This week marks the 1st birthday of my blog! *cue singing*
I started blogging in that hazy week between Christmas and January last year, you know, when you’ve eaten too much and spend days aimlessly thinking you should get some sort of life plan in place for the rapidly in-coming New Year. With that in mind, I wanted something that was (as selfish as this sounds…) just for me. Since becoming a mum 2 years ago, and then going back to working 4 days a week, I didn’t feel like I had much time to myself anymore, so starting this blog was my little outlet and something, I’m pleased to say, that I’ve really enjoyed doing.
I’ve always been an avid reader, but blogging has meant that I have been more considered with my reading choices, as when you know people (might!) be reading your reviews, you want to make sure you can write something interesting, informative or at least opinionated about the book. After a few months, I discovered the wonder that is NetGalley, then started to get review requests from authors and publishers – which was very exciting! – that introduced me to a range of books I may not have picked up otherwise. Through the year, I’ve had the opportunity to read such a wide variety of books, discovered other amazing book blogs that inspire me, received a lovely blog award and last month started my author interviews, finding out more about some of the books I’ve read from the authors themselves.
When I started, to support this blog, I created an Instagram account dedicated to books – bookstagram, if you will. I blogged about it earlier in the year, but, alongside this blog, it has been such an unexpectedly enriching experience. I had no idea that I would be introduced to so many new books (my TBR list has literally NEVER been so long!) and meet such a welcoming bunch of people who are always willing to chat about books. Also, the books featured in the picture for the post are the beginnings of my Penguin Drop Caps collection (a beautiful series of A-Z classic authors that run the full colour of the rainbow) that I would not have known about if it wasn’t for bookstagram.
So, I just wanted end my first year by saying thank you to everyone who has followed my blog and takes the time to read and comment, it really means a lot to me and I truly appreciate it! I’ve also ended the year with a look back through my favourite books of 2017, I’d love to know if any of them made your end-of-year lists too!
Here’s to 2018 – Happy New Year!
Books on the 7:47 