Book Blogger Spotlight: QWERTY

QWERTY
I’m Zuleeza. Because my name is such an uncommon name and it’s a bit hard to pronounce, I have fourteen other nicknames (the last being ‘Zuz’ given by the awesome Oceana).  I’m a Malaysian who currently lives in Australia. I study Biomedical Science because I'm too socially awkward to become a doctor, so I wish to be a researcher instead.

I really suck at introducing myself, am I?  -_-

When and why did you become a book blogger?

Qwerty became a book blog since January 2012 but only from August 2012, I seriously decided to become a book blogger. Previously, there were nothing but reviews on Qwerty until one day, I received an invitation to be a member of Crewel Street Team. I learned a lot about the world of book-blogging from my team members and hey, I thought it’d be cool if I start to do all these promotional stuff i.e. cover reveals, promos, etc and yup, it’s still cool!

How did you come up with the name of your blog?

I was a huge fan of Linkin Park (I think I still am, just not as hardcore as before). I dug all their lesser known songs and I stumbled upon a song called, Qwerty. Well, it isn’t the best song from them by a long shot but I think it’s a cool name for a book blog. It is erm cool, right? (Please say yes, my self-worth depends on it!)

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

If you asked me three or four months ago, I would say ‘FREE BOOKS!’ But now I would say the freedom that it offers. Technically book blogging is like a volunteering job and reading is for me, not just a hobby but a hobby that basically keeps me sane (honestly, Uni life doesn’t allow much time for me to play around). So I really like how there’s no obligation for me to blog unless I already signed up for posts. I can tone down how much time I spend on blogging if I know there’s an exam coming up or an assignment to be due soon and I can start blogging as often as I’d like to once I’m done with Uni stuff! I also got to know so many awesome book bloggers like yourself!

What do you find the hardest about blogging?

Trolls. I may not be the nicest reviewer ever but it still hurts whenever people leave insulting anonymous comments. I mean, if these people disagree with me, can’t they have some balls to reveal who they are and initiate a proper discussion with me?

Does your blog participate in any weekly features and if so which is your favorite?

Currently my blog participates in two weekly features, Showcase Sunday and Cover Characteristics. It’s great that both memes run on the weekends and there aren’t that many bloggers participate in the memes. I try to avoid overly popular memes because if I have time, I’d like to visit all the participating blogs’ post. I can’t really pick which of the two is my favourite; I like Showcase Sunday because it keeps me updated with the new releases, sales, freebies and newly available ARCs. I like Cover Characteristics because I’m a sucker for gorgeous covers, that’s all!

What has been your favorite moment since you became a book blogger? Which review, interview or giveaway have you been most proud of?

I’d have to say my first and up until now, the only author interview. I didn’t know from where I had the courage to ask David Estes to make an appearance and he handled all my ridiculous questions amazingly. David and I have since become good friends. He is without a doubt, one of the nicest authors ever and I wish more people would read his books. The problem is, up until now I don't feel like conducting any other author interviews because I'm afraid it won't be up to the par as my first time.

What kind of genres do you enjoy reading and reviewing the most?

YA, hands down. I also enjoy classic High Fantasy like Narnia and The Lord of The Rings.

What is your favorite individual book or series? What makes you love it so much?

Hmm...I have to go with The Hunger Games (only the first book). I can’t get over that sensation when I first read it. I realized I had stayed up all night only after I finished reading it. I wish I can read it for the first time again.

Who is your favorite fictional male character, why and from what book or series are they from?

Naji from The Assassin’s Curse. He has the sexiest profession ever; blood magician/assassin. I’ll blush IMMEDIATELY whenever I think about him. He is like one of those guys who doesn’t even know that he’s hot. There’s so much mystery about him.

Who is your favorite fictional female character, why and from what book or series are they from?

Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I seriously considered to dye my hair blue after I’m done with the book. But I don’t want my parents to have a heart attack, so the idea has to be postponed for now. That mid-air fight between Karou and Akiva – I’d sold my Spongebob keychain to watch that scene on silver screen. Now, WHEN DOES THE MOVIE COME OUT?

Who are your favorite three authors and why?

Cynthia Hand because she can write a politically correct version of love triangle in Unearthly series. That’s a superpower.

Maggie Stiefvater because she can write magic. Like, I’d marry her prose if I could.

Laini Taylor because of her pink hairs. Okay, okay. It’s because she notices the beauty in odd and bizarre things. I think her brain is wired differently to be honest.

If you could turn one book or series into films, what would you pick and who would you cast as the main characters?

Renegade (The Elysium Chronicles #1) by J.A Souders. It’d be awesome if I can watch Evie transition on screen.

Gavin: Ben Whishaw
Evie: Bella Heathcote
Mother: Charlize Theron

I know Ben and Bella aren't teenagers anymore but I really enjoyed watching them in Skyfall and Dark Shadows respectively.

What books are you most looking forward to in 2013?

The Pirate’s Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Pivot Point by Kasie West
Boundless by Cynthia Hand
Antigoddess by Kendare Blake

Paper books or ebooks?

For review purpose, I prefer to have e-books so that I can annotate them. But if the book is good enough, I’ll buy the paperback anyway.

Where is your favorite place to read?

On the couch.

Milk chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate. But not too dark LOL! Otherwise I also can’t stand the bitterness.

Coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate?

I like all three but if I really have to choose, I’d choose hot tea because it goes with any meals. Make it Earl Grey.

Would you like to give any other details about yourself? How can others find you around the web? Such as Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc...

Blog: http://zue-leysza.blogspot.com.au/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QwertyBookBlog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/QwertyBookBlog
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/Zuleeza