MY BLOG IS A TODDLER!

Why am I posting on a Friday? you ask. Because Out of Coffee, Out of Mind turns two years old tomorrow! That’s why! *flings confetti* Instead of making a cake and letting my little toddler smash its face into it, I’m going to throw a small virtual party, since it’s much less messy. (Also, I was informed blogs don’t eat cake. I’m still not sure if that’s true, but okay. Whatever you say. *rolls eyes*)

Over the course of the year, my blog has garnered more followers and more pageviews than I had expected (in fact, my pageview count for this year is seven times what it was for my first year). Not that it’s about numbers. *shifty eyes* But it’s encouraging to know that at least some people continue to be interested in what I have to say. 

According to the stats, these were my top fifteen most popular posts of the year: 

That Really Deep Writing Post

Cinderella (2015) vs. Ever After (2002)

DOCTOR HORRIBLE’S SING-ALONG BLOG: Which One’s the Villain?

The Get to Know Me Tag and Shenanigans 

I am Seven

Life Update #2 // Wherein I Admit to Having Fallen off the Face of the Earth

Your Blog is Your Blog 

Memento Mori 

SWEPT TO SEA and My Problem with Christian Romance

Discussion: A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS // Books 1-3

2016 // I Resolve

Beautiful People #14 // Writerly Resolutions and Goals

Discussion: A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS // Books 7-9

Further Gripes About Christian Romance

Why I Reread

Along the way, I have had some great encouragement and support from so many bloggers, and I feel bad for only listing a few, because I don’t want to leave anyone out. Also, there are so many nice things I want to say, and I’m feeling strangely speechless. But here goes: 

Aimee @ To the Barricade!: I love Aimee’s energy and her different perspectives on deep issues. Plus, she got me hooked on Twenty One Pilots. Need I say more? 

Alexa @ Summer Snowflakes: Alexa’s blog is great for reminding me how fun it is to be a fangirl. She’s also super sweet and thoughtful. 

Ashley @ [insert title here]: I love reading Ashley’s thoughts and seeing her get excited about books, fairytales, and Sherlock, among other things. She’s always been a bright spot. 

Cait @ Paper Fury: Cait is hilarious, and she's a blogging inspiration. But I have to watch my back because she’s always trying to use her dragons to steal my throne. 

Clara @ Lost in My Library: Clara is one of my newer followers. I haven't read nearly enough of her posts, but I really like what I've read so far, especially her thoughts on books. 

Grace @ Somewhat Reserved: Grace is also one of my newer followers, and again, I haven't read nearly enough of her posts. However, she reminded me how much I love BATTLE ROYALE and even got me more excited about it, so she deserves extra cake. 

Heather @ Sometimes I’m a Story: With her snarky, dry humor and her polite way of introducing negative opinions, Heather gets me to think even when I don’t want to think. Also, she was my first steady commenter. 

Imogen @ Gossiping with Dragons: Imogen always gives great writing advice, and she has a great singing voice. *nods* We also have very similar taste in stories, from what I can tell. 

Katie @ A Writer’s Faith: Not only do we share the same blogversary, but we also love pizza. Whenever I need to remember how writing and editing can be humorous, I hop on over to her blog. 

Opal @ Opal Swirls: Opal is deep and thoughtful and poetic, and she gave me lovely feedback on one of my manuscripts. 

RM Lutz @ The Book Hound: R.M. is understanding and supportive, and she is my main source for more obscure bookish recommendations. 

Tessa @ Books, Bubbles, and Arohanui: Tessa is kind and quirky, and I always find her posts inspirational and encouraging. 

Topaz @ Six Impossible Things: Topaz doesn't hesitate to share about her struggles, and she's always kind and understanding. 

TT @ introtoblurb: TT started blogging back in February, and I’ve really appreciated his support and involvement in the blogosphere. When I want to remember why I love blogging, it always helps to head on over to his blog. Also, he talks about food sometimes, so…

Victoria @The Endless Oceans of My Mind: Victoria has been invaluable, from her funny and thoughtful blog posts, to her supportive comments on my manuscript and blog, to her concern for my wellbeing. 

Victoria @ Wanderer’s Pen: Every time I drink tea, I think of this sweet, kind, wonderful person whose posts always make me smile and whose emails always make me feel valued. I’m glad I stumbled onto her blog, even though *whispers* I still think coffee is better than tea. 

This is by no means a conclusive list, and if I’ve missed you, please don’t be offended. I still like you! I just may not have read your blog enough to feel confident in giving an accurate description of you. 

Quick, look over there! A giveaway! *hides* 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open anywhere Book Depository ships. Please make sure you are either 18+ years old or have permission from your parents, as I will need your address if you win. Also, I am not responsible for any shipping failures. If you win but you either already own ILLUMINAE or don't want to own it, then I will be happy to substitute a book of equal or lesser value. In case you aren't familiar with ILLUMINAE, just click on the gorgeous cover photo below for the Goodreads description: 

Well, that's it for today, my little coffee beans. Thank you for coming to my blogversary party! *throws more confetti* *hands out coffee*