365 days | 84 book reviews | 245 posts | 220,909 words
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO ME! 🎉 I can’t believe that Reader Voracious opened its doors here on WordPress one year ago today (after talking into the void on Blogger for a couple of months). It’s been an incredible year for me and the blog, and I really owe it to all of you. Whether you found my blog recently or have been around since the beginning, it is because of you that this has been such a rewarding experience for me.
📝 Related Post: Six Things I Learned in Six Months as a Book Blogger
Thank You — Giveaways!
I’ve been honestly blessed with so many friendships, conversations, and new ideas as a result of interacting with other bloggers over the last year. What better way to thank everyone for a fantastic year than a giveaway?! I’ve been squirreling away swag and funds to host both an international and US-only giveaway… wahoo!
Book & Merch International Prize (INTL Only)
That’s right friends, I have a special international prize package just for you! I know that you miss out on a lot of opportunities and giveaways due to shipping costs, so it was important to me to put something together for you to enter.
One lucky international follower will win:
- Any book of their choice, up to $20 USD (as long as Book Depository ships to you).
- Any bookish item of their choice, up to £10, from Jenniely’s Etsy shop, Literary Galaxy.
To enter this international giveaway, simply be following my blog and be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter giveaway before 23:59 on March 10! Bonus entries are available for following me on twitter and tweeting about the giveaway. May the odds be ever in your favor!
Please be 18 or older or have your parent’s permission to enter as the winner will need to provide me with their mailing address. To enter I will need to collect your email address so I can reach out to the winner; I will not use it for any other purpose.
Bookish Swag Giveaway (US Only)
I’ve talked a bit about how much I want to love book boxes but almost never wind up using any of the items that come along inside of them. So when I say that I’ve been collecting pre-order incentives and the items from a couple of OwlCrates that I impulse bought for about six months, I mean it!
One lucky US follower (sorry but shipping is a nightmare and I want to keep my excess funds for sending out ARCs via Flapping Pages) will receive a box with:
- Vengeful pre-order tote bag
- A Victor black out poetry inspired notebook
- Two candles inspired by Victor and Eli
- A pair of Vengeful inspired socks
- Vicious pillowcase
- Deck of Caraval inspired playing cards
- Sticker for The Waking Forest
- Victor and Eli art print
- Keychain
- Pin
- Soap
- Character cards for The Gilded Wolves
- Harry Potter inspired beanie
To enter this swag giveaway, simply be following my blog and be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter giveaway before 23:59 on March 10! Bonus entries are available for following me on twitter and tweeting about the giveaway. May the odds be ever in your favor!
Please be 18 or older or have your parent’s permission to enter as the winner will need to provide me with their mailing address. To enter I will need to collect your email address so I can reach out to the winner; I will not use it for any other purpose.
In my six month introspective I talked about my statistics and most popular posts, which I am glad I did because it is fun to look back and see how my blog’s grown over the last six months. I’ve been working on a huge statistics transparency post for the past few months, inspired by Vicky Who Reads’ post last year, that will be posted on the 13th.
Thanks again to everyone who follows or even just reads my posts, it means the world to me! Running my blog and getting to know so many of you over the last years has truly been an amazing experience, and I am forever grateful for my platform.
Here’s to another amazing year!
Let’s go on another adventure together!
Oh my gosh, congratulations on one year of blogging!
Thank you so much, Fran! 😂
WELL DONE FOR ONE YEAR!! 🎉🎉 (it’s not aggressive, it’s a celebratory response 😂)
THANK YOU SO MUCH, EL! 💖
Congrats on 1 year!! That is awesome <3
My biggest blogging tip is to just enjoy yourself and write what you want! If you feel you have to write in a certain style or certain types of posts it will become a chore, and blogging is supposed to be fun!
Thank you so much, and I totally agree with you on your tip! I think that is why I am still happy and not burned out — I just do what I want and try to keep it fun.
Congratulations!! That’s so exciting 😀
Thank you so much!!! 💖I am very excited!
Congratulations on one year! 😀
Thank you!
Congrats on one year!! May there be many more
Thank you so much, and I hope so! I don’t plan on going anywhere!
Yay, yay, yay!! Happy Day!
Thank you so much Paul, and isn’t your day coming up any day now?!?!!?
Y’know, I thought it was the 5th, but I didn’t get the Happy Bday thing from WordPress… Oh well. I have an opening on the blog next week. I think I’ll type something up.
Weird, although my thing from WordPress came a day late. But I am looking forward to seeing what you put together to celebrate!
I’m on it!
Congratulations on your one year anniversary!!!
Thank you very much! 💖
Congratulations on a wonderful year!!!
Thank you! 💖
Congratulations on your first year of blogging, Kaleena!
You’re honestly like blogging royalty to me so it amazes me that you’re only on your first year. Seriously, you’re better at this than I am, and I admire your mission to provide helpful guides and resources to other bloggers, as well as to boost the voices of the marginalized. The work you’ve done (and continue to do) is amazing.
Here’s to another year of blogging, stressing over blogging, but also meeting some of the best people through blogging!
Thank you so much, Shealea! 💖
You are too kind though, I am so incredibly flattered by your words. I love your blog a ton and look up to YOU very much! I love how outspoken you are about diversity and representation, and I learn a lot about being a better ally and advocate through being your friend. Thanks for being one of the many reasons this year has been incredible!
Congrats on one year!! Looks like it was an awesome year of reading and growth on the blog. Just entered the US giveaway 🙂
💖 thank you Jordyn, and good luck with the giveaway!
Congratulations on your first year! I can’t believe you’ve only been blogging for a year, you should be super proud of everything you’ve achieved <3 Here's to another very successful year for you
💖💖💖 thank you so much Avery, your compliment means a lot to me! I am so thankful that blogging had us cross paths, and I am looking forward to sharing another year with you!
Congrats on the blogiversary! Crossing my fingers for the giveaway.
Thank you, and good luck! 💖
Happy blogiversary!
Thank you! 💖
Happy blogiversary!!
Thank you so much! 💖
Happy Blogiversary!!! wooohooo
Thank you so much for visiting and the blogiversary wishes! 💖
Congratulations on one year of blogging! That’s amazing 😀 I’m excited to read your stats transparency post – I’m super nosy like that ahaha! <3
Thank you so much, and I am really happy to have stuck around for a year already — it feels like no time at all! The stats transparency post will be a lot of fun, but I am also so nervous about it!
grats on the anniversary, ur the bomb and also ty for thinking of us and working w jenn!! 🙂 great choice
you are also da bomb, Lauren! And it wouldn’t feel right to not do something for the international followers, and Jenn’s etsy is really awesome!
Happy blogiversary, Kaleena! You are such a wonderful soul and I appreciate the work you do for the international community a whole lot
❤ here’s to more blogiversaries and i hope you are having an amazing day so far!!
💖💖💖 Thank you so much, Taasia!
Happy blogiversary!! Here’s to many more years to come!! Thank you so much for the chance.
Thank you Misty, and good luck! 💖
You’re are welcome and thank you!! 💕
omg congrats Kaleena!!!!! <3
Thank you so much, Ally!
Congrats on one year, Kaleena! Here’s to many more😁
Thank you so much, Tammy! I am looking forward to sticking around long after everyone gets sick of me! 💖
Happy one year! Excited to read your blog for another (and many more after that)! 🎉🎉
Thank you so incredibly much, Kelsey!
Congrats on one year of blogging, Kal <3
Thank you so much, Nia!
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY KAL. THANK YOU FOR BLESSING MY LIFE WITH YOUR PRESENCE BY STUMBLING UPON THE NEW BLOGGERS DISCORD. Talking into the void is a mood – I felt like I was kind of doing that on Blogger (plus a few other issues, so there’s that).
Here’s to many more years! I hope we’ll both be around to talk more about books, blogging and all the things. (Including the ever so adorable and precious Devi.)
💖💖💖 THANK YOU SO MUCH, SOPH! I honestly am forever thankful for Blogoween and Clo’s call for hosts on Twitter… my life has changed so much since then and it’s been for the better!
Devi appreciates your adoration.
Can’t believe you’ve only been blogging for a year! You look and sound so experienced and wise, a huge congratulations!! While I won’t be entering, best of luck to anyone who enters, but most of all so happy that you’re still enjoying and blogging so much – it’s an inspiration 😍❤️❤️
Aww thank you so much! 💖💖 I think my life experience and career definitely make it easier for me to fake it to the world, I swear I am not as put together as everyone thinks!
CONGRATULATIONS! On one hand, I can’t believe it’s been a whole year, but on the other, I can’t believe it’s ONLY been a year. You have made such a name and place for yourself in this community so fast and I am so, SO proud of you. You’re an incredible human being who I am eternally grateful to have met and I look forward to many more years of being blogging buddies (and general friends) with you ♥♥♥
DESTINY thank you so much! I know exactly what you mean, it feels like so much time and no time at all. This year has been really rewarding for me personally and has made a big difference in my life as I struggle with IRL stuff because it gives me a creative and productive outlet to focus my attention on. I am so lucky to have you as a friend and I am looking forward to many more awesome years! YOU ARE STUCK WITH ME 💖
Oh, and because your US rafflecopter asked for a tip: my biggest blogging tip for you is honestly just to keep doing what you’re doing. I know it sounds cheesy, but I mean it. You are such an inspiration to me and everyone else who knows you and I love you. ♥
💖💖💖
Congratulations on one year, Kaleena!!
I admire your blog so much! I can’t believe it’s ONE YEAR already, you are amazing! I hope to get to know you better <3 <3
Thank you so much, Cam! It means a lot to me and I am so glad blogging brought you into my life! Looking forward to getting to know you even better this year! 💖💖💖
Congratulations!!! And Thank you so much for this opportunity :):) also mentioned it on twitter :):)
Thank you so much Lily, and good luck!
You did all of this in a year???? Damn girl, this was a GREAT year for you!
Awww shucks, thanks so much Cat! 💖
Okay. I need to know. How did I not know of this amazing Etsy store until your post? Anyway! Happy blogiversary!! I’m so happy I’ve gotten to know you a bit through this community, and of course, I’ll be entering your Intl giveaway lolol, thanks for doing the giveaways! <3
I am so glad you now know about Jenn’s Etsy store!!! It looks so good and I am looking forward to ordering myself a bookmark soon hehehe. I am really happy to have started to get to know you over the last few weeks and look forward to getting to know you even better! 💖 Good luck!
Happy bloggiversary!!! And thanks for hosting the giveaway! <3
Thank you! 💖
That’s so great! Congrats on one year!
Thank you so much! 💖
A whole year!! Congrats, Kal! 🎉🎊 That’s a wonderful milestone for a wonderful blog. ♥️
MY BLOG GREW UP SO FAST! 💖 Thanks so much, Meaghan!
IT DID!! You’re so welcome! ♥️
Congratulations, Kal! You’ve done amazing on this blog. Awesome giveaways, too! I’m happy to see someone doing one for international viewers.
Thank you so much Brittany, and I couldn’t leave out my international followers! 💖
You’re welcome! ♥♥
Happy blogiversary!! 🎉🎊
Thanks so much, Dev! 💖ILY!
😘🖤
Congrats on 1 year! Hope you have a great 2nd year
Thank you so much, Arya! 💖
Happy blogiversary!!! Tip? Keep on doing what you’re doing because you’re amazing! Its always a pleasure to read your tips and opinions and to interact with you. I can’t wait to see where your blog takes you (and vice versa) in year 2 and beyond!
💖💖💖 Thank you so much, you are so sweet!
Congratulations on one year of blogging! Yes, I absolutely felt like talking into the void as well on blogger. I am not participating in your giveaway, sorry. But good luck to the people who do!
Thank you for the congrats, Laurie!
Congratulations and a huge thank you for the international giveaway! From sunny South Africa!
PS I didnt full in my tweet url entry properly- sorry.
https://twitter.com/crushingcinders/status/1103176241274851328?s=19
Thanks so much for the congrats Sue, and for stopping by! Can I borrow some of your sunshine? It’s been raining here nonstop!
Good luck in the giveaway!
Congrats Kal! Your blog is amazing and I can’t wait to spend another year reading all your thoughts on books x
Awww thank you SO MUCH Meeghan! I am looking forward to sharing another year with you! 💖
Congratulations! I was truly shocked to find out you have only been blogging a year! As a newbie I would have assumed you’ve been at this much longer. I’ve observed how much you have helped others with spreadsheets and vice, buddy reads and advice you’ve given me. I have to imagine you have accomplished more in a year than most ever do!
Thank you so much for the kind comment, Susan! 💖💖💖
Congratulations Kal ❤️ It is amazing how quickly the time flies, right? I can see how much you have achieved in this year and how you have already made a name for yourself and your blog in this community. You have provided amazing stuff for this community and I hope you continue to do that.
Here’s to hoping another incredible year 🥂 And thanks for an international giveaway ❤️
Thank you so much, Sim! Time flies so fast when you are having fun, and this year has been so much fun for me!!! I am just so happy that the work I do makes a difference and helps others, that is all I ever want to do and will continue to. Good luck in the giveaway! 💖
Happy blog anniversary! So exciting to celebrate such an achievement. <3
Thank you so much, Lisa! I can’t believe it’s already been a year; it’s been an incredible year for me! 💖
Congratulations on one year of blogging, this is such an amazing accomplishment, you’ve already done so much and definitely made your mark in the community <3 <3 Here's to many more years of blogging and fun 🙂 <3
💖💖💖💖 Thank you SO MUCH, Marie! I am really glad our paths crossed because of blogging, and I am glad to have you in my life. Looking forward to another fantastic year!
YASSS, CONGRATS ON YOUR ONE YEAR, BLOGGING QUEEN! Also, it make me very happy that you put together an INTL giveaway!
THANK YOU SO MUCH, BEX! A big highlight of the year was Hocus Pocus bringing you into my life, and I am so excited for our future shenanigans! We need to work on our farm this weekend.
EXCUSE ME WHILE I CRY. <3
Once again, a very 🍰HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you, Kaleena!!💓 I’m awfully glad to have made acquaintance with a fabulous person like you! I enjoy reading your posts 😀 Here’s to a wondrous road ahead, in life and in blog! 😘💋
AHHH thank you so much!!! I am the lucky one to have you in my world now thanks to blogging! 💖💖💖
Oh, and many thanks for giving out this amazing giveaway! So generous of youuuuuu!
Congratulations on one year!
Thank you!
You’re welcome!
AAAHHH HAPPY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AGAIN KAL! Love you so much and you deserve everything. Meeting you has been a great honor and I’m so glad to call you as my friend 😭💖
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH RAIN! 💖💖💖💖 I am so lucky to have you in my life and am looking forward to more buddy reads and incoherent flailing soon!
Congratulations and well done on reaching your one year anniversary for your blog! It’s clear to me that you put time, effort and love into your blog because it shows with the quality of your content and also how engaged you are with your interactions!
I’m totally taking notes on how you’ve run this giveaway by the way 😉
I’m also really looking forward to your statistic transparency post on the 13th, I’ve noticed a lot of bloggers being open about this recently and I’m finding it interesting reading.
Thank you SO MUCH for this lovely comment, Gerry! 😭 It makes me really happy to know that my passion for this blog & community shines through!
Do your giveaway this way, it was SO EASY!
I am REALLY NERVOUS about this post, but it is almost completely finished now and it’ll be out in the world (for better or worse) soon. I really do like that more are being open about it, and I think increased transparency is important.
I’m sure you have nothing to worry about with the post! In fact I think it’s great that people are sharing this information and being transparent. I’m tempted to share as well because my statistics are statistically not great but I’m having fun hence why I do it!
I think so long as we are having fun that is all that matters, honestly THAT is my biggest measure of success! My post went live a couple of hours ago, and I would love to see you sharing as well. I do think it’s important we talk about it.
Congrats on 1 year Kaleena!
Thank you so much, Annemieke!
Congratulations on your 1st Blogiversary!
Thank you, Anthony!
Happy blogiversary, and thanks for the generous gift. this is Emma @wordsandpeace https://wordsandpeace.com
Thanks so much, Emma!
blogging tip: participate in memes, visit the other participating bloggers and leave comments
KALEENA, HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!! Wow, I’m so late to the party, and didn’t see this post until now. BUT, I’m so happy for you, and think that you are such an inspiration in the blogging community! I’m so lucky to call you a friend, and hope all the best for you and your blog this year, sweets!! <3
THANK YOU SO MUCH, KELLY! Love you sosososo much!