2013 YEAR-END RECAP
1.) Became a Blog Tour Coordinator for Book Junkie Blog Tours. Last July 2013, author Mina V. Esguerra came looking for someone with a stable internet connection, a working knowledge of Photoshop and a few hours of free time every day. I had those so I volunteered. Little did I know that it would be the start of expanding my contacts. So far, I've arranged 8 blog tours since July 2013, and hopefully, more blog tours to come in the year 2014!
2.) Published a short story on a whim. I first published She Caught Me on Amazon, but took it down and re-published it on Smashwords. It was actually an experiment. Just so I'd learn how Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing and Smashwords work. So far, I got what I wanted so I'd say it's a success.
3.) Joined author Mina V. Esguerra's #romanceclass. Didn't finish a novel on time due to academic load, but gained lots of friends and a support group for my literary endeavors.
4.) Joined and succeeded in NaNoWriMo 2013, for the second time around! haha! I, however, refuse to unearth the thing that was my Nano entry because it was pure gibberish and made no sense at all. But hey, I finished typing 50,000 words in 30 days so I'm good!
5.) Celebrated my book-blog's First Blogoversary! I've been doing this book-blogging thing for over a year now! Hopefully more books and more years to come!
6.) Had my first ever Podcast! I discussed blog tours, and the advantages of having one for your book. I decided to do this because blog tours seemed new to Filipino authors. I made it my personal goal to spread word about blog tours among Filipino authors. Hopefully, we get more exposure to international readers through blog tours!
7.) Gave back to the community through Relief Efforts in San Dionisio and Gift-Giving in Ivisan, Capiz. What little money I earned from arranging blog tours were put to good use through charity. =)
8.) Let's talk logistics. In the year 2013, I've read 150 books (according to my Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge) and wrote 78 reviews. Book Junkie Joint has a total of 373 blog followers on GFC, Linky and Bloglovin. It has 238 likes on Facebook. Then I have 308 followers on Twitter. Not bad, eh?
5-STAR READS IN 2013
WHAT I LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2014
I'm also looking forward to working with two authors on a secret project. hihi I don't want to jinx or spoil anything so this is all I'm going to say about this.
Of course, I'm also looking forward to participating in #SteamyReads, another online writing class headed by author Mina V. Esguerra and sponsored by Buqo.
Next year, I also plan to self-pub my first novel. Hopefully, I finish writing it, have it edited, have a pretty cover designed for it, and finally have it on paperback. I'll also need budget for the self-pubbing thing so it's good that I have savings now.
Come at me, 2014! I'm so ready for you! ^_^
