A Page in the Life of Iliana From Bookgirl's Nightstand

Welcome to the second installment of A Page in the Life. When I first came across my next guest's blog, I was in awe--and a little intimidated. Any intimidation did not last long, however. Iliana is one of the friendliest and thoughtful bloggers out there and that comes out in her comments as well as on her blog, Bookgirl's Nightstand.

Iliana is a talented craftswoman as can be seen by taking a look at the various journals she has made (and I've personally tested one); she is also a gifted writer. The only negative I can think of about Iliana and her blog is that I always come away after reading her posts with a longer wish list, especially in the mystery department. Iliana has introduced me to many new authors and books. I hope you will stop by her blog and take a look. Be sure and say hello while you are there!

Please welcome Iliana to Musings of a Bookish Kitty!

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Literary Feline: Welcome, Iliana. I am so excited to have you here! Thank you for dropping in and answering a few questions.

Curious minds want to know: how do you like to start off your morning?

Iliana: As I’m unemployed right now, I’m taking full advantage of having the luxury to slowly step into the morning. I’m not a morning person. So I have a cup of coffee, read and finally get ready to go to the gym. After that I try to catch up on blog reading, emails, bookbinding, whatever else I have going on that’s calling my name.


Literary Feline: Besides reading and books, what are some of your other interests, hobbies or passions?

Iliana: I love bookbinding and other paper crafts like making cards, rubber stamping, etc. I also enjoy journaling and learning new craft techniques. Recently, we bought a silkscreen press so I’m very excited to learn a new medium. When I’m not working on crafty stuff, I like to go to the movies, coffee houses, museums, and of course plan our next vacation.


Literary Feline: How did you get started blogging about books?

Iliana: Oddly enough it wasn’t reading other book blogs but artists’ blogs. I used to visit a lot of artist’s blogs. I loved the illustrations or photography and enjoyed reading about how these artists were living a creative life. I thought it was great how they shared their love to the world and the impact art had on their lives and I thought, well books are my life so why not. And, that’s what got me started in blogging about books.


Literary Feline: Has blogging impacted your reading? If so, how?

Iliana: It’s definitely got me reading outside of my comfort zone. Thanks to so many of the reading challenges out there I’ve discovered new genres and have even become a fan of them. Now I don’t just read Fiction or Mysteries but I venture over to the YA section or the Graphic Novels section. It’s wonderful aside from the fact that my TBR lists are out of control.


Literary Feline: What types of books do you like to read? And do you blog about every book that you do read?

Iliana: I love a good fiction book. Stories set in foreign lands. Historical novels, especially the Victorian era. Stories with strong characters. I’m a big fan of mysteries too so I usually have one going on along with a bunch of other books. I try to mention every book I’m reading but I don’t always do a full review. Sometimes I just fall behind and never get to it.


Literary Feline: Do you have any reading routines, rituals or habits?

Iliana: I always like to read the author bio and details of the book before starting it. I’ll even read the Colophon to find out what type is used in the book. However, I’m careful about reading introductions as sometimes they have spoilers. As far as rituals go, I must read before going to sleep. I don’t care how tired I am but I have to pick up a book even if it’s just to read a paragraph.

Literary Feline: How do you pull yourself out of a reading or blogging slump or what steps do you take to avoid that from happening?

Iliana: I’m lucky I haven’t had a reading slump in a while. When I do have one though I tend to focus on reading more magazines. A blogging slump? Well, I don’t blog every day because I like to have a break and I do take “vacations” throughout the year. I think that helps keep me excited about blogging and also reminds me that this is for fun.


Literary Feline: Do you have any advice or tips for your fellow bloggers?

Iliana: Enjoy it. I think it’s easy to get caught up with the reading challenges and other events and before you know it you are feeling overwhelmed. That’s the last thing I want, so while I enjoy all of that, I only do as much as I can. I don’t stress out if I don’t get to participate or if I forgot a meme. Basically, I think you have to blog about the things that interest you and you’ll find your audience.


Literary Feline: What are you reading right now? Do you have any book or author recommendations?

Iliana: Right now I’ve just finished Sexing the Cherry by Jeannette Winterson, which is one of the strangest books I’ve read in a while. I’m also finishing up the graphic novel Life Sucks by Jessica Abel. Next up is Portrait in Sepia by Isabel Allende, the Spanish edition. And, a very good book I’ve finished recently that’s just about to come out is Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese.

Thank you so much for inviting me to A Page in the Life!

Literary Feline: It was my pleasure! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Be sure to stop by and visit Iliana over at Bookgirl's Nightstand!