It's the 5th and final day of BBAW. I've had a lot of fun participating in the weeks events. Today we're talking about blogger burnout. Do you get it. And what to do about it.
I've been blogging since 2011. In 2013 I met a handsome fellow and began dating, got engaged and married. As a result of this, my blogging fell by the wayside for a year or two. Now, I wouldn't call this blogger burnout but it definitely felt like it. I was just so busy dating and then planning a wedding etc that blogging just wasn't a top priority. If I'd tried to keep it up it might have become a burden.
I've seen many bloggers over the years post about taking a break and then go silent for awhile but they return. I've also seen some of my favorite bloggers disappear completely from the blogging world. Did they fall victim to blogger burnout? I'm not sure but I think in their case and in mine it's clear to see what the culprit is: LIFE! Stupid, mundane yet busy life! So what do we do?
A few suggestions:
- Take a break if you need one. A guilt free break!
- Blogging is not and should not become a chore. Remember why you started book blogging? It's because you loved books and reading. When books become just one more thing you have to read and review, take a step back and reevaluate. Reading should be enjoyable not a chore.
- Don't read books you don't want to. It can seem overwhelming to get requests for reviews either from self published authors or a genuine publisher and it's hard to say no, but guess what? You can say no. Again: don't feel guilty!
- Don't feel guilty!
And that's my advise. Not very exciting or mind-blowing, I know but hey. Thanks again to the lovely ladies who brought back BBAW and hosted it. I had a ton of fun!
I think you have some great advice. I think most people who stop blogging either make it chore, or as you said, life just gets in the way. For me, blogging burn out happens when I feel like I have nothing new to say after blogging for almost nine years. But, I still like it, so I'll still keep going. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'd miss it if I stopped completely but I do need to take breaks.
DeleteStupid life!!! :) Agree with all your points!
ReplyDeleteRight?!
DeleteLife is certainly the reason my blog has suffered in the past. Sometimes because of good reasons and other times not so good. I agree with all your points, Jenny! Those self-expectations are killers. And the guilt. Definitely don't need guilt.
ReplyDeleteYes, good and bad things happening in life can definitely get in the way of blogging.
DeleteIt's great advice. I've taken the whole summer off pretty much every year since I started blogging. I just get too busy and the blog gets left behind. The folks who are still there when I return are the ones who are around for the right reasons.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I know sometimes I have to just take a break because of life.
DeleteI've taken many breaks over the course of my blogging life, and I'm sure I will again, and I'm always working on not feeling guilty. I'm trying to interact more with our community, because I think that helps keep blogging fun for me, and it's that connection to other readers that always brings me back.
ReplyDeleteYes! Talking with other book lovers is indeed the best part.
DeleteGolden advice indeed, Jenny! I am glad to have discovered your blog. Thanks to BBAW. Have a great weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteI know! I met so many fun new bloggers.
DeleteI totally get blogger burnout! At least once or twice a year! Good tips ;)
ReplyDeleteYeah it's rough.
DeleteLife completely takes over but that is a good thing right. I mean dating then marriage, wonderful moments in life to cherish.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with reading what you want without the guilt, this definitely added to my burnout at times.
Some pretty sound advice. I love the flexibility and variety that comes with blogging.
ReplyDelete