Blogger Spotlight—Brooke Bumgardner
When I started to read cozy mysteries, Brooke was one of the blogger/reviewers that I came across and instantly loved! She has a great blog, a knack for words and is always supportive of the book world. I hope you enjoy getting to meet Brooke!
Hello! I’m Brooke, I’m 33 years old, and I live in small-town Ohio with my loving little family. Thank you so much for visiting Brooke Blogs! I’m excited to tell you a little about me and why I blog. I have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and I work as the teen & children’s program specialist at my local public library. I have a great boyfriend, Donny. I have two daughters: Keira is 14 years old and Natalie is 5 years old. I am also starting my own business: The Bee’s Knees VA, where I take care of the small things, so you can focus on what you love.
I am an avid reader! My Kindle is never far from me. I love to play games on Club Pogo. I really like technology. Whenever I have spare time, which is rare ;), I follow several blogs and like learning how others raise their families, as well as learning about new products and services through blogs.
You can find or contact me at:
Bree
Thank you for joining me today on the blog! Brooke, you are a star of a blogger in the Cozy Mystery world. Many know you as a queen with words to help guide us to books we will love, but do you blog about other books or products?
Brooke Bumgardner
Hi Bree! Thank you so much for having me as a guest on Bibliophile Reviews, I’m so pleased to be here. Cozy mystery books are my favorite books to blog about, but I also enjoy blogging about romance, young adult, thriller/suspense, and even some science fiction/fantasy books. I also like to review products I’ve received, including beauty items and movies.
Bree
Care to share a bit about the blog?
Brooke Bumgardner
After following many “mom bloggers”, I thought to myself that I could totally do that. I started Brooke Blogs in September 2012, and shortly thereafter found out that book blogging was a thing. Blogging is a great hobby that lets me combine some of my favorite things: books, reviews, and giveaways. My blog lets me share my opinions with the world and I love being a part of the blogging community!
Bree
I know I am a huge fan of your book reviews, are you a fan of any other book blogs?
Brooke Bumgardner
Thank you! Oh, yes! Three of my favorites are Escape With Dollycas, Dru’s Book Musings, and Carstairs Considers, though there are many more that I love following. ☺
Bree
Why did you decide to begin blogging?
Brooke Bumgardner
I started blogging when my younger daughter was 1. I was home with her all day and I wanted an outlet, a community that I could be a part of, and blogging fit the bill.
Bree
How do you stay organized as a mom and blogger? Apps? Planner?
Brooke Bumgardner
Google calendar + paper planners are my friends. I have a lot to keep track of: blog posts, my virtual assistant business, school/activities with my kids, and working full time at the library. I have a color code that I use in Google calendar for all of my blog posts, so I know just what kind of posts I have coming up. For day-to-day things, it is much easier for me to see everything written down in a planner.
Bree
What are some tips you would give to those just starting out or thinking of book blogging?
Brooke Bumgardner
Do not overbook yourself. Make sure you have enough time to read the book or review a product before committing to putting it in your schedule. Really get to know your readers. Without them, you wouldn’t be blogging.
Bree
What has been your favorite book in the past year to review?
Brooke Bumgardner
Oh, what a hard question! If I have to choose just one… A Dark and Stormy Murder by Julia Buckley just blew me away.
Bree
Oh, I have to agree that book was fantastic! What book are you most looking forward to reading?
Brooke Bumgardner
Death in Dark Blue by Julia Buckley, the second in the Writer’s Apprentice Mystery series.
Bree
Yes, that is a highly anticipated cozy! What does a day look like in your life?
Brooke Bumgardner
- Mildly controlled chaos. 😉
- Wake up and get the girls off to school
- Head to work at the library (where I am the teen & children’s program specialist)
- I usually spend the morning planning programming and the afternoon taking care of the collection (weeding books, shelving, etc.) and I always read at lunch.
- I head home and have dinner with my family. In the fall and spring, sometimes I head to my older daughter’s cross country or track meets.
- After dinner, I spend some time preparing blog posts or working on virtual assistant jobs for my clients.
- I get the girls to bed and relax until I head to bed.
- I read every night before bed. Even if I am so tired that I only make it through a couple of sentences, I *have* to read.
Bree
That sounds about right for a busy mom! How do you unplug?
Brooke Bumgardner
I never leave home without a book or my Kindle. I like playing games on Pogo.com, adult coloring, and watching shows/movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Bree
So, we recently had a Superhero day at the high school. I’m curious, if you were a superhero what would your name be, and what would your powers be?
Brooke Bumgardner
Ms. Speedreader ~ I would have the ability to read a cozy book in half an hour.
Bree
Now that would be the coolest superpower! I have enjoyed having you on the blog today! Thank you for sharing with us about your blog, and a bit more about you!
Brooke Bumgardner
You’re welcome! Thank you again for having me.
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Thank you so much for having me on Bibliophile Reviews! I really enjoyed our interview. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Brooke! It was great to have you!
I really enjoyed learning more about you, Brooke!
Thanks for stopping by Ellen, I happy you got to learn more about Brooke!