So lately I’ve been getting sort of tired of my #NewBloggers 101 feature, and all the calendar based properness of my blog. It’s just.. it’s tiring. Want to know why #NewBloggers is tiring? While I appreciate people helping out and writing guest posts so much, and kudos to the ones who did a wonderful job (you know who you are!), sometimes it can get… a little much. First of all, if it’s a group post, it means you’ll be juggling conversations for WEEKS. If it’s not a group post… It can still be a hassle. For example, right now, I am stuck about one post – a person has left me hanging. It has already been pushed back twice. I don’t know if we’re even posting it anymore. And even if it goes cleanly – I still have to format and schedule, and.. it’s still a lot of work.
So thank you again to all of you who made it super easy for me and sent everything in real quick. But I think I need a break. I hope you don’t mind?
I know some of you have looked forward to the #NewBloggers features a lot, but… I’m tired. And my blog’s starting to feel like a chore. So I’ve started thinking…
Do We Create Too Much Content?
I know someone’s already talked about it. There was a post, I think it might have even been Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts, but I don’t have the link currently. But my thoughts stray from that idea a little bit… I do believe that some of us (*points at herself*) might just be doing a little too much work. Cause… I know it’s fun while it’s fun, but if it starts feeling like work..?
And there’s another thing to consider.
What If We Wrote Less, But Socialized With Each Other More?
Don’t roll your eyes at me! I know creating content is important, but hell… We write all this content, but do we have time to read what others have written? Do we appreciate it? Or are we just running in the consumerist cycle, too fast to notice anything?
One of my good examples here could be Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books. The amount of love she extends to others by blog hopping truly impresses me, and that’s why I think it’s a good model of blogging. And it’s a way to reach out and make it about others rather than making it about yourself.
I’m starting to become bored with writing and not having time to respond to my comments. And with having three different readers and never having any time to read your posts on them. So I’ve decided, for the upcoming weeks, you might be getting less posts from me. They might be less on schedule, more random. More when I feel like writing them, unless it’s a scheduled review. I miss the times when I posted whenever I wanted.
And more than that, I miss visiting you all. What I want to do right now, is remember the blogs I loved. Return to reading what you all have to say. Instead of worrying about my schedules. I hope that won’t cause you to forget me. Hopefully you’ll see me more at your side this way!
We’ll see how this works. What are your thoughts on this?
I’m Evelina and I blog about books that made an impression on me. I love middle grade, women’s, scifi and some literary too.
This is an excellent point! I have been thinking about it a lot for a while, wondering what I should do about it
Thank you 🙂 yeah, I was wondering if you ever thought about that. Especially because we talked about comments and engagement. And also how you overwork yourself 😀 maybe we should both start posting less?
I think it makes a lot of sense. I believe adding thoughtful comments should also count as creating content, at least it adds a lot to the community.
That’s a good point!
Aw, I’m sorry you feel this way, Evelina! ❤ I truly understand this feeling, this last month has been especially pressuring for me when it comes to writing posts as well. I guess it gets a bit overwhelming at times and it’s okay to take a break (in any way) from it ❤
I hope it works and that you feel recharged, you do a lot for the community and I hope you know that we appreciate and love you!
Thank you, Marta 🙂 I’ve definitely felt appreciated the past few weeks, what with all the nominations, which I also have to thank you for as well 😀 have not been able to rest too much from the blog, but at least I had less of a workload (I mean my job), so I’ve been able to rest some 🙂
I honestly agree so much with this post. There comes a point when even something you love can start to feel like a chore and I’ve been feeling that way about blogging. All of the deadlines and stress associated with writing up posts and scheduling them means I spend less time enjoying the process. I’ve also been spending less time blog hopping and seeing what everyone else is up to and it seriously sucks! I totally understand why you are taking a break and you deserve it! ❤
Yeah – it all comes down to time, doesn’t it? If blogging was a paid passtime… and we could have it as a job.. 😀 that would be totally amazing, hahah.
I definitely agree, if it were a job and I got paid I would be quite happy! However, there is also such a thing as losing the passion for something when you stop doing it as a hobby and do it in a professional capacity and I worry that that might happen
You are absolutely right, getting paid for it is a surefire way to lose a hobby most of the time.
Amazing post! You have to do what’s best for you and if continuing something that’s making you not enjoy blogging, then don’t do it. You can always come back to it later. Take some time to de-stress. You deserve it!
Thank you, Jenn 🙂 you’re right! But I often feel like my blog is a duty to myself and both the community, I guess 😀 in the end, I always know I’ll go back to liking it soon, even if I feel bad at the time. Blogging is my great love 🙂
And thank you!
I have been blogging a lot less recently because I don’t feel like I have the energy. I am purely posting reviews due and nothing else. I think it’s good to do what you want with your blog. Good luck!
I think it must be a spring thing! A lot of bloggers have been saying that lately, I’ve noticed. So maybe it’s just a phase for us 🙂
Valid points. I think once April is over and I’ve scheduled everything I’ll be rejigging my schedule. Since I’m not going to keep up with posting every day sometimes it’s twice a day. Like I’m a fast writer and everything but sometimes I want to do other things, and the schedule I set myself was insane. BUT that all said I’m glad I experienced it, so I can better find a schedule that suits me. Loved the post though 🙂
Oh my god, is that how often you post xD how do you even do that! Pure magic. Yeah, I think you should slow down! At least keep that inspiration for a time when you might be tired or out of ideas 😀 yeah.. Finding the balance can be so hard, honestly.
And thank you 🙂
I totally feel you on this! This month has been crazy for me too, and I have been stressing about getting my posts out on schedule so much that I sometimes feel stuck and like I’m not producing any quality content… Sometimes we just need some time to ourselves.
Yeah, quantity over quality, or vice versa is a constant thing on my mind, when I think about blogging. Unfortunately, there are all those ARC deadlines 😀 oh well…
I was actually thinking of taking a blogging break this week….but I failed LOL
I know those feels 😀 (of failing on taking a break xD)
Hahaha glad I’m not alone! 😛
You are so not alone 🙂
Some of my favorite bloggers are people who post once per week, or even once per month. Their posts always have far superior content, and they always comment on my blog posts, too. I think creating so many smaller posts make it hard for readers because they have to choose between reading the post, skipping posts and feeling guilty, and wanting to be engaged with deep, meaningful content. How meaningful are the comments on a “fluff” post anyway? How deep into a conversation do readers want to get when they know a new post will pop up tomorrow and the… Read more »
OMG you are back! (back on my blog, I mean, LOL) I have been meaning to drop by your blog in ages, but tagged you on Twitter on something once and didn’t hear back, so in my lack of time, assumed maybe you’re on hiatus and that I’ll come back later 😀 been meaning to for ages. Can’t wait to check out your latest posts. You are right, the rarer posters indeed have better content – quality over quantity. The only reason I post so much is to match my reading pace… And all those review copy commitments. I really… Read more »
Ah! I actually noted in a post yesterday that I turned off my Twitter. When I first started Grab the Lapels, I took in reviewer copies and had too many. Soon, people were waiting a year for a review. I know other bloggers who do this, and I think the authors end up losing faith in the reviewer. Some bloggers will keep reader’s copies so long that the author no longer wants a review because he/she is trying to promote a new book!
Ah, that’s why 🙂 yeah, that’s true about the review copies. I still accept some, but so few. The ones I struggle with are the old ones I requested years ago, before I even knew how this works. I just need to get through them and then I’ll have my requesting in check 🙂
NetGalley sent out an email earlier today with a subject line that started “Take a break.” It probably says something that my first thought was of taking a break FROM reading instead of taking a break TO read.
Hahah 😀 I guess I don’t receive those emails… I only get their once-a-year service notices. But that’s good timing 😀
I struggled to put up content on my blog. Life is so busy and I tend to write very slowly. I wish that I posted more. I do socialize a lot with other bloggers. I do not regret that time however.
Life is so busy indeed! But it’s alright that you post less – your blog is very concentrated on a particular type of book. You don’t just read classics, do you? But I think it’s very good that the blog concentrates on those. I often worry that maybe I post too much of rather random stuff and don’t stick to any one thing – but that’s just what I read.
It’s called burnout and it happens to all bloggers! I used to think it was the end of the world if I had to take a break because life got in the way, or I just didn’t feel like writing reviews (!!) but now I just realize that it’s better to blog less or even take a week or two off completely, than to post content that isn’t really “you.” Taking a break always helps me recharge and then I get super excited to blog again! And sometimes it’s nice to just visit other bloggers without worrying about your own… Read more »
Yeah, I’m sure it happens to everyone. Lately I’ve head a lot of bloggers say it as well, so maybe it’s a spring thing too. Maybe you’re right 🙂 I just can’t force myself to shirk my ARC commitments though – I have several things coming out and I can’t disregard them. But I haven’t been requesting a lot lately, so eventually the time will come when I’ll have more freedom over what I’m posting.
I agree it’s always so tricky finding the right balance! But I guess blogging should never feel like work, so taking a break to breathe and bloghop more is a great choice. Definitely avoids a burnout or a slump! 😉
Indeed. Yeah, when it starts feeling like work, I guess it’s time to take a break 🙂
I completely agree with you, I have been feeling the same way for some time now. I feel like I produce so much content every week that I take away time from responding and blog hopping. Especially with working another job full time, it’s hard to keep up with it all. I think it’s great what you’re doing!
Exactly! It all boils down to time. If we only had a time turner 😀 or somehow didn’t need sleep.. LOL
I sometimes wonder what life was before the late 20th century. You know, as in slow life. With time to think 😀
This is a great discussion! I get it. You’ve been gangbusters with #NewBloggers 101 (and kudos to you for that, I think it’s been GREAT for new and old bloggers alike) but yeah, I’m sure it’s a ton of work too! Give yourself a break- you’re right, this is supposed to be fun, and about talking to each other about books, and shouldn’t seem like a chore. It’s easy to happen though. And visiting… like Tammy said, sometimes I just like t visit some blogs and worry about posts later. 🙂
Thank you, Greg 🙂 I’m really glad you think my series was cool! I think I will be adding to it for sure, but in a slower fashion, and maybe after a little while.
I most definitely know where you’re coming from here! For a while I was posting twice a week, but that meant that I didn’t have much time to interact with other bloggers. Now I post once a week and have wayyyyy more time to blog-hop and comment on other peoples posts and reply to the ones on my own… I’m still trying to figure out the perfect balance but I’m slowly getting there!
Thanks 🙂 I guess it’s similar to a lot of bloggers, cause it seems everyone can relate 🙂 I’m still posting like 2-3 times a week, but that’s much more relaxed than 4 times 😀
Ooh I definitely see where you’re coming from because nooo I DON’T have enough time to read tons of blogs. *cries* I only post 3 x a week (and reviews aren’t hard because I review everything anyway haha) but I often end up on my off-blogging days just recovering and still not getting a ton of blog reading done. Whoops. I feel like lots of comments have dropped off too?! And maybe it’s because we all just don’t have time to create + interact. Although I get sad when my faves don’t post…so HOW DO WE WIN.
Yes, this content problem is definitely an issue with us. And yet, you manage to comment back, like, INSTANTLY! I am always amazed at that 😀 how DO you manage. I always review everything too – but not on the blog. That wouldn’t fit on the blog xD so I just review some stuff solely on Goodreads. Especially if the stuff wasn’t very good 😀 But I think it’s definitely true that we can’t both work + eat + live + blog + comment + sleep (I ALMOST FORGOT THAT ONE. DO WE EVEN SLEEP.) Then again, I also feel… Read more »
I love this idea! I know for a fact that I’m bone exhausted from juggling school life and blogging life and I just lost my line of thought. Wow.
There’s a lott of stress, is what I’m trying to say. Do what’s best for you!
Thanks 🙂 yeah, we all just try too much I think. And this is the season when it gets too much, I guess xD the summer should be easier for you at least, I hope, cause there will be some sort of a vacation or time off, won’t there 🙂
I think you bring up a really good point! Since I started book blogging I’ve struggled to find the perfect balance between publishing posts and also visiting blogs. I love to talk about the books I’ve read but I also love discovering new books through the awesome blogs I read. I think it’s a good idea to slow down and enjoy the blogosphere!
Yup, balance here is the keyword 🙂 god knows I haven’t found mine, I opened the blog to 258 unreplied comments from the past two weeks xD gosh 😀 no balance here xD but I’m trying to figure it out 🙂
Oh wow, thank you so, so much for thinking of me in your post, this means a whole lot <3 <3 <3 I get where you come from, it is so hard to find the right balance between putting ourselves out there, writing original content, writing what we love, but also sharing the love around the community, visiting blogs and everything else. Really, for me, commenting, visiting other blogs and spreading the love is just as important as putting my content out there and such an integrant part of book blogging and feeling part of the community 🙂 Really, best… Read more »
Thank you 🙂 of course I will always think of you! I really admire your blog, although perhaps I don’t visit often enough 🙂 And thanks for saying that! But I always feel like my blog is kind of a failure – bloggers who have been blogging the same amount or less than me have double the followers, and my stats seem to be crawling up at a snail’s pace, so I’ve always felt like I just fail at this. It’s kind of silly -.- I’ll definitely be publishing less now – or rather, I think it’s just the schedule… Read more »
i agree with your decision bc i think you will find blogging more enjoyable this way. blog hopping and reading posts seem less of a chore 🙂
Thanks 🙂 I actually still haven’t come up with a plan on how to do this in reality xD (I am facing 230 unreplied comments so far xD)… I don’t know if I’ll actually post less, cause review copies will be review copies, but still 🙂 at least there’s less mental pressure to always be on time. Sometimes decisions make a world of difference 🙂
As a writer rather than a blogger, and one who has being looking at blogs on social media for some years, I think it is better to post once a week or once a fortnight, and make it your very best, rather than posting for the sake of posting. I DO read a lot of posts, but in the past I’ve heard bloggers complaining about lack of views – when I asked them, it turned out they didn’t read other people’s posts, either! So much about online relationships is about generosity and being interested in others. I’ve seen blogs that… Read more »
I work in marketing, so I know about how social media matters 🙂 Twitter etc has never been a problem. Neither are the views, at least from my expectation. It’s just the time! To make time for anything, or for replying comments, even. Unfortunately, even though I don’t request books nearly at all anymore, I requested A LOT back when I was starting out, and now have to deal with it all. So I mostly just post because I owe people all those reviews -.- I don’t know when I’ll be able to get that out of the way! But… Read more »
This is a really interesting point. The truth is, I DO NOT have time to read everyone’s blog, especially if people post every single day. I have so much respect for people who manage to blog so much, but at the same time it’s hard to keep up. This is why I try to blog about twice a week. Makes it manageable for me to blgo next to work and uni assignments, and I do some blog hopping inbetween.
Exactly! And I think that happens to everyone. Or if it doesn’t, then I am truly impressed if some bloggers manage to both create, read and comment away 🙂 my respect to them! (Or maybe they just have a time turner. LOL)
Twice a week sounds very reasonable 🙂 I think I’d like to stick with two times a week myself, but I’ve just had all of these review copy commitments that I have to dish out! That’s how I mostly end up with four posts a week somehow.
I was thinking today that Evelina hasn’t posted on Monday and neither today, is everything fine with her? And I opened Feedly and here was your post Somehow I didn’t get your notification. Anyhow, I can totally understand your feeings here. I too was feeling a lot liek this lately and almost dropped this Monday and Thesday posts.. but ended up writing them last minute yeah yesterday’s post was published at 11:45 PM I don’t know why this feeling is there.. I know my time is really limited but yet within that time too, sometimes I don’t feel like writing… Read more »
Aw, that is incredibly sweet of you 🙂 thank you for remembering me! I think I am going to take it easy (easier xD) with the posts because it’s just not fun anymore sometimes. I just want to bring the fun back into blogging 🙂 I understand what you mean about commenting. It’s also too hard to blog hop, especially when you’re full time like you are! So I think you shouldn’t push yourself – you will lose your love for the blog, and that’s just not good. Better less quantity, but more quality 🙂 and also, selfcare and free… Read more »
Haha yes, I am going to take it down really slow now. If I am about to miss a post on a particular day, I will just let it be 🙂
Hmm I have no idea right now, but I will think of some topic and will get back to you. But please consider in advance that my English is particularly not that good, so you might need to do a heavy editing 😛
Come on, your English is absolutely fine 😀 typos and stuff happen to everyone! Also, we’re both international xD so we’ve got an excuse 😀
I love this and you make some excellent points, Evelina! I’ve found that I work harder to schedule in blog hopping and commenting than I do writing posts, which I peck away at when I have the time. And I’m definitely posting more content now than I’d like to in an average month, just because I know that schedule isn’t sustainable long-term. Thankfully I’m already eyeing the summer as a time to re-organize and prioritize, particularly with reviews! I think some of it stems from a fear of being overlooked or forgotten? When, when I think about it, is kind… Read more »
Thank you 🙂 I actually might not post so much, but at the rate I read books, and the number of ARCs I have to catch up with, it’s the way it’s gotta be xD
I agree about being overlooked and forgotten. One thing I talked about in my fears post.. Indeed, one of the driving forces, when writing more and more content… kind of a vicious cycle, when you think about it.
I can definitely understand how you feel! You are such a dedicate blogger and have worked so hard to put amazing content out there! You deserve a break! Enjoy it!
Thank you! 🙂
Amen, Sister! While I *have* a document I use to schedule my posts (thank you for that!), I don’t stick to a firm posting schedule. Instead, I stick to a set of posts I’d like to publish each month. Where they appear, they appear. Sometimes, life is too hard! We don’t have time to do all of this. And it should never, EVER become a chore. (Well. Unless your blog is down and chaos is happening and why is technology so haaaaard?!?!?) I’m sorry you’re feeling run down. Particularly when it comes to #NewBlogger101! But I’m glad you’ve recognized your… Read more »
I prefer posting in equal intervals, cause then it’s easier to blog hop as well 🙂 and also, you know how I am a perfectionist anyway xD
And I know at least you will definitely still be here for sure, and that’s an awesome feeling 🙂 thank you!
Best of luck with it! I would love to do this in theory, but in reality I’m someone who finds it almost impossible to break a habit once it’s established, and my habit is to make sure I have at least one review, guest post, interview, or something on the site every day.
I want to get down to 1 post a day, but I’m afraid my views will drop if I do, so. ..aaaaargh.
Thank you 🙂 yeah, it’s pretty damn hard to break that habit, I do agree. But I’ve kind of reached a breaking point. I still don’t know how you manage one post a day or more, it’s pure magic xD
I. Love. This. Post. Everything about it resonates with me. As a new blogger, you’d think I wouldn’t be sitting over here thinking about burn-out all the time, but I tend to overanalyze everything and I couldn’t help but notice a few things almost immediately after I started blogging: 1. Blogging, while fun, takes away time from reading. 2. Book blogging is not a paid job for most of us (and according to my research, it’s like the hardest blogging niche to somehow get an income from), and it takes away time from doing something I could be getting paid… Read more »
I’m so glad you liked it 🙂 yes, I think this is a common problem we have in the reviewer/blogger circles. Can’t say about other kinds of blogs, but certainly true about book blogs. Yes, actually, the fact that it takes away from reading was my first ever post, I think :DDD or like… second one. It’s a really funny paradox 😀 then there’s social media… You’re right about the income part. We just have such small audiences. But then I think about how much money I save on the books because of ARCs. LOL But you know, life isn’t… Read more »
Ha ha, “similar dorks”!
😀
I do not have a huge, wonderful feature such as your #NewBloggers101 but I love this post with my whole heart <3 And I can only imagine the time, commitment and exhaustion. I am not able to keep up with the regular content, so I feel like you have rocked it at this point. The important thing is doing what works best for you, your sanity and helps you continue to enjoy this journey – xx
Thank you, Danielle 🙂 that means a lot to me! Thank god I work from home, and I believe you understand me… I might struggle less with my health stuff, but more so than the regular person (I’ve got some slow burn chronic issues as well), so back when I worked in an office nobody ever understood why I’m always a zombie, always upset and nearly dying 😀 so managing this stuff is kind of harder for me than it probably is for most other bloggers. That’s why I can never make things (like comment replies..) work in time… I… Read more »
Aw, I certainly do not consider my own hurdles any worse than others but maybe different. You know exactly how it is. You amaze me with the quality of cintent you put out and the voice you are int community Mad, solid respect!
Thank you Danielle, those are such amazing things to say! <3
[…] LOVED this post that Evelina over at AvalinahsBooks wrote about us book bloggers: do we create too much content? Why yes, yes we do. And in doing so, we create so much work for ourselves without being able to […]
YES! I agree that the way Marie goes about sharing love even with those like me who are not the most consistent commenter are stellar! She is my blog hopper role model. I actually struggle with the socializing part of blogging though I love to read what others think and to hear their opinions… So making content is a safety for me… But I’ve learned that you must do whats best for you and if writing is a chore then taking a step back and socializing is what you should do. Distance did always make the heart grow fonder… <3
Yup, agreed, she is also my model blog hopper 🙂 aw, that’s sweet about distance, and I guess you’re right 😀 I always do appreciate your comments, and I feel like you’re consistent for sure when it comes to commenting on my blog, haha 😀 and you always share my stuff! So I’m always thankful for that 🙂
Yessss, so much time and effort is put into blogging & taking photographs that I don’t always get a chance to blog hop or comment. It’s something I’ll need to put time aside everyday for.
Marie is honestly the queen of blog hopping hehe!
Well, you are kicking it with the Instagram though, I can’t blame you – and we do catch up through Instagram stories 🙂
Thank you so much for writing this post! I definitely get what you’re feeling because lately I’ve felt a bit of pressure too, which originated from me having to do a lot. University started for me again and with that AND participating in Camp NaNo things have been more stressful. I had scheduled a lot of posts for April beforehand except for the upcoming week and now that I have to write posts again, I’ve started to feel the pressure again. I love writing posts, but I feel like I put too much pressure on myself to always have them… Read more »
I’m really glad you liked it 🙂 blogging on full speed would be great if we didn’t have a lot of real life commitments. But we do xD I always find myself stressed when I realize I have no time to reply comments or blog hop… Because there is just not enough time! And I soooo know what you mean! Every time I open the blog, there’s a swamp of comments, OMG xD I’m glad of them, but I’m also like HOW AM I GONNA DO THIS 😀 Thank you for reading 🙂 I am glad it resonated with you.… Read more »
All about balance and finding what’s right for you as a blogger. I do a schedule but I keep it flexible as well so when I’m not feeling it or need a break from a feature I can take it. Works well on this end 🙂
Yup! Balance is hard though, in life in general too.
What a provoking thought Evelina! But you may be right. At least that’s what we used to do before blogging: visit others and chat with them. So yes why not take a back seat and just enjoy other’s posts!
Thanks 🙂 I think it might not just be a problem of our community – it’s a general problem of the 21st century. We’re all in such a mad rush, after all. It’s a general lifestyle problem for all of us now.
[…] week I asked the question of whether we post too much content and neglect actually reading everyone else&…! And I also reviewed a great book, The Sunday Lunch Club, which I can strongly recommend! Go on […]
Yes… I think I’ll echo what Tammy and Greg have to say. You make an excellent point – I want to keep my own blog worth visiting, yet the point of blogging in the first place is interaction and when trying to keep all the handles winding, I’m conscious that chatting with other bloggers and visiting their sites is a casualty. I’m wondering whether to factor in a GONE VISITING post once a week where I explain why I’m not posting, instead visiting other folks and interracting on their sites… What do you think?
Haha, a gone visiting post 🙂 a brilliant idea, actually! You know, some bloggers have a very interesting solution for this one: they do a post dedicated to sharing stuff that others posted – and I mean, not on their Sunday post like we do, but solely for that! I think it’s pretty cool. Not only do you not just post a notice why you’re not posting – you’re also sharing the stuff that you’re visiting 🙂 it’s great.
That’s an excellent solution! Thank you for that… I’ll think about that one:)
🙂
[…] Evelina @ Avalinahs Books discusses whether we bookbloggers create too much content? Do we forget to breathe? […]
Oh wow, this is too close to home! I definitely agree with all of this and am victim myself to forgetting to read other blogger’s content. And I feel terrible when I don’t comment on e v e r y o n e ‘s posts!
I’m glad you could relate 🙂 I think it’s common both to our community, and our whole society in general. We are always in such a rush! It’s just hard to make time, really.
Blog less! Get rid of a day (if you blog every day) and dedicate that day to interacting with other bloggers and see how you feel. If your blog is stressing you out, take a moment to work out what’s going wrong. <3
Vee @ Under The Mountain
Oh no, I definitely don’t blog every day 😀 that I would not be able to handle. I blog 3-4 days a week, but the reason I blog so much is just because I have all these old ARCs lying around and have to take care of them. And also, I read so many books, and I want to post reviews even for the non-ARCs, so they just… kind of need to take days on the calendar 😀
Evalina it was funny that I’d come to this discussion post, and I love it! I’ve recently restarted my blog after taking a 2 year hiatus. I had a baby who was extremely premmie so it took some time before his health and life just settled. Like every new blogger I was over-excited about blogging, and I too got stuck in the consumerism wheel and lost my original focus of why I started a blog to begin with, to meet like minded book lovers so I can discuss the books I read, as I did not have anyone else to… Read more »
I’m glad you could relate 🙂 oh, I see why you were even busier as new mommy – that makes total sense. He is alright now, right? New moms are generally very busy though, so when I see them blogging, I just don’t get how they manage to do it 😀 I don’t think it’s a myth that babies take up all the time of new parents? What I find great about book blogging is the social media – if you drop off blogging for one reason or another, you can still keep posting on social media and at least… Read more »
Yep yep yep, couldn’t agree more! I have hit this point in my blogging journey where it’s like… you come to a crossroads where you will either completely burn yourself out, or you take a quick step back. And I have done both, and I promise, your plan is the way to go! I tried the whole “power through” thing, and all it got me was exhausted and overwhelmed and unhappy. Now, I am doing the “whatever the hell I want” approach, and wow, it’s SO much better. AND I have more chance to reach out to other bloggers, like… Read more »
I know what you mean. I sort of had a similar feeling myself. Powering through really doesn’t work on many things in life though… Burn out takes longer than actually taking a break BEFORE you get burned out. But it’s always very hard to be this long-sighted and see this before you burn yourself out 😀
You make a good point about the number of posts and reach!
Great post! It’s so important to find a sustainable blogging schedule, especially when you’ve been doing it for a long time. Otherwise you get burned out and feel disconnected from the community.
Thank you, Grace 🙂 yeah, I’m still struggling with a balanced schedule, especially because I have all those backlogged reviews I just sort of want to get off my back 😀 but eventually I will figure it out, I hope 🙂
I am all for breaks – even though I felt a bit down with myself for not finishing the books I want to review fast enough to review this month, and this thing threw me in a blogging slump but the truth is that I really enjoy reading those books and taking my time with them. I still feel guilty, though! Blogging should be fun! I love the NewBloggers series and it is really helpful, but it would still help people if you post once a month or whenever you feel like it and the posts already written had helped… Read more »
It’s hard keeping up with the deadlines we MAKE for ourselves! Like, half of them are definitely self-imposed – the TBR deadlines, the posting deadlines… We need to think this through xD
And book bloggers are just such guilt trippers, aren’t we. Mm, I should write a post about that xD (I actually marked it down on my calendar. LOL)
YES! All the deadlines I set like my work deadlines aren’t enough xD. But I decided to just take it slow and enjoy my books and not hurry just for the sake of a blog post.
Ooo, looking forward to that post, hihi!
That is the right frame of mind 🙂
As someone who has only recently started blogging a bit more regularly and only recently started engaging with the community, I definitely agree. Blog hopping is a lot of fun and commenting and communicating about different topics is so much more rewarding than just blogging into the void! And on the reading side of things, I find it so overwhelming subscribing to blogs where people post 2-3 times a week! I commend them for finding the time to blog so frequently, but I honestly can’t keep up reading them either.
I post 3-4 times myself, but I never expect the same people to comment on all posts 🙂 it’s more like… for them to come over and be able to find a topic that is interesting to them, cause not all topics appeal to all people 🙂
It’s difficult to find a balance and I think it’s important to take a step back when we need to. I’ve recently been looking at ways to streamline what I do post, especially with regular blog series posts, so I can keep up the content without wasting ages on html coding and tweaks.
Yeah, I think you are right 🙂 it’s just I have all these ARC commitments. If there were only more Sundays in a week, right 😀
Whilst I’ve enjoyed seeing your New Bloggers posts, even me who’s been blogging for a while has gotten a couple of good tips, I totally understand why you’ve decided to take a break from it, though. If you’re not enjoying it then it totally makes sense to stop. Blogging isn’t meant to be a chore so when it begins to feel that way stop whatever is making you feel that way. I actually haven’t written a post (or finished a post, anyway) for the past two weeks. I have instead been focusing on commenting on everyone else’s posts. I want… Read more »
Thank you, I am very glad my posts have helped out even a seasoned blogger 🙂 I haven’t been able to focus on commenting so much because my work actually picked up and I just have no time, grah. It’s just like I can’t get anywhere anymore 😀
I struggle with balance as well. As someone with very scheduled allotments of time, I really want to visit more blogs, but find myself focusing more on content and reading them anything else. It’s good to spend time doing both though
Me too! This always happens xD like, I always read what I’m not supposed to 😀