Today’s guest is Laura Parish from Novel Kicks. Hi Laura, welcome to the RNA blog. While I go put the kettle on, why don’t you start off by telling us a bit about yourself

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I’m Laura. I am a member of the RNA New Writers Scheme and through this, I am trying to write my first novel. I have been running the Novel Kicks blog since 2009.
I love books, I am Disney and Cat obsessed, an avid tea drinker and chocolate is the answer to all questions.

What made you start a book blog?

To begin with, I wanted somewhere for people to share and comment on writing. Since then, it has evolved to a place where people can talk about books as well as writing. Along with book reviews, competitions and author interviews, I post writing exercises and prompts. I have always loved to read and have harboured a want to write my own novel for a long time and this is a way for me to discuss both and share some great advice from people in the industry.

I have also had the opportunity to meet some wonderful authors, publishers and other book bloggers along the way.

What’s the best and worst thing about being a book blogger?

I get to talk about writing and books with like minded people. It’s a great way to discover new authors and genres. I have read books that I would never have picked up otherwise and all the better for it. I also love someone messaging me and saying that they have liked a book I have recommended and hearing other people’s thoughts on novels and writing. The worst thing, if I have to find one is the amount of time it can sometimes take. Novel Kicks is mostly just me (with very valued contributions from another RNA New Writer, Mick Arnold.) I work full time so it can sometimes feel like I am disappearing under the TBR pile and I sometimes feel guilty when I don’t get a chance to post because there are other things going on. It’s a labour of love but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Do you meet up with other bloggers and reviewers?

As much as I can. Recently, it’s been mostly via Facebook, e-mail and Twitter.

Can you share your review policy with us?

I consider fiction from self published authors as well as ones published traditionally. I try and respond to as many requests as I can. If I can’t review, I will try and offer a Q&A or guest post as alternatives. The only genres I definitely won’t consider are horror (sorry, I am too much of a scaredy cat,) and erotica.

I see from your blog that you often take part in blog tours. How can authors help support bloggers on blog tours?

I love taking part in the blog tours, both with content such as a Q&A or a guest post or as a review only tour. It’s always helpful for me for content to be provided although I also totally understand that isn’t always possible. An author bio and photo is also good to have.

You’re a novelist yourself. What are you writing?

I’ve been working on a contemporary women’s fiction novel for a long time. I have quite a severe confidence problem to the point where my husband has threatened to disable my delete key. Haha. I am determined though.

Between the writing, real life and the blog, you must be pretty busy. What do you do when you’re not reading, writing or reviewing?

I have a couple of things to help me relax. I have an iPad Pro and love to doodle although I am in no way good at it. I am also into digital planning as it helps with the anxiety I have. I like going to the cinema, binge watching TV shows and have been known to fall into the odd You Tube void (daily.)

We often ask industry professionals what they consider to be the next ‘big thing’ – what do you hope to see more of in 2019/2020?

I always love reading debut novels so as long as they keep coming, I am happy.

Thank you for joining us today, Laura. All the best with your novel!

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You can find out more about Laura here:

Website
Twitter
Facebook

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Rhoda Baxter writes romantic comedies about people who make her laugh. She also writes multicultural women’s fiction under the name Jeevani Charika. Her books have been shortlisted for many awards. Her co-authored book How to Write Romantic Comedy is available to buy now.

Find out more at www.rhodabaxter.com or get in touch via Twitter.