It's hard to believe that another blogiversary has come along. Reading the Past turns nine this month. I've thoroughly enjoyed chatting about historical fiction with everyone who visits this site. Thank you all for reading!
The past nine years have seen numerous changes in the book blogosphere. Many blogger friends have moved on to other interests, while new readers and bloggers have joined in. Reading challenges are still hanging in there but aren't as prevalent as they used to be. Comments are down overall, so I'm appreciative of readers who choose to comment, and I aim to respond to them all.
With regard to this blog specifically, I've implemented a few changes since the start of the year. For one, I decided to concentrate on content that I'd written myself, so you'll be seeing a higher percentage of new reviews and previews of forthcoming books. You may have noticed there have been fewer guest posts. I'm proud to have published the guest essays that I have and am grateful to all of the authors for their contributions. They have all offered a firsthand perspective on writing and researching historical fiction, and there have been some excellent pieces submitted.
However, with the number of requests I was receiving, the time involved in responding to emails, scheduling, and layout for the essays I accepted was more than I could handle. I'm still debating a policy on guest posts going forward and would welcome people's thoughts on this. With the wide range of historical novels available to readers, I prefer not to feature the same authors too frequently, so if I do decide to start accepting more guest posts, it'll be with this in mind. I do have a couple of previously arranged essays coming up in the next couple of months, from some terrific historical novelists, and I look forward to including their words here.
I plan to do the occasional giveaway as well, focusing on those books I've read myself and can personally recommend.
Which brings me to today's celebration. Over the past two months, I've received extra copies of the following four books, all previously reviewed here, so I thought I'd share the wealth.
(1) Fiercombe Manor, by Kate Riordan (new ARC)
(2) Girl on the Golden Coin, by Marci Jefferson (new in pb)
(3) My Name Is Resolute, by Nancy E. Turner (new in pb)
(4) The Siege Winter, by Ariana Franklin and Samantha Norman (new ARC)
The hyperlinked titles lead to my reviews. Please fill out the form below for a chance to win. Each book will have a different winner; one entry per person, please. International entrants are welcome. Deadline Sunday, March 22nd. Good luck!
Update: The giveaway has ended. Thanks to all who entered.
Happy blogoversary! 9 years is quite the accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Trisha!
DeleteYes, congratulations! Even though I only discovered your blog recently, I'm really enjoying what I've read so far.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it, and thanks!
DeleteCongratulations on a blog well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteSarah, I check into your blog every evening. I have pages and pages of tbr ideas from you. I love historical fiction. Thanks for your blog and reviews, I thoroughly enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteThanks, that's great to hear, Sheila! I especially like hearing that you're finding things for your TBR. That's one of my goals :)
DeleteCongratulations Sarah! Yours is one of the blogs I've stuck to over the years because it's consistently interesting. I like the policy of expanding your original content--guest posters are nice from time to time, but too many make a blog inconsistent.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jane - and I completely agree with you on the guest posts. There have been times when I was feeling my blog was out of balance in that respect, simply because my calendar was getting full and I was running out of time to fit everything in. I don't want that to happen again, so apart from the occasional blog tour stop or guest post, I'm aiming to just go with the flow and have fewer things formally scheduled.
DeleteBravo on nine years! Echoing others, my thanks for the terrific books I've read on your recommendation, my long list of to-reads, and the insights you bring to each review.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Laurie!
DeleteI entered my comment on the drawing/entry form. Like other reviewers above, my wish list and TBR pile has many ties to your blog.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Linda, and I'll do my best to keep adding new things to the TBR.
DeleteFelicitations, Sarah ! Nine years, a real accomplishment! The guest posts are fun for your ongoing readers and, I suspect, a great way to introduce new audience to the fantastic content on your blog. Whatever you decide, kudos!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex, I appreciate your sharing your thoughts!
DeleteI've been so pleased to discover your blog recently, Sarah. Wishing you and the blog a Happy Birthday. For your readers' sake as well as you, I hope you may enjoy many more such anniversaries! Best wishes, Midi.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Midi, I really appreciate your thoughts and support. I enjoy blogging so hope to keep going for a while longer!
DeleteHappy Blogiversary!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly!
DeleteHappy 9th Anniversary! I've only been following your blog for a short time, but my reading has benefited enormously from your recommendations. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Yvonne! I've discovered a number of TBR additions thanks to your blog as well and look forward to reading about more of your finds.
DeleteThank you!
DeleteCongratulations! Happy 9th Anniversary! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vicki!
DeleteCongratulations: nine years on the Internet is like 90 in real life (dog years?). I think commenting in general has declined with the increase of the phones. So not to worry.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt that has something to do with it. Plus a lot of conversations are happening on Facebook and twitter instead of on the blogs themselves. Thanks, I appreciate your commenting!
DeleteI apologize for being so behind-hand in adding my congratulations on the occasion of the 9th year of Reading the Past. Your blog is such a treat, and also helps me learn of books I might like to read.
ReplyDeleteLove, C.
No need to apologize, and many thanks for your kind comments!
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