Book Blogging Community: Something for Everyone

Every year around now, I like to take the time to let you know of all the great book blogging events you can look forward to during the holiday season. Here's what's coming up:

First I'd like to remind you that there's still time to nominate your favorite reads for the Indie Lit Awards. Visit the website and let us know which books deserve special recognition in the following categories: biography/memoir, GLBTQ, fiction, mystery, nonfiction, poetry, and speculative fiction. Don't be shy. Here's a chance to make sure a fantastic book or author gets some deserved recognition.


For the second year, Chronicle Books is hosting its Happy Haulidays giveaway. One blogger has the chance to win $500 worth of books plus one of that blogger's readers can win the same books plus the blogger's favorite charity can also win the books. So three winners, including a charitable donation. A pretty neat way to celebrate the season. You have until December 2 to enter; see the website for the rules.

You have until tomorrow to sign up for the Book Bloggers' Holiday Swap. This is loads of fun and an annual tradition. You can chose to swap with someone in a country other than your own or opt to stay domestic. It's a great way to make a new friend and get an exciting holiday package at the same time. Don't miss out. Visit the website and fill out the Goggle form.


Another fun event is the Book Bloggers' Holiday Card Exchange. This is an inexpensive way to share holiday cheer with book bloggers from around the world. You can offer to send to and receive cards from up to five bloggers. Sounds fun, doesn't it? Sign up by November 30; see the website for more details.

Don't forget to start haunting the Novel Challenge site for all the fabulous reading challenges coming up in 2012. I swear there are several new and creative challenges every single day. If you look, you'll find something just right for you. Don't forget to check out the perpetual challenges too. If you're relatively new to blogging, let me clue you in: reading challenges are a great way to get to know other bloggers, to stretch your reading, and to have some good fun.

Finally: come back next week when I announce the categories for the What's in a Name Challenge 5. I've been working hard on the WIAN5 categories, and I think you're going to love them. I can't wait to share. If you haven't yet finished up the 2011 challenge, no worries--you still have a few weeks until the end of the year.

Note too that there will be a 2011 Virtual Advent Tour, which will be officially announced any day now. This is a tradition that is much loved by book bloggers. Anyone can participate--it's nondenominational and you can make your post religious or not. It's all about celebrating the holiday season, winter, and your family traditions. Spread the feeling of goodwill with the book blogging community. For more information, check out last year's site.

Are you participating in all of these activities or only a few? Which is your favorite? If I missed any other events, be sure to let me know in the comments.