Happy Birthday Birdie Bookworm!

By Birdie

Today marks one full year of actively running Birdie Bookworm.  On this day, one year ago, I posted my introduction and slowly waded into this wonderful community I love so much.  It makes me feel pretty giddy.  The year went by fast, but at the same time it also feels like I’ve been here forever.

This last year on Birdie Bookworm felt pretty exceptional, if I do say so myself.  We all know what blogger envy is, and there are times when we all suffer from it.  However putting that aside, I’m quite proud of where I am today.  In this last week I hit 700 WordPress followers, and 1000 total followers (including email subscriptions and social media).

I didn’t go into Birdie Bookworm with any expectations.  I thought it would be fun if I did find reader friends, but I was writing for me.  In a way, that almost makes each follower mean more to me.  Which leads me to what I wanted to talk about first.

What I’m Thankful For When Blogging…

Thank You

I’m thankful for the book community.  I love that most of us make an effort to comment and respond.  I know how hard it is to find time for socializing while creating content for our own blogs.  Thank you for helping to engage this online reading community in an enormous conversation.

Obviously I’m thankful for authors and publishers.  I mean, would any of us be here (or even who we are) if it weren’t for all those authors out there, and those publishers that made the novels available?  I can’t imagine my life without books.  I don’t even want to try.

I’m so thankful to my sister, B-Rex.  I’m thankful for everyone who has helped me on Birdie Bookworm, but B-Rex in particular wanted to help me with blog design and then sat down and created my entire theme.  It’s so perfect, and it’s a true reflection of who I am.  I’m also thankful because she’s so patient when I give hints when I may, possibly, need a new piece of art.  (Like I did when just a week ago when I told her about this post!)

I’m thankful for my friendship with Angie (BaBAMB).  Long before I created Birdie Bookworm Angie was my friend and blogging/reading support person so in general I’m just thankful we met, but especially because she helps me stay blogging sane.  In hindsight, I wish we had created something together but either way I’m so glad she stuck around and we’re able to share our knowledge and still occasionally read and review together.

Finally, I’m actually thankful to everyone I know who has asked me why I don’t get paid to do this.  It reminds me everything worthwhile doesn’t have to have a monetary gain.  You can put time and energy into something just because you love it.

That’s Not All I’ve Learned…

Learn

I’ve learned there isn’t one right way to blog.  I try to stick to writing mostly about books, but I do occasionally like to talk television.  Or I like to talk about my family.  I’ve been intending to write something about my daughter and her first boyfriend, because I just need an outlet for that.  We should all blog what we want; people will either enjoy it or they won’t.  No harm either way.

I’ve learned, or at least I’m trying to learn, that a typo isn’t the end of the world.  We all do it, no matter how many times we reread there will sometimes be one pesky thing we don’t notice.  We won’t notice until the post goes live, and then it taunts us.  I will always correct myself, I can’t help it, but I do try not to be embarrassed about it.  Unfortunately embarrassment comes easy to me.  It probably goes hand in hand with my anxiety.

I’m learning to not be so intimidated by author interviews and guest posts.  Nobody is judging my questions, even if they’re not as original as I thought and they been asked them before.  Plus, I love publisher/author interactions (positive ones), and that’s only going to happen by stepping out of my shell.

And Finally…

In honor of Birdie Bookworm’s first birthday, I’d like to honor all of you who stop by and visit us.  I’m hosting a giveaway for a $20 gift card to Amazon.com.  Unfortunately I’m not quite sure how the rights work internationally, so for this giveaway were going to simplify it for me by keeping it a US giveaway only.

  • Giveaway Runs 7/7-7/21
  • US only
  • 1 Winner Chosen
  • see Terms & Conditions for further information

CFG

About Birdie

Don’t look for her in any bar, club, crazy raging party, or anywhere there may be a large gathering of strangers. She’s more likely to be found tucked into the corner of the couch watching one of her favorite shows, or preferably under a comforter with her current novel.

43 Responses

  1. Eva@Brilliantly Bookish

    Congratulations!! One year is a long time to stick with something that is a lot of work! You’ve done a great job with your blog. I really like it! I also really like the lessons you’ve shared in this post😃 Thanks!

    Like

    1. Birdie

      Thank you so much! It does feel like such an accomplishment. We all put some much time and effort into blogging, so to make it a full year feels great. 🙂

      Like

  7. Sophie Li

    Congratulations!! That’s amazing that you’ve kept it up with blogging for an entire year! I am a newbie blogger (just started in May) and I aspire to be like you in that aspect 🙂

    Like

      1. TeacherofYA

        Just giveaways like crazy for some indie books and then some ALA ones I grabbed for this specific reason. I want July to be a big month!
        I hope you enjoy yours!!

        Like

  12. Whimsically Meghan

    Congrats! & Happy one year blogiversary! That’s super exciting! It’s also amazing how we learn so quickly the ins and outs of the world of blogging, I’m glad to see you’ve learned the important ones! 😀

    Like

  13. bookprincessreviews

    Congrats, Birdie!! ❤ I can't believe Birdie Bookworm is only 1 year old – you're such a pro and make it look so effortless, I thought you were doing it for years! ❤ Brilliant post, and here's to so many more years more! 🙂

    Like

  14. Jessica Bakkers

    On behalf of all writers and authors in our community, thanks right back to you and all the other book reviewers out there who help us get our works noticed and enjoyed! Congratulations on your yearversarry!

    Like

  16. B-Rex

    I am so proud to see how far you’ve come in such a short period of time! It’s amazing to see your confidence growing to match your talent, and it’s an honor for you to include me and my lil sketches in your fancy literary production 🙂

    Like

  18. ~ Angie Elle ~

    Happy Birthday, Birdie Bookworm! I feel like this year as flown right by.

    I hope you know how much you keep me sane, too. I don’t know what I’d do without you for an outlet!

    Here’s to many more happy blogging years! 🙂

    Like

  19. When I Reach You

    Happy belated anniversary! I’m really glad you posted this. I started my blog awhile back, but went inactive due to personal reasons. Recently, I’ve decided to give it another try. This time, I think I have a much clearer idea on what I want for myself and my writing. You’re so right, there’s no reason to stick to one form of writing. Trust your gut, as they like to say. Keep it up, Birdie! Looking forward to building this community together. 😄

    Like

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