I don’t want to get all braggy here, but Book Chic and I go way back—back to a time when MySpace was the social network of choice (did Twitter even exist? Did people think Facebook would come this far? I think not!), my debut YA novel was months away from release and I happened upon this supremely fabulous-looking book-reviewing blogger with big, beautiful eyes, impeccably styled hair, a coy little smile and the most adorable little dress.

But that’s not all. Upon reading some of B.C.’s reviews, I was smitten. I simply knew we were M.F.E.O. (Note from BC: That means Made For Each Other, for those who, like me, aren't up-to-date with abbreviations, lol) So I sent a typical newbie note of introduction, begging for B.C.’s friendship and explaining that I had a book coming out soon and hoped B.C. would like a review copy but that, you know, no biggie if I was deemed unworthy for any reason and rejected. I could take it, I explained with all the insecurity-squelching wit I could summon.

That’s when this reply flew back at me:

“REJECTED!”

And then…

“lol. Just kidding. I wouldn’t do that ever…”

A true-to-B.C. missive full of enthusiasm and sass followed, and our friendship quickly blossomed. I even announced our unofficial BFF status in this blog post. It’s been over a year since B.C. and I first connected. In that time, B.C.—a.k.a. James, a.k.a. “Boothy” has graduated from college, entered the working world and even migrated the B.C. blog from MySpace to the oh-so-official Blogger-sphere, while I’ve graduated from “debut YA author” to…um…that chick who’s on book three in her series and who might have a DISNEY MOVIE DEAL sometime soon (woo! Way to turn the spotlight back on me, right?). Well, settle down…because all roads (or at least this post) lead back to B.C.—who is one of the key reasons authors like me love the world of YA books so much. B.C. represents that winning combination of effusive passion and tempered criticism, someone who truly brings a dash of class and kindness to the world of review blogs.

In short: Happy Blogiversary, B.C. Je t’adore!


Interview with Julie Linker
1) How do you handle bad reviews?

What bad reviews? Do you know something I don’t?

2) What are your criteria for finding book bloggers to send a review copy to?

Er . . . if they seem cool? And/or nice-funny-witty-smart-creative or some other quality that strikes me? I’m also easily swayed by pretty graphics and pictures (because I’m shallow like that). I don’t really have any strict criteria, just whoever or whatever site I happen to like. The only constant is that they have to be professional.

3.) How did you find my blog, as well as others you frequent?

I’ve discovered pretty much all the blogs I frequent by drifting around from one site to the next, following different links. And I’m proud to say that Book Chic is the very first book blog I stumbled across (via the adorable Stephanie Hale) way back in 2007!! DISENCHANTED PRINCESS had just come out and I was totally clueless about everything. Marketing, promotion, social networking—I actually had to hire someone to set up my myspace account and do the graphics because I couldn’t figure it out (and I’m not even that old. Really. I swear.). I remember being so in awe of Stephanie because she had all these friends and cool pics on her myspace and was even hosting contests. It was like this big, awesome party you could visit in your pajamas. That was the moment when I first really comprehended the concept of social networking. Up until that point I thought the internet was just for checking e-mail and buying cute clothes I couldn’t get here in Arkansas.

And when I saw Book Chic—WOW. Not to sound too cheesy, but finding Book Chic was like finding the door to an entirely new world. I had no idea there was this whole online book world I could visit and participate in. I can hardly believe that now, but it’s true. I also can’t believe I was nervous about writing to you, James! I’m not sure what I thought might happen. But you were so nice (and funny!). It was a great way to be introduced to the online book review world.


4) Do you have any advice for bloggers writing reviews?

I think, as with most things in life, when writing reviews bloggers would do well to observe the golden rule: “Treat others only in ways you’re willing to be treated in the same situation.” That’s not to say bloggers should only write good reviews, or be scared to offer criticism about a book, just that they should remember there is a tactful and not-so tactful way to say that you don’t like something. James does a great job of this, which is one of the reasons I love Book Chic so much! So I guess my other advice would be to read Book Chic for tips! Happy 2 year anniversary!! I look forward to many more!


CONTEST!
So both of these amazing authors have offered up prizes to be given away!! :) Alexa Young is offering up the choice of either a set of US copies of Frenemies and Faketastic OR a French version of Frenemies (cover found here) in case anyone out there has the US Frenemies and is taking French and would like to see it, or even if you just like to have a book you can't possibly read.

Julie Linker is offering up a copy of her newest book Crowned. So if you want to be entered, leave a comment below telling me which book (or author) you want to be entered for and you can be entered for both books if you wish. This contest will end next Thursday, June 25 at 8pm EST. The winner will be notified by Myspace email that night.