Today, we have a very special guest who is a professional book blogger, graphic designer, as well as a wonderful follower of Christ! She and I met in the wonderful world of literary awesomeness and instantly connected over our love of books. She has so graciously read and reviewed every book in Perception and Deception: A Spy Series, and has even beta read the upcoming fifth book before release (there will be a link to that review at the bottom of this post). She is an amazing human being and it's a true honor that she is gracing us with her presence and allowing me to interview her today!
Let's welcome Lori Bolejack to Interviews With Professionals!
What's the name of your blog and why that name?
Literary Lioness. I am a Leo and love to read, so it just seemed to fit!
What made you decide to start a book blog?
Simply put, a friend. However, once I started, I began meeting incredible authors, creating amazing connections, and reading fantastic books I would not have found otherwise.
What motivates you to keep blogging about books?
Helping authors spread the word about their books.
Why do you love to read?
I love being swept away; whether it be to another era, world, or simply a different experience.
What are the top 3 characteristics you look for in a good book?
1. Storyline (ex: attention grabbing and relatable characters)
2. Clean (ex: no erotic material and minimal profanity)
3. Proficient (ex: no spelling or grammatical errors)
Do you have a preference when it comes to genre?
I try to say no, for there have been some books I probably would have never considered, but ended up loving. Yet, I always seem to find myself leaning towards fantasy, mystery, and history. In other words, if I see witches, magic, private investigator, crime, thriller, World War II, or Holocaust in the synopsis it usually ends up in my TBR fairly quickly.
What makes an intriguing main character?
One I can become immersed in. I want to feel what they are feeling and see what they are seeing. Make me want to be their best friend, and you have me hooked.
What makes a good antagonist?
The most hated character, but also one you cannot help but love. Show me their internal battle, their reasoning for doing what they do, and a hint of a possibility they could change for the better. Keep me guessing, as well as keeping the hope alive.
Do you prefer reading a book in first or third person? Why?
I prefer first because it helps with the empathy aspect. I want to really get to know the characters and what better way to that than to enter their minds.
Do you read several books at once or only read one book at a time?
Definitely, one at a time.
What was one of your favorite books from when you were a teenager?
Without a doubt, “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry. It is still one of my favorite books of all time.
Tell us more about your book blog! Where can readers subscribe?
Any literary enthusiast can visit www.literarylioness.net to “Subscribe to The Roar”.
Where can authors contact you about Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) reviews?
Authors should visit www.literarylioness.net and select “Request a Review”. Here they can read about my “Perfect Prey” and complete the form. Once the form is completed, I will personally contact them to inform them if I can fit their book in by their requested review date. If their book can be added to my schedule, I will ask for a copy of their book to be emailed directly to me at lori@literarylioness.net.
Do you charge for you services or do it for the joy of book reviewing?
It is all about the networking and building lasting connections. However, I am working towards integrating my love of reading with my joy of graphic design. Look for custom gifts and book covers to come soon. Interested in seeing some of my current work? Please check out my card design business at www.customcardcreations.com.
We have a bit of a Christian community subscribed to this blog as well who like to hear about inspiring stories involving walks of faith. If you have a story you’d like to share about this, please feel free to do so.
Absolutely…here’s a link to my personal testimonial. It’s 6 years old, and a lot has changed since it was taped, but it’s still how I was brought to Christ.
Lori, thank you so much for joining us today!
Check out her amazing reviews of all of the Perception and Deception: A Spy Series books below:
Book 1:
Book 2:
Book 3:
Book 4:
Book 5:
Lori's Links - Be sure to subscribe to her blog right away!
Official Website / Blog:
Facebook:
Goodreads:
Thank you so much Andrea! I had a blast completing this with you as well as getting to know each other through this process. You are one of a kind and I feel truly blessed for connecting with you.