This morning with Coffee Cup… I have my printed out BBAW (Book Bloggers Appreciation Week) nomination sheets beside me as I have had for the past week. The categories are wonderful and there are so many! There are also so many WONDERFUL Book Blogs out there that this is really in some cases, tough decisions. I am loving it all!
At the BBAW website they have a few questions for those who participated last year, and a few for those who are new to the BBAW. I fall into the later category and am more than happy to participate.
What has been one of the highlights of blogging for you?
I actually have book blogged for over a year – however I did not actually start “Book Blogging” the way you see it now, until this past June. I guess you could say I book journaled. I am a little embarrassed to say that I did not know this community – at this level – existed. (I cant tell you how glad I am to find that it does!)
I created a blog to record my reading … just for record keeping. It was in June of this year that someone commented on a post I had put up (that was rare too, maybe 2 hits a week.) and when I 
looked to see where they came from I seen they were a member of Book Blogs. I had no idea what that was, but going to that website was like Alice going through the rabbit hole – a whole new world for me and I have never turned back!
So – after all the babbling, the answer to this question is – community! I had no idea this existed, let alone at this level. And most Book Bloggers are incredible! I love reading their book related topics, I have added so much to my wish list! I love connecting with authors and publishers (also new to me!) My husband laughs and says this is what I was wired for. LOL
What blogger has helped you out with your blog by answering questions, linking to you, or inspiring you?
This is a tough question as many Book Bloggers have been so nice to me when I ask my questions…. and I have asked questions! There are many I am thankful for – from helping to create sidebar widgets, explaining Twitter lanquage, and more!
To answer I have to say that when Natasha at Maw Books started the Blogiesta, I was still so new. The Blogiesta was so helpful and I just loved it! That weekend I took every mini challenge (thank you to each of those who hosted these!) and I learned something new at every one! I wish I would have a picture of what my blog looked like before because I can not remember but it was nothing like what you see today. I put so many hours into the challenge trying to learn and the timing was perfect! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 🙂
One more blog I want to mention here would be Michael’s, A Few Minutes With Michael. He created my Morning Meanderings Meme and I just love it. I seen his creative work on another blog, went to his blog and asked him if he would consider creating one for me. After about a week of sharing what I liked and what I was thinking…. there it was. I love that there are Book Bloggers out there that share their knowledge and talent!!!
What one question do you have about BBAW that someone who participated last year could answer?
I think my only questions would be as this is year two and I was not around for year one… what is being done different this year? I look at all the categories and I am curious if this is the same as last years or did you add more?
I am enjoying all of this – the relationships, community, talking books…I have met wonderful authors who email me or call me. Publishers who contact me when something new is coming up….. I am having such a great time! Book Blogging for me? I am like a kid in a candy store.
Final words – print out your BBAW nomination list today if you have not already. All nominations must be in by August 15! If you Blog or not, you are all welcome to vote. This is a great way to appreciate all those great Book Bloggers out there!
During BBAW Week I will have great appreciation giveaways going on here. Be sure to stop back often! The coffee is always on! 🙂
Book Journey 
We’re glad you found us!! 🙂 You’ll have a blast with BBAW!!
Lezlie
This is my first year participating too. I’m super excited :))
I wasn’t aware of the book blogging community when I created my blog either. It was only this past spring when I learned how strong the ‘network’ is.
My site was created for the sole purpose of my local book group, a log as you might say.
I found your post throught the BBA!
Sheila, I had no idea you more recently started really blogging… you seem like a pro! =)
I’m sort of in the same situation. I started in August of last year (didn’t know about BBAW though) but didn’t really start doing much more with the blog or posting often until July.
Hi Sheila, thanks for the mention. I’ll be posting about the BBAW this week as well.
I’m looking forward to BBAW!
Girl, I thought you were an “old hand” at this. I didn’t realize you were new! You seem very experienced and I am always looking to your blog for guidance. I think I need to talk to Michael!!!
Can’t wait for BBAW, and I am so glad I connected with you at the beginning of my process!
I am passing along accolades today and have mentioned your site – you have been so helpful to me. Helping me define my blog and make it meaningful for me.
ps: your site is mentioned twice today!
Thanks for joining the BBA, this is how I ‘found’ you.
I didn’t know you were a new blogger either Sheila …great job! Looking forward to the BBAW as well. Should be a blast!
And have to agree with you that there are so many nice, helpful people in the blogging community. Everyone I’ve met has been so generous with answering questions and giving helpful hints. Book bloggers are the best! 🙂
I was the same way. I was reading A LOT and though, I’m going to start writing reviews on MySpace, and after little while doing that I found there was this whole world of bloggers. I was shocked! 😀 Glad to meet you, thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Hi Sheila – Thanks again for stopping by. I think this will be a great experience for everyone who joins in, and of course I wish I had gotten more involved last year! Great closing question too. 🙂
Yay, you’re participating in the BBAW! I am too. I’m definitely looking forward to it, though I haven’t had a chance to do the memes at all yet.
BTW, I gave you an award on my blog: http://heidenkind.blogspot.com/2009/08/awards-spreading-love.html
Sheila, I just wanted to thank you for giving me a little inspiration witout ever trying to. When I started blogging a little over a month ago I wasn’t sure how much time I would really put into it. Your’s was one of the first blogs I ran across and just seeing how much fun you have doing this made me realize I have been missing out on so much. So thank you.
Hi, thanks for stopping by my blog today and leaving a comment. I agree that there’s so many great blogs out there and I’m ‘meeting’ lots of really nice people. Glad I have found a ‘newbie’ too 🙂
Since this is my first year also, I don’t know what’s different. Looking forward to all the fun though 🙂
Enjoy the reast of your weekend!
This is my first year as well and is it fun! – sounds like your having fun to and that’s what it is all about. There are many mentors out there, Maw, J Kaye, Shh I’m Reading, actually if you have a question almost anyone will take the time and help out. That’s what I love about blogging and receiving free books isn’t half bad either : D lol.
I agree. 🙂 The blogging community has given me with great connections! 🙂