My two-year blogiversary is coming up on July 12th. Wow, I’ve been writing this blog for two years already? How can something feel like yesterday and forever at the same time?
Mostly, I’m amazed that I found that much to blog about, not just in the number of posts but the length of my posts. (I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve come up with a blog topic and said, “Oh, this one will be short,” and ended up between 1000 and 1200 words. *sigh*) Between my posts and my replies to comments, I’ve easily written over a quarter-million words on my blog in the past year.
And I’m not the only one. During the past year, my readers have left around 3000 comments on my blog (not including my replies). That’s an amazing amount of conversation and shared stories and tips, and it’s all thanks to you. You’re the reason I blog.
To thank you, I’m celebrating by holding a contest. For those who weren’t around last year, let me back up…
A blogiversary contest—that’s pretty normal, right? But there’s a reason I call myself insane. There’s a reason I write paranormal. There’s a reason my motto is, Why be normal?
I don’t want to do normal.
So for this contest celebrating this blog and all the readers that make it awesome, the prize is…me.
Well, not “me” literally, but my time and/or money. You get to pick what that means. (Disclaimer: Subject to reasonability, privacy concerns, and legality. I haven’t landed in jail yet, and I don’t intend to start now. *smile*)
I want this contest to be for all my readers, whether they’re a writer or not, whether they’re published or not, whether they’re a newbie or not. If you win, you decide how I can be most helpful to you.
Some ideas:
- $25 Amazon gift certificate
- Critique of your first chapter up to 5K words (Note: I write honest and detail-oriented critiques, and I’m a grammar-Nazi. You’ve been warned.)
- Critique of your synopsis and/or query letter
- Beta read up to 25,000 words (includes feedback on overall premise, characterization, and pacing, but not in-depth editing or grammar)
- General feedback by email brainstorming (story ideas: digging out from plot hole, blog/branding ideas: coming up with tagline, etc.)
- I’ll write a guest post for your blog
- You’ll get to write a guest post for this blog
- Three books from my general blog contest collection
- Pick my brain about anything (grammar questions, copies of the writing advice documents I’ve collected, a list of the writing advice bookmarks I’ve saved, copies of my blog customizations, etc.)
- Sneak peek at one of my completed stories (The perfect gift for any agent. *snicker*)
- Or anything else you can think of…within reason. *smile*
To enter, leave a comment. It’s just that easy. Maybe tell me what you’d like to win, or make up a funny choice to amuse us all. Introduce yourself if you’ve never commented before. Or tell me how stupid you think this contest idea is. Whatever. It will all count.
In addition, I’ll pick an additional winner for every 25 commenters (not including my comments). So if 1-25 different people comment on this post, I’ll pick one winner. If 26-50 different people comment, I’ll pick two winners. And so forth.
This contest will close at midnight EDT on Tuesday, July 10th, 2012. The winner(s) will be chosen randomly and announced on my official blogiversary post on Thursday, July 12th. Good luck!
Do you want to win something? If so, tell me about it!
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Hi Jami,
I don’t need a prize (already won one.) But I’d like to congratulate you on your two year anniversary! Thanks for all the wonderful posts.
Hi Buffy,
You’re #1.
And *pshaw*…you can combine prizes to get a bigger beta read if you want. Never say no to prizes.
*waves shyly* Hello! I’ve been silently stalking your blog for ages now. Can’t even remember what link I followed to find it, but I’ve loved all of your posts since then. I can only imagine how much fun your manuscripts must be.
My name’s Tami, and my husband and I write fantasy. Love the contest idea and the creative breadth of possible prizes … how could I pass up the chance at one of those? (spoiler: I couldn’t!)
One of these days I’ll remember to stop being QUITE so silent in comments on the blogs I follow.
Happy Blogiversary! *cupcake with two candles on it and a party hat*
Hi Tami,
You’re #2.
Aww, thank you so much! So glad I have the opportunity to officially welcome you.
And extra thanks for the cupcake!
Congrats on your 2 years blogging! That’s fantastic!
I’m always up for a good critique.
Hi Miranda,
You’re #3.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Hi Jami!
WOW! What a milestone! Congratulations on your upcoming blogiversary! Thank you for all the informative and wonderful posts you’ve written for everyone to learn from. Tuesdays and Thursdays are one of the highlights of every week for me.
Couldn’t tell you what I’d pick for a prize….I kinda like ALL of the ideas you’ve listed.
Though I am kinda curious about the writing advice documents you’ve collected. Hmm…..
Hi Melinda,
You’re #4.
Aww, thank you! Yes, I have bookmarked posts and documents I’ve copied galore–it’s a real struggle for me when I go to try to find something. LOL!
Great idea for a giveaway and a great reason to celebrate! CONGRATULATIONS! As for the prize I will have to think, not that easy
Hi Claudia,
You’re #5.
Thanks for the congratulations and good luck!
Congrats, Jami!
Wow, whoda thunk? Why, I remember when there was only you and I with two tin cans and a string. LOL! Now look. You’re awesome! *hugs*
I’d have to go with a guest post seeing as how I never freaking write anything on my own blog. Would be kinda fitting, don’t ya think?
Riley
Hi Riley (I still want to call you Murphy
),
You’re #6.
I know. And they were rusty tin cans too. LOL! Love your logic about the prize.
Thanks for the congratulations and good luck!
What a fabulous idea! Love it
Congrats on 2 years. Happy Blogiversary!
Hi Raelyn,
You’re #7.
Thanks for the congratulations!
“Jami is insane”
XD Sneaky, sneaky of you.
Hmm…a 5k critique would be really useful for me, as long as it’s not limited by chapter, since Chapter One is currently under 2k. Therefore, I’m looking at a critique of probably the first 3 chapters.
If it’s only a Chapter One critique, I’ll settle with an Amazon gift card. I really need it–for more books.
Hi Chihuahua Zero,
You’re #8.
Yes, I have that as a tag on my blog for a reason. LOL! And the critiques/beta reads are by word count, not chapters or page counts, so you’re good. On the other hand, one can never have too many books.
Wow, congrats on making it two years!
And right now, I can’t choose . . . chapter critique, beta read, gift card . . . there are almost too many choices!
Hi Michelle,
You’re #9.
Sorry for providing too many choices.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Happy Blogiversary! I’m a relatively new reader to your blog and am glad to have found you.
The Amazon gift cert would be cool, but I think a beta read would be even better. And I’m just finishing edits to send my WIP to betas soon.
Hi Suzi,
You’re #10.
I’m glad you’re here too. One thing to note is that my critique/beta read offers don’t expire, so feel free to pick that one even if you’re not quite ready yet.
Aww, I love your blog–and how fitting that you’re giving a gift of yourself for YOUR blogiversary! You’re one of the most generous peeps I know. ((Hugs)) Thank you for all those words you’ve written–I’ve been gobbling them up and learning so much as a writer!
Hi Adriana,
You’re #11.
Aww, thank you! *hugs* I’m so glad I can help.
Congratulations on hitting the milestone. You deliver a lot of useful information in your posts, which makes your two year anniversary even more special.
I had to go back and look up when I started blogging to find out my two year blogiversary will occur in August. It’s amazing how time flies when you’re writing.
Hi ChemistKen,
You’re #12.
Thank you! And you’re right–the time just flies. I can’t believe this year is half over already. Ack! Flail! Panic!
Since you’ve turned two (or your blog has) are we in for the “Terrible Twos”?
Happy Blogiversary!
Hi Amanda,
You’re #13.
LOL! Oh goodness, I hope not.
Wow. Two years. Congrats! ^_^
Hi Aldrea,
You’re #14.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Hi Jami!
Congratulations on your two years of blogging–impressive! You should be proud of all you’ve accomplished.
Your contest sounds super! Please put me down for a $100 Grand
(candy-bar, that is). I couldn’t help it, you said win anything and I thought chocolate
Happy 4th, too!
Gina
Hi Gina,
You’re #15.
LOL! Chocolate is always a good thing.
Congrats on your blog growing one year older.
I love that I can win you! HAHA!
Do you want to be PTA president for me for a few weeks? No? Ok.
Paint my deck? Not that either? Hmmm…
Beta read, query or synopsis help would all be wonderful!
Hi Taffy,
You’re #16.
LOL! Trust me, you wouldn’t want me to do either of those jobs. (“I declare myself PTA-Dictator-For-Life! Bwhahahaha! First law–paint Taffy’s deck or face be written into my stories as a villain’s stupid minion.”) Er, yeah, that could be awkward.
Hola Chica!
Congrats on two awesome years! I shall celebrate with wine, wimmens and song! Love the contest idea! I really like the idea of writing a guest post for this blog. Keep up the good work!
Hola Jeremy!
You’re #17.
If it’s chocolate wine, I’m in. LOL! Thanks for the congratulations!
Hi Jami,
Congratulations!
I’m Frances. I’ve been lurking for a while.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented here, but I did tweet about several posts of yours that I particularly loved. Great job, keep it up!
Love this contest idea. I might have to steal it one day, if I ever get around to starting my own blog.
Frances
Hi Frances,
You’re # 18.
Yep, I recognize you from Twitter. Glad to have you de-lurked here.
Welcome and thanks for the congratulations!
Hi, Jami, totally not sure what I’d want if I won, but I think it’d be cool all the same!
Hi Patrick,
You’re #19.
No worries, you don’t have to decide in advance.
Evening there, Ms. Jami,
What a clever contest — I’m in: I need advice on social media. (I think I’m complicated by constraints of profession. Plus, I definitely need some accountability for posting.)
(Your blog has a birthday right in front of my own. I am, however, a tiny bit older.)
Hi Lynn,
You’re #20.
LOL! Yes, I bet you’re a bit older than two years old–but just a bit. Even as a leap year baby, that wouldn’t be very old.
What a fun way to get all of us lurkers out of the woodwork! I watch my RSS feed numbers climb and half the time I think it’s a computer glitch because new followers seem to take a while before they comment.
Hmm…I write narrative nonfiction humor, not paranormal (although paranormal activity could explain some of my family’s quirkier mishaps). But my ms is currently under agent review (yay!), so the very last thing I would want is for someone else to read it right now and point out all kinds of mistakes I made!
If I could write something funny, but writing oriented that you think would fit on your blog, I’d go for a guest post. If not…I’d probably ask you to donate the $25 gift card to your local food bank. Many people don’t realize it, but summer is hard on those kids who normally get free lunch (and sometimes breakfast!) at school.
Thanks for your informative posts! Happy Anniversary!
Hi Cindy,
You’re #21.
LOL! Yes, luring out the lurkers is a nice side benefit, isn’t it?
Welcome and good luck with your ms/agent match-up!
Hi Jami, congrats on completeing two years of blogging. I’ve started following you recently and I love your posts and keep trying to make time to read the older ones. As for the prize (yes, couldn’t resist coming round to that) the idea of a winning a critique or you as guest blogger sits well with me.
Thanks you so much for all the helpful tips because they’ve done great to get me unstuck at several points with my writing. All the best!
Hi Ruchita,
You’re #22.
Aww, thank you! It’s been great to connect with you here and on Twitter. Thanks for the congratulations too!
It’s like being on Let’s Make a Deal. Do I want what’s behind this door or that door? (Good grief, I just dated myself with that comment.)
Congratulations on the anniversary! Two years is wonderful, and it is amazing how you can continue to write when the subject interests you. At this point, I don’t see running out of things to say on my blog until 2018 or the Zombie Apocalypse (when all I’ll say is “Aaaah!”), whichever comes first.
Critique or Beta Read is what I’m thinking now. Hmmm. Although a completed story also whets my reading appetite.
Hi Julie,
You’re #23.
Yes, one part of me fears running out of things to say, but my list of blog post ideas keeps getting longer. LOL! Thanks for the congratulations!
Wow, Jami, you’ve built such a wonderful community in just 2 years! I always know when Jami updates, it’s with something useful, entertaining, and will soon be filled with quality comments. That IS due congratulatioins!
Hmm… BOOK MONEY! Or CRIT FROM AMAZING PERSON! Or PHOTO OF JAMI IN BUNNY COSTUME! (What? That’s what the last option reads, right?)
What is the “general blog contest collection?
Hi Kathrine,
You’re #24.
Aww, thank you! And you’re absolutely right that the great comments add so much to what makes this blog work. If it wasn’t for all of you, I’d just be talking to myself. Again.
Um, I’d be up for that picture except I don’t own a bunny costume. LOL! And the general blog contest collection refers to the huge pile of books that I’ve collected over the past two years from writing conferences and whatnot. (I’m such a book slut I brought 80 books home with me from the RWA conference in 2010.
)
80?? o___O
Hi Kathrine,
Uh, yeah… *shuffles feet* I’m not joking when I call myself a book slut.
I think I should be chosen because we share the same awesome name.
All of those prizes sound amazing! I would be thrilled to win any of them.
Hi Jamie,
You’re #25.
LOL! We do have an awesome name. Good luck in the contest!
Hi Jami,
I’d love to win a blog post from you, or else get to write a post for your wonderful blog. This is a fantastic idea to celebrate your blog anniversary!
Hi Fiona,
You’re #26.
Ding, ding! We’re up to two winners now!
Maybe being the comment that pushes us over the edge will be good luck for you.
That’s an impressive list of prizes to choose from. I’m not sure – on the spur of the moment – what I’d want; but in truth I’m a book whore and free is my favorite word association with that.
Congrats on making it to two years Jami
……..dhole
Hi Donna,
You’re #27.
LOL! Yes, I’m a total book slut as well, so I understand.
So, a Jami Gold bobblehead isn’t on the list why? *wink*
Two years is a huge accomplishment and, having been following you for three-quarters of that, I have to say that you are one of my top five “must reads” every week, still. And – you are a wonderful friend (yes, I’ll email you at some point soon).
So, my friend, Congratulations and I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us during Year Three
Hi Gene,
You’re #28.
LOL! Maybe I’ll have to look into a bobblehead for next year, eh? Not.
And thank you for being here and being my friend for so long, Gene.
I have no idea what Year Three will bring. I don’t just mostly pants my stories, I mostly pants my blogging and my whole life.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Thanks being online, Jami. I appreciate I can be long and detailed in my comments here, some blogs restrict you to under 4,000 characters, and while I’m trying to be less taxing in my comments and replies, it’s not easy, especially when people confuse what I mean to say MORE when I try to be glib and simple, go figure.
I could use the beta-read prize, 25,000 words would nearly be all my last novel (Children’s book on average are short, which doesn’t mean their easier for those of you unversed in the juvenile market).
I’ve had a nightmare of a week, and outside the blog hop, and getting my query sent to Heather, I didn’t do much on the blog, or off it as far as writing’s concerned.
Don’t even ask how my reading’s going (Hint: Not well…)
Jami, I hope I get to share better news one day.
Take care,
Taurean
Hi Taurean,
You’re #29.
And no worries–as I mentioned in the post, I think the comments here are what make this place special.
And I’m with you on the “trying to make it short equals more confusion” aspect. Just look at my issues with confusing queries. LOL!
I hope you get to share better news soon too. Good luck!
Jami, your generosity is astounding. And nice I just won your RAOK, I shall stp back and let someone else have some of your delicious goodness. I just wanted to make a suggestion.
Would you consider making an ebook of all your writing posts? I have them all saved and now they are clogging up my reader. *smile* I’m not kidding. You provide so much great information here, I often print out posts and put them in a file. It would be great to have them in one contained place.
Pssst: then you can write about that process! *wink* I wold totally buy some Jami Gold!
Congrats on two years. It feels like you’ve been here longer because you have developed an amazing readership. *raises glass* To many more years of health and good writing. And an agent!
Hi Renee,
You’re #30.
One can never have too many prizes. Hee.
As for your request, yes, I’ve thought about it and actually picked the brains of Susan Sipal to see how she did it. The problem, as with everything, is time. So it’s on my list of things to do, but no promises of when.
Thanks for the congratulations and the good wishes!
What an awesome, gracious idea, Jami. Thanks for doing this! And CONGRATS on your upcoming blog-versary. How come lunch at your place isn’t on the list? (Oh yeah, that travel-thing.
)
Have to say, such a beautifully pinnable post.
Keep up the awesomeness.
Hi August,
You’re #31.
Aww, thank you! And you are the pinning tips master.
Are you going to be at RWA? We could get together for lunch there whether you win or not. Thanks for the congratulations!
Whoa! Already over 60 comments! Everyone wants a piece of you, Jami! Congrats on your blogiversary!!
Hi Nancy,
You’re #32.
Yes, last year I gave away 3 prizes based on the number of comments and it looks like we’ll hit that mark this year too.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Congrats on your blogiversary, Jami! It’s hard work keeping a quality blog going over the long haul, but you raise the bar for the rest of us and make it look easy-peasy. Yay for you!
Contest idea = rocks! If I won, I’d love for you to be my first interview for my blog. Picking your brain about your creative process would make my day! Trading guest posts is a close second.
Hi Kristin,
You’re #33.
I make random flailing look easy? Cool. Don’t try this at home kids.
Hi Jami,
)
I haven’t been following you all that long, but have been reading every word of your posts ever since I found you.
I would love a beta read of the first 25k of the novel I’ve been revising going on two years now, as I feel there are some parts that need to be stronger. I just don’t know what they are! (And it’s paranormal, so it would be a good fit for you.
On the other hand, a guest post on my blog would be awesome too!
Your informative and clearly written posts are always among the most enlightening writing tips to hit my inbox, so even if I don’t win, I thought this would be a good opportunity to let you know how much I appreciate your blog.
Hi Kirsten,
You’re #34.
Aww, thank you! I’m so glad you commented so I could officially welcome you.
Good luck in the contest!
Hi Jami,
I’ve been following (ok, lurking around) your blog for a while now, and I love it! I really appreciate all of the helpful advice and insights.
I came out of the woodwork for your special giveaway. Woo hoo! Congrats on 2 years, that is great!
I guess if I were to pick a prize, I would want to pick your brain about the writing life, and find out how you acquired a zombie cat. =^.^=
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
You’re #35.
Yay! for coming out of the woodwork.
Welcome and thanks for the congratulations!
Hi Jami – actually the 12th of July is my birthday – what an auspicious day to have started a blog. Congratulations! I’ve only recently become involved in the online writing community and it’s been such a great experience. I’m not sure how I discovered your blog, but I’m so glad I did. Thanks for sharing your skills and sense of humour.
Oh, and I think I am in desperate need a grammar nazi!
Hi Raewyn,
You’re #36.
Oh, very cool! Happy early birthday.
I’m so glad you’ve found your way into the writing community (and here!). When I went to a local conference, I met so many writers who didn’t have that community support, and I couldn’t imagine trying to learn everything on my own that way. Thanks for the congratulations and good luck!
Congrats Jami! It’s awesome that you’ve kept this moment for two years, mine really slowed down after year one. You are one of my favorite bloggers in the whole blogosphere!
Beta read would be great, I trust your instincts. =)
Hi Todd,
You’re #37.
Aww, thank you! Yes, blogging on a set schedule takes dedication, I won’t deny that.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Hi! I entered a pitch contest on your blog back in… February, I think? I didn’t get anywhere in the contest, but I *did* write a 20k word story, which is great! And I’ve popped back to read your posts (most notably, the Fifty Shades of Grey stuff) since. I think your contest idea is fantastic!
Hi Kaitlin,
You’re #38.
Good to see you again! And yes, writing–and completing–a story is always an accomplishment.
So it occurred to me that when GFC disappeared from your blog, your blog disappeared from my reader. I thought I’d fixed it already but…erm…evidently not.
Anyway! Two years! Congratulations! Happy Blogiversary!
Hi Ava,
You’re #39.
LOL! No worries, you’re here now.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Ginormous congrats on your 2nd blogiversary! You have such a wonderful blog and I’ve learned so much from you. Thanks for taking the time to share all you do with us.
Hi Sonia,
You’re #40.
Aww, thank you. And truly, I’m so blessed to have such wonderful readers.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Congratuations! A two-year blogaversary is an impressive thing! I’ve been blogging weekly for a little over a year, so I take my hat off to you for your multiple-times-a-week blogging for so long. You rock!
Hi Jen,
You’re #41.
I won’t lie and say it’s been easy because it hasn’t been. But my awesome readers give me the motivation to stick to my deadlines.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Congratulations, and boy, I sure would love that beta read! (okay, love and NEED).
Hi Wen,
You’re #42.
Maybe being the answer to life, the universe, and everything (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy reference) will be good luck in the contest.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Congratulations on two years! I’ve been following you silently for months and really enjoy yours posts. Thank you for this giveaway!
Hi Rachel,
You’re #43.
Yay! More stalkers, er, I mean, lurkers out of the shadows. LOL! Welcome and thanks for the congratulations!
Congratulations!! Happy 2-year anniversary!
If I’m lucky enough to win, I would love a 25K beta read. You always have such great posts on writing that I know your opinion/advice would be invaluable.
Hi E.B.,
You’re #44.
Aww, thanks for the congratulations and kind words about my blog.
Good luck in the contest!
I’m not entering because I’ve won this fabulous prize before, but I wanted to say THANK YOU for all you do, Jami! Your blog is deliciously full of great posts to munch one and you always make me think. Happy anniversary!!
Angela
Hi Angela,
You’re #45.
Yeah, yeah, you’ve won before. So what? Are you telling me you wouldn’t want a $25 gift card or something.
This is an awesome idea! I love it!
It’s a fabulous achievement. Naturally I would love to win a prize – but we’ll just wait and see, eh?
Massive congrats on the 2 years of blogging
All the best
Hi Leigh,
You’re #46.
Thanks for the congratulations and good luck!
Congrats on 2 years! Every time I click on your webpage and read “Why Be Normal?” it makes me smile.
If I win I would love a beta reading, and as I’m only working on short stories at this time it would take much less time to tell me all the things wrong with it.
Hi J. Rose,
You’re #47.
Re: “Why Be Normal?” Yay! my work here is done. LOL! Thanks for the congratulations!
That is so cool, two years and your still going on the blog. Congrats!
Hi Melissa,
You’re #48.
Thanks for the congratulations!
Hi, I’m Ben Trube, an aspiring author and blogger over at bentrubewriter.wordpress.com. Not sure what I’d like if I win, but love your concept of contests and will have to try it out when my blog becomes a little older. Nice work on two years. I’ve been going almost six months and it has been exhausting at times, but rewarding most of the time.
Hi Ben,
You’re #49.
Yes, you’re right about blogging–exhausting and rewarding at the same time.
Good luck in the contest!
Congrats on your blogiversary!
Hi Juliana,
You’re #50.
Thanks for the congratulations!
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