After being a NerdSpan Bookworms Contributor for nearly a year now — since NerdSpan was born! — I am honored, and quite frankly flattered, to have the opportunity to be the Bookworms Section Editor. Some of you may know me from my reviews here or from Twitter, though most of you are thinking “Who the heck is this girl?” I hope this post helps you get to know me a little better!

My name is Ashley Darling and I live in Arkansas. I have traveled the world (some) and wish to see more of it before I’m too old (or stuck) to travel. I’m a first-year English teacher in a small Arkansas Delta high school, which has been both trying and rewarding so far. I started writing when I was eleven, when my grandfather gave me his used Toshiba, and set me loose on the world.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved reading. I always have a book with me, whether it’s on my phone, my Nook, or a physical copy tucked in my purse. I have read a variety of genres and authors, all of whom have made me a better reader and writer. I distinctly remember reading Anne Rice while on a trip to New Orleans in junior high, something an 8th grader probably shouldn’t be reading. Books have been a huge part of my life for a long time, and I hope they will continue to long into the future.

IMG_2606

I enjoy reading a variety of genres — science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, historical fiction, young adult, etc. My favorite authors include George RR Martin, Anne Rice, Charlaine Harris, Robin Hobb, and JK Rowling, among others. I will read anything that even remotely sparks my interest. I’m a HUGE Harry Potter nerd, which includes four HP-themed tattoos, a trip to the theme park in Orlando, and a tour of Leavesden Studios in London. I love the Avengers and anything Marvel related, though I will be the first to admit I’m not as well-versed in the comics as I would like. My television interests range from Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Top Gear, to Once Upon a Time, The Walking Dead, and Game of Thrones. My favorite TV show has been and probably always will be HBO’s True Blood.

I hope that helps you get to know me. Aside from the nerdy side of life, I have a Bachelor’s in History and a Master’s in Teaching. I’m certified to teach both secondary Social Studies and English, and I hope one day I can teach both of those (one can dream). I am honored, flattered, and excited to start this new chapter of my life on NerdSpan. I’ve always wanted to work with books, and this is a wonderful way to start!

Which brings me to the second part of this introduction: a call for writers. As much as I love the Bookworms section, I think it’s time for some new blood. If you, or someone you know, has any interest in writing book reviews for us, please send them along! When they are ready to apply, point them toward this post and the following information:

* Name: how you would like your name to appear on the site
* Login Name: what your login should be
* Credentials: links to reviews you’ve done in the past or other writing; you can also include an actual review/writing sample in the body of the email if you don’t have any links
* Kinds of Books: genres you prefer to review and/or avoid
* First Book: which book you would like to review first; make sure you look at what we’ve reviewed already so you’re not doubling up, unless your opinion is very different from the first review

Send all of that in an email to: bookworms@nerdspan.com. We’ll review and reply to every email received, and hopefully have a new batch of fresh reviewers to fill up the site!