Mason Canyon, book reviewer on Thoughts in Progress stopped by today to tell us a little about her blog and answer some questions. Not only does she offer great insights into books she has read, but has also posted interviews with many well known authors.1. How did you decide to start a blog?
Thoughts in Progress came about through the encouragement and help of authors Cleo Coyle and Elizabeth Spann Craig. I won an ARC copy of Cleo’s HOLIDAY GRIND in 2009. I reviewed it for the paper I was working for and Cleo suggested I start a blog to give my reviews more exposure. She introduced me to Elizabeth and with their help, I began to explore the world of blogging. I posted my first blog entry on Oct. 31, 2009. It has been a wonderful experience ever since.
2. Tell us a little about you
Having been a journalist for 30-plus years it’s hard for me to tell about myself. I always want to ask others questions instead. I’m an animal lover with 1 house cat, 2 dogs, 5 horses and 6 barn cats. I don’t have children, so my animals are spoiled like children. I enjoy living in the country where I can hike in the woods. We live in north Georgia. I’ve enjoyed reading for as long as I can remember. My husband says I have enough books to start my own library. I created Mason Canyon when I started reviewing books for the paper I was working for. Mason is from my love of Perry Mason (both book and TV form) and Canyon was the name of my first horse. I enjoy trying my hand at crafts from time to time. And, anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE coffee.
3. You get through an enormous number of books a year, how many pages do you think you average in an hour?
That’s a hard question with no definite answer. If I have some ‘me time’ and can read uninterrupted, I’d guess I read about a page a minute depending on the font size. Other times, I do good to read 5 pages in an hour.
4. Which authors inspire you?
There are so many it would be hard to name them. I can safely say I’m almost always inspired by whatever author I’m reading at any given time. An author has truly done a wonderful job if while I’m reading their book, I want to do or be whatever their protagonist is.
5. So many genres have such fuzzy lines these days and blend into each other. What are your favorite genres?
My favorite genre is mystery and all the sub-genres it includes: cozy, crime fiction, thrillers, true crime, etc. But I also enjoy romance and just about any other genre.
6. Do you prefer to read books in print or e-books? What are your thoughts on e-books?
I love print books and prefer to read them. I don’t own an e-reader so it’s more difficult for me to read eBooks as I have to read them on my computer. I’m slowly understanding that eBooks can be handy for both authors and readers. With an e-reader I’m sure my attitude would be a bit different. But there’s nothing like the feel of turning the pages and anticipating what the author has in store for you next.
7. You post many author interviews on your blog. Does one in particular stand out?
I have been especially fortunate over the 2 years I’ve been blogging to have wonderful authors (such as yourself) guest blog for me. It would be difficult to select just one that stands out as each one is special in its own unique way.
8. What can we expect for 2012? Anything new coming up on your blog?
I have a number of authors already slated to guest blog in 2012, as well numerous reviews scheduled. I hope to have a few posts just to ramble about whatever pops in my head. I don’t have anything new planned, but I’m always open to suggestions. I’m always looking for ways to improve the blog and make it more visitor friendly. I hope in the coming months I can get back to visiting other blogs like I was. I enjoy visiting with other bloggers and learning new things from them.
Ann, thank you for this opportunity to visit on your wonderful blog. I am amazed at the compassion, concern and understanding of the bloggers I’ve met from all over the world. As caring for my in-laws become more time consuming each day I have less time on the web, but the continued support visitors have shown me is remarkable and touches me deeply. In addition, I’m in awe of authors now more so than I ever was prior to blogging. I never realized all the extra work that goes into creating a book. I am thankful that authors, such as yourself, go through all this work so readers like me have such wonderful books to read. Thank you again for having me here today.
Thank you Mason. I'm looking forward to hearing about the books you have selected to tell us about in 2012.
Hop on over to Thoughts in Progress and visit Mason - you won't be disappointed.
