My Thoughts on Book Blogger Con 2011!

One of my blogging goals for the year was to go to the Book Blogger Convention and I did it! It was a big deal to spend that much money on what is essentially for me, a hobby, an incredibly rewarding and immensely enjoyable one, but at this point still a hobby. I don't get paid in any way for anything I do here. So to take off time from my day job and fly back east and stay in New York for my blog was like saying to myself "you are in this for the long haul". And guess what the BBC did for me? It confirmed that that's an awesome motto to have!

My boyfriend and I decided to make a fun long weekend of it, and while I didn't go to the book mecca that is BEA, I am glad that I dipped my toe and went to BBC, and then had the rest of the weekend to just relax and enjoy a long weekend in New York enjoying the sites.

I woke up early (or did I never actually fall asleep that night from anticipation and stress of travel from the West Coast?) and got my butt over to the Javitz Center in time for some breakfast, mingling and swag looking. This year they had make your own swag bags. While I liked the concept because it ultimately reduced me taking home anything I didn't want, in the morning there were huge crowds and before I get any coffee in my system I am not so human so that part was a blur. Maybe that is why most of my photos from this event have suffered as a result. At any rate, big apologies for the images you are about to see here!

Sara Wendell, Keynote Speaker

The Keynote Speaker was Sara Wendell from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. I liked the fact that she had turned her blog from a hobby to a business (while writing a couple of books in between). How cool would that be? I think if we could get paid for doing this, we would do so in a second. She expounded on the fact that while we are only one voice, the Internet is vast and there is room for everyone. We all may not have the same goals, ie money making blog but to find what you want in your blog and go for it. I enjoyed her speech and I think most people around me did too.

Practical Challenges Panelists

I then went to the Practical Challenges of Blogging session which was hosted by Write Meg, Jenn's Bookshelves, Books I Done Read, Fantasy Cafe, and Presenting Lenore. Since these are all bloggers I read I was excited to see how they could help me deal with time management, blog/life balance, managing the TBR pile and so on. I loved all of their different views on things and my main takeaway was that I'm doing just fine.

Lunch was fun if only because now I was awake and could actually network! I got to see Florinda (my pal from California), and meet Michelle from Red Headed Book Child, Joy from Joy's Book Blog, and Melissa from the Betty and Boo Chronicles. It was great to get to meet them all in person and chat during lunch!

Navigating the Gray Areas Panel

After lunch I attended the Navigating the Gray Areas of Book Blogging Session hosted by Age 30+ A Lifetime of Books, Bethanne Patrick, A Bookish Broad, Beth Fish Reads, Mother Reader, and Amy Reads. I learned a lot about how best to deal with publishers and authors. That I shouldn't feel so bad about not being the first one out with my reviews, as apparently I'm in the minority for actually reviewing everything I receive! How to deal with bad reviews (I write them sometimes, and they don't necessarily mean bad things for the author!). I really enjoyed all of the viewpoints on this panel. They were diverse and knowledgeable.

Technology for Blogging Panel

My final panel was the Technology for Blogging panel hosted by Books on the Nightstand, Lindsey Rudnikas (Net Galley), John Rubin (Edelweiss), Anna Moore (Eat, Sleep, Design), Chick Loves Lit, JennIRL, and Otis Chandler from Goodreads. Overall this one was lacking for me. No disrespect to anyone who was on it or any of the planners of the event. A lot was being conveyed in it and maybe too much was trying to get across. Suffice it to say, this panel could have probably benefited from some technology of its own so we could see what they were talking about and they could walk us through the paces.

Overall, I am so glad I went and will certainly consider going again! I enjoyed meeting each and every one of you and thank you so much to the organizers for the amazing job you did in putting this all together!