It's My Blogoversary!!

It is hard to believe its been 3 years today that I started this book blog. Although when I began I don't think I knew what kind of blog it was going to be. I honestly didn't think anybody would really read my blog. I just thought it would be a fun place to express my thoughts. Then I discovered book blogs . . . and the rest is history!

Over these last three years, I have met and become friends with some amazing people. I am so grateful for those relationships. And through the wonderful array of books I've read, I know that I've also grown as a person. I can't imagine why anyone would not want to be a reader! To me, its a never-ending learning experience. My non-reader friends ask me sometimes how I know about certain topics or even little useless facts and my answer is simple: I'M A READER. it's amazing what you can learn if you only allow yourself to be opened up by a book. I've always been interested in geography and when I read certain books that take place in faraway places, I get out my atlas and I find it on the map and I learn about that area. To me, that is part of the enjoyment of reading.

Even though I've lost some of my sight and the freedom to drive or to venture out on my own, it isn't keeping me from learning about the world around me. Recently, I looked at the stats on my blog and I was excited to see that I had visitors from such faraway places as South Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Sweden and India to name a few. That gives me such a sense of joy that my little 'ole blog is reaching people all over the world. I'm so thankful that my book blogging has given me that joy and sense of accomplishment.

I'd like to thank the many visitors for your continued support of Books and Cooks. You all are like old friends to me and I don't take that lightly. You all inspire me to want to do better. Book people are exceptional people and I am proud to be in your company. I am really excited about this new year and I hope to make my blog an intesting place for you to visit.

BTT: Author Blogs

Suggested by Barbara H.:

Do you read any author’s blogs? If so, are you looking for information on their next project? On the author personally? Something else?

Barbara - that is a great question! Yes, I do read several authors' blogs. The first one I started reading was The Lipstick Chronicles. Actually, its a grog. Its hosted by 5 very talented authors, aka The Book Tarts, who take turns posting each day on any topic that pops into their heads. They are: Nancy Martin - who writes the Blackbird Sisters Mystery Series I spoke about yesterday in my post; Sarah Strohmeyer - the author of SWEET LOVE among others; Harley Jane Kozak; Elaine Viets and Michelle Martinez.

These ladies are a riot and I can always count on them for a laugh and some interesting topics. I love their grog! I also read Mary Kay Andrews' blog. She's one of my favorite writers of Southern Fiction and she has such a sharp wit, and warm personality, she makes you feel like you are her friend. She shares photos of her beach house, The Breeze Inn, named after her book, Savannah Breeze, on Tybee Island in Georgia and she holds contests for getaway weekends. She's so down to earth, you feel like you 'know' her. Jess Riley (Driving Sideways) has a great blog too. Its' called Riley's Ramblings and if you thought her book was funny, you'll love her blog. Karen Harrington's blog, Scobberlotch, is one I never miss. Of course, you know her as the Janeology author. She always offers insight into the world of writing. She has a terrific sense of humor. I love reading about her book-signing adventures and all the conferences she goes to and what she learns. I find it all very interesting. Those are just a few of the writer's blogs I visit regularly.

Along with finding out ideas for future projects, I like getting to know their personalities. If I'm taking the time to read their blogs, its obvious I like their work and reading their blogs helps me to get to know them a little better - what influences them, what authors they learn from etc. That is interesting to me.

So, do you read blogs of your favorite authors?