Armchair BEA 2013: Introductions

Welcome to Armchair BEA 2013! Well, I say that. But what I really mean is that I'm participating again this year! For those who don't know what Armchair BEA is; well, think Book Expo America with lots of bloggers, posts, some prizes, and from the comfort of your armchair (or desk, etc.).

As it's day one of Armchair BEA the theme is introductions. What does that mean? Prepare yourself, you might learn something new about Gianne and I. Or, well, maybe you'll re-learn some things. Who can say?

So to the people visiting the blog for the first time? Welcome! To those who are returning or are already familiar with it? Welcome back!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? 

Kristin: Why hello there! My name is Kristin and I've been blogging for a little over two and a half years now. (It really doesn't feel like it's been that long though.) I got into blogging back in late 2010 when I decided that it would be an awesome way to talk about books and meet people who share my taste in books. (Spoiler alert: It worked!) I've met some really, really awesome people by blogging and I can't imagine not blogging now. (Although okay, I've been pretty quiet on the blog lately--sorry! That's changing really, really soon though. I swear.)

Gianne: Hiiiii! I'm Gianne, and I've been on-and-off blogging for about two years as well (albeit different blogs and such.) I've been on invisible mode ever since I joined over here on this blog (I'M SO BAD GOODNESS) mainly because of school. I got into blogging through social networking AKA Twitter! I was inspired to blog my own opinions on books after fangirling with my online friends about books on a daily basis. Hehe.

Where in the world are you blogging from?

Kristin: I blog--and live--in California. As in Southern California. As in five to ten minutes from the beach. Er, but that really depends on traffic. If I were to be a little more specific I'd tell you that I live in the Los Angeles area--although I'm south of Los Angeles and live in a city that has an awesome independent bookstore. 

Gianne: I could never be too far from my twin/co-blogger/best-fraaan, so obviously I live in California too~ Just an hour and a half away from Kristin!

Have you previously participated in Armchair BEA? What brought you back for another year? If you have not previously participated, what drew you to the event? 

Kristin: I have! This is actually my third year participating and I really love stopping by other blogs to see what other bloggers have to say about the theme and questions each day.

Gianne: NEEVERRRR have I participated in this! Kristin was like, "Hey person who dropped off the face of the planet because of school, you should do Armchair BEA okay or else we not friendz no more" (Just kidding, Kristin didn't go all thug on me.)

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2013? 

Kristin: I'm in the process of reading Resist by Sarah Crossan right now. As for my favorite book of 2013? I swear you're asking me an impossible question. I am completely expecting to stop by other blogs today and *face palm* as I quietly go, "How could I forget to add that book to my list of favorites!?" I loved The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson, The Archived by Victoria Schwab, and Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo.

Gianne: I feel really ashamed to say I'm not reading anything at the moment. *cries* However, there was one particular book I enjoyed reading this year but I can't remember anything about the title right now, except for the fact it was a really long title. *nods*

Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you. 

Kristin: I am very good at playing stylist. (As in helping people pick out clothes.) But I have to know your personal style pretty well. Secretly, I'm very stylish. I can throw together fun outfits, chic ones, and event appropriate looks. I also really enjoy dressing that way but haven't lately. (And I can't use eyeshadow to save my life. There's that.)

Gianne: WOW, I can't think of anything off the top of my head. Um, okay, we'll just go with that I like to watch anime a lot a lot a lot a lot, and I'm a fashion/makeup junkie. <3

Name your favorite blog(s) and explain why they are your favorite(s). 

Kristin: I can't really explain why my favorite blogs are favorites. Well, okay; it's because of the bloggers behind them (and their opinions on books). There's Why Ava Reads, Katie's Book Blog, and Adventures of a Book Junkie.

Gianne: UM UM UM, I have way too many, but the ones that stand out in my head right now are Reut Reads and Novel Sounds. I've actually subscribed to them through my email, and I always enjoy reading whatever they post because it's just...compelling omg words cannot explain.

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?

Kristin: I honestly can't think of one and I feel horrible for saying that. What sort of blogger am I!? Actually I'm always really proud of The List which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It's a huge list of books that sound like they're right up my alley--from the latest book catalogs.

Gianne: Back up on my old blog, there was this one post I LOVED because I thought it was so clever at the time (I STILL think it's pretty clever today) and it was the post where I stated the "seven deadly reasons" why y'all should read Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins.

If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why? 

Kristin: I love that what immediately sprung to mind was dinner with John Green and Neil Gaiman; because let's be honest, how awesome would that be!?

Gianne: AHHH, Kristin, same, I literally thought of those two authors too. Since you already said them though, if I could eat dinner with any CHARACTER, it would have to be one of my book hubbies. I'm a strong supporter of polygamy in regards to book husbands so I CAN'T just pick one! (Though honestly, I would SO want to go on a dinner date with Bones from the Night Huntress Series. He's so perf.)

What literary location would you most like to visit? Why?

Kristin: BEA. Wait, I feel like you knew I was going to say that. Shakespeare and Company (the bookstore) in Paris would be amazing to visit because it looks like the best sort of bookstore. You know, the ones where you're constantly discovering something new even though you've been there time and time again. As for BEA, well, who wouldn't want to go? Hanging out with bookish people is the best thing ever.

Gianne: BEA BEA BEA BEA, hands down.

What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? 

Kristin: The friendships that you make with other bloggers and blog readers. And if I'm being completely honest, the fact that everyone knows what it's like to not have enough room on their bookshelves.

Gianne: Without a doubt, the interactions with other fellow bloggers and readers one would make through social networking. I have met so many amazing people here <3 <3 <3 ... like Kristin. <3 <3 <3

Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?

Kristin: Nothing I can think of!

Gianne: Downloadable food, actually that doesn't make sense, but yeah, disregard me.