I haven’t met a book reviewer I didn’t like, and Blodeuedd is one of my favorites. I’m happy that she agreed to let me interview her. Of course reviewers are important to get the word out, but what’s great about them is their love of books, and their excitement for a good one. Just like writers! B calls herself “a young Finnish woman lost in a world of books.” She’s open for reviewing books. You can find out more information on her website. In honor of her interview, I’ll give one commenter a copy of Cattitude, which was reviewed on her site, or an e-copy of my next book, Dead People, as soon as it’s online (about two weeks).

Now, here’s Blodeuedd!

What made you decide to start your own review site?

I have to go back a bit to tell that story. I was bored, there was this course I was attending and I spent more or less 6 hours online since there was nothing else to do. I stumbled upon Angela James’s blog, she was having this Xmas bash, and for some reason that lead me to my first real bookblog. And I thought, hey I could do that. I mean I love books, and I would love to talk about them. So after a rocky start I settled in, and started writing more and more reviews, and finally, I could talk about what I love. And thanks to my lovely blogging buddies I am still here, because honestly I would have grown bored talking about books with no one.

Has your reading experience changed since you started to post reviews? Are you more analytical as you read? Do you take conscious note of what works and what doesn’t?

Analytical, no way, that is one thing I will never do. I am not one for dissecting a book and seeing things that might not even be there. But yes my reviews have become better and I have found my own style. But I read as I always have, for pure escapism. I never take notes or anything like that, when I read I do not want to think about a review, I just want to enjoy the book. Afterwards I start to think, but sure yes of course I stop and marvel at great writing, or bad writing and wonder what went wrong.

I see that you read “fantasy, chick-lit, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, YA, historical/+romance and literary fiction.” Do you have a favorite? Or are you like me and need a variety?

Fantasy is my one true love, sadly though it is the genre I get to read the least. But I do need variety; I do not think I could survive on fantasy alone. I need romance, historical and modern. I needs shapehifters kicking ass, I need my funny chick-lit that makes me smile, and I need fiction. Because there I find the kind of writing that just makes me want to write as beautifully as they do.

What grabs you in a book? The premise? An exciting hook? Strong characters? A compelling, fresh voice that keeps you reading? Anything else?

It can be anything. Sometimes I fall head of heels in love with the writing, other times it’s the cute storyline, or just a story that I enjoy without really knowing why. It might be the humor, the thrill of the book that makes me read faster and faster, it might just be anything. I can never tell because books always find new ways to surprise me.

What authors are your favorites? Can you say what makes their books stand out for you?

This is a hard one, I do not want to say I have fav authors, because I might love one book, and then hate the next. But I will give it a try and mention Raymond E.Feist who has written the best book ever! Magician (go read it now), it is my fav re-read, and I love it to pieces. Then there is Robert Jordan who sadly passed away a few years ago, and that broke my heart. I love his writing and world building.

Both those authors are fantasy writers, and when you look at my keeper shelf there is mostly fantasy there. I love the books because of the drama, the epic storylines, and the great worlds that have been created. I can see myself there, and they are the kind of authors I just love. So yes I have a weakness for fantasy authors.

If you’ve liked an author’s books and then you get one that’s not good, how many more chances do you give the author?

Of course I go back, time after time… after time. Because I have hope and with authors I enjoy I seldom give up. But ok perhaps after the 10th bad book I might give up, and try something else.

Do you ever think of writing a book? If so, what kind of a book would you write?

Hihi, of course, I am actually writing one. I started when I was 16, and it’s a fantasy series, there are a few books already written now, and I have started on the last one. But I just do not have the time any more so I have been working on the last few for years. What I really should do is go back to book 1 and try to do something about it. I mostly wrote for myself, I loved fantasy and had read every single book that could be found around here (even the bad fantasy ones), so I started a book. Will it ever be published, who knows, I guess it would be in Sweden and read by like 10 people. But my dream is to be up there with the big ones, Jordan, Hobb, and Feist. A girl can dream.

Thanks for inviting me Edie, this was so much fun. I have never been interviewed by an author before, I feel so famous