Let Your Reading Flag Fly

Hello, and welcome to the Dear Book Nerd podcast! Put your feet up, grab a beverage, and settle in to listen to some bookish banter. My guest co-host this week is the fabulous Amanda Nelson, who is an editor of Book Riot and a smart, smart lady. We discuss a bunch of interesting topics, such as: how to start a book blog that stands out, how to successfully read more than one book at a time, and whether or not adults should be ashamed to read YA. (Short answer: NO.) Have a listen and enjoy! This episode was sponsored by Random House Audiobooks. _________________________________________________________ Questions Discussed: Dear Book Nerd, I love all things books, and have for years upon years upon years. I remember the horribly awkward parent teacher conferences (every year, mind you) where the teacher would explain to my mother that I was reading under the table. Again. I've worked at a bookstore for 6 years, and I read somewhere between 50-100 books a year. I have recently started to get into bookish social media more, and it has opened up this wonderful world of OTHER BOOKISH PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME! (I knew you existed, I just knew it!) I really want to get more involved, though, and this leads me to my question. I have been trying to start a book blog for months, but I get so incredibly overwhelmed every time I start. What are the best things to keep in mind to start a book blog and make it work long-term? Do I have to review *every* book I read? Sometimes I just don't want to! How long is it okay to have 0 followers before you give up? (JK. Don't ever give up!) If I come up with a cutesy fun "theme" for a particular day, but then see it being used elsewhere, do I have to ask that blogger's permission? - Bring my Books Dear Book Nerd, I loooove books and I read pretty much every kind of book I can get my hands on. I love the literary, high-brow items as much as the next book nerd. BUT I also really love YA. I'm eagerly awaiting the release of "Allegiant" and I'm dying to check out the Mortal Instruments series. I feel so embarrassed, though, for being such a YA fan at my age! Am I overthinking this? Should I tell people who might judge me for reading these books to go mind their own business? How can I get over this feeling of shame for enjoying young adult fiction so much? - Closeted YA Fan Dear Book Nerd, My husband, along with many people I know, reads more than one book at a time. I would like to do that, but I find it hard to keep track of all that is happening in each book. How do people do this? - One at a Time _________________________________________________________ Links Discussed: "How to Get Into Book Reviewing as a Blogger" (Dear Author) "Why Isn't Just Reading Enough Anymore?" (Book Riot) "Against YA" (Slate) _________________________________________________________ Do you have a question for the Book Nerd? Don't be shy! Email DearBookNerd@bookriot.com or use the submission form below. Listen to past episodes, download free apps, and read past columns of Dear Book Nerd here! You can subscribe to the podcast via RSS here, or via iTunes here. The show can also be found on Stitcher here.