I almost forgot about today. I almost forgot that I’ve been book blogging for 6 years now.
If you told me that last year, or the year before, it just wouldn’t have seemed possible to forget such a monumental thing. Reading this, some of you will say, wow. Calm down, Marie, it’s just book blogging.
That’s the thing, though: it’s NOT just book blogging, it’s never been JUST blogging for me.
Book blogging is a lot of things.
It’s been a hobby, yes. Something randomly started years ago on a whim, turning into a late night obsession, turning into this.
It’s been opportunities. Something that interviewers asked me about. Picture me sweating sitting across from them as they scrolled down pages and pages of my blog. Picture my former boss asking me how I got comments and susbcribers on my blog. Me, in my head, answering that I do not know how or why I got so lucky to talk with incredibly wonderful people wanting to hear what I have to say. Me, instead mumbling something I can’t recall out loud, hoping he’ll just leave me alone because IT IS SO STRESSFUL TO TALK ABOUT YOUR BLOGGING LIFE FOR REAL.
It’s been a dream. Holding books in my hands before they’re even released. Talking to authors I admire with all of my being and crying. Getting bookmail and crying. Basically, a lot of crying.
It’s been friendships, too, so many incredible people I’ve been lucky enough to talk to through this blogging journey, some of them growing into some of my closest friends.
Book blogging is love. It’s been so much love, pouring out of my fingertips as I type this post, pouring out of the conversations I have, the books I talk about, the books I read, anticipate and more. So much love pouring out of me like a volcano.
My book blogging journey has gone through ups and downs.
My book blogging journey hasn’t been all flowers and rainbows and butterflies. It’s been hanging on and giving up, it’s been wondering why the heck I give a shit about it, giving over 40 hours a WEEK alone to blogging when I’m not getting a dime for it. It’s been appreciation and love, it’s been sweat and tears, it’s been dramas and anxiety.
I’ve been going through ups and downs and inspiration and slumps, tiny and big breaks, slowing down and rushing to reach a line, a limit, a goal only I fixed myself because apparently I’m that extra.
Did I consider giving up? Yes. Not going to lie here, I did. There’s so much validation missing, so much appreciation, so much support the book bloggers aren’t getting. Let’s not even mention the opportunities we’re not given because we’re on a BLOG, aerm. Let’s not get into the dramas, the worrying about statistics, the anxiety and feeling like I’m just not enough… we could be here a while.
Related blog post: Why i believe book bloggers should get paid
The thing is: I’m still here. It’s been 6 years and I’m still here and I’m still writing this and I’m still feeling it as I write. That excitment, that inspiration, that love, pouring out of my fingertips.
Book blogging means so much more to me than I’d ever imagine it would, 6 years ago. So, here I am.
Book blogging shaped me into who I am.
I have learned SO much from blogging, so much more than I ever imagined I would? Book blogging shaped who I am as a person, too.
In my job, in my personal life.
I have learned so much not only from the books, but also from the writing, the blog maintenance, from the social media, from the people I’ve met, too.
I’d like to think for the better. I mean, hell, English isn’t my first language so I think I’m proud of that, too?
Related blog post: 5 lessons I’ve learned in 5 years of book blogging
I feel a lot of mixed emotions about blogging after 6 years.
I went through ups and downs and now, after 6 years blogging, I sometimes don’t even know how I feel about it all.
The thing is: blogging isn’t what it was like when I first started. I am not who I am when I first started, either. Everything grows and change and no one cares about book blogs anymore when there’s social media taking the spotlight over everything now. (Kidding here. If you know me a little bit, you know how much I CARE about book blogs. If you know anything, you’ll know some people are fighting and loving book blogs, A LOT. I’m just, you know, speaking very generally here).
That being said, I’m a blogger at heart.
I do have some hopes, dreams and resolutions for my blog, now.
After 6 years, I want to go on, to rush for all the ideas to get out there before they vanish. I want to find my place, my spot, I dream to feel validation and recognition and yes I hope to get paid as a book blogger because screw it I’m not afraid to say this would be one of my biggest dreams, someday.
I also need to slow down, because my life and I’m not the same as before and can’t follow up like I used to.
In the next weeks, months, years, I hope to continue what I’ve been doing for the past 6 years : spread my love for books as much as I possibly can and boost the book bloggers that do, too, because they are incredible and they deserve it.
Most of it all, I hope to keep on loving blogging as much as when i first started and to remember why i do.
For the fun of it, here’s a small list of what I actually hope to accomplish:
- Reach 15k followers. (This would be ASTONISHING honestly. And just, incredible to be able tell someone, anyone: SEE, PEOPLE STILL READ BOOK BLOGS)
- Reach 10k pageviews a month. (A dream, wow. Faaar from it)
- Make a dime out of my blog. (I know. Not aiming far. Not hoping for this, either, but while we’re dreaming…)
- Get quoted in a book. Or hell, ON A book cover or something. (I mean. My reviews suck, but still #goals)
- Get a mention in a book’s acknowledgments (Blogging related, because I hyped the book, the author’s works and my love for it way too much. Also maybe, like, because the author(s) like me or something. The dream).
I’m just leaving this post here with a gigantically massive SUPPORT BOOK BLOGGERS scream, as always. And with an even bigger THANK YOU. For reading this, for all of your support. I would have stopped blogging long ago without you all by my side.
How long have you been blogging for? What lessons have you learned in your short or long time here?
What are some of your ultimate goals and dreams as a blogger? Let me know in comments!
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Congratulations on six years! You have some great goals. It would be amazing to be blurbed or thanked in a book. It’s happened to other bloggers, so why not you?
Thank you so, so much, Sam! <3 It would be a dream, really, I hope it will happen someday <3
Happy six years!!! That’s amazing. Really enjoyed this post. I think many of us have some of these same thoughts and go through ups and downs with blogging. So happy you’re still blogging all these years later!
Ahh thank you so, so much Kristin, so happy you enjoyed this <3 <3
Happy Blogversary, Marie!! ✨🎉🍰 6 years is incredible! Here’s to hopefully many more years to come 💕 This was such a heartfelt, honest post and made me tear up. So glad to have discovered your blog, it has always been such a welcoming and supportive space 🥰 I’d also love to be mentioned in a book’s acknowledgements one day, it would be the ultimate dream!
Ahhh thank you so much, Caro! I’m so happy you enjoyed reading this post 🥺🥺 I hope this dream can come true someday! 🥺
Congratulations on hitting this milestone. Good luck on being quoted on a book cover jacket, ‘Highly influential and madly popular book blogger Marie says this book is ‘sensational’!
Happy Tails!
Oh thank you so much!! 🥺
Love this post, happy blogaversary 😊 I’ve been blogging for just under a year and have learnt so much in that time, it started off being about books then I started using it as an outlet for my thoughts and feelings in general. I love it x
Ahh thank you so much! 🥺 I’m happy you learned so much already and are loving it. Happy blogging! 🙂
I love this. Congrats on 6 years of blogging!! I feel like I’ve grown a lot since blogging. I’ve learned a lot about myself, my interests and my future plans. But I love getting to know this community. I always felt so alone with my passions and my quirks. But I feel so connected here ❤️
Ahh thank you Jenna! I’m so glad you’ve learned so much while blogging, too, that’s so wonderful <3 <3 <3
It’s been a RIDE! As much as I disappear, I always tend to come back 🙂
Congratulations! What a milestone, but also what a journey!! Love your goals!! And cheers to the next 6 years of blogging 😀
~ Corina | TheBrownEyedBookworm.com
Ahh thank you so much! 🥺
Congrats! 🎉🎉🎉 Amazing milestone! Your enthusiasm is contagious!
I’m trying my comment again…it might have disappeared?
Congrats on this amazing milestone! 🎉🎉🎉 Your efforts do not go unnoticed! I’ve been blogging about 3 1/2 years and I enjoy celebrating all the achievements! My follower count is limping along but I passed 10,000 views/month this year so I’m happy dancing over here! I love the blogging community! Wishing you continued success! 🙌
Thank you so much, Carol! Your comment didn’t disappear, it was just currently pending ahah it’s right there now, thank you 🥺 It’s incredible that you are doing so well, congratulations and wishing you all the success!!
That’s good to know…usually it will say “pending approval” or something…..my second comment was better any way!!! 😂😂😂
I’m glad it’s all good then 😂😂😂
MARIE!!! happy 6 years of blogging, i can’t believe it’s been so long and i’m coming up on 4 and we’ve been here/known each other for so long?? you know you’re one of my top favorite bloggers, and i’m so proud of you with everything you do. i appreciate you so much as a person and a friend and a blogger and i can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll continue to do 💖💖💖
MAY thank you so much, I’m just so happy to share this journey with you 🥺🥺🥺 and thank you for all of your sweet words, you’re going to make me sob, really, I adore you 🥺
Congrats on 6 years of blogging!!!! I wish you well with all your goals, and yes, it’s possible to make money book blogging, but it does require dark magic and several years of smacking things metaphorically with a large stick 😉
Thank you so, so much!! Ahah yes, well let’s hope for the best, maybe with a bit of magic we can make it someday! 😉
What a fantastic post this is, I love everything about it…..and happy 6th blogiversary!!!
Ahh thank you so much!! 🥺
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!! 🎉💞😊
I loved reading this! Book blogging means something different to everyone and I love reading people’s reasons and I loved reading yours! I wish you all the success for the future of your blog because, girl, your blog is #bloggoals #justsaying 😄 ❤️
Oh thank you so much, you’re so, so sweet, thank you!! 🥺🥺🥺
You’re welcome!! 💞
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY MARIE!!! ❤️ Your blog is such a fixture in this community and I don’t even know where I’d be as a blogger without your fantastic discussions and posts to frantically refer back to. Best of luck with all of your goals — you can do it!! Wishing you many more happy years of book blogging 💕
(And omg, those interviews sound like a whole different kind of torture — I relate so much to getting stressed when real life takes over my blogging safe space.)
AHH ABBY thank you so much for your sweet comment, I’m just honored that you feel that way about my blog and discussions and ah, thank you 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
It’s so stressful and weird when blogging and real life collide haha.
I hope all of your blogging dreams come true!!
Thank you, Nicole 🥺
Congratulations and here’s to another successful six years!
Thank you so much!!
My dream in blogging would be to interview authors 😂 I’m still new to blogging though so that’s still just a dream
I really hope to learn how to create better graphics for my blog 🤔 and how to make my content interesting without rambling
Only been blogging for a few months 😅 still so much to learn
Ah I’m certain you’ll learn so, so much as you continue blogging, you’ll find your rhythm and your blogging voice and all 🙂 Best of luck and happy blogging! 😀
Thank you!!
Happy blogiversary! The fact that you truly love blogging shines through this post! 💚
I really hope you’ll be able to achieve all your bloggish goals, you deserve it!
Oh thank you so much, Morgan, this means so much, you’re too sweet! <3 <3 <3
Congrats on 6 years of blogging Marie! Here’s to many more 💜 I’ve been blogging for just over 3 years now and it’s been a wild journey so far, I came to find friends, I did that and so much more? Like I’ve friends who are some of my closest friends, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know so many wonderful bloggers, become friends with book bloggers who I looked up to and who inspired me (like you!) and through it all people seem to read my content. Like I recently hit 1k which is just…nuts to me. How are so many people interested in what lil ol’ me has to say xD
Ultimate dreams…to be paid. For my friends to be paid for all their hard work, energy, time, labour. To win an award? Maybe…idk there are times where I feel like I’m still this smol blogger that nobody knows but the reality is probs different sksksk still validation is nice, even if its external and in the form of an award.
Thank you so much, Clo <3 I'm so happy you found so much thanks to blogging, as well, this is such an incredible adventure we're on, isn't it :D
We share the same dreams here ahah. Validation is always nice and, no matter how hard we try not to lean on external validation too much, we can't help but want it ahah.
thank you <3
Ahhhh, HAPPY BLOGOVERSIARY!
For what it’s worth, I am so thankful that you didn’t give up and continued blogging. It’s only been what, a little over a years since we met through blogging? I’m so thankful that we connected through the hard work and amazing dedication you put into this site. You inspire me and yes, you SHOULD be paid for your work and I do believe you WILL be blurbed on book jackets and in acknowledgements (I also would love for one of my reviews to make it into the review section!!).
Basically, thank you for being YOU. If you ever need someone to help you during the low times, please remember that I’m here and am always rooting for you. <3
Ahh Nicole you’re going to make me cry 😭😭🥺 I’m so, so grateful to know I have you by my side, thank you so much 😭 and yes, here’s to hoping we get into that review section, it would be a dream! <3
Ahhhhh congratulations on 6 years, Marie, that’s so freaking amazing!!!
Thank you so, so, soo much!! 🥺🥺
Congratulations!! 6 years is a very long time and it makes me happy to see that you still love to blog! =) I only startet two years ago but I could relate to many things you said. XD I’ll cross my fingers that you’ll reach all of your goals and I’m really looking forward to the (at least) next 6 years! <3
Ahh thank you so much!! 🥺
CONGRATULATIONS ON 6 YEARS!!! I’ve been blogging for almost and I generally forget my date because it’s in the mid of January when I’m still catching up on new year posts so I completely forget my blogversary. I relate to so much in this post.
Wishing you the best and hope your dreams come to fruition 💜
Thank you so, so much! <3 I'm so glad I'm not the only one forgetting it ahah. Let's hope for the best 🥺
Six years is amazing!! 😀 It’ll be six years for me too. I’m glad we’ve both been a part of the book blogging community for so long. It’s been so much fun, especially being able to read your posts for six years! 😀 <3
YES ah I think it’s so amazing that we started around the same time and are both still blogging now together, too <3 Thank you, Ashley! <3 <3
Happy blog anniversary (belated 😅) 6 years old blogging! That’s so amazing!
Thank you so, so much!! <3
OMG congrats on 6 years Marie!! You were one of the first book blogs I ever followed and I love all your posts!! You honestly inspired me to start my own blog – heres to many more years of blogging! 🙂
Oh thank you, this means so much! 🥺🥺🥺🥺
Ahh omg Marie, congrats, you are incredible and here’s to many more years of being amazing!! I started blogging in 2014 but only moved to my current blog at the start of last year :))
Ahh thank you so much!! 🥺 You’ve been blogging for so long as well, that’s so great!! 🙂
Happy blogiversary! I don’t know what I’d do without my blog. It’s become such a big part of my life. (I always forget its birthday, though.)
Thank you so much!! <3
CONGRATS ON 6 YEARS OF BOOK BLOGGING MARIE! I just discovered your book blog and I love your writing voice. I also read your Why I Believe Book Bloggers Should Be Paid post and I totally agree.
I only started blogging last month so I’m a total newbie but I can already see that it is going to be hard work that is time-consuming. If, like you said, you dedicate 40+ hours a week to your blog, it would definitely be nice to earn a little income. That’s basically another job! A fun job that you enjoy but when you put so much time into something, it is perfectly reasonable to want some return. Especially after 6 years of blogging!
Right now I’m just focusing on building my blog audience because I just want to find others to talk about books with. So far it has gone well and I’ve gotten a couple sweet bloggers that comment every post. I love comments 🥰
Anyway, I know you will be able to achieve all your goals in the new year and I wish you all the best!!!!!
PS. For some reason the like button won’t load on my phone so I’m going to come back to like on my laptop 🙂
Oh Kirsten thank you so, so, SO much for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment, this means the world 🥺🥺
It really is a job ahah, one I really love with all of my heart, but it’s true that sometimes it gets a bit much and it would be nice to have more recognition and, who knows, a little income would be a dream, too, ahah.
I’m so happy you’ve been having a lovely time blogging and chatting with bloggers, that’s so great! It’s the best thing about blogging, really 🥺
Thank you so much for your sweet words and comment and happy blogging to you! <3 <3
CONGRATS ON 6 YEARS OF BOOK BLOGGING MARIE!!!!! That is a great milestone! I also just read your Why I Believe Book Bloggers Should Be Paid post and I totally agree!
I am only a newbie blogger (just started my blog last month) but I can already see the hard-work and time-consumption it takes to run a blog. If, like you said, you spend 40+ hours a week running your blog, than it is perfectly reasonable to at least want a little in return. It is basically like a second job with the hours and some income in return would be nice.
Right now, I myself am focusing more on gaining an audience and so far that has gone well. I have found a couple of other book blogger who comment on my posts regularly which is nice because I love comments! 😍 And it has been a lot of fun discovering other bloggers and reading their great content.
Anyway, I know you will be able to accomplish all your goals in the new year and I wish you all the best Marie!
PS: I don’t know what is wrong, but your like button still doesn’t show on the page 🙁
But I will subscribe because I love your blog and your writer voice ❤
Oh thank you again for taking the time to leave your comment 🥺🥺🥺🥺 I’m going to look into that like button issue, thank you so much for pointing it out! and thank you again for reading, this means SO much 🥺
HAPPY 6 YEARS OF BLOGGING!!!! Honestly Book Bloggers deserve more recognition and it should start to be seen as a job because books get a lot of promotion and hype before their release BECAUSE OF BOOK BLOGGERS and to think you don’t get paid for it is just unfair! I honestly hope you don’t give up book blogging because I love your posts so much! I’m not a book blogger myself because my career path is different but I used to be one and just getting an ARC was a dream for me that I never achieved 🙁 but I hope you continue to get all the love and support you deserve!
p.s. would it be okay if I share this on my Instagram you made some really valid points about book bloggers being underrated and I think we should spread it! I will also tag you in it maybe we can start a campaign or something I don’t know I’m just juggling ideas now!
Oh thank you so, so much, this means so much 🥺😭🥺😭 I hope that book bloggers can get more and more recognition because they really deserve it all <3
Oh of course, I'd be honored if you want to share it! I'm with the same handle, @drizzleandhurricanebooks on instagram 🥰
Okay I will definitely post it and tag you as well! 🥰
Thank you so much!! <3
Congratulations on six years! Loved reading your journey and goals. Mine are little small right now. I’m glad I discovered your blog and would love to see you around for many more years.
Oh thank you so, so much!! 🥺🥺
Ahhh congrats Marie!! I think you’re such a star in this community, and this was something very much worth celebration, so I hope that you did so accordingly 😉 Your love for book blogging always shines through, and it’s one of the most heartening things about you and your space. I feel confident that you will hit those goals of yours one day, and it’s going to be such a big blessing for this community when you do <333
Oh Macey thank you, you’re so, so sweet, thank you so much 🥺😭🥺😭 this really means so much. I hope I can reach these goals someday! 🥺
ah, marie, your post definitely made me emotional! i am also getting close to my blogiversary, but i’m only going for my second year. i really hope i can make it as long as you have!
i hope you know how amazing your achievements are. i know book bloggers are not appreciated enough, but i really wish you never forget just how much your handwork is appreciated and all the time and effort you’ve put into this community and into making amazing, original, well-written posts consistently for six years. this is definitely not to be taken lightly, and i hope you know just how much i’ve always appreciated how you made me feel welcomed here from day one.
here’s to many more years!
ahh Lais you’re so, so sweet, your comment made my entire week 🥺🥺🥺 thank you for all of your support always, this means SO much 🥺 and I hope you’ll be able to blog for a long, long time to come, I appreciate you so much <3
Thank you for the last 6 years of blood, sweat, and tears, Marie. <3 Je t'admire.
Are you planning on making me cry 🥺🥺🥺😭😭😭 Amber, thank you so, so much. This means so much 🥺
Omg this is so exciting Marie, congrats!! So so so grateful to have you here and for you being here so long. Love you and your content so much <3<3
I am manifesting all your goals because you deserve it. And I loved reading this post. Though I haven't been here as long, I feel the same. Though its frustrating sometimes and has hardships, book blogging has also shaped me 🙂
Oh thank you so, so much this means so much <3 <3 It can be so frustrating at times, but it's so wonderful seeing how much blogging is a part of our lives now <3