I can’t believe I’ve been blogging for nine years! I started my blog on January 28, 2010, as a place to give more thought about the books and movies we were chatting about on Twitter. Book review and personal blogs were gaining a lot of momentum back then, and it was the place to go for reviews and recommendations. When I started, it was all about numbers and “google followers,” getting comments and holding contests. I worked hard to make contacts in the industry so that I could bring my readers new releases and fun giveaways. I spent a lot of time trying to make my blog look just how I wanted it.
Over the course of the first three years, I gained many followers and made contacts with several of the bigger publishing firms. I attended a few small cons and reader events, and even started meeting some of my favorite (and new to me) authors. I held several events and contests, typically spending $50 or more a month on postage. I went from a solo blogger, to a team of seven reviewers.
During the summer of 2013, I had a scare when Blogger deemed my blog to be “spam,” and they closed down my site for several hours. This was so scary because I had put so much into my blog. That’s when I decided it was time to move to a self-hosted site and create a new look. Fast forward to November 2013, and I debuted a new, professionally designed site.
During the mid-2010’s, I hit my peaks. I was hosting both solo and joint events. Probably the most successful event I ran was the 2014 Mistletoe Madness event I cohosted with Jennifer “The Book Nympho” (who now reviews for this blog!). That December, I hosted a month-long event which featured a giveaway quiz post from Ilona Andrews and a giveaway fun post from Larissa Ione, both flooding my blog with visits and comments.
During the mid-2010’s to now, I’ve slowed down, just as book review sites and blogs are disappearing left and right. While I still like to feature new titles and work with both book and audiobook publishers, I also take time to read/listen to my backlog. I lost three of my most prolific reviewer/readers, but recently gained a veteran blogger (Jennifer) on the team. I still run events, but not as many giveaways. I still love what I do, but I wonder what the future will bring.
In July 2018, I once again gave my blog a much needed face lift. I LOVE my current look and the easy-to-use theme, which will allow me to make changes on my own (and more frequently if wanted). I renewed my domain and purchased a new contract for a hosting site. I plan to continue for years to come, and I hope you join me on the journey.
Thank you to all those who have been part of my nine years publishing That’s What I’m Talking About. I’ve made many, many great friends though the online romance/book review community. I want to thank all my co-reviewers, both past and present. I want to thank the authors, publicists, and publishers who have provided guest posts, interviews and/or review copies. I want to thank the wonderful bloggers who have supported me, the romance community, and who have co-hosted events with me. Most of all, I want to thank you, the readers of this blog, for your love and support.
Thank you all for a wonderful nine years!