Monday, August 29, 2011

Better Know A Blogger: Karen from FWIW

So, you've had the chance to get to know other bloggers from around the blogosphere. Now it's time to get to know someone a little more close to home. This girl is one of the sweetest, most amazing people I have ever met. Y'all, please welcome one of the co-hosts of the Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge, and also one of my BFFs, Karen from For What It's Worth.

1. Introduce yourself!

Hi! I'm Karen and I never know what to say about myself, so I'm going to cheat and give you my Google+ profile: I'm a blogger, a reader, a wife, a dog & cat mom. I like mother nature - even the bugs and ugly things.
I like to cook new things, do yoga and exercise - I don't do any of them particularly well. And I like to eat - I do that very well.

2. What is the name of your blog? How did you pick your blog’s name?

For What It's Worth. I'm always giving my opinion whether it's wanted or not and I heard the song "For What It's Worth" by Placebo and it sort of hit me - my opinion - for what it's worth. I'm not sure I even really like it but I had to take the plunge sometime so I went with it.

3. How long have you been blogging?

Since December 15th 2009

4. How do you measure blogging success?

From the friends I've made. Nothing else that has happened since I started blogging has meant as much to me. Followers and free books are great but the friends are what make it fun.

5. What genres/subgenres do you review, and what do you like best about those genres?

I've been leaning more towards YA lately but I love a lot of different genres. I tend to get bored if I read all YA or all dystopion, PNR, UF etc. One of my favorites is adult contemporary romance or chick-lit that is heavy on humor.

6. What are you reading right now?

Unforgettable by Loretta Ellsworth

7. Do you use social media to promote your blog or discuss reading/blogging?

I'm obsessed with Twitter (!/teamsheltie), I post all my reviews on Goodreads ( and just started with Google+ (

8.Where is your favorite place to read?

On my couch with a blanket and pillows and my cat Figment. If I'm lucky I have a Ghirardelli triple chocolate chunk cookie nearby.

9. What are your ideal reading conditions?

See above. I like a little music in the background but on low so I can barely hear it. The ideal conditions would be that my dogs aren't bugging me to go out every 5 minutes.

10. What are the top 5 books in your TBR (To Be read) pile?

EEK! Only 5? OK….
Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter
Unforgettable by Loretta Ellsworth
Crusade by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
(that's what's sitting on my coffee table - there are actually about 80 more on my shelves)

Uh oh, I know what question comes next, and I also know Karen's answer for it. This should be interesting.

10. Obligatory controversial question: Love triangles! Love ‘em or hate ‘em, and why?

I think Tiger threw this question in here just to fire me up!! HATE 'EM! Reason #1 is that they are overdone. I would love to see a couple go through at least a few of the myriad of problems that people go though in a new relationship before adding a third party to the mix. And #2 I kind of lose respect for everyone involved. The girl is stringing two guys along - sometimes for years and the guys are idiots for waiting.
There... I think I handled that well! I could have ranted for at least another 5 paragraphs!

11. What has been the best thing about blogging and reviewing books?

I have met the MOST amazing people, including fellow bloggers, authors and followers! I'm often stunned at the support and camaraderie I get from people I've never even met in person. I thought getting to give my opinion about everything would be the fun part - but it's really been meeting so many great friends.

Thanks, Karen, for taking the time to answer some questions for everyone and giving them a glimpse into what makes Karen, Karen! If you guys are not following For What It's Worth, you're completely and totally missing out. Seriously!


  1. Yay! I love you both. Yup, I threw that in there for you, Karen! I perfectly agree. I've seen the rare triagle done well, but for every good one there's 20 bad ones where everyone looks wishy-washy and it seems like a cheap way to create conflict.

    Can't wait 'til you try Crusade. *maniacal laughter*

  2. well hello Karen! I like this Better Know a Blogger.
    And you know, everytime I listen to "For what it's worth" by Placebo I think of your blog...who knew that was your inspiration :)
    And I agree with you in the last question, even when I'm not a blogger (yet).

  3. You show those damned love triangles who's boss, Karen!

  4. @Tori & Tiger - you know my weakness!!

    @Ana - that's so funny think you thought of my blog when you hear that song.

