Today’s post deals with Blogger Development. Unfortunately, since I just started this blog about 3 months ago, I only HAVE questions about blogger development!
I began this blog as a way to keep track of what I was reading-simple. What I discovered is an amazing community of bloggers, and memes and, challenges- OH MY! I was first surprised about how much time and effort I would dedicate to getting the blog rolling. I was also surprised how I had to make time to read, where that used to be what I did when there was nothing else going on. As of right now, I am still struggling a bit with certain aspects of the blog itself. I am not the most tech savy person, so I chose to use WordPress, since I heard from other bloggers that it was simple. It is, but I also find it a bit limiting. I don’t have a great understanding of how to use the widgets (how do I get those little buttons for goodreads, email, and Facebook?!?!)- but I am scared to death to self host. Another little hurdle I have encountered is the reliance on e-readers. I personally LOVE real books, but found as I joined Net Galley, that lots of ARCs are only offered for e-readers. Thank goodness I have a busy 13 year old who has been kind enough to lend out her kindle a few times a week!
I hope in the next few months to do the following: ~figure out darn widgets and get the blog looking the way I want and join a few more memes challenges as a way to reach more bloggers and learn from them-when is Bloggiesta?
Genre
Today’s genre focus is on genre fiction. From Armchair BEA-Genre fiction is kind of wide category. Science fiction, fantasy, horror, crime, romance. Though often dismissed or ridiculed by the more “literary” minded, these novels often deal with complex themes and issues and some of the world’s most beloved authors write in these categories. Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Anne Rice, Deborah Harkness, Douglas Adams, P D James, J R Ward and George R R Martin to name a few. Genre fiction can take us to places we never imagine, experience scenarios we’ve always dreamed of and open up new worlds to explore.
I enjoy many types of genre fiction when I actually think about it. My favorites would be-fantasy and historical fiction. in fantasy, my favorites are the Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings series. I also loved the Hunger Games trilogy. The following I would list under historical fiction, though sometimes I am hesitant and worry that I am categorizing incorrectly: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Shadow of the Wind, Cry, the Beloved Country, and mixed with a little romance-Gone With The Wind and Pride & Prejudice (honorable mention-The Song of Achilles).
I would love to hear from you about what types of genre fiction YOU prefer!
Turn the Page Reviews 
actually widgets for wordpress.com are easy. when you are logged in your blog, point [don’t click] on the name of your blog top left corner, and you will see the word Widgets in a list – 5 lines below the Dashboard word. then you grab the one you want and you drag it to your column.
My favorite genre is historical fiction
Thanks- but which one do I use to get those little buttons- for Facebook with just the f, good reads with just the lowercase g, and mail just the envelope? I see them in lots of blogs and just can’t figure out how to put them on mine- lame
if you don’t want the regular Facebook like ready for you on wordpress, look here near the end, I believe you are talking about a Facebook badge: http://en.support.wordpress.com/facebook-integration/
for others google your question, and it should send you to similar help pages
Thank you so much- out tin it down as my to do for tomorrow am!!
cool!
Stick with it! I too am pretty techtarded, but make sure you check out WordPress tutorials and experiment a little. That’s what I did and I love WP.
Ah! You have asked the right person about Bloggiesta! Let me just tell what’s up…. the next mini one will be July 20 and 21. And the next big main event will be September 20-22! IN the meantime, you can go and check out past challenges and learn about widgets and things: http://www.bloggiesta.com/mini-challenges/ Have fun!
Thanks so much- will do!!
I like your layout! Very clean and easy to read. Definitely check out the WordPress forums and support areas for help with things like widgets and other appearance settings. But for the cute buttons, it seems like on WP some themes come with them and some don’t. Otherwise, you can find codes to add them from non-WP sources, just takes a bit of googling. Good luck!
It’s funny how “let’s keep track of what I’m reading” can quickly turn into BOOK BLOGGING! hahaha Same thing happened to me!
the widgets for wordpress blogs are fairly easy, and if you can’t find the ones you want, then adding a text widget and googling the code you need works just as well!
thanks so much!
I prefer a mix. It keeps thing interesting. I’ll read almost anything (almost…) Nice to meet you!
Bloggiesta?? I’m going to sound dumb here but what is that? I agree with you it does take up so much more time than I thought it would trying to build a following so you are actually writing for someone to read, but I am finding it worth it so far.
Here is the website-http://www.bloggiesta.com
It is fun- I am really enjoying the Armchair BEA!
Thank You I’ll take a look. I’m enjoying it too, but I normally schedule posts ahead of time for the week, so I’m finding it difficult to keep up with the discussion topics everyday 😦
I think you might have got some help already but you can google “social media icons” and find them! I love all kinds of genre fiction! I love anything if it’s a good story! Love HP and P&P!
my Armchair BEA day 2 post
Thanks- I will. I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know when I started.
I had to laugh out loud at your comment about borrowing your 13 year old’s kindle!
I’ve found that I also view my reading differently now that I have a blog. I’m trying hard to find a good balance so that reading and reviewing doesn’t end up feeling like a job.
I look forward to following your reviews. It looks like we have similar reading taste.
Thanks Jen! It does take some time to figure it out- still trying. Some days it seems like I do so much, but then I can go 2-3 without really doing anything on it. I am enjoying the Armchair BEA lots!! I am thinking of doing the next bloggiesta in July- here is the site-http://www.bloggiesta.com
WordPress is easy is you are willing to take the time. But one piece of advice. BACK UP! Make sure you have backed up your site before you take off messing around with it. Hangs head in shame for knowing just how bad it is when you don’t do this.
Thanks for the advice!
Bloggiesta is AMAZING. It’s a great way to learn a ton about blogging and to meet wonderful people. I love that event to bits. Future Bloggiesta Dates: http://www.bloggiesta.com/2013/03/future-bloggiesta-dates/
Thanks-planning on taking part in the next one!