Saturday 7 May 2016

Why I started blogging and why I keep doing it | Conversations


Conversations is a fortnightly discussion meme hosted by Geraldine @ Corralling Books and Joan @ Fiddler Blue, where the aim is to get to know other bloggers and to generate conversations, as the name of the meme suggests! In May, the subjects are about blogging habits, starting with “What pushed you to start blogging and why do you continue to blog?”.

What pushed me to start blogging?

I find this question very important, because I’m approaching my first blogoversary, and I had no idea I would go this far when I first started. First, if you’re new here, you might not know that I’m French and I’ve only been reading in English for three years (2013), because I was tired of waiting a year for translations (also, I needed Clockwork Prince more than anything).


At the time, I was watching BookTube videos and talked about my love for books on Tumblr, but it was pretty time-consuming and I had to stop after senior year of high school. After that, I discovered Goodreads and my whole life was changed. I feel like I’m spending 20% of my day there, to be honest. #addiction So yes, basically, I needed other people to fangirl over books with, and I couldn’t have that in real life, since I was reading in English.

Then, last June, I went through a rough period because of school (I wasn’t really at university at that time, I was preparing to go into a prestigious school where twelve people can go in every year, I know it wasn’t a wise idea) and I almost felt worthless. I just wanted to quit and held back my feelings for way too long. Then, I went back to reading like a crazy person and read a book a day in a month (which means, 30 books).

You know what it did? I felt rested, happy and myself, for the first time in months.


I needed to do something I was passionate about and that I knew I could be good at. I had been writing reviews (when I had the time though) on Goodreads for two years. I realized I wanted to share my love for books with others, from all around the world, since I couldn’t really talk with people in real life about the books I read, and it made me sad (I still recommended The Young Elites, An Ember in the Ashes and Clockwork Angel in the last few months, so I manage to have a good influence!). Also, at that time, I was into the idea I wanted to work in the publishing industry and I thought it would help to start a blog, but I’m not really interested to do that in France, so I changed my mind… Anyway, that’s how it started.


Why do I continue to blog?

Overall, I started this blog to prove myself I could and that’s why I never gave up. Of course, I had up and downs, sometimes it can be quite stressful, especially in December, when I second-guessed myself and in March and April, because I didn’t have my computer.

I “met” so many amazing people during my time here. Sometimes, I stop and think about the fact that I’m speaking with people from all around the world, because we all love the same thing: books. And that’s just one of the most beautiful things in the world. I’m so proud to be part of this community, you guys.


Moreover, I discovered a lot of new books thanks to the blogosphere and I think I would be seriously missing out if I didn’t have that. I finally read and loved The Winner’s Trilogy thanks to the blogosphere, when I had been hesitant for so long. I also discovered so many debuts and I think I can say I’m becoming a debut enthusiast! Now, I’m getting excited for books coming out in 2018, it’s getting out of hand! XD

 Moreover, having a blog makes me happier, proud of myself for what I achieved and now, it’s just a part of myself. I don’t see myself not blogging.


What about you? Why did you start blogging? Why are you still doing it?

8 comments:

  1. What a lovely post, Lucie!
    It's so nice to hear about how you got started, and I'm so glad you enjoy it and that you've found your way to reading books in English too! It must be nice to be able to read new releases. I know I would be too impatient to wait for translations!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Annika! :)
      For translations, we have to wait six months to a year and that's so frustrating. My brother is always afraid I'm going to spoil Rick Riordan's books for him now, that's how you rule! ;) I like that I actually improved my English thanks to books and not classes! :)

      Delete
  2. I absolutely love this post Lucie! I completely agree with everything you've said - it's so great to be able to discuss and talk about books with people who are just as passionate about them as I am. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous post! ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Zoe! :) Yes, people understand this love when in real life... It's not really the same thing! When you finish a book and it ends on a huge cliff-hanger, there will always be someone to help you through the trauma, haha. :)

      Delete
  3. Book blogging made me aware of new and upcoming releases more than before too! In the past, I'd just see books at a local bookstore and just buy one. Or see one in the internet and decide to search for it at a bookstorr and buy it. Now my TBR is crying, but I ain't regretting anything. xD Great post, Lucie, and advance happy blogoversary! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Even though I love being aware of new releases and the likes, I sometimes miss this time when I just went to the bookstore and choose a book. I feel like because of all the reviews I will always have some expectations... But at the same time, it helps me to know which books to avoid, even if they sounded promising. And yes, before I didn't have a TBR, I got the book, read it and then waited to have money for another. Now my TBR and my wallet are in mourning together, but it's so worth it! :D Thanks Mara! <3

      Delete
  4. What a nice post! I know when I started book blogging I had no idea of this big community and it was more just to keep track of my feelings towards different books. Now that I have been blogging for years, I definitely read differntly and have a new perspective on books. I continue because I love the community and the meaningful discussions as well as just promoting literature in general. It is very true that the blogosphere opens you up to so many new wonderful books and authors, but I miss reading books I knew nothing about just for fun. With that being said, I would not go back even if I had the chance.
    Chioma @ Blue Books and Butterflies

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Chioma! :)
      When I started, I was aware of the BookTube community but didn't know that many bloggers, but wow, oh it changed! I also feel like I've grown as a reader, and I love reading other people's reviews, because I always learn something from that. This community is so welcoming and I love that so much, I don't see myself stop blogging either! :)

      Delete