I started this feature here at ASR in order to know your fellow bloggers a little better! If you are interested in being featured please fill out
the form.
My name is Ruby, as you might have guessed from the name of my blog. I run Ruby’s Reads (my tagline is “Anything with a Smidge of Romance”), for those unfamiliar or if you think you might have me confused with someone else. I’m just me, an bookaholic from Southern California. I’ve been an avid reader all my life, and have no intention of ever changing the fact.
How long have you been blogging? What made you want to start a book blog?
I’ve been blogging for a little over two years. I started blogging because I was a big fan of
The Book Smugglers and they made it seem like a really cool, fun outlet for my love of books. Plus, I reeeeally wanted to be part of the book blogging community and, at the heart of all that was a genuine desire to explore what I was reading.
What do you do when you’re not blogging or reading?
Um…work? It feels like that’s the only other thing in my life at the moment.
What is your favorite part about blogging? Least favorite?
Well, while I do love interacting with other book lovers (and chatting with my fellow princess, Small (of
Small Review), I have to say that the free books are a pretty spectacular bonus. It’s not the only reason I blog, but if I’m being honest…well…I love it. Love love
love it.
My least favorite thing? Ehm…probably how down I feel when I feel like nobody’s reading my blog, or at least aren’t commenting. There are some times when my happiness is dangerously affected by it. Try as I might, that hasn’t really changed, despite two years’ experience.
How did you come up with the name for your blog?
I love alliteration. I played with a couple of different names, but Ruby’s Reads is the one that stuck. Plus, it’s easy to remember. The subtitle was a natural addition because that’s my reading philosophy.
Do you have any specific book bloggers that inspire you?
What do you look for in a blog when following? What are your pet peeves?
The way a blog looks, visually speaking, is important to me. I know that’s just first impression stuff, but uninspired headers and overhanging sidebars (to name a few of those pesky pet peeves) turn me off. If a blog looks polished, simple, and visually attractive, I’m more apt to give it a second look. On a deeper level, I like blogs that have more than just reviews. Interesting book-related content tends to attract me, and I’m more likely to comment on it. Blogs that feature lots of cover reveals and book trailers aren’t that interesting to me, though I realize I’m in the minority on that front.
Commenting is the other big thing for me. I love the Book Smugglers, but I don’t think they’ve ever responded when I’ve commented, and to the best of my recollection they’ve never reciprocated. Not that I’m even in a similar blogging strata, but it does affect me. I can’t help it.
What’s your favorite book(s)?
There’s no way I can answer this question.
Favorite author?
Nope, can’t answer this one either.
What is the biggest turn off for you when you’re reading a book?
Unhappy endings! Also: when the hero or heroine has a relationship with someone else after they’ve met the other. I frickin’ hate that.
What first draws you to a book to make you want to read it?
Well, lots of things. Key words like: amnesia, Gothic-inspired, werewolf, alpha, shifter. Red book covers. And, yes, pretty book covers. I can usually tell a book that I’ll like just by looking at the spine.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Funny, I hope.
Name a random fact about yourself.
I have two middle names. No, I’m not telling.
Do you have a job? If so, what do you do?
Yes! I’m a Montessori teacher. I teach Upper Elementary, which is grades 3-5.
What did you want to be when you were little? Has that changed?
A stage actress. And yes, obviously.
Randomness
Cats or dogs?
Cats.
Favorite animal?
Hmm, besides cats? Well, I think primates are fascinating. I’m not saying I want to go live among the Western Lowland Gorillas or anything, but they’re so smart and human-like, which makes them fun to observe. And I totally think baby hedgehogs are cute. But, then, baby anythings are always cute. It’s a law of nature.
White, dark, or milk chocolate?
I don’t acknowledge the term “white chocolate.” Dark chocolate FTW!
Coke or Pepsi?
Coke. Especially Cherry coke. But I will drink Pepsi.
Favorite TV show?
I don’t really know. I like different shows for different reasons. I’ll watch the Vampire Diaries, but I’m also a Castle fan. I love British sitcoms–The It Crowd makes my sides ache, it’s so funny.
Favorite movie?
I love Gosford Park. Everything about it is awesome. The dialogue, the costumes. But, for comfort, I like to re-watch Pride & Prejudice (the long version, not the ridiculous Kiera Knightly one).
Color?
Orangey-red. It’s kind of like persimmon, but has a touch more red.
Thanks for being here today, Ruby! It was fantastic getting to know you!
Find Ruby:
Thanks for having me, Jessi!
Thanks for participating, it was fun!