I stumbled across the 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge hosted by April from Good Books Good Wine and it looks like so much fun that I have to take part. You can find out all about the challenge and how to join in HERE. Obviously the idea of the challenge is to take part 15 days in a row but I don't have enough time for that and since April is so relaxed over the rules I've decided dedicate one day a week to the challenge.
The Day 12 topic is: How do you fight blogger fatigue?
This is actually a really relevant topic today because I've been really struggling to blog all of this week. Well it's not so much my blog that I'm struggling with more that the drama on Goodreads has made me want to do anything but write reviews and spend time chatting about books like I usually do. I'm not going to get into that whole sorry mess here though or I'll just end up raising my blood pressure again! What I'll do instead is talk about ways I usually fight blogger fatigue and hope that something clicks and helps me start reviewing again :o)
I think the most important thing to remember about blogging is that it's supposed to be fun, it isn't something I'm paid to do so if I'm not enjoying my hobby then there is something seriously wrong. I tend to put too much pressure on myself, I feel like I should have something going up on the blog every day but in reality I don't think anyone else is going to worry if I miss a few days or even a few weeks here and there. Once I finally figured that out I felt a bit more relaxed about things and if I need to take a break then I do. Sometimes it does us good to walk away from the computer and do something different for a change.
Another thing I try to do is schedule the blog in advance so that if I need to take a break I can do it easily without worrying. When I'm organised I can have posts scheduled for the next couple of weeks but it's been a LONG time since I've managed that. Recently it seems like every time I get a few days ahead something happens and I end up behind again! I currently have 15 reviews that I need to write so it's a good job I take a lot of notes when I'm reading or I'd never be able to write them.
Since I'm really struggling at the moment I'm obviously in dire need of some tips here so if you have any please do share them! How do you keep your enthusiasm for blogging?
I manage to miss all the drama because I don't go on Goodreads - for me it takes energy to read and blog - I don't have any to spare for reading other blogs/joining in with book communities. I guess I don't have a solution for most bloggers who do go on Goodreads etc, other than ignore what goes on - get your nose into a book instead of on a screen! We blog because we love books, so it should stay fun & light. It shouldn't ever feel a chore - if it does then definitely take a break ^o^
ReplyDeleteI forgot to put 'notify me' of comments so this is a bit of a nonsense post. I feel guilty if I don't have a post up each day, but I've got stricter with myself and so long as I distract myself I don't worry about it when I'm ill/busy.
ReplyDeleteHey Nayu, how are you? It seems like AGES since I spoke to you last so I hope you're well :o) Since I don't go on facebook and hardly ever appear on twitter any more goodreads has become my social network of choice so I spend quite a lot of time on there. You're right about trying to ignore the drama though, it just isn't worth the hassle! I'm no longer posting my full reviews on there, I'm just going to link to the reviews on my blog and use GRs more for cataloguing what I've been reading.
DeleteTaking a break for a few days always helps me recharge my batteries a bit too :o) I think we have to remember that the only ones putting pressure on us is us - I seriously doubt the publishers are going to care if we miss a few days here and there! The only posts I have to get up are the ones I agree to for blog tours so I try not to do too many of those and to have them scheduled well in advance in case I don't have the time / energy the day they're actually due :o)
Hi Sarah, I'm good thanks! It is ages - I'm not on FB, or Goodreads, and only really tweet my review links on Twitter. Being stricter with how much time I have online = having to stay out of the loop for everyone. It sounds like you've got a good plan in place to feel happier blogging. Yes, I know Jo once said that publishers don't mind if we're delayed in putting up reviews. Have a great weekend!
DeleteI'm glad you're well Hun :-) I don't blame you for restricting your online time - I've been doing the same & it's amazing how much more time I have for doing other things now lol
DeleteIsn't it just! It's one of several reasons why I do not have a smart phone, nor am I online on my phone. Reduced Twitter time = time for more living! & watching anime, which is my primary restful activity ^o^ Reading is more energetic, sadly.
DeleteI do have a smart phone but now I'm not on twitter I mainly use it for checking emails & texting :-) I'm glad you're still enjoying your anime!
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