#AwesomeYABloggers Post #001
Today, I’m starting my first feature ever, and I’m very excited. I want to get more serious about blogging regularly, and what better way to begin than to give a little love back to some of the wonderful young adult book bloggers out there? All those enthusiastic people who are the life and blood of the online reading community. They give so much of their time and effort, all for their love of books.
So in this, my new feature, you will learn more about your favorite bloggers and will get a chance to win a YA book of the blogger’s choice.
So welcome to post #001 of my #AmazingYABloggers feature. This Wednesday, I want you to meet Toni Lesatz
Name: Toni Lesatz
Website: http://mybookaddiction.com/
Date of First Blog Post: 12/13/12 (On My Book Addiction)
Best Place to Find her: Facebook!
Tell us, Toni… What inspired you to start blogging?
I originally started blogging about 15 years ago. A friend bought me my first domain, neptunebaby.com, and I blogged about all sorts of things about my life. Then I changed the theme to a “mommy blog” for a few years, and then bought kitchensavvymom.com and had a food blog for a few years prior to my book blog. My Book Addiction has been the most fun and rewarding of all.
What is your favorite YA sub-genre and why?
Ooh, this is a difficult question. I love all things in the YA category, but I guess my absolute favorite would be horror or post-apocalyptic.
Is there a book or series that inspired you to read YA?
Yes, that would be the Benny Imura (Rot & Ruin) series by Jonathan Maberry. It was also my first review on the blog.
I know you are also a writer, how do you balance blogging with working on your books?
I don’t. LOL. Since going back to work this past December, I’m having a very difficult time balancing work, family, blogging and writing. In other words, writing has been on the back burner for a few months.
What book would you like all your blog followers to read and why?
I would have to pick Untethered by Katie Hayoz (enter giveaway.) It’s such a great YA paranormal book that blew me away. Katie and I have been great friends ever since. As much as I tried to promote her book, I’m only one person, and I don’t think it ever received the attention it deserves. Read Toni’s review!
Would you share with us a unique experience you’ve due to blogging?
Being an official blogger and attending UtopYA Con 2014 in Nashville. I won both Blog of the Year and Blogger of the Year! Just being there was like jumping through a portal to another world. It was amazing and exhausting (in a great way). It took me at least a week to recover once I got home. I look forward to going again next year. I’m an official blogger for 2016 again!!
Rapid Fire Questions
Why do you like Zombies so much?
I think it started with the Resident Evil game series for the Playstation. It terrified me in such an awesome way, much like roller coasters do for adrenaline junkies, that I was instantly hooked. My obsession grew as more games and more contemporary movies and shows came out, and now I can easily be labeled as a crazed fanatic. Lol.
Coolest swag you ever received?
The My Book Addiction tote (pictured) that fellow author Melanie Karsak had made for me!
Most prized signed book copy?
Oh, I can’t pick just one. They are all my babies and I protect them like children.
On average, how many books do you read a year?
Prior to this year, at least 100. I’ve slacked a bit this year due to the balancing act mentioned previously.
And this is what we all really want to know: who is your favorite book boyfriend?
Another tough question! The first to come to mind is Zavien from the Going Down in Flames series by Chris Cannon.
Giveaway
One paperback copy of Untethered by Katie Hayoz
International if available through Book Depository
Don’t think my comment went through. If it did sorry for the repeat. Just want to say thanks for the giveaway and that I think this is such a great idea.
It is a pleasure, Sanovia! 🙂