We’ve been visiting each other and getting to know each other better; now is your chance to share what you enjoyed about BBAW and also what your blogging goals are for the next year!
My experience with and excitement about BBAW is more poignant this year because of the love and respect flowing from all book bloggers. This past year has been one beset by drama and intrigue, arguments and controversy. While there were moments of community and support (Armchair BEA is one shining example), there was a lot that made me somewhat ashamed to be a blogger at times. BBAW is the one time of the year where we put aside the drama and controversy, shower affection on one another and celebrate the one thing that unites us all – our love of books. The enthusiasm and support generated this week is one of the reasons why I love being apart of the book blogging community, as well as one of the reasons why I love BBAW so much. The New and First Treasures are a great way to meet new bloggers. Forgotten Treasures was an excellent way to discover books that I must read. Unexpected Treasures are a wonderful reminder of the power of stepping outside of our comfort zone and the trust we have in each other to accept recommendations and challenges from others.
As for what the future holds for That’s What She Read, my main goal is to one day in the future, hopefully not-so-distant, use the knowledge and writing skills I’ve learned from writing my blog to incorporate them into a paying writing position. I have devoted a lot of time and energy over the past two years to discovering what I want to be when I grow up. While I have my goals for my current place of employment, what truly creates the most passion and excitement is the thought of writing for a living. I do not want to write a novel. I want to write op-ed pieces and even other articles that require a bit of research to share with others. I know the right job is out there, and this would definitely have to be a job to convince me to quit my current job. It is all just a matter of building a portfolio, networking, and keeping my eyes and ears open. My major goal this year will be to do just that.
Other than that, I aim to have no other goals. There are definitely things I would like to do this year. I’d like to stay caught up on reviews. I’d like to read more books. I’d like to attend BEA or other conferences and blogger meet-ups. If it happens, then I’ll be tickled pink. If not, then so be it. Goals are great, but sometimes I feel they can prevent a person from going with the flow and experiencing life as a journey. Blogging, to me, is a journey, and I don’t want to miss a single part of it because I was too caught up in achieving my goals.
Thank you to everyone for making BBAW such a huge success! Thank you for being an amazingly supportive and welcoming community! I am truly proud to be called a book blogger.
Thanks, Nicole!
Lots of luck with your goal!
Exactly. Even if we have high hopes of making a career out of this, we need to recognize that until that happens, blogging is still a hobby and should in no way interfere with family or work obligations. Hopefully, things are lightening up for you.
I like the idea that blogging is a journey and not getting so caught up in goals. I've had so many weeks recently where I just have not been able to blog much and if I were wrapped up in goals, it would just make blogging stressful, something I really don't want it to be.
My recent post The Hypnotist Reincarnationist Series 3
I agree that this year's BBAW was an undeniable success. The enthusiasm and and blogging love was great and confirms my love of this community.
Thanks! We shall see!
Fantastic goal – I hope you achieve it!
Thanks for stopping by, Sherry!
It is exhausting! I just want everyone to get along! LOL!
Thanks, Lu! It should be an interesting year!
I do too. It has been so nice to have a week without drama, hasn't it? Hopefully, this love lasts a long time!
Thanks, Gina!
Thanks, Gautami! I plan to do just that!
LOL! I can see it as a future career path for you!
Thanks, Amy!
Please consider this comment your invitation to finish up your BBAW week by adding a link to any reviews you've managed to post this week to the Saturday Review of Books at Semicolon this Saturday. Every week book bloggers from all over the blogosphere post links to their reviews and other bloggers and readers check out the reviews and find even more books to add to their wishlists.
Thanks for blogging and reading and sharing.
My recent post More Forgotten Treasures
Wow–that is an awesome goal!! I really wish I had the guts to learn to cultivate my writing skills but until then I just admire everyone else. I wish you the best of luck!
And blogging drama? I stopped paying attention. It's exhausting isn't it?
My recent post Squinting Back and Looking Forward – More than a BBAW Reflection
Good luck with your goals. I hope you become a professional writer some day 🙂
I love that in this time, we do away with all the drama stuff! It makes me so happy. 🙂
Good luck with everything Michelle
That's true. Sometimes going with the flow is the best way to go.
(I'm suddenly a poet.)
My recent post Book Blogger Appreciation Week- First Treasure
What a great post Michelle! Goals can sometimes become the be all and end all so great path to take. Also, best of luck with a writing job 🙂
My recent post Books I Brought on My Trip 2