Saturday, February 25, 2017

Birthday Blowout // The Left-Handed Typist Turns 1

Welcome to the extravaganza celebration! I have been planning this and taking notes on how people celebrate their blog anniversaries since I started a blog. Ignore that I'm still late to my own party nevertheless. This is going to be so much fun.

Before you get started, make sure you play my Spotify playlist in the sidebar for some nice ambiance music ;) Now you may continue.
Before we really get started I want to say a huge thank you to Jesus for laying this on my heart just over a year ago. I always despised the thought of blogging--so much time and having to be nice to people I don't even get to meet! Hehe ... well, here I stand corrected. This has been very fun, so sorry for being a stick-in-the-mud!
I have to blame the amazing Katie Grace, my first online friend, first blogger to follow, and first critique partner. God has forged such an awesome relationship with us. Your blog inspired me to have one, and your help is what got me here! I really have to thank you in person some day ...

And thanks to all of you. What's a blog if there are no readers? A journal. And I really really stink at journaling consistently. You people are the reason I keep coming back. :)
Lots of bloggers give their blog a fresh design for a new year. I wanted to change mine up a little, but not by much. So note the new header and the change of red to an army green. Still not 100% but it's new and I like it for now :) I imagine I will change to a fresh downloadable template at some point. Nevertheless, something fun for the one year mark!
I asked for celebratory photos and my favorite would be awarded a Martin Hospitality e-book! I received several submissions, all of which were awesome (!!!!). I'll list them below before revealing the winner.

Sorry, you'll have to follow the link right here. Couldn't find another way to do this :P 

How oh how I can I be expected to choose from just two people?! The cruelty. I love that Laura used my cover for her background and my original typewriterly blog font, but I love that Victoria used stats and made it all official. Gr. An e-book for the both of you I say for participating and being so different for one another! Congrats to Laura and Victoria!!
There is still a Goodreads giveaway going on where you could win 1 of 5 signed, first edition paperback copies of Martin Hospitality. It ends in 3 days, so be sure to enter! It is selectively international, but you must 18 or older to enter.

Never fear! I didn't know about the age restriction on Goodreads so I have another giveaway in honor of The Left-Handed Typist's birthday/blog anniversary ... whatever you want to call it. These are 3 separate giveaways and are not international (sorry):

1 // one signed, first edition paperback of Martin Hospitality
2 // two typewriter coasters & three bottlecap world map magnets
3 // one green watercolor notebook (unlined) & one blue watercolor world map postcard
I love stats!! So I'm going to include them all hehe
Number of posts: this makes #89 ........ o.o
Number of followers: 70 GFC, 35 Feedburner, & 23 newsletter ... although I'm sure there's overlap in there ;)
Number of comments: 2,021. Isn't that a beautiful number?! About half of those are my replies
Number of views: 26,256 although that number has already changed. Still. That's a lot. While over 75% of those are from the USA, the next country up is Croatia with 8% followed by Russia with 2.5%. Not what I was expecting.
Your favorite to read: A Vlog and Ramblings with where I shared my first vlog and a few random updates / announcements. Although it only has Jonathan's guest post beat by like ... 6 views I'm not sweating that at all But in all honesty I did suggest the topic of his post to him. He's just good at making things epic. Moving on >.>
My favorite to write: Ehm. The Art of Book Journaling probably. Which reminds me I need to do more of that.
I wanted to introduce something new for this year. While I tried this once before, I didn't really promote it or ever add to it. What better time than now?!

Introducing: writing prompts! Or as my own special line of them will be called #typewriterprompts.

I have 12 I'm introducing here (all free for media sharing and using in writing etc) and I will introduce a new one every month. So I'm revealing a year's supply ;) I'm really excited to give this a shot. Hopefully it will encourage me to write down interesting ideas and give you guys some surges of creativity as well!












I'm also hoping to begin a post series soon on self-publication. I want to know all the specific questions you have for that series right here so that I can tailor this to you.


Aaand as one final announcement, I now blog over at Teen Authors Journal as well. I'm aiming for weekly on Thursdays, so wish me luck and leave me a comment over there!
Hopefully this has been a fun post thus far! Before you go and even if you have participated in nothing so far please, please, pleasepleaseplease take this survey and let me know what changes you would like to see me bring to my blog and the writing world in general. I do this for you guys. Your experience is important to me ;)

Also, post requests and how we met and any other fun facts because I love getting to know you all better!



Sadly I neither created, photographed, or consumed this. But what's stopping us? (Thanks to my sis and myself for all the other pics.) Do take a slice of lemon cake on your way out.


~~~~~

Thanks so much for partying with me!! I wouldn't still be posting here, loving it despite all odds, and meeting new people with their own awesome dreams if it weren't for you.

68 comments:

  1. Congratulations! I love your blog so much even if I don't get a chance to comment every time. I love your idea for writing prompts! You have great ones and I'm always on the look-out for some. Super excited to be one of your followers and read more posts this year!

    *scrolls back up the page to be the first person to enter the giveaway and do the surveys*

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    1. Oh and I think I've known you for about a year. haha, pretty much as soon as you started your blog.

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    2. Thanks, Bethany!! I'm glad you like the prompts! Be on the look out for a new one the last Saturday of every month. They'll also appear in my newsletter and on Pinterest ;)

      Yes, you were the first person to enter everything :D

      Woohoo, a whole year! Thanks for sticking with me ^.^

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  2. *throws confetti* *dances around* (however you party on the Internet because I'm still pretty new to this)

    Congratulations on one year of your blog! I've only been stopping by here for several months now, but I already love it and how welcome you make me feel :) I can't wait to see where you and your blog/writing go in the next year!

    Thank you for this fun Internet party :D

    audrey caylin

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    1. XP Yeah internet parties are a little strange, huh?

      Thank you! I'm excited to see where we go, too.

      You're very welcome. Thanks for partying with me :D

      Delete
  3. *throws lots of confetti! CONGRATULATIONS ABI!!!!! This is so fun! I love the first typewriter prompt! Here's to many more blog posts full of awesome! =)

    Micaiah
    www.notebooksandnovels.com

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  4. So exciting! And those prompts are amazing. Will have to use one XD

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    1. Yay, I'm so glad you like them. It's about time to release the next one hehe :D

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  5. YAYAY Abi! Happy Blogiversary! I can't wait for what will happen here in the next year!

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    1. Thanks so much, Hanne!! I can't wait to see what will happen either ... I don't really know where we're headed at this point XD :P

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  6. Happy blogiversary, Abi! :D It's strange to think that you've only been blogging for a year - looking at your blog and how experienced it (and you!) are, I'd totally think you'd been around for much longer ;).

    Here's looking forward to another year of wonderful Abi-posts! I can't wait to read your self-publiction series ;).

    ~ Savannah
    scattered-scribblings.blogspot.com

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    1. *scrolls through your older posts to try and figure out how long I've (virtually) known you* ... I think I've known you for about ten-ish months ;).

      ~ Savannah
      scattered-scribblings.blogspot.com

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    2. Aw, thanks! I've just been rereading all the excellent questions I received for the self-pub series! Can't wait to get started on that :D

      Wow! It's been so great to know you that long, Savannah!! :D

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  7. Victoria, your graphic is amazing! Loved how you included the stats. Congrats! Also, that was super kind to give away two copies of your novels. I am super excited! :D Also, I love the writing prompts. Definitely inspired some ideas. Ultimately, happy one year anniversary!

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    1. Of course! So glad I was able to give one to you. Thanks so much for submitting your images. I really love them :D

      I'm so glad you like them! I'll be releasing the next one on Saturday ;)

      Thank you, Laura! :)

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  8. Congratulations, Abi!!!! *throws confetti* Here's to many more years!!! *cheers*(sparkling apple cider, that is:))

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    1. Thanks, Morgan!!!! I love sparkling apple cider ;)

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  9. Congratulations, Abi!!! *throws the biggest party EVER* Let's see, how long have I been following you? It was the beginning of March last year, so almost exactly a year! Yay! :D

    I loove your new blog design. <3 And your writing prompts are amazing! :)

    I can't believe that it's already been a year since you've started this blog. I hope this next year is as good as this past year has been, or better. :D

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    1. Whaaaat? How have we known each other over a year? That's crazy.

      Thanks! With fantastic followers like you, this next year is bound to be amazing :)

      Delete
  10. I'M LATE TO THE PARTY BUT I BRING PIZZA AND CONFETTI AND GLITTER. And a mess. :P

    Ahh, I'm so incredibly happy that you connected with me so long ago. It's been a blessing to know you (already over a year??), and connect over writing and blogging and bookish things. The stats are so interesting, and you are doing amazing for your first year. Wow. o.o

    Ooh, and you should post those writing prompts on pinterest! I bet people would really enjoy and repin those. :D

    I AM SO PROUD OF YOU, MY FRIEND. I can't wait to see what this next year brings. <3

    katie grace
    a writer's faith

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    1. Bad, Katie! No messes!!! But pizza YES you are forgiven ^.^ <3

      I'm so happy, too!! I had NO idea how much that one little blog message was going to change my entire life! It's been a crazy awesome ride ever since :D Thanks for sticking with me!

      YES! They have spammed Pinterest and are already doing better than my last attempt with a grand total of 8 repins XP

      I AM SO PROUD THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF ME!! You're the amazing pizza goddess blogging queen. I feel like everyone's opinion of me goes up every time I say that you're the one who helped me start all of this! :D

      Thank you SO much for everything you do for me!! I'll find some way to repay you someday I promise :D ^.^ <3

      Delete
  11. Happy blog anniversary!
    I enjoyed your party. Thank you for the giveaways. I have only known you for a couple of weeks, but I've visited and read your blog many months ago. :)

    Have a sweet day!

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    1. Thank you, Ashley! I'm glad you're enjoying the blog :D

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  12. Yay, one year!! First, I'm super excited about your self-publication series. Also those pictures Viv took are adorable :P

    I second Katie's idea to post those writing prompts on Pinterest - they would definitely go around and they are so so interesting.

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    1. Thanks! I've just been revisiting how I'm going to do the series and I'm super excited to get going on it!

      Hehe thanks ^.^ I'm not much for pictures, but I was pleased with the way they turned out :D

      I'm glad you like them! I have the first 12 up there but will have to remember to add another each month as I release them on the blog ;)

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  13. Oh, wow! One year! That's a big date. Ooh, looks like lots of fun stuff is happening. :) I've only known you a couple weeks or months, but I'm really looking forward to reading Martin Hospitality and getting to know you better! :)

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    1. I know O.O It's been really great getting to know you, Kellyn. I can't wait to hear what you think of MH! :D

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  14. Happy blogiversary!!! I've known you online since whenever it was that Katie Grace announced your blog on one of her posts :D

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    1. Thanks, Eliza!! Wow, that's awesome! That's how I began, so you've been with me the ENTIRE time :D It's been great to have you along :)

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  15. Happy First Blogiversary Abi!!! And your post and the pics (ok - the ones of you with the books especially - E.P.I.C.!!!!!!!!)...LOVE it! ^_^ Congratulations again!!

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    1. Thank you! <3 Kudos to my sis for all the pics with me in them ;D So glad you like them! :)

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  16. Ahh happy blog birthday, and late book birthday!! I CAN'T WAIT TO READ MARTIN HOSPITALITY. :D

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    1. Thanks, Emily!! Yes, read it! I want to hear what you think ^.^

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  17. Happy Blogoversary and congratulations on all the magnificent progress you were able to make this year! Wow, I'm so impressed and I can't wait to get my hands on your book! :D Thank you for being so terrific and awesome!

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    1. Thanks, Emily! I've loved having you along. You're super special, being my first comment ;)

      Psh, thank YOU for sticking around! :D

      Delete
  18. Your writing prompts are AMAZING Abi! ^_^ And CONGRADULATIONS! :D

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  19. Congrats!! It's been so nice getting to know you, Abi! You're so sweet and kind, I could not think of anyone better to be blogging buddies with. Happy 1st!!! :D

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    1. Aww, thank you, Anika! You're such a sweetheart. It's been great getting to know you! :D

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  20. You are super cute, Abigayle!! I love the pictures with you and all your copies of Martin Hospitality!!

    I really want to enter for a chance to win something but I don't have a twitter account. How would I be able to follow you on twitter to enter by rafflecopter.com?

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    1. The giveaway (rafflecopter.com) said to comment how long I've known you online. Well, very recently I found you through Scattered Scribblings!! I hope to continue following you through your blogging journey. ;)

      - Lilly Shyree (alillyingodsgarden.blogspot.com)

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    2. Hehe, thank you!

      I'm glad you figured the giveaway out. There were lots of options because I know not everyone has everything ;)

      I'm so glad you found me through Savannah! She's an awesome young lady. It's been great getting to know you, Lilly :)

      Delete
  21. I've virtually known you for about two months. Congrats on the blog birthday! First year! I'm sure it just gets easier from here! *has no idea if this is true or not*
    I will buy Martin Hospitality as soon as I can if I don't win it in the giveaway (which I probably won't). It sounds marvelous!

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    1. Wow, that's awesome! Thank you :) I HOPE it gets easier from here, but I guess we'll have to find out together XP

      I can't wait to hear what you think of MH! :D

      Delete
  22. Congratulations!!! What a great accomplishment! I think I've "known" you for about four months. It has been awesome so far! I really want to read "Martin Hospitality" especially after reading the 50 facts post!!! Happy Birthday!
    ~ Sarah

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    1. Thank you, Sarah :) Wow, 4 months! So glad you've enjoyed everything so far.

      Saweet, that was the point of that post hehehe :D

      Thank you! :)

      Delete
  23. HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!! You are the absolute coolest. I guess that I've known you for almost a year now?? I followed you when Katie announced you:)

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    1. Thanks, Grace Anne ^.^ Hehe, such flattery. YES! Katie's the one who launched me, so you've been here the WHOLE TIME. Whaaat? That's so awesome! I'm so glad to have you along :D

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  24. Happy, happy birthday
    May all your dreams come true
    We wish it was our birthday
    So we could party too!

    Happy blogiversary, Abigayle! *sends happy fries*

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    1. Haha XD

      Thanks, Jasmine! The good news is you CAN party too :D Blogs are friendly and share their birthdays like that ;)

      Loving the happy fries. It's the first time I've gotten those! :D

      Delete
  25. Happy, happy birthday
    May all your dreams come true
    We wish it was our birthday
    So we could party too!

    Happy blogiversary, Abigayle! *sends happy fries*

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  26. Just entered your giveaway!!!
    I think I've known you for almost three weeks by now. By the way, I'm loving the spotify music in the background!!
    -Melissa from TAJ

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    1. Aw, thanks Melissa!

      YAY someone actually used the Spotify music XD I wasn't sure if people would or not. ^.^

      It's been great getting to know you. I'm having an awesome time at TAJ

      Delete
  27. Happy (belated...) blog anniversary! :)

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  28. This is SOO belated, but HAPPY BLOG ANNIVERSARY!!!! Congrats!! I *think* I started following your blog 6 months ago-ish. I have really enjoyed reading all of your lovely posts, and of course, your AMAZING novel!! Many blessings to you!

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    1. Weeeeeell, I'm just responding to comments, so you're good ;) XP That's awesome! It's been great getting to know you. Your personal copy should arrive any day now! :D

      Blessings to you as well, Sarah Grace <3

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  29. *is totally not almost two weeks late to the party, nope*

    Ahem. HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY! Again, ignore the fact that I'm late. ;P BUT GOSH, GIRL YOU'VE ONLY BEEN BLOGGING A YEAR?! Your blog posts are so awesome and professional-looking that it seems like you've been blogging for ages.

    I found your blog right when it started. Katie Grace posted about it, and, well, you've been stuck with me ever since. XD

    I love you, girl! So proud of you for sticking with blogging for a whole year--and for publishing YOUR FIRST BOOK LIKE WHAT.

    (Also, I'm just getting ready to start MH and am SO DARN EXCITED. <3333)

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    1. *is totally not two weeks late replying to this comment*

      Aw, thank you, Mary!! You're so sweet :D It's so awesome that you've been around the ENTIRE time! O.O That's pretty impressive. I've really enjoyed being stuck with you :)

      HOORAY!! So glad you enjoyed it :D

      Thank you!! Love you, too <3

      Delete
  30. HOW DID I NOT SEE THIS POST EARLIER??? *cries*
    Anyway, happy belated blog birthday- and I hope I don't miss your next giveaway! The prizes looked amazing!

    ReplyDelete

Comments are how I know you've been here! I try hard to reply to all the comments in a timely fashion, but regardless, know that if you leave a comment, I will read it and it will make me smile. :) Please no profanity or soliciting.