Interview with Jessica from Shut Up! I'm Reading

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She's only thirteen years old, but Jessica runs a successful YA book blog, Shut Up! I'm Reading, where she provides insightful book reviews, interesting interviews and entertaining commentary on her views on books and book covers.

Hi Jessica. Can you start off by telling me a little bit about yourself?

I'm a girl with a love of reading who decided to share her love with anyone who cares to read about it. Reading is one of my very favorite things to do.


Please tell me about your blog and what makes it unique

My blog, Shut Up! I'm Reading, reviews young adult books just about all of the time. Review-wise, I rate a book based on plot, characters, writing, ending, and overall enjoyment of the novel and then give it a 1-5 star review. I also try to throw in as many interviews and contests that I can manage. And, I have a feature called "Judging A Book By It's Cover" where I, as you guessed, judge a book's cover.


When did you start your blog and how did you decide to do so?

I started my blog in mid-June. I had played with the idea for a while, but it wasn't until I had been talking to some people on Shelfari, and just decided that I wanted to be a part of blogging. I really had no idea how big the community of book bloggers were, but that just made it even more appealing to me.


I had read in your introductory post that you are 13 years old, which would make you the youngest blogger that I have come across so far.
Do you find yourself facing any obstacles because of your age?

I've never really thought about it before. I suppose the only real obstacle would be having to share the computer with the rest of my family. That can be very frustrating. If I went to school then it would be a real challenge, but luckily I'm homeschooled so it's not too much of a problem.


What do you think of the fact that as a blogger you have the unique opportunity to interact with, and build relationships with authors? Are there any authors in particular that you are interested in reaching out to?

I think it's amazing! I live in the middle of nowhere, so I've never gotten the chance to meet an author that I've read a book by. And, although I don't have any strong relationships with authors through the internet at the moment, I have much more contact with authors then I ever would have before. Plus, it's especially fantastic for aspiring authors like myself.

I'd love to talk to Lisa Mcmann, Becca Fitzpatrick, Maggie Stiefvater, among with just about every YA author that's ever read a book I like. I'm not too picky.


What kind of books do you enjoy reading the most?

I love fantasy, urban fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal romance, all of these being young adult, of course. I rarely read adult, there's still too many young adult books that I haven't read yet!


Was there a particular book that had sparked your interest in reading?

I had a very odd relationship with reading for the longest time. I would love reading one minute, hate it the next. I guess I would just get burned out. But Twilight really got me back into the love of reading-a love that would last longer than it ever had before. I never knew that there were books like that before, and it opened up a whole new world to me. Even if you hate the series, you have to admit that it has gotten a lot of people reading and writing, which is always a good thing, right?


What do you enjoy doing when you are not reading or blogging?

I listen to music constantly. Mostly rock, alternative, punk, that sort of stuff. I also write (stories and song lyrics, mostly) whenever I find the time since it's what I hope to be when I grow up (a novelist, or a writer for Saturday Night Live). According to my mom, I am a "computer lizard", which is her way of telling me that I'm on the computer a bunch. And I act. And occasionally I get into a drawing kind of mood. Wow, I never realized how many hobbies I have. No wonder I feel like I have no time these days.


Did you have any experience in reviewing books before you started your blog?

I had done a few reviews for a homeschooling newspaper, and had written some very short reviews for Shelfari. Knowing that I was already reviewing books was a major factor in starting my blog.


What’s your favorite part of running a blog?

There's so many! I guess it would be being able to hear about so many new books, and being able to meet all of these incredible people who share my love of reading.


What advice would you give to other teenagers your age who might be interested in starting a book blog?

I guess all I can say is put your heart and soul into it, and it will get you far. And if you don't want age to be an obstacle for your blogging, then run it professionally. Not dead-serious or anything, but only teenagers want to read "typppinngg~LiKe~THIS!" and if you run your entire blog like that you won't get much respect from authors, publishers, and even most book-bloggers.


If you could spend a week in any book, which book would you choose and why?

City of Bones. (The first in the Mortal Instruments series.) It's so different and exciting, and I'd love to have some of the experiences that Clary had. (Not the near death experiences, but I think you get the idea.)

Thanks so much Jessica for taking the time to do this interview. I really enjoyed getting to know you and learning more about your blog Shut Up I'm Reading