Celebrating 100 Posts


Photo credit: brianjmatis on Flickr

I published my very first blog post on the sixth of May of this year. At the time I’d just reached 100 Twitter followers (which is what prompted the launch of the blog) and the design was all tan and red with a huge picture of books in the background and no pretty banner.

Yes, Writability was a completely different animal then.

I had two comments on my first post—one of them was my response to my only commenter. But none of that mattered, because I was in awe that anyone would want to read my posts to begin with. Every page view was someone giving me a chance and I battled a serious case of nerves every time I hit the “Publish” button.

Fast forward seven months and 99 blog posts and really nothing has changed—well, except for the nerves part. I still smile every time I see a comment and get rather excited every time I gain a lovely new reader.

Because if there’s anything I’ve learned as a blogger, it’s just how important every single of you guys are. It doesn’t matter if you follow this blog regularly or just happened to have clicked a link to get here, I’m thankful for you.

Because out of everything I talked about in my last post, you guys make the biggest impact. You’re what keeps me going, what keeps me clicking “publish” three times a week. Without you, my lovely readers, Writability would not still be here.

So rather than posting my top ten posts thus far, I’m going to share my most popular post with you guys and I hope you’ll do the same.

That’s right, I want to know your best post in the history of your blog.

Now I’m aware that not everyone here is a blogger, but I want you guys to have a chance to interact, too.

For those of you who don’t have a blog, share your favorite post from someone else’s blog. I promise to take a look at it as long as it doesn't have anything inappropriate (so keep them PG please, or they won’t be published in the comments).

So here we go! My most popular post thus far is Why Writers Must Read.

What about you? 

45 comments:

  1. DasiaDecember 14, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Congrats on a hundred blog posts! That's huge! :D I love your "Why Writers Must Read" post, especially since it starts with one of my favourite Stephen King quotes. Brilliant.

    According to my stats, my most popular post is simply the one with pictures of one of my favourite actors (Misha Collins) which comes up on plenty of google searches! I don't know if people actually read it or just save the pictures and leave :P

    But my *personal* favourite is this one: http://dasiahasablog.blogspot.com/2011/12/divine-series-snarky-review.html

    I only posted it a few days ago even though I'd been working on it for weeks. It's my favourite because I enjoyed writing it and others have given me really positive feedback on it through facebook and twitter. It's exactly what I aimed to write about when I started my blog - honest, a bit snarky and hopefully very entertaining stuff!

    I have to share my favourite post from a very famous blogger, Allie Brosh, which other writers will definitely enjoy!  http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/04/alot-is-better-than-you-at-everything.html

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  2. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    Thanks, Dasia! Both links were rather amusing, but I have to say I especially enjoyed the sketches from the Allie Brosh post. Very funny. :D

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  3. RoisinannamurphyDecember 14, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    You absolutely put me to shame! 100 posts? Technically I started my blog in April, but my mind floated away from it. It floated back a few weeks ago, but I'm nowhere near as prolific as you! So well done! *bows* 

    I think this was my most popular post, but that really isn't saying much :P http://roisinannamurphy.wordpress.com/2011/11/12/to-stressed-out-writers/

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  4. DasiaDecember 14, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    She's awesome! One of my blogging inspirations :)

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  5. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    Thanks so much! It's been quite a journey. :)

    Very interesting post--thanks for sharing!

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  6. Susan SipalDecember 14, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    I remember when I first discovered your blog, Ava. You'd done a guest pot on Harry Potter on Lyn Midnight's blog, and I liked it so much, I started following you here!  Which I'm sooo glad I did.  It's getting to know people like you that make blogging and Tweeting so worthwhile!

    The most hit posts on my blog all have to do with Pottermore because of the frenzy when that came out.  But, they're all out of date now.  After the Pottermore posts, one that has gotten the most hits is on the Deathly Hallows symbol and what it means: http://harrypotterforwriters.blogspot.com/2010/11/that-deathly-hallows-symbol.html

    Thanks for sharing your wit and wisdom with us all! :-)

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  7. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    approval

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  8. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    I remember the Deathly Hallows post--I've never seen anyone break apart the symbolism of the Deathly Hallows symbol like that, so I can certainly imagine why it got so many hits. 

    Thanks so much for all of your support, Susan! You're certainly one of the people that have made my blogging experience that much better. 

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  9. Jennifer BennettDecember 14, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    According to blogger stats my most popular post is a book review, but that was due in large part to the author, so I guess we'll go with #2 "why writers should be on Twitter" 150 page views :)

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  10. Daniel SwensenDecember 14, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I'm really in awe of (and rather jealous of) your blog. You started in May and you've already got hundreds of readers and followers. It's pretty awesome. Can I interview you and learn your secrets?

    As for my most popular post... well, the most popular thing on my blog would be the Nanowrimo calendars, by far. The most popular post would be The Hailstorm Approach.. After that, The Lurking Fear.

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  11. Tina MossDecember 14, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    My most popular post is where I revealed I had an agent. I think that's pretty amazing. I'm so thankful that readers would care that much to check it out. Very cool. You're a 100% right, without blog readers, blogs just don't work. :D

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  12. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Can you give me the link to that one? I've probably read it, but just in case. ^_^ 

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  13. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    lol thank you! I'm still in awe myself about how wonderfully this blog has grown--it has certainly exceeded my expectations. I haven't many secrets but I'd be happy to write a guest post or do something about my experience so far if you'd like. :) 

    As for the posts--they're really great. I can definitely see why they gained some popularity. Thanks for sharing them! 

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  14. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Blog posts that announce that kind of fantastic milestone definitely deserve all the attention they can get. It's exciting not only for you, but for your readers, who I'm sure were very happy to hear the amazing news. :)

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  15. SaraDecember 14, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Your blog has really blossomed! I'm impressed (and as another reader said: JEALOUS)! My most popular post appears to be one I did ages ago about co-parenting.

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  16. Daniel SwensenDecember 14, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    If you could make time for that, that would be fantastic.  I'll DM you on Twitter if that's all right.

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  17. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Yup! Definitely fine. ^_^

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  18. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    Heh, thank you! I'm so grateful for every blogging milestone I've reached. It's been an amazing experience. 

    What do you think made that particular post your most popular one?

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  19. Pam ListDecember 14, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Happy 100 glad I found the tweet. Am  book marking for reading during my afternoon tea.

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  20. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    Thank you! ^_^

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  21. Zabrinah's Love BlogDecember 14, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Love this post! Keep it up! It's truly amazing how inspiring your readers can be. How each page-view gives you the courage to post again. How each email makes you want to erase all the doubt you ever felt about putting yourself out there in such a vulnerable way.

    Like I said before, keep it up!

    :)

    Best wishes from one blogger to another,

    ~Zabrinah

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  22. Ava JaeDecember 14, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    Thanks so much, Zabrina! You really hit the nail on the head--every page view and comment and e-mail (and if you're on Twitter, every tweet) is the best encouragement you could ever ask for. :)

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  23. Maria AdcockDecember 14, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    Congrats on #100! I, too, started my blog in May of this year. It's amazing how fast they can grow, right? Here's to many, many more posts! - Bicultural Mama

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  24. Rhiannon PailleDecember 14, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Hey Ava, congrats on hitting 100 posts! My most popular post is "Writing the dreaded first draft" which is kinda cool. I'm glad you're having so much fun with blogging and I look forward to reading more of your posts!

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  25. Angie RichmondDecember 14, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Congratulations on 100 posts! You are an inspiration! I only hope one day I can achieve the success you have. 

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  26. Linda PoitevinDecember 14, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Congratulations on your 100th post, Ava! I'm slowly working my way in that direction, hoping that the whole blogging thing will someday, somehow (magically, perhaps?) become easier. ;)

    My favorite post to date is this: http://lindapoitevin.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/how-our-words-define-us/

    I hope you enjoy. :)

    Linda

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  27. PaulaDecember 14, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Congratulations on your 100th post, Ava! I am new to your blog and I am enjoying what I have read so far, including your most popular post, Why Writers Must Read. I never understood when people said that they didn't like to read either! I always tell them that they just haven't found the right book yet! This past year I haven't spent nearly as much time reading books as I should have. I spent more time reading online, but it is my New Year's resolution to change that. :)

    Here is the link to my most popular post: http://blog.geekyshopaholic.com/blogging/how-important-i-niche-to-a-personal-blogger/

    And I also wanted to share one of my favorites of another blogger:
    http://thosewhodreambyday.wordpress.com/page/2/

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  28. Sidney PeckDecember 14, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Hey, babe.  I can so relate to everything you've written here.  I too value each and every reader and especially those folks who graciously take the time to leave commentary.  I never saw your original blog, but I love the feel and design of this site.  Let's see.  I think the blog on my site which has garnered the most buzz was the first one I wrote about the Occupy movement, entitled "Live Free Or Die".  I'm a Word Press blogger and my site is ta-dah...CinemaProfound (big surprise, right?).

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  29. Mark KoopmansDecember 15, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    Aloha Ava,

    One hundred posts is awesome. Well done, and I'm following your sense of humor :)

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  30. Iain BroomeDecember 15, 2011 at 1:38 AM

    Congratulations! It's easy to start a blog, but it's not easy to keep one going over time, so toot toot to that. Keep going!

    This isn't my most popular post, but it was my first on Write for Your Life and the one that made me think, 'Yikes, there might be something in this blogging business!'

    Also, I rather like it as it caused something of a stir (apparently, as you'll see in the comments, it was 'harmful to all writers'). There are so many blogs tralwing out the same old stuff about writer's block and having a nice desk, it's important to have an opinion. To try and say something. Anything.

    Here it is:
    Writers, abandon your muses – they’re a work of fiction!

    Congrats again!

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  31. Ava JaeDecember 15, 2011 at 4:17 AM

    Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy my blog! :)

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  32. Ava JaeDecember 15, 2011 at 4:20 AM

    Hi Sidney! 

    I certainly don't mind that you didn't see the original blog design. I used to have a screenie that revealed it's...less attractive nature, but I think I deleted it from my computer a while ago. Oh well! :D 

    I definitely imagine that posts that talk about controversial current events (like the Occupy movement) would get a lot of attention. Makes sense to me!

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  33. Ava JaeDecember 15, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    Firstly, welcome to Writability and thank you! I hope you continue to enjoy my posts. ^_^ 

    Second, I could see why the post you shared gathered some interest--whether or not we should blog in a niche is certainly a topic many people are interested in, and definitely one worth discussing. 

    Thanks for sharing your links! They're both great choices. :)

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  34. Ava JaeDecember 15, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    Thanks so much, Angie! ^_^

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  35. Ava JaeDecember 15, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    That was a lovely post, Linda. Thanks so much for sharing it! I'll have to think about what my word is now. :) 

    I don't know that blogging will ever be easier, but I think it'll be worth the effort for quite some time. 

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  36. Ava JaeDecember 15, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    Thanks so much, Iain! I commend you for starting your blog with such a brave post (and I commented ^_^). Thanks for sharing the link!

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  37. Ava JaeDecember 15, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Thanks Rhiannon! I really am enjoying blogging--it's been a great experience. 

    Do you think you could give me the link to your first draft post?

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  38. Ava JaeDecember 15, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Thanks so much, Maria! It really is astounding how quickly they can grow. I'm truly blessed. ^_^

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  39. angela ackermanDecember 15, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    Hooray for 100 posts! There is a lot of goodness on this blog--you have a unique insight and a sense for timely topics. I'm so glad you started this blog and look forward to what's in store. :)

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  40. Ava JaeDecember 15, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    Thanks so much, Angela! It's been a great experience, especially because of wonderful, supportive people like you. :)

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  41. Sophia ChangDecember 15, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    Congrats!!!

    My most popular post shuffles back and forth between:

    October/Filipino-American Crush of the Month: Dante Basco

    he actually responded and retweeted this to his fans - photos of hot guys usually gets hits :P

    and 

    Top 3 Things Well-Meaning Bloggers Do That Drive Readers Nuts

    Which Roni Loren picked up and included in her weekly round-up

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  42. Iain BroomeDecember 15, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    I had no idea it would cause so much fuss! 

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  43. Ava JaeDecember 16, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    I imagine that was quite a surprise as all the comments began to come in. :D

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  44. Melinda CollinsDecember 19, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Congratulations on a hundred blog posts!!!  That is a HUGE milestone!  I really do enjoy and learn a lot from your blog and I look foward to the next 100!!  :)

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  45. Ava JaeDecember 19, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Thanks so much, Melinda! I'm surprised by how quickly the milestone came up--it's very exciting. :)

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