First of all, I don't think I am passionate about reading novels and books as I am now. I may have read a few books here and there and purchase them after viewing good film adaptations but my enthusiasm tends to fizzle out until the next thing caught my interest. Fate would have it that I was re-introduced back to the world of Jane Austen when I began my new job in a bookstore. Until that moment, I have only completely read Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. Although I learn of and bought some Austenesque novels before but never got down to finish even one (shame on me), working in a bookstore has given me unparalleled access to books where I can pick and choose what books to read next. Anything remotely related to the authoress or her novels hasn't escape my notice and I began to venture out of my comfort zone to go to previously untouched sections such as self-enrichment and young adult. Then I began to ask myself this question — how would I remember the plot of each story because everything sounds familiar if you stay in the world of Pride and Prejudice for too long — which brings me to the next point.
Sensing a need to document my reading habit and at the invitation of my colleague to join her blog, this is where blogging comes in. I feel writing reviews is the next step forward and so began to vigorously review books that I have finished. I hope I have done a good job on that. Later on I started my own blog that gives me freedom to post anything that I want and stumbled on an idea to list down book giveaways in order to keep track on the contest that I entered. Besides this you will also find my posts on new Austenesque titles that are to be released every publishing season. Of course maintaining a blog takes up much of my time these days which I do not regret at all as I get to spend time doing the things I love.
Through visiting numerous Austen-themed blogs and websites, my knowledge of Jane Austen's world increase and I learn new things everyday. Thanks to her, I get to meet many Austenesque authors and online fans who share my love and enthusiasm and became my friends. I can connect with them in a way that not even my real-life friends and parents can understand me. I feel that I can belong somewhere at last.
I hope I have entertained you with my story. Let's toast to our dear and esteemed authoress and friend for bringing us together to celebrate this special day.
Loved your story! I always wondered how you got into blogging and found Jane Austen. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Jane! ;D
I share with you a passion for everything Austen and for blogging. Yes, it is time consuming but so rewarding. Jane Austen and blogging really have enriched my life. Thanks for joining in the celebration! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story! Thank you for sharing it. :)
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