Secret Santa Aussie Blog Hop

As part of the Australian YA Bloggers and Readers Secret Santa Blog Hop, we want to know whether you've been a good or naughty blogger this year.

This blog hop is for the participants of the Aussie YA Bloggers Secret Santa list to help you find out more about your fellow Santas and Santees and hopefully find out who your Santa is!

Good or Naughty?


How are you going with your Goodreads challenge?
This year I challenged myself to read 160 books, which is down on 2013 when I ended up reading over 260. I knew there would be no chance of reading that many again, but luckily I'd completed this years challenge a few weeks ago. You can see what books I've read here. And you know because I'm fabulous. Just sayin'.
How many times did you post per week on average? Do you think you’ll post more / less in the future?
It averaged out to around four posts per week. I didn't think I posted that often actually. It's remarkably less than last year though, where I almost averaged a post per day. Most of them were really shithouse reviews, because I had no clue what I was doing.
What is your Netgalley ratio?
82.5% based on 33 approved titles. Some I've loved, some I've loathed and some I still haven't read. I'd use Edelweiss more, if someone would approve me.
Have you been commenting on other blogs?
I totally do. I try to reply to comments left here on Diva Booknerd, then visit others blogs to see what they're reviewing. That's how I stumble across most of my reads, from blogger reviews. I've had to cut back on commenting on older posts once they drop off my front page though, or the majority of my day would be spent commenting.
Did you read mostly review books or non review books this year?
I'd say review books. I don't request many, perhaps a dozen or so per year across all the publishers, but I receive quite a few unsolicited copies that I read and review as long as they sound decent. It's how I've found some of my favourite reads this year.
What are your blogging goals for 2015?
To finish all those series finales I've had sitting on my shelf. Continue to read at least one classic per month and also to use my online time a little more wisely and cut down on non review or blogging commitments.
What is your favourite blogging moment / achievement of 2014?
Hearing about Kristy from Book Nerd Reviews meeting the one and only Laini Taylor in a one on one interview. Anyone who knows Kristy knows how much she adores both Laini and the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series, and when the lovely Hachette Australia mentioned the the opportunity to interview her, there was no better person for the job. She's an incredible blogger but more importantly a phenomenal friend. I'm still surprised that she let Laini leave to be honest, I would have sworn she had purchased duct tape and cable ties.
Based on your answers above, do you think you’ve been a good or naughty blogger this year?
Not to blow my own trumpet or anything, but I think I've been good. I may have danced upon that line a few times, cut a few corners and had thrown a few books, but in all honestly who hasn't?
Leave 3 clues to help your Santee guess who you are.
Your blog is incredibly whimsical.
Your name reminds me of a hip swiveling Colombian.
It's not the first time I've sent you something to read.

Hop To It #AusYABloggers


30 comments

  1. Yaaay I'm so glad you've participated in SS Kelly. And you HAVE been an awesome blogger this year, I'm so glad to have met you in the Aussie blogging community. AND YOU READ 260 BOOKS LAST YEAR?! Holy...shmoly.

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    1. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I didn't sleep much during 2013. I had no idea I'd even read that many until I check last years challenge. Me too Joy. You're one of my favourite little poppets, always so incredibly lovely.

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  2. I can't believe you read 260 books last year! *waves pompoms* And 179 (so far) this year is crazy good, as well, Kelly!

    And you're above the recommended NG ratio. You're on top of this blogging thing, aren't you?

    Commenting is incredibly hectic, and I find myself falling behind if I leave it for a few days (which I have recently and now it'll take me HOURS to get back on top - why do I do this to myself?). I think you're a pretty awesome commenter! :D

    I also have heaps of series to finish, but I'll probably need to skim read some of the first books because I have a terribly case of book amnesia.

    I definitely think you've been a good blogger this year!

    I AM CURRENTLY IMAGINING MYSELF SWIVELLING MY HIPS AND SPEAKING IN A COLUMBIAN ACCENT ;D

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    1. I knew I should have made it harder. Damn it. You're too clever for your own good poppet.

      You've gone great guns this year yourself, considering you study, blog and have time to let Jared Leto sweep you off your feet. You have to let us know your secret.

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  3. LOVE THOSE CLUES HAHA. Lol, you're one of my favourite bloggers JUST because of the snark. It's awesome. There aren't any other abominable snownerds like you :) Also, 260 books is cray. Congrats on that last year :P

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    1. Thanks poppet.

      I always look forward to your wrap ups and wonderkitty ratings, your blog is one of the most entertaining in the Aussie community.

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  4. So I'm not sure if my comment disappeared or what but I'm just going to type another one to say YOU ARE HILARIOUS AND MY OFFICIAL READING IDOL.

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    1. It didn't show up, just this one. I might have to look into using something other than the standard blogger comment system. It always eats them.

      I'll take that. Does an idol come with a specific title. Or prizes? Or a cape. I could totally go a cape.

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  5. I AM JEALOUS OF YOU. HOW DID YOU READ SO MANY BOOKS?! Anyhoo, I TOTALLY BEAT YOU THERE, MY RATIO IS 0.3% HIGHER THAN YOURS *laughs* This is totally something worth shoving in your face about...right?

    Anyway, lovely post, Kels! <33

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    1. Ooh, game on poppet. I can't have that. I shall run off to Netgalley and put all the books left on my reading shelf and will start now.

      Victory shall me mine!

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  6. 260 books in one year?! My God, Kell, you little reading machine, you! And 179 so far this year? You're quite amazing.

    Edelweiss is so frustrating! I'd totally use it more often than Netgalley, but I guess being in Australia doesn't help? I don't know. I don't know anyone here who's been approved via Edelweiss, though.

    Finishing series is something I'm continuously trying to do, but then I start new series and I feel as though it's a never-ending cycle. Good luck with your 2015 goals, Kelly! :)

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    1. I don't think it's because we're Aussies, but I think the publishers on there are pretty specific with who they approve. There's quite a few Aussie who have automatic approval with Harper Teen on there I believe. Sadly I'm not one of them though. I find it hard to almost grovel when requesting on there, I want to read the book, not bloody date it.

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  7. You have totally been good!!! You are forever on my nice list - you are an amazing, honest, hilarious and entertaining blogger, but more importantly, you yourself are a phenomenal friend!! You know how much I adore you, you are the bestest!!! You made my everything this year, and I will forever try to repay you!

    Oh, and I totally wanted to keep Laini - but her hubby wouldn't be impressed with me if I did, so I sadly let her go (the tape and ties will come in handy when she returns with the family).

    So, for the record, I think you are always nice - with just the right amount of naughty ;)

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    1. So, the whole family then? Those are going to be some weird looking family portraits, you smiling while everyone else is bound and gagged.

      If you mention repaying me one more time, I'm going to clobber you over the head with your own hooters.

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  8. Wow, that's an amazing total for this year, even though it's less than last year! You must be a reading machine :) Have a lovely christmas!

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    1. I think it might be more so due to the lack of being able to sleep. On average I sleep around five hours per night during the week, so it allows more time to read. I've clearly been able to get a little more sleep this year going my my read count.

      And congratulations on the new bub! Clearly that's pushed me over into the naughty range, not knowing something so monumental.

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  9. WOAH Kelly you've been such a good blogger this year! This motivates me to be a better blogger haha. That NetGalley ratio is amazing good job (:

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    1. Thanks Jaz Hands. I've started requesting on there again too, it took the good part of 2014 to get my ratio back up. Unfortunately I never learn.

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  10. Obviously I'm not participating in this as I'm a crummy old English person :((( but! I did really enjoy reading this! and you've been amazing at posting and reading this year holy moly!

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    1. But we love you pasty white Poms Becks! You've had an awesome year too, I'm so glad one of us found the other, you've become one of my favourite blogging buddies!

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  11. Your ratio is so impressive! You certainly have been a good blogger!

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    1. I must admit, a few have been terrible ones that sounded good, but ended up not being able to finish them. So thanks to the crap books I was able to keep a nice ratio.

      Hooray for crap books!

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  12. WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THIS KELLY?!? Of course you've been a fabulous blogger! I always adore reading your informative (and hilarious) posts and reviews, and your comments are just so, so sweet. And I will admit that I'm envious of your fabulous Netgalley ratio & your success at the Goodreads challenge.

    "I'd use Edelweiss more, if someone would approve me." Me too... *scowls*

    Thanks for sharing Kelly and, as always, fabulous post! ♥

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    1. I think I've requested around 30 or more books on there and have only been approved for 5 or 6. They tend to have better and bigger titles, but I just don't like grovelling to read something. I barely use it now and would just rather wait until it comes out and buy or preorder it myself.

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  13. I'm actually in love with your blog design. It's so pretty!
    Who designed it? If I ever self-host, i would love this person.
    *hip swivelling Colombian* I actually laughed out loud!

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    1. I purchased the lovely little from a designer, but the rest I've done myself. I'm actually with Blogger, and hosted there as well. But yeah, on Wordpress you need to be self hosted I believe to have your own custom template. Unless you're keen to move over to Blogger. I prefer their layout more, it's easier for me to work with.

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  14. You have read 260 books this year? That is crazy. You are the queen of reading! And high five for your NG ratio.
    Kelly, you are a wonderful blogger. I always love your reviews. Good luck with next year, I have so many series on my shelf that I need to read as well!

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    1. Not this year, but last year I did. I honestly have no idea how I was able to read that many, considering I've read around 100 less this year. I blame social media. Last year I wasn't really commenting or interacting all that much, this year you can't keep me away!

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  15. Kelly what an awesome blogging year! Congrats on your insane ability to read so many books :) And cutting the corners and dancing on the line of naughty and nice is what makes blogging interesting! Have a fantastic Christmas and enjoy whatever your Secret Santa leaves you :)

    Brit

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    1. Thanks Brit. It's been an awesome year, and I'm super thankful for the Aussie bloggers group coming together so I could have met incredible bloggers such as yourself.

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