I’m sitting here, shop writing this, and its hard to believe that this little baby is four years old. Four years ago, I thought to myself…I should start a blog. I should share my opinions. I should share my love for the nerd girl life. What started off as a place for me to go and be passionate about the things I love ended up being one of the most important aspects of my life.

Seriously.

Four years ago, I was in college, struggling, wishing I was anywhere but there. Four years ago, I had a boyfriend that wasn’t always the most supportive or loving or affectionate person. Four years ago, I didn’t have many friends. Four years ago, I didn’t feel like myself or really know who I was.

Now? Now, I am constantly surrounded by friends, amazing friends that I’ve met through this blog and my love of books and my love of fandom and nerd life. I have this confidence in myself that I certainly never had before. Yes, I have my bad days, and I struggle with mental illness, but I am sure of who I am and where I am going. I know that no matter what happens, its going to be okay. That’s so huge for me. And now, after so much work, after so much rejection and discouraging days…I am a published author.

It’s incredible. Its hard to believe that the 24 year old girl that started this blog turned into the 28 year old that I am now. I’m so proud of myself. I’m so proud of myself. I have met so many amazing bloggers and readers and librarians and authors and booksellers and book lovers and so many of them have become my friends and you have all been so invaluable to me. Some of you are ones that I’ve met at book signings and fest and some of you I’ve only met online, but you are all so important and I thank my blog for all of you, and I thank you for being part of what has made my life, and my extension, my blog, so freakin’ awesome.

I’ve done so many great things and met great people and I’ve not stopped pushing myself since the creation of What A Nerd Girl Says. This blog is my baby, my little four year old child that I have poured so much of myself into. I started this as a hobby, something so small, and what has come of it has truly blown my mind.

Since last year, I’ve gone on my first road trip, gone to more conventions, had two books published, a novel and a novella, met a ton of authors, camped out for the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood. I’ve moderated my first panels and signed my first books and I’ve had an incredible year since celebrating the third year of What A Nerd Girl Says.

I don’t know what the future holds. I know that the blog has slowed down quite a bit since the publication of The Awakened back in December. Between writing The Survivor and The Sanctuary and doing events and all of that, I’ve just been so busy. I’ve tried to get up on this blog as much as possible because I love it so much.

And no matter what happens in the future, how often I blog or not, this blog means absolutely everything. I would not have the life I have or be the person that I am or the writer that I am without this blog. Nothing about that is even up for debate. What A Nerd Girl Says holds a big big part of my heart and that won’t ever change.

And I’m hoping to be celebrating year five next year for sure!

For now, though, let’s celebrate with a giveaway! I love throwing lots of love and books and nerd stuff your way because you guys are here and support me and read my blog and its a huge part of why this still exists!

There are four super awesome prizes up for grabs. Head to my instagram to enter, and find the photo above. You’ll find all the instructions there. It’s open until May 31st AND it is international, which I hardly ever do, so definitely make sure to check it out!

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