This week, I’m pleased to join the Armchair BEA conference. A few years ago I got to attend the actual BEA (Book Expo America), thanks to my sister who is an editor for Wizards of the Coast, and it was amazing — but now I live too far away from New York for that. When I learned about this virtual event, I was curious to see what it was all about, so I signed up. And here we go!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? Where in the world are you blogging from?
Books define who I am; I just can’t imagine life without reading. I started blogging in January to record and share some of my enthusiasms. I don’t know why it took me so long to get around to it, but I’m enjoying making more bookish friends and collecting more book recommendations than I could ever get around to in a lifetime.
I’m blogging from the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, an area with great natural beauty and many fine cultural opportunities (and bookstores). I live and work in a community centered around the care of adults with special needs; I also work part time as managing editor for the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America. When not reading or writing, I may be found spinning, knitting, singing, hiking, or cooking. I’m married and have a story-loving seven-year-old son.
What does your favorite/ideal reading space look like?
Share your favorite book or reading related quote.
Bright is the ring of words
When the right man rings them,
Fair the fall of songs
When the singer sings them.
Still they are carolled and said —
On wings they are carried —
After the singer is dead
And the maker buried.
— Robert Louis Stevenson
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 books would you bring? Why? What 3 non-book items would you bring? Why?
For my non-book items, I would bring a person who knows everything about how to survive on a deserted island, and whatever other two items s/he finds most essential. That would free up my book selections to be chosen for sanity-saving value.
For books, I think I could do worse than to bring along my two-volume Norton Anthology of English Literature, which I’m still hanging onto from college. There’s plenty of meaty material in there to keep me occupied for a long time. I could memorize poetry and shout it at the waves as I await the rescue boat, or learn to appreciate a Johnsonian sentence at last. For pure narrative comfort, I’d bring a one-volume edition of the novels of Jane Austen.
What book would you love to see as a movie?
Few movie versions of books are really satisfying to me, but if it could be done well, I’d love to see a Georgette Heyer novel on the screen. Those clothes! That dialogue! Which one, exactly? Hmm…I’d better go re-read them all and let you know.
The Emerald City Book Review Archive 
Oh, it is indeed true that you have great bookstores– I have been known to drive the almost unthinkable 2 hours north to get to some of them! If you ever come down to Boston for any bookish events, let me know–it would be fun to meet you! (Robin McKinley is going to be the guest of honor at Boscon next February, and I am seriously tempted….)
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WHAT?!? This is worth serious consideration. My post tomorrow is about Robin McKinley! At any rate, it would definitely be fun to meet up in Boston. I'll keep my eyes open for bookish events.
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I loved the questions and responses! And I completely agree about making Georgette Heyer's books into movies. Wouldn't that be so much fun?!
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Yes! Apparently she did not want them made into movies — I think one was done badly and she put a ban on the rest. But it's too bad, because they COULD be done well in the Merchant/Ivory style.
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I just did some Googling and there are actually two of her books made into movies. I looked at them on IMBD and they both looked…gah. Pre-1990s, period dramas were really butchered. I think the 70s was the high-water mark of badly-and-cheaply-done dramas. Too bad Georgette couldn't have seen the beautiful regency movies that are made now. She might have changed her mind 🙂
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Hello! I love your ideal reading space. Beautiful!
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I love your perfect reading spot.
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@ punkfarie and Allison BruningMe too — I need a cozy spot with a fire for the long New Hampshire winters!
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That reading space is just perfect! Makes me think of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings!
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Yes, it's like a hobbit's reading room!
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The reading space! It's perfect. So whimsical 😀 Its a mixture of Lord of the Rings and a fairy tale, I love it. Haha, clever thinking; bringing someone with you who knows how to survive. I could definitely use someone else when I get stuck on a deserted island..Mel@thedailyprophecy
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Yup — I'll let them take care of survival while I spend some quality time reading. Thanks for visiting!
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What a great post. That has to be the best reading area I have seen today and I have seen some beautiful locations. Your quote is awesome. I look forward to getting to know you throughout the week.
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Thanks Stephanie! I love it too…wish I really had a house that looked like that.
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Oh my goodness, I think I need that reading space, it's just adorable! I love the quote you picked too – it's a beautiful, yet melancholy sentiment. And lastly your pick for the desert island is awesome – someone who can take care of the annoying survival stuff while I read would be ideal!Thank you for stopping by my blog earlier!
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I've always loved that poem — I understand it has a setting by Vaughn Williams, must listen to that. Thanks for commenting!
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Yay! So happy to meet a new blogger as well! How are you finding it so far? Also, that reading space is GORGEOUS.
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I'm amazed at the number and quality of book blogs out there! I've always loved sharing and discussing my favorite books with others and and it's great to be able to do that now with people from all over the world. Thanks for stopping by!
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Oh man, how did I not think to bring my Norton Anthology?? I hope you have an amazing time with the rest of Armchair BEA! 🙂
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You too Lindsey!
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So jealous of your sister! That is my ultimate dream job. The editor part, meh. But for Wizards of the Coast? That is just amazing.
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I know, plus she gets to live in Seattle instead of New York. Too cool.
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I'd be so happy in that reading space, I don't think I'd ever want to come out. Hope you're having a good ABEA!
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You too, Jennifer!
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Very charming reading space choice!Great getting to know you. Hope you enjoyed ABEA!
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Only a dream, alas…I do have a woodstove though. Thanks for stopping by.
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Spinning, knitting, hiking, cooking, and reading? We are so on the same page. Well, except the spinning. I'm holding out on that one – I have too many hobbies already. (But the lure of the fiber is hard to resist…) Anyway, I love this post and I will be following your blog. (But I think I mentioned that on another post.)
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I know the feeling about having too many hobbies! I practice mine serially…I don't spin for months at a time, then I'll do it obsessively for a while. I'm not sure if that is helpful or not.
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I hadn't thought about that as a possibility. I do sometimes abandon knitting for a month or two, but I usually have at least one project on the needles, sometimes as many as four. Do you spin with a drop-spindle or on a wheel?
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Both. I prefer the wheel because I'm impatient and I have not gotten good enough with the drop spindle to spin fast enough for my own satisfaction. But I think it's good to know how to use it because of the basic principles. Also, it's way more portable!
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Thanks! I know I'm going to get sucked into spinning one of these days. . . though probably a drop spindle to start with because wheels are expensive.
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Always glad to be an enabler. : )
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See, I knew I liked you! 😉
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