Tag: Question of the Month

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Question of the Month

#Question of the Month: a #bloghop to think about. No. 13- What was the first book you really fell in love with?

A little while ago, Michael D’Agostino, of A Life Examined, brought up the idea of a new blog hop called Question of the Month. He thinks blog readers would like to know a little more about us, the bloggers. So we’re all gathering to show you guys who we are by taking part in the Question of the Month blog hop. On the first Monday of each month, we answer the question that gets posted here.

This month’s question is: “What was the first book (or book series) you really fell in love with?”

This is an easy question to answer for me, the only problem is I can’t just pick one. It’s no secret to anyone who’s read a little of my blog that the book Peter and Wendy changed my life at a young age. It made me see the whole world as an adventure, at least for a while. But of course reality set in and one day I realized that no matter how much I tried I would never make it to Neverland and become a lost boy.

Then one day I accomplished the small but notable feat of reading an entire chapter book all by myself- the title was Ramona Quimby. Once I discovered the work of Beverly Cleary, I sped through at least three in the series. Always the strong-willed and mischievous tomboy, I could relate to Ramona; plus, she had a big sister just like me and the similarities, at the time, seemed so close.

As much as I don’t like to admit it, as I grew older reading for enjoyment lessened. Fortunately, I did enjoy some of the required reading in school, but by the time I reached college- if it wasn’t assigned, I didn’t read it. Years later when I decided to rekindle my friendship with books I returned to my comfort zone of fantasy.

It was Gregory Maguire’s The Wicked Years series that helped me reconcile the imagination of my youth with the reality of my adulthood. It’s not my favorite adult series, but it means a lot to me. I’ve always been a fan of pretty much anything Oz and to question my feelings about a world I thought could be so wonderful was refreshing. As a kid you never really question if the far distant worlds you love are actually as good as they seem, but reading The Wicked Years series gave me an opportunity to embrace the child within and still stand firm the in mental and physical maturity I’d grown into. It was basically a reality check of the fantasy kind. 😉

Please visit the other participants in this hop and even join in if you’d like. I can’t wait to see what other books and series have impacted so many.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Question of the Month

#Question of the Month: a #bloghop to think about. No. 12- What’s your advice on starting a blog?

A little while ago, Michael D’Agostino, of A Life Examined, brought up the idea of a new blog hop called Question of the Month. He thinks blog readers would like to know a little more about us, the bloggers. So we’re all gathering to show you guys who we are by taking part in the Question of the Month blog hop. On the first Monday of each month, we answer the question that gets posted here.

This month’s question is: “If a friend came to you looking for advice on starting a blog, what three pieces of advice would you give them?”

So, since we’ve been advised to stay away from some of the commonly applied tips of the trade such as: visit other blogs, write what you love, and link back to older posts from time to time, I’m going to try to think a bit outside the box.

Tip #1 – Find a niche. It doesn’t have to be something uber unique, just something that will help narrow your focus and tap into a specific audience. I, for one, have set myself up as a fan and contributor to geek culture. “Geek” has become so broad and popular as of late, that I’ve made a point to single out some of my specific interests, instead of trying to cover them all. I mainly talk about books and movies, but I’ll slip in some of my music interests from time to time.

Tip #2 – Embrace the culture. Many people don’t realize that blogging is a subculture and that within it, there are many micro-cultures to join in and become involved with. Joining blog hops and tours is a good way to connect to others who share your interests and learn from others. It’s important not to become overwhelmed by all the blogosphere has to offer. Many newcomers to the culture may feel the need to try everything all at once, but a little here and there should be enough to help someone find their place and feel like they are a part of something bigger.

Tip #3 – Plan and schedule. Don’t be afraid to think ahead whenever possible. Some blogs are designed to be spontaneous while others clearly work on a set schedule. In either situation, a bit of planning and scheduling can go a long way, even if it’s just setting up post for special occasions and or holidays. It’s always good to have a bit of wiggle room when posting to your blog so as not to turn the positive experience into a stressful one.

So that’s what I got. Hope it’s somewhat helpful.

Please visit the other participants in this hop and even join in if you’d like. I can’t wait to see what other tips will be shared.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Question of the Month

#Question of the Month: a #bloghop to think about. No. 11- What’s your favorite thing that begins with C? (no A-Z for me)

A little while ago, Michael D’Agostino, of A Life Examined, brought up the idea of a new blog hop called Question of the Month. He thinks blog readers would like to know a little more about us, the bloggers. So we’re all gathering to show you guys who we are by taking part in the Question of the Month blog hop. On the first Monday of each month, we answer the question that gets posted here.

This month’s question is: “What’s your favorite thing that begins with C?”

Chocolate is probably my favorite thing that begins with ‘c’, but before I talk about why, I’d like to mention a few other C’s.

First, C is for challenge, as in the A – Z Challenge that many in the blogosphere are participating in this month. I am not participating, but I am following along. One day I’ll take on the challenge but not this time around. I am, however, enjoying many of the themed posts so far.

Second, C is for character. As a writer and reader of books, I appreciate good characters. Characters that feel real and make you love or hate them just can’t be beat. There are many aspects of fiction that make it my preferred overall genre, but I like the idea of becoming attached to a made up person, someone I almost wish was real.

Third, C is for convention. It’s convention season for me and I’m getting excited. I’ve already listed the countdown for RavenCon (see side panel) and will follow up shortly with a countdown for my local Tidewater Comicon. The geek in my can barely contain my excitement.

And before I get into my enjoyment of chocolate, I’d just like to mention one thing that begins with ‘c’ that drives me crazy. The ever so small yet daunting comma.

Finally, chocolate is my favorite thing that begins with ‘c’ because:
-it tastes great whether sweet, bitter, or spicy.
-it can be comforting and soothing.
-when in dark form it can be a healthier alternative to other sweets.
-I like the way it melts and can be molded.
-it goes well with many other flavors…

Seriously, I could go on, but I won’t. What’s your favorite thing that begins with ‘C’?

Please visit the other participants in this hop and even join in if you’d like.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords