Over at The Book Smugglers, I was invited to be part of their annual Smugglivus celebration. Yesterday, my contribution went up and I talked about some of my favourite things in 2009. On top of the typical list of books I loved, I also wanted to use the space to throw some exposure to some of the blogs that I really loved this year. I thought it would be fun to bring that list over here, also.

• Stomping on Yeti is new to the blogosphere, but has quickly carved out a solid niche for itself with a terrific series of interviews called ‘Keeping an eye on…’ and it seems like every other day there’s another great author being interviewed and showcased. And hell, he even created an eye-gougingly bad cover for my recently completed novel, Through Bended Grass. I expect big things from Patrick in the year to come.
• Jeff at Fantasy Book News & Reviews is one of the most honest and genuine bloggers out there. But the thing that’ll keep you coming back to his website time and again? His daily roundups of what’s going on in the blogosphere, and his exhaustive archive of all the Fantasy reviews to cross his path.
• Many of your readers probably know The Wertzone, but it needs to be mentioned anyway. Adam seems to be an endless well of knowledge about anything related to Fantasy and Science Fiction. Movies, Books or Videogames? He’s got it covered. Sharp reviewer, too.
• Possibly my favourite blog going, Speculative Horizons is witty, acidic and smart all at once. Editor James Long might not be the most prolific blogger, but every time he posts it’s always worth reading. He’s got great insight into the genre, writes solid reviews and isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers. There’s a lot to admire about Long and his blog.
• Mark Charan Newton, best known as the author of 2009’s Nights of Villjamur (REVIEW), but he’s also made a name for himself through his intelligent, provoking arguments on his blog. His recent series of blog posts on the ‘death’ of Science Fiction set the blogosphere on fire and brought some of the biggest names in the industry out swinging. Newton might be new(ish) to the scene, but he’s certainly doing his best to be heard loud and clear.

These are some of my favourites, the bloggers that really keep me on my toes and get me inspired to keep on trucking with A Dribble of Ink (and also supply me with a near limitless amount of ideas to steal borrow), but they certainly aren’t the only ones out there. Who would be on your list (besides A Dribble of Ink, of course!) of favourite blogs in 2009?