Blogger Interview: Susan Barton– Books, Tours, DIY, and More!!

Just a month ago, I first stumbled across one of Susan’s many service based blogs–Book Blogger Listing— and then from there made my way around to see all of her other great blogs: My Book Tour, eBook Review Gal, and DIY Mom. All of them had equal effort put in, and there was INCREDIBLE content on each. After talking to Susan a bit about being a tour host, I fell in love with her effort and her blogs, and I couldn’t resist asking if I could interview her. And I was lucky enough to have her say yes!! So, without further ado…

Me: How did you decide to start blogging?

Susan: I guess I’ve always had a lot to say. I’ve also always had strong opinions. Just ask my husband! I fell in love with books and reading at an early age and I take my reading very seriously. After all, it takes a certain amount of investment – monetarily and time-wise – to choose the perfect book and sit down to read it. When I read glowing, positive book reviews, I expect to be wowed. If I’m not, then I get cranky. It’s as if I’ve been cheated. That’s when I write about my disappointment. Likewise, when I read a really great book and I absolutely love it I have to let EVERYONE know about it. The perfect place to do both of these things is on a book blog.

How long have you been blogging?

I started my very first blog back in 2005 – so twelve years now!

What is the most rewarding part of your online business/blog?

I get to meet SO MANY interesting and unique people. Many have become longtime friends. I just LOVE that!

You are one of the most versatile bloggers I’ve ever met. How do you balance your book blog, DIY Mom blog, Ebook review site, and your book tour service?

I’ve always been a speedy multi-tasker! I love keeping busy – in fact, I need to keep busy. It also helps that my ADD keeps me bouncing from task to task at lightning speed 🙂 But, I try to devote adequate time to each endeavor, just to maintain the proper balance.

Which of your websites do you find the most rewarding to run?

That is an EXCELLENT question! I’m a little torn about that, since most of my sites center on authors, books and reading. I LOVE helping struggling authors and I do get genuine pleasure in promoting them. But…my mommy blog (DIY MOM) is equally important to me too. I guess, ultimately, I view my websites like I view my children – I don’t have favorites 🙂

You host/design Book Tours for authors, so you must have come into contact with a lot of authors and publishers. Do you have any interesting/comical stories about these interactions?

I think the most common thing I find when working with authors is 1) they never realized how much marketing would be involved when they decided to become authors. And 2) They didn’t previously know too much about book tours and how they work. I don’t mind one bit having to explain the process to any author and I sometimes have to do this. But I love every minute of it!

You are stuck on a deserted island, and can only bring three things– a book, an item of food (endless supply), and a hygiene product. What do you bring for each category?

That’s easy! My beloved copy of To Kill A Mockingbird, Quaker Popped (I can’t eat gluten and these are my absolute favorite snacks!) and my toothbrush (I’m an oral hygiene nut!)

What are your favorite genres to read?

I love psychological thrillers, mysteries and paranormal novels.

Least favorite?

*Gulp*….at the risk of ruffling some feathers, I’d have to say Sci-Fi. Oh, and Erotica. They’re just not my “thing”.

All of your crafts on DIY mom are so creative! How do you come up with your ideas?

Well, thank you! It definitely goes back to my days as a young mom. I was always looking for super inexpensive, easy ways to decorate our home, so repurposing, recycling and upcycling became my best friends. Pinterest is another great inspiration. I check out photos and think “how can I do this myself”. Then I share my results.

Which social media site do you find most useful in promoting your content? Do you think that social media is necessary for reaching a large audience?

All of them! Without a doubt, social media is ESSENTIAL for reaching your target audience – regardless of what you’re doing. If you have an online or brick and mortar store, you absolutely HAVE to get social. Running a blog or business without utilizing social media is like throwing a party but forgetting to send out the invites. Who will know what the heck you’re doing otherwise? And, I’d also add that it’s not enough to just join all of the social media platforms, you have to interact with you followers on a daily basis. And…by interact I don’t mean yelling at people about how great you are. You have to actually be sociable on social media or people will tune you out very quickly.

And finally, what advice do you have for people who are currently running a small blog and wish to broaden their audience?

The best advice I can give is to write, write, and write. The more content you publish, the more of a following you’ll gain. You simply cannot afford to allow your website or blog to sit, languishing in stale silence. Readers want to see fresh content on at least a weekly basis – more frequently is even better if you can manage it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all of my questions!! I loved hearing more about how you started blogging, and your blogging advice!!

Loved the interview and want to hear more? Don’t forget to head over to one of Susan’s many websites or social media to share the love: