If you haven't heard of the ISFAB competition, it's okay. I'm not going to judge you, but to catch up, hop over and read the first blog here. I'll wait...
Ready, babe? Good. Here we go!
20 judges vs. 100 books
I love behind-the-scenes information and all the details that follow. While the authors are an amazing group, so must be the judges.
It's a difficult job to do, to say the least. Although I will be reading and reviewing the books as well, I don't have the pressure of deciding a winner.
I asked all the judges the same 5 questions, and as I hoped I received different answers from everyone.
I will be posting new blogs to introduce you to all the judges, the last post being the FINAL FOUR. No, not that final four.. The final four judges.
Are you ready to meet some judges? Well, ready or not here are the first three!
Meet the Judges
Cherish Kasner Hi Everybody! My name is Cherish. I have been a beta reader, arc reader, and reviewer for a few years now. I have helped with editing and making suggestions. I leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub. I have 3 children and I work in a preschool as an associate for children with behavioral disabilities. I am a preliminary judge. I'm very excited to get this chance and to be a judge!
Q: Do you keep a book review journal?
A: I hadn't been keeping a book review journal but I just started one. I usually just leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub.
Q: Is this the first time you have been a judge for a contest?
A: This is the first time I have been a judge for a contest. I have been a beta reader, arc reader and I have helped with editing on quite a few books over the last 2 years. I even got to go on a podcast to talk about one of my favorite series that I read.
Q: Is this your favorite genre to read? If not, which one do you prefer?
A: It is hard for me to pick a favorite genre. I read alot of fantasy adventure books about dragons. They usually have a strong main character who has to overcome many obstacles to complete what must be done. I also like new takes on old stories, paranormal adventures, sci fi adventures, romance, epic fantasy, and mystery.
Q: What prompted you to be one of the judges?
A: I've had a lot of experience with being a beta reader, arc reader and helping to edit. This felt like an amazing opportunity to do something new to help make a difference.
Q: Is there anything you would like the contestants to know about you or the judging?
A: I am going to be fair with my judging. I have never read any books by the authors that I am reading for this. I look forward to finding new favorites and seeing who wins.
J.E.Mueller loves everything fantasy. From the ridiculous magic of high fantasy to the dark dystopian sub genres, she takes delight in reading it all. JE also enjoys writing fantasy but tends to favor the HEA side with a fairytale vibe. When not writing or reading, she love PC and videogames. Skyrim, Stardew, and everything Nintendo sums her up the best. Recently JE has enjoyed living it up (or dying) in Among Us.
Q: Do you keep a book review journal?
A: Yes! I like to try and keep track of what I read throughout the year. This year I am trying something new and also doing video reviews instead of just standard written reviews.
Q: Is this the first time you have been a judge for a contest?
A: It is! I've done plenty of alpha and beta reading as well as reviewing in general but I've never read for a contest before. It's fun to be apart of the excitement.
Q: Is this your favorite genre to read? If not, which one do you prefer?
A: Fantasy is my preferred genre and all the books I was given to review are fantasy. I will literally read anything with magic in it. Yes, high fantasy, grim dark, sword and sorcery, reverse harem, vampires, urban, I just love magic.
Q: What prompted you to be one of the judges?
A: Several friends love my reading commentary and thought I would make a good judge because of it. After some nudging, I decided since I wanted to read more this year it would be fun to give it a try.
Q: Is there anything you would like the contestants to know about you or the judging?
A: I believe there is something good about every book, whether it be the cover, blurb, or a part of the story. Even if I don't enjoy the story itself I can find something positive to say about it and highlight more than just the negative points. That doesn't mean I'll give a book stars I don't think it deserves, just that the entire review won't be slamming on what I disliked.
Rebecca Collins is a simple girl who has always loved to escape from reality through reading, a gift from her mom. She was married 22 years (before he moved on to dryer pastures) and has two grown children. Rebecca is a licensed nurse and has done travel nursing for about 6 or 7 years. She grew up in the Bible belt and dirt poor so she loves overcomer stories. Rebecca now lives in South Mississippi and is looking for job at the moment with plenty of time to read.
Q: Do you keep a book review journal?
A: No but may start now Q: Is this the first time you have been a judge for a contest?
A: Yes Q: Is this your favorite genre to read? If not, which one do you prefer?
A: I love sci-fi, love YA books about magic, dragons, and teenagers overcoming evil Q: What prompted you to be one of the judges?
A: Just trying something new Q: Is there anything you would like the contestants to know about you or the judging? A: I'm just a normal person who loves to read. I'm a nurse so I don't have a lot of time so I like to unwind with a good book.
Yes, David (Dan), it will be an obsession. At least, it will be by the time these blogs are done. I hope you enjoyed this! Subscribe so you can be alerted when the next blog is posted. Thanks for stopiing by! See you soon!
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