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Balancing being a book blogger and author
By Samantha March
Sometimes being both a blogger and an author can be challenging. One of the biggest hurdles is honestly time. I read around five books a week, and all of them are for reviews on Chick Lit Plus. I’m often staying up late into the night finishing a book so I can get my review written and posted for the following day. My to-read pile is stacked crazy high, and when I tell people those are the books I need to read and review, the question I typically get asked is, “When do you have the time?” Add that in to my full-time job, my writing schedule, being an editor and a publisher (not to mention wife and mother of 9 week old puppy) and sometimes that answer isn’t the easiest. Fortunately, I love what I do, and that makes working feel like … not working. I enjoy it, and not everyone can say that about their jobs.
On the flip side, I think there are advantages of being a blogger and a writer as well. Being a reviewer forces me to read, read, read (though I know I would do this anyway, I love books!) and really think about the book. I dissect the characters and the plot and the writing and the editing, and I think that makes me a better writer. When I see what works and what doesn’t helps me when I come back to my manuscript. Constantly reading means my brain in constantly churning, thinking of new scenarios and characters and plot points.
And of course, being both a book blogger and author means I’m a part of two very special communities. The women that I have met in the four years since I started Chick Lit Plus and ventured into writing are really amazing. Whenever I need encouragement, a piece of advice, or just someone to talk to who knows the challenges of what we do, I can go to my computer and send an email or a tweet. Sometimes balancing the two roles can be challenging, but I have found it worth it every day.
Thanks Samantha! Be sure to check tomorrow – I’ll be conducting my first cyber interview with Samantha.
Say “hi” to Samantha below , in the comments section. Tell us how you do it all? Let me know if you’ve read the green ticket!
My second (virtual) child has turned one! Right before Christmas last year, I was giving myself a wonderful gift in publishing my second title, 14 months after the first. 
It was such a great feeling because after publishing Destined to Fail, the questions were constantly asked: “When’s the next book coming? Are you writing a second book? How much longer until we can read something from you again?” So. Much. Pressure. I learned a lot about publishing in general from the first book, and it was much smoother the second time around – I had formatters and my cover designer lined up well in advance, I had a marketing plan in place, and I now had readers who actually wanted to read my next book. Quite amazing. So a year has passed and I’ve been so thankful for all the reviews, tweets, emails, and comments on The Green Ticket. I’m happy to be celebrating this occasion on your blog, and the support you and so many others have given me not only with this book, but my first, my upcoming third, and Chick Lit Plus and Marching Ink in general is so incredible. Thank you!
About the Book
College junior Alex Abrams scores her dream job at the ripe age of twenty – manager to a successful salon and spa. Thrilled to finally have a real adult job, Alex enthusiastically jumps into the world of schedules, conference calls, and getting a massage when interviewing prospective employees. What she doesn’t expect are the very grown-up issues that comes with a demanding boss. Kevin Dohlman quickly becomes Alex’s worse nightmare – covering up his affairs, dealing with his enormous ego, and trying to protect her female staff from him becomes a full-time job in its own right. Alex has also befriended Kevin’s wife and co-owner, Dani, and is trying to keep Kevin’s secrets hidden from her. The situation only worsens when Kevin starts paying Alex off to make sure she keeps her insider knowledge to herself.
While struggling to keep her wits and stay happy with her new grown-up job, Alex is juggling college courses, a new love interest, and keeping up with her close group of girlfriends. When her roommate and best friend Lila gets offered an opportunity to move to Los Angeles and sign with an agent, Alex realizes her life truly is changing, and everyone around her – including herself –– is growing up. Knowing she is faced with some hard decisions ahead, Alex struggles with keeping her job at Blissful. But does she really want to throw away what she dreamed of as a career – or will the secret-keeping for Kevin become too much to handle? The Green Ticket is a story about morals versus money, and how one young woman navigates the shaky line between the two.
About the Author
Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and celebrity related. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and has two published novels – Destined to Fail and The Green Ticket. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers.
Connect with Samantha!
Thank you so much for having me Allie!
You are so very welcome!