Blogger Interview: Jessica from "Confessions of a Bookaholic"

[image error]Over the course of recent guest posts, hugely successful giveaways, and interviews with Jessica on her blog, "Confessions of a Bookaholic," I was once again reminded how book bloggers really do not get the recognition they deserve. Not only they, we never really get to know all that much about them! For example, I'm still not sure if Jessica really has pink hair or not. It makes me wonder, but I did find out the answers to a few other questions.

So please join me in welcoming Jessica to the stage!

Jason: Here's my first question. What do you try to accomplish with your blog?

Jessica: My blog started as simply a way for me to discuss the books I loved but it ended up as much more than that. I never expected to make the connections with authors and readers that I have made. Now, I hope that my blog is a place people enjoy visiting to get new book ideas and learn more about the fabulous authors who write them. If the readers enjoy the information, and the authors feel it helps them get the word out about their books, I've accomplished everything I set out to do.

Jason: I think we can all agree that it manages to accomplish a lot. So how does blogging fit in with the other parts of your life?

Jessica: I'll admit that blogging is not easy to fit into my life right now. I have a 3-year-old daughter, I'm a full-time graduate student, and I'm an intern for a Literary Agent. Sometimes I struggle to find a time where I can sit down and review books or even read, but without blogging I think I'd feel a little empty inside. It's such a joy for me and I'd hate to not be in the amazing community of bloggers. I guess that's why sometimes I'm up at 3am writing reviews or setting up interviews. Blogging is so important to me now and something I plan to keep doing for a while. Even if things get difficult or a little slower on my blog, it's my only true hobby and I couldn't think of a better one to have.

Jason: What makes a book memorable to you?

Jessica: There's no better feeling than having a book that stays in your mind long after you read it. I've re-read a few books immediately after finishing them and they remain as my favorites. A great book to me is one that elicits several strong emotions. I'll go from being scared for the characters to laughing out loud at the humorous moments. No matter what the book is about, it must keep me at the edge of my seat with action, unique plots and fascinating characters that you can't help but love. I'll also admit I'm a hopeless romantic so if a book can bring a strong, sweet romance between characters I'm hooked. Very few books can capture each element perfectly but I've read quite a few that remain memorable to me.

Jason: If you could have one wish come true, what would it be (book related or not)?

Jessica: Hmm, okay. Book related I've been pretty happy with the variety of books that have came out recently so my wish would be that I had more time to read them! I see so many books on my to-be-read shelf and it kills me to let them sit there. I'm hoping to catch up on a lot of reading over the holidays and while I have a break from school. Non-book related (and giggly-school-girl related) I'd die to meet Ian Somerhalder! I'm a huge Vampire Diaries fan and Team Damon all the way. I'd probably pass out if I ever did have the chance to see his beautiful eyes in person, however, I'd be willing to take that chance, ha!

Jason: I can definitely understand that. I think I became Alison Brie's slave after just one episode of Community. Moving on…How does being a graduate student of psychology affect your reading tastes or interests?

Jessica: Great question because oddly enough, it really does affect how I read a book. I find myself psychoanalyzing the characters and trying to find out why they act or feel the way they do. I even annoy myself with this because it means I can't get completely into a story. I'm constantly trying to discover what the "secret" could be if a character is hiding something. It drives me nuts! But on that same note, reading has changed my feelings towards psychology as well. I've been interested in this field since 10th grade (10 years ago! Yikes!) but now I find my interests shifting. I'm much more interested with book promotion and publishing. That's why I was thrilled to have the opportunity to intern for an agent. I hope this gives me a glimpse into this career field because I'm 99% sure it would be my dream job. I've always known the importance of following a passion, it just took me a while to find my own.

Jason: I think if your blogging is any indicator, you'd make an amazing agent. What story of yours do you most like to tell friends and acquaintances?

Jessica: I share a lot of my favorite books with my friends. If I enjoy a story it's guaranteed that I'll do everything I can to let people know. Especially if something is self-published because I know how hard it can be for authors to spread the word about those books alone. Some of my favorite books are Promise by Kristie Cook and The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos. They are fabulous authors!

Overall, I keep my blog pretty private with it comes to family and real-life friends. They know of my blog but have never seen it. One thing I have told everyone is that I was blurbed in Purpose, the Promise sequel and when I saw it I freaked out! I love showing the book to everyone.

Jason: That's awesome! Do you have any special plans or events coming up in 2011 on "Confessions of a Bookaholic" that we can look forward to?

Jessica: I do. I want to start a few new features next year. It's a trial-and-error thing in blogging but I'd love to begin an "Ask Confessions" type of feature to address the blog questions I get often from newbies, and an "Upcoming Books" feature where I help promote upcoming books from existing or debut authors. I'd like to start this year off by getting everything a little more organized and planning some new events. We do plan on doing the Haunted Halloween event again next October and I have a blogoversary coming up in early May (which also happens to be around my birthday) so I hope to have a huge event during that time. Exciting stuff I hope!

Jason: That's a great idea. I know there are tons of bloggers out there who would benefit from knowing more about your experience. Thank you so much for answering my questions! I hope you and "Confessions" have a wonderful 2011!

Jessica: Thanks so much Jason for having me on your site! Happy Holidays and happy 2011!