With Meatloaf playing in my head, I pondered just what to write about for this week’s Top 10 Tuesday prompt — outrageous or uncharacteristic things I’ve done to get books. I live a rather predictable, unexciting life. I am not a risk taker or someone who embraces challenges (just ask my family). But when it comes to books . . . . 😉 Although I have never camped out all night to buy a new release, I’ve never stalked an author (at least by the current legal definition), and I have never done anything remotely illegal to obtain a book, I have done several things that are waaay out of my comfort zone. Today’s post follows the progression of my book-obsessed ways.
To discover what other bloggers have done to get that book, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.
Top Ways to Get That Book!
I became a blogger. I’d like to say I was all altruistic in my quest to obtain books for my church library. Like, I sacrificed to write a blog to update our collection. Yeah right! While I did add mightily to the library’s shelves during my brief tenure as library lady, let’s not forget that I got to read all those books first!
I crashed attended book conferences and galas. This one was definitely waay out of my comfort zone. Going to a new place populated with authors? I was a timid, shrinking mess. But the lure of not only meeting, but talking to my favorite authors and then getting their books signed was over-powering.
I judged for the Inspy Awards. Now with this one I really did feel like a fraud. 😉 I got to pretend I knew what I was doing when critiquing the merits of finalists. This was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done (and not just in terms of books). I got to meet fabulous bloggers who have lots more insight and smarts when it comes to books. I judged four years and loved every minute of it. If you have a blog, I highly encourage you to apply to be a part of this fantastic group. (Applications for judging this year are closed, but check back for 2020.)
I finally got to attend the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat. Woo hoo! Because this year’s event was held so close to my son and DIL’s home, I could finally attend this fabulous event. What a wonderful day of books, authors, readers, bloggers, and bookish shenanigans. I scored lots of books too! Although I didn’t win any of the prizes *sniff, sniff*, my goody bag was filled to the brim with goodies! There was also a book store (enough said)!
Oh, the things we do for books! I loved reading the little stories about the things you have done. I have not heard about the Inspys, in particular, and I thank you for sharing that.
It seems everything is about the books around here. LOL! I should have included my 2 book clubs too. 🙂
I’m glad you decided to attend book conferences and galas. Do you have social anxiety? I’m asking because I have a bit of it and those kinds of places make me nervous. They’re a lot of fun if you can convince yourself to give them a try, though.
My post.
New experiences are always a little daunting, but always worth it.
I enter a lot of contests and I win! I won the non attending spot for CFRR this year but it’s a surprise! I guess I’ll find out when it arrives. I also won Booksweeps in November and a new kindle. I also won a kindle the year before. ( gave one to hubby) I also make sure I review the books I read. I sign up for author’s newsletters and blogs and ask to be on their teams. I also got accepted by Barbour and Bethany House as a reviewer.
Then, Debra Marvin asked me to be a regular reviewer on Inkwell Inspirations! I was thrilled when an author used part of my review as a blurb for one of her books!
I am in book heaven!
Great bookish fun! I have won books for my book club with accompanying author calls. Those were so much fun!
I listed becoming a blogger too. 🙂 Great list!
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Becoming a blogger seems to be a theme. 😉
yay! love this post 🙂
You made part of it possible. Thx!
So fun! Looks you had a nice time at the retreat, and we SO appreciate you joining the INSPY program. It’s because of bloggers like you that this program works. THANK YOU!
I had a blast at the retreat. I also appreciate the Inspy experience. I’d like to participate again.
I’m going to a book conference this weekend. It’s a small one though, so I should be okay. How cool that you got to be a judge for the Inspy awards!
I was bowled over when the approved my application. I hadn’t been blogging very long, so I was thrilled when I got to judge. It was so much fun. Have a great time at your conference. I went to a lit festival last month. It was wonderful too. Authors are so much fun.