I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I’ve been publishing words on the same blog for over a decade. Starting out, I knew blogging would take commitment and constant motivation. But I just wasn’t sure if I had it in me until I decided to keep going.

Over the years, I’ve published some pretty terrible things. I’m not (totally) ashamed of them. But I’ve also published some pretty awesome stuff — well, you guys seem to think so, anyway.

These are the most-loved, most-viewed posts on this blog of all time, from January 11, 2009 to now. If you missed any of them along the way, make sure to give them a read. According to your fellow readers, they’re worth it!

10. What Does It Mean to Be an “Accomplished” Writer?

“Is there some kind of chart that states when you’ll officially have “made it”? We all wish there were. In reality, the “answer” is much less clear.”

9. Stop Trying to Be “The Next J.K. Rowling”

“Do you really want to follow the same path as another writer — mimicking someone else’s success story instead of creating your own?”

8. What If You Write Something No One Else is Interested in Reading?

“It would have been very easy to give up early on in my blogging journey. I say that because many people do. They’re so worried about their small audiences and whether or not what they’re saying or talking about is “interesting” to the people around them that they just quit.”

7. This Is What a Full-Time Writer’s Schedule Looks Like

“Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a writer full-time? Everyone’s schedules are different, but I thought I would take the time to show you mine.”

6. How to Juggle Multiple Writing Projects At Once

“Here are my tips for juggling multiple writing projects at once, if you’re worried about how you’re going to do that this year.”

5. You Don’t Need More Motivation to Write — You Just Need Fewer Distractions

“It’s not motivation you’re after. It’s a lack of distractions. And only you have the power to do what you have to do to put writing first, in front of the things you would much rather be doing.”

4. Many People Still Don’t Understand Writing As a Job

“As much as I sometimes wish that easy, effortless money were the outcome (you know, on those really rough days), it isn’t. For those who think otherwise, listen up. For those who are in my position, you will appreciate this rant.” 

3. All Writers Start Out Writing Terrible Things

“Need some encouragement? Here it is: You might totally suck at writing at the moment. Or not. But that’s OK, because at some point along the way, we all do.”

2. The Unexpected Power of Writing Letters You’ll Never Send

“All my thoughts and feelings – positive or negative – intensify. And then they level out. And it’s like I’ve had an hour-long heart-to-heart with someone without seeing them face-to-face or messaging them over Facebook.”

1. Pros and Cons of Writing Stories Chronologically

“Is there a right or wrong way to construct a story? Really, it depends on your preference and which parts of the story you want to focus on.”

I know I said it on Twitter, but I’ll say it again here: Thank you. Whether you’ve been reading for 10 years or 10 minutes, thank you for the support and encouragement I often forget I need to keep doing what I do. I’ve stuck with blogging for so long because of those of you who need/appreciate the words I have in my heart and the passion I have for writing and helping other writers find their own success.

I couldn’t have done any of this without you. Here’s to 10 more years.

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Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She is a staff writer with The Cheat Sheet, a freelance editor and writer, and a 10-time NaNoWriMo winner. Follow Meg on Twitter for tweets about writing, food and nerdy things.

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