Where does the time go? I can’t believe it’s been a
year since I wrote a similar post. You see, today is the third anniversary of Thoughts in Progress.
Three years ago on Oct. 31, 2009, I wrote my first post and began my adventure into blogdom. It has been a fun and wonderful journey. I have found great books to read, listen to and share with y’all.
And that’s the best part - I have gotten to know some amazing and delightful people through blogging. Mere words can’t express how grateful I am for the friendship and support each and everyone of you has shown me. Y’all continue to visit even though I’ve been limited in my ability to visit with you. I am eternally grateful. I am also thankful for those who follow this blog through all the different means.
While the blogging is a great way for me to express myself and my thoughts, I also want to make Thoughts in Progress a place you enjoy visiting time and time again. For that reason, I’m always open to suggestions for changes to the layout and the blog content. If there’s something you’d like to see or not see here, let me know in the comments. If you
prefer, drop me an e-mail and share your thoughts.
Looking at other blogs I’ve tried to include a number of things I hope are enjoyable and/or helpful. I’ve added a list to my sidebar of the wonderful publishers and their links who graciously provide materials for me to review. I’ve also added the various blog tour promoters I’m associated with and their links. If I’ve left someone out, please let me know as this is a work in progress.
I try to highlight the books of authors guest blogging during the month with the slideshow, as well as providing a calendar showing when the authors will visit. Since most of the blog tours are now featuring banners, I’ve though about also including a slideshow just highlighting the banners. Do you think the banners displayed on the sidebar with a link to the tour promoters would be better? Or no banners at all? Readers and authors tell me what you’d like to see.
Another question for you. Are buttons important? I know a lot of bloggers have buttons that are quickly associated with their blog. If buttons are important, what image would make the best button for Thoughts?
Before I forget, today is the last day to access Riffle from this link. I hope you will check it out and join me there.
Again I want to say a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU for your support of Thoughts in Progress. It’s been a fun three years getting to know y’all and I look forward to the coming year to see what new adventures we can share together.
For those celebrating today - HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Hope everyone has a safe and fun time trick-or-treating and gets lots and lots of chocolate.
I also hope all our blogging buddies on the East Coast are safe and warm. Sending prayers and hugs to those involved in Superstorm Sandy.
I hope y’all will join me tomorrow to leave more about author Jennifer Chiaverini’s latest installment in her Elm Creek Quilt Series, THE GIVING QUILT. I leave you with a virtual hug, a glass of your favorite beverage, and a sincere THANK YOU!
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| Gateway to Riffle |
Ever had one of those days when there’s a lot going on and you’re not sure which way to turn first? Well, I kind of feel like that today. I have a couple of things to share with you so I’ll try to keep it brief.
First, I want to extend an invitation to each and everyone of y’all to join me at Riffle, a great new way to find out about books. I’ll give you a bit of background how I came to be involved with Riffle and then the link to join me. Let me stress now that the link will only be good for three days (Oct. 29, 30, and 31). More on that in a minute.
Some time back I was contacted by Alexandra Israel about a new project that was about to take off through Facebook. Many of you may remember Alexandra when she was a publicist at Penguin Book Group. She is now associated with Odyl, a New York based start-up and Facebook Preferred Developer that has helped many authors and all the ‘big six’ publishers connect with massive amounts of readers on Facebook. In fact, their tech supports the pages of many #1 NYT bestselling authors.
Alexandra invited me to be a part of Riffle as it got underway. I was delighted to give it a try. I’m always eager to participate in any activity that deals with sharing and finding new books to read.
To be truthful with you, I’m still learning how Riffle works. But so far, I’ve been having fun setting everything up and getting acquainted with others participating.
Riffle just went live this past week. It continues to be invite-only as Odyl builds new features. However, since I participated in the beta period I have been given an advance invite code for all of you to use. With this link you will automatically enter Riffle and be able to start following lists and recommendations of wonderful books.
This exclusive access period for you to join Riffle is for three days only - today, tomorrow and Wednesday (Oct. 29th through Oct. 31st). This was set to coincide with a Publishers Weekly article about Riffle that is due to run today (Monday, Oct. 29).
To gain access to Riffle, simply click on the following link: https://apps.facebook.com/rifflebooks/hello/code/AdvanceAccess
Once there, set up your own account and begin enjoying Riffle. I hope y’all will join me and we can learn more about this intriguing new program together. Besides, who doesn’t want to learn about more books?
If you’re already a member of Riffle, please share your experience with us. What do you like about it? What do you not like about it? You know, the 20 questions you ask when you’re curious about something.
Meanwhile, the milestone mentioned in the header is a bit of history (so to speak) I never imaged I’d see. Today’s blog marks the 1,000 post I’ve published at Thoughts in Progress. Not really that major of an accomplishment for those who have been blogging a long time and/or blog every day. But for a non-tech person like me, I was surprised I reached it. Thank you all for making it possible.
Please join me tomorrow when author Carolyn Hart visits with her latest release, WHAT THE CAT SAW. Also, be sure to give Riffle a try and stop by to say hi there as well. Thanks so much for stopping by Thoughts today.