Interview with fellow blogger who's an inspiration to all bloggers–Kim Costa

I’d like to welcome to my blog fellow blogger Kimberly Costa who’s blog in less than two years has almost 7000 followers and who has gone from novice to expert blogger. I invite you to visit her excellent blog everyday for great reviews, blog tours, interviews and giveaways Kimba the “Caffeinated Book Reviewer”

Kim Hi;
welcome to my blog!

Hi Debbie thanks so much for having me on the Reading Frenzy. You offer a diverse selection of book reviews, author interviews and book information. I love stopping in and exploring your site.

Tell us a little about you

Hi my name is Kimberly and I am a book addict, coffee addict and Whovian.  I am a nerd, and a geek. I married my soul mate 25 yrs ago and we created three monsters that are now in college and struggling in the real world. I work part-time outside the home and my dream job would be vetting books submitted to publishers for review consideration.

So what got you interested in blogging in the first place?

Between the B&N book forums and Goodreads I developed friendships and a group of ladies suggested I create a blog and thus my addiction was born. *I really am an addict* Once I discovered a venue for talking about my passion I was hooked. I get such a high when someone comes back and says, “I read that book you recommended and loved it!” When someone tries a new genre because of a review seeing them step out of their element and discover a new love is just fantastic. 

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You’ve designed and uploaded most if not all of your blog’s design and content.
How did you learn HTML and all the other techhie web stuff?
Was it hard to learn?

OMG! Before I began blogging I could navigate around a computer, knew excel and all that jazz but html?!? No I knew nothing, but I am a first born and can’t is not in my vocabulary!  I goggled, I asked questions, and I pinned my husband’s geeky computer friend down at dinner. I slammed him with a list of questions and made him explain not show me what he meant. Once I began to understand simple statements it became easier. It’s still a learning experience and I pick up new tricks daily.

Kim, for people reading this thinking of becoming a blogger what’s the one best piece of advice you could give them?

Research everything from your blog name to what type of site you want. Decide whether you want to be self-hosted or utilize a free site.  Name recognition is so important so research carefully. There are dozens of tutorial sites out there offering up great advice. 

You helped me enormously when I revamped my blog when I learned that B&N was abandoning their book club forums, you were such an inspiration and a huge help for me when I felt really out of my element. Some bloggers wouldn’t be so quick to help but you do it all the time in fact there’s even a button on you blog called Blogger tips and tricks.
Why do you do it?

I remember what it was like when I started and like most people I jumped in head first and was lost.  I remember both the bloggers who helped me and those who didn’t. As I learned and grew I was asked questions. I am naturally inclined to share and help so I did. As my confidence grew I decided to create a monthly post to share what works for me and what I’ve picked up along the way. I didn’t want it to be a should and should not post,  since I think it’s important for each blogger to create their own space so I offer suggestions and tips like hmtl codes.  I try to do it in layman’s terms using a show don’t tell approach that has been quite popular. While I am no expert, I liked to think the little tips and tricks I share help others. 

How much time each day do you spend on your blog?

Socializing or actually writing and maintaining the blog because those are two different puppies that demand equal stage time.  Aside from being an addict I am also a very anal person, so a lot of what I do is scheduled.  Twice a month I do what I call pre-preps of posts where I format the top portion of my post with cover, synopsis, buy links, genre, title, tags etc.  Once a month I set up four or five Waiting on Wednesday Posts for the following month and write both my Confession and BB&T post for the following month as well. Each Sunday I prep my new Sunday Post and add books and relevant information all week long.  I write reviews within twenty-four hours finishing the book and those generally take me forty-five minutes. I write reviews three or four times a week. I spend three hours a day reading. (not always in one sitting, sometimes 30 mins here, 20 mins there, you get the idea) I spend anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour networking and chatting with bookish peeps.  Gads, on average I would guess 2 hrs a day blogging and three reading.  Like everything in life my time with the blog fluctuates but I enjoy it and find it both rewarding and relaxing.

Okay you have many genres that you like to read and review. If you had to pick one which genre would it be?

Ok Debbie that is like asking me which child is my favorite.  I love so many genres, and add new ones all the time.

You’re going to spend a year on a deserted island and you can only pack 7 books. Which ones would you take?   :)

Worse nightmare ever.. how will I get my coffee? Oh wait only a year? Well thank goodness! Is it like resort?  Let’s pretend it is shall we and the coffee is flowing. Why does it have to be deserted you could have given me some eye-candy. *like a cabana boy* What was the question? Oh yeah books not cabana boys.  I would need a diverse mix, so I’d take a Pride and Prejudice, Unravel Me, Harry Potter boxed set (cheating I know), The Kingdom, The Fifth Wave, Run the Risk and Royal Street. Of course that could all change tomorrow but since it’s only for a year I will be ok. Don’t forget to pick me up.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not blogging?

Reading! Bwahaha!  No seriously I love to spend time with my family, watch my favorite shows like Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes and Masterpiece Mystery. I enjoy working in my garden. I am a homebody and enjoying baking and cooking for my family.

Kim thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions. I’ll see you on the web!

Thanks for having me Debbie it was great fun!

Visit Kim's blog here