So I just clicked on the “publish” button for the 1,000th time since I started 101 Books on August 30, 2010. (Here’s the first post.)
Other than waking up, breathing, and going to work, I don’t know if I’ve done anything else that many times over the last four-and-a-half years—much less something that requires my attention five days a week.
I’m not patting myself on the back here. Honestly, I’m just surprised. I genuinely can’t believe I’ve published 1,000 posts.
Even though I knew reading all these books would take this amount of time, while balancing my other responsibilities and interests, I probably subconsciously believed 101 Books couldn’t possibly last this long—and that’s mainly because of me.
When I dive into something, like a new project or passion, I tend to REALLY dive into it. I go all in quickly and can become even obsessive at times. Just ask my wife about my recent discovery of the Trivia Crack iPhone app.
Because I go in so hard, though, I also tend to burn out quickly. Then it’s on to the next thing.
So, I guess at some point, I probably believed this whole project might never see itself to completion. I’d eventually get tired of reading fiction, or get tired of writing about reading fiction, and this blog would fade into oblivion like so many others.
But here it is, still kicking, and going stronger than ever.
What’s the key to the blog’s longevity?
You guys. You see Gatsby up there in the featured photo. He’s toasting you! Have a drink.
I don’t want to sound trite, but it’s true. Sure, it takes some discipline and idea generation and all the stuff I’ve talked about before. But knowing that someone out there other than my Mom (love you Mom) is reading has always been a major motivator.
I’ve said this before—I’d like to think I would’ve made it this long with a few dozen readers. But, if I’m being real, that’s just not true. It would be disingenuous of me to actually say that.
Knowing people read is one thing, but you guys also comment! You engage. You always have something unique and interesting to say.
I hardly looked at 101 Books over Christmas break. I scheduled the repeat posts and truly took some time away from the blog. When I pulled my blog dashboard up over the weekend, I was shocked to see how many comments you guys made—on repeat posts no less!
You’re awesome, and I can’t thank you enough. I’m glad you found this little tiny corner of the interwebs, and I’m thankful for our shared passion for books and all things literary.
There’s simply no way I could’ve ever clicked “publish” 1,000 times without knowing you were out there reading. Thank you.
So here’s to 1,000 more posts! I promise to only make fun of Virginia Woolf in 100 of them. Just kidding…maybe.
I’ll keep posting, and you keep reading. Deal?
