Book Blogger Insider Tag: Behind the Scenes at Bohemian Bibliophile

Happy July! Can’t believe we are halfway through the year already! This year sure has been whizzing by.

I have been a book blogger for a little over six years now. I have shared how I pick my next read, make my reading lists more inclusive, and how I have evolved as a reader. Today, I take you behind the scenes and share about a critical aspect of being a book blogger. The writing. Particularly, writing reviews.

I came across this tag on Dini @ DiniPandaReads‘s blog last October. I had bookmarked it because it sounded like a fun tag to do, and it had been ages since I’d done one. Credit the creator Jamie @ ALittleSliceofJamie. I hope you enjoy reading my answers and maybe relate to a few as well.

Where Do You Typically Write Your Blog Posts?

I take my blog as seriously as my work. I always write my blog posts at my desk, on my desktop. I might brainstorm ideas at other locations, but when I get down to write, it is always at the desk. I am not particularly fond of working on my laptop. It is strictly for emergencies or when I am on the move.

How Long Does It Generally Take You To Write A Book Review?

It depends. Sometimes it takes just a few hours when I have a lot to say about the book. And then I need to whittle it down to less than 1200 words. Sometimes it might take days.

If it is a review request or a book I plan to write a detailed review for, I take notes while reading. I begin with a draft review that I try to return to the next day with a fresh pair of eyes. Then comes the editing, tweaking, and artwork before I finally hit the publish button. All in all, it takes at least two days for me to publish a review.

When Did You Start Your Book Blog?

I launched the blog in April 2019. I had managed blogs in all shapes and forms, but was never keen to launch my own blog. I knew the amount of work involved and didn’t really have the bandwidth for it. In fact, once when I did consider it, I had planned a design/tech blog rather than a book blog. But that soon fizzled out.

I was a part of Book Twitter and Goodreads long before I began blogging, and often found lesser-known but immensely readable books did not get the promotion they deserved. There was also a limited range of books being talked about, particularly Indian books. Quality books got lost in all the hype. The purpose of my blog has always been to talk about lesser-known books that deserve more love.

What Is The Worst Thing About Having a Book Blog In Your Opinion?

I wouldn’t say it is the worst thing, but blogging is hard work. Work and family have taken priority. I have struggled to keep the blog active. Up until a couple of years back, I would be disappointed not being able to participate in blog hops and challenges. I would actually stay up beyond midnight to work on my blog. I have now made peace with posting just one or two times a month.

What Is The Best Thing About Having A Book Blog In Your Opinion?

A blogger can never survive in isolation. The best thing about being a book blogger is by far the community. An opportunity to connect with book lovers and like-minded people across the globe. As a newbie, the online book community was welcoming and keen to show me the ropes. Over time, the book discussions, varied opinions, and interpretations have become integral elements of my reading process.

Blogging for me has been a rewarding and educational journey. I have grown as a reader since I started. Books I probably would not have read if I had not been blogging now feature on the list of my favorites.

What Blog Post Have You Had The Most Fun Writing So Far?

It is difficult to pick one post. Instead, I would choose the #CauseAChatter series. Back in 2021, Blogchatter championed three causes – Gender Talks, Mental Health Talks, and Environmental Talks. I decided to take it a step further and limit the books to those by Indian authors. I enjoyed sharing the recommendations and also reading the books I hadn’t picked up yet during my research. Particularly the ones on the environment. The highlight was receiving messages from a professor and numerous students on how the series had helped them.

You can check out the directory post at Literature & Social Issues: Essential Reads on Gender Equality, Mental Health, and Environment.

What Is Your Favourite Type Of Blog Post To Write?

I used to enjoy writing the monthly updates. Short reviews, checking out how I fared on the reading challenges, and sharing the posts I loved from across the blogosphere. Updates have taken a backseat for now. We are already half way through the year and I plan to get back to it starting next year.

Lately, I have been enjoying writing the discussion post. Take a leaf from the pages of the incredible authors in the community, I write the kind of posts I enjoy reading.

When Do You Typically Write?

Whenever I get the time! Jokes apart, I prefer to write when the brain is not saturated. That is usually in the mornings and early noon. Once the draft is in place, I keep returning to it, even at odd hours on my phone, for tweaks and edits.

I am particular about being a 100% on the post before I publish. I would rather publish it a couple of days late than do half measures. I’m not sure if that’s being a perfectionist, a sign of maturity, or plain stubbornness.

Do You Review Every Book You Read?

I try to, but honestly, it is not always possible. Lately, it has been impossible. I began posting the monthly updates to ensure I reviewed every book I read. Dropped the ball halfway through each year, but it would keep me somewhat on track.

I am not proud of the fact that I haven’t added a single book to Goodreads yet, let alone a rating and review. Something I need to fix asap.

How Do You Write Your Book Reviews? With A Cup Of Coffee Or Tea? With Netflix? Cuddled With Your Fur Baby?

Allergic to tea and coffee. So that is out of the question. The same applies to a fur baby. The only ‘drink’ on my desk is a water bottle.

I need zero distraction when I work or read. Some background noise is a given but I don’t consciously set it up.

When Do You Write Your Book Reviews? Right After Finishing The Book? Two Weeks After Finishing The Book?

I try to draft the review within 1-2 days. I prefer to sleep over a book to collect my thoughts before I begin writing the review. Referring to the notes if it is a review request. Two weeks would be impractical. I would probably have finished a few more books by then, and the memory might be muddled.

How Often Do You Post?

Up until a couple of years back, I used to post almost every week. Sometimes even twice a week during Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa challenge.

Now, I try to post at least once a month. Two, if I can get another one in. I do try to make it up with evergreen and quality posts as much as I can.

Hope you enjoy this short behind the scenes. I am not tagging anyone, but feel free to share your answers. Always love to read a fellow blogger’s book reviewing journey and process.

Book Blogger Insider Tag: Behind the Scenes at Bohemian Bibliophile #BookishLeague Share on X

This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.

Photo credit: Canva.com