As you can probably tell by the title of this post, I’ve been blogging (on this blog) for a year now. And it’s been such fun.
I started this blog because I wanted to grow my platform as a writer, but I’ve kept it up because I enjoy writing posts, commenting on other people’s posts, and making new friends. (Of course, I do want to grow my platform, but my favorite part of blogging is the community.)
It seems to be conventional to write a long post on a blogging anniversary (traditionally known as a blogiversary. But not here. Here, we use the full and proper term), often with a Q&A. And one must follow convention (but not too closely, hence the lack of a Q&A section).
Tally ho!
(This phrase has many helpful uses, as demonstrated by the Hawke brothers in the Out of Time trilogy by Nadine Brandes.
In this circumstance, it means “I couldn’t think of a good transition here, but now I’m going to actually write this blog post instead of telling you about it.”)
in which I make an announcement unrelated to this post
Last week I launched my site Maya’s Library, a free personalized book recommendation site. You fill out a form and tell me about the kind of books you do and don’t like to read, and I’ll send you a list of stories to add to your TBR. (If you give me permission, I’ll post it in a blog post there too so other people can see it.) Go check it out!
in which I discuss my changing blog design + name
My blog has changed a great deal since I started. But sadly, I didn’t think to take screenshots of its changes. I do, however, still have a lot of the blog headers in my Canva account.
It was originally called “maya’s magic musings: writer. dreamer. daughter of the king.” and I’m still rather fond of that name. The color scheme was completely different, and I think the theme was Dara, so it looked something like this:

I went through a lot of themes after that. I know I used Apostrophe 2 and Colinear at various points. My header eventually looked something like this:

Eventually I discovered Nucleare, my current (and favorite theme). But the name “maya’s magic musings” stopped fitting my blog. I wasn’t writing much about magic, I wouldn’t call my posts “musings,” and I no longer felt that “writer. dreamer. daughter of the king.” accurately summed up who I was or my blog content.
For a while I trialed “Wandering Wordsmith” but ended up with this:

And I liked it, but when I got around to editing my “about” page to fit the new name, I couldn’t figure out how to explain it. Why was I wayfaring? What on earth did traveling and adventure have to do with my blog? (The answer: I like the word “wayfarer.”)
I’d always been planning to change my blog name to my real name eventually, so that it would match the name on any books I happened to publish, but due to privacy reasons, I didn’t use it at first. My parents and I agreed this spring that using my middle name (Joelle) would be a good option for an author/blog name, so I finally used that for a header, and here we are.
in which I make a list of blog stats
Note: all of these statistics were accurate when I started writing this post on April 12. I don’t think they are anymore (:
most viewed post: fast-paced books to read while you’re stuck at home
most commented-on post: reading The Hunger Games for the first time // my thoughts
most liked post: Inktober 2019 // poetry snippets
total stats: 798 comments | 8600 views | 2056 visitors | 1090 likes
most interesting search term: “till we have faces review by an author” (well, I’m not an author — yet — but thanks to whichever search engine sent someone to my blog!)
top 5 countries: United States, Canada, Spain, United Kingdom, Australia
top 5 referrers: WordPress reader, The Young Writer’s Workshop, search engines, Facebook (I wonder how people got to my site from Facebook, since I don’t have an account there?), WordPress Android app
in which I reminisce about past events
Here are some of the things that happened to me in the past year:
writing and reading
- I left, then rejoined, YWW. Which I’m now considering leaving again… feels like history is repeating itself (:
- I finished my book Cathedral (yes, world, I have written a whole book!) and sent it to alphas and betas. And now I’m looking into editing and interior formatting… and I can’t believe this is actually happening…
- I participated in NaNoWriMo (and won!) and Inktober (writing poetry), and started Camp NaNo (still doing that one).
- I wrote Remnant. A lot of it. Not nearly enough to consider myself close to getting it done, but enough that my goal of completion by the end of October seems achievable.
- I beta read + read ARCs for a lot of people.
- I read a lot of books, discovered new favorites, and re-discovered old friends.
- I became a more consistent and confident writer!
life in general
- My littlest brother turned 1 and got glasses (he’s the cutest).
- I got into a musical (which is now postponed, possibly canceled… but hey, at least I got in).
- I went to Mackinac Island, Hillsdale College, the LCMS National Youth Gathering, Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God tour, and a musical (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat).
- I got shelves in my room and organized all my books.
- I took the NLE for the third time and the CLT for the first time. (AP Latin and ACT are next…)
- I turned a year older. Whether I gained any wisdom is debatable (and sadly, I did not gain any height), but I definitely gained in experience, knowledge, friendship, faith, and possessions.
in which I write about myself
As I’m not doing a Q&A but I thought it might still be fun to answer questions…
I’m going to fill out (some of) Story Embers‘ Ultimate Character Questionnaire, but as if I were the character.
my personality as described by five key words
Self-analysis is very hard, but here goes: overthinking, enthusiastic, literary, passionate, longing beyond myself (I know that’s not one word, but I couldn’t think of one word that encompasses that concept).
Myers-Briggs personality type
The 16 Personalities test says I’m INFP, but I’m 90% sure I’m actually extroverted (just quiet in unfamiliar circumstances), likely ENFJ. Make of that what you will.
how I deal with trials/opposition/tragedy/suffering
Hmm… I pray, I journal, I write letters to my friends, and I run out into the forest and cry. And I think. A lot.
my models/who I hope to become
Check out my list of heroes.
my greatest fear
I’m an Enneagram 4, so according to the official website, my greatest fear is having “no identity or personal significance.”
I guess I’d say I’m afraid of alienation, loneliness, and false friendship.
beliefs about…
- …metaphysics (“the nature of reality, the existence of God, and the fate of souls after death”): I’m a Christian, and I believe that hell is real, but that God will pardon anyone who believes in him and seeks forgiveness. Feel free to ask me for a more in-depth explanation =]
- …epistemology (learning/what I’m trying to learn): I like to learn about philosophy, theology, languages, literature, words, history, and writing.
- …axiology (right and wrong/morality): Good and evil exist objectively. Unless you try not to, you can probably tell if what you’re doing is a good idea, since you have a conscience.
- …religion: as I said before, I’m a Christian. Specifically, an LCMS Lutheran.
about my family
I have a throng of siblings. The oldest is named Ellery Maeve, and she sometimes comments on my blog. The youngest is named Milo and he’s adorable.
And I have two parents. Both of them have blogs too: Bramblewood Knoll (my mom) and Canons in Conversation (my dad).
educational background/occupation
I’m homeschooled, and I’m in high school. Once I finish that up, I plan to go to college.
I’m currently employed as a babysitter, but am an aspiring restaurant employee (once the quarantine ends and I can actually drive to work).
my history
I was born in Michigan. I lived in Pennsylvania for three years but am back in Michigan now. And my favorite place in the world is Cedar Campus.
what I look like
how I dress/what I carry with me
I usually wear a shirt and pants. Sometimes the shirt has a logo from a fandom of mine.
I’m frequently found in possession of a book, my phone, a pocketknife, and my driver’s license.
how I speak
I talk very fast and enthusiastically (in English, though Latin occasionally peppers my speech).
my personality quirks
What a weird thing to write about.
Hmm. Well, I like the taste of mushrooms but not the texture, I don’t like sleeping with socks (but I can if necessary — and sometimes it is necessary), and I’m a little shy with people I don’t know (but very loud around my friends).
how would you describe me?
The last few questions were all about how other people would describe your character. But I’m not other people. So comment and tell me: how would you describe me (in one or two… or maybe three… sentences)?
in which I do a tag for which I was not tagged
I saw this tag on Sarah‘s blog and thought that, since it is (somewhat) related to my topic for this post, I’d do it. It’s called the “Get-to-Know-Me Tag” and was created by Savannah. Thanks to both of those lovely bloggers!
VITAL STATS AND APPEARANCE
name: Maya Joelle
nickname: Jo, Janner, Gilan, Maya Papaya (but that was a long time ago)
birthday: in the fall, less than three decades ago
hair color/length: brown, just past my shoulder blades (I look forward to the day when it’s long again)
eye color: brown
braces/piercings/tattoos: I used to have braces but now do not (to my great joy). And my ears are pierced.
righty or lefty: I’m right-handed.
ethnicity: I’m a quarter Korean, 70-ish percent German, and a bit Irish. I think.
FIRSTS
novel written: Remmant, my high fantasy novel. I started it when I was eleven; it is still not complete, but is much better (and closer to completion) than it used to be.
novel completed: None (yet), but I did get my NaNo 2019 project The Ancient Song to 50k words.
award for writing: none yet
first publication: I was published on Kingdom Pen.
conference: It’s not technically a writing conference, but I learned a lot about writing from my two trips to the GHC.
query/pitch: none yet (:
FAVORITES
novel (that you wrote): Remnant
genre: To read, historical fiction and fantasy. To write, fantasy and poetry.
author(s): The short answer is J.R.R. Tolkien. I’ll spare you the long answer for now.
writing music: the Gladiator soundtrack
time to write: when I have time, whenever that happens to be
writing snack/drink: I don’t usually do these at the same time.
movie: Rogue One, La La Land, O Brother Where Art Thou, Beauty and the Beast, and Belle.
writing memory: writing for hours and hours on April 22 (this year) and completing almost 3k words and still having ideas for more
childhood book: The Chronicles of Narnia and the Little House books
CURRENTLY
writing: Remnant and sundry poetry and stories
listening to: Into the Lantern Waste (Sarah Sparks) and “Dead Mom” (Working With Lemons)
watching: The Great British Baking Show (the earlier seasons were better), Abbie Emmons’ writing videos, and Despicable Me (for the first time — though I’ve seen the second one before)
learning: vectors and parabolic motion
FUTURE
want to be published: yes!
traditional or indie: both (I’m indie-publishing my collection of poetry and short stories, but I plan to pursue traditional for my novel)
wildest goal: to build a tiny house and travel the country in it
until next time
I hope you enjoyed this long and crazy post. Thanks for joining me on my blogging journey.
P.S. During the month of May, I’m going to be hosting a short story contest with K.E. Stanton and Charis Rae. Go check out their blogs and look out for the announcement next week!
Congratulations on your blog birthday 🙂 ❤ The word Wayfaring is just cool, overall, but I can see why you didn't keep that for your title based upon that reason. :p I love your blog design, currently 🙂
I also am Type 4!! I don't meet many others, which interests me deeply. Where are we? What are we up to? I know what I'm up to– and, by squinting at your blog, what you're up to– but– where are the other— *dissolves into speculation*
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Andrew Peterson is a Type 4, but he’s the only other writer/author 4 I’ve heard of.
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I… I could totally see that. Clara sent me Adorning the Dark and as I’m reading, I’m going, “I bet he’s cried in Walmart before.”
Maybe we’re a rare breed.
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Oh, also–I sent you a message through the contact thing, did you get it? My contact form messages… have a history of getting lost. I think the little WordPress Leprechaun doesn’t love me.
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I did and I shall reply soon!
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*wipes brow, relieved that WordPress didn’t eat my conveyances again*
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i don’t mean to interrupt
but i’m a type 4 too 🙂
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AHHHHHH
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This is a wonderful blog post! I am a sucker for stats. Thank you for being so honest and open with us. Here’s to another successful year for you. I sincerely hope you will get published one day!
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Thank you! I hope so too (:
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Yay, congrats on one year of blogging! 😀
This was such a fun post to read! My younger sister is a Type 4 too! (I’m a 1 or a 3–I go back and forth).
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Thanks!
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Congratulations, dearest sister! It’s nice that you mentioned me and said I sometimes comment, but I really don’t ever because it takes too long. Except this time, because I felt like I should. This comment is rather pointless, but maybe you’ll laugh at its pointlessness.
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*laughs*
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CONGRATULATIONS on your blog anniversary! That’s so cool! I loved reading your post. Here’s to many more years! 🙂
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Thanks, my friend =)
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Woohoo!! Good job on a successful one year blogiversary!! It was super fun getting to know you through this!! And I loved reading the post.
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Thank you!
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mayaaaaaaaaaa
happy one year
i know we have different beliefs and opinions about so many things, but i love how open and straightforward you are and how willing you are to talk about so many deep, hard things
this space online is so much better with you in it, and i’m just really glad to know you and know that you’re a really cool person
also, janner! i used to obsess over maraly to the point where everyone started calling me by that name, and she still holds a special place in my heart
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thank you maraly XD
i love your blog too and i’m grateful that despite our differences we can be friends ❤
— janner
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HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY!!!! 🥳🎉
Your blog is so lovely and so are you! I can’t wait for future content and to see how much more you’ll grow. ❤
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Thank you so much❤
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CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎈🥳🥳
Awww your brother sounds so cute. 😍
Boy I can’t believe it’s been a year…. congrats again. 🙌
I love your blog so much.
You got in a musical?!?! DUDE. I’ve always wanted that… that is so cool!! What musical?? Would you have/will you be dancing? Singing any particular songs? I really hope it is only postponed. It sounds like such a blast!
Wow your hero list is really good! There are a lot of people I respect on that list.
Well this post made my day, seriously. It’s just a bunch of happy stuff and it’s amazing.
I wish I could comment on everything… but there’s just so much goodness and awesomeness ughhh 😂😂
Why don’t I end with another CONGRATULATIONS.
I’m so happy that your blog is still around even after a year. 😉
Keep up the good work!! 😁😁
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The musical is Honk!, the story of the Ugly Duckling. A little strange but hey, that’s what the homeschool group was doing (: There’s dancing and singing, lots of it, and it is/was very fun. Currently cancellation looks very probable, since we are stuck at home until May 15 and then there’s not much time to practice before summer…
I’m so glad you enjoyed it and THANK YOU for your kind words!
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Happy blog anniversary, Maya! I don’t comment near as much as I should, but I always love reading your creative posts. 🙂
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Thanks! I don’t comment enough either, so I get it.
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Wow congratulations!! That was a whole lot because I have so many things to comment on only I dont know where to start😂😂 I LOVEE the Hunger Games! Xxx
❤ https://citygirlsdance.wordpress.com
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Cool! Yeah, there was a lot in that post XD Thanks for reading!
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YAY!! Congratulations on blogging for a year, Maya! 😄 I love your blog, Maya’s Library, it’s so cool!
This is such a fun, happy post!! 😍
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Thank you! 😍
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Such fun!! Congrats on reaching the one year mark 🙂
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Agh, I thought I replied to this but I guess I didn’t? Anyway, thank you and I love your new blog!
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Thank you, I appreciate that!!!
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“The short answer is J.R.R. Tolkien.” 🙂
Great post! I wish you the best in your writing pursuits.
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Thank you, and best wishes to you as well (:
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Congrats! Also, fun that your are nicknamed Janner. Are you the oldest sibling?
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I am! That’s one of the reasons why I relate to him so much.
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Congratulations on one year of blogging!! I just got started and can’t wait, for a year. Learnt a lot already and I ve certainly met some amazing people♥️
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Blogging is such fun. Best of luck on your first year (and all the others, too)!
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Just been about a month since I got started..Thanx for your wishes!!♥️
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