2017 Blog Round Up
I'd planned to do a few 'top 5' lists at years' end to bring together reviews, writing posts and other writerly stuff, but instead of spam you all with a bunch of posts, i'll just compile them all here. So this is three 'top 5' posts in one. Lucky you!My blog and writing journey has undergone a big overhaul in the past twelve months. Not only did i rename my generic blog (australianbookshelf) to my own name, but it also transformed from predominantly a book review blog to one about my writing process, the challenges i've faced and above all my goal to seek publication for my manuscripts. I still post reviews here and there, but now i focus on the books i really love, rather than the ones i felt obliged to read and review.In 2017 I read approximately 28 books. My Goodreads goal was 30 and i'll probably achieve that by Dec 31st. It's quite a drop considering I read 54 books in 2014 and 199 in 2012! I suppose it shows how much my life has changed. My book reviewing hobby consumed much of my life and in the past two and a half years everything shifted. I had a baby (which consumed much of my mind in the first twelve months) and then i took up writing more seriously than i ever had before.
The past few years i have participated in the Australian Women Writers Challenge and this year i managed to read 22 books (out of 28, not bad!) by Australian women and posted 8 reviews on my website.
Top 5 crime reads of 2017
My favourite 5 books this year all happen to be crime fiction and thriller novels (in the name of research!). In no particular order they are:
1. The Dry by Jane Harper2. Hades by Candace Fox3. Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins4. An Isolated Incident by Emily Maguire (I interviewed Emily here)5. The Bat (Harry Hole # 1) by Jo Nesbo
Top 5 Writing posts 2017
I shared plenty of writing posts this year and here are the five with the highest numbers of views:
- 5 blog posts for mums who write
- 5 Hilarious, inspiring, informative and seriously addictive podcasts
- How to be SMART about goal setting in 2017 (and of course a timely post for 2018!)
- How to read mindfully
- How to use a genogram to create character backstory
And a few more that were also popular:The Psychology of JournalingVulnerability, Trust and Self-Doubt- the parallels between writing and therapyThe Power of Silence and how it can enhance creativityThe anchor that is writing
Top 5 Writing Blogs to Follow
I've connected with some amazing writers and authors this year through blogs and social media. Here are my some of the ones i'd recommend:
- Louise J. Allan- This is one incredibly generous writer who is a great supporter of aspiring writers. Her blog series 'writers in the attic' is a must read with a years' worth of writing essays by writers to devour.
- Jodi Gibson- A writer who shares an honest account of her publication journey; the ups and the downs.
- Allison Tait- One half of the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast duo, her website is loaded with writer resources.
- Natasha Lester- Honest, meticulous and not averse to sharing the intricate details of a writer's life.
- PsychWriter- Psychologist and author Tamar Sloan shows you how using psychology to get to know your characters can give your novel the edge it needs.
Did you know i have a monthly newsletter? Well, i do and it's the place where i share the more personal aspects of my writing experience and my pursuit for publication. And if that doesn't tempt you, i have some awesome writer-themed giveaways for subscribers. Come and join me on this journey, sign up here.I hope you all have a lovely holiday season and i look forward to connecting with wonderful readers and writers in 2018. 