So, here's the story about what inspired me to start blogging: I don't remember.
Gripping, right?!
Truthfully, I can pinpoint the blog that set in motion me wanting to join this community; but I can't pinpoint exactly how I got to that blog! I've been active in blogging communities for years now and read personal blogs and all that, and I'm certain one led to another that linked to another and so on. I think it also coincided with Twitter, in that I followed John Green (@realjohngreen) because I adored his books. From there I started following Penguin Teen (@PenguinTeen), who probably retweeted a blogger at some point, and I followed the link and then we can cut-to me in mid-December signing up another Blogger blog as Ashley Loves Books!
I can also tell you the book that specifically led me to blogging: Across the Universe by Beth Revis. I picked up the book on a whim in the library (saw the cover, thought it was gorgeous!) in late October and fell so in love that I just absolutely had to find out all I could about it. I went to the website, I went to Beth Revis' Twitter, I googled A Million Suns to find out its release date. And that search led to several reviews on book blogger sites, and I probably followed every single one of those blogs.
But like I said, there was definitely one blog that inspired me. I love her writing, I loved her book choices and how she was so fair and would be honest about if she wasn't too crazy about a book but it would still appeal. Her blog was fab, and she linked to some great other bloggers and memes, and it all went from there.
This whole thing will sound stalker-y since she has no idea because I don't really comment too often or interact with her (it's kind of one of those like...'place her on a pedestal, why would she pay attention to me' situations -- I know, I know, I should get over that because she's probably one of the sweetest, but it's hard! I'm so new at this! It's like I'm a fangirl) but I do want to thank her in a very short letter:
Dear Anna of Anna Reads,
I absolutely adore your blog. Each entry is short, sweet and so much fun with just the right amount of details to pique your interest but never give too much away. You're hilarious with your stick figures, have impeccable taste (high school + boys really are the best books) and have never led me astray with suggestions. Thank you for doing what you do, because it's wonderful.
A fangirl who hopes she's not scaring you,
Ashley
I also want to mention The Broke and the Bookish, because Anna did a Top Ten Tuesday (I think it was the Halloween one?) and I loved the idea so much that I went to the site to find other people's lists. It's such a brilliant meme and each list is so unique and interesting that it begs for some great writing, great bloggers and great suggestions. I definitely utilize that meme to find books and other bloggers the most!
And that is the story of my inspiration to start a book blog :)
WHAT! So so so amazing to see this at the start of my day. Thank you so much for the kind words <3
ReplyDeleteYour letter to Anna is SO SWEET! I love how you signed it with "a fangirl who hopes she's not scaring you." I totally get where you are coming from though! There are a lot of blogs that I hold at such a high place that if they were to talk to me, I'd probably squeal! lol
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet letter :) I can absolutely relate to this because I am like this with my favorite blogger who got me "hooked". This is a great post!
ReplyDeleteKayla @ Simply Kayla's Book Reviews
-New Follower & Reader
Very nice love letter!! Loong this love a thon!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't John Green amazing? Love him. And there are so many awesome bloggers out there that I hold in high regard too. I love Anna's blog, too. Her new design is awsome.
ReplyDeleteThe above comment is from me! I don't know why it was published under Anon.
ReplyDeleteI love this. It's hard for me to remember every blog that influenced me. But your letter is great - so sweet! And the Top Ten Tuesday posts brought me to a lot of new blogs as well. It's a great meme!
ReplyDeleteAww! Awesome. And I literally laughed out loud at your big reveal on what inspired you to blog haha!!! Looking forward to checking out your blog :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful post!! Thank goodness for those who love books and take the time to spread the word! As an author, I thank you!
ReplyDeleteKimberley Johnson
I LOVED Across the Universe as well!! I think Harry Potter and The Hunger Games really got me back into YA. Great blog! Happy Love-a-Thon!
ReplyDeleteI love Anna's blog as well. And her new design is FAB. But seriously, Anna posts wonderful content!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute letter to Anna! I also adore her blog, as well as the Top Ten Tuesday, making lists is one of my favorite things.
ReplyDeleteNew Follower :)