The way that the worlds are colliding, it looks like this will be my final year blogging. Or at least blogging in the way that I do now. So I want to make this year into something really special. It’s possible that things will change and I’ll be able to continue as I have been, or maybe even expand on what I do now; but that’s not a likely scenario.

So what makes me think this is my final year?

My hosting services and domain name will expire on March 17, 2027. If this were the only issue, I would just switch to a free WordPress site. But it’s not. My two non-resident library cards will expire in 2027 (February & March) as well, leaving me with just my local library and Queer Liberation Library. Which would be fine if I lived somewhere that actually valued and funded their libraries, but I don’t. And the selection of books available locally, especially audiobooks, is very, very small. So the combined loss of my platform and loss of access to new, accessible books, will make it difficult to blog in the manner I do now. Or even to just read at the level I do now.

Yes, I own a lot of books in physical and digital format that I can continue reading, but my vision is getting worse, not better, so sight reading is a very slow process for me. And yes, I still have access to DRCs (Digital Reader Copy) and ALCs (Advanced Listening Copy) through NetGalley, though a change in platform may change my approval rates.

Without having new books to read, it’s hard having content for a book blog.

How am I going to make this year special?

• I am approaching this year with a sense of fun and adventure.
• I want to try some new stuff, so there may be some really random posts (more random than usual).
• I want to read fun books and posts a ton of reviews.
• I plan to focus very strongly on my overdue ARCs (as well as those due this year) so that I can post as many reviews as possibly while I have this platform.
• I will be devouring all of the audiobooks that aren’t available at my local library
• There will be book lists featuring silly categories, lots of updates, more memes, and happiness (regardless of this dumpster fire we’re living through). And maybe some pictures.
• Basically, I’m going to try everything I’ve ever thought about trying. And make some fun banners to go with everything.

What happens when the year is over?

The short answer is, I don’t know. There are a few different scenarios that might play out.

I might end up with the funds to renew my blog hosting and non-resident library cards and be able to continue as things are now.

I could switch to a free WordPress site and continue blogging, either about a new topic or still about books, but focusing more on the backlist titles I own and whatever selection comes to my local library.

OR I could just leave blogging altogether, find a different hobby that feeds my soul and go from there. I have some crafts I can work on, or maybe I can start gardening or something… I don’t know.

What I do know, is that I’m going to embrace this year of blogging and enjoy it as though it is the end.