Meet the Blogger: Esther Dauvilier (BiteIntoBooks)
Happy Friday Eve everyone!
Isn’t it great that the weekend is already here again? Gotta love those holidays!
Today’s post features my digital sit down with Esther Dauvilier from Bite Into Books, fellow blogger and bookworm. Hope you’re ready for a quick, fun interview!
Esther Dauvilier (BiteIntoBooks)
Bio:
Esther Dauvilier (BiteIntoBooks) is a 27 year old, full time teacher and part-time book blogger. Her living room mainly contains books, like her bedroom used to do when she was younger. Her mom once refused to open the door when she carried a big stack of books towards the house. Esther frequently writes reviews, but also likes to participate in any other book-related activity like giveaways, interviews, booktags and memes.
The Interview
Hi Esther, thanks so much for stopping by. To keep things interesting, I like to ask my interviewees a random question to get the blood flowing. Here’s yours!
In a strange twist of fate, you inherit a vast fortune from an unknown relative that has recently passed. What do you do with the money?
I would immediately quit my job and start traveling. One of my big dreams is to visit at least 50 different countries. I’m now at a total of 25 countries so I’m halfway there. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, but the further you go the more it will cost.
Shoot, I’d do the same thing! I love to travel, and you’re totally right. Further is more expensive. I had a heavy year of travel in 2018, and I am missing it bad. I could really use that vast fortune right about now!
Esther and the Blogging Process
What first inspired you to start blogging?
I was reviewing books on Goodreads but I just really wanted to create my own space. I wanted to be the boss of it all. I started on Blogspot but bought a domain shortly after and transferred everything there. I just want to share my opinion and talk with others about my passion. I don’t have a lot of friends that read or that read as much as I do, so I just wanted a place to share the love!
Nice, I started on Goodreads too! At first I just read books and gave a rating, then I left short reviews and now, a little bit longer of reviews. There really is something to be said about having your own space, isn’t there? You’re definitely in the right place!
I always find it interesting how authors and bloggers alike lead multiple lives. What is your dayjob? Do you enjoy it?
I’m a teacher. I used to do this five days a week but it just takes a lot of time and energy so I decided to take Friday off and work four days a week this schoolyear. I was teaching 2nd and 3rd grade for a long time, but this year I’m switching to 5th/6th grade. I’m very excited!
Oh wow, that’s a very selfless job right there! Extra kudos to you! It’s funny you mention four-day workweeks. I was just chatting with a coworker explaining how nice it would be to have that setup. Maybe I’ll have to save up some PTO and give it a shot!
What do you find most challenging about blogging?
I’m insecure about my blogs layout, looks, color scheme and my reviews EVERY DAY. I really don’t want to look like every other blog that you can find online, so I chose different colors and layout, but I’m looking for real and honest feedback once in a while. I’m not really getting any feedback, but I’ve never had bad or negative comments so I just keep doing what I’m doing for now. All tips and advice are welcome!
You know, I think to some extent we all are. I’ve seen some blogs that were crazy intimidating. These people appear to have had someone create their blog (or maybe they’re a techie genius), they have beautiful pictures for everything, and their life seems amazing. It’s definitely unnerving and makes me feel small sometimes, but I just try to remind myself that I’m doing me every day of the week and my blog has value too, just as much as theirs do.
I can understand wanting some extra feedback on your blog. I myself haven’t had much feedback either, but I’ll take everyone’s silence for a thumbs up haha!
If you could give advice to new bloggers, what would you say?
If you plan to stick around, make sure to always give a fair opinion. I unfollowed a lot of blogs that never wrote a negative review, it just doesn’t feel REAL to me. I’m sure no one likes ALL the books they read. Another good tip is to be part of the community. Take time to read others blogposts and comment to it and take the time to comment back on your own blog. I unfollow blogs that never respond to my comments as well, it just feels like I’m being ignored.
I totally hear what you’re saying. I’m a very positive person in general, but there are some rather *cough cough* constructive reviews of things from me. You really do have to be true to yourself, especially when a popular book gets a lot of positive spin and you simply don’t like it. Shout it out and be heard!
Great tip on the community. I love to be a conversation starter. If I see a post I like, there’s probably a 50% chance I’ll say something, even if it’s just “great article!”
Fun Facts About Esther
What’s your favorite place that you’ve travelled to?
CHI-CA-GO!! I’ve lived in Chicago for three months and this city has a place in my heart. I feel at home there and I’m actually a bit homesick every day. I would move there in an instant if I had my family there as well.
Oh wow, nice! I actually went to Chicago maybe five years ago for the first time. Unfortunately it was during market days and everything was NUTS. Since then, I’ve vowed to return when things were more normal but haven’t found the funds just yet. So glad you found your forever place!
Are pineapples on pizza blasphemy or no?
YES.
Thank you, I totally agree!
If you could meet anyone who ever lived, past or present, who would that be?
That would be Elvis Presley. I’m a fan since I was 7 years old. I loved the music and his looks. I remember getting a lot of Elvis Presley presents like his album, movies and a calendar. I also took the time to talk in 3rd Grade about him in class.
Oh wow, I didn’t peg you for a lover of Elvis. That’s really great that you found an artist you adore. Since you’re big on travel, I hope you set aside time to visit Graceland! Who knows, maybe you’ll run into his ghost!
All right, looks like our brief time here is up. Before we go, do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events, and special offers?
You can sign up on my blog to receive emails when I post something. I also have a special Giveaway page on my blog where you can see the ongoing Giveaways.
Awesome, thanks for sharing that with us!
That’s a Wrap!
All righty book worms, that wraps up my interview with Esther Dauvilier (BiteIntoBooks). I had fun talking with her and getting to know her a bit better, and I hope you did too!
If you’d like to learn more about Esther and her blogging, she can be reached at the social media links provided below.
Thank you for stopping by, and have a great day!
Social Media Links
Hi Jonathan, thanks so much for inviting me to do this! I LOVE how you respond on the answers, I got to know you a bit better now, too. Loads of interviews just stick to the page without influence from the interviewer. It’s a unique way, how you do it! Thanks.
Hi Esther,
Thanks for the great feedback! When I first started doing these I felt there was something missing, so I decided to put in my own two cents with the questions here and there.
Glad you had fun, I did too!