Hello Readers,
One year ago I published my first post for Word Wilderness. At the time I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I’d tried starting book blogs before, but after a few weeks, I always fell out of the habit. I’m still working on being consistent with blogging, but I’m really proud of myself for making it a full year. I want to celebrate Word Wilderness‘s anniversary by making a list of all the things that have made this journey worth it.
Participating in Blogging Events
One of the first things I did last year was join Wyrd and Wonder’s fantasy blogging event in May. No joke, it’s the best blogging decision I’ve made in the past year. Not only did I get to spend an entire month talking about my favorite genre, I also got to connect with other bloggers. It was the best introduction to the blogging community I could ask for. I can’t wait to join the event again in less than a week!
Another of my favorite events from last year was Self-Published Fantasy Month in September. Up until I started blogging, I had no idea self-published books even existed, so I loved that this event focused on self-publishing. Aside from supporting self-published authors, it was all around a fantastic, well-organized event. I loved participating in the read-along and photo challenge.
I had so much fun with these blogging events last year and can’t wait to join them again (and maybe I’ll find another favorite…)
Connecting With Other Bloggers
I wouldn’t have kept blogging this long if it weren’t for other bloggers. Keeping up with reading and making content has been hard this past year. I haven’t been as consistent as I would’ve liked, but I’ve found comfort in seeing others make it through the same struggles. Plus, even if I’m not keeping up with content just being able to read posts and talk about books with other nerds (if I’m up to it) has made the past year much more bearable. Spells and Spaceships, The Quiet Pond, Grimdark Dad, A Dance With Books, and Natrosette are just a few blogs I’ve enjoyed reading over the past year.
Reading Books I Never Would Have Found Before
Before I started blogging, I pretty much only read books that were recommended to me by friends or family. I knew I loved fantasy, but I didn’t actively seek out more books in that genre. I just read whatever was suggested to me and didn’t think about it much. Now, my reading habits have drastically changed. I get most of my book recommendations from other bloggers or my own research. At first, this was hard because I didn’t know what I liked, but I’ve become better at picking books I know I’ll enjoy. I love how blogging has changed the way I choose books. I’m much more conscious of who’s writing the books and what I want to get out of reading. I think knowing what I want from a book has made me a better reviewer. I have a lot more to learn about my particular taste in books, but I’m happy with the progress I’ve made so far. Here are some of the fantastic books I’ve read over the past year:
If you made it this far, thank you so much for reading and celebrating my first year of Word Wilderness with me.
Peyton
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Peyton
Happy 1 year Peyton <3
Annemieke recently posted…The Traitor Baru Cormorant | Book Review
Thank you!
Happy blogiversary – I’m so glad you joined us, it’s been a pleasure sharing bookish enthusiasm with you!
imyril recently posted…Welcome to Wyrd and Wonder
Thank you! Hopefully, there will be many more years of sharing bookish enthusiasm.
Hallo, Hallo Peyton!!
I’m so thankful you joined us last year for Wyrd And Wonder — as I believe that’s how we first crossed paths and recently, in our DM convo I was encouraged by our mutual respect for YA and the event I’ll be planning for Summer to celebrate YA. I can’t tell you have wonderful it was to connect to someone with like-minded thoughts and then, notice that others are now starting to vocalise their support too as for so many years, I thought I was rowing that boat alone.
I love the community events like W&W and #SciFiMonth as well as others, like #SelfPubFantasyMonth (will be participating this year, as those 8x migraines last Sept wrecked my chances to join!) — it gives us a chance to visit with each other, gush about favourite genres of interest and get to know each other through our blogs, too. I love reading book blogger’s blogs and how they approach sharing their readerly lives with us. That’s part of what inspired me to blog myself — over the years, I sadly haven’t been the best visitor/commenter but I blame my health and just a lot of stress behind the blog. I get distracted or I have to save the time I can be online for my own blog to keep surfacing… I’m hopeful as my migraines continue to reduce I can start to be more regular with my visits.
This has turnt out to be a long winded comment — I seriously just wanted to help CELEBRATE your 1st Year as a Book Blogger as I still remember my own and how daunting all of this felt back then. How wicked wonderful you and Nat share a commonality with each other in how you both joined Wyrd And Wonder and were newbie bloggers!!
Here’s to more adventures and more bookish joy shared within the larger scope of the book blogosphere!! Rock on, Peyton, rock on!!
Jorie recently posted…A #WyrdAndWonder Audiobook Review | “The Marvelwood Magicians” by Diane Zahler, narrated by Sarah Zimmerman; courtesy of #NetGalley
Hi Jorie!
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. I’ve also been inconsistent at best over the past year with blogging/reading other blogs, but it’s getting easier! I hope your migraines get better<3. I get them too sometimes.
I'm the opposite of you on the blogging events. I made it to Self Published Fantasy Month but unfortunately missed out on Sci-Fi month. I'm hoping to participate this year!
Thanks again for helping me celebrate!