Mandatory Rules On: Discussion Posts!

Out of Time is known far across the land for being the blog with the best... well, everything. However, one thing that my blog exceeds at are discussion posts. I'm better than you at discussion posts. Obviously. So seeing as I haven't done this kind of post in a while, I just wanted to share my wise wisdom on the topic so you too can attempt to be as awesome as me.  Course, it won't happen but you can dream.

1. Write your point of view. ONLY your point of view.
   a) it's your blog. b) your opinion is more important than anyone else's. In a discussion post, it's all about what you think - regardless to any other point of view.


2. Understand that "discussion post" means "i talk - you listen."
   It's not about letting everyone have a voice. Bloggers don't roll like that. Discussion posts are all about the blogger writing their thoughts and others listening. Want your own voice, write your own discussion!


3. Comments along the lines of "I agree" are acceptable.
   We love people who agree with us! It's like having personal minions that we can control. You should see this blog - I've got a legion of you yellow faced, overall wearing minions. That or talking fish, in a bowl type minions. [Despicable Me and Megamind are my faves.]


4. When in doubt - go with a social issue!
   People love talking about social issues. It's pretty much people throwing around information that's already been said and they get a bunch of hits for that. Since they get those hits, wouldn't you want them too?


5. Any disagreeing comments are deleted.
   Don't even bother replying to those trolls. If they don't agree, they're obviously stupid and need to be deleted [or blocked if you're on twitter/insta.] Most of those people probably don't know anything either. Why waste your time?


6. Don't be sensitive.
   Frankly, I think it takes too much effort. You have to worry if you're offending people. Why just not care at all? Like, some people are so sensitive anyway! It's their fault - not yours. If people can't take that they're opinions are wrong, maybe they shouldn't be such crybabies about it.


7. COMPLAINNNNNN!
   Most of the time, a discussion post are people complaining about having two ice cubes instead of three, "I ordered swiss and you gave me cheddar" type problems. However, there's always this convenient way to relate personal problems to society. Get your rant out about the social injustice that is getting ice in Starbucks when I clearly said, "No ice" and relate that to how if the barista had read more Stephenie Meyer, they would've got the order right [because Jacob's hot. amirite?] [Starbucks does this - this struggle is real.]

Now let's get to the truth here.

I've spent my entire blogging "career" polishing my discussion post ideas and methods. The first time I wrote a rant, it was riddled with swearing and [ashamedly] bashing an author out loud. So glad that post never went up because I came to my senses.
Basically, what I'm trying to get out of this is that discussions are always great but when it comes to controversial topics - tread lightly and try to see all sides of things. That's what I do and it's worked so far.
Also, if you see someone's opinion who differs from you - don't delete the comment. Even if they're being an awful person. Personally, I leave them up so others can see their character and so I stand by the fact that you are allowed to have your own opinions - albeit rude ones.

Discussion Posts are a process. It takes editing, more editing and personally, getting some feedback from others before it goes live. I usually say something like, "i'm writing a blog post - anyone want to beta?" on twitter and that always gives me confidence when it does go up.

Do you write discussion posts often? What do you do when talking about controversial topics? Or do you prefer to be a reader, not a writer - which is totally fine too!

Read More

Mandatory Rules On: Commenting on Posts

Having been dubbed the "commenting queen" by some of the biggest bloggers, who I can't name [because I don't want them to go viral due to this post], I decided that I would share my secrets. If you're terrible at commenting, never fear! Queen Nova [yes, others call me this] is ready to teach you how to be a good commenter. So long as you aren't a better commenter than I am.

1. Know the reason for commenting.
   I guess I'm going to have to spell this one out, huh? You want comments in return. That's the only reason anyone shares comments, right? Doing it for the love of discussion is way overrated.


2. Follow a crapload of blogs.
   You need a list of blogs to follow but make sure you follow them in a way where you follow isn't displayed. You wouldn't want their count to go up, especially not higher than your own. I would recommend Notareal.site.io or dont.take.my.advice.com


3. When you can, fill out the name [for commenting] as something that makes you sound cool.
   Do you think I go by something as mundane as "Nova @ Out of Time?" HECK NO! Something like Queen Nova @ Blog That's Better Than Yours is sure to get someone's attention and they'll definitely comment back! However, don't use my title - I'll cut you.


4. Leave your most recent post link at the bottom of your comment.
   It doesn't matter if there's relevance between your link and the post you're commenting on! You want to SELL your blog and by doing that, you must promote on others' page. Plus, they'll be more than happy to spam you with blogger love because you graced their blog with your presence.


5. Quantity over Quality.
   Copy and paste messages, heck yeah! If you have 5 different reviews of [insert book title here] and you have to comment on all of them, copy one generic message like, "love your review! main character is so badass. check out my blog!11!1!" and post it everywhere. Instant popularity.


6. Memes are the motherload.
   The best place to use your copy and paste skills is for memes. I'm not saying that you need to post memes because ewwwww, I hate memes. They're for people who have no creativity. All I'm saying is that you need to copy your blog advert on each TTT or STS post and watch the comments roll in.


7. Unfollow blogs that don't religiously comment back.
   True followers will comment on every post or as many as you comment on. Also, your time is valuable so if a blogger isn't commenting back, why do you bother? If the person you're following doesn't live up to this standard, drop them like a poptart. Mmm... poptarts.


8. Don't reply to comments.
   Oh my gosh, you're ALREADY commenting on their blog with your copy 'n paste, they expect you to reply to their comments? Seems like some people have serious entitlement issues.

I don't consider myself a commenting queen or anything with such a high title but I definitely do my best to comment at least twice a week on the blogs that I know. I don't usually comment on reviews but if there's a discussion, I'm there!

Commenting is always to build relationships and to share thoughts - not to get comments in return. Sure, getting them in return is nice but still, I always want to remember my first purpose.

I comment with BL and I follow a crapload of blogs that have interested me in the past. And I'd like to say that replying to comments is seriously the best. It makes the commenter feel like they matter <3 [IMO]

Do you feel obligated to "comment back?" Do you reply to comments? Or do you only comment on posts that catch your eye, rather than follow blogs? I'd love to know!

Read More

Mandatory Rules On: Creating the Perfect Bad Boy

Welcome to my world, where bad boys are everywhere. No, seriously, they all sit together at one table in my high school, talking about their conquests and how they just won another street fighting championship. It's soooooooo hot!
So since I've got the entire group after me, [yes, all the boys are in love with me], I thought I would share some rules on creating the perfect bad boy.
Note: I am NOT saying that you should go out and chemically create the perfect bad boy. But if you do, hit me up.

1. Dark past.
   Seriously, this is the biggest one. Abusive parents, drug history, street fighting because of poor background. Whatever you can think of. It doesn't have to be realistic or relevant. It just has to make it so your bad boy is even badder.


2. Hotwheels Motorcycle and leather jacket.
   Purchase your bad boy today and we'll throw in a free motorcycle and leather jacket! Otherwise, the motorcycle is sold separately, along with the dream house and cruise. Accessories such as cigarettes and the leather jacket can be purchased online. Batteries not included.


3. Family status matters... NOT!
   Your bad boy is going to be the most popular boy at school, or at least, the most known. It doesn't matter if he's secretly rich or poor as anything because he'll always find a way to make ends meet and face it, they don't care about money at all. Somehow, everything just works out.


4. "Tousled hair"
   YA Bad Boys have redefined "sexy" by bringing a new trend... bed head. But don't worry, with their jawline and beautiful gemstone eyes, their "i don't give a sh**" hair only makes them sexier.


5. Trying at school is overrated.
   Bad boys are naturally smart. Unlike the book worms who study daily to maintain their 4.0 GPAs, bad boys just raise a pinky and everything is done for them. They get straight A's and make their family proud.


6. An unquenchable thirst for good girls.
   Opposites attract doesn't only apply in science class. The bad boy is looking for a good girl who gets paired up with him on a school project in which they end up spending their lives together afterwards. He finds good girls "cute" but don't worry, he's secretly a nice guy on the inside.


7. Anger issues that are oh-so sexy [ex. defending the girl's honor]
   Because there's something attractive about the way your boyfriend beats another guy to a pulp when that other guy is being an asshole. ROOOOOOOOMANTIC.


8. Overconfidence and arrogance.
   You can't deny, there's something attractive in an overflowing river of arrogance. When he cares about himself more than you, it's so cute to watch him fawn over himself. You love the way he talks about himself and how he carries his head high.


9. Reputation built on lies.
   Oops, I must be going back on my first point a little, huh? So, your bad boy can't actually be addicted to drugs because it would be really gross to kiss him. He also has to be "rumored" to be a bully but really, spends his time reading Harlequin romances because no girl would fall for a guy who's actually bad. He can't be a murderer or rapist because there's a line of being "sexy bad" and "bad bad."

Bad boys have always puzzled me because I have a thing for them but I know in real life, it wouldn't be realistic. I don't want a guy who drinks and smokes and acts like a dick 23/7. I don't want someone who would cause trouble and hurt others for shits and giggles. Plus, I'm no good girl, so it automatically wouldn't work out.

I think what it is, is that authors take a good boy and give him some "bad" clothes, give him a bratty attitude but still have that nice guy underneath. Dress Augustus Waters in leather, give him a fouler mouth and a cocky attitude and mix it with the nice guy he is. Boom. That's a "YA bad boy."

What I feel we should be careful of is the fact that in real life, these are not what bad boys are. Bad boys are the guys who are actually bad. I've seen them. And to be honest, there is nothing attractive about them because they're uncaring, rude and probably don't want to talk to you anyway.

It's funny, because in contemporary fiction, things are set in modern day society but at the same time, so much of it is fantasy and authors have convinced us to them make our legit expectations. I'm sorry, but my school doesn't even have a cheerleading team, much less a head barbie witch who insists on making everyone hell. The "popular people" are the sweet and charitable, which is why they're popular.

What do you think about bad boys? Love them in books? Real life? Let me know!

Read More

Mandatory Rules On: Requesting ARCs

If you've seen my Stacking the Shelves posts or my Monthly Recaps, you'll know that it takes a full UPS truck to deliver me my packages. Why is this? It's a simple answer, really. It's because I'm just so fabulous. And sorry honey, that kind of fabulousness is a birthright.

1. Sneak into the head office at night.
   I live in a fun place called Toronto where most of the big Canadian divisions are located. It's like the New York of Canada or something, but better obviously. Do you guys have a film festival and poutine? But back to my point. If you plan a trip to sneak into the head office at night and leave your business card all over the place, you're bound to get some ARCs!


2. Beg Demand from the author.
   Um, remember? Fabulous book bloggers don't beg. It's unbecoming and really pathetic. So what you do is you know that the author owes you because duh, isn't that how the authorxblogger relationship works? Demand ARCs from them on twitter or email and you'll be piling with ARCs!


3. Request [pretty much] the entire catalog in your email.
   You want it all! And no one should look at you weirdly. You deserve all those ARCs. So go ahead and list three pages of ARCs you want from a pub.


4. Request from divisions outside your country.
   Sometimes the Canadians are a let down, *sigh* So, desperate times call for desperate measures! Email the Americans or the UK or even Australia! Their editions are totally prettier, anyway.


5. Lie Bend the truth about your stats in your email.
   What happens when publishers want 3k pageviews a month and you only have 2.5? Well, 2.5 rounded up is 3k! Boom! That's how you get what you want: lie.
[Please see bottom for this point.]


6. Kidnap the head of the publisher's daughter or son.
   You've seen the movies! Why not do a ransom note? "I want all your highly anticipated ARCs or you'll never see your child again!" Mwahahahaha!


7. Make a bunch of random emails to request the same book more than once.
   Let's face it: sometimes the publisher is just jealous of you! It's totally normal but you have to be above the hate. Stay strong, my fabulous bloggers. So what you do is when you get a decline, get a new address and email address and request again. Keep doing this until you get the ARC you want.


8. Mooch off Demand from another blog
   This is for all the newbies *ugh* in the house. Remember that to climb to the top, you're going to have to step on a few people. Why not buddy up with some popular bloggers and get them to send their highly coveted ARCs to you? Especially 'cause they're so snobby and probably need a lesson in sharing.


9. Kind of an insane thought: be genuine and honest with your request and hope that you can get the ARC. If you can't, appreciate the ARCs you do have.
   I'm sorry guys. This is such a stupid point, I know. I'm totally giving you the wrong info here. Feel free to ignore this one. It's because I ran out of ideas. Let's just talk crazy, now, shall we?

Requesting ARCs is actually something that I initially found challenging. I actually have a format that I use when I send an email. It's the same layout every time. However, call it selfishness or my own originality, but I don't share it. I've been asked before to share it and I'm like, "dude, no. Make your own!" because I don't want someone copying my request. I think that it's all in the request and the you present your info. Once I started doing that, I started getting ARCs.

#5 - Do not do this. This is a dick move. I've heard of people doing this and just NO. Be honest and proud of your stats. Don't lie to get ARCs.

#8 - HOLY SHIZZLES. I felt like I needed to say this. I'm so glad I've never met anyone who does this but if your sole goal in blogging is for ARCs, I don't know if we can get along. People who go ARC crazy tend to annoy me because I feel like they don't even care about the blogging part. They just want the advanced reads.
Also, popular bloggers are NOT a device to get where you want. I love all my friends, populars and newbies and I treat them equally. You wouldn't try to steal an ARC off a newbie, don't do the same for an experienced blogger.
Big bloggers/experienced bloggers are not snobs. If you think this, you need to rethink your judgment skills.

#9 - I would never tell anyone how to run their blog, but 9 is what I strive to do. I don't want to feel ARC envy and I don't... usually. Because if you think about it, getting ONE ARC is privilege enough.

Read More

Mandatory Rules On: Writing Reviews

I've recently been told that I'm an awesome reviewer by a few of my adoring fans. Thank you, thank you. *collects roses* I know I'm fabulous, but still, it's nice that others acknowledge it.

Today, I will be sharing my secret with the rest of the world. What makes me such an amazing reviewer? I hope you can learn a thing or two since you're obviously not as smart as I am.

1. Don't edit.
   Remember! The main part of blogging is to be "genuine." This means that no editing is allowed at all! If you do, other bloggers will be able to smell it [they've got Dog level senses] and they will shame you for all eternity.


2. Spell check? More like autocorrect.
   Don't worry about your spelling. Autocorrect will take care of that for you. And if you're on computer and don't have autocorrect, well, you snooze, you lose! Remember, refer to #1.


3. Gifs are the enemy.
   You've seen all the Kirkus reviews and the top critics. Which top critic actually uses gifs? Fact: gifs make you look amateur. No one's going to take you seriously if you've got TV show gifs, and bad ones at that. [Oh my gosh, if I see another #Bellrk gif, I'm going to lose it. Like what is #Bellrk, anyway?!]


4. Five sentences per paragraph.
   No more, no less. You need this much to be successful. Remember that everyone's successful for the same reason. Also make sure to justify your paragraphs. You wouldn't want to become gutsy and make your reviews look different from others'.


5. All the spoilers.
   Did you expect this one? HA, too bad! When you're writing a review, remember that you're writing your thoughts. This means that you don't need to be considerate in the least to those who haven't read the books. It's their fault for clicking on your review and they have only themselves to blame. Also, make sure that you talk about the good spoilers, like who dies and who ends up getting married!
   In addition, Elicia @ Girl in the Woods Reviews [one of my many fans] suggests to add spoilery quotes, which is a good idea. But she doesn't get any credit for it because it's being posted on my blog.


6. Swearing.
   You must not swear. Ever. Swearing is the Devil's language and must be abolished. It also makes you look amateur. Like, ugh, you are so not dignified. You and your mouth that needs to be filled with soap. Also don't mention God or Jesus because that's using the Lord's name in vain.


7. Hyperbole it!
   Hyperbole... big word, huh? I learned it in English class but I already knew it before because I'm such a brainiac like that. I mean, I have a 101% in English. Anyway, this point means to exaggerate it. If it's a five star rating, make it sound like an infinity stars [infinity stars is stupid... like who has that rating?] If it's a one star, make it sound as if it's the lowest of the low. Bring the book and leave it to wallow in its own shame.


8. Quantity is better than quality.
   Connected to the last point, when you're exaggerating, make sure you've got a good length. This means at least two thousand words. Why would anyone want to read a short review? They aren't helpful... AT ALL! Like people want to know what you think of the book, right down to the core. Remember that you can never write too much.


9. Stay as emotionless as you can.
   Even if you are ranting about a one star book and trying to make the reader feel your anger, do not use emotion. Sound like an impossible task? That's why only the top of the top book bloggers can achieve this status. You have to remain calm at all times, even if what you mean comes with seething anger. Also do not fangirl. Fangirling is showing weakness and you cannot afford that.


10. Be formal, professional, dignified.
    Never use contractions, mainly. Like, you aren't gangster so slang is unacceptable. No one should use slang, it's completely obscene. Also, make sure your word choice is regal. Words like "DNF" and "feelsy" are not real. Remember that. If there's a red line underneath your words, you made a faux pas. However, if you did, you're completely out of luck because you can't edit! See point #1.

This post came because Elicia [who gave me the idea in point #5] and I were talking on twitter. I couldn't have done it without her. Thanks so much, girl! Anyway, reviews, like almost everything are up to the blogger. Reviews don't have to be stiff and formal. Use as many gifs as you want, talk like you're from a magical land and please, please, please use your emotion. Being "different" is such a great thing, even though it might not always seem like it.

Read More

Mandatory Rules On: Talking to Authors

A bunch of people go "oh my gosh, Nova. You're such an extraordinary, chill person when it comes to authors. Like, they practically flock to you, demanding to be reviewed on this site." And obviously, I'll smile and go, "I know, right?"

So, of course, I'm going to give away my secret; after all, I'm super generous and not at all egotistical.In fact, being humble is one of my best qualities.

1. Do not follow back on social media sites.
   This is one of the most important things. I can't stress this enough. Authors, like the bad boys they write about, all want what they can't have. Do not follow them back, when they follow you. Don't even acknowledge their follow!
2. Tag them in the reviews you publish.
   You want to get your reviews out to the public, yes? Well, for starters, have a twitter account with a few thousand followers. If you don't, you aren't worthy of any author attention. Tweet the link to any and all reviews. It doesn't matter if the review is five stars or one [don't ever give an author a five star review! They don't deserve your highest praise.] but make sure you tag the author. You want them to see your thoughts because your opinion is pretty much the law.
   Let the author bask in their glory or shame. Because if you don't like their book, that's what they're going to feel.
3. Openly tweet them an ARC Request.I know some of you are thinking, "don’t you ask for ARCs through the publisher?" Those rules only apply to small book bloggers. Once you're mega-popular, authors will be begging you to take their book and rip it to shreds.
   Also, when you openly tweet them, you're making a public statement, so they can't say no. All the other people who follow you will be eagerly awaiting the author to bend over backwards to satisfy your bookish needs.
4. Suggest events that should happen in the author's sequel.
   This is even better for a book you don't like. The author would love to know what you would put in the second book because they want to please you. It's like you're an all knowing overlord and they're in need of your knowledge. Make sure you suggest things that are not cliche, like student/teacher relationships! Don't forget to tweet them even if they don't ask for your opinion; that just means that they're too shy to ask and you're making their job easier.
5. Ask them to read your work.
   Well, duh; you're an awesome and extraordinary blogger so you must also be an author. And what better way to fish for compliments, I mean, improve, than ask real published authors? Make sure you really push your book on them. Like, bug them 24/7 about it and they're sure to give in!
   Important note: If they read it and decide to give it less than four stars, blacklist the author. Obviously any author who thinks your work is less than amazing is just jealous. 
   
   
6. Stake your claim over the boy [or girl] in their book and make sure the author gives you a legal document signing said character over to your possession.
   This is not a joke. At all. Some characters are just too amazing to share. Why share anyway? Sharing is completely ridiculous, especially when it's a hot character. You can do this by ambushing an author in a signing, sending a lot of emails or tweeting incessantly. However, don't follow them to their house or blackmail them; it's beneath you.
   [Serious note: Do NOT under ANY circumstances, stalk or harass an author. I write these posts as a joke and I've been using sarcastic the whole time but I mean this very seriously.]
7. Remember that they're authors, not real people.
   When authors tweet about anything other than their books, you have to raise an eyebrow. Don't engage in conversation about real life with authors. It's all part of their evil master plan [it's so evil that I'm not even sure what the goal is... yet.] I have a theory that they're robots who are developing a blogger mind control serum so we only give them good reviews.
8. When they reply to your personal tweets, question their motives.
   They most likely want to get on your good side so you promote them on your super popular blog. Don't trust them! Also, traditionally published and indie authors are fair game. There's a stereotype on how indie authors are more desperate than trad. ones but that isn't true! Don't trust any authors. They all want a piece of you.[I wrote the second last sentence of this point on purpose; will address it at the bottom. It's important.]
9. Harshly critique their signature and complain if it's ugly.
   This is actually something that a lot of people don't know too much about. When you talk to an author or get a signed book from them, make an effort to tweet them about a signature. Some authors have terrible penmanship which RUINS the entire page that they sign on. Because who cares if a book is amazing if the author's signature is anything less than a work of art? And like all the other critique points, the author will appreciate your honesty!
10. Never, ever use capital letters in your tweets or... dare I say it, talk about your feels!
    Talking about how much you love an author's book or talking about your feels is a weakness. It makes you look like you love the author and so, your readers will be compelled to buy the book. This is a method of self preservation for you because if a reader ends up buying the book and not liking it, they will blame you. Be safe rather than sorry and don't tell authors how much your love their work so no one else will blame you if they don't.

Now that the sarcasm is done, let's get to some real stuff. I just want to address that I realize these types of posts can easily be taken the wrong way. This is a post on how bloggers can take advantage of authors and how they can be very unprofessional. Don't do any of this; in fact, do the complete opposite because this is the douchebag thing to do.

And I cannot stress this enough: bloggers are not better than authors. Similarly, authors are not better than bloggers. It's a give and receive system. If there were no authors, book bloggers would be obsolete; if there were no bloggers... well, I don't even want to think about what that would be like.

Also, to address the thing from Point #8. There's an idea  that indie authors less than the trad. published in terms of writing skill. I think it's complete bull and I'm going to stop here because I'll be making a rant for that.

Read More

Mandatory Rules On Being Qualified as "Book Blogger"

1. Make sure you post your reviews on Monday, Wednesday and Friday every week. Miss a day or post on the wrong day and have this title be stripped from you.
2. Only accept books from traditionally published authors because you're a book blogger. You're allowed to be snobby and are very exclusive to the glitz of publishing companies. And make sure to delete request emails from indie authors like you haven't even gotten an email. If they ask, reply with "oops! It got lost in the mail."
3. Make a show of being a good blogger on twitter. When a new blogger asks you for advice, don't worry, make sure you give them the wrong advice and LMAO when they completely screw up talking to an author or publisher. After all, it's all good fun.
4. Only post things about books. You're a book blog, not a music blog. Your readers don't care about music. So make sure you only post about books or you aren't a book blogger.
5. Post any and all pics of the books you get in the mail or buy. Other loser wannabe bloggers need to see how many books a real blogger gets. And by the way, that number is supposed to be 10 a week. If you don't get that, hah, you aren't a real blogger.
6. You are a reader and blogger! You are supposed to go "HAHA! You read Divergent in 2014? I'm LMAO because you aren't a true fan. I read it in 2011" or do this with any other books.
7. Have blogging friends but make sure they know you're the better book blogger. And make them send you their ARCs even if they requested it first or they need to pay for postage.
8. Demand ARCs and swag from authors and publishers. Because you're a book blogger, they're bound to accept you in a heartbeat. After all, they should feel lucky that you want to take their stuff. Think about it.
9. Don't do any memes because people hate memes. No one gives a crap about your Stacking the Shelves or who you want to Feature and Follow on friday. It's so dumb to do memes because no one cares. Plus, it makes you a bad blogger.
10. Make sure all your content is original. You're such a lame-o if you post regular reviews. Make your reviews in the form of poetry but not songs because again, ew music. (You're a book blog.) Like reviews in text form are so overdone. Also, make sure that you can't have any content that you share with other people or they'll think you're copying them. And lol, why would you want to copy something from someone else? You're obviously the better blogger.

If you're a new blogger, please be aware that this entire post is a joke. In fact, you're supposed to be a nice person and overall, make friends. If you want some advice on blogging (because there are NO rules!), feel free to talk to me via any social media I'm on or email me! I really promise that I don't do #3 (especially). Thanks for reading, guys.

Read More