Hi everyone! I feel like I sound like a broken record at this point, but I wanted to apologize for being so inactive on this blog lately. I am 100% not going to stop blogging, but I’ve felt a need to slow down a little bit these past few weeks. I’m sorry for those who are waiting for reviews; I’m aiming to have them up ASAP!
I’m hoping this is just a little need for a break is just summer phase, as nothing makes me happier than when I’m on my blogging game.
So I just realized that this is less of a musing and more of an apology, so here’s a question: If you’re a book blogger, do you set posting goals for yourself? (eg. Post once a week, twice a week, etc.) How do you keep yourself on track?
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I definitely get where you’re coming from Karen! It’s tough to post twenty four seven when you’re on vacation (with friends, family, and possibly work) but even more difficult when you’re in school the rest of the year. Speaking solely in regards to my summertime blogging, I try to set a goal of AT LEAST three posts per week. I try for every other day but sometimes it just doesn’t happen. Also, I remind myself not to take multiple day long breaks from my blog or else I won’t feel as motivated to get back to it. Consistency is key – whether it be writing drafts, brainstorming in your head, or actually posting new content!
A.M. Bradley @ Hungover Fiction Lover
I am definitely seeing the value in taking it slow and letting myself take breaks when needed. I agree though that consistency is key – I’m looking forward to getting back into my blogging groove again. Thanks for commenting!
I always post a “Sunday Post,” where I comment on a few things that happened throughout the week, what I’m currently reading/listening/watching. And then attempt to post at least one review per week, and then one other thing whether it be a discussion, top ten tuesday, whatever… That’s the goal, and for the most part I can keep up!
Everyone is allowed to take a break, so no apologies and no guilt necessary. Your readers will be here.
I love your Sunday Posts! You’re always reading/listening/watching interesting things that make me want to read/listen/watch them too! I find it’s easier for me to keep to a schedule if I have structure; for example, when I first started I’d do a Monday Musing, Wishlist Wednesday, and a review on Friday. I might go back to doing something similar. Thanks for being here + commenting! 🙂
I have developed a routine of certain days for certain types of posts and then schedule them in advance. Basically I try for three times a week. Try for content theme and a date. It helps keep consistency going.
I’m thinking I might go back to something similar! I’m finding that structure really helps me stay on track. Three times a week sounds like a reasonable goal to me!
I usually do a Monday, What Are You Reading post, a Top Ten Tuesday (but sometimes I’ll skip this depending on the category and my schedule), and one other post (a review, discussion, etc). But, I think you need to set a minimum that you can easily keep up with…then you can always add something extra if you feel like it!
And – you should definitely take breaks if you’re feeling burned out! This should be fun, not work!
You’re definitely right about it not feeling like work. I’ve been toying with alternating my Monday Musings with Monday, What Are You Reading as I always love reading everyone else’s, and I sometimes wish that I could share my reading progress too! Haha.
I don’t set any kind of goal for myself each week! I TRY to post at least twice a week and sometimes I get three posts in and then I’m hella proud of myself. But mostly I just try and read my books, review some of them, read what other bloggers have to say and hope that inspiration strikes.
If you’re not feeling it, you should for sure take a break! Summer seems like a great time to recharge those batteries. You can even read something and not review it if you so choose! You do you!
Thanks, Eva! I noticed last year that I took more breaks during the summer, too. Must be the nice weather! I like that you don’t set a goal for yourself each week; I feel like that’s a better way to keep the stress off!
Don’t beat yourself up….we all go through periods where things wax and wane, and I’m sure you’ll rebound when the time is right. My goal is to post 3-4 times per week, and I’m relatively successful in accomplishing that goal (though I am a relatively new blogger and still motivated). I know there will come a day when my motivation will decrease, but I’ll just embrace the downtime when it comes!
I think that’s a great attitude to have! I know that it’s normal to have ups and downs, and I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that I hope to blog for many more years to come, so small breaks are (hopefully) not too big of a problem. 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
You post way more often than I do (I aim for once a week, but my average is more like every ten days). After a year of writing book reviews, I need a break. I spent the last two weeks reading for fun. NO POST-ITS! I’m still an active reader (that cannot stop), but I didn<t take notes. I won't be reviewing those books.
I wrote a post for the Time and Place Book tag (because:FUN!) and posted a review I wrote a while back. Two weeks was a good break. I love writing reviews, but I'm no longer aiming for a weekly review. New goal: Two reviews per month. If I whip up more, so be it. No biggy.
Take a break. Read for fun. See you when you feel refreshed.
Cheers!
Thank you! Yes, I think lately I’ve been getting hung up with writing reviews of the books that I’ve read! Like you, I’ve taken a small break in review writing. I’m in a weird spot where I want to be more incisive and write more well-written reviews, but I’ve been waiting to let the inspiration strike. Tags are SO fun! I know I have one planned for August…
I try to post once a week, even if it’s just a quick reading update or Sunday Salon post. Life gets busy, no worries! 🙂
Thanks, Monika! 🙂
I have goals, but I almost never achieve them 😛
Hahaha, and there’s nothing wrong with that!
Hey Karen! I say that I’ll post at least three times a week but I don’t say specific days. When I first started out, I made that mistake and I just couldn’t stick to the days. You have to do what fits with you though! I hope you find something that works for you 🙂
Thank you! Yes, not having the specific days planned out does help a lot when special events come up last minute. Glad to hear you found a system that works!
I’m so glad you posted about this, and appreciate all the commenters and their advice. I’m relatively new to blogging, and, of course, once I got going, life threw up the Great Wall of Grad School once again! It’s hard to find a routine and keep everything balanced. I definitely see the benefit in taking breaks from those routines from time to time, too.
Aren’t all these bloggers great? I so appreciate their advice as well, and it’s nice to know I’m not alone. Oh man, I can’t imagine how busy grad school would be! Great job finding what works for you, though! 🙂
Thanks!
Yes I definitely try to post 4 to 5 times a week, and sometimes it gets a little stressful because I either don’t know what to post, or I’m just incredibly lazy. I would just say hang in there and hopefully you’ll find a routine again!
Haha thank you so much! All of your comments have definitely made me feel less alone. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who goes through ups and downs!