Saturday, June 20, 2015

Seven Years and a Giveaway!

Seven years ago today, I started TBQ's Book Palace. 


Yeah, I can't believe it either. Seven years. SEVEN YEARS. Where has the time gone? And more importantly why have so many of you stuck around for the journey?


I'm kidding.


Mostly.


When I first pushed "publish", I never dreamed that I'd be writing this post today, that the blog would still be going.


I never dreamed that it would grow like it has, year by year, or that I'd have so many great opportunities come up.


I never dreamed that I would "meet" so many wonderful readers, bloggers, and authors. That I would discover so many great books.



I never dreamed that I would find my tribe, a place online where I fit in, a place where I can be myself, speak my mind, and talk with others, about everything, not just romance novels.


I never dreamed that I would find a new genre and fall in love with it (M/M) or that by doing so I would also be introduced to CB and QAF, and another awesome tribe of fans.


I never dreamed that I would be lucky enough to have a few of my reviews quoted in books and on author websites.


I never dreamed that I would make such a good friend with one particular author, or that I'd get a mention in her acknowledgments. (You rock: here's to more great DM convos.)


I started the blog as a way to keep track of my reading, to share my thoughts on the books I was enjoying, to try and find a few others that read the same books as I do, since I wasn't able to find such people near me.


Seven years later, and that's still why I blog. I don't do it for the ARCs, I don't do it for the number of followers or comments.


The blog has changed over the years: layout, design, writing -- oh God, my writing in the first few years? *cringe*-- even the genres we cover, now that I've found M/M. And the blog will keep on changing and expanding, I'm sure. I've learned so much over the years, but I'm by no means an expert. More importantly, I'm okay with that. 


If you noticed, things have been a bit more quiet on the blog lately. For years, I thought I had to have a post up every day, and I stressed over getting reviews done, or signing up for every blog tour spotlight available to fill in the blank days. And while those spotlight tours can be great, I've realized that the blog wasn't gaining anything by participating in them. I may have had a greater quantity of posts in a month, but the quality was just fair for most of them. Now, I'm more concerned with having quality content, posts that will start a discussion. It's not about the numbers.


To everyone who's been on this journey with me -- be it from the very start or more recently -- thank you so much. To every "like", every comment that's been left, every time my posts have been shared, everyone who has recommended a book to me, or had a conversation with me: THANK YOU.



And especially a big thank you to Kame and Pat. You ladies may not have been with me from the very beginning of this ride, but you've been a huge part of the blog's success in the last few years. Where would I, and the blog, be without you? 


Here's to many more years of blogging. And I truly hope that one day I can meet all of you in person. Until then, thank you for following the blog, thank you for welcoming me into this awesome online community. You have no idea how much it means to me. 






a Rafflecopter giveaway



UPDATED: Giveaway will end June 30th NOT June 23rd.



Do you have any comments or suggestions for us? Things that you'd like to see more or less of on the blog, etc? Let us know!



Enjoy!



Until Next Time,

Photobucket

  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

58 comments :

Kumiko Shin said...

First one to comment! Congrats on your 7th anniversary! I love how you review on different subgenres of romance; I get to know more authors and books from your site. Thank you! :)

Lover Of Romance said...

Happy 7 YEARS!! That is just so awesome hun! I am still amazed that I am still blogging too. When I first started I had no clue what I was doing, honestly, I was just surfing my way through and falling so many times. But I feel now I have a groove. And when I first started it was mostly historical romance I would do, and now I like every sub genre of romance that there is. Even M/M (although I am still a bit picky about it, but if its done well I really enjoy it, you will have to share with me some of your favorites). Its so amazing being able to meet so many that have the same interests in reading as we do right? And I love blogging just so I can share my bookish thoughts, and build a community of fabulous bloggers, readers and authors. And I love that you mentioned getting quoted by authors (when that happens its like CHRISTMAS!! Best gift ever especially when they are well known ones right?) Well sorry about the ramble, but I am so happy for ya girl. I definitely would love a chance to meet you before I leave Utah. Especially when we only live a hour apart from each other. *Grins* HAPPY DAYS and HAPPY READING!!

Red Iza said...

CONGRATULATIONS !!! It's wonderful what you have been able to achieve in 7 years without even meaning to in the beginning. It's wonderful that you start your blog without knowing anyone, yet later, you meet so many great people online who like to share with you about your favorite past time, but not only :) Thanks for sharing so much with us in general, and with me in particular - I've discovered many books and authors thanks to you !

Teja said...

Congrats on the 7th anniversary! What I like about your blog is that you always give me ideas on what to read next.

Leigh Black said...

Congrats!!

Pat Egan Fordyce said...

Congratulations!! 🎉🎉🌹❤️ it's been so exciting to be a tag along, and I have learned so much from you. Love you.........

Alison Packard said...

Congratulations on seven years, and here's to seven more!

The_Book_Queen said...

Thank you! :D

The_Book_Queen said...

Aw, thanks, Pat. You've been there for me during personal rants, and I'll always be grateful for that. (hugs) Love you, too, my dear, and here's to many more years of fun!

The_Book_Queen said...

Thank you! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Yes! We try to give a wide variety, because that's what I like to see on other blogs, too. Thanks, Leigh!

The_Book_Queen said...

Thank you, and I'm so glad we're able to help you with the eternal reader question: what do I read now? :D

The_Book_Queen said...

Thank you so much! I'm so glad I've helped you to find new authors over the years; you've done the same for me, too, so I'd say it's a win-win for all. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh yes, a lot of surfing and falling in the early years -- and sometimes still to this day for me! But I've learned a lot, and I keep learning more, which is great. :) I'm always happy to share some M/M recs with you. It's nice finding a new genre to explore, isn't it?


"Ramble" away, I'm not complaining! :) And yes, I can't believe after all these years, we've yet to meet up. It's a tragedy that we will have to fix very soon! :D

The_Book_Queen said...

Thanks, Kumiko! I'm so glad you enjoy the blog, thank you for always stopping by! :)

Linda Townsend said...

I enjoy your reviews as they give me ideas of what to read next! Congratulations on your 7 year blogversary!

elaing8 said...

WOW..Congrats on 7 years.
I enjoy reading your posts and reviews.

The_Book_Queen said...

Thanks, Linda, I hope we continue to give you good recs. :)

KAMEBookReview said...

Awww - thank you for letting be part of the palace!

KAMEBookReview said...

PS
If you are the Book Queen does this make Pat and myself Book Princesses?

The_Book_Queen said...

Definitely. :)

Glenda said...

I love all the reviews!


Congratulations on seven years!!!

Sophia Rose said...

I love seeing blogoversary posts. Happy Seven Years and still going strong! I love my visits to your blog whether it is for a review, an author interview or a cover lust post. I really don't have suggestions for doing something different b/c I like what you do.

That is so cool about the friendships, the book quotes, and all the wonderful milestones. I think I've only been visiting for about two years. Looking forward to more. ;)

The_Book_Queen said...

We'll keep the reviews coming, Glenda, thanks! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Aw, thank you AGAIN, my dear. :)


Here's to many more years!

Deb P said...

Everything looks good to me. Keep up the good work.

Katiria Rodriguez said...

Congratulations I love absolutley everything on your blog especially the Lusting For Covers Meme I am glad and happy I am not the only one lusting for covers. Keep up the great work sweeties! 😄

Erin F said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Happy Blogoversary!!! I really enjoy the blog! You always have great spotlights and reviews :) Thanks for sharing!

marypreston said...

Congratulations!!


I love discovering new to me authors and their books.

Melody May said...

I love lusting for covers. Happy Blogoversary. I love the royal picks. It's kind of cool to see what you guys are loving.

The_Book_Queen said...

Thanks, Deb, we will. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Definitely not the only one! Thank you for joining the L4C fun and stopping by the blog. :D

The_Book_Queen said...

Thanks, Erin, we try our best!

The_Book_Queen said...

It's a great thing, isn't it, discovering something new to enjoy? :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Thanks, my dear! :)

Heather said...

I love Lusting for Covers. Congrats on 7 years of blogging, I hope I can get there some day too.

The_Book_Queen said...

Thank you, Heather! Oh, you will, trust me. I never thought I would. Time flies when you're having fun though. :)

Danielle @ A Cup and A Book said...

I adore you, your blog, and of course #SexyTuesday :) congrats on 7 years!!!

Chelsea B. said...

Huge amazing congratulations on 7 years!!!!
I adore this blog, it's fantastic!!

Ada H said...

Congratulations on 7 years, what a fantastic milestone!! I love all the reviews, I've found quite a few new authors to me :) Keep up the fantastic blog!

The_Book_Queen said...

SexyTuesday makes the entire week more enjoyable. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Thank you, Chelsea!

The_Book_Queen said...

So glad to hear you've found new authors, thanks for always stopping by! :)

CreatyveBooks said...

Congrats on 7 years and thanks for the giveaway. Such a big milestone. Keep up the great work.

Jen Twimom said...

CONGRATS! It's a great feeling each year, to know we made it another year! :-) Your love of reading and blogging is evident in all you post!

Anita H. said...

Congrats, that's a fantastic achievement and a testament to all your hard work. I really enjoy Lusting For Covers feature and all your wonderful reviews.

anne said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful blog which is filled with amazing books, authors, and delightful features.

The_Book_Queen said...

Thank you! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

It is that, Jen, and thank you. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Thanks, Anita. We'll keep 'em coming! :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Thank you for stopping by! :)

Juliana said...

Congrats on 7 years! Maybe more author interviews? I love those!

The_Book_Queen said...

Definitely. It's been a bit quiet lately, but I promise, more author interviews to come, they are very fun for us as well. :)

Linda Romer said...

Congratulations! I love meeting new Authors and learning about their books. Thank you

Lori Parks said...

Congratulations! This has to be so exciting. Pretty awesome that you've been able start, maintain, and grow your blog making a success out of something that makes you so happy all while going to school, and living the life that happens outside of our bookiverses :)

Sharlene Wegner said...

Congratulations! My favorite genres are historical romance & contemporary romance, so those reviews are my favorites & I would love to see more of those! Of course, giveaways are always appreciated! Thanks for everything!

Tracee said...

I like the color choices in your logo a lot. The font, not as much. It looks really cool, but its a bit hard to read.

Deanna said...

Congrats on 7 years! I love the author interviews. Thanks for the giveaway! :)