BBAW - Introduction

If you have been a part of the blogging world for any part of this summer, then you are well acquainted with the BBAW or Book Blogger Appreciation Week coming up September 14-18, 2009. For the one or two of you who may not be familiar with this term, this is the brainchild of the incredible Amy of My Friend Amy as a way to recognize and celebrate the book bloggers in the blogosphere. This will be the second anniversary of the celebratory event. I was not a part of last year's festivities, as I had never heard of a book blog in my life, but Amy had over 400 participants at that time and is hoping for 1,000 or more this year!

If you have a book blog yourself and would like to register, there are 9 days left to do so here. It is quick and easy and I know it will be worth your while (not to mention the fringe benefit of discovering new book blogging buddies). In an effort to help us get to know one another, Amy has posted a few questions to help us introduce the person behind our blog. So, without further ado, here is the blogger behind "My Cozy Book Nook"

What has been one of the highlights of blogging for you?
I know that I will sound like a copy-cat here, as the same answer is given by most book bloggers, but without a doubt the highlight of blogging has been discovering that there is a community who is truly accepting, caring and encouraging of one another. We may have never met face-to-face, but we are definitely NOT strangers. The very nature of reading is a solitary activity - it allows us to escape from the realism of our every day world and enter the world of others. I have tried (unsuccessfully) several times to establish a book club in my area where I can add that social component to my favorite activity. I tried the local bookstores, libraries, and even Craig's list. Apparently all the literary souls in Johnson County Kansas have no room to add a newbie to their group. I even tried a couple of online book clubs and yahoo book groups, but I never felt comfortable enough to "participate" and therefore never really became a part. BUT....the book blog world welcomed me with open arms! They would make friendly comments on my simple entries (and with each comment I feel like Sally Field, "you really do like me"); they encouraged me to write my own book review - and gave me the confidence to do it again; they have totally understood my 6 week hiatus this summer and sluggishness at getting back to my blogging routine. I have been truly blessed by all these cyber friends who happen to enjoy reading as much (and some even more) than I do.

Some other highlights of this new endeavor however have included the discovery that I love the writing process: I like brainstorming ideas, trying to develop those ideas into a cohesive essay, and then revising the essay for "public" eyes. I need to work on tightening up that writing (obviously), but until then, this wonderful community is willing to just skim over the long-winded parts. I attended the Book Expo of America, where I not only got to meet some terrific authors and obtain some awesome new book releases, but I was able to meet some fellow book bloggers face-to-face and I have to tell you ---- I recognized them a mile a way! The personality of each blogger is so evident in their writing.

What blogger has helped you out with your blog by answering questions, linking to you, or inspiring you?
Ok --- well I have nearly 200 blogs in my google reader and I can honestly say that the majority of them have helped me in some way: either by inspiring me to read a certain book; or by inspiring me to better my blog because of the way they maintain their own; or by leaving a thoughtful comment that encourages me to keep on keeping on. Due to space and time considerations, however, I will not list all 200 blogs in this post. If you are interested in those blogs I follow on a regular basis, you can access that list (with links to each blog) found in the header at the top of the page. A few bloggers that I will choose to highlight, however, are found below:

• Sheri of A Novel Menagerie: Sheri was the first blogger to reach out to me and welcome me to the community. We both have a fondness for our pets, and she is a very outgoing, friendly individual who loves books, movies, and family.
• Matt of a A Guy's Moleskine Notebook: Matt probably has no idea how inspirational he has been to me, but I greatly admire his intelligent blog. Matt is the English professor that I wish I had several years ago, but I am glad that I have discovered his wisdom now.
• Kim of Page after Page: Kim is a faithful follower and always has a kind word to say. The fact that she signs each comment with *smiles* is a testament to her optimistic outlook on life. Her comments can brighten my darkest mood.
• Wendy at A Novel Challenge: I had NO idea that reading challenging existed until the fall of 2008, but this has opened my mind to a whole new way of reading! Wendy maintains this amazing site where she lists all on-going challenges and then provides link to the hosting site. My reading has greatly improved because of her.
• Lesa at Lesa's Book Critiques: I started reading mysteries about the same time I discovered book blogs. It wasn't too much later that I came across Lesa's amazing book reviews, which focus on mysteries (both classic and contemporary). If Lesa recommends it, I know I need to add it to the TBR list.
• Stephanie of Stephanie's Written Word: Stephanie was kind to reach out to me at BEA (Book Expo of America). We met on the first day and navigated through the thousands of people and books together. For a shy wall-flower like myself, Stephanie was an angel in disguise.
  

What one question do you have about BBAW that someone who participated last year could answer?
I am sure I have a ton of questions, but since I have never participated, I really don't know what to expect. I suppose my biggest question right now is ---- How do you narrow down your list of recommendations??? There are SO many deserving blogs out there, that I feel guilty recommending only 1 for a category when I can easily recommend 10-20. Any tips??