Blogiversary!

Wow, is it that time already?! It's crazy that it's been a year since I started blogging because it also marks the one-year anniversary of my big move to Texas, and it just doesn't seem like I've been away from home for that long. This has been a really interesting year in every aspect. I don't even remember what I expected when I started blogging, but it has been quite the undertaking. And you know what? I'm glad I decided to start. I wouldn't change it for the world. Hopefully year two of this noble experiment will bring about some good changes in operation (and design!). Blogging has been a lot of hard work but also so much fun. I hope to keep the good times rolling!

But TWO years after I had the idea, it's gone back to I'm a genius!*

Big thanks and hugs to everyone who has supported me along the way. My friends and family in real life have been (for the most part) very understanding and supportive of my not-new-anymore hobby. I think part is they were used to me reading all the time anyway. Love you guys. Thanks for not rolling your eyes too much whenever I told you about what I'm reading and why you should be reading it too.

Special thanks to my dear friend Maura who has been the most supportive of all. What started out as comments and recommendations on Goodreads became comments on my blog and late-night Twitter chats interspersed with Facebook messages. You've been the most vocal in sharing all my news and links and giveaways and everything. Seriously, you're the best, and I love you. I've known Maura since college, but you guys will know her as The Whimsical Mama. Please go show her some love on her blog!

Also, many thanks to all my fellow bloggers who have never minded a new voice popping up. You guys are so encouraging and never fail to help out with great advice when I need it.

To my readers: I'd have absolutely nothing without you. Several of you are long-time readers since the very beginning. I love and appreciate all your support, all your thoughtful comments, all your cheer.

To the publishers: Thanks for taking a chance with a newbie. I am so grateful for all the awesome books and swag you've sent my way.

To the authors: I wouldn't even have this hobby if it weren't for all your lovely words. Thanks for doing what you do and doing it so well. Thanks for all the good times on Twitter and never freaking out when you saw my stack(s) of books at signings.

SO. I figure my first move in my second year as a blogger should be to celebrate with a ton of giveaways. In the past year, I have accumulated a LOT of books and bookish swag, and it's time to give back. Over the next month, I'll be hosting manymanymany giveaways as my thanks to you guys for getting me where I am now.

First up is a month-long giveaway for a $50 Amazon gift card. This is an INTERNATIONAL giveaway and will end 12 AM CST January 1. All giveaway policies are located in the Site  Policies tab at the top. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I do know how to spell genius. The "genious" who created that chart for Cheezburger, apparently, cannot.