Blogger Interview: C.J. Listro
Your Name (as it appears on your blog):
C.J. Listro
Your Blog Link:
Sarcasm&Lemons, a book blog
Your Twitter (if applicable):
@cjlistro
Your Facebook (if applicable):
I’m still in the dark ages.
Your GoodReads (if applicable):
CJ Listro
How would you describe yourself?
Addled. No, but seriously. Okay, a little addled. I’m an oddball. A nerd. I enjoy being a little bit left-of-center and a lot-bit snarky. I like good writing and I don’t write glowing reviews if I don’t mean it. I live and die by the White Sox, hoard Diana Wynne Jones books, and attempt to be a grad student. Once in a while, I also sleep.
How would you describe your blog?
Books with a sprinkle of musing and a dash of psychology. Most of the posts are either reviews, book memes, writing tips, or various book-related discussions. Some of the posts are me getting uppity about the state of mental health care. A few of the posts are excerpts from my own writings. A good number of the posts are tours and giveaways. All the posts contain a healthy amount of sarcasm. And sometimes lemons.
What inspired you to start reviewing books?
I want to be a writer, and it’s a good idea to have a website because we live in the age where people don’t know how to use paper. Then I thought, hm, I should probably include something on this site other than my own drooling and smiley faces. And I thought, Hey! I like books! Other people like books! Other people write about books! I could write about books! It was a profound moment.
Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla?
Vanilla, but only if it’s French.
What blogs do you visit most?
Doodle’s blog because she’s awesome and writes short, snappy reviews about great books. And many others, sporadically. I follow a lot of blogs.
What one blogging tip do you have for new bloggers?
Do your homework. It’s easy to create a blog. It’s hard to create a good, well put together blog. Look at other blogs first and see what you want to include and how you want it to look. It’ll save you a lot of scrambling later.
How long have you been blogging?
I’ve been using this blog for eight months! So proud of myself.
What do you hope for the future of your blog?
I hope people will come and comment and discuss books! I really like visitors. I also secretly hope to spread some mental health awareness, because I am a secret crusader for psychology.
What one thing are you OCD about, in general?
I can only pick one? Curses. Um, well, I guess I’m pretty big on grammar. If you’re going to misuse it, misuse it with a purpose! And for god’s sake, learn you’re vs your.
What do you consider your three most effective means of promotion?
1. Making friends. I don’t mean send them an auto-DM and tell them, OMG I FOLLOW YOU READ MY STUFF. Ew. I mean, go on twitter, talk to people, comment on their posts, get involved. The promotion comes on its own. I’ve been promoted so much by friends of mine whom I met through twitter, just by saying hi and chatting and getting to know each other.
2. Join blog hops. They’re a great way to find new blogs and get your name out on bigger sites. Just don’t go overboard.
3. Write good content and tag it well. You can promote all you want, but a sucky post is going to drive people away.
What is the most creative way you have promoted your blog?
I guess I joined the Random Acts of Kindness program and sent a book to a total stranger. She follows my blog now, and I feel all warm and fuzzy.
What would you do differently if you had to start over?
Have a plan. I was sort of flailing for many months, adding features and not really sure what direction I wanted to go in. I’d also learn a little more about search optimization.
What are the first three rules you would make if you took over the world?
1. Cubs fans have to stop bragging about their ballpark.
2. All prisons must include a fleet of psychologists and mandatory rehabilitation programs. Former conviction status should not affect your chances of getting a job as long as you pass the trial period cleanly.
3. Nutella for everyone!
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