You’ll notice that I didn’t use the term resolution on this post. That’s because the moment I say I’m making a resolution to do something it’s a sure bet that I’ll be breaking it shortly thereafter. Hence I went with game plan instead. I’d do a year in review but, I kind of ended up doing more guest stuff than stuff for my actual blog. LOL! What can I say? I like giving a helping hand. These may have not been highlights for my blog but, they were highlights nonetheless. Here are a few:
- I was picked to be a contributor over at Bite Club. I get to be the official True Blood correspondent and help out with the occasional review. (Thanks Anna!)
- I got to participate in a couple of guest posts about True Blood and Birthday Memories over at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks. (Thanks Julie!)
- Got myself a Kindle 3 and joined the e-book revolution.
- Met some awesome people both online and in person and I’m totally grateful for it. (I’m lookin’ at you Jen!)
So after some careful thought and consideration, here’s my game plan for this here blog for 2011:
2011 will be Deemed ‘The Year I Catch Up with My TBR Piles’
I hear the voice of Susan Powter yelling at me to, ‘STOP THE INSANITY’ and damn it it’s about time I listen. I can’t keep doing this to myself, my wallet and my poor shelves. Day in and day out I have to deal with the sad, puppy dog looks and/or glares from my books who have sat on the shelves longer than they deserve to. This will probably mean that I won’t be able to get to too many new releases this year but, it’s just a sacrifice I’ll have to make.
Just Saying No to Reading Challenges!
As you can see by clicking on the Challenge tab, 2010 was a total EPIC FAILURE when it came to completing reading challenges. Taking on more than you can chew + not being able to say NO = Big trouble in little China. Maybe saying no to ALL reading challenges is a bit of an exaggeration on my part. I’m going to limit myself to one and it’ll more than likely be a read 100 books in a year type deal. I’m going to keep it simple. I think it’s a good motto for 2011, don’t you?
Blog Redesign
Although I’m a fan of the minimal look, my design is just too, um, minimal. Let’s face it, I need a bit of an overhaul not to mention that the info in my side bars and menu needs some serious updating. So if any of you know of someone that does redesigns or have worked with someone on your own blogs, please feel free to leave a recommendation.
Master My Planning Ahead & Time Management Skills
It’s no secret that a blogger’s worst enemies are bad time management and lack of planning. It’s time to grab this bull by the horns. I’ve bought a planner, a notebook and have updated my Outlook calendar. I’m armed to the teeth and ready to get my time management/planning ahead skills on. Be afraid. Be VERY afraid. *looks around* Anyone see my pen? LOL! My first step will be to create a blog schedule. My second step will be to stick with it.
Produce More Book Reviews/Recommendations
This is a big one. I can’t convince people to try the books I’m loving if I don’t throw up some kind of review/recommendation. I’m not trying to go all crazy with it. If I’ve learned anything this year it’s that I need to take baby steps. Slow and steady wins the race. So I’ll probably aim for 1 to 2 reviews/recommendations a week.
Produce More Original Content
I think one of the keys to some of my favorite blogs is their original content. Sure book reviews are nice but, they’re not the end all be all of a book blog. I will be brainstorming over the next week to come up with interesting weekly or bi-weekly content to keep ya’ll entertained and coming back for more. This includes but, is not limited to, some of my interests other than books and side projects with some of the awesome people I’ve met over the last year.
Be More Active on Good Reads and Twitter
The only thing more neglected than my blog is my Goodreads account. Yes, I know, it’s a terrible habit but, I’m going to make a serious effort to keep it up to date. Also, if you follow me on Twitter you know that I tend to disappear for a few days at a time. I have hermit tendencies and end up shunning all electronics for a few days. I know, it’s weird. It’s just one of those quirks I have so I’ll be making an effort to not spend so many days in my proverbial cave.
I wanted to thank you guys for continuing to visit my blog even though its posts were highly sporadic this year. I’ve deemed 2010 a rebuilding year and am now moving on. 
Hey, it works for football teams. A big thank you is also going out to those who’ve asked me to contribute on their blogs throughout the year. It means a lot to me that you guys would have some faith in me even though I didn’t have much of a body of work to show.
Wishing you and your families the very best for 2011. Until then, I’m leaving you with this very funny poster I found over at Incidental Comics.
