Two weeks ago I went on hiatus. The real reason? I didn’t have anything left to say. Drew a huge blank. Nada.
When I started blogging back in October, I could write several blog posts ahead of time, two or more weeks worth. Blogging was an exciting and fun venture. I enjoyed trying my hand at non-fiction and I could write whatever I wanted. It was my blog. And besides, no one else was reading it. At least that’s what I told myself.
Eventually, I found a few friends/followers. So cool. People actually wanted to read what I had to say and I liked reading what they had to say. We all had under fifty followers and for a short sweet season we felt like (at least to me) a warm on-line supportive family.
Before too long we all started to gather followers, which, to be honest is really rather exciting. Look, someone else sees me worthy of following.
As we all gained momentum, and because it’s impossible to keep up with that many people on a daily basis, we “lost touch”. I hardly “see” those early blog friends any more.
What started out as a community of supportive friends all on a journey together, turned into something else.
For me it turned into: I need to keep writing interesting stuff, keep my happy voice on and hope they keep coming. All I have to do is follow everyone I can find, comment on everyone’s blog and also comment on everyone's blog who has commented on mine. I just have to keep reading and commenting, reading and commenting…
And the more I read the more I felt like all these bloggers were saying everything I’d like to say…better than I would say it.
I couldn’t find my place anymore. It felt like it became less about what I had to say and what I like to read and more about the numbers.
Yes, the numbers.
Why are numbers so important? Well, as touched on, it feels good to be followed and read—it sort of validates all the time spent blogging.
And, it’s supposed to help with eventual sales, right? Isn’t that why we were told to start blogging in the first place?
But really, how many blog posts can you actually read in a day? In a week? I have over a hundred “followers.” I know that all of them don’t read my posts every day, and there’s no way I can read all of theirs every day, even though I’ve tried.
And even if I had a thousand followers, would that significantly increase my (eventual) book sales? In fact, isn’t it actually the other way around? A book that sells well, brings readers to the blog---fans who have already found your book?
I don’t know. I’m just asking. I’m trying to nail it down. I know that everyone blogs for different reasons and has different expectations from it.
Obviously I spent some time thinking about this and I've come to a decision: I’m going back to the way it was for me in the beginning. I’m going to blog because I feel like I have something I want to say or share, something I want to make record of, even if nobody reads it. I’m going to read/comment on blogs because I feel like reading/commenting on them, and not because I feel like I owe someone for reading/commenting on mine.
I’m saying that you don’t have to read my blog because I read yours. You don’t have to comment on my blog because I commented on yours. Do it if you want to, but not because you feel like you have to.
I don’t mean to come back from my hiatus with a heavy blog. I’m just being honest. The pressure to adhere to certain “blogging expectations” wore me out. Took the fun out of it. I’m betting there are some of you out there that feel the same way.
Or maybe it’s just me?
Definitely important to keep the perspective! Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteI think we all begin to ask ourselves these questions, especially when commenting/reading/blogging begins to take up more time in our day than writing.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. There comes a point where you just do it. If people care, great. If they don't, well, at least you are out there.
Elle, that's exactly the way I treat my blog. If sometimes what I say strikes a chord with someone and they comment, then great, it makes for some interesting discussion. Plus, I like to feel part of the writing community. But it's kind of like high school all over again if it just becomes a popularity thing.
ReplyDeleteIt's going around Elle. I just did a blog on this last week and I've seen one or two others that feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteI remember those 'good old days' when we could have a conversation instead of one liner. I miss them too.
I was thinking this exact same thing! It all starts to feel rather circular after a while. I like that we have a community here and to make it all about marketing and platform takes away from the support element. I'm with you, Elle.
ReplyDeleteI think as your career progresses you need to reassess where blogging fits into the total picture. My published friend Jenn posts fairly short writing tips and thoughts and shout-outs a few times a week, because for her blogging is a way to be accessible to readers and other writers.
ReplyDeleteI think we all go through times and seasons of focused joy with something, then find the focus fading or shifting. Find a routine with blogging and commenting that feels comfortable, I guess. Periodic unplugs help, for sure.
I really hear you! I think that might be the biggest up/down thing about blogging. Someone else has already/will say what I want to say much better than I can. Nobody really wants to hear what I have to say. It's really easy to get down about the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteI like that you are focusing on what means something to you. Those are the most meaningful for me to read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Elle. Welcome back.
For me, blogging has always been a way to connect with the writing community rather than with an audience who may or may not buy my books. Reaching out is not easy for me, and blogging is no exception, but I want to hear about other writers' experiences regardless of whether it's process, querying or even blogging. I do what I can to make that happen.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to remember this is supposed to be fun. If it stops being fun, we're trying too hard or doing too much. :-)
ReplyDeleteNo, it's not just you! I definitely struggle with blogging block and feel that a lot of what you've said has been in my mind a lot lately. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteOh, I hear you on this one. I'm following waaayyy too many blogs, and with limited time, I just can't comment on everyone's who comments on mine. It's a balance.
ReplyDeleteIt's also true that we grow apart from our first bloggie friends. Sad fact of online life, it seems.
We do what we can, when we can, and when inspiration strikes. Keep on doing what you do, good lady. We ain't asking for anything else. :)