I'm just illustrating the principle. Really!
Day 5's question was:
One of the unfortunate side effects of reading and blogging like rockstars seems to be a tendency toward burnout. How do you keep things fresh on your blog and in your reading?
Actually, this really is my principle of avoiding burnout and keeping on with blogging: join in on fun and exciting community activities like BBAW... but when life gets busy and you can't keep up, just let it go. I was having lots of fun with the first few days of BBAW, but just couldn't post on time for the last day, on this topic.
So I didn't pressure myself to get on the computer instead of getting my sleep, just to write a quickly dashed off post on deadline. I practiced self-care and slept instead, and then did the things I needed to do. And now that I have time again and I'm still thinking about this topic, I jumped in a little late to contribute what I can.
And that's my secret: to keep your blogging habit going, keep it fun. Don't place the pressure of expectations and demands on your hobby. Blog when you can, read when you can, and share when you feel like it. Share book reviews, general book talk, community posts, whatever -- sometimes you need to shake it up a little to get out of a review slump (like the one I've just had!) So try something new - and don't apologize for not posting every day - just start again where you are. Remember why you started blogging - probably because you love reading as much as we all do, and love talking about it.
My book blog is my happy place; I'm not interested in killing off my joy in writing it, just so I can say that I'm productive and popular. It works for me, and that's all you need to do, too -- figure out what works for you.
Happy Book Blogging!
**all photos via The British Library on Flickr
Excellently put! I really had to step back and say, I do what I can, and what I want to, with blogging. What I really want to do is talk about what I'm reading, and see what other people are reading.
ReplyDeleteI love the illustrations!
Yes, it really has to be about you and your desire to blog. Otherwise it fizzles out. I have had to figure out a balance that works. I'm happy with it.
DeleteAnd I love the British Library flickr stream! So many great free images from fabulous manuscripts and such
Such good advice...thank you, Melanie!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting :)
DeleteThis was perfect and I love all your little illustrations. Especially the one with book upside down. LOL
ReplyDeleteI definitely do what I want to do these days. And I'm much happier with my blog because of it. Had a fun time connecting with you last week!
Nice connecting with you too! I love finding cute random illustrations in library collections.
DeleteAmen!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteLook at you, having excellent advice and putting it into practice! Now this post is like a little parable on avoiding burnout. :p
ReplyDelete:) Yes, we need to find our rhythm so we don't all disappear!
DeleteI agree completely! I tend to prefer blogs that don't post constantly because then it is a treat when there is a post to read rather than a constant pile-up of posts I "need" to read.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really interesting way of looking at it, Mary! It's true, when there is so much content to keep up with, it can get overwhelming -- so book bloggers are just trying to live a slower blogging life I guess!
DeleteWonderful post, Melwyk! It is a perfect illustration of what you're saying.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! Appreciate your constancy in visiting and commenting Suko.
DeleteYes, I definitely blog for myself and not to be popular, too. Great post!
ReplyDeleteIt really is the only way to keep going, I think.
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