Now in its fifth year, the Annual Bloggers Bash returns bigger and better than ever. The venue is booked, the date is set for Saturday 15th June 2019 and the committee is busy working behind the scenes to ensure the day is full of fun, learning opportunities, networking, and, of course, the Blogtastic award ceremony. For more information about events on the day AND TO BUY A TICKET FOR THE EVENT, click here!

But even more exciting than that…

THE AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

We have a whole new bunch of awards this year. We listened to feedback and decided to change up the way they work. The categories are:

• Best Blogging / Writing Blog
• Best Book Blog
• Best Entertainment Blog
• Best Fashion and Beauty Blog
• Best Food Blog
• Best Lifestyle Blog
• Best Parenting Blog
• Best Personal Development Blog
• Best Photography Blog
• Best Travel Blog

If you want to find out more information about each of the categories, or nominate one of your blogging buddies then check out the nominations post right here.

The post The Annual Bloggers Bash Nominations Are Now OPEN @BloggersBash appeared first on Sacha Black.

If you’ve never heard of the Bash, then let me enlighten you:

The Bloggers Bash is a social event for bloggers created by me. With the help of my amazing committee, Geoff, Hugh,  Suzie, Helen, Graeme and Adam, its purpose is to bring together the blogging community and provide an opportunity for everyone to meet the friends they’ve made online.

And if you haven’t been, you’re missing out.

I can’t quite believe that what started as a quest to meet my strange computer-shaped bloggy buds, has bloomed into a half-decade old bash toddler. Guys, FIVE FREAKING YEARS. FIVE. Half a decade and we’re stronger than ever. Not only has The Annual Bloggers Bash become The Bloggers Bash Ltd, it now has it’s own website.

Now, I know that I need to keep the pretense up that I’m dead on the inside, but indulge me a moment, will you?

The bash has hit its fair share of bumps along the way, but we wouldn’t be here without you guys, and without the genuinely amazing committee.

Every member of the committee works exceptionally hard to create the bash each year, but I want to take a minute to specifically thank Graeme who has taken over the reins for chairing this year, and secondly Suzie who has spent weeks coding and programming the frankly stunning new website. It’s totally on brand, on color, on style, on everything point.

The need-to-knows:

For the old timers of you who are used to coming over here around feb/march and seeing the nomination and voting process roll out. This year, it will be run from the bash website itself. It’s time the bash has its own home and a professional front.

Without further ado, please go check out the new website

http://www.annualbloggersbash.com

SPEAKER ALERT

We’ve also secured our first speaker. I am so super excited for you all to hear Laura Creaven, creator of the hugely popular Full to the Brum blog. Laura will be sharing her blogging success story, answering questions and participating in a panel discussion during the event.

Tickets won’t go on sale until January 1st 2019, and the date of the Bash is 15th June 2019.

Don’t forget to join the Bloggers Bash Facebook group here.

The post The Bloggers Bash has a new home! appeared first on Sacha Black.

This year was the biggest yet, with just short of 10,000 votes.

A HUGE congratulations to all the winners and runners-up of the awards. Don’t forget, winners will receive a £10 Amazon voucher and a notebook from Greenstory stone notebooks stationary and the second place and everyone who placed will receive a badge.

AND THE WINNERS ARE…

BEST OVERALL BLOGGER 

Who is the blogger that excels in a variety of categories? Who provides excellent content, is sociable and engaging with readers, shares other posts, or has a writing style that keeps you coming back time and time again?

Whoever you choose needs to be an all-rounder. A blogger that is head and shoulders above the rest as that’s what makes the Best Overall Blogger.

Nominees: Retirement Reflections, Daddy And Dad, Jenny in Neverland, Life, Books, and More…, I’m A Writer, Yes, I Am!, Me and My Books, Gin & Lemonade, Linda’s Book Bag, A Brummie Home and Abroad, But I Smile Anyway…, Smorgasbord-Variety is the Spice of Life, Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo, I’m Sick and So Are You

RUNNER UP – But I Smile Anyway

SECOND – Gin & Lemonade

WINNER – Linda’s Book Bag,

***

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HIDDEN GEM

Have you stumbled upon a blog by chance and discovered useful information or thought-provoking content? Is there a blog that doesn’t get the notoriety they deserve? Maybe they have such an original style you can’t help but read their posts. A blogger who you believe should get the limelight for a change is who deserves the Hidden Gem award.

Nominees: So Many Books, So Little Time, A Mindful Traveler, A Simpler Grace,  Bookliterati Book Reviews, Retired? No-one told me!, The Dreampacker, KalifornicationX, therebemonstershere.com, Fiction Is Food, Jane Dougherty Writes, Meadowtree Style,  Must Hike Must Eat, Image Earth Travel, Book Lovers’ Booklist, Being In Nature, Teagan’s Books, Sarah Tebb, The Tennis Foodie, Off-The-Shelf Books, Willowdot21, Deb’s World, Unbound Roots, Wheelescapades, Novel Deelights, The Quiet Knitter, Queer Little Family

WINNER – The Quiet Knitter

***

NEWCOMER BLOGGER

A category for those bloggers who have been blogging less than a year (joined the blog-o-sphere after 1^st June 2017). Did they join with a bang? Have they made an impression? Do they engage with readers? Are they funny, or well designed, or maybe share posts that make you smile time after time. A newbie blogger who deserves recognition makes the best Newcomer Blogger.

Nominees: A Knight’s Reads, The Daily Tales of Gregg Savage, Katie’s Book Cave, Loving the Fifty Something, sarahsthinkingagain, The Horror Club, My Plaid Heart, Zooloo’s Book Blog, Losing the Plot, The Beardy Book Blogger, Over The Rainbow Book Blog

WINNER – The Beardy Book Blogger

***

BEST PAL 

Which blogger do you want to go to the pub with? Or maybe have dinner with? Who never fails to reply to comments, and has thoughtful things to say? Maybe they encourage the community through weekly challenges or blog parties. A blogger who makes the blog-o-sphere a better place is what makes the Best Pal.

Nominees: Bookwitch, Annika Perry’s Writing Blog, collenchesebro.com, Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie, Dare To Live Courageously, Ladies living in Bookland, Rachael’s Thoughts, witlessdatingafterfifty, A Chronic Voice, Books From Dusk Till Dawn, Being Anne, D. G. Kaye, Invisible-no-More, thewanderingdarlings, From Michigan to Germany, A Walk and A Lark, Just Another Blog From a Woman, fancypaper

WINNER – Being Anne

Don’t forget you can sign up for updates on future bashes by joining our mailing list.

The post The WINNERS of the 2018 Annual Bloggers Bash Awards Are… @bloggersbash appeared first on Sacha Black.

The venue does have a capacity limit, and that means tickets are limited. It’s first come first serve. So, once the tickets are gone, you ain’t getting in. We have bouncers. **

This year there are three pricing bands for tickets.

Early Bird tickets: £20 (Sales end 11^thJan)

Standard Tickets: £25 (Sales ends 13th May)

Last Minute Larry Tickets: £30 (Sales 14^th– 18^th May)

Prices are in sterling and can be bought using the PayPal button at the bottom, your ticket will be sent to you NEXT WEEK.

The Bloggers Bash, for anyone that doesn’t know, is an annual event for bloggers. It’s a physical meet up in London, England and it’s open to any blogger from any platform, in any country.

The Bash itself will be held on Saturday the 19th May 2017 in The George IV

WANT TO CONNECT WITH ATTENDEES BEFORE THE EVENT?

Before the day, we post a blog with the links to all the attendees. If you would like to be mentioned in that blog post, then please drop us a line with your blog address and your name: annualbloggersbash@yahoo.co.ukIf you don’t send us your information, you won’t be in the post.

The SMALL Print

• Tickets are non-refundable
• Tickets are non-transferable
• Tickets are limited on a first come first served basis
• Cost of a ticket is for entry to the event only (not for food or anything else)
• Those buying a ticket agree to comply with any health & safety rules set by the venue and to behave in a way that will not impact upon the enjoyment of other people
• The Committee reserves the right to change the venue and/or agenda of the event
• Payment for tickets via PayPal only.

** Please note, we do not actually have bouncers on the door. However, Hugh may well stop people on entry to hug them, and that can cause severe entry delays.

To sign up for news about the bash straight to your inbox subscribe here.

[wpecpp name=”Bloggers Bash Ticket” price=”30.00″ align=”center”]

The post Last Chance Standard Ticket Price @bloggersbash appeared first on Sacha Black.

You can purchase a copy of A Curse of Time:

AmazonUSA

AmazonUK

Welcome Marje:

To prologue or not to prologue that is the question…

There has been considerable debate whether writers should bother with prologues. Do readers read them? Or are they likely to skip merrily on to Chapter one? Should I have elected to begin my debut YA Novel, The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone with a prologue?

Recently, I discovered an author I have not had the pleasure of reading before, New York Times Bestseller Jay Kristoff. I read his YA novel Nevernight and had one of those perfect reading experiences. His writing is effortless, exciting, sexy and intriguing. I could scream and shout to tell you how wonderful it is.

The aspect of his writing that made me utter a silent hurrah is his use of an opening warning, a Caveat Emptor, Epilogue, and final Dicta Ultima. Thank you Mr Kristoff, if opening Caveat Emptors and Epilogues are good enough for Jay Kristoff they are certainly good enough for me! In his case he’s sneaky; he doesn’t prologue. He hoodwinks his readers into believing that his ‘prologue’ is not a ‘prologue’ at all by using the Latin term Caveat Emptor which means ‘Latin for “Let the buyer beware,” and he follows his epilogue with a Dicta Ultima, that is so perfect it makes you want to weep. A Dicta Ultima is ‘a final pronouncement from an authoritative source.’ Jay Kristoff certainly has a dark sense of humour and I love that. He must have known that a bare-bones prologue would have put him in grave danger of being overlooked! So, instead he made his opening a spectacular warning! How clever.

Now, this leads me to further debate. Mr Kristoff probably likes prologues but prefers not to call these little, irksome devils by the term prologue. Shall I follow suite and call my prologue something else? A swear word. A Latin word. Perhaps unwise, it sounds a bit presumptuous copying Mr Kristoff!

In my experience prologues are heinous, difficult creatures, but loveable nevertheless. They are a huge challenge and writers embrace challenges like lovers. I struggled through several re-writes in book one until I found the right style and voice for my prologue. My initial attempts were awful; I wrote two versions to begin with, the first in the voice of the Creature of The Cottage. This didn’t feel quite right but helped me to understand the Creature’s character better. Writing is never wasted! Then, I tried a conversational style using my main protagonist, Amelina as the focus. After several re-writes it started to sound right. My intention was to lead the reader into the story using a conversational style and chapter one flows forward from this ‘atmospherically, creating a whimsical effect.’ I added a five line poem at the beginning of each chapter to add interest and intrigue. Of course, the epilogue was a challenge too but not so much as that darn prologue.

This masochistic desire to begin my narrative before chapter one continues…

Recently, I submitted a first draft of my prologue for book two to my critique group–Cambridge Writers and suffered quite a battering.

The advice ranged from–you should use three or four intriguing lines (five of which were highlighted on my draft,) to do you even need a prologue? I considered my options, I could stamp it to death, stab it to shreds, (whilst crying ‘maws teeth,’) an expression from Nevernight, or I could get a grip, consume a large glass of wine, and do a bit of research.

I drank the wine and did the research.

I agreed with my fellow authors at Cambridge Writers that the five lines highlighted were good first draft sentences to begin the punishing process of re-drafting.

Here they are, be gentle with me they are first draft babies:

What can I tell you?

Dad’s changed.

Mum’s changed too. She’s all smiles.

I miss Esme so much. Where has my imprisoned sister, the mirror girl gone?

The next one is a bit different but I like it!  Yeah, I like cats!

Shadow my cat has been doing this weird happy dance,

chasing his tail until his whiskers are all dizzy.

I can’t bear to leave these five lines or Shadow alone in sorrowful isolation. Ah, deliberation, deliberation. So, I picked up my copy of Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight and discovered that he began withthree amazing lines surrounded by lots of other lines that really grabbed my attention by the jugular:

‘People often shit themselves when they die.’–The first line. This really isn’t nice but gets to the point in so few words. 

‘be advised now that the pages in your hands speak of a girl who was to murder as maestros are to music.’ – The warning!

‘I think that’s why I loved her.’  – The last line.

How interesting. The first line is shocking and the final line taken in isolation could make the story so different. Between the first and the last line there are several paragraphs. It’s not a tiny prologue, but neither is it a long prologue.

So, I’ve made my point, beginning your novel before chapter one can work! Prologues, Caveat Emptors, Dicta Ultimas and Epilogues rock! Yay!

My writing luck is in; I have discovered an author that can write an amazing beginning and ending too. Writing is a craft, purposeful reading is compulsory to a debut author’s progression. I reckon with a little help from Jay Kristoff my prologue for book two will be magnificent! Who knows he might just read this…

In the meantime, until Mr Kristoff discovers me, his protégé, (a girl can dream!) I will struggle on, re-writing because MJ is no quitter! If you hear me cursing, it will be my alter ego MJ calling my humble prologue a name…

It won’t be polite or in Latin!

***

Book Blurb:

The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone

Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who’s imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house. When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden pathway where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, but perplexing stranger.

With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness.

***

Author Bio:

I am a debut author who has been blogging for three years at my lovely blog home Kyrosmagica .My interests include writing, photography, poetry, and alternative therapies. I write Fantasy YA, middle grade fiction and micro poetry – haiku and Tanka. I love to read and have written over 100 reviews here.

My alter ego is MJ – Mary Jane from Spiderman. I love superheroes! I was born on the 17th of November in Lion City: Singapore, (a passionate Scorpio, with the Chinese Zodiac sign a lucky rabbit,) second child and only daughter to my proud parents Paula and Ronald. I grew up in a mountainous court in the Peak District in Hong Kong with my elder brother Donald. My parents dragged me away from my exotic childhood and my much loved dog Topsy to the frozen wastelands of Scotland. In bonnie Edinburgh I mastered Scottish country dancing, and a whole new Och Aye lingo.

As a teenager I travelled to many far-flung destinations to visit my abacus wielding wayfarer dad. It’s rumoured that I now live in the Venice of Cambridge, with my six foot hunk of a Rock God husband, and my two enchanted daughters. After such an upbringing my author’s mind has taken total leave of its senses! When I’m not writing, I eat exotic delicacies while belly dancing, or surf to the far reaches of the moon. To chill out, I practise Tai Chi. If the mood takes me I snorkel with mermaids, or sign up for idyllic holidays with the Chinese Unicorn, whose magnificent voice sings like a thousand wind chimes.

You can find more about Marje here:  Website, Collaborative blog, Twitter My Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group, Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram

The post To prologue or not to prologue that is the question… with @Marjorie_Mallon #Sundayblogshare appeared first on Sacha Black.

The FOURTH Annual Bloggers Bash Awards 2018 are now OPEN FOR VOTING.

We had a HUGE number of nominations, close to 400, so thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate your favourite bloggers.

Voting closes at midnight on April 30^th (BST). The winners will be announced on May 19th at the Bash in London. If you can’t make it along to the event don’t worry, we will put a winners post out on the evening of the same day and we will also try to live stream from our Facebook Group. Although we have pingbacks to all the winners blogs it would be best for you to check back to see if you won.

***

TO THE VOTERS – Choose carefully, you can only vote ONCE per award. There are 9 awards (so this is a long post). Yes, you can vote in each category, but only vote once in every one.

TO THE NOMINEES – Good luck to you all. Every nomination is really well deserved and as a result, this year we are doing things a little differently. Winners will have their prizes and certificates shipped to them as well as their winner’s badges emailed. However, all nominees will be entitled to a Bloggers Bash nominee badge once the voting is over. 

***

Don’t forget to follow all the fun in our Facebook group, on Twitter, or using the Hashtag #BloggersBash.

We also have a mailing list which ALWAYS gives you the most up to date info before anyone else. 

***

Disclaimer: The committee has done their best to coordinate the nominations and to ensure, where possible, we gave nominees a choice of which category they wanted to be in. Due to time constraints and limited resources, this may not have always been possible. In addition, the committee is not responsible for the quality of information nominators gave. The committee uses the information it is given. This year we specifically requested the ‘NAME OF YOUR BLOG’ not your first name. Therefore this is what we are displaying. If your name has been displayed incorrectly, you can contact us and request a change by emailing annualbloggersbash@yahoo.co.uk. While the committee will endeavour to make changes promptly we neither guarantee to make those changes nor do we guarantee to do so in a certain time frame. 

Please note, there is usually a large number of comments on this post. Therefore, all the committee will be helping to respond to comments as I’ll be at work when this goes live!

 ***

Remember to get your ticket for the bash.

TO THE VOTE

BEST OVERALL BLOGGER 

Who is the blogger that excels in a variety of categories? Who provides excellent content, is sociable and engaging with readers, shares other posts, or has a writing style that keeps you coming back time and time again?

Whoever you choose needs to be an all-rounder. A blogger that is head and shoulders above the rest as that’s what makes the Best Overall Blogger.

Nominees: Retirement Reflections, Daddy And Dad, Jenny in Neverland, Life, Books, and More…, I’m A Writer, Yes, I Am!, Me and My Books, Gin & Lemonade, Linda’s Book Bag, A Brummie Home and Abroad, But I Smile Anyway…, Smorgasbord-Variety is the Spice of Life, Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo, I’m Sick and So Are You

[polldaddy poll=9971365]

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FUNNIEST BLOGGER

Which blogger always makes you laugh the most? Whether that’s through humourous content or their blogging manner. A blogger that has your sides aching from laughter and brightens up the blog-o-sphere is what makes the Funniest Blogger.

Nominees: Professional Moron, Barb Taub, Monster in the next room, The Tattooed book geek, Whinge Whinge Wine, Hot mess memoir, Midlife Smarts, Fatty McCupcakes, Shallow Reflections, The Cynical Sailor & His Salty Sidekick, Down The Hall on Your Left, The Phil Factor, Jen Med’s Book Reviews, Judy E Martin, Lutheranliar Looks at Life

[polldaddy poll=9971373]

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MOST INSPIRATIONAL BLOGGER

Who inspires you? Is there a blogger that’s thought-provoking and inquisitive? Perhaps they’re a muse to you with the constant provision of inspirational content or imagery. Who’s the one blogger that touched your heart? This is what makes the Most Inspirational Blogger.

Nominees: Ali – The Dragon Slayer, Dinosaurs Donkeys and Ms, Erika Kind, Memoirs of Miss Waves, Tina Frisco, London Unattached, Sage Wolfsong Creations, Unfold and Begin.com, Jill’s Book Cafe, Like Mercury Colliding, Out an’ About, My Dad Is a Goldfish, Mumofthree World, Half Baked In Paradise, Rachna says, Brilliance Within, Words In the Light, SYL65’S BLOG, Chocolate’n’Waffles, You Are Awesome, Robbie’s Inspiration, Love Books Group

 [polldaddy poll=9971384]

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MOST INFORMATIVE (Original Content) BLOGGER

This award is for the blogger with the most informative and original content. Who creates fascinating content that you find yourself longing to read? Perhaps they’re a history blogger or they write about the craft of writing/blogging, or maybe they like archaeology or wine tasting. They could be an artist or musician. The topic is irrelevant, it’s the original content that counts. A blogger who shares a wealth of knowledge in an informative way is what makes the Most Informative & Original Blogger.

Nominees: Beauty Balm,  Chat about books, Bibliobeth, A Writer’s Perspective, When Women Inspire, Mombian, chrismcmullen, Notebooks and Glasses, House of Heart, thoughtsofjustafan, Jennifer Gilmour, Trick Besides, Odds n Sods: A cabinet of curiosities, Talk About Pop Music, Sizzling Towards 60 and Beyond, The Book Trail, The Cobweborium Emporium, Postcard Reviews, Wild Daffodil, An Historian About Town, Global Housesitter x 2, Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog

[polldaddy poll=9971404]

BEST BOOK REVIEW BLOG

There are so many wonderful book bloggers out there, but which one stands out for you? Whose book reviews do you enjoy reading and engaging with? It’s not the number of reviews that are important, but more about the quality of them. Who has you clicking the ‘buy now’ button after reading a riveting summary, or who has the most thoughtful reviews? A blogger who shares an abundance of book reviews in a memorable way deserves the Best Book Review Blog.

Nominees: Between the Lines, Story Snug, Cleopatra Loves Books, CrimeBookJunkie, The Book Owl, The Bookworm Drinketh, Grab This Book, Heavenali, Lisa’s Ramblings, The Book Review Cafe, Swirl and Thread, Olga Author Translator, Read It Daddy, StefLoz Book Reviews, Black Books Blog, The Vagaries of Us, Whispering Stories, Books n All Book Promotions, BiblioManiac, damppebbles.com, Father Reading Every Day, Jo&Isalovebooks, mychestnutreadingtree, Anne Bonny Book Reviews

[polldaddy poll=9971426]

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SERVICES TO BLOGGERS

Which blogger goes out of their way to help others? Maybe this is someone who helped you kick-start your blog with tutorials or how-to guides. Perhaps they continually reblog your posts. It could be a blogger who consistently provides useful posts on how to boost your blog. Or maybe you want to nominate someone who provides an engaging platform for others.

Someone who selflessly dedicates themselves to other bloggers is who deserves the Services to Bloggers award.

Nominees: Bang2Write, MakeItUltra, Em Linthorpe, Annette Rochelle Aben, Portobello Book Blog, The Militant Negro, Nicholas C. Rossis, Rosie Amber, Always Trust In Books, Two Drops of Ink:A Literary Blog, Compulsive Readers, bytheletterbookreviews

[polldaddy poll=9971440]

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HIDDEN GEM

Have you stumbled upon a blog by chance and discovered useful information or thought-provoking content? Is there a blog that doesn’t get the notoriety they deserve? Maybe they have such an original style you can’t help but read their posts. A blogger who you believe should get the limelight for a change is who deserves the Hidden Gem award.

Nominees: So Many Books, So Little Time, A Mindful Traveler, A Simpler Grace,  Bookliterati Book Reviews, Retired? No-one told me!, The Dreampacker, KalifornicationX, therebemonstershere.com, Fiction Is Food, Jane Dougherty Writes, Meadowtree Style,  Must Hike Must Eat, Image Earth Travel, Book Lovers’ Booklist, Being In Nature, Teagan’s Books, Sarah Tebb, The Tennis Foodie, Off-The-Shelf Books, Willowdot21, Deb’s World, Unbound Roots, Wheelescapades, Novel Deelights, The Quiet Knitter, Queer Little Family

[polldaddy poll=9971455]

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NEWCOMER BLOGGER

A category for those bloggers who have been blogging less than a year (joined the blog-o-sphere after 1^st June 2017). Did they join with a bang? Have they made an impression? Do they engage with readers? Are they funny, or well designed, or maybe share posts that make you smile time after time. A newbie blogger who deserves recognition makes the best Newcomer Blogger.

Nominees: A Knight’s Reads, The Daily Tales of Gregg Savage, Katie’s Book Cave, Loving the Fifty Something, sarahsthinkingagain, The Horror Club, My Plaid Heart, Zooloo’s Book Blog, Losing the Plot, The Beardy Book Blogger, Over The Rainbow Book Blog

[polldaddy poll=9971477]

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BEST PAL 

Which blogger do you want to go to the pub with? Or maybe have dinner with? Who never fails to reply to comments, and has thoughtful things to say? Maybe they encourage the community through weekly challenges or blog parties. A blogger who makes the blog-o-sphere a better place is what makes the Best Pal.

Nominees: Bookwitch, Annika Perry’s Writing Blog, collenchesebro.com, Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie, Dare To Live Courageously, Ladies living in Bookland, Rachael’s Thoughts, witlessdatingafterfifty, A Chronic Voice, Books From Dusk Till Dawn, Being Anne, D. G. Kaye, Invisible-no-More, thewanderingdarlings, From Michigan to Germany, A Walk and A Lark, Just Another Blog From a Woman, fancypaper

[polldaddy poll=9971470]

***

That’s it folks!

Remember to get your ticket and to follow us on Facebook or Twitter using the Hashtag #BloggersBash. We also have a mailing list which ALWAYS gives you the most up to date info before anyone else.

The post Voting is Now OPEN for the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards @BloggersBash appeared first on Sacha Black.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

 We have had a phenomenal response to the Annual Bloggers Bash Awards (ABBAs) with an incredible number of nominations. Thank you to everyone who nominated your favourite bloggers.

This year, the awards are being sponsored by Greenstory – a fantastic eco-friendly company who are awarding each of the winners with a STONE notebook… Yes, a notebook actually made of stone. For more details, check out Suzie’s review of the notebook here or their website here.

The committee is now busy collating all the data ready for VOTING which opens on the 6^th April 2018.

While you’re waiting for voting to open it’s the perfect time to check you’ve bought your Bash Ticket, purchased any necessary travel and accommodation, printed business cards, and bought new stationery to take notes!

The countdown is on…

 WHAT IS THE BASH?

If you’ve never attended a Blogger Bash event before then, you’re in for a treat. Created by Sacha Black and aided by her intrepid committee of eight bloggers, the Bash is open to any blogger, regardless of age or niche. Previous events have included speakers, competitions, a panel, and attendees from all over the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada.

There will be an opportunity to network, eat cake, and meet some amazing online friends in person! The event takes place in a single day; timings and the exact breakdown of the day will be available closer to the event, but it will start mid-morning and end in the evening. We announce the winners of the Bloggers Bash Awards, which you, the blogging public, vote for. You can see last year’s winners here.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Join Sacha and the committee on our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/991165987611263/

You can also join us for our Twitter Hour on the first Sunday of the month from 7pm-8pm using the hashtag #BlogBashChat or join in the conversation on Twitter by using the #BloggersBash hashtag.

DON’T FORGET YOU CAN  BUY YOUR TICKETS here.

The post NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED appeared first on Sacha Black.

Our first speaker is well known and loved in blogging circles and was the proud winner of Best Overall Blog at last year’s event.

Meet Ritu from But I Smile Anyway

Ritu will be sharing her top tips from a working mother on how to keep your blog running smoothly and giving it plenty of attention without abandoning your family and real life too!

Connect with Ritu via:

Twitter

Facebook

Blog

***

Our second speaker is ME! And now I’ll pass you over to the committee to say some things that make me squirm!!

Sacha is another well-known blogger and author as well as being the Boss Lady/Captain/List Writer Extraordinaire/Chief Whip Cracker of the Bloggers Bash Awards.

Meet Sacha from Sacha Black

Sacha will be talking about the importance of mailing lists and how we can utilise them as bloggers and writers to the greatest advantage for our blogging stats and book sales.

Connect with Sacha via:

Twitter

Facebook

Blog

There will be a chance to ask Ritu and Sacha a few questions after their talks.

Don’t miss out on this informative and fun day – BUY your ticket today.

WHAT IS THE BASH?

If you’ve never attended a Blogger Bash event before then you’re in for a treat. Created by Sacha Black and aided by her intrepid committee of eight bloggers, the Bash is open to any blogger, regardless of age or niche. Previous events have included speakers, competitions, a panel, and attendees from all over the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada.

There will be an opportunity to network, eat cake, and meet some amazing online friends in person! The event takes place in a single day, and you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic time and a sore face from all of the smiling that you’ll do!

Timings and the exact breakdown of the day will be available closer to the event, but it will start mid-morning and end in the evening. We will also announce the winners of the Bloggers Bash Awards, which you, the blogging public, vote for. You can see last year’s winners here.

GREENSTORY SPONSOR THE BASH

This year, the awards are being sponsored by Greenstory – a fantastic eco-friendly company who are awarding each of the winners with a STONE notebook… Yes, a notebook actually made of stone. For more details, check out Suzie’s review of the notebook here or their website here.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Join Sacha and the committee on our Facebook Group

You can also join us for our Twitter Hour on the first Sunday of the month from 7pm-8pm using the hashtag #BlogBashChat or join in the conversation on Twitter by using the #BloggersBash hashtag.

There’s still time to enter our Bloggers Bash Competition and be in with a chance to win £100 in Amazon vouchers. Find out more here.

DON’T FORGET TO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW, find out how, here.

There’s still time to nominate your fave bloggers so they’re in with a chance of winning a bloggers bash award. You can nominate here.

The post MEET OUR GUEST SPEAKERS FOR THE ANNUAL BLOGGERS BASH 2018 appeared first on Sacha Black.

And today is the day you can nominate…

WHAT IS THE BASH?

If you’ve never attended a Blogger Bash event before then you’re in for a treat. Created by Sacha Black and aided by her intrepid committee of eight bloggers, the Bash is open to any blogger, regardless of age or niche. Previous events have included speakers, competitions, a panel, and attendees from all over the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada.

There will be an opportunity to network, eat cake, and meet some amazing online friends in person! The event takes place in a single day; timings and the exact breakdown of the day will be available closer to the event, but it will start mid-morning and end in the evening. We announce the winners of the Bloggers Bash Awards, which you, the blogging public, vote for. You can see last year’s winners here.

Click  here  to buy a ticket for the Bloggers Bash. 

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Join Sacha and the committee on our Facebook Group.

You can also join us for our weekly Twitter Hour every Sunday 7pm-8pm using the hashtag #BlogBashChat or join in the conversation on Twitter by using the #BloggersBash hashtag.

HOW DOES THE AWARDS PROCESS WORK?

Each year we stage a two-step awards ceremony.

• STAGE 1 – You ‘NOMINATE’ who you would like to see listed in each category.
• STAGE 2 – You vote for your favourite bloggers.

WARNING – MUST BE READ BEFORE NOMINATING

Now, a word of warning before you get nomination happy. In previous years, lots of you failed to read the rules or provide the correct information. That led to extra work for the committee who needed to take a full week to track down the information for all the nominated bloggers. We are a non-profit, voluntary group of bloggers, therefore we have taken the decision that we will automatically disqualify any nomination that comes in with:

• The wrong information
• Incomplete nomination
• Breaks the rules listed below (or in the terms and conditions linked to at the bottom).

We will not chase you for missing information and we will not notify you of any errors. It is your responsibility when nominating to triple check the rules and the nomination entry.

NOMINATION RULES (AKA THE SMALL PRINT, OR THE STUFF YOU NEED TO READ)

Complete the nominations form at the bottom of this post – it will ping an email to the bash inbox, job done. It will only allow you to nominate for one award at a time, sorry, but that’s the way it is, if you want to nominate in every category you’ll need to fill it out several times.

Information Required:

• The Full Website address of the blogger you are nominating
• The full name of the blogger’s website (this is the name that will be on the listing, if the nominator gets it wrong, tough).
• The category of the award you are entering them for.

NB: The committee members cannot be nominated. Members include Sacha Black, Geoff Le Pard, Hugh Roberts, Suzanne Elliot, Helen Jones, Graeme Cumming, Adam Dixon, and Shelley Wilson.

If you do not submit the required information, your nomination will be disqualified.

• You cannot nominate yourself.
• To ensure a spread of winners, you can only win in one category. Therefore, if you are nominated in more than one category we will attempt to contact you to ask what category you would prefer to be in. If you don’t want to choose, or we cannot reach you, then the committee will decide for you.
• You can only nominate ONCE in EACH category.
• You can only vote once in each category
• You can only win three years running. Should you win for three consecutive years, you will not be eligible to be nominated the following year – sozberries, but we want the awards to recognize as many bloggers as possible.

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NOMINATIONS CLOSE at 23:59 (GMT) on 20^th March 2018

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GREENSTORY SPONSOR THE BASH

This year, the awards are being sponsored by Greenstory – a fantastic eco-friendly company who are awarding each of the winners with a STONE notebook… Yes, a notebook actually made of stone. For more details, check out Suzie’s review of the notebook here or their website here.

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Award Categories:

BEST OVERALL BLOGGER 

Who is the blogger that excels in a variety of categories? Who provides excellent content, is sociable and engaging with readers, shares other posts, or has a writing style that keeps you coming back time and time again?

Whoever you choose needs to be an all-rounder. A blogger that is head and shoulders above the rest as that’s what makes the Best Overall Blogger.

FUNNIEST BLOGGER

Which blogger always makes you laugh the most? Whether that’s through humourous content or their blogging manner. A blogger that has your sides aching from laughter and brightens up the blog-o-sphere is what makes the Funniest Blogger.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL BLOGGER

Who inspires you? Is there a blogger that’s thought-provoking and inquisitive? Perhaps they’re a muse to you with the constant provision of inspirational content or imagery. Who’s the one blogger that touched your heart? This is what makes the Most Inspirational Blogger.

MOST INFORMATIVE (Original Content) BLOGGER

This award is for the blogger with the most informative and original content. Who creates fascinating content that you find yourself longing to read? Perhaps they’re a history blogger or they write about the craft of writing/blogging, or maybe they like archaeology or wine tasting. They could be an artist or musician. The topic is irrelevant, it’s the original content that counts. A blogger who shares a wealth of knowledge in an informative way is what makes the Most Informative & Original Blogger.

BEST BOOK (Review) BLOGGER 

There are so many wonderful book bloggers out there, but which one stands out for you? Whose book reviews do you enjoy reading and engaging with? It’s not the number of reviews that are important, but more about the quality of them. Who has you clicking the ‘buy now’ button after reading a riveting summary, or who has the most thoughtful reviews? A blogger who shares an abundance of book reviews in a memorable way deserves the Best Book Review Blog.

SERVICES TO BLOGGERS

Which blogger goes out of their way to help others? Maybe this is someone who helped you kick-start your blog with tutorials or how-to guides. Perhaps they continually reblog your posts. It could be a blogger who consistently provides useful posts on how to boost your blog. Or maybe you want to nominate someone who provides an engaging platform for others.

Someone who selflessly dedicates themselves to other bloggers is who deserves the Services to Bloggers award.

HIDDEN GEM

Have you stumbled upon a blog by chance and discovered useful information or thought-provoking content? Is there a blog that doesn’t get the notoriety they deserve? Maybe they have such an original style you can’t help but read their posts. A blogger who you believe should get the limelight for a change is who deserves the Hidden Gem award.

NEWCOMER BLOGGER

A category for those bloggers who have been blogging less than a year (joined the blog-o-sphere after 1^st June 2017). Did they join with a bang? Have they made an impression? Do they engage with readers? Are they funny, or well designed, or maybe share posts that make you smile time after time. A newbie blogger who deserves recognition makes the best Newcomer Blogger.

BEST PAL 

Which blogger do you want to go to the pub with? Or maybe have dinner with? Who never fails to reply to comments, and has thoughtful things to say? Maybe they encourage the community through weekly challenges or blog parties. A blogger who makes the blog-o-sphere a better place is what makes the Best Pal.

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To read the terms and conditions, i.e. the rules of the awards please click here.

Click  here  to buy a ticket for the Bloggers Bash. 

Click here to enter the Bloggers Bash Blog Post Competition.

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To nominate use the form below:

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

The post NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE BLOGGERS BASH AWARDS (ABBAs) @bloggersbash appeared first on Sacha Black.

The Bloggers Bash Blog Post Competition – Deadline for Entries Extended 

We’ve listened, and we’ve acted. We’re pleased to announce that we’ve extended the deadline for entries to this year’s Bloggers Bash Blog Post competition. The deadline for entries is now 23:59 on Thursday 22nd March 2018.

What is the competition about, and how do I enter?

As you may have noticed, there’s another exciting event happening in London the same day as our Bloggers Bash. Although it won’t be as much fun as our event, the news of a Royal Wedding has undoubtedly given us a lot to think about.

So, the Bloggers Bash Blog Post Competition 2018 is on the theme of ‘Royalty.’ You’ve got a maximum of 300 words to share a flash fiction story, anecdote, poem, or another piece of work or writing on the theme of royalty. You might be inspired by Harry and his princess, or by the venue of this year’s Bloggers Bash (George IV). Or you might have another idea in mind. If you’re a photographer, then publish a post that includes photos of what ‘Royalty’ means to you.

The Cost: £5 per entry or £8 for two entries – all proceeds go to funding The Bloggers Bash, payment accepted through PayPal only, at the bottom of this post.

IMPORTANT – How to submit: Publish your entry(ies) on your blog and then drop an email to annualbloggersbash@yahoo.co.uk with the following information: 

• The link to your blog post(s)
• The word count of all the words (excluding the title) in your post
• Your name
• Your Twitter Handle
• The identification number on your PayPal payment.

Use the email subject title: BB Blog Post Competition.

Prizes 

1^st prize is a £100 Amazon gift card and a winner’s trophy 

2^nd prize is a £30 Amazon gift card 

3^rd prize is a £15 Amazon gift card 

We welcome entries from all over the world. The competition is open to all bloggers, regardless of if you’re coming to the Bloggers Bash or not.

This year, we’re delighted to announce that our judges for the competition are Kaisha Holloway and Jo Robertson.

Kaisha Holloway blogs at The Writing Garnet

Kaisha won the top award for Most Inspirational Blogger at the 2017 Bloggers Bash and continues to inspire readers all over the world with her incredible book blog. She supports authors by promoting their books and helping with their social media presence. Her passion for all things book related is evident in the number of blog tours she participates in every year.

Find Kaisha on Twitter: @kaishajayneh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewritinggarnet/

Joanne Robertson blogs at My Chestnut Reading Tree

Jo won second place in the Hidden Gem category at the 2017 Bloggers Bash and through her fabulous book blog she shares many hidden gems with her readers. She set up My Chestnut Reading Tree in 2016 and enjoys sharing crime and psychological thrillers as well as women’s fiction. As a Top 55 Amazon reviewer, you can rely on Jo’s reviews to guide you towards a great book.

Find Jo on Twitter @jocatrobertson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychestnutreadingtree/

The Small Print – Important, Please Read Before Submitting Your Entry

• Only entries with the identification number of the PayPal payment and sent by email to annualbloggersbash@yahoo.co.uk will be entered into the competition.
• Up to two entries per person are allowed. Anybody found to have entered the competition more than twice will be disqualified.
• Members of The Bloggers Bash committee and judging panel are not eligible to enter.
• The competition closes at 23:59 GMT on Thursday 22nd March 2018. Entries received after this date will not be included.
• Your entry must be a maximum of 300 words (not including the title) and can include: pictures, photos, videos, and artwork.
• The competition is only open to adults aged 18 and over.
• Winners must agree to have their full name and winning entries published on the blogs of the Bloggers Bash committee.
• No alternative prizes are available.
• The judges’ decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
• By entering the competition, you agree to abide by these rules.
• Click here to make your payment for entering the competition.

Winners announced at The Bloggers Bash on May 19^th, 2018.

GOOD LUCK!

Click  here  to buy a ticket for the Bloggers Bash. 

Click here to meet the sponsor for this year’s Bloggers Bash awards.

NEW Bloggers Bash Website COMING SOON!

The post The Bloggers Bash Blog Post Competition Extended! #SundayBlogShare @bloggersbash appeared first on Sacha Black.