ARMCHAIR BEA: READY SET for MAY 11-16.16

READY . . .?

and 

WELCOME !

~

~ What is Armchair BEA?
Book bloggers unable to attend the BEA Bloggers Conference, Book Expo America (BEA), and/or BookCon in Chicago, but would like to ‘meet’ other book bloggers and publishers to discuss books and book blogging can participate in this virtual event. Armchair BEA has been run by book bloggers on a volunteer basis since 2010, although giveaways are sponsored by authors and publishers.
~
When is Armchair BEA? 
Armchair BEA runs simultaneously with BEA Bloggers Conference, Book Expo America, and BookCon. Armchair BEA 2016 is scheduled for May 11-16. ~ Who can participate? 
Armchair BEA is for book bloggers of all genres who cannot attend the Book Expo events in Chicago. Whether you consider yourself a hobbyist or amateur reviewer or on your way to a professional career, Armchair BEA is for you if you blog about books. Be sure to follow along on twitter
@ArmchairBEA

~ Opening Intro Q/A

1.  What is the name you prefer to use?

FHC or Faith Hope and Cherrytea
@_eHope twitter
~

2.  How long have you been a book blogger?

Blogging since 2010 - books for 5 years
~

3.  Have you participated in ABEA before?

Almost annually 

~

Next up for Introductions?

My selection of  A's for the offered Q options:

2.  What is your favourite genre and why?

Historical fiction runs a tight race with mystery for my reading go to. If they're combined it's a sure win!  Set in England?  Perfection.Why?  They challenge my mind to notice and decipher details relevant to thestory and its conclusion or solution as may be.  Then I grab a different genrethat's light reading to have a laugh and I'm set for another mystery!

~*~

3.  If you could recommend one other book blogger,
who would it be and why?

Kathryn at The Book Date.  A NZ based book blog where Kathryn shareshospitality each week via It's Monday - What Are You Reading? meme. She visits each of the participants.  She also hosts interesting annual challenges and regularly interacts with her fellow readers.  Kathryn has a similar taste in books and creates a sense of being connected.

~*~

4.  Which day of ABEA are you looking forward to the most?

Friday.  Beyond the Books.  Beyond the Blog.Both are about alternatives to the norm.

In books, how do I think the change of format affects the reading experience? 

Beyond the blog?  Ways I engage in talking about books outside of my blog. 

~*~

5.  If you could create a playlist that reflects your bookshelf, what would be the first song you choose?
~

~*~

6.  How do you arrange your bookshelves?
Is there a rhyme or reason?
Or not at all? (#ABEAShelfie)

~

I like having all books of an author together on a shelf and part of a larger group, such as all JAFF together, with all books by an author gathered together -thus, all Jane Austen's are together and included in ALL the JAFF books I own. Or, all Agatha's together in the mysteries. I also like to have my nonfic as a group with each particular author's books together
within that larger group.

~*~

DAY 1 TOPIC:  DIVERSITY

 in books and the publishing industry

Whose voices do we see?

Whose voices do we need more of?

Where do we find representation lacking and what can we as bloggers do to address that?
What about negative or stereotypical representation? 

I see a huge divide between age group representation.  Possibly a result of
writer age plus publishers' target marketing investment?
Definitely a proportionately larger number of books written to the 20 - 30
somethings than middle age readers.
I'm not sure what bloggers can do to change that?  Perhaps to  read, review
and request books of publishers that have main characters in that group?
To speak up with that interest?  Specifically look for those novels to read?
To open the conversation on our blogs?
~
And, please, not just fluffy elderly ladies solving cozy mysteries.
There is a lot to be said for wise women taking the lead.
Using their life experience and skills gained to impact their world,
relationships, business,  and the readers enjoying the novels.
~
I also appreciate the several books I've noticed that don't offer the 
stereotypical misrepresentations of clergy.  More would be appreciated.
Perhaps editors could be more aware to wield influence in the writing process?
~
How would you answer today's Q/A on diversity?
I'd love to hear your thoughts in comments.
Thanks for being part of this week's Armchair BEA conversation!

~*~

So pleased you've stopped in at FHC on this week's tour of
Armchair BEA for Book Bloggers.

Thanks for visiting and sharing the Love and Celebration of Books!

~*~

and

Adding to my book blogging 2016 Challenges
Creative Conversationalist
I appreciate Nicole of Feed Your Fiction Addiction
creative innovation with this Discussion Challenge
to get book bloggers discussing book related topics besides just reading!
Anticipating the FuN and inviting You to the Party...

~*~

FIND MORE FHC on BOOK DEPOSITORY | PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING | Follow |

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SHARING WITH ~
| Literacy Musing Mondays | Book Nook |

BEA Armchair Version Begins! Today is about Introductions ~

Welcome to Faith Hope and Cherrytea -
Armchair BEA officially kicks off today!  

Monday, a quick kick-off post with a brief summary of what to expect  throughout the week.   **TODAY - Tuesday, we break the ice and open up the excitement  to all of you with our annual introductions.   In New York City, bloggers, authors, and publishers will be networking  throughout the week, and it is during this time of  Armchair BEA that you get to do a bit of networking  from the comfort of your own home.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself: I am a lifelong reader,
   thanks to my mom who included visits to the library in our small town walks !How long have you been blogging?
   I began blogging coming up to 3 years this June.Why did you get into blogging?  As a family we had just returned from attending my daughter's wedding and I wanted some way to express my responses to that event.
   I didn't particularly think it would become a public effort but it evolved into that along with sharing interests with others of like mind...
2. 2. Have you previously participated in Armchair BEA?  2nd year now
   
   What brought you back for another year?  Totally loved the FuN last year and didn't want to miss a repeat :)
   
   3. Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.  My first grandbaby is due any day !! #1 important
3. otherwise, it's probably easy to pick up on my luv of TEA and BOOKS! ;)
   4. Which is your favourite post you've written that you want everyone to read? 
   
        That would be 'Love Revealed' .
   599 views last week alone so I guess it's more than just my fave :))
   Definitely hapPy for that !
   
   5. If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be + why?
       One top contender would be CS Lewis.  I'd love to know more about the Inklings and their writing, his own creative inspy for writing the Narnia Chronicles, his appreciation of George MacDonald [another contender for this dinner!] his tenure at Oxford and his faith journey... Would need an early dinner to cover everything!!
   
   
   
   via
   
   
   He died on 22 November 1963—
   the same day that U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated,
     the same day author, Aldous Huxley, died.
   ** In 2013, on the 50th anniversary of his death,
   CS Lewis will be honoured with a memorial in
    Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey.
   
   

Glad you're here and if you're participating in Armchair BEA Have a wonderful week mixing and mingling with fellow bloggers ! Grab refreshments to go !

Enjoy your travels  !

I'll be on the lookout for you throughout this week ! Thanks for stopping in and taking time to chat... *

Faith Hope Cherrytea

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Armchair BEA: Blogging Success Tips ~ Ask the Experts! 2012

Final day for Armchair Book Expo America ~

here's our participant instructions...

Today's topic is Ask the Experts ~

what conversation might we have about blogging but haven't

found anyone to ask?

are there questions my non-blogging readers would like to ask?

are there tips my blogging readers would like to offer?

Now is the perfect opp to find out!

Just ask!

One tip I would offer is to use the scheduled blog option

if you know you won't be available on the date

and have time in advance {key point}

prepare your blog post in advance

then schedule its posting time in keeping with when you

want the post to appear...

Another would be to read your post critically

before publishing.

Your choice of wording may not be conveying your message

with the kindness or care you intend...

It may be offensive or harsh

which can be corrected before posting

 preventing a turn off to readers before it occurs !

Now what tip to blogging success would you be willing to share?

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Armchair BEA: Beyond Your Blog ~

Today for Armchair Book Expo America

we're asked to go 

Beyond our Blog

Today, we'd like you to talk about those opportunities in your own posts. . .

in answer to BEA specific questions here goes ~

Blogging has definitely opened up opportunities for me

beyond book review copies !

It has helped me get offers to write for a debuting magazine

and while not for pay, it is a fantastic opportunity

that continues to broaden my own writing vision, ability and offers...

It also has opened the door for unique review opportunities

of introducing authors without marketing representation ~

 I've contacted authors if I've felt 

either a personal connxn or their book was uniquely suited to

Faith Hope & Cherrytea's concept
receiving positive responses and the anticipated posts ~

Invites from various product marketing companies 

continue to be received

that I would never have anticipated ~

{from specialty clothing to eyeglasses!}

As to special event invites?

Requests for guest posting along with other bloggers 

{not just books}

who have featured me and or FHC for special event posts,

have been FuN and unexpected invitations !

Another YES !

regular invites to FB and Twitter parties

for debuting authors and seasoned authors alike ~

various blog and FB online groups 

who find FHC

appealing to characteristics representative of their interests ...

A new area of Scrapbooking is just opening

with invitations to participate in both

creating and blog hopping with several groups,

one based on the books by blogger and author
  Courtney Walsh, of
The Busy Scrapper & Scrapbooking Your Faith.

An entirely New and FuN offer I've yet to experience!

&

All Beyond my Blog !

I'm looking forward to more...

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Networking Real Life Connxns BEA {Book Expo America}

Here's today's message from Armchair BEA ~

a request regarding "Real Life" networking 

as a blogger in the community...

' ' For Day 3, BEA wants you  to share your positive experiences of using 

your blog to get involved in your community.  

This can involve partnerships with the local literary scene, 

attending author events and signings, 

or getting together with bloggers in your area.  We want to hear it all! "

In keeping with one of the major themes of this blog

I'm always looking for ways to actively promote practical charity ~

{ the 'Cherrytea' part of Faith Hope & Cherrytea }

as a patron of my local library
I've had book blogging discussions with librarians
who have been interested in my various online bookclub participation
as well as, my support of the ongoing Book Sales at several library branches...

I have also personally donated books to several Church libraries ~
of course, my favourite one being where I served as librarian !
over a thousand books already shelved ! Nice !

One of these FuN community book adventures resulted

from the UK Guardian's Book Swap

where my readers were encouraged to actively participate

in their local setting with the distribution of a choice read

including printing the bookplate {link included}

The bookplate sticker asked the finder to upload a picture of the book, 

where they found it, 
and to read it and review it on the Guardian site

Being aware ~ observant and willing to join in

networking these book opportunities 

via "Real Life" 

blog ~ twitter and facebook extends both reach and influence 

of the 'Cherrytea' ~

something I find an absolute JoY !

Another charitable opportunity ~

 April's recent 

World Book Day and World Book Night

 offering various ways of participating

in conjunction with my own ~

tweeting and facebooking to the broader community is a given

with known fellow community members part of my friends following

{ including a large number of authors }

In May I proposed my readers, tweeters and FB friends 

actively support their Fave Writers in "Real Life" via a Writer RAK 

in response to The Bookshelf Muse's initiation ...

I have recently contacted a local blogger & her local publisher

to offer an intro post for her debut as an author

resulting in

successfully broadening influence of both her & her audience ~

while making a new "Real Life" connxn 

with both the author and the publisher!
my request to intro and promo Heather's book was a new thing
to this publisher, so I've been able to plant a seed
that, I'm hoping, will benefit other authors in their house

further opening the door for more local "Real Life" interactions
with the authors, myself, and this publisher ...

I enjoyed supporting  American Patchwork & Quilting
in their drive for a Million Pillowcases for local-to-readers charities ~
as i wrote previously
Many charities would benefit from the donation of pillowcases 
and the challenge gives us the opportunity to donate 
and make a difference in our community.  
do you know someone with breast cancer 
that would be inspirited by your pink pillowcase creation?  
join the challenge and add yours to the count !
Definitely a 'Real Life' opportunity to interact in our communities
with Summer Camps for Kids ~ Drug Rehabs ~ Cancer Care Centres
Women & Children's Shelters...
This Call for our 'Cherrytea' is ongoing ~ More Info Here

 I've also been blessed with virtual blogging friends
who've stepped in to guest blog when I needed help in 'Real Life'!
and others who've sent tangible 'Real Life' gifts
just because they're amazing though as yet, unmet,
 'Real Life' friends!  What else can I say ?!

I look forward to more "Real Life" connections

in my local book & blog community

and 

encourage my 'book loving' friends and readers to pursue the same !

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Armchair BEA Book Expo Introductions 2012 ~

Kicking off Armchair Book Expo America: 

Introductions First!

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself:
   
   Who are you? Lifelong learner and book lover
   How long have you been blogging? 2 years
   Why did you get into blogging?  to chronicle my life experiences on the journey...
   
   
2. What are you currently reading, or your favourite book you have read so far in 2012?
   
   ~ I'm currently reading {& FAVE} the 7 book interactive journal series from Graham Cooke of Brilliant Book House ~ reading and interacting with the material learned.. self discovery and spiritual understanding = growing and I really like that ~ maintaining curiosity is a recognized life lengthener!  
   
   ~ Another is Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts ~ creative writing and deep thought..  Having a glass of choice wine with each reading...
   
   ~ Sarah Jio's The Violets of March entranced me to the very conclusion !
   
3. Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.
   
   I'm a certified instructor for an international health and wellness program
   
   
4. What is your favourite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?  
   TeaTime posts like this ~
   
   
5. Where do you see your blog in five years?  
   evolving accordingly as my life continues {Lord willing!} 
   
   
6. Which is your favourite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?
   
   most recent and book related is The Secret Garden Party 5/31  and my Faith Journey photo post 
   
7. If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?
   
    Jane Austen herself or ~
   Captain Frederick Wentworth & Anne Elliot of Persuasion ...
   I would love to know what their interior reactions were upon seeing one another after their lengthy separation...
   
   
8. What literary location would you most like to visit? 
   
   Beatrix Potter's rural home
   
    Why?  enjoyment of the beauty and experiencing the magnitude of her contribution to saving UK countryside
   
   
9. What is your favourite part about the book blogging community?  
   ~ friendships formed 
   
    Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?  
   ~ hmm.. after some thought, I'd probably like to see Real Life connections with bloggers I've met...
   
   
10. Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging?
    ~ definitely ~ Wider variety as publishers send their books for review...
    
     How?
    ~ I'm now needing lite pleasure reads to balance the weight of reading to review!

Have fun, and welcome to Armchair BEA!!

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