Saturday, 1 December 2012
I am very excited to be launching my new blog today
and as the title suggests, it’s all about books. Since becoming a book reviewer
and associate reader for a number of sites I felt that I needed a dedicated book blog
where I could record reviews of all the great books that I have been fortunate
enough to be given the opportunity to read. Some of the books have been very
kindly donated by wonderful authors and others have been Advance Reading Copies
sent to me by sites and publishers. I feel I am in such a privileged position
as I am often one of the first people to read a book before it hits the
shelves. I have also been lucky enough to be given some books to read whilst
still in manuscript form. To have an author put that level of trust in me is
amazing! So thank you!
Of course, I shouldn’t forget my own personal
collection of books which is threatening to reach epidemic proportions! My
family know that if I leave the house for a loaf of bread I will surely come
back with a loaf of bread and a book or two! Reviews of books from my own
bookcase are also featured on the blog. So many books, so little time! I am an
avid reader and have a keen interest in all things literary and anything
connected with books and the publishing industry. I love nothing more than
being given a book as a gift. I would happily spend hours browsing book stores
and fear that I may need a bigger house to fit all my books in. I almost faint
with excitement when I get signed copies of books.
Those of you who know me in the real
world know that JB JOHNSTON is not my real name. It's the name that I chose to
write under until I am not quite so shy! OK that's a lie. I like being all
mysterious! It makes little boring old me appear a bit more interesting! No,
that's not true either. I just like having a pen name! Hark at me pretending to be all writer-ish!
So, what’s this blog all about? Well,
basically it’s a place for all you other bookish people to stop and have a
browse at some reviews, enter some competitions/giveaways and read interesting
stuff about the world of books. There will be author interviews too, book
tours and other fab stuff! So, if you are an author, reader, publisher or a book nerd
(said in the nicest possible way), please visit the blog regularly to read
about some great books written by some great authors. Discover the talents of
indie authors too and hopefully find your next great read.
I will of course continue to remain dedicated to my
own personal blog but would love everyone to pop along and visit me regularly
at Brook Cottage Books. I have lots of ideas buzzing around in my head for the
blog and hope to have lots of different features. I think I have
changed the layout and colour scheme of the blog at least 100 times so don't
be surprised if it changes again over the next couple of months. My original
concept was to have a very business-like looking blog as eventually I’d like
the reviews and work on the blog to lead to a career change for me such as paid
proofreading. But, being a shabby chic type of girl, the blog just didn’t look
‘homely’ and inviting enough. So, it was changed yet again! I really hope you
like it.
I am more than happy to be approached by authors,
sites and publishers for all things bookish and if I can I will post features,
stories, reviews and interviews on the blog. If anyone out there has anything
in particular they would like posted on the blog I will happily accommodate if
I can and if I feel it meets what the blog is about. Keep checking the Blog
Diary page for some idea of what is happening on the blog. Check out the blog's Facebook page. I shall be setting up other social networking platforms for this blog and will keep you posted on that too. Details to follow. So, without further
ado (drum roll please)……………………I officially open Brook Cottage Books and may all those who drop by
for a browse enjoy the experience and come back again. Enjoy!
If you have any questions then feel free to email me
brookbooks@hotmail.co.uk
www.facebook.com/brookcottagebooks
I am also hoping to offer a
proofreading service in the future so keep me mind for all your proofreading
needs.
Looks lovely! Good luck with your new blog :-)
Thanks Caroline. x
Whoop!
What a fabulous blog. I, for one, shall not only be visiting you regularly be shall be taking you up on your proofreading service.
I have bookmarked this site and out you in my black book! (Only the best are in the book.)
Off to tweet about you. xxx
Bother - my comment sounds like I have been at the sherry already. I meant, "not only visiting you regularly, but shall be taking you up on your proofreading service" "And put you in my black book!"
See how much I need it!
lol thanks so much Carol! Stay off the sherry! x
Yay! What a fantastic blog and facebook page - I have liked and followed both and will be a regular fan. Congratulatiions on your exciting launch day - have fun!
Love, Janice xx
Looking fab JB! Brightened my morning - it's bursting with enthusiasm and you've done a great job! Lxx
Looking lovely!!! xx
First - congratulations on your new blog. I'm looking forward to find some new interestin titles to read. I might not read all the reviews because I just love to make my own opinion... newertheless I like very much what you've decided to do... i will have easier way to find what i like
Looks great. I wish you every success. Maybe you'd like to read and review one of mine one of these days. gx
Thanks guys. I've had a great response today!
Gilli, of course I'd love to read and review one of your books! x
Welcome to Brook Cottage Books to the blogosphere Jonty :)
Fab intro. Look forward to seeing your blog grow and change!
x
Nice blog, JB, I hesitate to use your other monikor now you've gone all upmarket. But it's a nice looking blog and a great idea, and I'm sure all us bookaholics will gravitate here sooner or later. In the meantime, have fun reading!
I am so glad I found this! I love blogs and hearing about all the great books that must be read. Thanks for sharing!
Happy Holidays,
Marlena
Congratulations and best if luck! The blog looks great and I look forward to reading some of your reviews!
Great blog. Great books! Love it!
Yay! Jonty...Ooops, Ms JB Johnston! It's looking fab! Shabby chic meets literary sophisticate! I love it! Do I spy a certain PC Davis atop your book pile there! Haw, haw, he's finally found a home, bless. :) xx
oh wot lovely comments. Thanks again. And yes Sheryl it is the lovely PC Davis! x
Yes great blog and thanks for starting it. I look forward to reading and would love to contribute. Do try me please! x
Nice blog! Good luck!
Best of luck with your new blog, JB!
Looks wonderful!
~Donna
Wow, good luck with this it sounds ace. I shall be coming back and reading with interest. Thanks. x
Thanks again for the further comments. I'm glad everyone seems to like the blog and so happy you all want to come back again! x
Nice one. JB. I look forward to reading your posts. :)