SUNDAY'S SHINING STAR

WELCOME!!!

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. 

I am sure that most of you already know today's guest, be it her morning cup of coffee, her weekly meme, her fun 2011 challenge, her great author interviews, etc  etc.. and I hope that today's treat is that we will get to know her a little bit better.  I stumbled upon her blog when I first found this great community, and to be quite honest, thought she was quite an established blogger.  And was so surprised, you could even say flabbergasted when she announced, not to long ago, her 1 year anniversary.  So grab your mug of coffee, cup of tea, glass of soda and lets have a nice visit with today's guest, SHEILA from BOOK JOURNEY (formerly known as One Person's Journey Through A World Of Books)

*When and why did you start blogging?

I started blogging in early 2009 for me... more like a book journal to record my readings. It wasn't until June 2009 that I discovered other book bloggers and really started getting into it.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I didn't really give it much thought because it was really just for me in the beginning. It was originally called One Persons Journey Through A World Of Books and boy do I regret that now! WAY TOO LONG! SO last April I dropped it to become Book Journey, yet I see that many bloggers still refer to it as the old name.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
I mainly do book reviews but I also do book discussions, giveaways, author chats and of course the Morning Meanderings that bring in a lot of readers.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
That's tough as I am really a prolific reader. I enjoy many genres such as mysteries, literature, non fiction, YA, mysteries, dystopia, fantasy, Christian fiction... (see how hard this is for me...LOL)

*How often do you post?
Pretty much daily.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Community. I love to chat with other readers!

*What are some of the negatives?
Hmmm.... it is a commitment. That isn't really a negative - just a fact. Blogging, commenting, improving, updating... all takes time.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
1. Morning meanderings: Morning post s which are pretty much just me unplugged. They can be about funny life happenings, work outs, weekend plans, whatever.... I try to keep them fun.

2. Author Chats: I do "chats" with authors once I have read their books. We discuss the book, their own love of books, how they take their coffee, whats next, etc...

3. The WHERE are you reading map. Every time I review a book I link it to a world map so you can see where I have read this year. I run this as a challenge and encourage others to join me....

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Ask questions! If you see something you like on someones blog ask them how they did it. I asked a ton of questions when I first started and everyone was so kind to help me out. Be careful what you start.... really be sure you will be able to follow through. I started a few memes in the beginning that fizzled fast.... I would advise you to really watch the bloggers you admire and see how they do things. Don't get too crazy on all the sidebar stuff.... too much, too busy - is a distraction from what you are really trying to do.

*What draws you to follow someone's blog?
Interesting posts, informative but not overdone. I also like funny. If they kid around and make you feel like they are chatting with you - I will be back. I like keeping it real.

*Do you have any "pet peeves" that other bloggers do?
The comment or follow exchanges - emailing and asking people to comment or follow their blog and they will do the same for you. This isn't high school.... (ok, I take that back - for some it may be) but really - make your blog your own.... you will attract like minded readers.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the "real" you!!
*Any other info you would like to share.
1. I am an avid bike rider and do long distance bike rides Spring - late fall

2. I live in Central Minnesota

3. I have been to Honduras 9 times and work on teams their with street kids

4. I absolutely love to read and listen to audio

5. One of my all time favorite books is Summerhouse by Jude Deveroux - there are many reasons I would love to be one of the female characters in that book

6. If I could figure out a way to make chocolate healthy I would be a rich woman.

7. With a little luck - I will have written my first book by the end of 2011.

First and foremost I want to thank Sheila for being my guest today and sharing herself with us.  I really enjoyed reading all her answers and learned quite a bit.  On a personal note, Sheila amazes me!!!  I get a visual of a very energetic, kind, caring, personable, genuine, honest, fun and family oriented person.  Not only if she could make chocolate healthy, but if she could bottle her energy, she definitely would be a rich woman.  And with a little luck, and begging lol, she will let us all read and review her 1st novel.  Good Luck in your writing career, Sheila.  I think I can speak for a lot of us bloggers, that we wish you the best of luck with your writing career.  I am now anxious to know more about it, the genre, a little synopsis, etc, etc.  We just might have to have a Sunday's Shining Star sequel to find out these answers!!!!!  I think you will all agree with me,  Sheila is most definitely a SHINING STAR!!