Winning Blog: Cornhusker Academy

This week's spotlight falls on
Cornhusker Academy

Janna's blog, Cornhusker Academy, was one of the first I stumbled across amongst Christian book blogs - I think it was through a FIRST review where I was trying to figure out how they were supposed to be done...  I've enjoyed her honest reviews (and her book giveaways)! 

Describe your blog:

I got involved with ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and wanted to do what I could to help the authors promote their books, and I've always been an avid reader so with the encouragement of my sister and one of her friends I started my blog and joined 2 different Christian book blogging associations. I write mostly about the books I read (around 250 a year) but I plan on trying to incorporate a little more of my family life this year.

How long have you been blogging?

I started my blog September of 2007 so I am almost at my 3 year anniversary!

Tell us a little about yourself:

I celebrate my 15 year anniversary with my wonderful husband this month, it's hard to believe that it has been that long already! We just had our 7th child on July 25th so we are readjusting to having a newborn again. Of course with 6 older children to help this will probably be our easiest baby yet :-) We now have 4 boys and 3 girls ranging in age from almost 14 years to almost 14 days. I homeschool my children during the day, teach dance at my Christian Dance Studio 3 evenings a week during the school year and read at night. I pretty much love my life.

What are some of your favorite things?

Hmm, my favorite things??? I'm very eclectic so what is my favorite today may depend on my mood and not be my favorite tomorrow, but as a general rule...


Books - mystery/suspense, fantasy/speculative fiction and good YA that I can pass on to my eldest daughter

Movies - a good chick flick if its just me, a good comedy or action film if its me and hubby and a good family movie if we are all sitting down to watch together

Music - as a dance teacher I am always looking for new good Christian bands, some of my current favorites - Rapture Ruckus, Addison Road, Britt Nicole, Group 1 Crew, Revive, Josh Wilson, Sixteen Cities and many more...

Travel Destinations - my husband and I won a trip about 6 years ago through work and were blessed by going to Maui and staying in the Four Seasons there. It was the most amazing trip and we have always said that we would like to go back some day, that day keeps getting pushed back but I do believe that at some point it will happen. 

Which genre most appeals to you, and why?

See above comment but I'll name a few of my favorite authors in each genre...


Mystery/Suspense - Brandilyn Collins, Coleen Coble, Cara Putman and Steven James

Fantasy/Spec Fic - Jill Williamson, Mitchell Bond, Sharon Hinck and Donita Paul

YA - Robert Liparulo, Debbie Viguie, Lisa Samson and Shelley Adina

What advice do you have for other book bloggers?
 
Make sure that you love what you are doing and that you are being a blessing to those around you, the authors and the readers. I learned that every book has an audience, just because I didn't like it doesn't mean that it won't touch someone else just where they need it. That has happened to me on a few different occasions, I also have to remember that the book is someone's special baby and they have poured their heart and soul into it. At the same time I want to be honest for my readers, I never want them to purchase a book that I really didn't like, but maybe I glossed over and then say, "That was horrible, normally I agree with Janna's choices..." Honesty with diplomacy is how I try and write my reviews.

Thanks, Janna, for joining us here at Winning Readings today!  (Seven kids, a dance studio, and 250 books a year?  I think I could get some tips here...  Looking forward to learning more about your family life!)

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BULLETIN BOARD

No linky today, but be sure to pop by Cornhusker Academy and say hi!  Nominations for future Winning Blogs are always welcome.

Have a blessed weekend!