I always look forward to blogging. If I didn't, this blog wouldn't have survived
for as long as it has. That’s not to say
that I don’t get overwhelmed from time to time.
Though I’m usually organized, that doesn't stop the anxious feeling that
creeps up on me when I realize that I have so much to read and such little time
to actually get it done. How do you deal
with the feeling that you’re drowning in books?
Over the past year, I've realized that it’s okay to miss a
few posts. The truth is that not many
people will notice unless they check your blog daily. Sometimes I have amazing weeks where I post 3
to 4 reviews, but sometimes I just have the time to post one. When I have those slower weeks, I have to remind
myself to relax and do what I can instead of letting the stress take over.
Blogging becomes an obligation when I let myself think that
I’m letting my readers, authors, and publishers down by not posting a certain review
by the date I originally planned to post.
When it comes to receiving books for review I try to post on or around the
time of release. Sometimes I let a few ebooks
slip between the cracks because I don’t have the time, but I always make sure
to review physical copies that I request.
As a blogger, you want to make people happy and to help promote books
that you love, but when does it become less like a hobby and more like work?
When the stress takes over is when most begin to give
up. I find that if I force myself to
read too many books in a short amount of time, I procrastinate. Sometimes the pressure is good and I get
everything done at the last minute, but sometimes I’d much rather focus on the
current TV show I've been obsessed with instead of reading one of the many
books in my TBR pile.
I recommend that if you’re feeling obligated to blog more
than blogging for fun, you should try to take a break. It doesn't have to be long, just enough for
you to take your mind off of posting for a few days. This past week I took my time reading one
book instead of cramming in as many stories I could during my free time. I didn't disappear from the blog, but I still
feel refreshed.
Do you ever feel obligated to post? Why?
What do you do to make the feeling go away?
What do you do to make the feeling go away?
I feel like this too sometimes. More often lately now that I've started high school and I'm in color guard. Blogging takes a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun. I usually try to post when I can and I don't overwhelm myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment! I'm glad to know that I'm not alone. Sometimes it's tough but it's always worth it in the end. :)
DeleteYour not alone! I started my blog for fun but at times I feel like I'm not reviewing enough books or reading at too slow a pace. When you feel obligated to do something, it usually ruins your overall enjoyment of whatever your doing. That's when I take a break. xD
ReplyDeleteDaphne @ Reading Until Dawn
Definitely! Sometimes I feel guilty if it takes longer than a few days to read an average size book. It's a good idea to take a small break and come back when you're ready. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI'm feeling this right now. I just started blogging a month ago so I'm still trying to build my readership. When I started blogging I didn't want to have the blog that was full of meme's and so far that's exactly what I have. I'm thinking that I need to take a step back and re-evaluate my blogging goals.
ReplyDeleteI think that most people get caught up in the memes early on, but as your blog grows, you realize what ones are right for you and what ones aren't worth keeping up. Just post what you feel like posting!
DeleteI'm feeling a little like this right now. I think it's inevitable, and phases of feeling "obligated" come and go over the course of any blog. I've burnt myself out on writing reviews, so what I'm doing is rereading old favorite books and posting reviews that I've already written.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, rereading favorites is so helpful when you're in a slump! Great advice. Thanks!
DeleteSo agree with you, Chey. Since our blog is a combination promoting authors and books and author site, I don't have as much time to promote books or read them as I'd like. I need to spend time writing too. So I do what I can and try not to worry about the unsolicited books I can't spotlight. Those stress me the most.
ReplyDeleteI so agree that it's okay to take a break sometimes. And it's a little break for your followers as well, which isn't a bad thing.
Totally understandable though! I usually never have the time to take on unsolicited books unless they REALLY intrigue me and/or they're requested at least a month or two in advance. As much as I'd like to help out every author who seeks it, I just can't.
DeleteAGREED. I've been feeling like that for the past year. I let myself take a break and now I'm extremely excited to get back into blogging. The only way I've found to make this go away was to just read. Read because I want to read, and not because I HAVE to read, like for blog tours.
ReplyDeleteScheduling too many blog tour posts is one of my main issues, I think! If I do that, I end up burning myself out. I'm glad you're getting back to blogging though! I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts. :)
Delete