Recently I’ve been looking through my past blog posts, and I can hardly believe it’s been just over 13 years since my first “Hello World” post!
I started this blog during a period of unemployment and frustration that my attempts to break into publishing (my dream job at the time) were not working out.
At first I thought starting a blog would provide me with a creative outlet to write about the books I liked reading. I had no expectations that the blog would lead me to that much coveted role in publishing – and for the record, it didn’t!
But it did open up some doors that I never would have dreamed of, such as being as the Literature Writer for The British BlackList, collaborating with AudioDiaspora and connecting with authors and publishers alike, with the common goal of amplifying diverse writers’ voices, particularly Black British writers.
When I started out, diversity and inclusion wasn’t really a thing and certainly not in books/publishing. But over the past 13 years, I have seen a major shift in prioritising minority voices which has led to amazing books, especially those written by Black and Brown authors, coming to the mainstream. And although I don’t have a massive platform, I’m pleased that I have in some small way been able to contribute to this by being a part of the book blogging community.
Writing this blog has also encouraged me to think more seriously about writing my own stories – another long-time dream of mine – and I’ve been pleasantly surprised and delighted by the responses I’ve received from people who’ve read my work so far. (To all those who have been asking, yes I’m still writing and I will post something soon!)
I won’t lie it’s been challenging to keep the blog going. Sometimes life gets in the way and the commitment to post content on a regular basis takes a backseat and I have at times considered stopping altogether. After all there are loads of people who do what I do – and probably better!
But, I remember the joy that reading brings me and being able to share that joy with others. I consider the feedback I receive from subscribers, or those who have happened upon one of my posts, that says how I’ve helped them to discover a book or author they had never heard of or considered before. Or simply that they have enjoyed my content. This is what keeps me going.
In some respects, Just Read It has become my own little sanctuary where I return to share my thoughts about the latest books I’ve read or want to read, ponder the lyrical and social context of music I enjoy listening to, or simply share one of the stories my brain has been begging me to write. It is my hope that it a sanctuary for others too.
I often joke, albeit slightly, about not wanting to be doing my day job well into my 50s as the thought fills me with a slight anxiety. But I can’t say the same for running this blog. It is where I come alive, and I hope to continue doing what I love for a long while yet. And I hope that you will join me along this journey.
Just Read It 