S.C. Flynn

My guest today is Lisa from the blog Tenacious Reader.

SCy-Fy: Tell me about a typical blogging day, Lisa.

TR: I always visit a number of blogs, check Twitter and other social media (Goodreads, forums and Reddit) just because I love to see what books people are reading and talking about. I also want to keep up with what’s on the horizon so I check NetGalley and Edelweiss as well as periodically visiting publishers’ websites. For my blog, I write up any reviews or posts I have coming up and read/respond to comments.

SCy-Fy: What are your future initiatives?

TR: Gosh, that sounds like a question that could set me up to answer about world domination or something – kidding! Honestly, I mainly just want to keep reading good books and sharing my thoughts with anyone who might be interested. I also want to continue my Backlist Burndown initiative I started this year. I have committed myself to read at least one backlist book every month (and invited others to join in). It is so easy to get caught up in all of the new releases with blogging (which all look amazing!) but I think it is also really important to make an effort to read those books you missed for one reason or another.

SCy-Fy: What do you see as the major challenge for SFF blogging?

TR: The largest challenge I think is standing out as the field of bloggers grows. There are so many amazing blogs out there, but I think everyone has to find their niche and stick with what they enjoy. For all the blogs out there, there are tons of readers who all vary as well. You just have to find a way for the readers with your taste to find you among all the others.

SCy-Fy: Any advice for fellow bloggers?

TR: My tip for bloggers is to keep it fun. Don’t commit to so much that you feel pressure and (of course) always read what you enjoy! And remember to enjoy what you read. 

SCy-Fy: What has been your most useful resource so far?

TR: Honestly, other bloggers have been the most useful resource. I try to keep up with upcoming releases, but I always hear of something I missed (or maybe dismissed) from one of my fellow bloggers that has similar taste in books as mine.

SCy-Fy: Traps in SFF blogging?

TR: Requesting too many books! It is so easy to want to read ALL the books and it can be quite hard to take a step back and evaluate what you can realistically handle. I also think too much negativity can be an issue. I am far from all sunshine and rainbows, if I don’t like a book I am honest. But I avoid the drama that can happen at times, and I also do my best to keep negative reviews as respectful as I can. Thankfully, since I only read books I think I will love, it doesn’t happen often.

SCy-Fy: Things that have kept you going in hard times?

TR: Books! And also keeping in mind that I do this for fun. I enjoy the interaction with other people for the books I read (and want to read!) If I run short on time I take it in stride.

SCy-Fy: Posts of yours that have had the most impact or controversy?

TR: I‘ve not posted much that has been controversial (at least not that I’ll admit to). My “Most Anticipated First in Series/Standalones” posts do quite well, though. I’d like to think they impact someone’s TBR list, which is really my goal: to share great books!

SCy-Fy: What have been the best books you have read recently?

TR: This is hard! So, I will pick the most recent 5 star ratings I have given for Fantasy, SF and Horror. Otherwise I’ll be here all day worrying about how to pick favorites amongst my favorites.

Fantasy: Grace of Kings by Ken Liu is fantastic. The stylistic differences in this compared to what I typically read were just a great change of pace.

Horror: When We Were Animals by Joshua Gaylord is dark and wonderful. It is so much more than just “a horror book”. An incredibly hard book to put down, it has a fascinating protagonist and wonderful prose.

Science Fiction: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel – This is one of those stories that sticks with you longer than other books. I just love the way the book is structured (in addition to the characters and story).

SCy-Fy: Which upcoming releases are you most looking forward to?

TR: There are so many great books on the horizon! Fool’s Quest by Robin Hobb probably tops my list. I’m also excited for Day Four by Sarah Lotz, Half a War by Joe Abercrombie, Armada by Ernest Cline. And it’s not quite as close on the horizon, but I am beyond excited for The Fireman by Joe Hill that is slated to come out sometime in 2016. And of course, numerous others without official release dates in sight, like Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss and Winds of Winter by George R. R. Martin.

SCy-Fy: Anything else to add?

TR: Just a huge thank you for taking the time – and interest – to interview me!