Scene of the Blog Featuring Courtney of Stiletto Storytime!

This week's featured blogger illustrates the power of Twitter. As any blogger who hosts a weekly feature can tell you, it's not always easy. I run into a roadblock from time to time, and had done so a month ago. I broadcast my woes on Twitter, my cries for help were re-tweeted by friends, and within minutes I had enough volunteers for six weeks' worth of posts. Hallelujah!

Courtney of Stiletto Storytime is one of the book bloggers who came to my aid, bless 'er! To be honest, I wasn't familiar with her blog, so you know I had to take a look immediately. I was impressed. Although stilettos are synonymous with death traps for me, I had to admit that the blog name is catchy. The hook became more firmly embedded when I read this on her About Me page:

Why Stiletto Storytime? Well a colleague of mine joked about my shoes when I first started as a librarian and it kind of stuck. Needless to say I am the kind of librarian who feels that you don’t have to wear clogs, Birkenstocks with socks or old lady flats to fit the job description. I can do storytime in heels….and with style!

When I began reading her content, I was a convert. Her writing style, her enthusiasm, and what she has to say makes Stiletto Storytime worth coming back to again and again. If you've never visited Courtney's blog, please stop by and say hello!

Now it's time to hear from Courtney and see where she does her blogging. Don't forget that you can click on each photo to view it full size!

To be honest there have been many “scenes of the blog” since I started in late 2007. It all began at a public library reference desk where I worked as a children’s librarian and then moved home with me after the birth of my son in 2009. Currently about 75% of my blogging is done at my desk. Which is pretty simple, cheerful, personalized with photos of my family and has everything I need. Most of the time this includes a one year old hanging off my leg as well. I share an office with my husband but we both have recognized the need for separate spaces, desks and computers. Makes for a good marriage, I highly recommend it.

I try to stay very organized since I review not only for my site Stiletto Storytime but also for the New York Journal of Books. I keep separate shelves for all received ARCs as well as a calendar for release dates, upcoming features, interviews and posts. This keeps me generally on track. I also keep an excel sheet for all books that I have requested, received or reviewed. Like I said I like to stay organized.

I am also never without my trusty book journal. I am in love with my Moleskine and use it to keep pretty detailed records on everything I read. I write down quotes I enjoy, notes on the writing, when I post about it and where. I also rate the book in my journal however I do not use a rating system on my blog. I am about to be on my second journal for the year but I really enjoy keeping track of the books I read and how they make me feel. I’m not real big on writing in books for the most part (must be a librarian thing).

Now for my secret confession: the other 25% of the time, I am a bed blogger. That’s right you heard me. In fact I am writing this from my bed right now! Of course my current book and trusty book journal have come along with the laptop and me. We are quite snuggled in for a long read and a bit of blogging. I have no shame! I am proud to be a bed blogger. I also blog in my jammies too! When you have a one year old creating daily havoc often right before bed is the only time you get to do much of anything. And so off to bed…and blog! Thanks for visiting the “scene of my blog”.

“Remember just like stilettos, reading is always in style.”

Where to begin, where to begin? Courtney and I both prefer being organized down to our shelves and journals. Her desk is next to a window for light and view, and I want that Jane Austen action figure! Each of her creative spaces looks so calm and serene... so conducive to thought and inspiration. Never in a gazillion years would I dream that this woman has a one-year-old in the house!

Thank you so very much for this glimpse into your creative spaces, Courtney. We really appreciate it!

Who will be the next guest on Scene of the Blog? Stop by next Wednesday to see!