Obsession or an Addicition?

How did it happen?

I have asked myself this question many times lately. In addition, I've asked "why" and "when" without finding any answers.

I guess it just gradually takes over and you don't realize it's happening. So far I've been able to manage it so that it doesn't interfere with my day-to-day activities.

I tell myself that I'm not going to do it again. I try convincing myself that I've "been there, done that," now get on with other things - things that I should be concentrating on, things that are important to me.

But I feel the pull, that desire and I find myself slowly going back. I resisted for a short while, but then the temptation was too great. I'm just weak.

I'm not talking about blogging, Twitter or Facebook. Even though those could be addicitive and I've found myself lost in time while checking out new blogs.

I seem to have become an addict of "giveaways." I can't resist offering book giveaways. Every opportunity I have to share a book with others - I do it. Every time the offer is made to giveaway books - I accept. From time to time the giveaways I offer may be for books that I most likely wouldn't select for myself off a shelf in a bookstore, but someone else out there in blogdom may love the book. That's what it's all about - people reading (all types of) books.

When I started this blog I didn't have a precise theme or direction other than I wanted somewhere to share my book reviews and thoughts on books. I never envisioned giving away books.

I've said all this about my "giveaway" addiction because sometimes I feel I do go overboard with the contests. I don't want Thoughts in Progress to be known only as a book giveaway blog. So bear with me on the volume of giveaways and I will also try to have more content to my other posts.

Keeping in this spirit, be sure to check back daily this coming week as a lineup of wonderful authors are scheduled to stop by. (Okay, so giveaways are also involved, couldn't help myself).

Monday - Sherrill Bodine, author of "A Black Tie Affair" will be here to talk about books and romance. She will also be giving away a copy of her new book.

Tuesday - Cheryl Brooks, author of "The Cat Star Chronicles" series will stop by to talk about how her books tie in with murder mysteries. She will also be giving away one of her books.

Wednesday - Kim Smith, author of "Buried Angel" will stop by on her Virtual Book tour to talk about her cozy mystery. She will be giving away an e-copy of her book.

Thursday - Robin Burcell, author of "The Bone Chamber" will be on hand to talk about her latest book. Robin will also give away one of her books to a lucky commenter on her post.

Friday - Sharon Lathan, author of "The Darcy Saga" series will stop by to discuss her books and how historical facts play a part. In addition, she will be giving away one of her books.

I'm looking forward to all these wonderful authors who have agreed to guest blog here. It will be a diverse week of book topics.

I'd also like to thank Crystal at Crystal Clear Proofing for presenting me (and several other bloggers) with the Blogosphere Award yesterday. She created the award "to commemorate the fellowship of the blogosphere, and you ladies are prime examples of that fellowship." I am so glad that I found Crystal's blog and appreciate her friendship very much. Thanks again Crystal.

Now, please overlook my "addiction." I'm not sure if I can or want to overcome it yet. Are you addicted to reading or just collecting books? Do you share your "reading/book collecting addiction" with others in hopes of drawing them in as well?

HAPPY READING!

(This is not the post I had intended for today, but due to the length of the material I wanted to present I felt it would be best to run it in two parts. Since I have wonderful guest bloggers scheduled all week and no open date until Saturday, I decided to wait. I will share my two-part post with you Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 23-24. I promise it will be worth the wait as the topic is one of "mystery" and so much more. Be sure to stop by to see what my surprise post on Saturday and Sunday is all about. And I in no way intended this post to make fun of anyone who faces a serious addiction.)