Interview With Blogger Gina Rae Mitchell

Gina Rae Mitchell is a creative soul who likes to try her hand at various things: knitting, reading, crafting, and of course blogging. A lover of books, she writes reviews and monthly lists with recommendations on them.

In addition to book reviews, Gina also enjoys writing about food. She lives on a farm and shares knowledgeable tips on gardening, cooking and canning that avid foodies will appreciate. I’m eager to prepare the teriyaki barbecue pineapple chicken recipe. It sounds tasty!

A doting grandmother, Gina believes family comes first.

Now that I’ve introduced you to Gina, let’s get to know her a little better.

Hello, Gina, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you for having me.     

What inspired you to be a blogger?

I love to write and talk. Since I live in a remote area, blogging is like talking to friends every day.

Photo courtesy of: Gina Rae Mitchell; courtesy of: Facebook

Can you tell us a little about your blog Gina Rae Mitchell?

I started out blogging about a bit of everything; books, food, crafts, family, & more. In 2019, I have slowly shifted my main focus to books.

Is blogging your full-time profession?

Yes, I suppose you could say that. I am retired, and blogging lets me continue to feel productive, and some months, I even earn a bit of extra “fun” money.

How long have you been blogging?

I have had several blogs over the years beginning around 2008. GRM is the first one I have taken seriously, and I believe that is reflected in my growing following.

How many books have you reviewed?

Since I began my book review business & website last year, about 275. I couldn’t begin to guess how many before I started keeping track of them.

Which genres do you review? 

I review almost all genres. I do not read horror, gore, or erotica. My favorites are probably romantic comedy and children’s books.

What do you find most challenging reviewing for these genres?

Non-fiction is probably the most difficult as I usually don’t have a basic knowledge or possibly even an interest in the subject.

What are you reviewing now?

This week I reviewed two non-fiction books on religious myths and communicating with the nonverbal child, a cowboy romance trilogy, and a dark fantasy novel. I love being introduced to books that would not normally catch my attention.

What has been your most rewarding experience since you started blogging? 

I would have to say it’s connecting with readers. Nothing delights me more than a blog reader letting me know they tried a book I recommended and enjoyed it.

What advice would you give to bloggers just starting out?

Simply write and get your words out there. As you gain your voice and improve your skills, you can go back & polish your earlier posts. That’s a good activity for days when you aren’t in the mood to create new posts. Oh & most important of all…. BACK UP YOUR WORK!

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

I’m a geeky grandma! I love technology. I create & manage all my own websites and images. They may not be perfect, but I enjoy doing it.

What message are you sharing in your blog?

I believe for the world to be a better place, we should all read books. There is no better way to understand someone different from you than to put yourself in their shoes through a good story.

What are your favorite books/authors?

Oh, I love so many!

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon has been a favorite for years. A recent favorite is The Sinking of Bethany Ann Crane by K. Kris Loomis.

The Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keene has a place of honor on my bookshelves. My great-grandma introduced me to them, and now I am so pleased to share them with my grandchildren.

What are your favorite movies, TV shows?

It’s a Wonderful Life and The Big Chill are my two favorite movies. As for TV, I would have to say Jeopardy and college basketball. I don’t watch a lot of TV shows.

When you’re not blogging, where can we find you?

Somewhere on the farm with my nose in a book or at my grandkids sporting events. I also love to travel. We have been driving all over the US since retiring. That’s the great thing about blogging. You can work from anywhere!

How can an author have their book reviewed by you? 

I have a book review policy on my website. They can use the website contact form or email me at GinaRaeMitchell@gmail.com.

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc.?

My website is: GinaRaeMitchell.com. I am most active on Twitter, Goodreads, & Pinterest as @ginaraemitchell.

Thank you, Gina, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!