When I decided at the beginning of April to turn my personal blog into a book blog, I had no idea how difficult it was going to be. It’s been two weeks now and WOW. I can’t believe it hasn’t even been a month yet…I feel like I’ve been doing this forever. Not because I’ve become so experienced, but because it’s been such hard work! I’ve met some great people and learned TONS of new things about books, blogging, and even life.
Book blogging has become my second job – only it’s one I actually enjoy doing even though I’m not getting compensated financially. Some days are harder than others, like today…when I’ve spent hours gathering information and then I really have nothing to show for it here. I’ve made mistakes – like forgetting to let people know that my first giveaway was really only intended for US entries because I’m poor and can’t afford to ship a print book outside of the country; or setting the giveaway to end a day later than it really should have and thus severely shortening the amount of time that winners will have to reply to their emails (YIKES!)…
But, all part of the learning process right? I’m just thankful to have, however few, some loyal supporters who keep me sane. Much thanks to Octavia over at ReadSleepRepeat for being my partner in wine and keeping me laughing with funny gifs and cleavage shots. Also to River at Innocence Walker for sharing the book blogging newbie pains with me. And to my wonderful hubby, Jason, for encouraging my madness efforts, letting me spend money on giveaways and design help, and watching one of my favorite anime with me when I need to relax and laugh.
Two weeks. I’ve been up and I’ve been down and I’ve already felt like giving up – but I won’t! It’s going to take a lot of hard work and maybe even a long time for me to achieve my goals for Twilight Sleep, but I haven’t felt so passionate about something in quite a while and I’m not going to let that go just because it’s taking a while to get established. I’m learning to be more patient with myself and with others, and there’s no way that can be a bad thing.
So thank you to you too, you who are reading this. Every single one of you is a special part of my journey and I’m so glad you decided to come along for the ride. ♥
Hi. My name is Shannon and I like books. And photography. And video games. I use this space to talk about books and particpate in badassery. You can read a bit more about my awesomeness and how Twilight Sleep came to be (the name has absolutely NOTHING to do with the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, contrary to popular belief) on the about page. :]
20 Comments
River
April 28, 2013 at 7:41 pmYou can do it! And I’m here to encourage you! I think you’re doing a great job so far :) and having the passion to do it really counts! Keep up the good work and don’t worry about making mistakes. We’ll all forgive you.
Also, looooove your Fruits Basket gifs ヽ(；▽；)ノ one of my fav animes as well!
Shannon
April 28, 2013 at 8:00 pmAww, thank you so much River! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that! You’ve definitely made me feel less alone in this and that’s meant a lot. :D
And isn’t Fruits Basket just the best?? I’ve watched a lot of anime, but it’s been in my top 5 for years. *huggles Fruits Basket* ヽ(； O ；)ノ
River
April 29, 2013 at 9:28 amNo you’ve helped ME feel less alone! My decision to start book blogging was SO spur of the moment that I probably wouldn’t have gone for it without all of your encouragement! I was SO happy when I saw your comment on my first post because I was like ‘wow, someone outside of my old blog-circle/ friends actually READ THIS?!’
It’s one of my favs too! I watched it so long ago idek if I still have it laying around… I could prob find the DVD’s for cheap tho XD Have you ever seen D.Gray-man? That’s my fav (and where my blog name/ twitter came from).
Shannon
April 29, 2013 at 9:53 amI totally know what you mean! I don’t even remember how I found you now, but I’m glad I did! :D
I’ve heard of D.Gray-man but I haven’t actually watched it…perhaps I should…
River
April 30, 2013 at 12:26 amYay for random chance :Db
D.Gray-man is a bit dark, but so good. I wish I had the time to re-watch it.
Bridget
April 28, 2013 at 8:07 pmI think your blog is really cute, and I’m sure that you will do great :)!!!
Shannon
April 29, 2013 at 9:51 amThank you so much, Bridget! It’s always nice to hear that someone actually likes what I’m doing, haha. <3
Jason
April 29, 2013 at 12:47 pmI think that as long as you work as hard as you have been, your work will speak for itself and we will all enjoy it. I am proud to have you as my wife and you are putting quality/enjoyable writing out for the world to read. Keep it up! We are all behind you!!
Shannon
April 29, 2013 at 1:12 pmThank you honey bunches! :3
Christine
April 30, 2013 at 3:58 pmThe comment above me deserves the award for the most cutest evah!
Anyways. HAI! I just stumbled on your blog, and I already forgot how. Think it had something to do with Octavia. Probably a tweet I stalked.
I get so excited when I see new book bloggers sprout up. I have been blogging since August ’12 and it has been a rewarding experience. It comes natural for me as it does for you!
You learn new thing everyday. Heck, I think I made that giveaway mistake too when I first started blogging. Like you said, it is all apart of the learning process! It is so amazing that we do without getting paid. We are not fuelled by compensation, but passion.
I know I am probably rambling off a bit, but I just want you to continue what you’re doing, and I wish ya the best! Will be back around here!
Shannon
May 3, 2013 at 7:44 pmAww Christine, thank you!!! This comment made me feel so much better about my struggles, lol. It’s nice to know there’s someone out there who understands – and who’s as excited about me starting this chapter of my life as I am! That’s exactly the kind of encouragement I need, so thank you so much for being one of the first to offer it. <3
Meagan @ Reviewing Wonderland
April 30, 2013 at 9:02 pmWelcome to book blogging Shannon!! It is fun, rewarding, and yes a LOT of work. But as long as you continue to find joy in it, you should keep at it.
Oh and making a great group of blogging buddies is pretty awesome. :-)
Shannon
May 3, 2013 at 7:45 pmYes, it is! I’m so glad to have met all of you lovely ladies! Thank you for being so welcoming!
Kelley (Another Novel Read)
May 2, 2013 at 10:39 amYes, it takes some time to get into the groove, but I know you can do it! I don’t know much about your first giveaway, but someone gave me a pointer that really helped regarding international winners. Unless you already have the book in your hands, I’m pretty sure The Book Depository will ship to many other countries (also for free).
In addition, Fruits Basket is also one of my absolute favorite animes! Oh, I adore it so much. You made me smile today. :)
Shannon
May 3, 2013 at 7:47 pmKelley, that’s a great pointer! I didn’t even think about The Book Depository at the time but you can bet I will in the future should I ever need to ship outside the US again. Man, those shipping charges are NO. JOKE.
I love love love Fruits Basket – it’s so awesome that several of my fellow book bloggers are into it as well! I’m so glad I made you smile – hopefully this won’t be the last time! :D
Wendy
June 3, 2013 at 2:56 amYay let’s be fellow new bloggers together!! Yeah I totally know what you mean about the work! And my fiance has also had to listen to me go on and on about getting the blog together haha. But I love doing it even with the work. I just have to come to terms with the fact that sometimes I just won’t be able to post as much as others and be ok with just doing my own thing!
Wendy recently posted…Review: Obsession by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Shannon
July 11, 2013 at 7:45 pmYES, LET’S!!! *huggles you*
That is a good thing to come to terms with….something I still struggle with but am also trying to accept. I just can’t do what some other people do so I have to do ME, you know? Whatever I CAN do is what I’ll do, and that’s that.
<333
Euri
July 3, 2013 at 12:44 amI thought that your new blog is interesting though. :D
Oh an I love Fruits Basket! XD
Shannon
July 11, 2013 at 7:44 pmAww, thank you Euri! Yes, Fruits Basket is easily one of my top five favorite anime of all time!
Octavia
July 13, 2013 at 2:44 pmOk so all the other comments said what I was basically going to say……
I think you’re awesome and keep applesauce alive!
-Your Partner in Wine
Octavia :)
*p.s. your husbands comment is sooo freaking cute! ok I’m done commenting now*