HAPPY BIRTHDAY (My Blog Turns the Big 0-4!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

My Blog Turns
the Big 0-4!

300 posts.

An array of reviews.

A slew of stories.

200,000 visits.

 Endless new friends.

Wow — it's been

a great four years!

_________________________

My first book signing.
(Orlando, FL - April 2010)

April 2010. My first book was set to arrive in stores around the world. My "people" all urged me to start a blog. But there was one problem. I didn't know what a blog was. Okay, maybe I did, but I certainly didn't grasp the true value of having one, nor did I possess the skills necessary to create and launch an effective site.

Yes, I was pretty naïve to the world of blogging four years ago. MySpace was fizzling out and Facebook was rolling in. And as I've stated previously, I approached my new blog merely as an extension of my existing social networks. Hence, my content was limited to posts regarding book-related updates, my upcoming personal appearances and what I had at Starbucks that morning. In short, my blog was boring! But I wasn't terribly concerned, as I didn't think that anyone would ever actually come here — I was just going through the motions.

My second book arrived in January 2012.
(Get it NOW on Amazon)

But, as they say, practice makes perfect. Six months after launching my blog, I learned how to monitor my stats. And to my dismay, I discovered that the site had actually received nearly 2,000 visits. Hmm, if that many people were stopping by to read drivel, my audience could potentially explode if I put forth a little effort and actually created quality content.

Since then, my traffic has sky rocketed. I now post updates several times a week. And from faith and fashion to pop culture and politics, I present a wide range of topics, all based on my personal perspectives and experiences.

Over the last four years, I've posted some real  duds. (I've hopefully now deleted all of those.) However, I have posted some pretty snappy stuff too. And a few of the most popular features have included my 2012 review of Hoobastank's Fight or Flight record, my 2012 review of KISS drummer Peter Criss' book Makeup to Breakup, my 2013 concert review of Chicago and my  2014 movie review of God's Not Dead. If you can possibly manage the time, I invite you to check them out.

My third book will be released on 5.13.14.
(Get the scoop HERE)

In 2012, I debuted my "Guest Blogger" op — a  forum where fresh, new writers can contribute their own unique and compelling work to my blog. You can find all of my "Guest" content HERE. And I further encourage and welcome all new writers who have something say and are looking for a platform to reach out to me. I'd love to bring you onboard!

I've had a lot to say about a lot of stuff since my first book arrived in stores four years ago. My second book was released in 2012. Book #3 will be released on 5.13.14.

Thanks to everyone who has visited my blog and taken the time to read my work. It's humbling to see how my audience has grown — I'm blessed and truly grateful. And be sure that I'll continue to keep everybody up-to-date with not only book-related posts, but all things awesome.

-Christopher Long
(April 2014)