Top Ten Things That Make Blogging/Reading Easier/Better

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

In no particular order, the top ten things that make my reading and blogging lives simpler or just better:

Goodreads

No doubt, this will be a popular item on people's lists, so I just wanted to get it out of the way. I'm not as into this as a lot of bloggers are, but I'm trying to be. What I do love is how convenient it is. When I search a book on Goodreads, I can see not only all the information about it (i.e. synopsis, publication date, publisher, etc.), but I can also see what people rate it and I have a whole source of reviews RIGHT THERE. I can see what people have to say negatively and positively about a book, which really weighs in on when/if I'll read it as well as when/if I'll buy/request/put it on my birthday list. I also love that they give you all the editions it has for the book so you can see international covers as well. While I'm not as good with keeping up my TBR list on here as I should, I like the fact that I can keep a running list on there for future reference. Really, Goodreads is versatile.

Library

Ever since I could remember, libraries have been such a happy place for me. It's gotten better when I see a book I want to read because I've seen such great things on it (or I need a sequel, I found an author I really love, etc.) and I don't have to buy a book I'm unsure about! The library provides a free reading experience, which is great for stingy, unsure, indecisive book lovers like myself. Of course, this can be listed under things that help the non-blogger side of me. 

If you haven't library hopped in your town, do so. 

Rafflecopter

I feel like I'm cheating on this one. This makes doing giveaways less stressful because it's super easy to do. On the other hand, I don't do a lot of giveaways. But I have done before and it did make it easier and better so it counts. 

Nice authors

Nice authors are so great, I can't even begin. But let's just say that nice authors, which are more abundant than the blogosphere lets on, make me love reading more and writing reviews more. I will still be honest in my review, but a nice author can get me to read their book that I would have otherwise not picked up. They make it easier to write a review because while I would never let an author know that I hate their book, I also know that if they happen to see it, this nice author won't go berserk on me. Nice authors also make me happy. I like being happy.

Other bloggers

I would be disappointed if you didn't expect another hugging gif.

Bloggers are amazing. They're not only incredibly nice, but they're also wonderfully helpful, which I guess you could say they both overlap. Still. It would get lonely without other blogger friends, or just blogger acquaintances. When I have a question or need help with something, I love knowing that there are nice, experienced people who will help. 

Gifs

These things are time-suckers, but I love looking for them. But gifs can really convey or dramatize a certain emotion/feeling/thought that I have way better than I can with words. They're also really fun and are great breaks in between paragraphs. 

Isn't it ironic that I don't have a gif for this one? 

Physical attributes of a book

I'm always on the prowl for new books to read or to add to my TBR list. However, it doesn't matter if I'm swamped with books or trying to find a book, the physical appearances of a book helps me decide what to spend my time on. If I'm at the library, the title should catch my eye. If I'm at home or the library or anywhere, a cover should interest me. If I have to decide between two books, a cover or a synopsis will definitely sway me as well as the title. I NEED that front flap/back cover and I am always grateful for them. Basically, they all have a piece in helping me decide what to read. 

Me to a really eye-catching book at the library. 

Amazon

Before you start stoning me because I'm not supporting my local bookstore, hear me out. It feeds my book lover side by giving cheap book options. More importantly, it also gives synopsis details and reviews (although I like Goodreads better) and a "people who bought this book also bought..." section. I don't like publishers saying "for fans of" on book covers or for hype, but I do love this part of Amazon. I'm always a fan of suggestions. 

Audiobooks 

I already made a whole Audiobook Appreciation post so you can read my feelings on it there. Basically, I can do more "reading," I can listen to them at work, and narrators are fantastic. 

Twitter

Oh, lovely Twitter. I really need to comb through all the tweets more, but it's such a great place for bloggers. You get to connect, stalk talk to authors, and it's a great promotion place. Mostly, it's a fantastic way to talk to people without having to go through Facebook. Win. 

Honorable mentions: Edelweiss/Netgalley - they make it easier to get ARCs even if in ebook form. However, I'm iffy on this one considering I can't connect with an ebook as much as a physical copy and I tend to get stressed if I go crazy on these sites.

What are things that make your job as a reader or book blogger easier? Are any of mine the same as yours?