I love supporting and interacting with authors. Some authors that I have met through blogging I would now consider friends. Discovering new authors that I probably wouldn’t have heard about otherwise has been a major highlight, as has getting to know so many lovely people in the book blogger community.
I was a huge fan of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books as a child, and I loved The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, particularly Prince Caspian. I remember one of my primary school teachers reading Colin Dann’s Animals of Farthing Wood books to us, and they really captured my imagination.
I have been really lucky, and a fair few of my favourite books have already been adapted into TV series that I have loved. Among them have been Shadowhunters, Shadow & Bone, and A Discovery of Witches. I was a bit scared before watching each of them, but ended up loving them. I would really love there to be a series based on Maggie Stiefvater’s Raven Cycle, but I don’t think that is happening at the moment. In terms of films, I think Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Robert Dinsdale’s The Toymakers would both make beautiful films.
I have a few favourites that I am always recommend, but if I had to choose just one, it would be The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. There is a rawness of emotion in it which, when combined with the wildness of the horses and the landscape, make for a book that really gets under your skin. I reread it every November, which is when the races take place on the island of Thisby.
![The Animals of Farthing Wood by [Colin Dann]](https://asunbookstore.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/09/bloggerinthespotlight-mai-from-mais-musings-maitaylor01-1.jpg)
Oh, that’s a tough one! Can I choose two? First of all, Magnus Bane from The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, because everyone needs more sparkle in their life – I just adore everything about Magnus, and the way he approaches life. Secondly, Puck from The Scorpio Races. She is just so fierce and determined, and I would love to be more like that.
How can people follow your blog or connect with you on social media?
My blog is called Mai’s Musings, and although it really is a book blog, it does feature the occasional post about writing, or whatever craft has caught my attention. In terms of the book blogging, I tend towards reviewing largely fantasy, magical realism and YA books, but you will find a few thrillers, poetry and non-fiction books in the mix too. I also share extracts from books, author interviews and guest posts, and have been lucky enough to feature some fantastic authors.
And finally, if you could be a character in any book you have read, who would it be and why?
Hi! I am Mai, and I am a blogger and writer. I have been blogging since early 2018, at the same time as planning and starting to write a YA fantasy series based around Celtic folklore. When I am not reading or writing, I work as an audio typist. I also enjoy sewing in my spare time – mainly small projects like bags and purses, but I am working on a patchwork quilt as well.
I am reading a non-fiction book at the moment, London Clay by Tom Chivers. It is a beautifully written exploration of the hidden history and geology of London. It makes me want to get back to London and explore it properly.
Thanks for agreeing to be part of my Blogger in the Spotlight feature Mai. First of all, would you tell me a little about yourself?
My blog is called Mai’s Musings, and you can find me as @maitaylor01 on both Twitter and Instagram.
Is there a book you’d like to see made into a film?
Tell me about your blog – sell yourself!
https://www.instagram.com/maitaylor01/
What books/authors did you enjoy as a child?
What do you enjoy most about blogging?
What are you reading just now?
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What one book would you recommend to a friend and why?
