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Friday, March 4, 2011

Blogiversary

I didn't even realize it until last night, but yesterday was my one year blogiversary. It's incredible, really. I can't believe I've been doing this for a year.

I've met the most amazing people, corresponded with published authors, and even communicated directly with a few literary agents and editors. It truly has changed my life.

This picture to the left is one I may use come April. I'll be keeping the pink hair up for the rest of the month to support my good friends Lisa and Laura in the release of  their debut novel, Liar Society. I blogged about it earlier this week.

There's not really a whole lot else to say. Thank you all. Thank you anyone who reads this blog, but especially those who follow and comment. Interacting with other writers has made a huge difference in my life, and has completely turned my writing career around. A year and a day ago I was about to give up. Now I have a critique group, a viable novel (almost), a query that wins contests, and 551 of the best friends in the world.

I won't go on any longer, but I'll try to link you to a couple of the best posts I've written over these last months:

A Goodbye to Nathan Bransford as he Left Agenting.
SPEAKING Up for Laurie Halse Anderson.
Comparing Writing to a Waterpark.
Sometimes it is a Matter of Life and Death.
Interview with Andrew Smith.
A Blogger's Manifesto.
Interview with Bryan Russell.

Anyway. There's no way you're going to have time to read all that. But that's okay. I heart you all like slugs love mud. Let me know if I forgot about any of my best posts.

Thanks! Have a great day, and a great weekend!
at

80 comments:

  1. MelissaMarch 4, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Do slugs like mud? I've never paid attention... But I'd rather not picture you like a slug - you are far too awesome for that! Congrats on your one year! That is so exciting and awesome!

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  2. D. U. OkonkwoMarch 4, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    Cool post - and yep, a year in Blogland can go very quickly!

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  3. Natalie AguirreMarch 4, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    Happy Blogiversay! You've accomplished a lot in a year. I hope I can look back on my first year and say the same. And I love your picture.

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  4. SarahMarch 4, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    You've really created an interesting, useful blog. I remember when you started it--I was so impressed by the honesty and humility with which you approached looking at your own query and querying process. But now you've turned this in to so much more than that. It's quite an achievement, and I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it in the next year!

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  5. Ted CrossMarch 4, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    Whoa! I can't believe it's only been one year for you. It feels like I've been following you for ages.

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  6. Bryan RussellMarch 4, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    And, it's amazing, I hear rumors that this year is going to be even better. Remarkable.

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  7. Alex J. CavanaughMarch 4, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    Congratulations! You did good for your first year.

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  8. AleezaMarch 4, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    Aw, congrats! tha picture (of your daugher, I presume?) is so adorable! :)
    here's to another aesome year in blogging!

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  9. CandylandMarch 4, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    Happy VERSARY. I realize you couldn't have done it without me because I'm so JADED. Seriously, so much love, Timmy.

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  10. Matthew MacNishMarch 4, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    Yep, that's my kid, the first one, years ago.

    You can read more about her and the silly stuff we do together, here.

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  11. vic caswell March 4, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    happy bloggy birthday matt!!! thank you for all the educational posts you write! and i really loved the one where you talked about why you like winter! (even though i hate winter!) your daughter is unbelievably cute, and it's nice to see you smile!

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  12. RenaeMarch 4, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    Congrats on your one year! You have done amazing!

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  13. UnknownMarch 4, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Happy Blogoversary!!! I stepped into the fray nine months ago, terrified and not knowing what to expect. But the people I have met so far and the fellow writers, like you, that I've connected with have made this one of the best, most exciting journeys I've ever undertaken. Thank you so much for all that you've done and continue to do in support of writing and your fellow bloggers. Here's to huge successes and many more years in Blogland.

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  14. JessMarch 4, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    Happy Blogiversary Matt! I love all of your posts, but the one about Nathan Bransford really got to me :)

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  15. Anne GallagherMarch 4, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Congrats Matt! Keep on keepin' on.

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  16. Misha GerrickMarch 4, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Happy blogiversary, Matt! May you have many more of them.

    :-)

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  17. S.A. LarsenッMarch 4, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Totally happy to have met you too, Matt. It's been a run. Much more to come, I'm sure. Best always and I love the new pic.

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  18. Creepy Query GirlMarch 4, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    OH! YOu're blog is only a couple months older than mine? I had no idea! Well, I've always been a fan and always will be- LOVE the pic btw!

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  19. Laura M. CampbellMarch 4, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Yee haw! I can't wait to read more author interviews. Rock out for another year, sir. Rock out.

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  20. StinaMarch 4, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    Congrats on your awesome first year. It's been fun following your blog. :D

    Love the picture. I would never have recognized you if I had bumped into you on the street. Heck, I could bump into JK Rowling and I wouldn't clue in that it was her either. :P

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  21. Erica MitchellMarch 4, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Happy 1 year, I realize that I don't know you that well yet, and hope to change that in the upcoming year ;) Congrats!

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  22. Matthew MacNishMarch 4, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    That's okay Erica! No worries.

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  23. PK HREZOMarch 4, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Happy Blogoversary! Awesome work, my friend! And what a gorgeous little girl there. :)

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  24. JEMarch 4, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Happy blogversary. ;-) You're blog is wonderful, Matt! And you're a great blogging buddy!

    Here's to another wonderful year!

    ~JD

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  25. Michael G-GMarch 4, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Happy blogiversary to you, Matt. Great blog, great picture, great writing.

    I came late to the party, but it's the kind of party people keep arriving at and people don't want to leave. You're going to have to book a bigger venue soon!

    May the next year be even bigger and better for you.

    Cheers!

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  26. Frankie Diane MallisMarch 4, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    WOW Congrats on an awesome year!

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  27. storyqueenMarch 4, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Happy blogiversary, Matthew.

    Wishing you many more years of excellent blogging.

    Shelley

    (Adorable pic!)

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  28. mshatchMarch 4, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    holy cow! you've done amazingly well in a single year. Glad I found your blog :)

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  29. Joanne BrothwellMarch 4, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    I love that photo, Matthew. So sweet.

    Congrats on an amazingly successful year. I look forward to many more.

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  30. Old KittyMarch 4, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    Oh noes!! You look so normal - so yes please keep the pink hair! LOL!!

    And I heart you too like marmite does with toast. :-)

    And don't forget your poetry posts. I like them!!! Take care
    x

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  31. Lydia KangMarch 4, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    Happy, Happy Blogiversary! So many of us are having them right around now, what fun.

    I know I'm so glad I found your blog. I've loved your humor, the query reviews, and your amazing support to all your fellow writers/bloggers.

    And how cute it that pumpkin you have in your arms!

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  32. Luanne G. SmithMarch 4, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Whoa! Happy one year and a day blogiversary!

    Five hundred and fifty one followers can't be wrong.

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  33. Sarah AhiersMarch 4, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    Yay and congrats!
    Also i LOVE that new picture! It's great

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  34. LTMMarch 4, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    congrats--I totally forgot mine, and now it's long gone... :D lurv that little picture. Too cute. <3

    And I think I've read all those posts. Except that John Mayer one about the waterpark. *snort*

    well done, bleepie~

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  35. Nate WilsonMarch 4, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    Congrats on getting through the first year, Matthew. And may the next one be even better...

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  36. JulesMarch 4, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    A BIG Yeehaw from the south! Congrats on the one year and if that little girl is yours she is adorable :)

    Have great weekend and write on!
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  37. Paul JosephMarch 4, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Congratulations, good sir! You had an awesome first year!!!

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  38. Laura PaulingMarch 4, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    Congrats on reaching a year and having so many followers! I agree, blogging has only enriched my writing life!

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  39. Lisa Gail GreenMarch 4, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    Yeah!!! Congrats on your blogoversary!! You've really done a lot in a year.

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  40. Jared LarsonMarch 4, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Totally cool, Matt! Thank you so much for all your selfless contribution. It's helped many of us. I look forward to reading many more posts from you. And your girl's a sweetheart. Congrats!

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  41. Angela AckermanMarch 4, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Happy Blogaversary! Honestly, I can't believe it's only been a year--you are such a supportive, caring blogger, and have contributed so much to others! It's like you've always been here!

    Here's to many more years, ey? (I'm Canadian, so I get to say that!)

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  42. Laura S.March 4, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Happy happy blogiversary!!!

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  43. ShariMarch 4, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    Congratulations!! I can't believe it's only been one year. You have done amazing things for such a short time. Just so ya know, I kinda feel like a slug wallowing in mud now, but a happy slug, since I have met you and your blog.

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  44. Raquel ByrnesMarch 4, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    Happy Anniversary! You've done so much! I've learned so much from what you do here. Here's to another fabulous and productive year. =)

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  45. Steve MCMarch 4, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Happy Anniversary! I'm as glad I found you as Harry was glad to find Hagrid.

    Superb photo, and all the best to you and yours.

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  46. Michael Offutt, Phantom ReaderMarch 4, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    Happy anniversary for your blog kindom. I'm glad I found it because your blog is definitely cool.

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  47. Kelly PolarkMarch 4, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Congrats on One Year!
    And great new photo. It's less one cigarette and plus one little cutie pie!

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  48. Myrna FosterMarch 4, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    Congrats on your blogiversary. I'm a fairly new follower, so I'm going to check out some of your links. Thanks!

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  49. Suzie F.March 4, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    Happy Blogiversary, Matt! I recently celebrated my 6 month blogiversary.

    Like Myrna, I'm a fairly new follower. I love your blog, especially the query critiques. Good luck with your writing!

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  50. Ishta MercurioMarch 4, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Happy Blogiversary, Matt! Has it really been only a year? Wow. It feels like you've been around forever - and I mean that in the best possible way. You're part of my writing community. Thanks for putting yourself out here, a gem for the rest of us to find.

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  51. Lenny LeeMarch 4, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    hi mr matthew! yikes! a whole year of blogging! how cool is that! im just real glad i got following you cause besides being soooo nice and soooo caring i been learning lots from you and meeting lots more cool writers.
    ...big happy bloggyversary hugs from lenny

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  52. Christina LeeMarch 4, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    I heart that picture (A LOT) and I heart you!!!!!!!!!

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  53. Hart JohnsonMarch 4, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    If you're calling me dirty, I'll take it as a metaphor... Happy Blogiversary! Man, you've made great progress in just a year! Pat yourself on the back, or better, have your daughter do it for you. (those little kid pats are sweet)

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  54. LindsayMarch 4, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    Happy blogiversary. A year in blogland has gone so fast. Here's to the next year!

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  55. Elana JohnsonMarch 4, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Woot! Happy blogoversary!

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  56. ali crossMarch 4, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    Like slugs love mud. Awesome.

    Happy Blogoversary!

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  57. Golden EagleMarch 4, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    Congratulations on a year of blogging!

    Have a great weekend. :)

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  58. M PaxMarch 4, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    Happy Blogiversary! I'm glad to have bumped into you. Wishes for another great year.

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  59. Marsha SigmanMarch 4, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    Congrats on one year! So glad you didn't give up!

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  60. UnknownMarch 4, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Happy Blogiversary!

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  61. Stacy McKitrickMarch 4, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Wow - only 1 year? I figured you'd been around longer than that when I started following.

    Happy Blogiversary!

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  62. Carolyn AbiadMarch 4, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    Happy blogiversary! I think this is a good excuse for some cake. Yes? Or do you prefer pie? :)

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  63. AnonymousMarch 4, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    Congrats on the blogoversary, dude! Helluva milestone, that.

    Here's the the coming year! *cheers*

    Also, why're you ditching the cigarette picture? Trying to be a better example for the youth, or what? :)

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  64. vmichelleMarch 4, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Congrats! What you do is really great for writers trying to learn (like me). Thanks for putting yourself out there!

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  65. Jennie EnglundMarch 4, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Wow -- sounds like things really HAVE turned around for you.

    Hope it just gets better and better.

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  66. K.M. WaltonMarch 4, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Happy blogiversary, Matthew!! Your wonderful blog was a wealth of info while I was querying. Thank you for providing what you do. You're one genuinely cool guy.

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  67. AnonymousMarch 4, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Happy blogiversary (is that really a word? if not it should be).

    Congrats man, I love the blog.

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  68. Nathan BransfordMarch 4, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Happy Blogiversary!

    You're great at what you do.

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  69. Mason CanyonMarch 4, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Happy One Year Blogiversary. Looking forward to seeing what the next year brings. Have a great weekend.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  70. Talli RolandMarch 5, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    Yay! Happy blogiversary - can you believe it's been a year?! I'm coming up to mine soon, too. I need to check to see exactly when!

    It's been a fantastic year for you - look how far you've come. I sound like a Hallmark card.

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  71. Charlie PulsipherMarch 5, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    Huge congrats! I am glad I came across a funny comment by you on facebook. I look forward to more of your brilliant writing and hope to see that book hit shelves too.

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  72. Arlee BirdMarch 5, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    My how time flies! Congratulations and just goes to show that we should never give up even when we think we've reached the end.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  73. AnonymousMarch 6, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    Love your new photo! Congratulations on your blogoversary! Well done!

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  74. adam.purpleMarch 6, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    Such a great photo!

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  75. Lisa_GibsonMarch 6, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Love the new pic! You're awesome dude. And though I don't make it by the blog as much as I'd like, I do appreciate your posts. Happy blogiversary!

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  76. TaffyMarch 7, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    It's amazing how fast a year flies by! CONGRATS!
    I like the new photo. Keep it!

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  77. AnonymousMarch 7, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Congrats!

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  78. SlamdunkMarch 7, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    Happy Anniversary. Keep up the good work--you have been providing a valuable resource for those aspiring writers.

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  79. HannahMarch 7, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    Yay! Congrats!!

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  80. UnknownMarch 10, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    I can't believe I missed this post. Congratulations! I love that I've known you for quite awhile! You're quite the blogger and it's been a pleasure getting to know you and others that you've hosted on this here blog!

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