  Since Sunday’s Shining Star has been on vacation for a few weeks, I am going to start right away by introducing our special Blogger, NISE from UNDER THE BOARDWALK

*When and why did you start blogging?
I first created a blog profile and blog to have an “identity” in order to comment on other blogs as myself rather than anonymous with no intention of starting my own. One thing lead to another and I started posting. My first blog was more about my family and my faith. I discovered that I had a hard time coming up with things to write about and slowed down posting on my first blog. My book blog started as a place to do meme, giveaways, contests, etc and turned into a forum to keep track of what I’ve read. Once I got to know that there were other book bloggers out there, the rest is as they say, “history”. Not that my family and faith are not important, but I’ve found my niche in book blogging. Now and then I still post on my other blog.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I thought about some of my favorite things in order to come up with a name. I live on Lake Michigan and love our beach and boardwalk. Two places I would rather be which led to the song Under The Boardwalk that I then used for my blog name.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Anything and everything about my reading life.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I honestly do not have an answer. I read so many books from many genres. My favorites are historical fiction, suspense/thrillers and anything about women/families and their relationships.

*How often do you post?
Three to Five times a week

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
The community. Discovering new authors. Discovering new bloggers. Sharing the enthusiasm of reading with others.

*What are some of the negatives?
At times it can be a time consumer. I can get so caught up in it that I lose track of time and things that need to get done are ignored.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I enjoy participating in different memes that other bloggers host.

It is my goal to review every book I’ve read.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
There is never a dumb question and most bloggers are more than willing to help you figure things out or tell you how they did “that”.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Shared reading interests.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
None really, everyone does things differently.

*Would you plase share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!

My very flexible day job is a Church secretary that I’ve enjoyed for 20 years.

My husband and I have been married 30 years.

Our children are young adults, two are not quite out of the nest. I have a daughter and two sons.

I recently celebrated my 50th birthday.

Besides reading I love to travel and go out to lunch with my friends.

Thank you Nise for being my guest today and sharing a little bit of yourself with us all.  I personally am amazed by this phenomenal blogger at the number of books she reads and reviews she writes in one week lol.  But not only that, she is a kind and genuine person which comes through in the comments that she leaves on blogs and emails she sends.  She is devoted to faith and family.  All traits that definitely make her a Shining Star!!!!!