If you are into young adult literature and are reading my blog, you’ve probably already heard of Alex Bennett. He is a teen blogger, publishing intern, and writer—fifteen years old when last I checked—who contributes regularly and thoughtfully to the virtual kidlit universe. He and I aren’t in the same generation; nor are we usually into the same books. Yet I enjoy reading Alex’s Electrifying Reviews. Here’s a virtual chat with the guy himself:

RTF: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Alex. First off, you started Electrifying Reviews about a couple of years ago because you were bored with some of the young adult blogs.  How do you see your blog as different from those you found boring?

AB: Well, it wasn’t so much that I was bored with the blogs. I was bored in general, and just happened to discover YA book blogs. I’d never seen anything like them, and I loved reading back then, so I decided to give it a shot! But I do think Electrifying Reviews is different than many of the book blogs out there. First and foremost, it’s run by a real teen! Teen book blogging is getting more common, but it was practically unheard of when I started. I think the majority of book blogs (even ones dedicated to teen books) are run by adults, and I think it’s good to have the teen perspective on things, especially when the books I’m reviewing are geared toward my age group.

Also, I post often and try to make sure each of my posts is top quality. I don’t post anything on Electrifying Reviews that I wouldn’t be interested in reading myself.

RTF: Among the books that you’ve written or would like to write, there seems to be only one that you characterize as historical fiction. The history buff in me wants to know why. What’s your favorite genre?

AB: When ideas come to me, I jot them down and save them. The historical fiction book I want to write someday is the only idea that’s ever come to me that is historical. Most of the book ideas I get are either based in our modern world, or in a completely different (often futuristic) one. My favorite genre is probably urban fantasy, if it’s also young adult.

RTF: One of your interests is traveling the world. Tell us more!

AB: I love other cultures and getting to experience other things. I’ve lived in the same tiny town my whole life and every chance I get to explore I jump at. Once I graduate high school, I plan to go to college out of state (on one of the coasts), study abroad while I’m in university, and do as much traveling as possible when I’m done with my schooling. There’s just something about being in a place I’m unfamiliar with that gives me a thrill.

RTF: You’re active on the blogosphere big time. You seem to read a ton of books and you write as well. Plus you go to school, get great grades, and spend time with friends. How do you manage this? No sleep? Multi-tasking?

AB: Ha! I get asked this a lot, and really I don’t know. School takes up my time when I’m at school, and when I’m not at school or with my friends, I have a lot of time to do blogging or reading stuff (unless I’m watching Netflix!). I’ve always been able to retain things really well, so I practically never have to study. And I rarely have homework, since I get it all done in school. But when I come home each day, I have hours to donate to whatever I want to put my efforts toward. Usually it’s reading or blogging. I don’t do a lot of writing unless it’s November, sadly, but I’d really like to add more of that to my days.

RTF: Here’s to National Novel Writing Month—another reason for celebrating Thanksgiving then. Since it’s not NaNoWriMo, let’s get back to your blog. Which three pieces of advice would you give to other kidlit bloggers out there?

AB: 1) Post quality content. Don’t clog up your blog with memes or random, pointless posts. Post stuff that your readers will want to come back for.

2) Post as often as you can. If you don’t have enough time to get at least a few quality posts up a week, don’t be disgruntled when people aren’t coming to you see what you do post once in a blue moon. You have to keep them coming back, and the only way to do that is to have something new and shiny for your readers to enjoy as often as you can.

3) Don’t be desperate for attention or followers. People can tell when you are. And frankly, it’s unprofessional, and bloggers get enough crap as it is. If you follow the other two tips, people will be coming to you; you won’t need to throw your blog in their face.

RTF: Good advice, Alex. I hope you’ll consider the Pacific Northwest when you apply to college. Anything else you’d like to add?

AB: Thanks so much for interviewing me, Ruth! It was a lot of fun. And thanks for reading this interview, whoever you are that is reading this right now. Oh, and check out Electrifying Reviews if you’re interested. That would be cool.