Happy New Year with no resolutions. Again. Plus January New Book Releases I'm Dying to Read!
May 2014 brings you much joy and excitement!
As a reader and a blogger I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, so like I did last year, I'm not making them again.
Instead I strive to achieve a balance in my reading, blogging and everyday living and tell you what I learned in 2013.
I was quite happy to reduce my blogging to 4 times per week instead of 7 in the last half a year. It allowed me to stay passionate about what I read and at the same time do other things that needed to be done.
I also stopped worrying about reading review copies and posting reviews before the publishing dates. I'd love to do that but if I don't feel like reading something straight away I'd rather let it rest until I'm ready. It makes it more enjoyable.
You also might have noticed that there is less guest posts and books accepted for review in general. To be honest I'd rather accept only books I definitely want to read and from the authors I've built rapport with. Otherwise I go on Netgalley/Edelweiss and choose something myself. The same goes for guest posts.
I find that one of the reasons book bloggers burn out quickly is because they force themselves to read and review something they didn't want to read to start with. I don't want to do that to myself and to you, guys.
At last, due to moving to Portugal and starting farming I had to stop financing giveaways on the blog. This I most regret, but at the same time I have no money flow anymore to do so. I hope you forgive me for that, peeps, and know that any time the authors I like want to do a giveaway through this blog I am happy to accommodate. *grin*
This is it. If you want to make any suggestions for the next year, please do so. Is there anything you find unnecessary or cumbersome, anything you think I should add or get rid of? Please, tell me now and I take it under consideration. Happy New Year!
Now, here is what I'm dying to read among January book releases:
I've got Autumn Rose to review, and I'm absolutely dying to read Fury of The Demon but the rest I can wait to read. What about you?
Happy New Year! Resolutions are so overrated - just live as happily as you can, I say :-D
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! And I also don't make new year resolutions, I am perfect as I am ;)
ReplyDeleteYou are right in not accepting books for review you are not certain about, and reading on demand is a killer of joy.
I don't follow you for your book giveaways, I follow you because of your reviews. And more Portugal blog please ;) Bitter Spirits is amazing, I hope you will love it as I did.
Happy New Year and I hope 2014 brings you joy!!! I am reading Bitter Spirits now and it is quite good. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New year!!!
ReplyDeleteI think we're pretty much on the same page when it comes to blogging this past year. It was either find balance or quit lol
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Karen @ For What It's Worth
Well said Karina! :) Happy New Year to you darling.
ReplyDeleteI'm still a pretty new blogger but I also found that there needs to be a balance and that I don't want to read just anything - I want to read what I like and enjoy. (Speaking of which, Study of Ashes has been kicking my butt! I'm still reading it. Was really hoping to review it before publication but alas.)
By the way - totally "yes" to you offer. I'd be honored. ;)
I can understand you about books. I have this problem sometimes, reading without wanting it but well it happens. I wish you all the best for this new year and I hope 2014 will be filled with wonderful things.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! I love your no-resolutions resolution :D
ReplyDeleteI'm behind on the Rowland series but I want to catch up. It's a good series.
ReplyDeleteI like your balance and non-resolutions. No worries about the giveaways; they're nice but not the reason we come around.
Happy 2014!