Your bio says you joined Cannonball to “once again” prioritize reading in your life. Has it worked? You betcha! Based on data alone: last year I only managed to read one book, this year I’m up to 25! I thrive on goals and deadlines, so participating in Cannonball Read has really motivated me to return to the written word. I sometimes feel quite overwhelmed with entertainment options – there are so many great TV shows and games at my fingertips. Committing to a Half Cannonball has meant that, when given the choice, I now pick up a book instead of […]
Quick Questions with a Cannonballer: MarkAbaddon
Your bio says you sought out CBR to use writing as a release from the stress of the political atmosphere, which is a great reason! Have you found it helpful? As the ant said when pissing into the ocean, “Every bit helps.” Honestly, the political environment is so toxic and upsetting right now, I believe we all need multiple mechanisms to cope. Writing does help. So does alcohol. In one of your reviews, you said that “There are some books one reads as a teenager or young adult that help shape their interests, their philosophies, really begin to define the […]
Quick Questions with a Cannonballer: Cosbrarian
Congratulations on achieving a Cannonball your first time out! How does it feel? It feels great! I didn’t worry too much about completing it, as I have to read a LOT for work as a librarian. But I still completed it much sooner than planned, so that worked out nicely. How did you hear about CBR? What made you decide to sign up? I am a member of the Pajiba group on Facebook and I believe MsWas commented on a book related post I left there encouraging me to join! Who’s your favorite character to cosplay? Do you ever get to […]
Quick Questions with a Cannonballer: Fiat.Luxury
When you’re feeling stressed or sad, what author, series, or genre helps you feel better and why? This is hard — I think just reading in general makes me feel better. If I had to choose, I’d say sci-fi, something that gets off this planet and far away from whatever my current situation is. I come back to reality feeling a little removed and refreshed, with a better perspective. In my last funk, I read The Freeze Frame Revolution, and it was a great tonic for my ills. What was it that first helped you fall in love with reading? […]
Quick Questions with a Cannonballer: sistercoyote
How many times have you participated in CBR? Has it changed the way you read? So it looks like, from my profile page, I’ve participated in seven CBRs. Several of those years, though, I know I didn’t meet my goal (I usually go for a quarter Cannonball and anything beyond that is gravy) and I think there was one year I signed up and then didn’t do any reviews. I think that may have been the Year of Bad Health, so I’ll try not to judge myself too hard. It’s difficult to say it’s changed the way I read; I […]
Quick Questions with a Cannonballer: Ale
How many times have you participated in CBR? Has it changed the way you read? This is my sixth year of cannonball and it’s definitely changed how I read. I’m actually a much slower reader now since I’m reading to review instead of just to enjoy, but I was totally more prepared for close-reading during my MFA thanks to CBR. I also read much more widely now and am up for trying a book with a good review even if it’s not a genre I’m normally into. You’re an Adjunct in Creative Writing, which sounds awesome. Which is hardest to write: […]
Quick Questions with a Cannonballer: crystalclear
How many times have you participated in CBR? Has it changed the way you read? This is my 5th CBR, and it definitely has changed the way I read. I read more carefully and think of things I want to put in my reviews. On the other hand, reading a book I know I’m not going to review is a bit more relaxing! You work in the Youth Services department at a library and host toddler storytime? This sounds divine and adorable. What’s your favorite thing about working with these future readers? Seeing the children get excited about a book, even […]
Quick Questions with a Cannonballer: Alexis Dubief
How many times have you participated in CBR? Has it changed the way you read? I was a CBR lurker for ages but officially joined up for CBR6 in 2014. Cannonballers introduced me to romance reading (Malin and Mrs. Julien are largely to blame) and even today, 5-star reviews on CBR account for ~70% of my book purchases. Murderbot Diaries, The Hating Game, Saga, Fangirl, etc.: many of my all time favorites came directly from the rave reviews of other Cannonballers. You wrote a book! Cannonballers loved it! Tell us about that process. A few years ago a reputable book […]