Today, March 3, 2015 marks our first 'official' anniversary! To celebrate our birthday, we thought we would give you a 'by the numbers' account of our year and TONS of fantastic birthday prizes!
When we started last year, 14 bloggers decided to join forces around a funny name GROG to share what we love: writing for children! In one year, our GROG has literally reached around the world to unite and encourage other writers and lovers of literature.
Our original mission still rings true for us:
Here are some facts about the blog:
In 2014, we wrote 161 blog posts!
So far, in 2015, we've written 24 blog posts.
Over the year we've been writing, we've had over 2,800 posted comments.
Our Facebook page has 222 likes!
Our Top Ten Blog Posts Of All Time Are:
1. How to Write a Rebus Story by Tina Cho
2. Picture Books and Metafiction ~ by Patricia Toht
Our Clustr Map shows that we've had over 16,732 visitors from literally every corner of the world. The map shows that every single continent (except Antarctica) has stopped by the GROG. What an honor to know that so many people are finding our site and hopefully learning along with us.
Here's the amazing breakdown:
Maybe not surprisingly, our largest country of origin is the United States, but what fun to see that we also have a large following in the UK and of course Korea where Tina lives!
We are so grateful that you have come along with us. We hope you've found some guidance and wisdom in our writing. Here's to a terrific second year!
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| Photo by ADoseofShipBoy |
And now for the BIRTHDAY BONANZA! Enter the Rafflecopter drawing below to win one of twenty-one prizes:
Books and more books for your reading library!
• BACKHOE JOE by Lori Alexander
• PORTRAIT OF WOMEN ARTISTS: GEORGIA O'KEEFE by Robyn Montana Turner
• POWER DOWN, LITTLE ROBOT by Anna Stanizewski
• COWBOY CHRISTMAS by Rob Sanders
• OUTER SPACE BEDTIME RACE by Rob Sanders
• MISS MAPLE'S SEEDS by Eliza Wheeler
• Signed copy, BLUE ON BLUE by Dianne White
• Signed copy, THE GIRL'S GUIDE TO MANNERS by Tina Cho
• Signed copy, SUBSTITUTE GROUNDHOG Book and CD by Pat Miller
• Signed copy, ORANGUTAN HOUDINI by Laurel Neme
• Signed copy, KID PRESIDENT'S GUIDE TO BEING AWESOME by Robbie Novak and Brad Montague
• Signed copy, THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH (Newbery Honor Book) by Jennifer L. Holm
• Double-signed copy of SAM AND DAVE DIG A HOLE (Caldecott Honor Book) by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
Books and goodies for your writing!
• THE WRITER'S BOOK OF HOPE by Ralph Keyes
• WRITING PICTURE BOOKS by Ann Whitford Paul
• 2 copies MENTOR TEXTS FOR WRITERS e-book by Marcie Flinchum Atkins
• 2 journals, personalized by Suzy Leopold
• Writer's journal and pen
• Adorable fuzzy owl puppet (great for story time!) selected by Jan Annino
And a picture book critique by author Carrie Charley Brown! For more about Carrie's author services, visit her website here.
It is so inspiring to share this blog with you all. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteAnd the biggest HB! back to you Todd, the ORIGINATOR of this worldwide wonderfulness. So, Gracias, grazie, merci & all the rest I'm ignorant of.
DeleteCan anyone help out with a thank you in YOUR language for Todd? Without him, we are much, major, less.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday! I have been following along most of the year but was shocked to realize there were a few blog posts I hadn't read! Thank you for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYvonne thanks for following! What was your favorite post?
DeleteWow! What an accomplishment! Happy Birthday, GROG! Here's to many more fabulous years!
ReplyDeleteCarrie, thanks for your generous gift for the raffle! You rock!!
DeleteYour generous donation of a picture book critique is appreciated. As a recipient of your outstanding critiques, I know first hand about your pb critique service. You are honest and share specific detailed comments that provide a writer valuable thoughts and ideas for revising and polishing. Carry on Carrie! ~Sue AKA Suzy
DeleteSuzy, we thank you for those kind words. We are all in this writing business together----it's for the kids.
DeleteYou are welcome, Janie and Suzy! GROG rocks!
DeleteWhat a wonderful year it's been for this blog! Thanks to all of you who keep the insight and information flowing.
ReplyDeleteKateywrites you are welcome!
DeleteYou are appreciated Katey. Your Word Press blog shares outstanding information, too. I always enjoy reading your posts on Katey Writes as you write about thoughts on motherhood, writing for kids and raising readers. ~Suzy
DeleteOur inspiration is connected to knowing we want our readers to enjoy the posts. You all set the standards high for us. Fantabulous to see you here katywrites.
DeleteSo happy you stopped by🎂! Have some cake and celebrate with us! Enter the raffle. Hope you win a prize😄 Party on!!
ReplyDeleteThe post didn't like my smiley faces and birthday cakes lol. Got question marks instead.
DeleteThose question marks just mean, "Who all are going to win the wonderful prizes?"
DeleteHappy Birthday! You all provide such wonderful posts. Looking forward to another wonderful year!
ReplyDeleteYou are appreciated, Joyce. We too, look forward to a second wonderful year of blogging with wonderful followers like you. Thank you for your support. ~Suzy GROGger
DeleteYeah Joyce! Glad you came to the party. What was your favorite post? What would you like to see?
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Anniversary! What an impressive list of stats - congratulations. How do we find a writer in Antarctica? ;-)
ReplyDeleteCathy maybe ask a penguin?
DeleteIn addition to the penguins that Janie suggest, perhaps the albatrosses and the krill may have the answer you are looking for, Cathy! ; ] Thank you for your support of the GROG. ~Suzy
DeleteI have a friend who just went to work in Antarctica for the winter - yikes! I'll ask him to like us from there. :)
DeleteCongratulations and happy birthday! I'm sure year two will be even bigger and better! Great posts! Great team of writers! Great prizes!
ReplyDeleteGreat followers!
DeleteOh, my writerly friend, Janet! Thank you for joining in on our one year birthday celebration. I enjoyed sharing an All About Janet Smart post recently. You are appreciated. ~Sue
DeleteCongratulations! What an accomplishment! I may not comment a lot, but I love reading this blog and am inspired by it!
ReplyDeletePat, thank you!
DeleteWe feel your appreciation.
DeleteCongratulations! Can't believe it's been a year - thanks for all the wonderful posts - and the prizes :)
ReplyDeleteTime flies when you're having fun! Your welcome.
DeleteThank you, Joanne for being a wonderful supporter of the GROG Blog. ~Suzy
DeleteCongratulations and Happy Birthday! Has it really been one year already? Great blog & I look forward to another info-packed and inspiring year.
ReplyDeleteSue glad you are here. What other posts would you like to see! Don't forget to enter the raffle!
DeleteHis, Science Sue. Good to see you stopping by.
DeleteFabulous to read you here Sue!
DeleteHappy Birthday! Thanks for the collective wisdom found here!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteWe appreciate your readership Jane!
DeleteHappy birthday to GROG! I have found your posts extremely helpful. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteStephanie Geckle, glad we can be of service. Cheers to all us writers.
DeleteHappy Birthday Groggers! I'm not that familiar with this blog but would like to learn more.
ReplyDeleteSfuller thanks for dropping by. Come and visit us anytime!
DeleteCongratulations and Happy Birthday! I'm anxious to read your blogs.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy, Debra. have some cake w/us.
DeleteHi Debbie, my SCRIBES Writerly Friend. Thank you for celebrating our one year GROG Blog celebration. ~Suzy
DeleteHappy birthday, GROGGERS! Always enjoy your articles.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sylvia for supporting us. We love KIDLIT411.
DeleteHappy birthday to all of you fine people at GROG! I love reading your blog --I consider it a classroom-of-sorts, I learn so much. I'd love to see you do more of the exercises/activities with examples that might help us better our manuscripts . . . like 'ways to improve your beginnings' or 'know your big-picture idea first'. Thanks so much for all you do :)
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome idea...I will share it with the GROGGERS....thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYour suggestion Ann, is thoughtful and will be considered. Thank you for your support of the GROG Blog. ~Suzy
DeleteHey, great idea. We want to know what is helpful to all of you out there.
DeleteAnn, thanks for the great idea about bettering manuscripts. You get a big piece of cake for that suggestion!
DeleteOh, this is so awesome! Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteHigh praise indeed from Corey Schwartz! Thanks for reading!
DeleteHappy First Year and thank you for including your mission. I did not understand where the name came from but I have been following. I appreciate all of the knowledge you have shared! Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteHey, Elizabeth, glad you are here. Get in the raffle an shave calorie-free cake!
DeleteThat was a quick year! You guys are awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wendy!
DeleteTB
Isn't it amazing how fast the year has gone Wendy? It's been a great adventure!
DeleteHi Wendy,
DeleteNice to see you here! Party on!
Wishing you much happiness on your birthday, GROG, and many many more!
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by to celebrate, Lynne.
DeleteThank you Lynne! We hope to keep GROGGING on for years to come as well.
DeleteHappy Anniversary, GROG! I've really enjoyed your first year, so here's to a fabulous second one!
ReplyDeleteWhy how nice of you, Eat cake and get in the raffle, Verbenabeth.
DeleteThanks for your kind words Verbenabeth. We're looking forward to a stellar year 2!
DeleteHappy birthday, GROG! Cheers to another rocking year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, Sophia.
DeleteThanks for reading Sophia! Looking forward to providing even more incredible content this year.
DeleteCongratulations, Kathy and the rest of the awesome GROG crew! I'm late to the party of realizing what an incredible resource you guys are...but better late than never. ;
ReplyDeleteYour numbers are impressive...and thanks for listing those top posts...I haven't read all of them (hangs head in shame)...but I will by the end of the day....of course, my day ends at about 3am, so I've got plenty of time. ;) ;) :)
Thanks for checking in! That's the best part; our posts are there forever and we hope others will gain knowledge from them too! TB
DeleteI know you, Vivian, up burring the author's midnight oil. Cheers.
DeleteGlad you found us Vivian! Here's to another great year!
DeleteHi Vivian,
DeleteHave a piece of cake. It is delicious! Glad to see you at the party!
Congrats Grog Crew! You've done a fabulous job with this blog!!!
ReplyDeleteHey, Kristi, glad you came to the party.
DeleteThank you Kirsti - glad you find the content useful!
Deletethanks to all of you for teaming up with great posts!
ReplyDeleteBeth, thanks to you for reading them.
DeleteThanks. Writers need readers. And you are one of them.
DeleteHappy birthday! So many great posts and so much information for writers! Thanks for all your hard work!
ReplyDeleteBlusing, TY, and do enter for a prize.
DeleteKind words indeed Beverley - thanks so much!
DeleteWhat a fantastic year! We are so privileged to learn so much from your posts. Here's to another great year!
ReplyDeleteSandy Perlic, we are glad you read. Cheers to all of us writers
DeleteIt's been a grand journey Sandy, thank for being a part of our community!
DeleteCongrats on a wonderful, productive year.
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate, you, Rosi, one of our readers.Cheers.
DeleteThanks to you Rosi for reading and being a part of the blog. We appreciate the support!
DeleteHappy Birthday! This is a wonderful, informative site. I appreciate all you do!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! We love being able to share with the world! We think it's pretty awesome too!
DeleteWe appreciate folks who read the GROG! So glad you find it useful!
DeleteIt's probably just me, but every time a GROG post pops up in my inbox, I think of the old Irish drinking song, All For Me Grog:
ReplyDelete"And it's all for me grog, me jolly jolly grog"
Thanks for buying everybody a round!
Nope. That's "US" singing! We do that every time we put up a new post! :) Thanks for bellying up to the bar!
DeleteTB
Those thoughts are not just you, my writerly friend.
Delete"All for my beer and tobacco
Well, I spent all me tin with the ladies drinkin' gin
Far across the Western Ocean I must wander"
Cheers to you, Mike.
~Suzy
Happy Birthday! I've been enjoying your posts! You all are doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteStacy, that means a lot since you have such a great platform, friend.
DeleteStacy, glad to see your post, writer friend. We love our followers.
DeleteThanks for reading Stacy! It's been a grand journey and we appreciate you being part of it.
DeleteHappy happy birthday! March is a great month for birthdays. I'm not biased or anything. ;) Looking forward to the many more blog posts to come!!
ReplyDeleteCheers to you, too, Sarah.
DeleteThank you Sarah! And may I say happy day to you as well? :) Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHey, crit buddy, hope you win a prize.
DeleteThanks to you Darshana for being part of our community!
DeleteTHANK YOU GROG! for a year of great posts! @lindsayfouts
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate your reading and posting. Cheers.
DeleteThank you Lindsay! We appreciate you taking the time to stay connected.
DeleteHey, Sydney, crit buddy, we are happy you came to join the celebration. Hoot!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Thanks for the great posts and keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying them, Kristi. We plan to celebrate many more birthdays with you!
ReplyDeleteOur group of GROGgers is happy to know that you find the posts helpful, Sydney. After all, we believe in the power of the written word more so than being popular! ; ] ~Suzy
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! Thanks for all the posts, support and inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda, for your support!
DeleteWe have a great community thanks to our readers like you Linda. Looking forward to a fabulous year 2!
DeleteHappy Birthday to us Groggers! How funny S.Korea is the 3rd country in your stats. That's me! BTW, my book I'm donating for the prize isn't signed because I'm in Korea, and the books are with my parents in Iowa. However, I could write a note to the person if they truly want my autograph.
ReplyDeleteSorry about that, Tina. My mistake. I made the assumption, and you know what the Odd Couple says about when you assume...
DeleteTina - You are #1 in our hearts!
DeleteHappy Birthday, GROG!!! Thanks for all that you do!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elaine. You are one of the reasons GROG keeps on posting!
DeleteAnd Thank You Elaine for all you do! It's a wonderful community and we're glad we can add value to it.
DeleteThank you for the wishes, Elaine. I second the thoughts that Leslie share with you . . . You are appreciated, too for all that you do. ~Suzy
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday GROG!
ReplyDeleteYou've whooshed away the fog
that dampens writers' blue skies fair.
You've brought bright light and fresh new air.
You are our sunshine, GROG.
Thanks for so much wonderful insight into writing for kids.
An 'Ode to the GROG' - how great is that! Thank you Damon - we appreciate your readership.
DeleteHow fun, Damon. Thanks for following!
DeleteI love the poem, Damon!
DeleteWOO-WOO-WOO-Woooo! You are a true poet, but I knew that.
DeleteThank you, Damon for creating and sharing a poem for our GROG Blog celebration! ~Suzy
DeleteDamon you rock!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the GROG. I've enjoyed follow you all!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
DeleteThank you for following and so happy you enjoyed the posts! There's still cake left! Have a slice. Don't forget to enter the raffle. Hope you win a prize!
I just heard about this blog and am eager to catch up on all the good info. Congrats on the anniversary!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! The Mith, glad you came to the party! Party on!
DeleteCongratulations on your anniversary! Wishing you many more!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Therese. And I'm wishing you luck in the Rafflecopter drawing. What's a birthday party without presents?
DeleteCongratulations GROG! I have really enjoyed reading your posts this year. When I can't get to all the blogs I follow, I always read the GROG. You have a lot of variety and a lot of perspectives so it is always fresh. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteAngela: Your thoughts and message are so kind. You are appreciated. Thank you for your support. ~Suzy
DeleteI've enjoyed reading the GROG posts this last year! Happy anniversary and many congratulations!
ReplyDeleteMy writerly friend from over the pond! Thank you, Rebecca for the wishes and your support. ~Suzy
DeleteHappy First Birthday! Fantastic site full of great info/advice! Many happy returns!!
ReplyDeleteAs the candle is blown out on our birthday cake our wish is to continue to share more information and advice with you Caroline and our many GROG followers. Thank you. ~Suzy
DeleteHappy happy birthday! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy you could join our birthday party celebration, RG. Thank you for the wishes and for following our GROG posts. ~Suzy
DeleteHappy birthday, GROG!! I hope you enjoy many more!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Donna. We look forward to sharing many more GROG posts with you. ~Suzy
DeleteYou GROG'ers rock! I've been following since Day 1 and have enjoyed all your posts. Thanks so much and happy birthday! :)
ReplyDeleteYour wishes are appreciated. Thank you, Lori, for your dedication to our GROG Blog. ~Suzy
DeleteThanks for your dedication to the members of the kidlit community. There's nowhere I'd rather be.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet compliment, Joanne. The kidlit community is a great place. We are thankful for you. ~Suzy
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, GROG! It's a great resource and I'm enjoying being part of it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurel,
DeleteWe are glad you are here too!
Yay! Happy Birthday! I'm fairly new, so seeing that list of top 10 posts is a nice find :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the birthday greetings. Hopefully your status of a newcomer will change as you continue to read the GROG Blog posts. ~Suzy
DeleteO! CANADA! Keep reading us & you'll be #1.
ReplyDeleteAnd bonjour to everyone else in the great wide W O R L D, too.
These are some of my favorite facts about G R O G writers & readers
We all love good books & literature.
We all help each other.
We all like a good laff.
Brava to you who are reading this at this very moment.
More fun to everyone.
Jan/Bookseedstudio
on twitter @BkSeedStudio - come follow me!
Oh, Jan! You always make me *laff*. May all GROGgers continue to enjoy good books, literature and offering support for each other and our readers, too.
DeleteYour posts are always a treat! Lots of helpful information. Happy Birthday!!!!
ReplyDeleteAs we continue to blog during our second year, Penny, we hope you will continue to find more writing treats. ~Suzy
DeleteHappy Birthday! I've really enjoyed reading your posts - and hope to be more active in the discussions this year! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the birthday wishes, MaDonna. All GROGgers welcome your comments on our future various posts. ~Suzy
DeleteWow! Has it already been a year? Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteLindaschueler Time flies when you are having fun!
DeleteI really appreciate the diversity of your blog content. The mix of topics is great. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe plan is to continue sharing a variety of topics with our readers, Jennifer. We look forward to hearing from our followers. We want to make the second year even better. Thank you for your support. ~Suzy
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! What a year. Kathy we will miss you when you move to Ohio. 😢
ReplyDeleteWendy,
DeleteThanks for the birthday wishes. We are happy to have Kathy back in Ohio.
I just discovered your group blog. Congrats on such a winning year!
ReplyDeleteGrateful that the month is not out YET & today I have just mailed
ReplyDeletePrizewinner WENDY - your Georgia O'Keefe book.
Prizewinner JOANNE - your mini-owl puppet.
Appreciations for your patience!
Jan Annino/Bookseedstudio
https://bookseedstudio.wordpress.com/about-this-site-writer/