Eight Years of Reading, Writing, and Finding My Voice

Eight years ago—on January 26, 2018—I published my very first post on this blog.
It was a review of a knitting book — the very first post I ever published here.

Today marks eight years of blogging here at GinaRaeMitchell.com, and I wanted to pause and reflect.

At the time, I had no grand plan. I wasn’t thinking about branding, SEO, blog tours, or long-term consistency.
I just knew I loved books, liked making things with my hands, and wanted a small corner of the internet where I could write things down and share what I was enjoying.

That first post was simple. Honest. A little rough around the edges.
And somehow, that was enough to begin.

Back When This Blog Was Finding Its Feet

In those early days, my posts were a mix of life updates, recipes, knitting projects, and book reviews that were… let’s call them enthusiastic but unpolished.
I wrote the way I talked. I shared what I was reading. I didn’t worry much about structure or expectations.

Looking back, those early posts feel like a snapshot of a person figuring things out—both on the page and off it.

I didn’t know then that this little blog would grow into something steady. Or that books would become the thread that held everything together.

How Things Slowly Shifted

Over time, the blog changed—because I did.

The reviews became more thoughtful. My voice grew more confident. I started paying attention to what I really loved writing about and quietly let go of what no longer fit.

Books moved to the center. Not just bestsellers or buzzy releases, but indie stories, overlooked gems, complicated reads, cozy comforts, children’s books, and the kind of stories that stay with you longer than expected.

If you’d like an example of the kind of thoughtful reviews I love writing now, this post is a good snapshot of where my voice has landed.

I learned that it was okay to say, “This wasn’t perfect, but here’s what worked for me.”
I learned how much I value kindness in reviewing.
I learned that consistency matters more than perfection.

And somewhere along the way, this blog became a place I’m genuinely proud of.

What Has Stayed the Same

Even with all that growth, some things haven’t changed at all.

I still read because I’m curious.
I still love discovering books that don’t quite fit into neat boxes.
I still believe there’s room for warmth, encouragement, and honesty in bookish spaces.

Most of all, I still write this blog for connection—whether that’s with readers, authors, or someone who stumbled across a post while looking for their next read.

Where I Am Now

Eight years in, this blog has become a steady part of my life.

It’s home to thoughtful reviews, Friday Finds roundups, indie author spotlights, blog tours, cozy extras, and the occasional recipe or creative detour.
It’s a place where I get to support authors, share what I love, and keep learning as I go.

I don’t take that lightly.

The fact that you’re here—reading, commenting, sharing, or simply stopping by—means more than I can ever fully say.

Looking Ahead

I don’t feel the need to make big promises or bold declarations. What I want moving forward is simple:

• More honest reviews
• More support for indie and under-the-radar books
• More space for curiosity, comfort, and creativity
• More moments of genuine connection

If the past eight years have taught me anything, it’s that showing up—again and again—really does matter.

Before You Go

I’d love to hear from you: how long have you been reading along here — and what kind of posts do you enjoy most (reviews, Friday Finds, indie spotlights, or the occasional creative detour)?

Thank You for Being Part of This

Whether you’ve been here since the early knitting-book days or found this blog last week, thank you for being part of this journey.

Eight years ago, I hit publish without knowing where it would lead. I’m very glad I did.

Here’s to the next chapter—one post, one book, one quiet moment at a time.

— Gina 💙