Thank you for joining me for another Top Ten Tuesday with The Artsy Reader.

Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is Outrageous Things I’ve Done for the Love of Books. I could only think of one thing I’ve done that might be considered “outrageous,” but the point of this post is to let my love of books shine, so I did come up with a list of things I’ve done for my love of books.

#1: Stand around for hours waiting to meet Ree Drummond. (Pioneer Woman)

Not long after we moved to Kentucky, I learned that The Pioneer Woman would be signing books at a bookstore in Nashville. Absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to meet her, I purchased her new cookbook with tickets to the signing. The event had a huge turnout. First, we had to hang around the store for several hours until it was our turn to even get in line! Then we waited in line for another hour or so (a line that wrapped through several floors of the bookstore). When I finally got to meet her, I was super star-struck!

#2: Drove 8 hours to the Fiction Reader’s Summit in Grand Rapids

Last Spring, my husband and I drove from southern Kentucky to the Fiction Reader’s Summit in Grand Rapids, an eight-hour trip one way! Let me just say, it was totally worth it! I had an amazing time and met some wonderful authors!

#3: Dug through used books until I was totally exhausted.

Twice a year, the local library hosts a mega used book sale. I make it a point to attend. They stack as many of the books as possible on table tops, but a lot of them are still in boxes on the floor. I will crawl on the floor, lift heavy boxes, and dig through every one until I am dripping with sweat and my tired muscles are shaking. I’ve found some great books that way!

#4: Started a Book Blog

As an adult, I have attempted to start a blog twice. Both failed miserably. When I decided to start reviewing books and began the Stories By Gina blog, I really wasn’t sure how it would go. But I persevered and my work has paid off. It’s still small, but growing each month.

#5: Read 9 novels in one month

So far, as an adult, that is my record. Last month, March, I read nine novels for review. They were: A Desperate Hope, The White City, Secrets of Paper and Ink, Breach of Trust, A Perfect Weakness, Under the Midnight Sun, The Forgiving Jar, The Far Side of the Sea, and Between Two Shores.

#6: Participated in my first Author Event

Last August, our local library had a book signing event with local indie-published authors. Unfortunately, the turnout was low, but I had fun and gained some experience.

#7: Participated in an Author Panel while sitting next to Rachel Hauck

Last December, I participated in the Faith and Fellowship Festival in Ohio. I was so excited to be on my very first author panel as a historical fiction author. I was so nervous when I learned that Rachel Hauck, the guest speaker, was also on this panel. Then I ended up sitting right next to her during the panel itself! It was amazing, and exhilarating, and she’s such an encouragement!

#8: Became an Indie Published Author

Ever since I was a young teen, I dreamed of becoming a published author. In August of 2017, I finally saw that dream come to fruition when I indie-published by debut novel, Whither Shall I Go?, with Amazon’s KDP program. This year on April, 30th, I will publish my sophomore novel, No Greater Love. It is still my dream to someday be traditionally published. My ultimate dream as an author would be to some day be published by Bethany House Publishers. That would definitely be a dream come true!

Ever done anything crazy because you love books? Tell us about it in the comments.