While the awards are a fun part of BBAW, they can never accurately represent the depth and breadth of diversity in the book blogging community. Today you are encouraged to highlight a couple of bloggers that have made book blogging a unique experience for you. They can be your mentors, a blogger that encouraged you to try a different kind of book, opened your eyes to a new issue, made you laugh when you needed it, or left the first comment you ever got on your blog. Stay positive and give back to the people who make the community work for you!
Jen from Devourer of Books is my best blogging friend. We met in real life about 18 months ago, as she lives relatively close to my parents’ house, and we formed an instant bond that continues to this day. She remains my go-to person for blogging ideas, contacts, rants, questions, and general blogging help. Through her guidance and support, she has helped me become comfortable in my own blogging skin. I don’t know where I would today without her!
Florinda from The Three R’s Blog, Danielle from There’s a Book, Emily from Emily’s Reading Room, and Tif from Tif Talks Books are my partners in crime for the creation and running of Armchair BEA. Two years ago, the five of us were bemoaning the fact that we could not head to New York with our fellow bloggers for BEA. Our next thought was that why should those in New York have all the fun, and Armchair BEA was born! These ladies maintain a level of excellence and enthusiasm that is difficult to beat, and I love their refreshing honesty. Without their hard work and organizational skills, Armchair BEA would not be half as popular or successful. They have taught me what it means to feel passionate about an event.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention to very special bloggers – Stephanie from Stephanie’s Confessions of a Bookaholic and Chris from Chrisbookarama. I’ve known these ladies for seven years now, as we were/are all members of an online book club devoted to classics. They started blogging two years before I did, so you could say I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them! Stephanie was the first person to comment on my blog and provided so much support and advice that first year, I would have been lost without her. While her personal life has forced her to put blogging on the back burner for a while, there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think of her and her unflagging support of my attempts to blog. Chris is a quiet but steady presence in my life, a true friend even though we have never met in person! Through our connection online and through blogging, we have shared in each other’s successes and mourned our losses. I admire her ability to continue to plug along, not get involved in any drama, and establish a unique and honest voice.
Working with all of these bloggers (and SO many more) has helped me in so many ways. I am forever in their debt!
Why thank you! You are too kind 🙂
Tif, I am still beyond excited as well! The fact that our peers picked it out of all the other great events is so special. I cannot wait to work with you again!
Exactly! Somedays, keeping our sanity is half the battle. I feel extremely privileged to have found such a great group of bloggers and am proud to include you in the group!
This was my first year participating in Armchair BEA and I enjoyed it immensely. Why I do believe it's how we met too. All of the blogs you mentioned above are indeed wonderful and I'm glad you have a few bloggers you are close to. I think we need that to stay sane 🙂
Reading this and still jumping for joy about Armchair BEA being selected as Best Blogging Event! All of our hard work paid off and nothing says it more than out peers! Woohoo!! Thanks for the special shout-out! I look forward to more years of fun together!! 🙂
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Thanks, Danielle! You are the life blood of the group, and your enthusiasm (and generosity) never fails to impress me. Working with the group is one of the highlights for me each year too.
That is absolutely fabulous news! We should all be very, very proud!
Aww, thanks!
So impossible to get everyone isn't it? Thank you 🙂 And you definitely make an honorable mention on mine too. I really hope your series wins, I got my fingers crossed for you still!!!
My recent post BBAW: Community
Thanks, Erin! You too! The personal connections are what make blogging so much fun. Enjoy the week!
LOL! Me too! We deserve the recognition, don't we? I love how well we all work together and treasure that week as something truly special.
I definitely feel lucky to have been surrounded by such awesome bloggers. It has helped tremendously in learning the ropes and blazing my own path. Relationships are essential.
Thanks, Amy! I could have added SO many more, and you would have been next on the list!
There are! It can be so overwhelming at times, but I do love BBAW for the opportunity to find some new great bloggers.
You are very, very welcome! I feel proud to call you my friend. And one of these days, we will meet IRL!!
Armchair BEA is an amazing event — kudos to you guys! I love hearing the little personal stories about how different bloggers are connected. Thanks for sharing yours. I hope you're having a wonderful BBAW!
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As I read these posts, I'm always so touched by the personal connections and relationships that people have formed via blogging. It seems like you have been very blessed in this regard.
Happy BBAW!
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Some fantastic blogs out there, you chose some great ones to highlight 🙂
It has been so great to be introduced to new-to-me blogs like this. There are so many of us out there!
My recent post BBAW: Community