Picture drawn by Maggie Stiefvater, 2009. Header made by S.F. Robertson, 2010.

Monday, June 23, 2014

7th Year Blogoversary!

I seriously cannot believe it's been 7 years since I first started this blog. It really doesn't feel like it, and that's due to how much fun I have with the members of this community and how much I love doing this.

I've talked about all the fun I've had over the years in previous posts. So I'm just going to focus on stuff that happened in the past year.

I missed BEA last year but to make up for it, I went to YALLFest for the first time and absolutely loved it. I got to meet so many people and see some friends again, and had a great weekend in Charleston. I cannot wait to go again this year.

During that time, I had gone through about a month of chemotherapy treatment by the time I went to YALLFest. I was diagnosed last September with Hodgkin's lymphoma and it amazed me so much how much love, support and generosity I got from the YA blogosphere. I feel so grateful for how many people prayed for me, kept me in their thoughts, and asked me how I was doing whenever I was at a book event (and lots of hugs too, which I loved!). While I obviously had so much love and support from my friends and family, having a whole online community looking out for me too made me feel so loved and cared for, and I cannot thank you all enough.

I also had another great milestone earlier this year with the publication of my first short story in the Best Gay Romance 2014 anthology. I was extremely excited to be included, especially among so many authors I admired, and it felt like fate. I randomly came across a retweet one morning in February of last year for a call for submissions and submitted. The other funny thing is that I rarely buy gay anthologies and adult novels, but back in 2009, I actually bought the first anthology Timothy and Becky did called Fool or Love and now they were my editors for this new anthology! I've continued working on some other short stories and submitted some others, and have made some great new writing friends- Gavin Atlas, N.S. Beranek, and Bryson McCrone who have been helping me with some feedback on my stories, which I really appreciate.

Again, thank you all for following and supporting me all these years and continuing to be such wonderful friends and peers. I am constantly astonished at the amazing authors, bloggers, and publishers I get to know and be friends with.

Also, I've started doing videos again on my Youtube channel, so please check them out and subscribe!!

11 comments:

  1. Woohoo, Happy 7th Blogoversary, heres to many, many more!

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  2. Happy blogoversary!

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  3. Happy blogoversary! You've had quite the year. (And I'll definitely have to buy that anth to get your story - is it out yet?)

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    1. It was released this past February and can usually be found in the GLBT section of your bookstore.

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  4. James, happy blogiversary! SEVEN years! Wow. It made me think back to how long ago I met you at BEA. I think that was four years ago! I am so sorry I missed your post about your Hodgkins Lymphoma. As you probably remember both of my daughters had it, so I have some idea of the crazy journey you've been on. Hugs, prayers, and good vibes.

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    1. I actually did not know that and I'm sorry that you and your family had to go through it. It is a crazy journey, but I am very grateful that I had/have a very treatable cancer. Though I am dealing with a potential recurrence right now; just had a biopsy and hopefully the results will come back with good news. Thank you for the prayers and well wishes, and I'm so excited to read Kiss of Deception soon!

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    2. Yes, that experience is what prompted The Adoration of Jenna Fox. I learned too, that because of extensive research for this particular cancer, it was more treatable than some cancers. One daughter is 14 years cancer-free now, and the other 8 years cancer-free. Hang in there! xo

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  5. Happy Blogoversary. AND Happy Birthday to YOU too, right?? At least that's what facebook tells me. I hope you aren't spending it in the hospital. :( Sending lots of love and hugs your way. And cupcakes. [[} [[} [[} [[}

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  6. Happy blogoversary! Here's to many more healthy, book-filled years!

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  7. Happy blogoversary! I am 7 this month too. My first post was on the 22nd...and first review on the 25th. Like you I can't believe that its been 7 years. *raises a glass* here's to all the blog posts to come!

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  8. James - happy anniversary! You were the very first blogger that I ever talked to way back in the MySpace days!! Anyway, I've been thinking of you lately and just wanted to check in and see that you were okay. Lots of hugs xoxo

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