The Blogger Recognition Award

Hi guys! 

Today I am doing the Blogger Recognition Award! Thank you to Michelle @ The Writing Hufflepuff for nominating me and I’m sorry it took me so long to get to it. 

Rules

1. Select 15 other blogs to give the award to. You might have to do some searching, but you can find those blogs. You can’t nominate yourself or the person who nominated you.

2. Make a post to show off your award! Talk about how your blog got started and give some advice to the other bloggers out there. And share the fancy picture!

3. Comment on each blog to let the blogger know that you have nominated them.

4. Link to the original post at Edge of Night that way anyway can find the original guidelines and such.

How This Blog was Started…

My first blog was started about a year ago when I was introduced to the concept of “book blogging” through my best friend. After a few months, she quit blogging but I kept going until I fell into a blogging slump and quit for a few months. Addicted to YA was created out of the desire to get back to blogging but this time with a focus on quality. Over the last month or two, Addicted to YA has evolved into a reading and writing blog as I started spending more time working toward accomplishing my writing goals. 

Advice

This advice may seem a bit cliché but bear with me. 

1. PIECE OF ADVICE #1: Make a social media accounts (ie. Twitter). You can get by without promoting your blog on social media. You really can. I got 120 followers on my first blog before I made any social media accounts really started establishing myself in the blogosphere. But even for someone who is rather introverted/anti-social like me, I have had so much fun meeting other writers/bloggers/bookworms on twitter. I don’t know that many people (in real life) who are that passionate about reading and writing so twitter has been great for connecting with like-minded individuals. The reason I am advocating for Twitter is because I (currently) don’t have any other social media accounts for my blog – mostly because I don’t have time to juggle a bunch of them. 
2. PIECE OF ADVICE #2: Do what you want to do! I always thought this advice is kind of hypocritical because the more “popular” posts (ie. memes) always get more views so what’s the point of spending more time on reviews and “original content” right? Well here’s the thing, once you actually start following a bunch of blogs…you’ll notice that there are certain kinds of posts that always pop up in your feed. This could be promotion-style posts like blog tours/giveaways or meme posts like TTT. And I personally don’t read more than the first few posts I see for a blog tour or meme because after a while they all start to seem the same. But if you are that person dedicated to blogging about something new & different every week, then I will probably fall in love with your blog and stalk it every (other) day.  So don’t be afraid to try something new – inexperience in the blogosphere won’t (or at-least it shouldn’t) mean that people will ignore you or scoff at you.
3. PIECE OF ADVICE #3: Enjoy yourself! Once again, I felt like this was a very cliché piece of advice because obviously it doesn’t matter if you have fun as long as you’re super “successful”… right? WRONG! Everyone measures success differently and views/follows shouldn’t be your sole reason for blogging. Because ultimately, you are going to get fed up of talking about topics that you don’t actually care about and even lots of blog traffic won’t be enough to keep you from quitting. Even if you are passionate about your niche, only do posts you want to spend time working on. And (for book bloggers especially) you should never feel obligated to review a book just because you know the author. Do what you want to do & and do it well!

I nominate..

Aentee @ Read at Midnight | Joey @ thoughts and afterthoughts | Rae @ Filled with Pages | Yasmin @ Read Books and Drink Coffee | Aldii @ Perfection in Books | Meriem @ Fanatic Bibliophile | Ashley & Mariam @ Flying Through Fiction | Kat Impossible @ Life and Other Disasters | MC @ Blame It On The Books | Valeria @ Coffeelant | Alicia @ The Cyborg Knight | Krista @ Fictional Darkness |

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The Liebster Award

Thank-you to Skylee @ The Night Girl and Prima @ Panda Hearts Books for nominating me for the Liebster Award!

the rules…

• Each nominee must have under 200 followers
• Thank and link to the nominated blog
• Answer their 10 questions and propose 10 new ones for your nominees
• Nominate 10 blogs and tell them that they have been nominated
• Write a post containing the questions
• Include these rules in the post

Questions from Skylee & Answers from Me:

1. Tell me about your favourite book genre? or sub genres? Why is it your favourite?

My favorite book genre is Young Adult fiction because (..this might sound cliche but) it’s relatable. I’m a teenager and being able to connect to fictional teens who are experiencing the same things, makes me feel like I’m not alone. Many of the YA books I’ve read have also taught me a lot about things like mental illness and other “taboo” topics. My favorite subgenres are contemporary and fantasy. Depending on my mood, I will reading book from either of these genres. These days, I often avoid dystopia or paranormal books (unless there is tons of hype surrounding it or the book was recommended to me) because a lot of those books are becoming kind-of cliche.

2. Do you have any other passions? if so, what are they?

Not really… If I’m not studying or doing homework, I’m reading, writing or blogging (or watching tv). I write novels (or try to anyway), short-stories and poetry. Some of my poetry and prose can be found on my tumblr blog.

3. Favourite summer activity that isn’t reading?

I’m not sure if traveling counts but I am starting to enjoy it even more (although the jet lag is a pain in the ass).

How do you feel about gardening?

I’d rather not do it…My grand parents have a garden where they grow flowers, vegetables and even a (mango) tree..but I don’t think those gardening genes got passed on to me. I’m just not someone who really enjoys getting her hands dirty. I’ve gardened a couple of times during service projects at school trips but I didn’t enjoy it that much.

Do you believe in mermaids?

Maybe. I’m skeptical but I try to be open-minded.

What historical period of time do you think you would have liked to live in?

The Renaissance period because a bunch of amazing things were created.

Do you prefer stand alone books or trilogies or even series?

If I really like a book, I’ll wish there was an entire series or trilogy for me to read because I can fangirl even longer. But if I didn’t like the book, I want it to be a standalone so I don’t have to read the entire series to get all the answers. I guess I just can’t pick. These days I read more stand alones than series (or just read one or two books from a series) because it gives me more time to try books by other authors.

If you could choose a best friend from a book (e.g. what main characters best friend would you want to be your best friend) who would it be and from what book?

Simon from Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda. He’s really sweet and cute and I just couldn’t get enough of him! The entire time I read this book, I kept on wishing it was part of a series.

If you could acquire any type of skill in the world, what would it be?

By skill..do you mean like super powers? Okay I would probably want the power to read superfast (that sounds nerdy doesn’t it?). But I honestly can’t think of anything else.. I don’t want to read minds because I mean invading privacy. And I’m scared of heights so forget flying! (Comment down below and let me know what kind of skill or super power you want!)

Do you judge books by their covers?

ALL THE TIME! Sexy, gorgeous, amazing, eye-catching, fab-(okay you get the idea) covers are all it takes to get me to read the blurb…and honestly, when I’m scrolling through Top 10/20 lists and I don’t have time to read all those blurbs, I just click on the books that have great covers and add them on goodreads (I’m lazy like that). I know that isn’t totally fair but I’m a firm believer that if a book is good, it will find it’s way to me eventually.

Questions from Prima & Answers from Me:

How do you juggle your reading time with life?

So far it hasn’t been much of a struggle. I like to read in the “in-between” moments – when I’m waiting for the bus, right before/after class..you name it (you could find me reading in a grocery store). Sometimes I sacrifice reading time to get work done so that I’ll have time to read the next day or week.

Sell me your favourite book in a sentence. (Does this even count as a question?)

Angels, demons, and the people who hunt them..? (I know this is pretty bad but I honestly can’t think of something decent right now.. oh well)  (I’m describing the Shadowhunter Chronicles.)

Who is your all time book OTP?

Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood from The Mortal Instruments.

Do you have any bookish merchandise? If not, what would you like to have?

Nope. I really wish I did – I’d love to get some bookish jewellery (maybe some charms). I love those really pretty bookmarks as well even though I usually read on my Kindle.

Do you write reviews all in one go or bits over a few days?

I take a couple of days to edit and polish the review but I like to get all my thoughts out at once so that I don’t forget anything I’d want to include. Sometimes I can’t get my thoughts together and end up writing half a review one day and finishing it the next day.  

Which character would be your best friend and why?

Katy from the Lux series because she’s also a book blogger and I would have so much fangirling over books with her.

What book would you love to see as a movie/tv show?

I would say City of Bones…but we crossed that bridge a while ago and oh gosh, the movie was pretty awful. So instead I’m going to say the Lux series.

Why did you decide to start a book blog?

I’d made a few blogs before but I would just post these random things like my top 10 favorite nail polish colors (even though I’m not that interested in nail polish).. I would get bored after a week or two of trying to brainstorm content and give up (but those blogs were actually really bad so whew!). Anyway, a year ago my best friend, Jessica, “introduced” me to the concept of book blogging when she started a book blog. I did some “research” and decided to make a blog (I never dreamed it would go on for this long.)

Which book do you wish you have right now?

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby. I’ve heard so many good things about it.

Who is your least favourite character of all time and why?

I don’t really have one..I even admire the villains (extra points if they’re smart and hot).

Besides reading, what is your other obsession?

Writing. I’ve always had a passion for writing but sometimes I can’t find time to do both.

10 Questions for Nominees:

1. What is your favorite part of being a (book) blogger?

2. What are some book tropes that you hate and/or love?

3. Do you guys have any blogging or writing rituals?

4. What are some bookish turn-ons?

5. Of the top of your head, what are your top ten favorite (main or minor) characters?

6. What is your dream job (or if you already have it, what else do you think you would enjoy doing or what is your job and why do you love it so much)?

7. What are your hobbies – apart from reading?

8. Do you back up (all) your blog posts and images?…Do you back up anything?

9. How do you stay organized and/or do you have a blogging schedule?

10. Who are your book boyfriends?

My Nominations:

1. Writing on a Vintage Typewriter
2. Jolien @ The Fictional Reader
3. Rebecca @ RebeccaBookReview
4. Eviline Lunette @ Adventuring Through Pages
5. Michelle @ The Unfinished Bookshelf
6. Kimberly @ Over The Bookshelf
7. Poulami @ Daydreaming Books

I know that’s less than 10 but I wasn’t sure who else to nominate (I’m so bad at this!) And I apologize in advance if you guys have already been nominated for this award. (Also I’m not 100% sure if you guys have less than 200 followers..) Feel free to comment with a link to your post or say hi on twitter! I look forward to reading your posts! 

Infinity Dreams Award

I was nominated for the Infinity Dreams Award by Heather! Thank-you so much for tagging me! You guys should definitely check out her super cool blog! (I’m sorry I haven’t been posting as much lately, school started this week and I’m already drowning in huge piles of homework.)

the rules..

• Thank and follow the blog that nominated you.
• Tell us eleven facts about yourself.
• Answer the questions that were set for you to answer.
• Nominate 11 bloggers and set questions for them

eleven facts..

• I am currently reading (and enjoying) The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma.
• I’ve been trying to write in my journal and sometimes I post photos of my entries on my tumblr blog.
• My favorite classic is Oliver Twist. For some reason, I don’t really like most classics and I generally avoid them (no offense to anyone who loves classics).. But I ended up reading Oliver Twist  mainly because I found my mom’s old, battered copy of it and I didn’t have anything to read at the time. Curiosity encouraged me to flip through the book and I devoured it in a day. 
• I’ve trashed 80% of the “stuff” I wrote recently and spent the last hour wondering if I could have rescued some of it. I do that a lot.
• My hair is usually pretty frizzy and untameable but I usually don’t bother doing anything about it. I like to pretend it matches my personality. 
• I have been craving physical books (because I’ve been reading on my Kindle so much)….And I’m trying to survive by borrowing library books because of-course I’m on a book buying ban!
• During the school year, I complain about not having enough free time but whenever summer comes around, I find myself watching TV and sleeping in instead of getting stuff done. I think I need to get more hobbies. (Which is why I, at some point in my short life, tried: sketching sharks, knitting, cross-stitching, origami, making friendship bracelets.. Nothing has stuck with me except for writing, reading and blogging.)
• Whenever I share I facts about myself, I go through previous tag posts and make sure I’m not repeating myself. (Please tell me I’m not the only one who obsessively checks all of his/her award posts!)
• I don’t have any pets but I really like cats so now and then I find myself wishing for a furry companion. I think it’s for the best because I’m too busy, now, to look after an animal anyway.. Maybe in the future.
• I know I should comment on posts more often but these days I rarely do… Usually it’s not because the post isn’t good, heck the post is probably fabulous but I can’t come up with something intelligent to say. (I’m not trying to make excuses for not commenting more on other people’s blogs..This is just how I feel.) 
• I love reading through the “astrology” related posts on tumblr. (I know they might all be made up..) But for some reason I love scrolling through the post, finding my zodiac sign (libra) and reading what that says about me. Sometimes those posts are kind-of accurate.

heather’s questions & my answers..

How do you feel about soft tacos?

I mean I don’t eat tacos that often…

Favorite Disney movie?

I don’t really have one because I like most if not all of them!

Best villain ever?

Probably Voldemort. 

Favorite musical?

I don’t have one yet. 

How much do you hate spoilers?

Not that much. Sometimes I actively seek them out because I just desperately want to know what happens next. 

What’s the best thing about your blog?

(I like to think that) I update it often and I try to keep it interesting by doing more than book reviews. So one day I might post about my “writing life” and another day I might discuss something bookish like reading slumps or book buying bans.  

What are three books that everyone must read before they die, period?

Harry Potter, My Heart and other Black Holes, and Throne of Glass. These are just books I have read and loved.. I don’t really have number one favorite books because I’ve read so many amazing books so I keep changing my answer to questions like this one. 

 Discuss your opinion on corn on the cob.

It’s delicious but I avoid eating it because I hate how it gets stuck in my teeth. 

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A writer… I want to write YA fiction. 

Do you have a favorite punctuation mark?

No.

Describe the best trip you ever took.

(I know I keep talking about this…so I’m sorry, but this is actually my favorite/best trip so far!) This summer I went to Europe. And it was INCREDIBLE. We went to Italy, Germany and Austria. This wasn’t my first time in Europe but I just fell in love with the three countries I visited. Italy is soo beautiful and I still can’t believe that I actually went there. It feels like a dream. 

and I nominate..

Ranu | Morgan | Sania | cw | Naomi | Julia | Lauren | Michelle | Paula | Melanie | Akchita

questions for nominees..

What color are most of the clothes in your closet? | What kind of music do you like to listen to? | How many books do you own? | How much do you read (on average) per day/week/month? | What are your thoughts on writing? | What do you hate or love about blogging? | What do you do when your bored? | What color are your curtains? | Do you like chocolate? (Alternatively: Do you like icecream?)

Versatile Blogger Award

Thank-you to Blaise @ The Book Boulevard for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award! My blog is only about two to three months old but I really appreciate the fact that you took the time to check out my blog.

the rules…

• Thank the person who gave you this award — of course.
• Include a link to their blog. They deserve to have some credits too.
• Next, select 15 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly.
• Nominate those 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award — you might include a link to this
• Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.

7 facts

Fact #1

I often go months without writing and then suddenly get inspired and start obsessing over story ideas. (Once I was scribbling down an outline during math class..)

Fact #2:

During the summer, I mainly spend my time binge-watching and binge-reading…stuff and sometimes I wander around in a daze of I don’t what to do/I’m SO BORED. I really need to get some more hobbies so that I won’t be wandering the house when I’m experiencing reading slumps.

Fact #3:

I LOVE hot chocolate..and if it were healthy, I would drink it daily. For some reason, I’m not a coffee person (I guess that’s why hot chocolate is my go-to morning drink).

Fact #4:

If I’m tired, I will try to do anything but read because I can’t focus when I’m that exhausted.

Fact #5:

Most of my ships are usually mainstream/popular..And these days, I’m usually reading hyped books that the people I follow are obsessing over on Twitter. I’m not sure why I do this but I haven’t encountered that many two or one star reads so I feel like it’s working. Occasionally I take the risk of borrowing a library book (which I haven’t searched on goodreads).

Fact #6:

My favorite author (apart from J. K Rowling) is Cassandra Clare because I simply love everything she writes (well there was that book…). I’m also obsessed with the Shadowhunter Chronicles because all of the characters are amazing.

Fact #7:

I got layers recently and am currently feeling rather pleased with how my hair turned out. Although it looks a bit odd when I put it in a ponytail.

and I nominate…

• Tina @ Read the Bloody Book

• Island Geek Girl @ Overflowing Bookshelves

• Brittany @ brittanymariereads

• Holly @ Belle of the Library

• Eviline Lunette @ Adventuring Through the Pages

• Sarah @ Light and Shadows

• Deborah O’ Carroll @ The Road of a Writer

• Book Snacks

• Regina @ The Bibliothèque

• Alyssa @ The Ramblings of a Literature Nerd

• Christian @ The Bookish God

• Aentee @ Read at Midnight

• Amy @ Book Enthral

• Ahouseofbooks

• Nagina @ OhBookish

I’m not sure if I’ve picked blogs/bloggers who haven’t been nominated yet (I was in a hurry..) but if you have already been nominated and done this award – I apologize in advance. Also, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to participate. Whatever floats your boat! 🙂

Beautiful Blogger Award

Thank-you to Tiffani @ The Book Venom for nominating me for the Beautiful Blogger Award!

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the blogger who nominated you.
2. List seven random facts about you.
3. Nominate seven creative, beautiful bloggers, and notify them.

7 Random Facts:

1. Sometimes I randomly start humming songs that are inside of my head. I’m sure I’m not the only one who does this so if you do, TELL ME so we can be weird together 😀 *hugs myself*
2. Seems like I have music on the mind, so fact #2 is that I can be very fickle when it comes to what music I like listening to. Even though I like a lot of mainstream pop music, I still gravitate toward the slower “deeper” songs that have more meaning and more lyrics..I guess my music choices just depend on my mood. (Right now I’m listening to Breathe In Breathe Out by Hilary Duff – it is one amazing album!)
3. (Last music fact I promise!) I used to play the piano and I played for 6-7 years before I quit. I quickly lost interest in playing the instrument when I started High School and began blogging. Maybe I’ll take lessons again in the future but for now, I just want to focus on my studies, my writing and blogging.
4. I currently have really long hair…as in my curly hair reaches my waist. I still can’t make up my mind whether to cut it short or not but it’s starting to become a nuisance!
5.  I am always thinking about something which is why I find it incredibly hard to meditate. Usually, I’m wondering about what my favorite book characters are up to (I didn’t say my thoughts are logical!). Sometimes I compose fanfiction with happy endings and imagine them acting out fictional arguments. Other times I’m thinking about some aspect of blogging – usually something I want to try or forgot/need to do ASAP.
6. I never know who to nominate for awards and tags because I feel like by the time I get around to doing them, everyone else has already done them!..or at-least everyone I can think of. Hopefully everyone I nominate won’t have done this tag!
7. I am currently obsessing over chocolate I bought in Germany. My mom bought a couple of boxes at the airport and we ended up eating two each on the spot. They are simply delicious and I totally recommend buying some if you ever visit Germany!

Aaaand my 7 Amazing Nominees are:

1. Kayla @ Kayla’s Books
2. Maria @ The Paisley Reader
3. Brett @ Brett Michael Orr
4. Michelle @ The Writing Hufflepuff
5. Stephanie @ Stephanie’s Book Reviews
6. Áine @ Writing on a Vintage Typewriter
7. The Time Traveling Writer @ The Time Traveling Writer’s Blog

Have fun and don’t forget to link me so I can come see your post 🙂 

Creative Blogger Award

Hello!

I was nominated for the Creative Blogger Award by Brett Michael Orr @ Brett Michael Orr. You should totally check out his website, and follow him on twitter!

Here are the rules:

• Nominate 10-15 blogs and notify all nominees via their blogs/social accounts
• Thank and post the link of the blog who nominated you
• Share 5 facts about yourself to your readers
• Pass these rules onto the nominees

So now I’m going to list 5 (plausibly..kind-of..not really creative?) facts about myself.

Fact #1

I’ve recently gotten kind-of obsessed with watching comedy youtube channels. I’m not sure why but it’s kind-of a stress reliever and a break from studying for exams (which are making me sooo anxious). In case you’re wondering (I know you are) my favorite youtube channels are: Superwoman (who doesn’t watch her?!), Epic Reads, and MyLifeAsEva. What are your favorite youtube channels? Recommend me some!!

Fact #2

My favorite TV shows are The Flash and The Arrow. I am so obsessed with these two tv shows even now after the season is over, I can’t stop thinking about them!! If you like superheroes then you should watch them.

Fact #3

I’ve started writing a new book: The Good, The Bad, The Inbetween and I’m posting chapters of it (as I write them) on wattpad. It features people of color (specifically an Indian American MC) and lgbt characters. Even if I don’t end up finishing it or publishing it, I’m hoping that the experience of writing it will help me grow and improve as a writer.

Fact #4

I get the best ideas when I’m just about to fall asleep. I think that might be because that’s when I’m letting my mind wander and writing fanfics in my head. Of-course I literally jolt awake when I think of these ideas and end up noting them down on my iPhone, a piece of paper..basically a place where it’ll be safe and sound for me to document in the morning. This is actually harder than it sounds because I’ve got awful eye sight and I can barely see one feet in front of me if I’m not wearing my glasses.

Fact #5

I love organizing all the books on my Kindle into different categories. E.g. Summer TBR, Reading Right Now (in which I have 20 books..but don’t worry I’m only reading 4 simultaneously), Read Right Away (like all the books from 2015 that I want to read ASAP but I will probably read most of them after a year anyway), Books Galore (random books I’m not sure what to do with).

And now I’m going to nominate some people!

Nominees:

Kayla @ Kayla’s Books || Sophie @ Imaginary Misadventure || Jeann @ Happy Indulgence || Jess @ My Reading Dress || Joy + Alana @ Thoughts By J || Kelly @ Diva Booknerd || Kristy @ A Queen of Babble || Christy @ Novel Ink || Amber + Jessica @ The Book Bratz || Jamie @ The Perpetual Page-Turner