Blogger Spotlight – INTERVIEW

Hey Guys!
I am a bad blogger, and have been holding on to this interview for AGES! It was supposed to be posted last week but life got in the way. For that I hope Lucy forgives me!
Instead of postponing it any longer, ON WITH THE INTERVIEW!

Hello Lucy, welcome to A Daydreamer’s Thoughts! Let’s start with something simple, tell us a little something about yourself!
My name is Lucy, I’m 22 and live in the UK. I am doing a masters in writing at the moment and working on my first YA novel which I started for a uni submission. I also prefer cats to dogs, love coffee and am currently addicted to coconut yoghurts.

How long have you had your blog?
I started it at the end of October, 2011 so just over five months now!

Do you enjoy running your blog?
Oh, definitely! I’ve loved connecting with fellow bloggers and book-lovers and adore sharing my  thoughts on books. I won’t lie, sometimes I put off reviews and things but 99.99% of running ChooseYA is the best. I think it’s one of the best ideas I followed through on in a long time and I’ve got to connect with awesome people!

When you started, did you ever think that it would end up the way it has?
No way, I can’t believe that publishers send me free books or invite me to events, or even that people read my little blog. Every time I get a book in the post, or approval from NetGalley, or even a comment from a follower I am so excited. 

Is there an interesting background story to the name of your blog, if there is, tell us!
Hmm,  well I wanted a good name and went through a lot of alternatives. I like the pun of YA and ya and wanted something that put the power in the reader’s hands so choose your books, or ChooseYABooks/ ChooseYA. I also like the double meaning that people should read YA.

As we’ve got this far without mentioning it, why not tell us a little something about your blog, what you post, how it runs, who you cater to, etc.
It’s just little old me, I try and post 2-3 times a week minimum dependent on how uni and work is going. I cater to YA fans, but I hope all book lovers would find something they liked from it. I post a mix of reviews (the majority), discussions, memes and giveaways.

Do you participate or host and blog memes? If you do, which is your favourite?
I just started WoW and I also take part in IMM. I think I prefer waiting on Wednesday as that way I don’t get book envy from other people’s in my mailboxes and we’re all waiting for the book so on even footing.
(UPDATED TO ADD: I no longer do IMM but am looking at joining a similar British meme to talk about my books and blog news of the week :))

What about blog tours and blog hops? Have you ever or do you ever want to participate in them?
I’m taking part in a blog tour for a debut novel called How to Keep a Boy as a Pet by Diane Messidoro in May with Egmont/ Electric Monkey. This will be my first official one so I am very excited. I’m also scheduled to take part in the tour for The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland in May which will be great.

What is the best book you read in 2011?
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. I would love to write with even half of the emotion and style she does.

What about in 2012?
Right now it’s Heart Shaped Bruise by Tanya Bryne, that book just got me in the heart strings and had a Perks of Being a Wallflower vibe (one of my favourite books)

Has there ever been a book that you haven’t been able to finish? If so, what was it? And why couldn’t you finish?
A few sadly. The plots either felt ludicrous ( The People Next Door just didn’t work for me in that way) or I wasn’t engaged with the characters or plot at all.

What is your favourite book genre?
Hmm, this is hard as I love so many different types. I have always had a soft spot for ‘realistic’ fiction though.

Quick Fire Round

ebook or hardcopy?
Hardcopy

ya or adult?
Both? No, right now it’s YA because I write it, but I need to read adult too.

vampires or werewolves?
Werewolves -I’m veggie, no blood drinking for me, I would be a nice tame werewolf.

chocolate or vanilla?
vanilla ice cream, chocolate as a substance if that makes sense.

harry potter or twilight?
Harry Potter

four or peeta?
Agh! Um, um, Peeta as I had three books of him so I need more Four before my official decision. 

series or single?
  I love a good stand alone, but sometimes want more so series are great in that respect. That said, I hate it when a series is there just for the sake of it. I suppose a great stand-alone that leaves me satisfied but able to imagine more is more for me.

blogger or wordpress?
  Well blogger has GFC and allows JavaScript which as a WordPress.com user I wish I had, but I do like WordPress….

And finally, is there anything else you would like to say about you or your blog?
I can’t think of anything but thank you so much for having me, Faye!

So there you have it! You know lots more about the wonderful Lucy! And if you’re not following her blog, ChooseYA… go do so now! You won’t regret it! =]
Faye