Days Gone By:2011

"...for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne."

Authors Promoting Authors' New Year is technically sometime in July or August where we, without a lot of fanfare celebrate the anniversary of this blog. 

Think of this as more a mid-year review. 

So far, it has been a great year for APA but as I write this New Year's greeting, I am feeling a bit sentimental for days gone by. Back when, APA was one of the only blogs who were featuring authors and their books. Back when what APA had to offer, was new and ahead of its time, when we were the first to serve for all intense purposes as a place to host authors' virtual book tours (back when that description wasn't even thought of, that's how groundbreaking what we did was). When, our Facebook Group was more useful than another place for authors to post their book links. Where authors wrote in and asked for advice and "Have you heard of this publisher, this editor, this agent?" (authors still do, on a less frequent basis). It was also back when, I feel, there was a tighter community of indie authors and big time authors, willing to share their knowledge. 

Of course, my life has changed since I started this blog and the demands and growing busyness of life has left me with less time to stay ahead of the curve or give attention to this blog. In many ways, I have turned into a bad blogger. I don't comment on the blogs I follow, nearly as often as I like. I don't comment on APA posts by our contributors each and every time.  I don't reply to each and every email because the demands of real life keep me more and more away from the screen. Some weeks, I don't even post regular blog features. 

Knowing this was going to be a hugely busy year for me on many levels, I asked for help. I asked for new contributors and features and new content. And thankfully, I got it and our readers got it. I can't thank Sascha, Liz and Shiela or Margaret nearly enough for all they have given APA this year. 

 Its been a lot of fun to read what these talented writers have posted weekly and I look forward to more great writing, thought-sharing and surprises from them. 

As 2011 comes to a close, I want to ask you: blog readers, authors, followers, what would you like to see from APA? Is there a feature you think we could add to our bag of tricks? Is there a way we can help promote authors more? 

My wish for APA in 2012 is more readers, a greater exchange of ideas, more creativity and an increase of audience and maybe, if its the right fit, another contributor to join the fray. 

Wishing you all the very best in 2012 and beyond. 

If you celebrated the New Year in October, Happy Calendar Changing Day and Happy New Year to the rest of you. 

~Tina-Sue 

apasuggestions@gmail.com