Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Mendez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

The Lit Bitch started in 2010 as a passion project. I wanted a space to track the books I read and share my thoughts on them. My sister and I brainstormed names, and when we realized that “Lit” and “Bitch” had a fun, catchy rhyme to it, the blog found its name! At the time, I had no vision beyond creating a simple platform to catalog my reading, but I quickly discovered a vibrant online book community.

In the early days, I focused on reviewing books I was personally excited to read—ones from my “to be read” pile, upcoming releases, or books that caught my eye. Then self-published authors and indie writers began reaching out, asking if I’d review their work. That opened the door to a broader world of book blogging, including connecting with other bloggers and joining virtual book “tours” where groups of reviewers spotlighted new releases. Over time, I also built relationships with publishers and authors, which helped me grow my reach and deepen my involvement in the book world.

As blogging evolved, so did social media. At first, sharing my reviews on Facebook and Twitter was simple and manageable, but the rise of Instagram and TikTok introduced new demands: reels, videos, stylized photos, and interactive stories. For a while, I loved engaging on Instagram, but balancing visually engaging social content with book reviews became overwhelming—especially since blogging remains a passion project, not a paid gig. Though I have scaled back on my reviewing over the last year or so, I still find a lot to enjoy in this lovely community of readers!

Today, The Lit Bitch is more than just a place for book reviews. I now feature cover reveals, top ten lists, movie reviews for book adaptations, articles about the art of reviewing, and even occasional sponsored posts. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with readers, authors, and publishers over the years, and I’m grateful for the community that has grown alongside the blog. My approach has always been to provide fair, constructive reviews, highlighting what works in a book while also offering insights on areas for improvement. I think this thoughtful, honest approach has helped me stand out in the book review space.

While the blogging landscape continues to shift toward short-form content, I remain committed to sharing thoughtful, engaging reviews and celebrating the stories that connect us all.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It hasn’t been a smooth road—it’s been more of a learning experience with plenty of twists and turns. One of the biggest challenges has been keeping up with the ever-changing social media landscape. When I first started The Lit Bitch, the focus was on blogging and simply sharing links to reviews on Facebook or Twitter. That was manageable and felt natural. But as platforms like Instagram and TikTok rose to prominence, social media shifted dramatically. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about sharing a link—it was about creating visually engaging reels, stylized photos, and interactive stories to capture attention.

For a while, I leaned into the trends, especially on Instagram, but it quickly became overwhelming. Balancing the demands of creating polished social content with writing thoughtful book reviews, managing the blog, and staying connected with my audience felt like too much. Social media trends move so fast that it often feels like you’re constantly trying to catch up, especially as a solo creator without the resources of a dedicated team.

Eventually, I decided to step back and focus on what I truly enjoy: blogging. While I still maintain a social media presence, I’ve returned to the “old ways” of prioritizing written reviews and connecting with my audience through thoughtful, detailed blog posts. It’s what I love most about The Lit Bitch, and I think it’s what resonates most with readers who are looking for more than just a quick soundbite about a book.

This decision hasn’t been without its struggles—I sometimes worry about missing opportunities to grow my audience or connect with a younger demographic. But staying true to what I enjoy and what fits my workflow has made blogging sustainable and enjoyable for me in the long term. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to follow every trend to make an impact. Sometimes, sticking with what works for you is the best choice.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

By day, I work in education, I hold a Masters in English Literature and Writing as well as in American History so obviously I have a passion for learning and communication.

Outside of my day job, I’m the creator of The Lit Bitch, a book blog I started in 2010 as a creative outlet to log my reading and share my thoughts on books. Over the years, my blog has grown into a platform where I write thoughtful book reviews, cover reveals, top ten lists, and features celebrating storytelling. My approach focuses on offering constructive, balanced feedback—highlighting what works in a book while suggesting areas for improvement. This honest yet respectful tone has earned me a reputation for insightful reviews and meaningful engagement with authors and readers.

What I’m most proud of is the longevity of my blog and my commitment to it. Staying dedicated to The Lit Bitch for over a decade—logging my reading and continuing to write reviews despite the challenges of balancing a demanding career and shifting social media trends—is something I take great pride in. Blogging consistently for so many years is an accomplishment in itself, especially as the online landscape evolves.

Balancing my career in education with blogging hasn’t always been easy. The demands of work and the ever-changing nature of social media have made it difficult to keep up. While I’ve scaled back my presence on some platforms, I’ve stayed true to what I love most: creating thoughtful, well-written blog posts. This focus on authenticity and quality over trends is what I believe sets me apart, both in my educational work and in my blogging.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?

While it may not surprise anyone that I’m an avid reader, something that might catch people off guard is that I’m also a competitive weightlifter. I’ve been lifting since 2011 and started competing in 2018. It’s a passion that’s as much about mental strength and discipline as it is about physical ability. Balancing the worlds of books and barbells might seem unexpected, but both have taught me resilience, focus, and the value of setting and pursuing goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thelitbitch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelit_bitch_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelitb

Image Credits

Heidi Timmons Photography