Blogging Goals for 2011!

It's time for my annual blogging goals of 2011 post, which means that not only is 2010 nearly over (Is it just me or has this year gone by extremely fast?), but I get to think deep about what I want to do in 2011 with my blog! So, bring on the goals!

1) Reply to emails in a more timely matter: I love getting emails. I love when someone takes the time to send me a message about something (Well, expect for spam but that's a given), especially when it's book related. But here's the truth: I'm awful at replying to emails, as I've learned over the past year. I let them pile up in my inbox for at least a month, and then I have to reply to a bunch of them all at once, which is never fun, trust me. So, this year that's not going to happen. When I get an email, I'm going to reply to it ASAP, if not sooner.

2) Comment on blogs more, especially when the person comments on my blog. Oh, and respond to comments on my blog as well: I love getting comments. I really do. They are like treasure when they land in my inbox, but me posting comments almost never happens, even though I love to comment on other people's blogs. It's probably because of school, but I'm not going to let that happened this year. I'm going to comment on blogs at least once a week, if not more. And if someone comments on my blog, I'm going to try my best to respond :)

3) Interview More Authors: One of my favorite parts about blogging is the fact that I get to have the chance to think of fun, interesting questions for authors whose books I love, but the thing is I don't do this nearly enough. So this year, I'm going to interview more authors, and best of all, I'm already working on this goal, as you'll see in January! :)

4) Get through my blog TBR pile: Last time I checked I have at least 122 books in my blog TBR pile, which just shouldn't be the case at all. So this year, I'm going to do my best to work through them all. Even if I get down to only 50 books, I'll be very happy.

5) Go to more author events: I love going to author events, especially when I've had the chance to talk to the author online before, but I don't go to them nearly as often as I would like, so this year I'm going to try to find more in PA to go to. And going along with this, I want to meet an actual blogger in person this year. I've been blogging for nearly three years, and I still haven't, which I find kind of sad. lol

6) Be More Outgoing: I love to talk, especially about bookish things, but I tend to be kind of shy at times. So, this year I'm going to make more of an effort to get to know some more of my fellow bloggers better on twitter and such! :)

7) Actually accomplish my 2011 goals and finish the challenges I'm doing by the end of 2011: Is it sad that I don't even remember what my goals and challenges were last year because I kind of think it is. So, this year I'm going to finish all my challenges and accomplish my goals!

Add-On:

8) Have Fun: I stress out about stuff way more than I should (with blogging and life in general) so this year I want to be more stress free. I want to relax and have fun! :)

In all, those are my blogging goals for 2011! I think I've thought up a fair and manageable amount, don't you?

Though, enough about me, what are some of your goals (personal, blogging/etc.) for 2011? Are any of them similar to mine? Let me know in the comments! :)

Challenges for 2011!

Here's the list of the challenges I'll be participating in during 2011.

I plan to keep track of them here, and I've also created "shelves" on Goodreads to help me as well.

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 2011 Debut Author Challenge

This one is hosted by the lovely Kristi at The Story Siren (her blog is the BEST, by the way!). For this one, I have to read at least 12 books by the many 2011 debut authors, which should be really easy for me. :)

Anyhow, I'll be keeping track of them through the list below, as well as this shelf on goodreads.

1) Human. 4 by Mike A. Lancaster
2) The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

 

Lastly, I've read a number of really great 2011 debuts already, and while they don't count for the challenge, I thought I would still list them below.

• Awaken
• Darkness Becomes Her
• Across the Universe
• Choker
• The False Princess
• The Lipstick Laws
• The Liar Society
• Here Lies Bridget
• Unearthly
• Angelfire
• Wither

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YA Historical Fiction Challenge

Sab at YA Bliss is hosting this one. There are 3 levels (each with a different book total) and the one I'll be doing is Level 2 which is to read 10 YA HF books in 2011.

I'll be keeping track of them through the list below, as well as this shelf on goodreads.

1)

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2011 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge

This is hosted by Jennifer at Reading with Tequila. For this one, there's a HUGE list of recommend books that each participant is to choose books from to read. This one also has several different levels. The one I'll be doing is Level II where you have to read 10 books.

I'll be keeping track of them through the list below, as well as this shelf on goodreads.

1)

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And that concludes my list of challenges for 2011. While I didn't choose a lot of challenges this year, the ones I have chosen look like they are going to be a bunch of fun! So be sure to check back as 2011 progresses to see how I've done.

Though, enough about me, what challenges are YOU participating in this year? Any of the ones I am? Did I miss any really awesome ones?  Let me know in the comments!

12 Books of '11 To Keep An Eye Out For!

In the past few months, I've had the chance to read several upcoming '11 books. All of them have been fantastic in their own ways, so I thought I would dedicate a post to 12 books to be excited for! So, without a further ado, here they are...

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky: Awaken  is a story of a future society that's addicted to computers (to a point where they barley interact face to face anymore), but can Maddie and her friends bring this system down? This book is one of the most haunting and memorable dystopian titles I've read. I loved the characters and premise Ms. Kacvinsky had in this; she's one author to keep an eye out for, no doubt about it.

Buy this one May 23rd 2011!

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker: I read this book back in late August, nearly a year before its publication, and let me tell you, I tend to still think back to it to this day because Melissa Walker has created such a fantastic story within this one... a story about religion, first love, and what ties people together.

Buy this one on July 19th 2011!

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton: This book is haunting, dark, romantic, and nearly flawless! I read it one sitting and could barley put it down for even a second, which nearly never happens. Words of advice? If you love YA, get this book because it one of those rare books that shows just how incredible YA can be!

Buy this one February 22nd 2011!

Across the Universe by Beth Revis: Yet another incredible book! Revis' sets up an extremely enticing and unique premise in this one...one that's pure gold in my eyes and makes me eager to read the next additions of Elder and Amy's journey through space!

Buy this one January 11th 2011!

Drought by Pam Bachorz: In Drought, Pam Bachorz is back with yet another memorable and haunting story of one girl's struggle to break away from the future she's destined to. Look for a review, as well as interview with Pam, coming soon!

Buy this one January 25th 2011!

Choker by Elizabeth Woods: If you're a regular reader of my blog, you may know I reviewed this book a few weeks ago, but let me reiterate once again just how mind blowing and amazing this book is! If you do one thing this upcoming January, buy this book!

Buy this one January 4th 2011!

Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell: An adorable, heart-warming coming of age story that will leave any reader with a smile on their face by the end!

Buy this one March 22nd 2011!

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder: If you loved the movie Mean Girls, you'll love this book even more because not only does it involve mean girls, but it's funny, charming, and addicting! Can't wait to see what Ms. Holder comes up with next! Even better, Amy is a fellow PA resident like yours truly and she sent me cool swag a while back. But that doesn't make me biased at all. ;)

Buy this one April 4th 2011!

Will Work for Prom Dress by Aimee Ferris: Looking for a cute, funny prom read? Well, look no further because this is the book for you!

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg: While this has been available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble for the last week or so, the official release date is January 1, 2011. Anyhow, this book is yet another great one by Ms. Eulberg because not only is it witty and charming, but it's a take of off Pride and Prejudice.

Buy this book January 1st 2011!

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand: Angels and romance? What's not to love about this one? Check out my review here.

Buy this book January 4th 2011! Though, I've already seen it a few stores already! :)

The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker: When I first set down to read this book yesterday, I only expected to read a few pages and then put it down until it was closer to its March release date, but before I knew it I was hooked. Wit, romance, suspense, and action- this book has it all! I seriously can't express in words just how much I LOVED this book. Lisa and Laura? You've kind of created a fan-girl in me with this one. :) (Cover shown is not the final one)

Buy this book March 1st 2011!

In all, that includes this list. Final words: If these books are any indication of how great the books will be in 2011, I can't wait to read more, more, and more! :)

Questions for you: What books are you looking forward to reading in 2011? Any of the ones featured above? And if you've had the chance to read any '11 books so far, which ones do you suggest? Let me know in the comments! :)

Check back tomorrow to see my blogging goals for 2011, as well as the challenges I'll be participating in!