Today on Getting To Know... I welcome fellow book blogger Emma Welton of DampPebbles. Emma is one of the first book bloggers I got to know better when I started getting more involved in the book community.
Your blog, DampPebbles covers everything bookish, what inspired you to set it up?
I was looking for a new hobby, something creative. I’d tried decoupage, knitting, crochet…nothing held my attention. My husband had suggested I start a book blog a few years ago. I’d given it a half-hearted go but thrown in the towel quite early on. At the start of the year I suddenly felt confident enough and motivated to try blogging again. I’d been following a blog for a while and that person, along with my husband’s encouragement, inspired me to give it a go. I haven’t looked back since. It was the right thing at just the right time for me.
With your reading, you seem to have a preference for crime novels, is there anything in particular that draws you to this genre?
I love the escapism of crime fiction. I lead a pretty normal life as a stay at home mum with my two children. Crime novels are as close as I plan on getting to the seedier side of life and being arrested!
Do you have a favourite author?
Chris Carter’s novels are superb and a favourite of many other crime readers. I also love Robert Bryndza, Angela Marsons, Robert Galbraith and Mark Billingham. Then S E Lynes and Louise Jensen who are both debut authors with stunning novels; can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next.
When you're not reading, do you have any other hobbies?
Other hobbies….? *shrugs* I do love a trip to the theatre and to travel but neither seem to happen very often these days. Most of my free time is spent reading!
You have worked as a librarian (every readers dream job), can you tell me more about what it actually entails?
I was only a lowly volunteer I’m afraid so my days were mainly spent reshelving (stroking!) the (pretty) books. The one thing I did learn about myself whilst working in the library was that I am pretty rubbish at the alphabet!
Are your bookshelves beautifully organised or are they an intricate game of tetris?
I wish I had bookshelves! We’re in the process of moving house so my books are packed away ready for transport. My TBR however is within reach and that I would call a game of tetris! Or maybe Jenga!
On average how many books do you read in a year? Do you set yourself an annual goal?
I read around 50 books last year. This year, since starting my blog, I’ve read 71 so far with a goal of 92 by the end of the year. I don’t think I could ever manage more than 100 books a year and I’m deeply envious of those that can achieve that.
Do you have one book that you always recommend to people, one book that you think everyone should read?
At the moment I’m recommending Valentina by SE Lynes. It’s stunning, go and get yourself a copy!
Bookmark, random piece of paper/receipt etc or dog ear?
I never ever turn the corner of a page (if you do that and we’re friends, we’re not anymore!) Breaking the spine of a book upsets me too! Otherwise, anything else will do. At the moment I’m using a cotton wool makeup pad!
Will we ever see a novel written by you?
I would love to write a novel. I just need an idea and the time to write it. Maybe when the kids are older…
Thank you so much to Emma for taking the time to answer my questions, is always good getting to know other readers and bloggers!
To check out Emma's blog and other social media:
www.instagram.com/damppebbles
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