Monday, November 21, 2011

THANK YOU ALL FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR! A ONE YEAR BLOGAVERSARY AND 500 FOLLOWER CELEBRATION!

Greetings everyone...

Well, now that I am finally back and am able to catch up with all of you, I can officially give THANKS to all of you.

What can I say about this year? Not only have I forged some AMAZING friendships, I have learned so much! Not only about writing, but about loyalty, friendship, and yes, even love. Is there anything more amazing than that?

How awesome is life that we can connect with friends from all over the globe. Bonding together through our journey as writers. This year I am thankful to see many of my blogger friends with agents, published books, and incredible stories.

Through challenges like the A-Z and Campaigners, many of us have written some of THE most amazing pieces of prose. Also through these challengers we met some friends for life. I can't begin to tell you all how special you are to me.

These past few months have taken me away from you and I haven't been the best blogging friend, but I will try my best to get back to your blogs and keep in touch. Life whisks us away at times, but it is always reassuring to know that our community is always waiting for our return.

As many of you know, I have just had my one year blogoversary. And, I promised I would do something special for all you.

I think this is the perfect week to give back, since it is Thanksgiving week. As a token of my affection I would like to award a few AMAZON gift cards! What better gift, than the gift of reading. You can buy some of those e-books, you've been dying to read!

All you have to do, for entry is be a follower and comment on this post. Tell me what you have learned this year from our amazing community.

For extra entries, twitter, facebook, and spread the word on your blogs.... leave links if you can, but I do trust you.

On Saturday, December 3rd, I will announce the winners. I will be awarding three gift cards! So you have until Midnight Dec. 2nd to enter.

I hope to meet some new friends and finally make 500. I know I can count on all of you. I would really appreciate you displaying a button.... Isn't it cute?! This is made from LEGOS!


72 comments:

Linda Gray said...

Wow, Michael, congratulations on your one-year blogoversary! That is outstanding. The writing community is amazing. I started writing a long time ago before blogging existed, and I can tell you that it is huge to have a community of writers online who pull together this way. It lifts us all up and gives us joy, hope and inspiration to keep going and keep loving our work.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Congratulations! At least you remembered your anniversary.
I've learned that blogging friend are the greatest supporters in the world,
I'll Tweet later (on my iPad right now) and I'll add it to one of my posts by next Monday.

Sarah Tokeley said...

You've come so far in a year Michael, congratulations. I'm not a bit surprised. I'll do my best to blog about it this week, although things are a bit hit and miss right now :-)

I'm thankful that I met people who don't think I'm ridiculous for wanting to write, people I'm glad to call friends.

Heather said...

I've learned that just when we're ready to give up, there is someone there who is willing to pick us back up. No matter how hard the road gets, as long as we travel it together, we will reach our destination.

Laura said...

Happy blogaversary, dear friend! And WOOHOO in advance for that 500!

I'd say this year, my first in bloggy land, I have started to learn the art of selflessness - or at least, that is the lesson which is taught again and again on all the wonderful blogs I encounter. Amazing people, with wonderful gifts of their own, tirelessly supporting and advertising other people's gifts. Makes you all warm and fuzzy, doesn't it?!

So fab to have you back - I'll be blogging about your giveaway tomorrow
Lxxx

Lorelei Bell said...

I never remembered my 1st blogaversity. My only follower at the time was Heather--love her!

I haven't followed you long, just back when we were doing the challenges, I think.

YOur 500 followers button IS cute! Who knew Legos came to this!!!? I'll try and get something up later on this week. Glad you're back with us!

Hart Johnson said...

Happy bloggiversary to you! And congrats on 500 followers--in just a year, that's pretty amazing!

Welcome back!!!

Unknown said...

Well, congrats! I agree with Hart, 500 followers in a year is something!

I know I have learned a lot from blogging. The advice for writers out there is invaluable and the friendships I've made are fantastic. It's hard to keep up sometimes but I know the friends I've made throughout the year will last a long time.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats on the year anniversary and 500 followers. How awesome. This is my first year too and I've learned a lot about how to blog and made new friends. I've also learned that blogging is work.

Thanks for the contest and have a great Thanksgiving.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Wow! 500 followers! That's a lot! Congratulations! The blogging community is fabulous. I'm thrilled to be a part of it. And to have met you through it!

Monti

Roland D. Yeomans said...

This is an amazing writing community, supportive and kind. Congrats in advance for your 500 followers. Roland

mshatch said...

congratulations :)

Angela Ackerman said...

Congrats to you! And wow, Cinderella's castle looks so amazing all lit up like that. It would be fun to go during Christmas holidays. :)

Happy writing,

Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

Carol Riggs said...

Congrats on your blogoversary, and you are WAY close to 500 now! (483) And you are so generous to give away book giftcards, woo! What every writer drools over. Thanks for the opportunity.

I Tweeted and Facebooked too!

Danette said...

That's awesome Michael! And I am not a bit surprised that you hit 500 followers in a year. And congratulations on your one year blogiversary! I think we "met" just a few weeks after Thanksgiving. Cheers!

Nicole Zoltack said...

Congrats on having so many followers in just a year and your one year blogiversary! I posted on facebook and on twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/NicoleZoltack/status/138704809443328002

erica and christy said...

I've learned, well, that keeping up with every thing is hard, but some things are worth keeping up on (like friends). :)

And I'll tell christy to do all those techy things...
erica

Theresa Milstein said...

What a generous giveaway.

What haven't I learned? I've learned how generous people can be with their time, reading my manuscript and not asking for anything in return. I've received excellent, detailed advice when I've posed a question. I've been invited to write for various publications. The generosity of the community never fails to amaze me.

I follow and I'm sharing this post on FB.

Michelle Wallace said...

Congratulations! So many followers... and in one year! Amazing!

Unknown said...

Has it only been a year?? Really? I swear, it feels like I've "known" you longer than that! Well, congratulations on reaching one year of blogging!
I've learned that this blogging thing isn't just about keeping a cyber-tally of how many blogs you've visited each day, but rather about connecting on a very real level with people who understand the dream to become a writer better than anyone else.

xx R

Unknown said...

Congrats on a great first year of blogging. I find the writing community to be one of the most generous and supportive out there. Here's to reaching 500 followers!

Robyn Campbell said...

If I could follow you a hundred times I would. That's how much you mean to me. To all of us. Cinderella's place looks gorgeous.We went one year. It is awesome!

I'll facebook, tweet and put a button up on my sidebar with a post. Hugging you, my friend.

What have I learned? That the blogging community where we live is the most generous of all. You and a few others have prayed for me. I am so thankful. That means the world to me. I'll bring back the links. *waving*

Talli Roland said...

Yay Michael! Welcome back - I was just thinking about you the other day and wondering how you were, and then you left a comment!

What a fab giveaway - happy blogiversary!

Robyn Campbell said...

Here are the links, my friend.

Twitter

Facebook

Putting Pen To Paper

It's on the sidebar too.

Deniz Bevan said...

I love being part of this writing community! Will definitely mention your anniversary on tomorrow's blog post. Meanwhile, though, I finally did the What I Did On My Summer Vacation blogfest!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Five-hundred followers sir is an awesome milestone! You are very popular. :)

catherinemjohnson.com said...

Happy Blogiversary, Michael. You sure have had an awesome year! Enjoy!

catherinemjohnson.com said...

Happy Blogiversary, Michael. You sure have had an awesome year! Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on such a huge accomplisment! My life is richer for having connected with you. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

happy blogiversary!!
What have I learned this year? To be patient, hard working, and to keep writing and success will happen.

Laura said...

PS a link is live at Daily Dodo - hope it helps
Lx

Coleen Patrick said...

Congrats on your blogiversary! And many more!! :)

LTM said...

isn't it cool how you can be away, yet the group's always in touch. It is a great, supportive group of writer friends, and we are all making strides toward our goals.

What I've learned? That patience is a constant in this business. It's always being tested and growing. And it always sux--LOL! :D <3 ((LB hugs))

Len Lambert said...

Hi Michael! Happy One Year Blogaversary, congratulations on reaching almost 500 followers and Happy Thanksgiving!!!! :)

I'm not entering the contest as I'm based in the UK so you can give the chance to others :)

I'm also celebrating Friendships on my blog for Thanksgiving with giveaways from generous friends! Hope to see you there! :)

Alexandra Heep said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alexandra Heep said...

(deleted my previous comment to edit it)
Hello, I have found you through Laura's blog.

How about that, a male blogger, you guys are few and far between.

I missed the A-Z challenge, but I have something bookmarked about that for the next year (if it's the same one). Interesting bio you have!

What have I learned? I was a very sporadic blogger until NaBloWriMo and learned I could keep a commitment of 31 daily posts. I actually posted really early most of the time and found myself looking forward to them - and reading other people's.

Alex

Trisha said...

Congratulations on your year of blogging Michael!! I don't feel the need to be in the running to win any of the prizes since I already have way too many books on my TBR shelf, but just wanted to say congrats anyway! hehe

Karlene Petitt said...

Congratulations Michael! You are amazing. I've been so busy, it's hard to keep up with everyone. I just wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and tell you how much you're appreciated. You've given so much support to everyone and your energy and enthusiasm to your craft will pay off tenfold. You deserve the best, because you are the best!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Congratulations, Micheal! You are so supportive of you bloggy friends. I hope that the next 12 months will bring you much happiness. :)

Anonymous said...

Wow congratulations on your blogversary. In the very short time I have been blogging I have gotten to know some wonderful people. Many in the same boat. Well done Michael and happy blogversary xxx

Unknown said...

Congratulations. One year and near 500? What a huge accomplishment. That's some serious networking/friendshiping skills. :D

Margo Kelly said...

Congrats on your blogoversary! :) It is a great community we are a part of! :)

Southpaw said...

Congrats.Wow, 500 in one year is awesome!

Denise Covey said...

Hi Michael, great to see you back and firing on all cylinders. To reach 500 in a year is beyond awesome, but you do make that extra effort in the blogosphere.

What have I learned? That without blogging, my world would be so much smaller. It's my blogging friends out there that have made the world a much more exciting, welcoming and supportive place. And you're one of those special people.

I'll take your badge and will spread the word.

Denise

Unknown said...

Congrats Michael!

I've learned quite a bit from my writing blog community. I guess the one thing that comes to mind the most is (like you said) they will always be their to help, since they're going through the same experiences with writing most of the time. It's great to have that kind of online support.

the wild magnolia said...

I have learned so much from the writing of others. It has been thrilling. There is so much talent and wisdom from even the very young writer. I am having so much fun.

Your blog is so fun and upbeat, so much going on, and keeping us up to date on good things.

Blessings.

dolorah said...

Congratulations Michael :) I'm so happy for you; and even more happy to have met you.

Over this last year I have made a lot of new friends, and participated in some excellent writing events. My writing has improved vastly with all the support from blog friends.

I'll post this in my side bar. I lost my internet for a week and I'm behind too.

Welcome home :)

.......dhole

J.C. Martin said...

Congrats on hitting 500! We're both celebrating the same followed milestone!

I'm certainly thankful for the online writing/blogging community for all their support and feedback through the last year and a half since I began blogging! And I agree with Donna, my writing certainly has improved with all your helpful comments and encouragement!

I'm hosting a giveaway on my blog too if you;re interested in entering? ;)

The Manic Chef said...

Greetings, and congrats on your one year anniversary! I have been skimming through your blog, and finding it very enjoyable, and entertaining. Actually, I found you through another blogger,'Life on the Farm', dear grandpa, what a blessing he has been,hope he returns soon. I digress....I look forward to following you, and I've become an official follower...(the crowd goes wild)! I truly enjoy this community life, and am grateful for it as you are. So take care and I wish you continued success on your blog, and writing, and interior designing! Later.....

Lisa Potts said...

Almost there! 490 and counting!

I can't believe you've only been blogging for a year. You've made the blogosphere a nicer place to visit just by being yourself. And one of these days, we will meet face to face!

Lisa Potts said...

P.S. I've got you sidebarred!

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Happy Blogversary!!!

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Hi Michael! So happy to celebrate your year anniversary with you! I tweeted (SA_Larsen) & Facebooked for you: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1012363628

Over this past year, my second year of blogging, I've learned to trust my gut more and be myself. Ahh....

Laura Pauling said...

So awesome! Congrats! I'm a new follower and I'll tweet!

Jessica Bell said...

Happy blogoversary!!! That's wonderful! :o) What have I learned? Well, that blog friendships can actually be better than face-to-face ones. If only my face-to-face friendships were with people who WROTE! :-/ Off to FB and tweet!!! :o)

Misha Gerrick said...

Happy bloggerversary!

I learnt that there are more than one way to be a good writer. :-)

N. R. Williams said...

Hi Michael.
Nice to see you back. I've been sick and hope that I can play catch up soon. Congratulations on your blog anniversary.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, Fantasy Author

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

What an impressive number of followers in a short period of time. I'm sure you'll keep growing.

latishajean said...

Big Congrats to you on followers! I love reading am always looking for great blogs to follow! I follow on GFC and twitter-latishajean

M Pax said...

Happy Blogaversary & the followers. Only 6 from 500! Hope you had a great holiday, too.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Plugged your contest on my blog today. Plus the Tweet last week. No idea how many entries that gets me!

Karen Lange said...

Congratulations Michael! Wish you all the best!

Anonymous said...

First time on your blog and am now a follower... congrats on the 1 yr anniversary... just tweeted your contest:)

Biggest thing I learned this past year is how wonderful the community is out there - so many great people.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Congratulations! And thanks to Alex for helping me to discover your blog.

Unknown said...

Man I have been such a bad sister, do you forgive me? Been caught up in my own little world of waves lately but I promise to find the oars to this boat soon and find my way back to shore. There is only one thing I have learned this past year from blogging and that is you can find family where and when you least expect it.

Author A.O. Peart said...

Congratulations on your growing follower list and happy blogoversary. I hopped over here from Alex's blog :-)

Nicki Elson said...

I just tweeted, and I'll get you on my side bar right away. Let's see, what have bloggers taught me...I think that it IS possible to make personal connections, even through bite-sized cyperspace. :) I see you only need three mooooore...

Kittie Howard said...

Congratulations, Michael! You're awesome! I thought I was following, but guess I wasn't *hangs head* but brought you one person closer to 500...yay!

Cathy Ballou Mealey said...

OK, I'll stop lurking long enough to become 499 - now you are just ONE away!! I know you will make it!!

Congratulations on your blogoversary! I've learned from your blog - and several others - that the online community is an incredible support and resource on the days when you need fresh input!

Lenny Lee said...

hi mr michael! wowee!!! a whole year of being a blogger and 500 followers all in one BIG celebration. wow! how cool is that! hooray for you!! for me i been learning sooooo much from my blogger friends thats making me a way better writer. and for sure i got lots of support from them. its just real nice your giving out those amazon presents for your celebration. i hope you get lots more followers til you get to a zillion!!!!!
...smiles from lenny

Janet, said...

Congratulations on your 1 year blogoversary! I have became friends with so many writers since I started blogging. It is so helpful to have friends that 'understand' what it is like to be a writer.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I didn't know it was your blog anniversary too! Congrats again!