As part of BBAW's blogger interviews, I had the extreme pleasure of being matched up with Karen a.k.a "Bingo" of Bookin' with "Bingo". I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know her, and I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us on her wonderful blog! And now...presenting KAREN!!!
When and why did you start your blog?
BOOKIN' WITH BINGO was "born" in January of 2009. My passion has always been reading and writing and so a blog was a place for both. I never knew what blogging was before but decided with trial and much error to give it a chance. Not only did I have a place for my reviews that I had been doing for about a year but I could have fun and make people happy giving away books.
I love the name of your blog, what inspired the title?
"Bingo" is a family nickname that came about because my Goddaughter couldn't pronounce my real family nickname of "Biggo" and she always said Bingo and so some family started calling me that. I liked the alliteration with the letter B so at first it was going to be "Bingo's Book Blog".
"Bingo" is a family nickname that came about because my Goddaughter couldn't pronounce my real family nickname of "Biggo" and she always said Bingo and so some family started calling me that. I liked the alliteration with the letter B so at first it was going to be "Bingo's Book Blog".
Of all the books you've reviewed, which has been your favorite?
That's like asking me to pick my favorite child (maybe that's why I only have one child). I guess THE WINDS OF TARA is special because it is the sequel to my favorite book GONE WITH THE WIND and it was so hard to even get a copy having to go through Australia to get one due to copyright laws in America (from the Margaret Mitchell society). I also loved THE EDUCATION OF AN AMERICAN DREAMER because I could relate it to my dad. But I think my favorite book that I read and reviewed for my blog so far THE LEISURE SEEKER by Michael Zadoorian--just loved the book!
That's like asking me to pick my favorite child (maybe that's why I only have one child). I guess THE WINDS OF TARA is special because it is the sequel to my favorite book GONE WITH THE WIND and it was so hard to even get a copy having to go through Australia to get one due to copyright laws in America (from the Margaret Mitchell society). I also loved THE EDUCATION OF AN AMERICAN DREAMER because I could relate it to my dad. But I think my favorite book that I read and reviewed for my blog so far THE LEISURE SEEKER by Michael Zadoorian--just loved the book!
Aside from blogging, what are your hobbies?
You mean people have time for hobbies and still blog? I, of course, love reading and writing and working on my "great American novel". I love football....especially college (my alma mater is Florida State and I am a crazy Seminole fan) and the Dallas Cowboys and I have been as one for over 30 years! I also love traveling and Las Vegas is my #1 destination for fun.
You have tons of awesome giveaways, what do you find most rewarding about hosting contests?
That's easy. Giving people books makes them so happy and I get to do it for free for the most part and that brings me great joy. I also like being really goofy in making up my entry comments (and I love reading each and every one).
That's easy. Giving people books makes them so happy and I get to do it for free for the most part and that brings me great joy. I also like being really goofy in making up my entry comments (and I love reading each and every one).
Where do you envision your blog one year from now?
I hope to manage my time better and commit to fewer things so I have more time for just reading. I would like to do fewer giveaways and be able to write more in my posts even though I love making people happy with giveaways, it does take a lot of work and time to do it. I probably have at least 5 giveaways per week and I need to cut back and allow myself more time for my writing.
I hope to manage my time better and commit to fewer things so I have more time for just reading. I would like to do fewer giveaways and be able to write more in my posts even though I love making people happy with giveaways, it does take a lot of work and time to do it. I probably have at least 5 giveaways per week and I need to cut back and allow myself more time for my writing.
Thank you, Shalonda and BBAW, for the opportunity to do this. It has been great fun and I look forward to all of the BBAW activities. This also has allowed me to discover another great blog in SHALONDA'S BLOG...today I became a follower and got to "meet" her sister in an interview---how clever is that?!
Bookin' with "Bingo" is an eclectic and fun blog for book lovers of all ages, so be sure to check it out. And seriously, how can you resist this adorable face?!?!? (Yes, that's Karen as a child!)
6 comments:
Thank you for a wonderful post, Shalonda! It is lovely except I bet everyone thought that kid was writing my blog!:D
I am so late posting today but yours is due up any minute. It has been my pleasure and joy working with, and getting to know, you!
I like the name of the blog too. It's funny how the idea of the name came out^^
She is adorable indeed. "Bingo" has truly enhanced the blogosphere. She certainly has added a lot to me. Someday I am going to meet Karen in person as she and I live just across the state from each other.
Thanks for interviewing one of my favorite bloggers.
Bingo rocks!
Bingo: Thank you. This was a wonderful opportunity for me.
Silvia: I too liked the story about how Karen came to her decision.
Kaye: The blogosphere is truly lucky to have Bingo!
Ryan G: Thanks for visiting. I,too, am loving Karen's blog!
Serena: She sure does!
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