Today I’m super excited to share a Q&A with one of my favorite book bloggers Kimberly from the Caffeinated Reviewer. I’ve been following Kimberly for a view years now and I always enjoy visiting her blog and reading her reviews. Not only is Kimberly a big reader and audiobook listener, she also is the host of the Sunday Post, a fun weekly meme. Kimberly was kind enough to also host a giveaway to help me celebrate my five year Blogiversary. So let’s find our more about Kimberly..

• Please tell us a little more about you and your blog?

Hi Maureen! Thanks for having me over to chat. Is there coffee? *looks around* Oh, you’ve got company? Hello Everyone! I’m Kimberly, the caffeine addict over at Caffeinated Reviewer.

I’ve been blogging for almost eight years. Outside of my book and audio addiction, I own my own PR business and help author’s build their brand. On the home front, I have three grown children and will celebrate 31 years of marriage in April. I have two beautiful grandchildren affectionately known as the Royals on the blog.

• Why did you start book blogging?

I started out as Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer on Blogger. I wanted a place to share my reviews and was active on the B&N forums and Goodreads. The blogging community helped fill a void in my life. I was becoming an empty nester and lonely during the day. The blogger community filled my days with read-a-thons, challenges and helped me discover new books.

• What do you like most and least about blogging?

I love the community but hate the drama. I love being able to read and listened to advanced copies but hate seeing an author’s content on illegal sites.

• What is your favorite time to read and where?

Between my career and watching the Royals while their parents go to their day jobs most of my reading and listening is done in the evening. When life is good I can read/listen to fifteen to twenty books a month. I prefer it to TV or movies.

• What is your favorite book(s)?

Now Maureen, that is an impossible question. One that sends book lovers into a corner where you will find them rocking and mumbling. However, since I love a good challenge, I will share three series I always recommend. The Others by Anne Bishop, All of Dannika Dark’s series and everything Ilona Andrews has ever written. How was that?

• You’re also a big audiobook listener. When do you listen to audiobooks the most and do you have a favorite one?

OMG..I love audiobooks. But that wasn’t always the case. I went from thinking they were time sucks to realizing with wireless headphones I could listen all the time! When I am listening to a good audiobook, I can guarantee my house will end up sparkly and clean. I listen while doing mundane chores, with my hubby in the car and love to set the sleep timer and fall asleep to an audiobook. I always have one book and one audiobook I am listening to at all times.

The trick to audio is to start with a book or genre you love. Keep listening. You’ll soon retrain your brain. At first, I sat still and did nothing but listen. Now I garden, cut the lawn, fold laundry and vacuum.

• How do you make time for your blog next to ‘life’?

I balance everything fairly well by scheduling blog posts and reviews at least 2 weeks ahead. Lately I have struggled with illness and increased time with two active toddlers, but you have to learn to make time for both.

In the almost eight years I have blogged the biggest thing I have had to learn is that I cannot possibly reply and visit everyone who stops by. That vacations and sick days are ok. This is a hobby and people will understand.

• What are your thoughts on social media for your blog?

I think it is a key component to blog growth. Tweet and Share, use Pinterest. Everything in moderation though. If you are always on Twitter, you will never get any books read.

• You’re the host of the Sunday Post, a meme with a lot of participants. How do you manage to visit all participants every week?

In the beginning I replied to everyone, and visited everyone. As it grew, I would spend four to five hours every Sunday getting to everyone. When I missed for family events or down time, I felt super guilty. This winter with illness I seriously thought about closing the blog, but I’ve embraced visiting when I can and continuing to share the books. I almost thought about quitting, but I love the Sunday Post and sharing books I love. As I stated earlier I needed to find balance, let folks know when I was down for the count and make an effort to visit when I can. I hope to be blogging a long time.

• What advice would you give for new book bloggers?

Have fun! Don’t stress about the numbers. Share books you love, get to know the blogging community and join a readathon or challenge. This was how I met some of my favorite blogger friends.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don’t forget to visit Kimberly on her blog, Facebook and Twitter. Believe me, her blog is a lot of fun!

Thank you Kimberly for taking the time to celebrate with me! And thank you so much for hosting this fun Giveaway!

Maureen Bakker

Maureen is a mom, wife, nurse, and Ravenclaw living in the Netherlands. She spends her days juggling mom-life, reading, blogging, planning date nights with her husband and working as a nurse. Maureen also is a big Anglophile, loves cooking, Gilmore Girls, Bridgerton and Harry Potter.. Always!  Facebook | Instagram