Monday, February 25, 2013

One Year of Blogging

Today is the one year anniversary of my first blog post. In my first post, I said:
I have wanted to have a place to post book reviews and thoughts about books for years, but never got past my inertia to get it going. Recently, I have been motivated to join some reading challenges and having a blog seems the best way to be involved. So, here I am.
I am glad I got motivated (with the help of my husband) to start the blog, and I am continuing to use it for the same goals, one year later. I am still joining challenges, even though I now realize the work involved. And I am enjoying writing up my thoughts about all of the mysteries I read. And some non-mystery fiction and non-fiction.

My husband has been my proofreader. He has shared his books and his knowledge in many areas. If only I could write as concisely and to the point as he does.


What has been a surprise is how rewarding it is to get acquainted with other bloggers and how much blogging has expanded my universe of books and genres I want to read. I am grateful to bloggers who have inspired me with their posts and supported me as I took my first shaky steps into blogging.

Another surprise is how much work it is to keep up with a blog.  And I don't put near the effort into it that some of my fellow bloggers do. Even with all the work, I would not give up the fun, the sharing, and the creative outlet. So, I am looking forward to continuing the blog and working on improving my writing and organizational skills.

NOTE: The cover above is a gratuitous paperback mystery cover featuring a skull. I love this cover and I may never read the stories in the book... since short stories are not my thing. Although there are some stories by authors I like: Ruth Rendell, Rex Stout, Isaac Asimov, Bill Pronzini, and others I am less familiar with.

24 comments:

Prashant C. Trikannad said...

Tracy, congratulations on completing one year of blogging! I am glad you started your own blog to share your views and reviews about the fascinating books you enjoy reading, for I have enjoyed reading them, too, over these past few months. You post a book review almost every second day; it's a pace I wish I could keep up with. The best thing I like about your blog are the reviews themselves, succinct and to the point. I wish you and your husband good luck for another fine year of blogging.

Bill Selnes said...

TracyK: Congratulations on the anniversary. I keep saying I have yet to hear a definite description - anniversary or birthday or blogversary or whatever. It is a blogging milestone. Best wishes as you blog on.

RebeccaK said...

Congratulations! I've been reading for awhile but haven't commented yet, but I very much enjoy your reviews. I started blogging for some of the same reasons you did, and I've found that I'm very glad I've expanded from my personal list of books I've read to blogging.

Anonymous said...

Tracy - Congratulations on a year of blogging! You have a fantastic blog from which I learn at every visit. Here's to many more years of it! :-)

Katrina said...

Happy blogaversary, anniversary or whatever. I can't remember how I was introduced to you but I'm certainly glad that I was. Blogging is fun, I think you have the right attitude to it. For me it wouldn't hold the same interest if it became too serious and academic. I hope you enjoy the next blogging year too.

TracyK said...

Thanks, Prashant. You are too kind. I appreciate the variety of topics that you cover in your blog.

TracyK said...

Thank you, Bill. It is a milestone. I am glad I persevered. It has made a positive difference in my life.

TracyK said...

Rebecca, thanks for commenting. I have found that writing about each book helps me focus on what I liked, what I am less comfortable with in a book. I did check out your blog and will come back and see more later.

TracyK said...

Thank you, Margot. Your blog has provided me with lots of info too, and food for thought.

TracyK said...

Thanks for the good wishes, Katrina. I know I first found your blog via Peggy Ann. You are right, blogging is fun, and that is what keeps me going.

Unknown said...

Congrats on your blogging anniversary, Tracy! Here's to more years of blogging ahead. I really admire how you can read so many books each month and post such considered and well-written reviews of them all. I have to admit that I am really behind on catching up on my blog reader so I comment less than I would like, but every couple of weeks I'll sit and enjoy a few posts all in one go and I regularly add to my wishlist as a result of reading your blog!

Marie

TracyK said...

Thanks for the kind words, Marie. I know exactly what you mean about getting behind on checking other blogs. There are so many good blogs and posts out there, and I don't want to miss any of them.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blog-o-versary. A wonderful milestone.

FYI: Seeing your comment at COAMN about acquiring Flight Aquavit, Abe Books has used copies available, which are $4 or less, including postage.

I have found that bookseller, which sells books for many other sellers, is a great resource for books, sometimes new ones, as well as used.

Sergio (Tipping My Fedora) said...

Congratulations TracyK - hope you have a very good day indeed. Well done.

J F Norris said...

Holy Mackerel! I didn't even know you had a blog, Tracy. Thanks to The Rap Sheet for pointing out my oversight. Congrats on pasing the one year mark. I'll be sure to stop by more regularly now.

TracyK said...

Thanks for that suggestion, Kathy. You are right, Abebooks is a good resource for used books, especially since I would like to get book 2 and 3 at the same time if I can. I will go that route.

TracyK said...

Thanks, Sergio. It has been nice. Less angst than a real birthday.

TracyK said...

Thank you, John. I love getting the benefit of your extensive knowledge -- and insights -- at Pretty Sinister Books.

Sarah said...

Many congratulations Tracy. As Marie says, I'm constantly impressed by how much you read, let along blog about across a wide range of genres. Your blog is a must read for me. And it's been great to get to know you too.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Tracy. Like John, I didn't realize you had a blog, and I'm delighted to discover it. I'll add it to my blogroll today! Here's to many more years of book blogging.

TracyK said...

I appreciate your thoughts here, Sarah. I have gotten so many good recommendations from you. I just got a copy of The Poacher's Son, by the way, and will be fitting it into my reading as soon as I can.

TracyK said...

Thank you, Les. I am glad you found my blog, I will value any comments you have. I often use your Classic Mysteries site as a resource when I am looking for info on mystery authors.

Anna said...

Happy blogiversary! I think it's wonderful that your husband is such a part of your blog.

TracyK said...

Anna, thanks for the good wishes. It is great that my husband helps me out. And recently, he has been introducing me to mysteries I would not have tried before.