Thank you for joining us for another Blog Love feature, this week we profile Lauren Murphy from The Australian Bookshelf.
The Australian Bookshelf is one that is new to me but it is definitely one that I look forward to exploring more.
Welcome to Beauty and Lace Lauren, and thank you for participating.
How did you get started as a book blogger?
I actually attended a short course at a local community college on how to make money writing online. At the time I was just starting out in freelance writing (as well as dabbling in fiction writing) and had considered setting up a site that was related to psychology. Through this course I was introduced to the world of blogs, affiliate links and html! I learnt to set up a WordPress blog and how to format posts and add links etc. Around the same time, I discovered GoodReads and had immediate access to other writers and readers.
As I worked on my rather pitiful psychology website and wondered what on earth I was going to do with it, I thought it would be a lot more fun to blog about books. The Australian Bookshelf was born! I make absolutely no money out of the blog (apart from a few dollars here and there on affiliate commission which is used on postage for book giveaways) but I absolutely love book blogging!
What is your background?
I’m a psychologist; I work in the local Hospital with pregnant women and new mums. I’m fascinated by relationships and how our early experiences influence the adults we become.
Tell us about your blog?
My blog, The Australian Bookshelf is where I post stuff about books and writing. I try to post something every day, usually reviews but sometimes author interviews, book features, giveaways and guest posts.
Is blogging a hobby or a job for you?
It’s a hobby. I love reading and I enjoy sharing my thoughts about books with other readers.
What is your favourite book of all time?
I have to say Pride and Prejudice. But I read so many books every month that I have new favourites all the time!
What are you currently reading?
The Casual Vacancy by J.K Rowling (hardback)
Wish by Kelly Hunter (ebook)
Which author would you most like to meet and why?
Hmm. That’s a tough one. I have many favourite authors and as a blogger I’ve had the pleasure of emailing and interviewing many of these including Helene Young and Bronwyn Parry. So, I’ll have to go with someone I have never spoken to and have always admired- John Marsden. I’m a huge fan of the Tomorrow series.
What book would you like to see made into a movie?
Actually, I’d love to see one of our Australian rural romance novels go from print to the big screen. I absolutely love the influx of books set in the country with hard-working, strong women and would love to see this played out in a movie!
What future plans do you have for your blog?
I’d like to continue focusing on Australian fiction, particularly books by Australian women writers in 2013. I’d also like to further develop my blog as a platform for exposing my own writing.
Name 3 of your favourite blogs?
These three Australian blogs are my fav:
Book’d Out- Shelleyrae reads quite eclectically and is a great advocate for Australian women writers.
1Girl2ManyBooks- Bree seems to enjoy similar books across a wide range of genres as me and I like her honest, entertaining reviews.
Read in a Single Sitting- Stephanie offers quite a unique perspective in her book reviews, focusing more on themes arising in the story.
What does being a book blogger mean to you?
It has brought me so many opportunities. Never before would I have imagined reading such a diverse mix of books and interacting with authors from all over the country and abroad. It’s such a lovely feeling when an author has taken the time to read my review and leave a pleasant comment. It’s also such a great way to connect with other readers and converse about books – something my friends and family aren’t that eager to do!
Lauren can be found on her Author Page, Facebook, Twitter and The Australian Bookshelf Blog.
