TWO YEARS!! My blog is now 2 years old! It has been an interesting time filled with new experiences. Mostly good but also several challenges that pushed me to new levels. I still have a lot to learn about the blogging world and the online book community but I feel as if I have come a very long way.
When I first started this blog, I was naive to everything it entailed. I didn't know the first thing about blogging, html, css, or even twitter! What I knew were books and that I wanted to share that love and knowledge with the rest of the world. So I created Vailia's Page Turner.
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*Sidetrack story*- Sorry to interrupt this post but I thought I would throw a bonus tidbit at you. Many of you know me online as Jamie or Jay Riv. Jamie is my actual name (Jay Riv is something that was created years ago with google and now google won't let me change it, so alas, it stuck). So you may wonder where Vailia came from and why it's not Jamie's Page Turner. Well, years ago I was in a roleplay group and Vailia was the name of my character. While I have played in other games bothe prior to and since then, her creation was always my favorite. So I named my blog in honor of that character.
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I still have so much to learn and do. I still an not tech savvy which is why my banner and backround don't change. Between being artistically impaired and not knowing coding, trying to legally change anything (I don't want to be a thief of someone else's protected work) is not easy. As you can probably tell, I still have yet to figure out buttons or banner creation. That is because the computer and tech aspect is not my passion. In reality technology and I do not mix ( I swear I was born in the wrong generation). But for the novels I do love, I try to persevere.
I hope that my blog has been enjoyable for others as well. Be it finding something new to read, getting information on a book or author or even if this blog is just a place to kill time entering giveaways...
To those of you who have been with me through my journey, thank you for your patience, loyalty and friendship! Especially to my repeat visitors and commenters. Without you I would have given up on this blog a long time ago. I look to a bright future here, as I delve further into this bookish realm. I hope to get to know many of you better and to gain more and new stronger friendships in our little community.
Meanwhile I have an amazing giveaway
The prizes:
2 winners
will win 2 books of their choice from The Book Depository (up to $35 total per winner)
2 winners
will win huge swag packs. From book plates and bookmarks to bags, tshirts, a hat, keychains, magnets and more will be given out.
and finally
1 grand prize winner
will be winning a new kindle or nook of their choice, up to $200 from Amazon or B&N!!!
I would have done 2 here as well to go with the theme, but sponsering and budget only allows for one.
All prizes are open Internationally! Yes even the swag packs. Normally I don't do this but as I have followers and friends worldwide, I cannot imaging celebrating this without them!
Be sure to check out my giveaway rules page! All follow methods can be found on the right hand column of this blog!
Due to the nature and value of the total prizes, this giveaway has a lot of entries available. The more you enter, the higher your odds of winning are.
Congratulations on two whole years! That's quite an achievement. You are so generous to give away such an awesome prize! I love your layout/theme, but I would also love to see cleaner sidebars. I use chrome, so some things seem to get a little scrunched from browser to browser. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!!! I already see a lot of great things on the blog; maybe more book reviews on current/new books. ;) Thanks for the giveaway too. <3
ReplyDeleteI would like to see different colors on your blog, I'd like to see how you experiment with colors. I love everything I saw on your blog!
ReplyDeleteI would like you to share some ebook/book deals ou freebies.
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy Blogiversary!!
Happy Blogoversary and congrats on reaching 2 years.
ReplyDeletewhat i want more on your blog? i love it as it is but i would not mind more post about yourself like i really enjoyed learning vaila to be your character's name in a roleplaying game because i also used mine when i started^^
oups sorry my copy paste did works so i put the link to my other comment instead of the other giveaway i've entered ( should not do this during teh night^^;;)so for contest entry i participate in the fearless giveaway and the lucky is reading one
Deletereally sorry for teh mistakes
Congratulations on your two years!!! That requires much work and dedication. I like your blog and the layout is great and everything is easily found which is a HUGE plus in my book. So many change to mobile versions and I can't use them at all and I'm using my mobile, yours is great. I love reviews of new releases of many genres.
ReplyDeleteI like the blog as it is, but I'd love some more memes and maybe every month a post with books that you loved that month and books that you can't wait to read the next month :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 2 years!
I would like to see maybe posts for mystery books; more author interviews.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on reaching the 2-year milestone! I would enjoy reading more personal posts about your life outside of blogging.
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
Congrats! I would love to see more author interviews!
ReplyDeleteI would like more reviews of thriller/suspense books.
ReplyDeleteI love to read anything to do with authors, from guest posts to interviews and excerpts. I would love to see more of those on the blog!!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogoversary!!
Maybe a new header
ReplyDeleteMovie reviews :) thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary!! So exciting! I would suggest maybe a new layout? It would be new and refreshing :)
ReplyDeleteHappy blogversary! A new layout?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! I'm super curious about your roleplay group. Was it more like LARPing or like writing online or like D&D? (And now I want to know what your character was like!) ...I suppose it's not really in line with book blogging, but I'd totally love if you did a post on it!
ReplyDeleteBut mostly...congrats!!
I would like to see more book deals posts, I am always looking for new books but a good sale or discount.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see more guest posts! thank you for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on two years of blogging! That's a huge accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteI would love see more author interviews.
I would like to see a new layout maybe? Congrats on ur blog anniversary! :D
ReplyDeleteMary G Loki
Congrats on two years! :) more newer released reviews, and maybe changing the layout (color scheme of the blog?) other then that I love that you post manga and fantasy.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see more book reviews and author interviews, thanks!
ReplyDeleterounder9834 @yahoo.com
Wow, congrats! And thanks for the amazing giveaway! I'd say maybe a larger font size for your posts?
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Your site is pleasing, upbeat and user friendly but it takes a while to load. It may just be on my side but thats all I would change. Maybe you could bring back some classics.Thanks for all the giveaways and books.
ReplyDeleteSome more memes! Congrats on the anniversary! I do like another commenters suggestion of a whole new blog theme, refresh to impress lol.
ReplyDelete4 YEARS!??!?!?!? WHAT?!?!?!? Congrats!! I'd say perhaps reorganize the sides and stuff, if that counts! they're kind of crowded.
ReplyDeleteHappy blog birthday! I know running a blog is such a time-consuming thing and making it two years is really impressive! Congratulations!
ReplyDeletePersonally, while I think the memes are fun (and I wouldn't mind if you took suggestions and did more), I really like that you have more substance on your blog. Sometimes the memes take over and it seems like blogs are doing ONLY meme posts and no reviews. I get it - memes are work, too. Plus you don't want to overwhelm your blog with too many posts. I have just always appreciated the reviews/discussions (I read in Feedly, so I don't participate in the discussions a lot, but I am challenging myself to step out of my shell and participate more.)
I don't have problems with your theme/colors/headers, but I guess if forced to think of something that could be changed, the side columns do have a LOT of information going on. It can get a little overwhelming.
Seriously, though, keep up the good work!
Congratulations on 4 years! That is so amazing. I would love to have a blog but I lack the talent to do so. You always have amazing book reviews and giveaways. I'd love to see more author interviews. I don't know if that is a hard thing to get, but I always love hearing from authors. I am really happy for you and hope you have at least another 4 more years ahead of you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogaverssary! I think I would like to see possibly you interview some of your readers and see how they use your blog to learn about new authors/ books. I do love your blog, so colorful and fun!
ReplyDeleteYeah! Happy Blogaversary. Time sure does fly doesn't it. I've been following your blog for quite some time. It's hard to suggest something but I was thinking maybe share blogging tips. Lots of new bloggers need help and even though I've been blogging over 5 years, I'm still learning.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogaversary!! :)
ReplyDeleteI like the blog as it is but if I have to say something, perhaps some more author interviews.
I like your header and colors. I did find it a mite time consuming finding things under Labels. Maybe if they were in alphabetical order it would be easier. Or each one on it's own line. Congrats on 2 years!
ReplyDeleteBonnie Hilligoss - bonnie at bonnieanddave dot com
amazing giveaway !!! happy blogoversary :)
ReplyDeletethx u so much ^^
Oh wow, congratulations on your two years of blogging! It's an amazing achievement!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to maybe see a monthly post where you recap not only what's new with the blog (such as reviews and other blogging things that happened) but also little bits about you that you're willing to share with us.
Happy blogoversary Jamie! :)
Congratulations on your econd blogiversary and on all the things you have acomplished. I have always wondered about the name of you blog... haha
ReplyDeletePerhaps a new layout and having a post of favorites/disappointments and what you're looking forward to each month
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see a new brighter layout, and maybe more deals and freebie posts! And more author spotlights!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, happy blogoversary!! Wishing you many, many more amazing to come! :)
ReplyDeleteAs for blog changes/additions, I would love to see more author interviews or author takeovers. Also, maybe have a introduction of a debut author every month or so.
Happy blogoversary. I don't have any real suggestions but I wouldn't mind bigger font size on blog posts. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of 1960s-1990s scifi & fantasy. If you're interested in this genre and time period as well, would love to see reviews or perhaps adventures in used book stores exploring the cover art of older SFF books.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!! I am kinda new to this recreational reading thing...which is why I'm trying so hard to win a kindle! I don't have a tablet at all, and it is hard to read on my little phone! haha Anyway....the only thing I would change on your blog is your title at the top. It is kind of hard to read....otherwise, NOTHING!!! I love it!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversay!! I'm not a fan of the color scheme. The black and purple is a little old. Maybe new theme?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind seeing more children's book reviews. Happy blogoversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! I hope the coming year is even better for you! I love everything about your blog - except for the header and the background (black with dragons? we don't really get to see what the purple things are).
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary to you! Your reviews are amazing, as always, therefore no suggestions whatsoever regarding that matter. But I would suggest maybe changing the layout of your blog, maybe some color scheme changing? Also, I don't know if it's happening to your other visitors but you're sidebars are a bit messy whenever i'm visiting(I'm using chrome, btw, so maybe it's just me). It would be awesome if it's organized so readers will find your reviews easily. Anyway, thanks again for this. You've been amazing!
ReplyDelete-Mikee Leigh Almonte
congrats! Thank you for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteI think that your blog need a new design. More pro. I´m a media design, i can do it for you if you want it.
xoxo
I kind of love your blog's layout. It's fairly easy to find whatever I'm looking for, and I can read what you write without being distracted. I don't tend to revisit blogs that are cluttered or play audio whenever you load a page (that one drives me insane). I think if you change anything, you should look at getting better contrast than this text on purple to make it even easier to read. Maybe a slightly thicker font (not quite bolded, but thicker lines than this). I'd suggest that, on top of my pet peeves, you don't change the font to something 'pretty' - something that looks more like cursive, or Papyrus. It's artsy, sure, but it's harder to read. And don't try to get too fancy with the background text appears on. Patterns make it hard to read. Sometimes, simple is the way to go. My old work team's motto was "Change is bad, unless it's great." Unless it'll make a significant improvement for readers, it's probably not worth the time. And just because you *can* do something doesn't mean you should. Seriously, please never put auto-playing audio on here :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats.
ReplyDeleteI like your blog layout but I guess you could try a new design. I always enjoy changing my blog a little bit.
Congratulatoins on your blogversary
ReplyDeleteI already like your blog a lot, but maybe you can try different colors
and maybe post about your favorites of the month or more recommendations
and Thanks for the giveaway
Happy Blogiversary!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe a new design for the blog would be better, otherwise I love the fact that you post manga reviews! Thanks for the giveaway! (Valentina -on the raffle)
Happy Blogiversary! Your blog is great. One new feature I would like to see is a jigsaw puzzle for new cover releases. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary! I really enjoy your blog. I would like to see more author spotlights and interviews! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see the layout of the blog change. Particularly the left sidebar - it's really thin (I'm using Chrome), so the text gets wrapped around and hard to read.
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary, and congratulations!
I'd love a clean books category!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 2 years! You're doing a great job, but, IMHO, you can never have too many cozy mystery reviews. lol
ReplyDeletetcuevas@iccable.com
Congrats! I've just started blogging and can imagine how exciting it must be to celebrate your second year here in the book blogging community. Keep publishing great content ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://ofstacksandcups.blogspot.com/
How about doing book tags in the future on your blog? They originated on YouTube but are quite fun to adapt on blogs. I've myself done a book tag recently. That could be fun :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to see more author interviews. Thanks so much for the giveaway and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI liked more reviews and the truth weather they are good. Maybe more interviews. Book chapters to read. I also would like maybe two different reviews on book.
ReplyDeleteHappy blogversary! Two years is a long time, and I am looking forward to seeing you around for many more years in the future as well ^.^
ReplyDeleteA new layout maybe? You know new year new you and all that :D
ReplyDeleteCongrats!! I would love to see more book reviews.
ReplyDeleteI like the layout of your blog but maybe make the centre a little larger as there is free space at the bottom of the page on the left and right sides :).
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! What to do? Maybe play around with the layout and design, freshen things up?
ReplyDeleteAnn S
WOW! Thank you for the giveawayand happy bloganniversary! You can also try and see a new blog design! I think Parjunkee has amazing blog paletes! ;)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! A new layout to celebrate would be great :)
ReplyDeleteI really like author interviews. Also maybe you can choose a different book genre each month to highlight some of your (or in general) favorite authors/books in this genre. Love your blog and happy 2 year blogiversary!
ReplyDeleteMore m/m and yaoi coverage would be great!
ReplyDeleteTrix, vitajex(at)aol(Dot)com
Hi! Happy Blogversary!
ReplyDeleteI'd love either a clean books section or a new layout/design.
Rafflecopter name: Megan S.
Happy Blogoversary to youuuuuuuuuuuu! I love your blog as it is, but I wish you'd have more book-recommendations-for-specific-genre sort of posts.
ReplyDeleteI think if the blog theme could be changed once in a while, it'd be nice. And more international giveaways (instead of just US ones) are always appreciated!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogoversary!!! I love how your blog looks, but maybe you could have less things in your sidebar? I like them, but they're distracting.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog so I haven't really been able to look around yet but I can tell you that everything looks very well organized. I read you review of City of Bones and enjoyed it. I hope that you enjoy the rest of the series should you choose to continue on with it.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogversary! I'd love to see more author guest posts and character interviews.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary! For not being tech savvy, I think you're doing a great job..it looks better than anything I could put together, for sure! I'd like to see more author interviews. Keep up the great work and thanks for the generous giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2 year Blogiversary! I would say de-clutter and balance the side bars. The posts and content are already great, improving the overall aesthetics of the only change I want! (:
ReplyDeleteohdangmandy.blogspot.com
I forgot to answer the question in my previos comment (I hadn't decided whether to participate in the giveaway or not back them) I would personally like to read more of your opinions about well known books, such as the review of "City of bones" you have uploaded recently.
ReplyDeletecongreats on 2 year anniversary. great giveaways! wishing you many more successful blogiversaries.
ReplyDeleteI love the neat concise look of your blog. I'd love to see more book reviews as i'm always looking to add to my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary. Perhaps in your review index include the rating of the book so that a reader can quickly pick out a book with high or low rating?
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary - I am always looking for e-book deals so those would be great!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogversary. Okay suggestions, since you asked which I always feel like I'm insulting people when I do this, but anyway I'd clean the sidebars out a bit and personally I'm a fan of event coverage, calendars stating the when things are happening and photos and write ups afterward.
ReplyDeleteI love reviews, always like to see more of them! thanks!
ReplyDeletecongrats on the anniversary, like more amazon code contests - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogoversary! My suggestion is to clean up the sidebar a bit, maybe lose some of the widgets. It makes your blog look cluttered and for people with ancient desktop computers like mine, it takes a while for your blog to load.
ReplyDeleteI would add discussion forums about relevant topics found in the books that are reviewed.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see more mystery book reviews! I'm always looking for a good mystery novel to read!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary (sp?)! I'd vote for more reviews; even if they're short, reading thoughts on a book can help me to whittle down my extremely gigantic TBR pile
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!Congrats on 2 years of blogging,and to many more!
ReplyDeleteBook deals,sales :)
Thank you for this amazing giveaway! :)
Gee, I really wouldnt change much, I like your blog just the way it is.... Maybe more interviews.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see more giveaways! and I would love to see more makeup reviews, tutorials... .
ReplyDeletethanks !:)
More variety of book reviews, I would like to see more children books separated by age brackets, middle school books, romance books.
ReplyDeleteThe colors!!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see more book sales :) and I love readimg reviews! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary :)
I would love more author interviews!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary :)
ReplyDeleteI would like to see interviews.
Happy Blogiversary! :)
ReplyDeleteI would like to see more interviews.
Happy Blogerversary! I'd love some book recomendations like if you like A try B would be cool
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see some cool if you like A try B recommendations for books
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your blogoversary! I don't know what more you need to do, I like your blog. But I am like you and not very tech savvy. There is a website, ribbet.com I think, that I have learned how to make my own buttons on. I've taken my own pictures and added words, or taken free clipart off the internet and made things that way too. I just hope to see more of your posts and that you continue blogging!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogeversary!!! I love reading book reviews!! Maybe some different colors?
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!!! New design maybe
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway, thank you. And happy blogiversary :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 2 years! hmm something new? How about a visual change up?
ReplyDeletecongrats.the change i would make is on the sidebar under labels.the font is ok then it gets smaller and then it get smaller and lighter i can barely read it at the bottom
ReplyDeleteentered March 2015- New Release Giveaway Hop. forgot to add in Rafflecopter
ReplyDeleteHappy blogaversary! Wishing you more years of success.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see star ratings for each book you reviewed on your review list.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see more reviews.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog the way it is!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! :D I think your blog is really really good, buy maybe I'd like to see it in other colors... I'm not loving these dragons :/
ReplyDeleteGosh, I am new to your website so I really don't want to give any type of suggestions at this time. I would love to see instructions on how to operate a Kindle Fire.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 2 years! It's such an amazing accomplishment. I'd love to see a newer and fresher design to celebrate. :D
ReplyDeleteMore YA reviews, just got back into heavy reading and always looking for new books toread.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'd suggest trying out a new color scheme as black on purple is difficult to read.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see more author interviews.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see more reviews! I love finding out about new books :)
ReplyDeleteWTG... I would like the little circle background image changed to a dark purple... they are distracting.
ReplyDeleteI would like clearer ways to follow on good reads...sometimes I can't tell if I am following or clicking on the right thing...
I would if someone wants a follow on google plus or twitter or one of those NOT to assume when they put the first letter for every word that I know what they are talking about.
I would prefer to have shorter pages and more scroll to the top options on a page. I am old... I have less time all the time :)
I would like the layout to be a little easier to navigate.
ReplyDeleteI like it as is but would enjoy more book reviews. I love finding new authors to fall in love with.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the blogiversary (?) lol The only thing I can think of is to remember that not everyone owns a Kindle or Nook or laptop and can sit in a comfortable place to read. I personally prefer paperbacks or hard cover books :) I get kind of tired of Ebook giveaways.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a sidebar revamp? It's a bit cluttered. I love all the giveaways and book reviews. I get a lot of hints as to what to look for next in reading material!
ReplyDelete