1,000 Posts

Today I reach a milestone here at Iola’s Christian Reads. Actually, I reach two. I think.

I started Iola’s Christian Reads in September 2011, after winning an ebook in an online giveaway. I’d just bought a Kobo (Kindles weren’t yet available here in New Zealand), and was keen to build my electronic library.

The book was delivered via NetGalley, and I found that I could get free ebooks from many of my favourite authors and publishers if I promised to write a review on a blog, and on sites such as Amazon.

Paperbacks cost around $30 each in New Zealand at the time, so this seemed like a good deal.

Iola’s Christian Reads was born.

This is my 1,000th post at Iola’s Christian Reads. Most of those posts have been book reviews, but there have also been links to reviews on other sites (such as Australasian Christian Writers and Suspense Sisters Reviews).

There have been 39 Friday Fifteen posts, in which authors introduce their fifteen favourite books or authors. There have been 15 Clash of the Titles posts, introducing four books and asking readers to vote for their favourite. There have been posts announcing award winners, and posts announcing new releases in Christian fiction.

My top reviews (in terms of the number of views) have been:

• The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved by J Phillips (I remain curious that my most read review is of a book I didn't finish—one of the rare non-fiction books I've reviewed.)
• Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson
• Trust Me Twice by Alison Stanley
• Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray
• Activate by Adele Jones

I’ve also shared my reviews on social media: Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and more recently, Instagram. I’ve started a freelance editing business (Christian Editing Services), and started writing my own Christian fiction (at IolaGoulton.com).

I have this blog, two websites, and a dozen social media profiles. I'm also a regular contributor to two other blogs.

I’m finding it hard to keep up. Something has to give.

So that’s today’s other milestone: as well as being the 1,000th post here at Iola’s Christian Reads, this will be the last.

I think.

It will be the last post for 2017. I will take some time over Christmas to pray and consider my direction for 2018.

I will still be reviewing books. But now I’ll be reviewing at my author website, Iola Goulton. I’d love it if you joined me.

I’ll have a regular blogging schedule:

• Monday: Bookish Question
• Tuesday: Review of a new Christian fiction release
• Wednesday: Author interview or general blog post (I’m still working this out)
• Thursday: Repost of a review of an older Christian novel
• Friday: #FirstLineFriday

I’ll tell you a little more about #FirstLineFriday next week, over at www.iolagoulton.com.

Meanwhile, please join me at www.iolagoulton.com to keep reading my reviews. Add me to your blog feed list.

And thank you for all your comments and support over the last six years.