Sarah Swan: Sarah’s Vignettes Blog
11 October 2019
Today’s guest is Sarah Swan from the Sarah’s Vignettes blog.
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Welcome to the RNA blog Sarah, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
Hi, I’m Sarah. I have been reading from a very early age and before I could read, I was always flicking through picture books – I’m sure I was born with a book in my hand!
I read a wide range of genres and I am willing to try most genres once, but I do keep going back to both contemporary and historical fiction more than anything else.
Books are a big part of my life and I started my blog, Sarah’s Vignettes, so I could share my love for them.
What made you start a book blog?
I’ve been reading my whole life and I don’t think I’ve ever been without books.
I originally dabbled in the idea of writing about books in 2016 but, for whatever reason, it didn’t quite work or feel right so I left it. I was still watching what was going on social media, particularly Twitter and chatting with authors and bloggers.
In early 2017, it seemed to be a time when everyone was repeatedly ill with colds and bugs, so, laid up on the sofa, scrolling through social media, I was paying close attention to who authors were connecting with and what was going on in the book world. I looked at a few book bloggers’ sites, did a bit of research on how to set up a blog on WordPress and decided it might be the right time.
What’s the best and worst thing about being a book blogger?
The best thing is shouting out about great books and authors, as well as the friends I’ve made, meeting fellow bloggers and authors and the experiences I have had from blogging.
The worst thing is not having enough time to read all the books I’d love to read!
Do you meet up with other bloggers and reviewers?
I do and it’s always such fun! It’s great to have that shared passion and I always come away on a high.
Can you tell us how long you have been running your blog and share your review policy with us?
I started Sarah’s Vignettes in April 2017, so it’s still pretty young. I don’t have an official review policy up on my blog just yet but if I like the sound of a book from its blurb, I’ll give it a try. I read everything except sci-fi, fantasy, horror, erotica.
You do bookstagram tours as well as book blog tours – tell us a little bit about how you got into Instagram.
I’ve been using Instagram for so long, I can’t remember when I joined! I’ve just scrolled back through my feed and I posted my first photo in early 2015. I love taking photos so this a great space to share them and I enjoy admiring other people’s photos too. I love how Instagram is being used more now to promote books. For me, covers are an important aspect of a book and an attractive one can stop me mid-scroll!
What’s been your favourite read of 2019 so far?
Oh gosh, this is a tough one. I’ve read and reviewed so many great books already this year. If I can only pick one then it is The Girl at the Window by Rowan Coleman.
Between the reading, real life and the blog, you must be pretty busy. What do you do when you’re not reading, writing or reviewing?
It does take up a lot of my time but I love it! I work full-time and commute but when I can, I love to take photographs and to go out walking and explore new places. I lived and studied in Paris for a few years so I try to get back to France when I can and maintain my French language skills. I have a passion for Marketing too.
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 know the term has been around for a couple of years now but I’d like to see more Up Lit and stories that leave the reader feeling empowered.
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Thank you so much for chatting with us today, Sarah. I hope the blog goes from strength to strength.
You can find our more about Sarah at:
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Rhoda Baxter writes feel good stories about strong women and nice guy heroes. She especially likes it when they make her laugh. She also writes multi-cultural romances as Jeevani Charika. You can find out more about her award nominated books and manuscript critique services on www.rhodabaxter.com
