GUESS WHO’S TURNING 5 YEARS OLD TODAY?!
SURPRISE. IT’S ME. Well, it’s Paper Fury, to be perfectly accurate. But let me just take a moment to feel ANCIENT. In blogging years, (which are different to other kinds of years, obviously) this is very very very old. I mostly can’t believe I still have things to SAY after all this time. I mostly can’t believe people are still LISTENING. (Cue screams of confused joy.)
As is blogversary tradition — we shall celebrate this milestone of a birthday with GLORIOUS GIVEAWAYS AND CAKE! And some goopy thankyous, of course, and a small look back at the past 5 years of bloggy goodness. And tomorrow? We shall be having a TEA PARTY where we can all get to know each other a little better (to make my take-over easier when I maliciously rule the world obviously) because my #1 favourite thing about my blog is how LIVELY it is. Which is all thanks to you, various pineapples and squids.
Onwards!
- THERE ARE ACTUALLY NO RULES. Guidelines. IT’S ALL JUST GUIDELINES. And that is bliss. Better yet, there are no “book blogging qualifying rules” because pfffft. Who has time for that? NOT ME. You don’t have to format your reviews a certain way. You don’t have to the correct “discussion vs review” ratio. (I mean, wut even is that.) You don’t have to participate in twitter chats or host linkups or read a certain amount of books or or or or ANYTHING. YOU JUST DO WHAT YOU WANT AND DO YOUR BEST AND BE A GENERALLY NICE PERSON. The end.
- IT’S OKAY TO CHANGE. I feel like my blogging changes every year….which used to freak me out, but why??? Even though I’m an immortal dragon overlord of flawless perfection, I’m allowed to change. I feel like my voice has toned down a little. I feel like my posts are formatted more consistently. I’ve tried only 90 million things and maybe I’ll try at least 73 million more. But IT’S OKAY to let my blog mature (?!?) and grow and change with me. It’s also okay to change opinions and try new things but in a different way. I used to be sworn off blog tours. I’ve done…3 this year?!?!? But the difference is I ONLY participate for authors I’m really super excited about and ONLY if I can do the post in a way that compliments my blog. This is awesome. I am happy.
- YOU DON’T OWE ANYONE ANYTHING. There’s a bit of a debate about whether bloggers should be paid or not. (I stand on the side that asks WHY we are not paid when we work so much for free and other blogging niches do get paid…ahem.) But THAT ASIDE — your blog is your space and you are queen of it and you make the rules. Of course, if you ask for an ARC, then yes you owe that review. But anything else??? NO! BE FREE, PINEAPPLES. And for those of us who stuff millions of hours into our blogs, it may seem selfish, but we also don’t HAVE to give away our time and effort. Especially if we don’t want to. Give away what you WANT. Or you quickly become stressed. ALWAYS choose your mental health over anything else. It’s important.
- BEING NICE IS THE BEST WAY TO CONQUER THE GALAXIES. Look at me. I give people cake. I visit their blogs. I make an effort to make friends with them and take interest in what they’re doing (plus most bloggers do SUCH interesting things, peoples, they’re all awesome) — and now? I HAVE AN ARMY. I SHALL OWN THE GALAXIES SOON. I am 100000% happy with my reputation as a friendly blogger. I AM SO PROUD OF THAT! If you come chat to me, I shall chat to you back! We shall share cake! You can be an evil overlord and be nice. 10/10 recommend.
CAKE CAKE CAKE. Sometimes I think you’re all here for my stunningly fabulous personality and my ability to slap arrows all over my blog and look simultaneously adorable and deadly. But I know the truth. You’re only here for the cake. AND I’M OKAY WITH THAT. Blog about relatable things. It is truly excellent advice and basically the secret to success (besides being uber nice). So I blog about books and cake and dragons and everyone relates.
I fully 100% confess that I like to do these little “looking back” at how far my blog has grown FOR STRICTLY MY BENEFIT. Because, oh gosh, my little baby done all grow’d up. CUE PROUD TEARS.
May, 2012:
Blog Followers: 23
Posts: 332
Pageviews: 7,000
May, 2013:
Blog Followers: 131
Posts: 688
Pageviews: 65,000
May, 2014:
Blog Followers: 609
Posts: 990
Pageviews: 232,000
May, 2015:
Blog Followers: 1,500
Posts: 1,260
Pageviews: 127,700 (I switched to WordPress in this year…hence the pageview decline…I had to start from scratch!)
May, 2016:
Blog Followers: 2,000
Social Media Followers: 18,200
Posts: 1,400
Pageviews: 470,000
AHHH I HAVE SO MUCH THANKFULNESS TO THANK RIGHT NOW. And here also comes the terrifying moment of KNOWING I’ll forget to mention someone awesome. Last year I listed a gazillion amazing people, and I have no regrets for spreading the love! But this year I’m going to just list a few or otherwise I’d need to list 100+ epic people and you would all DIE from the length of this post.
BUT PLEASE. BELIEVE ME. YOU ARE ALL INCREDIBLE. Every single person who comments on this blog = I LIKE TALKING TO YOU. CAKE FOR ALL. My blog would be so lonely without you.
I N C R E D I B L E B E A N S
Emily, the most funny and amazing writer //// Shanti & Shar, who leave such amazing comments ///// Shannon, I will read your blog for eternity //// Abbie, who is so ridiculously talented //// Amanda, who writes the best most informative posts ever //// Zoe!! My bookish twin!! //// La La in the Library, for being so super supportive //// Charnell, you generally amazing bean ///// Katherine, who cheered my wattpad story so much ///// Bee, you epic writer you ///// Kelly, who answers my random questions and is generally fantastic //// Maraia, truly the greatest of ever <3 ////
AND SERIOUSLY: ALL THE REST OF YOU TOO
I want to list you all. But we’d be here forever. HOW ON EARTH DID I GET SO LUCKY AS TO MEET HUNDREDS OF SUCH NICE BEANS???
And also just a general THANK YOU to anyone and everyone who stops to chat with me. It means a lot!
There are a TON of giveaways. GOOD LUCK ALL!
(And when you’re next looking for handmade bookish merchandise to buy, do please give these sellers a look! They have a great range of items and make such gorgeous things! #SupportHandmadeBusinesses)
Krisina @ Pretty Bookish Etsy Store is wonderfully donating an Owl Bookmark and Bookish Earrings to 1 lucky winner! Please pop over to her Etsy store and admire AAAAALL her glorious creations. She makes the most cutest bookish bracelets and brooches and keychains. (Which would make perfect gifts for bookish friends, btw, so I suggest you go snabble up some of her creations ASAP.) Also catch her on Instagram and facebook!
Open INTERNATIONALLY.
Celeste @ Reading Nook Gifts is kindly donating 5 bookish pendants to 1 lucky winner! Please go check out her epic instagram (SO BEAUTIFUL) and her twitter and of course her fabulous Etsy store! Aren’t they ADORABLE THO?!??
Winner can pick whatever custom covers they’d like! Open US/CANADA only.
Liselle @ The Lunch Time Librarian has JUST opened a new store featuring bookish shirt designs! AREN’T THEY AMAZING?!? Come check out her brand new website (like, I’m talking hours old) and admire the fabulousness! Also come see her instagram and twitter so you can keep up-to-date on her designs.
Winner can pick whatever shirt they’d like! Open US/CANADA only.
And the ETERNALLY wonderfully Bloomsbury Australia is donating a small mystery pack of YA books to 1 lucky winner! Just shows you how much Bloomsbury rocks, folks. Make sure you’re following them on Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date with all the latest YA releases!
Open AUSTRALIA only.
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY CAIT!!!! Yay! thanks for blogging and sharing your review and talent and sass and cake with us all! Also I thought I should tell you that I got a mug from your society 6 store and it’s so awesome! I’ve been blogging for going on two years! I’ve learnt to not worry about other people’s opinions, to review what you want and how you want and all that. I’ve also learnt that you do need to put time into blogging, but it shouldn’t be stressful. Thanks for that shoutout and yay for paper fury *flings cake and books and confetti excitedly*
YAY FOR BEING SUCH AN AVID COMMENTER AND FRIEND, SHANTI. <3333 (And omg thankyou for buying a mug!! *shrieks happily*) And not worrying about other's opinions is REALLY good advice. *nods* I still have to work on that myself sometimes.😂
AAHHHWW I’M IN THE LIST. THIS GIVES ME SO MUCH JOY! <3 <3 <3 Congrats Cait! You are fabulous and awesome and you know I love you.
Such pretty goodies! I wish I could afford any of it. I would buy all the things.
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH, BEE. <333 YOU ARE THE SWEETEST.
AHHH HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY CAIT!! <3 I'm one of these millions of book bloggers looking up to you because you are just that incredible, and I would love to grow up and be just LIKE YOU. <3 I definitely agree with you, we are all growing and trying to figure out our blogging style, I certainly am, and even if I started just a year and a half ago, I can say that I have changed my blog posts a LOT of the time, haha. Something I've really learned, is that I'm not doing this for free books, for thousand of page views or anything, but just because I LOVE IT. I love connecting with other bookish people, commenting and finding out about new books, it is just WONDERFUL and people are so friendly. There are some dramas yet I always try and distance myself from these, because there's so much positivity we should just underline it more often, I think.
And thank you for all the wonderful giveaways!! The little French pineapple I am can only enter for the first one, but THANK YOU so much, it's so generous of you and all of these people. <3 <3
AFJDLKSAD, MARIE, YOU ARE SO SWEET AND NICE AND AHHHH CAKE FOR YOU!!! And omg yes we do so change as we blog, right?! And that’s a good thing *nods* because I think it’d be quite boring if our blogs always remained 100% the same. We gotta grow as we learn more skills and discover how we like to blog! (Omg but don’t look too far back in my archives. Like ever. *burns them*😂 So embarrassing.)
And blogging because you just downright love it = THE BEST. I COULDN’T AGREE MORE. Blogging is sometimes really haaaard, so if you don’t have a huge passionate for it, it gets stressful fast, right?!
And *whispers* I have another INT giveaway coming tomorrow. 😉
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY! *gives you all the cupcakes of ever* *tosses confetti across the world and to Australia* *blows trumpet and pets your dog*
I FEEL LIKE JUMPING UP FROM MY SEAT AND SCREAMING congratulations and happy blog birthday and all the other things because OH MY GOSH – I can’t belive I’ve been following you since 2014 but that I only started speaking to you this year. #WhatEven (I was super scared of you because you know, ruler of all, killer of fictional characters, eater of cake and the like).
Anyways, I’m super excited about these giveaways and the fact that you always SO friendly, open and SO FUNNY. AND that YOU’RE FIVE NOW (well, you’re not but whatever) and I can’t think of anything else to say?
Thank you for gracing us with your amazing reviews, discussions and cake.
*sips tea in anticipation for tomorrow*
*eats all the cake of ever*
*shares maybe a few crumbs with everyone else*
(CAREFUL WITH MY DOG THOUGH. HE BITES.)
AHHHH YOU ARE SO SO NICE THOUGH. AFJDKLSAFD THANK YOU, KAT. <33 But omg you were a silent stalker and not speaker?! *GASPS* I missed out on a WHOLE YEAR of knowing your fabulousness?!? I am super scary though. I mean, look at me. *rawr* I'm very very glad you decided to brave my ferocity because I LOVE GETTING TO KNOW YOU. *shares MORE than one cake crumb with you* #soKind
Congratulations!! My blog turned 5 a couple of months ago, so we started about the same time, but went very different ways.
I’ve learnt that it’s important to do what you want with your blog, not what you think you should do. And that keeping up with it all is bloody hard work.
You’re one of the best, here’s to 5 more years.
AHHH WE’RE PRACTICALLY TWINS! *shares the twin cake with you* And omg YES I love your advice. It is absolutely crucial, I think. Especially if you want your blog to be your own and original and just reflect who you are — you have to just DO WHAT YOU WANT.
First, congratulations, Cait! Your blog is amazing and you deserved ALL THE CAKE! 😀 I think I stumbled upon your blog last year, a few weeks before I started blogging and you made me laugh so much (you still do, by the way!). I’m close to my first blogversary, so yay me, I definitely didn’t see the year come and go, what’s this witchcraft? But anyway, some of the important things I learned where a) don’t pressure yourself b) have all the fun in the world, because being in this community is the best! Congrats again Cait! 😀
AHH THANK YOU, LUCIE! *shrieks happily* And omg I’m so glad you think my writing is funny. MY JOB HERE IS DONE. 😂 But omg congrats on your nearly-first-blogversary. THAT IS THE BEST MILESTONE I THINK! Once you get into that first year, I think you learn so much and things go smoother after that. hehe. And also YES to the not-pressuring-yourself. It makes blogging so stressful otherwise. And that ain’t fun.
ALL THE CAKE FOR EVERYONE! HUZZAH!
Happy birthday, immortal dragon overlord! Your loyal subjects fear and admire you. 🙂 I’m awfully close to my blog’s 5th birthday too so I know exactly how you feel. Aren’t we awesome?
AHHH WE ARE AWESOME! WE ARE NEARLY TWINS!! *shares twin cake with you*
Happy Blogoversary, Cait!! I am celebrating my 4 years of blogging this week (it really is next week…) You’re completely right, blogging years are counted very differently from normal years 😉
I’m happy you’re still around, I love how your fun personality shines through all your posts!!
Omg we have blogversaries so close together then!! *hi fives* And blogging years just count as like waaaaaaay longer.😂 FOR SOME REASON. IDEK WHY. haha. Ahem. But aww, thank you, Lexxie! YOU ARE SO VERY KIND!
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY CAIT!! 5 years is such a long time omg but it’s flown by! I’ve technically been book blogging since 2010, but have been on Readers in Wonderland since the start of 2013. Two of the things I’ve learned are probably a) it’s okay to fall behind and step back when you have to and b) it’s so much more fun when you avoid the drama that likes to pop up sometimes.
Thanks for all the giveaways! I’m going to go find some cake or chocolate or something to eat to celebrate
Omg those are GRAND things and I highly agree. *nods* Especially with the falling-behind-thing. Like there’s a push to catch up? But also it’s okay just to start things again and not fret about it.😂 Also avoiding drama, omg, YES. And not accidentally starting drama…ahahahha. I think I may have done that earlier this year. *whistles innocently* AHEM.
BUT AHHH THANK YOU!! AND YAY CHOCOLATE FOR EVERYONE!
Happy birthday Paperfury 😀
I knew this blog recently but thanks a lot for the inspiration and I really like things you have learned from 5 year blogging 😀
HAPPY 5TH BLOGOVERSARY CAIT!!!!
*gives you cake*
Aw, thank you, Hana! YOU ARE THE SWEETEST. *eats all the cake*
Congrats on your 5th Blogversary, Cait! I’m thinking maybe I should go back into your archives and read some of your older posts since I only stumbled across your blog recently xD
Omg just not TOO far back.😂 I’ll die of mortal shame. ahhahaha. Ahem. BUT AHH THANK YOU, ARA.!! <3
I’ve been blogging for almost a year…in June I think? Well, I started my current blog in September, but still! And the two things I learned are respond to comments and stalk blogs. xD
Those are GRAND things to learn and yayyy for nearly being 1!! THAT IS AWESOME, RACHAEL.!! KEEP THIS FABULOUSNESS UP!
Aah, congrats on 5 years, Cait! That’s an amazing feat! You are amazing! If I was still blogging at Reading Wishes, this year would have been my 5th as well. How did we not know of each other considering we started around the same time? I guess the more awesome you are, the longer it takes people to find you? Well, that’s what I’m going with. And I really hope you remember me and I haven’t just written a heartfelt comment like a fool. But hey, I’m a 24/7 fool so it’s all cool. HAHA
Gargantuan… I’m totally BFFs with that word and have known it forever and totally didn’t just Google it. Yep! *adds to word TBR to pull out and stump people because I is evil*
AHHH THANKYOU!! (And I confess I spent the first 2 years of my blogging life not networking AT ALL.😂 I didn’t even know how to blog, haha, ahem. So that explains why we’d never met.) OMG OF COURSE I KNOW YOU!! *shares cake with you* I have a horrible memory for like 94% of things in my life, but I remember basically everyone I meet online.😂 *hi fives*
Ahh that’s great, HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY! Your blog is absolutely amazing and pretty (and all the arrows). I really enjoy your posts, you just have a way with writing that makes them amusing and more enjoyable to read. ^^
AHH THANK YOU!! That just makes me so happy!! *twirls in happiness* THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS.
HUZZAH! HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY, CAIT! *throws glitter confetti* *celebratory chocolate cake*
I’ve actually been blogging for five years too- but the first year or two, only family and close friends could read the blog, so it doesn’t really count. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned in that time is that if you want to blog regularly, you need to have a schedule of some kind- which I’m sure you know, but I didn’t for a while. (And my schedule at Dreams and Dragons keeps falling apart because the blog linkup things I join in with keep doing topics I have nothing to say regarding . . . darn it.) And then the other thing I’ve learned is not to stress too much if I can’t keep the schedule- just do better the next week.
I do love what you said about there being no rules in blogging. There are times I think “I should be doing X because a ton of other bloggers are doing it!” and that’s not always a good thing.
*eats all celebratory cake* YOU ARE SO KIND, THANK YOU, SARAH. And ohhh we are twins!! *hi fives* (And the first 2 years of my blog life I never networked so I didn’t even HAVE any readers. hahaaha. #fail Ahem.) And yes! Developing a schedule is really quite crucial, or else you just kind of don’t get around to things. *nods* Also keeping stress minimal is a GRAND GOAL. I’m still learning that one.😂
Happy Happy Happy Blogoversary Cait! *accepts much cake* YAY! This is wonderful! Well done! Sadly I don’t qualify for any giveaways but the first, but hey, that’s okay 😀 I’m so glad to have met a blogger like you who balances nefariousness and friendliness so well (it is a fine art, is all I can say). And blogging for five years is such an accomplishment and you are just super amazing and talented and a bloggly inspiration. You deserve all your fame and glory (although I’m sure it is super hard being you) and all you bloggly advice in this post is wonderful and wise !!!! 😀 🙂 😀 *skips into sunset*
AHHHH I’m glad at least one of the giveaways will work for you!!😂 (There’s another INT one coming tomorrow too. EEEEP.) AND AJFDSLAD THANK YOU, SHAR, THAT MEANS A LOT TO ME. <3333
I started a few months ago and I am still working on finding what I love best in the website and how to take the blog forward. I hope I will be able to devote moe time to blogging too.
And Congraaatulations! Thats fabulous. Yours is one of my favourite blogs. I love your blog ( and the pics and the amazing discussion posts). You seem to be a minehead of ideas. Keep going Cait.
Aww, and you’re already such a professional and wonderful blogger!! *flails for you*
And omg thank you. <3 THAT IS THE NICEST COMPLIMENT OF EVER THO. <3333
OMGG HAPPY 5th BLOGVERSARY CAIT!!!!!!!!!!! *HIRES MAGNUS BANE TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE GLITTER BOMB, THAT ALSO SMELLS LIKE CAK*
I’ll be celebrating my 2 year blogversary sometime later this year. I think what I’ve learned is to not be afraid to express my opinions, even if it’s an unpopular opinion, and to…..*thinks* I know there was another one but I’ve forgotten, dang it.
BUT ANYWAYS, THAT’S JUST SO FREAKING COOL THAT YOU’VE BEEN BLOGGING FOR 5 YEARS! YOU ARE A BLOGGING DINOSAUR!(that was a compliment, just in case you happen to not like the term dinosaur???)
I adore your blog. It’s freaking fantastic.
*FLAILS IN ULTIMATE GLITTER BOMB OF HAPPINESS* (Also, since we’re speaking of Magnus Bane and his gloriousness…did you know he’s getting his own trilogy?!?! *GASPS* I’M SO SO EXCITED.) And ahhhh yay for nearly 2 year!! THAT IS FANTASTIC. And also your advice = A+. I still struggle with that one honestly.😂 It’s hard not to offend people, but omg, it’s impossible to please everyone, so you might as well be yourself, right?!?
YES I AM A BLOGGING DINOSAUR. THANKS FOR THAT.
Happy Blogversary, Cait!
Enjoy a nice Blogversary cake!
~Icky. 🙂
THANKYOU ICKY!!! <3
Wonderful post and Every Best Wish on 5+ MORE years blogging <3
Aww, thankyou!!! YOU ARE SO KIND. <3
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! *flails about throwing black glitter and chocolate everywhere* Your blog is awesome, and you probably totally deserve to get paid. (Don’t expect me to be throwing any money towards anything tho because i have ten dollars with which I can buy ten candy so you understand why I can’t be just spending it everywhere I go though if I had ten dollars more I would give that to you)
I’ve been kind of silent lately like not commenting on anything and I DON”T KNOW WHY I just randomly get lurky and sneakyish and don’t bother to type anything because my fingers are dead.
Again! Happy Blogging Birthday!!
🙂
AHHH THANK YOU!!! *dances in glitter and chocolate* YOU ARE SO VERY KIND AND THIS IS THE NICEST COMMENT OF EVER. <333 And I understand. Candy first. Have your priorities in order, my friend.
Happy blogging aniversary! I just found your blog about a week ago and I can’t stop coming on here. :O YOU’VE BEWITCHED ME. But hey, at least there’s cake, amiright??
Can’t wait to see more of your fabulous posts in the future!!
There is ALWAYS cake here. *gives you an extra wonderful piece of cake* AND OMG HELLO AND THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING!!! It’s always awesome to meet new internetish friends. 😀 😀
Happy blogoversary, Cait! Five years. Wow. That’s incredible! Your posts are always a joy to read.
That cake looks so good!
Congratulations!
AHHH THANK YOU, CHANTELLE!! *flails and gives you cake* You are so nice!! 😀
Happy blogiversary to Paper Fury! And congrats of making it through five years of blogging. It really does sound like you’ve made some brilliant friends in the process as well. Here’s to so many more <3
My recent post: http://thesewriterly.wordpress.com/2016/05/25/autobiography-writing-competition-open/
AHHH THANK YOU, OLIVIA!!! YES, omg YES there are so many wonderful bookish human beans on the internet. And blogging is just SO FUN. 😀 *shares celebratory cake with you*
CONGRATULATIONS ON FIVE YEARS OF BLOGGING CAIT! You’re so wonderful and I laugh hysterically at all of your posts. I’ve been following you for about a year now, and can I just say your Instagram is so beautiful. <3. *sends 3 million cakes* *throws confetti everywhere* I've been blogging for a little over a year and I'm still getting the hang of it all – what to post, how to write but the most important thing I've learnt I think is that people on here are really nice and by commenting, you can make some really awesome friends! 😀
Happy Blog Birthday once again and hope you have a great year filled with cake and dragons and books and ALL THE THINGS. 🙂
AFJDKLSAAD THANK YOU SO MUCH. YOU ARE SO SO KIND. <333 And ahhhh, I'm so glad you like my photos! *shrieks happily* *eats all the cakes* *dances in the confetti*
And YES I totally agree and love your advice!! It's so true that if you just reach out, there are so many epic friendly people on the internet. :') I've met SUCH cool bookworms via blogging. AHHHHHH. Good luck to you in your 2nd year of blogging! YOU GOT THIS! CAKE FOR ALL OF US!!
Happy blogoversary, Cait!! I’m glad I found your blog, your posts are always great and funny and just distinctly different from any other blogs! I feel like I always get a new perspective reading your blog.
5 years! What an achievement!
AHHH THANK YOU, LIA!! This is such a fabulously kind thing to hear! *squawks happily*
Happy blogoversary! 5 years is a massive number so obviously you’ll need at least five cakes to celebrate. Also, that birthday queen gif is the best gif ever HAHA. Beautiful.
But seriously, I read the heck out of your blog and you take me to chuckle town. It’s been an honour knowing you. ♥
Congrats on 5 years! You have a lot of amazing followers. And I can’t wait for what you’ll do next!
I love your blog, Cait. And you’re an awesome and crazy sort of person. I love it! Your writing is amazing too.
You know, your stats actually made me feel a bit better. I know a lot of people who hit their one year and had crazy numbers, way higher than mine. I know I might sound rude. But I dunno.
Well…congrats! And cheers to what comes next
Five years! You are right, you are ancient in blogger years. I am only at 2.5 and I am exhausted. Ha! The biggest thing I have Iearned is the commenting back importance. The other thing is as much as it hurt when my original blogging buddy told me my blog was never going to to anywhere because of the books I blog about, I take a peek at her blog every once in awhile and most of the comments she gets are, “Hey gurl, nice *fill in tne blank* post ((hugs)),” no interaction and nothing much meaningful. I’ll take the chatty posts on my blog any day! Thank you so much for the shoutout my queen. After a couple of things that hapened in the blogosphere I don’t trust people very easily, but you are one of the few bloggers I trust completely. Thank you for being one of those people! Great idea for the giveaways, your blog is great exposure. Thanks for the cake and the hosting the giveaways. And I hate to tell you this but I don’t think the hedgehog liked his cake. XD.
Happy anniversary!!!! I started blogging back in 2010, but I changed platforms and topic many times, now I’m loving the book community and I’m happy to be part of it!
YAY CONGRATULATIONS 😀 *sings happy birthday to the blog*
I really love your blog, and you of course. The way you write your posts is with so much excitement in them that I can’t help being excited after I read them too! You are awesome!
Happy Blogversary!!! It seriously takes a lot of commitment to keep a blog going for five years, I’m definitely in awe O__O And I’m not surprised by your reputation as a friendly blogger as I’ve always been incredibly inspired by how you interact with everyone that visits your blog. Whether their own blog is big or small never seems to matter, and the fact that you take the time to do that on top of your own blogging and Etsy/Society6 and reviewing and writing is like insane. You definitely deserve overlord status hahaha
In terms of blogging I fully agree with the ‘there are no guidelines’ rule. More than anything just because making your blog the way you want, doing the things you like is the best way to keep up with it. I feel like once you pigeon hole yourself into doing things ‘the way you’re supposed to’ you turn it into a chore instead of a fun thing you’re doing. And since we’re not getting paid you kind of have to enjoy it, I mean, we’re doing this for free after all. Often at our own costs for hosting/graphics/fancy plugins/the cost of buying every book of ever.
Happy anniversary! I love your blog and am always happy to see a new post from you pop up. Keep up the awesomeness.
I just realised that I’ve had this account/blog for nine years, so you’d think I’d know my stuff about blogging, but nope! I’ve changed my blog so many times but never really given it enough care and attention to see it grow. To be honest, I think that because I used Blogger I could be limiting myself, and I might be able to expand more if I used a different platform. BUT it’s been nearly 10 years, so I don’t really want to change now.
Congrats on 5 years!!! I’m hitting 5 in October and I can’t believe it. Your list of things you’ve learned is spot on.
Here’s to another 5 years {of cake!}
Happy Blogversary/Blog Birthday, Cait! Yours is probably my favorite blog to read and I feel like I’ve been following you on Pinterest for ages. Congrats on everything, you totally deserve it!! (And thank you for giving Stiefvater the airtime she deserves 😉 )
Ack, I tagged the wrong blog as my own. I’m on WordPress not Blogger!
Congratulations happy blogversary. Hope you get lots of cake!
Happy Blogversary!!! 5 years is such a long time but you are such a great blogger! I love reading all of your posts!! 🙂
Happy blogging birthday, Cait!!! 5 years is a supremely long time…(!) So you go, girl. Let’s make it 10? Also, these giveaways are breaking my heart with their beauty.,.. especially the Lunch Time Librarian shop! WHERE DID YOU FIND HER?? I am fangirling exceptionally hard over here in Canada (where for ONCE in my life, a giveaway will reach me! Normally they’re limited to the US! #bless)
WAIT WUT? LIKE WUT? DID I JUST SEE MY NAME UP THERE? *flips out for eternity* You made my day, Cait. You awesome pineapple. That was like the best thing of ever. ☺️
Thank you so much for sharing your blog journey with us and your uber helpful blogging tips. Niceness and relate ability FTW. It was really encouraging to me to see those growth numbers because, honest to goodness, I have 17 subscribers (and, yes, my grandmother is among them.) It can get really hard when you put heart and soul into what you do and struggle to create amazing content and see it not get that much attention. There have been a few moments this year where I took a good long look at my blog and considered shutting it down. 🙁 This post was a great reminder to keep after it. 😀
Happy Blogoversery! 🎉🎉🎉
Yay! Congrats Cait! How exciting for you (: And it was very interesting for me to see how your blog has grown. Gives me hope since I’ve only been blogging for 2 months now and feel like I have to pull my hair out trying to reach people to chat about books (I know, patience is key). Anyway, you deserve all the birthday glory you’re going to get. Congrats again 😀
HAPPY 5th BLOGVERSARY!!!!!! Thanks for being one of the most friendliest bloggers I have ever meet! Your blog is definitely relatable and filled with your AMAZING personality. May your blog continue to grow and develop, especially with more cake and may you be blessed with dragon-helpers! #ProudPaperFurySupporter
OH MY GOODNESS SO MANY GIVEAWAYS.
*throws truckloads of confetti* Congratulations on the anniversary! Here’s to many more! ^_^
Wow happy Blogoversary!! Congrats!! I would say yes you definitely do have a reputation of being a friendly blogger. 😀😀 I don’t get why some aren’t friendly?
I like that you said that about everyone doing what they want and not knowing anyone anything. That’s so true! My 1 year Blogoversary is coming up this July & that’s definitely something I had to learn quickly. Everyone’s blog is their own and should do what makes them happy! Great post!
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
Happy 5th birthday, Paper Fury!! I only just started following this blog, but already I’ve had SO. MUCH. FUN. I love hanging out here(because CAKE, of course 😉 ) and I’m looking forward to more awesome posts and stuff in the future!!
Side note, the hedgehog eating cake is probable my favorite thing in the world right now. <3
Happy blogiversary!! I entered some of your giveaways but I wanted to let you know that the links on the first rafflecopter to visit your etsy store and instagram are broken (you forgot the colon after http). 🙂
Happy blogversary!! Congrats on 5 AWESOME years! You’re such an INSPIRATION! I haven’t been around long, but I hope there’s another 5 more years of AWESOMENESS coming! And thanks for sharing the things you’ve learned, oh ancient one!
Omg congrats!!! Such generosity on the giveaways! I just hit my 2 years blogging mark but I missed it and didn’t do anything special. 🙁
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY CAIT!!!!!!!! WAAHH THIS IS SO EXCITING I CAN’T EVEN
Also a TEA PARTY?! I totally agree! Being nice is the best way to go about it and since you’re one of those amazing bloggers who’s always genuinely friendly and excited and nice and awesome it’s so lovely to see you doing so well and still loving blogging!
I’m getting all emotional because five years is such an amazing milestone! <3
Happy Blogoversary! 🙂
5 years is such a long time, so congratulations!
AHHH HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY CAIT!! your blog is so lovely, and you’re always so sweet to me + others. i’m so happy i stumbled upon your blog and read some of your fantastic reviews, that led me to following you. you’re such an inspiring and tremendous blogger. congrats on five fantastic years! ^-^ *showers you in confetti*
xx a
Happy blog birthday! Congrats on 5 years, & I hope you stick around for many more. Plus, thank you for hosting these lovely giveaways.
Haaaaaappy Blogiversary Cait or should I say the dragonish queen of the book blogging world!!! <3 I bow down to you!
HAPPY BLOGVERSARY! Gosh, Cait, you’ve been blogging for what is it, five years now? THAT’S REALLY FANTASTIC. And, also, all the things you have learned equal pure gold. HERE’S TO FIVE MORE YEARS, FIVE THOUSAND MORE FANTASTIC BOOKS (and, also, no more writers block, ever.)
If we lived in the same country/city, I would totally make you a cake.
Congrats on your 5th anniversary! Can’t believe we hadn’t really spoken until this year, but I love your blog and so glad we get to chat now. I’ve been blogging for almost 4 years, which is insane to me – can’t believe I’ve lasted even this long. I think, like you, I’ve learned that remaining professional, nice, and polite gets you a long way. Also, that I shouldn’t be nervous about being as personal (or not personal) as I want to be on my blog, because it’s MY space and I should do what I want. =)
HOLY PINEAPPLES!!! Happy blogoversary, CakeDragon Master! *throws confetti*
Confession: I read hardly any blogs. My days are just too busy so I have to be really selective, but every time I get that alert in my inbox that you posted, it’s like someone just threw a chocolaty-delicious dessert in my face and I drop everything and read. IT’S MY FAVORITE.
You deserve all the cake and confetti and congrats in the world! *giant hug*
-Nadine
Congrats on your blogoversary, Cait! I love getting to read all about your enthusiasm for the awesome books and writing and food in your life. Much cake to you on this funnest of days.
Also, if I were to come up with blogging advice, it would be to stick to it and to make blogging friends, because it’s really only because of the community that we even have fun, sort of.
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY, DEAR GIRL! (Or fabulous overlord. *shrugs* YOU CAN PICK.)
FIVE YEARS. WOW. You’ve got some amaaaaaaaaaazing stats, there, Cait. So inspiring!
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS YOU ARE AMAZING. Great advice too, btw. 👍🏻
Second of all, DID YOU POST 332 POSTS IN YOUR FIRST YEAR????? WOAH. That is a lot. And around 300+ every year after?
Third of all, what made you jump from 7,000 pageviews to 65,000 pageviews in ONE year??? Must be sorcery. XD
Fourth of all, you use WordPress.Org, right? (B/c your blog looks way cooler than just a WordPress.Com blog.)
Giveaways! Ack! So excited to enter. Congraaaats!!!!!!!!!!!! <3
I've been blogging for a little over a year, and have 300ish followers and 16k views. I guess that's okay for a blogger of my tiny niche? 😬
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY!!!! *throws confetti* The guidelines you shared with us are PERFECT and I agree on all of them – especially that you should do whatever you want with your blog. Do more of what makes you happy, right? I think you’re doing an AMAZING job at showing us exactly that! I might not be one to comment on all your posts but I definitely read them and let me just tell you: I LOVE THEM. Your personality shines through the screen and whenever I’m reading something new from you, it’s like you’re sitting next to me, shouting at me (in the nicest possible way!) about all the things you’re fangirling about while eating cake. There’s ALWAYS cake. And I’m happy. I’m grinning, laughing to myself and enjoy reading your posts so, so much – thanks for that! They’re a highlight, haha. 😀
I’m looking forward to AT LEAST 5 more years of your awesomeness! Congrats again, Cait! ♥
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY CAIT!!! Also, Gibby’s little brother wants to say happy birthday along with a little yellow flower. That episode gets me every time. Anyway, thank you so much Cait for being such an amazing and super awesome blogger! You are one of the friendliest book bloggers in the history of the galaxy far far away. I’m going to eat my digital cake along with the baby hedgehog. Also, I may eat that chocolate cake too. 😀 HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY CAIT AND I HOPE IT IS AMAZING!
Maddie c:
Hey, so HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY 5 YEARS WOAAAAHH!!!!!! Sorry. Sorry I’ve just never commented on your blog ever before I don’t think?
But yeah basically, you’ve been my favourite book blogger for a year I think and you’re just so brilliant with your reviews and everything. Plus you have like 20000 times my followers and I’m in total awe. I can’t actually believe I’m writing this.
I read your story on Wattpad (and commented, I’m ThreefoldFlight) and I loved it so much. So yeah, happy 5 years. Through you, I’ve got so many book recommendations and I read your reviews and usually agree with all your points. Here’s to loads more years of blogging 🙂
I’m just going to slink away because this comment was the worst thing I’ve written
Oh, awesome! 5 years is such a LONG TIME. You’re so blessed to have so many AWESOME followers!!! 😀
HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!! AND ASDKLKJHGFDSA HEDGEHOG GIF (sobs over the cuteness)(I’m obsessed with hedgehogs). Anyhoo. As I was saying–HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY!!!!! You deserve all the happiness and fun that comes to you! You’re always so friendly and I look up to you so much! If Nori is blogger mom, you’re the fun, hip blogger aunt/sister who I want to be like and follow around worshiping! I always have fun talking with you and getting to know you and I hope I get to know you more because you’re just supercalifragiloustiexpiatidociously awesome (yes, “supercalifragiloustiexpiatidociously” is a word, I’m making it one)! May the year ahead of you be full of love, happiness, and laughter!
Lots of Love,
Lila @ The Bookkeeper’s Secrets
My 7th blogoversary is coming up in June. But I don’t think I’ll do anything to celebrate it. It’ll be just like my recent birthdays (which I haven’t celebrated in years, either).
Super important things I’ve learned about blogging? Well, for one, don’t neglect your blog. If you don’t post for a while, you’ll lose readers… and you most likely won’t get them back. I learned that the hard way. But… I guess I didn’t learn it very well, because I’m still neglecting to post!
Happy blogoversary! 🙂
Congratulations on making five years! I love your blog, your sense of humor and the valuable information you provide. Here’s to many more.
HAPPY BLOGGOVERSARY DEAR CAIT! 5 years is huge accomplishment and I hope there will be many more because I love your blog and cannot imagine not being able to read it!
Happy happy happy! I am so happy it is your birthday! ‘Cause if you were never “born”, the blogging world would not be such a bright sunny spot. AND I wouldn’t be able to pick up all your useful tips and ideas. Still very very new on blogging, not even 2 months. No teeth yet (I guess it means I still suck a bit??). But I have learned already that to be kind and friendly and responsive gets you somewhere. Hope you enjoy your cake – yes you may have your cake and eat it all too.
I wish I knew about this blog 53792472 years ago! I only found about Paper Fury in December because you were nominated for something on the Bookshimmy awards on Epic Reads. I love your blog, and hope to read it for many, many, many years to come.
Congratulations! I just celebrated by 5 year blogoversary too! I can’t believe we’ve been blogging the same amount of time, but I only discovered your blog relatively recently ! (I think in the past year?) I’ve loved reading all your posts!
Thanks for the awesome giveaways!
Congrats on five years! This August, I will have been blogging on ShootingStarsMag since 2007 (so that’s 9 years, I guess). It’s crazy! haha Thanks for all the fun giveaways, and I like your tips for other bloggers. It really is all about you and what you want – be nice, do you.
-Lauren
Happy blogoversary Cait! 5 years is such a fantastic achievement in blogging land. Thank you for being such an incredible presence and inspiration in the blogging community. I’m so proud of you! Xx
OH MY GOSH HAS IT BEEN THAT LONG ALREADY!?!? HAPPY 5TH!!!
Your blog always makes me so happy with all the pretty pictures and cake, cake, cake!
Ah gosh, not even sure how long I’ve been blogging, I think I’m getting close to 5 years too, haha. Fabulous things that I’ve learnt is you should always blog for yourself, don’t feel like you have to talk/review about something just because everyone else does it! And always take breaks/naps/snack breaks (:
It is so good to see that a book blog can last for so long! I have a tiny journal blog right now, but I would love to have a book blog going by the fall, because books=life. It gives me extra hope for my would-be blog to see how awesome you’ve been doing. So congrats Cait! Here’s to many more years of book blogging to come!
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY, CAIT!!! <3 Your blog is one of my favorites, I really admire you and all the hard work and dedication you put into your blog. Your posts are always brilliant and they always make me laugh! <3 GO EAT ALL THE CAKE TO CELEBRATE.
Two things I've learned from blogging is to post what I want and review in my style as when I was a beginner blogger I felt like I had to post similar things to what everyone else was posting and write reviews that weren't as long and descriptive, but now that I've been blogging for 4 years, I post what I want on my blog and write how I want and it's SO FREEING.
CAIT! HAPPY BLOGOVERSERY! 🎉🎈🎂 You were one of my first friends in the blogosphere, and I am so glad we’ve remained so close. <3 I honestly don't know what I would do without you. I am always so impressed with how you interact with every single person on your blog and how friendly and supportive you are. You inspire me to be a better blogger and a better person and I am so thankful for you. (Because, without you, who else would be my guinea pig for random books? 😉 ) Eat some cake for me, okay? <3
CONGRATULATIONS CAIT!!! *sends you chocolate cake* Your blog is so awesome, and I’m glad you’re still blogging. Five years is a long time! My blog will be two years old in August. I’ve got to say the two most important things that I’ve learned about blogging are 1) Your blog should reflect you, not other people but 2) the best thing about blogging is the people you meet and become friends with. Very basic, I’ll admit, but probably universal blogging truths. (-: Keep up the amazing blogging work, and yes I 100% agree, you can be an evil world dominator and still be nice. (-:
Happy Blogversary, Cait! Seeing how much your blog has grown through the years is really inspiring. You deserve all the cake!
Happy 5th bogversary. Wishing you many more. Thanks fro the generous giveaways.
Marilyn
Happy Blogoversary dude!! You deserve multiple cakes today. I have chocolate cake with some kind of weird purple frosting, want some? I also have a crepe-cake (deliciousness on a whole different level) with white warm chocolate ganache. On second thought, I may have eaten the whole thing all by myself (oops)… uhmm.. but you can have the chocolate cake… the WHOLE damn thing if you’d like!
Happy blogoversary (I’ve learnt a new word today!). You’re amazing. I want to be just like you. I started blogging three weeks ago and it’s been a bit overwhelming but also enjoying it too. I love your blog posts and I’ll be able to learn heaps from you on how to get more comments on my posts. I’m pretty excited at three comments! And I think within the next week I’ll hit 500 page views (not much I know but a month ago I didn’t even have a website. Congratulations again – and here’s to more cake!
Eeep, Cait, YOU are truly the greatest of ever! <3
I'm so glad I stumbled on your blog last year and decided to leave a comment. Best decision ever!
Congratulations on your blogiversary! (I spell it with an "i" to match "annIversary.") You deserve all of the followers and comments and support. Not only are your posts fun to read and your blog gorgeous to look at, but YOU are seriously the best. You never fail to amaze me with your dedication to every single follower. 😊
Congrats!!! THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!!! 😀
YOU’VE GOT AN AUSSIE ONLY GIVEAWAY!!! YES, for the first time in forever! Dunno why, but that’s just epic. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPER FURY!!!
Ooh, yay! Congratulations!
I’m celebrating my seventh blogoversary this year. Already planning an epic party, at that. In those seven years I’ve learned … it ain’t all fame and glory, but you can meet up with some mighty awesome peeps here on the internet. Also, the more you post, the more people talk to you. Just don’t post too much.
I brought apple cake!
Happy Blogoversary! Sounds like you’ve had quite a ride. Wishing you even more success in this new year 🙂
Happy Blogiversary!!! Let’s all eat cake!!
Congratulations! I’m going on my 10th year as a Book Blogger. I’ve never done a celebration though. How fun! Love your posts and tweets. Blogging sure has it’s ups and downs, but it can be so rewarding. And can I just say that I love your list of things you’ve learned from blogging? Dead accurate! Happy Blogoversary!
HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY CAIT!!! *gives you humongous chocolate cake* I’m one of those people that really adores you because you seem really confident and you have this unique blogging style! It’s really refreshing and fun to read your post! Here’s to another amazing years ahead!
THE-HAPPIEST-OF-HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY, CAIT!! *pops rainbow confetti and brings out the free cake*
I’ve only been stalking-slash-reading your blog for a few months, but you’re definitely one of the blogs I always enjoy reading! It’s really cool to know how much you’ve grown over the years. I hope you’ll have more great blogoversaries to come! <3
HAPPY BLOGVERSARY!
Wow, 5 years, I feel such a newbie compared to that (but I like that it makes me feel young(er))! Anyway, I haven’t had the privilege of knowing you (or your blog) for 5 years, but here’s to the next 5 years instead!
Happy blogversary, Cait! I’m so glad I stumbled across your blog and getting to know you and your love for cake! I haven’t been here for long, but I know that this community is so kind and sharing. People are truly awesome and understanding and the love is amazing. Here’s for more years! It’s a privilege to read your blog. 🙂
Hey Cait! I just wanted to say congratulations on 5 years. I subscribe to your posts, so I mostly just read them in my email. I love getting your posts in my inbox. I just occurred to me the other day that I rarely comment on how much I enjoy your posts. You are very popular for good reason. Always entertaining and your pictures are awesome. I am a big fan!
Here’s to another 5 years of taking over the internet! Cheers
Books, cake, and dragons, yes they are completely relatable, although I have a feeling the dragons don’t always feel the same way. Congratulations on your FIFTH BLOGOVERSARY, CAIT! That is so awesome! Big congratulations to you! That is amazing and fantastic and *shoves more fabulous adjectives in sentence*. Five years is a long time to keep blogging.
I’ve been blogging for little over 3 years now. The one thing I’ve learned is to not stress over the blog and to have fun with it. People will come and go and there’s nothing we can do about that. It’s most important to just have fun with it (which you seem to be an expert about doing). That way, when you do blog, you’re always offering your best work.
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY! *Hands you a giant, multi-layered chocolate cake* I can’t believe you’ve been blogging for five years! That sounds like forever. I haven’t even been blogging for one. 😉
Two things I’ve learnt…let’s see:
1. It’s okay to tag people. You do not have to apologise to bloggers or ask their permission. If they do not like tags, they will not hunt you down.
2. Sometimes, reveiwing books is actually REALLY HARD. Like, seriously, respect to you for five years of assembling your thoughts into coherent posts. 😉
COngratulations cath! please eat lots of cake!!!
Congrats on 5 years! I loved seeing how your blog stats progressed over time. I’ve been blogging for 3 years but life got in the way (big time) in the first 2 years so it feels like this is really my first year.
Oh and I’m here for cake! Have any carrot or spice cake? If not, chocolate is just fine. 🙂
Happy 5th Blog Birthday to you, dear CAIT! <3 Congratulations on these many wonderful years of blogging :). Yayy, how exciting! I love how we're almost basically blog twins and you always inspire me as a blogger so much.
You're pretty amazing, girl! <3
And has it really been 5 years? Golly! They've been fantastic ones though, haven't they! Here's to many more 5 years of exciting blogging days, Cait :).
Happy reading!
Joy @ joy-live4jesus.blogspot.com
Happy, happy, happy blogoversary!!! I think that five years is an AMAZING accomplishment, and I hope to be reading your blog for five more!!
AHHHH, HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY, PAPER FURY! Weren’t we just celebrating four years? And now it’s five?! How time flies.
I’m always in awe of your photography and graphic skills–every time I visit, I can expect to enjoy pretty things and hilarious sass and your pineapply friendliness. ;D Here’s to another year of awesome Paper Fury goodness!
FIRST: OMG FIVE YEARS DUDE YOU HAVE COME SSOOOOOOOO FARRRRRR. *squeals a lot* LIKE SERIOUSLY I’M QUITE POSSIBLY MORE EXCITED OVER THOSE STATS THAN YOU ARE BECAUSE!?!?!! EIGHTEEN THOUSAND SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS?!! OMG GIRL YOU’RE SO FAMOUUSSSSS. I’m so happy for you <3 *giant hugs and cake and OMG THAT CHOCOLATE SAUCE I'M WEEPING* Though I mostly ghost-stalked The Notebook Sisters, I remember you from way back then (which seems like another reality tbh) AND NOW LOOK AT THINGS. GOSH YOU'RE SO FABULOUS I CAN'T. *swats with confetti*
SECOND: OMG I'M ON THAT LIST OF PPL YOU THANK *hyperventilates probably* *yes definitely* GIRL. THANK YOU OMG. You’ve taught me so much about blogging! Not to mention your posts always always make me smile and laugh and even weep (in a good way) so BASICALLY YOU’VE TAKEN OVER THE WORLD ALREADY WITH YOUR AWESOMENESS. :’) ugh I feel like I’ve been blogging since like yesterday but apparently my blog is 5 years old too?? Although the going was very slow for the first like…three years. AHEM. obviously I’ve learned a lot about growing a blog since then, but even today, I’m learning the valuable lesson of being patient because these things definitely don’t happen overnight. (Honestly I don’t think we’d be able to handle it if they did! HAHA. xD)
THIS IS FABULOUS YOU ARE FABULOUS GOOD FOR YOU AND ALL THE CAKE FOR YOU AND ALL THE HUGS ALSO. HERE’S TO THE REST OF ETERNITY!! (bc psst I’m immortal too. but probably a unicorn, not a dragon. WE MAKE A GOOD VIOLENT TEAM. xDDD)
This is the first time I have been to your site – love the fun and energy you have here! I have been a book blogger for 7 years at The Maiden’s Court [http://themaidenscourt.blogspot.com] and love every minute of it. You posted some great reminders/lessons learned that I think we all have to remind ourselves about our you go crazy. Love all the awesome bookish gear shops – I will definitely be checking them out more!
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY! *throws confetti and sprinkles everywhere* I can’t believe you’ve been spreading your love of books and sassinesss to the rest of the Internet for five years! Congrats! I’ve loved reading your blog over the last few years and you blog keeps getting better and better with each change you make. May the gods of cake be ever in your favor. XD
I’ve been blogging for almost three years? Maybe? I’m not good at remembering any kind of important date… and names… the list goes on. XP But I’ve learned so much over the past few years like you mentioned in your post: I learned that it’s okay to change. I had to write so many different kinds of posts before I figured out what I really wanted my blog to be about. (There’s a reason it’s called Books and ETC. XD) And secondly, I also learned to just be more open to talking to other humans and commenting on other blogs. I’ve always been such a shy potato. >_<
Hey Cait! Ahem, Dragon Queen.
Cheers to 5 years! Your blog is always entertaining (I mean, who does NOT like dragons and cake and books and feels?! Obviously nobody.) and I’m glad I found you.
I have been blogging 1.5 years (if you count both blogs, which I was) or almost 6 months (if you only count THIS one).
I learned that the term for bookish people is BOOK DRAGON, and have proceeded to use it as often as possible.
I also learned about Beautiful People, which I think is partly how I found you — I adore that challenge. These characters ARE beautiful people, and my darlings and obviously I want to tell the entire WORLD about how fabulous they are…. Okay. Reigning it in.
Also… at the end of the day, I write my blog for me. And I love that it forces me to be consistent, and keeps the writing “fingers” and “mind” lubricated so that when I have time to write fiction it is primed.
Congrats again!! *hands you cake*
Brittany
Ah! Happy Blogaversary! *throws confetti* *releases balloons* Your blog is one of my favorites! Thank you for the giveaways and eat some cake!
CONGRATULATIONS, Cait!!! 5 years IS a long time, and you should be very, very proud. I am proud of you!! 😘 And then you say the nice things, and I get so happy, because you are too kind!
I think that the things you’ve learned while blogging are SO spot-on. It is always best when you’re just yourself. Unless yourself is a real jerk, but luckily you don’t have to worry about that one 😉 In seriousness, I think that’s the biggest piece of advice to give any new bloggers- just do YOU, and be kind to others. That’s the big “secret”. And if you want to work hard at it, go for it! I am just SO in agreement with you, based on my experiences, and watching other blogs, etc. OH and I promise that I am not just here for the cake. Honestly, the cake just makes me hungry. I BRAVE the cake for YOU! ♥
I have been blogging for one day longer than however old Sammy is these days. Seriously, I knew Lena’s age down to the day, but when the second kid comes along… no one has time for that. So I guess… over 2.5 years? He/I will be 3 in October, and I do NOT understand how the time has flown by on both counts.
I think one of the biggest things I have learned is that there will be good days and bad. Days when you question why you do it, days when there’s overwhelming drama that makes you want to throw your laptop into the street and go to bed. But those days are the exception, not the rule. And when you’re at the end of your rope, frustrated with whatever or whoever, someone will come along and be AMAZING, because that is what the bookish world is, and it will all be okay.
OH- and I add my pageviews together! Because why start over? I have my blogger views memorized and then add them to whatever my current WP views are! Olé! Now, I shall enter your giveaways, because I need these things! I already added these lovely people to my Etsy list because their stuff looks AMAZING 😀
AHHH. Happy blogoverary, Cait! -throws cake and confetti into the air-
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY CAIT!!!! I’M SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR BLOG AND WILL BE SHOWERING YOU WITH SUCH FRIENDSHIP IN THE YEARS TO COME!!! <3
Your blog is five years old?!?! That’s crazy and awesome. Congrats on reaching such a milestone. I’ve been blogging a little over two years and I can’t believe, but managing to reach five would be amazing. I like the list of things you’ve learnt whilst blogging, it’s so easy to forget we all start off clueless and then we slowly figure out what we’re doing… or we pretend we know and fake it til we make it.
I always forgot my own blogversary, it is terrible. So no surprises that I’m late to yours. Happy blogbirthday!
Congratulations!!! Five years is like a lifetime in the book blogging world and I am so glad that you have kept going. I have been blogging for about 4 years now and it has definitely felt longer. I have a theory that blogging time is completely different than normal time. Throughout my blogging experience, I have learned that there are always a ton of nice, funny, and overall amazing people to meet if you put yourself out there. I am naturally an introvert, so at first it was difficult for me to reach out to other bloggers. But I learned that a little kindness can lead to a lot of new friends.
Thank you for being so awesome over theses five years. I don’t think that you give yourself enough credit with your blogging accomplishments. I mean, you basically created a cult of amazing pineapples, which is not an easy thing to do.
I hope you have many, many, many more years of blogging ahead!
Wow!! 5 years! Congrats!!!!!!! Happy blogiversary!!
~Sara
A teensy bit late but…. Happy blogversary!!! Your blog was one of the first I found when I returned to blogging and I’ve loved reading all your posts. You’ve got a great writing style and you genuinely are one of the friendliest book bloggers around! 😀
HAPPY FIFTH BLOGAVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT’S SO CRAZY EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yay! Congrats, Cait, bookdragon overlord.
I have been blogging for 1 year and a month. And in that time … I haven’t learned a whole lot. 😛
Huzzah! Cake! Giveaways!
I can’t believe it’s been five years already smushster. I’m going to sound like a senior citizen talking about the good ol’ days here, but I remember first visiting The Notebook Sisters all those years ago. Even back then you had GIF game and would talk about your love for shipping even before shipping was even a thing. I’ve seen you go from a teen who poked fun at her sister, talked about playing music and even back then you were so passionate about your writing. You really are the original Manic Dream Pixie Girl, John Green owes you a pretty penny for that, and you have encouraged so many new bloggers and teens to invest in books through fun posts (which us oldies have no idea what half the acronyms are you kids use these days), but you’ve played such a big part of getting books into the hands of new readers and THAT is truly inspiring. Congratulations on five wonderful years of blogging smushy (and Mime as well) and here’s to five more! <3 <3
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to realise that my blogversary falls on the same day as yours! We could have been birthday queens together ahah. I only discovered your blog last year (I know, I must have been living under a rock) so I have 4 more years worth of posts to take a look at and hopefully many more to come. Your blog and amazing character never fail to put a smile on my face and remind me why I love this community so much, THANK YOU! Here’s to another great 5 years <3 and much more cake.
A very happy blogaversary to you, Cait 🙂 I love your exuberant style and beautiful pictures and great taste in books! May there be many more years of bloggy fun to come.
I’ve been blogging in various places for close to 7 years now, and mostly I’ve learned that you basically get out what you put in. The more we read and comment on each other’s blogs and social media, the happier everyone is! It also has the slightly less positive side effect of growing the to-read list exponentially, but that was going to happen anyway, right?!
I hope you’re enjoying your blogaversary party (yay cake!) 🙂
Happy Happy Blogoversary Cait!!!!! I’m so happy I discovered your blog cuz you put out such amazing, creative content and of course all the CAKE! I’ve been blogging for almost a year and two things I’ve learned are CONNECT, CONNECT, CONNECT, and ALWAYS BE YOURSELF! It gets you a long way and is so easy to do! Looking forward to many more posts, lists, and delight coming from you and your blog!
CONGRATS CAIT!!!!!
I am honestly SO, SO happy. I can’t believe you’ve been blogging for five years! You’re definitely the most friendly blogger in the bloggerverse and I am so glad of that (I mean you converse with everyone on the internet, you should totally get a badge for that sort of internet prowress). Not to mention BLOODY HELL CAIT. Since when did you have 18,200 followers on social media?! 😀 It must be all the gorgeous Instagram photos. Not to mention the really cool and witty tweets. Ah, you’re one of the best out there Cait! Can’t wait for more and more years of great stuff from you! <3
CAIT. Congratulations, and huzzah, and much cheers!!! *showers you with chocolate chips and glitter*
FIve Years. GIRL. That is a long time (I haven’t even been blogging for a full year yet). O.O What an accomplishment! Obviously I’m thrilled to pieces for you and uber excited and, oh, so happy that you’re part or the blogsphere. It wouldn’t be the same without your bright, friendly self and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. *hugs* 🙂
(although, the possessive spirit you have in regards to Jupiter does not sit well. *kidding* *slightly* 😉 )
CONGRATS AGAIN. GO ENJOY YOUR CAKE.
(Oh, and about your questions: I haven’t blogged for long, but you are totally right about how important friendliness is! Also, connecting with other people and just generally being yourself. All so important. ^_^)
Wow, happy birthday to your blog! *tosses confetti* That’s a huge achievement, to have been blogging for so long. =D
Happy 5 year anniversary dear immortal dragon overlord of flawless perfection! Five years is sooo old but you and your blog look absolutely young!
I am a baby blog myself, I only started in January 2016. I know, I am still wearing diapers! But It’s been a fun ride filled with awesome meetings and lots of waffles (I share waffles because my cakes are not as good). Here’s a waffle for you, keep up the good work, your blog is as awesome as you!
Congratulations!! Five years is a long time to be blogging – I’m so glad that you’ve found ways to evolve and grow to keep it interesting and amazing. All the cake for you!!
And, it’s also interesting for another blogger to see your stats change over time! It’s cool to see how things grew organically.
I can’t believe I only found you last year since you’ve been blogging longer than I have – WHAT EVER?! WHERE WERE YOU HIDDING? Or probably where was I hiding lol! Anyway, I’ll be blogging for 4 years in September but I’m not the world dominating type so I’m much more quiet blog-wise than you are haha. Congrats on reaching such an amazing milestone *gobbles up cake* *passes cupcakes, CHEESEcake and other goodies*
Thanks for all the epic giveaways, keep being you and here’s to MANY happy returns ♥
So much Cake!!! Congrats Cait!! 😀 May you rule over the blogosphere for many more years to come 😀
I’ve been blogging for almost 3 years now. Recently moved to self hosted and branched out into travelling & food as well 😀 I’ve learnt that it’s important to be nice, comment and visit back the bloggers that visit you. Still need to get better with social media tho. And post consistently. I’m afraid i’ve got no other secret hehe.
Happy reading!
OH EM GEE I’m first on your list <3 <3 <3 Which clearly means I'm the most important. Ahem. CONGRATS ON FIVE YEARS. I can't believe it's been so long O_O You're practically ANCIENT. Here's to another five years of fabulous. *clinks glass*
Happy Blogversary! I am new to Paper Fury, but I am loving what I have seen so far! Keep up the great work!
Happy blogaversary and thanks so much for the giveaways!
Congratulations on your blogiversary. From just 23 followers to the current 2000, wow oh wow!
Haaaaappppyyyy blogiversary to youuuuuuu~ *throws confetti*
I’ll have been blogging for two years in July. It’s crazy to think that I’ve been doing this for this long! What I’ve learned in this time is that it’s okay to not stress over having a post up every day – or to have one up every day, if you want. That it’s really good to go back and visit the people who comment on your blog (though I’ve been seriously slacking again, hnnnggg). And to just have fun with it and do what you want! It’s your space, your blog, so blog how you want. And also that I really enjoy participating in group things, like Loveathon.
What do you see for yourself in this upcoming year, Cait?
AHH! Congrats Cait! FIVE YEARS is an extremely long time. Keep it up & eat lots of cake.
HAPPY 5th BLOGVERSARY!!!!!! *throws lots of confetti!!!*
You’re amazing and your blog’s too!
I hope so much to win!
Oh my gosh, Cait!!! *showers you with ALL THE CAKE and cupcakes* HAPPY BLOGVERSARY!!! I mean, I’m like, a week late on this, but I must squeal about this nonetheless! How exciting this must be–5 years?!! My gosh, Cait, go ahead and make me feel like a little itty bitty newbie again why don’t you! Jk, jk. You’re so nice I can’t even be mad at you. 😀 But 1 year pales in comparison for sure. I can however definitely agree with the fact how much our blog changes!! My posts and blogging style is a lot more different from when I first started, though I don’t regret that. It’s okay to change!
Anyway, before I ramble on and on about how much I love you and your blog and everything about it, congrats once again on the amazing milestone, and here’s to many more to come! <3 *showers you once again with more cake* And thank you for so many giveaway opportunities!
HAPPY FIVE YEARS OF BLOGGING! (Better late than never with the commenting, right? I’m still playing catch-up.) ANYWAY. I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your blog! Your voice is so distinct and your commentary is so fun and so smart, and I just adore it all <3
Happy Bloggoversary! I know I’m late to the party but I wanted to wish you well! I was in Florida while this was going on. Your blog stats leaps gives me hope that perhaps my blog can grow somewhat in the range of yours haha. Thanks for making the bloggosphere a better place!
HAPPY BLOGVERSARY!!! (Even though I’m absurdly late to the party. Feel free to throw stale baked treats at me. I’m terrible.) Your blog is just one of those blogs where I LOVE binging the posts (probably part of the reason I’m awful at keeping up). I mean, you can’t just take one bite of cake, so why read one post when you can read five at once?!
Anyways, you’re fabulous, as usual. Here’s to another year!
OMG HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY SWEETIE <3
THANKYOU, RACHEL!!
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY!!! Sorry I missed your awesome giveaways and that I am so late to the party. Better late than never, obviously!!!
Your blog has grown so much and it is totally deserved. You are probably one of the few blogs that has like 2k followers where almost all those people come back every week to read your posts. There is a reason: Your blog is AMAZING! 🙂 I remember back when I first started and I suddenly started seeing comments from Notebook Sisters on my blog. I went to your blog and fell in love straight away, and had no clue why you weren’t the biggest book blog around. So happy to see your blog grow and grow. Your posts always make me laugh, and also speak to my very bookish soul as you just seem to understand exactly what I am thinking.
And I just saw you listed me in your thank yous and this makes me super happy! THANK YOU!!! I know I am a terribly absent blogger at times, but as soon as I come back I always come here first. Seriously, I am not joking, I come and comment on your posts before I even write my own posts or comment back to my own comments. Ooooops. I can’t help it, your blog is AWESOME!
So keep doing what your doing, I will be reading your blog until either I die or you stop posting because you’re too busy being a bestselling author/ruler of the universe xxx
AWWW THIS POST! It made me vair happy. CONGRATS YOU BIG OLE BLOGGER YOU! (you’re practically a senior citizen!) OK OK things I’ve learnt:
COMMENT BACK COMMENT BACK COMMENT BACK. I learnt that a couple of years ago and … comment back! CoMmeNt bACk! Comment back, everyone, that’s all.
Design is important and time should be spent on it because we’re all terribly quick to judge with our eyes and it REALLY DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
The most important thing, though, is the thing you said about THERE ARE NO RULES. Sometimes I’m like “gosh darn, can I post two writing related posts in a row??” THE ANSWER IS YES. My followers follow me because they want to read my blog. Ergo they will read my blog. And I need not to freak out about review/discussion ratio or whatever the heck it is.
Loved this post! ~clinks wine glass~
Happy 5th blogiversary, Cait! I love how your posts are always infused with your bright personality, kindness, and generosity. And the cake, much love for the cake. <3
After blogging for 4 months, I've learned slow and steady is definitely the way to go. Like you said, our health should be priority over anything we do for our blogs. And the results I've seen so far have been humbling!
Here's to many more years of blogging, Cait! *raises glass*
DUDE, WE SHARE BLOGOVERSARIES… well, almost (we’re 2 days apart, which is basically NOTHING in blog-time). But this past month, Natalie and I have been hit with… every mildly entertaining plot of a YA contemporary ever (lowkey robbery! Computer death! Surgery! Uni-after-a-month-of-ignoring-it-in-favor-of-NaNoWriMo!), so we’ve just… postponed ours. FOR SHAME, LIFE.
BUT WHOOOOOA, YOU’RE HALF A BLOGGISH DECADE OLD! WHICH IS, LIKE, 1200 FICTIONAL LIVES’ WORTH OF AWESOME! (I mathed. It was hard.) *WHEELS IN CARTFULS OF CAKE-ON-TOP-OF-CAKE* IF EVER THERE WAS A CAKE-GORGING OCCASION… THIS IS IT!
I love the overview and how you’ve grown in numbers, and I looove the shout-outs (mostly because I’d pick the same… are we in a bookish clique and don’t even know it?), BUT MOSTLY I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE INSIGHT YOU’VE AMASSED OVER THE YEARS AND HAVE NOW BESTOWED UPON US. (Especially MOAR CAKE. This is important for a human’s continued existence.)
CONGRATS, YOU EPIC BEAN OF EPICNESS! *THROWS CONFETTI*
I know I’m so late on this comment (damn you work!), but just want to wish you and Paper Fury a BIG HAPPY 5 year blogoversary!! I think I’m approaching my 4th year, and I definitely have not achieved as much as you have in your blogging years! But I’m constantly learning (and trying to keep up with the blog, how do you do it?!??!), so I’m definitely happy with that! Yiew! Here’s to many more wonderful blogging years ahead!
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY CAIT! On to many more years! 🙂 Also, it’s time to come clean. I don’t like cake *hides* I’m only telling you so that you know I’m not here for the cake but for you and your lovely blog 😉 Don’t hunt me down lol
Happy Blogoversary! (this is late, so so sorry)! It’s so great to see your updates and read your posts. They’re so fun.
I’ve been blogging for over three years now, but it’s still a little daunting.
Important/Fab things I’ve learned along the way: Trust your gut and write/craft your own voice because no one else has the same feelings and/or opinions as you so might as well own them and be proud.