TRR Celebrates 100,000 Visitors

100 Grand Never Tasted So Sweet!

Back on February 9th, 2011, TRR went live, and I wrote the following words:

"My goal with this blog is to provide fair, unbiased reviews of old and new books written for, by or about lesbians.  I want to discuss writing styles and approaches of various authors, talk about publishing companies, and focus on various issues, trials, and triumphs facing those brave souls with the guts, grit, and stamina to take on this niche market."
 
A few days later, when I had achieved only 11 visitors, I was contacted by a another blogger who had stumbled upon my site, and took the time to pass on encouragement and words of advice. As a courtsey, I went to his blog, and noticed that he had well over 100,000 visitors. "It will never happen for me," I thought.

I was wrong.

I know a lot of bloggers reach 100 Grand with much more speed and flare than I, but it is still a huge milestone for this twitchy little dyke and her quirky lesbian literature review site.

I want to really and truly thank all of the authors, publishers, readers, guest reviewers, commenters, and crackpots that stop by every day to read my homespun essays and esoteric ramblings about the books that make their way across my humble path. 

It's a pleasure and and honor to be part of this great community.

Thanks for stopping by,

Salem West
The Rainbow Reader

TRR'S FIRST ANNIVERSARY

BIENVENU!

WELCOME TO THE RAINBOW READER!

One year ago today, The Rainbow Reader stumbled onto the thriving, thumping midway of the lesbian literature scene. 

Like any good roller coaster ride, things started out a bit slow, but picked up speed as a few willing and even more unsuspecting authors leapt onto the knuckle whitening TRR Tilt-a-Whirl. 

Looking back to that cold morning twelve months ago, it's an honor and a privilege to know that 30,000 visitors have accepted my invitation to step in, strap on, and go for a ride.

This blog wouldn't be possible without the authors, readers, publishers, commenters, guest bloggers, other reviewers, and that creepy guy from Kansas who coincidentally forgets how to spell Bobby Jindal's name every Monday evening.

As an expression of my most sincere gratitude, the first 600 visitors today will receive a literary cupcake  liberally dusted with rainbow sprinkles and a tasty cup of Lucy's Lesfic Punch, courtesy of Super Squirrel Bakeries.

Thank you all 

for your support 

and encouragement!

TRR One-Year Anniversary design courtesy of Tree House Studios

A Shout Out by Me

First off, I want to send a loud and proud 'SHOUT OUT' to all the new Readers and Followers!

Thanks for stopping by my literary sandbox, and spending a little of your precious time with me.

Ugh, did that just sound a wee bit too much like Mr. Rogers?  

My role through The Rainbow Reader is to advance the genre, help the authors to reach a wider audience [that means sell lots of books], and have a little fun in the process.

I'm a fan of lesbian-centric literature, as I'm sure most of you are [duh].  Over the years, I've been lucky enough to collect an extensive library, and I'm always looking to expand to new authors, new books, and new ideas.  If you have any suggestions or requests, whether it's a classic or a new release; a celebrated author or an emerging talent; maybe even an action, thriller, romance, mystery, short story, or anthology . . . send me a note, and I'll try to queue up a review for you.

Also, if you agree with me, let me know.

If you don't then you can sh . . . just kidding, let me know as well. 

I won't always be on the mark, and I'll probably miss something important or just get it wrong on occasion.

The bottom line is that dialogue is good.

I only ask that people keep things civil - I try to maintain a 'do no harm' philosophy, and want this to be a positive experience for everyone who wants to play in the sandbox with me.

So, with that said, kick your shoes off, let me know what's on your mind, and what author or book you'd like to see in the on deck circle.

Yours in mixed metaphors and dangling participles,

Salem West

Welcome to The Rainbow Reader

Greetings, and welcome to a new blog called The Rainbow Reader.

I am an avid reader, and like to think of myself as a connoisseur of fine lesbian literature.  My goal with this blog is to provide fair, unbiased reviews of old and new books written for, by or about lesbians.  I want to discuss writing styles and approaches of various authors, talk about publishing companies, and focus on various issues, trials, and triumphs facing those brave souls with the guts, grit, and stamina to take on this niche market.
 
I invite readers to comment freely, make suggestions about recent and upcoming releases, and spotlight emerging authors.  More than anything, my goal is to make sure the best writers and the best books get into the hands of as many readers as possible.