Hello again, everyone! I have finally returned to my little corner of the internet :)
Taking a month-long break in April was very refreshing, but it is so nice to be back. I love tossing recommendations and chatting freely with you all about the books we read. I had intended to step away from everything related to blogging but I ended up planning a couple of new features and changing some old content. My goal while being away was just to worry less — and preparing for the future definitely helped with that.
If you've been burnt out from blogging, I'm here to tell you that it is 100% okay to remove yourself for as long as you need. Because I took that time off, I was able to work on a couple of things:
1. Refining my bookish goals
At the beginning of this year, I wanted to read at least four new releases each month for review purposes but also reduce the number of unread books on my shelf. I ended up spending more time reading new releases (which, for the most part, were just okay reads) and neglecting the books I actually wanted to read. Since starting a new full-time job, I realize I have to be a LOT more picky about the books I choose to read.
For the rest of this year, I've decided to stop requesting advanced copies from publishers and stop borrowing new releases from the library. I don't always need to be the first one to read a finished copy, and the books will always be around. (It's not like they disappear after the first month of publication!) I want to read for enjoyment, not because I know I have to write a review.
2. Improving content
I've wanted to do more than just write book reviews, but I've always used the time dedicated for planning to "catch up" on writing posts instead of think about what it is I actually want to do. Having a full month to just brainstorm has been great — I've come up with some exciting things for the future (hint: it has to do with fairytales!) and it has me eager to start writing again. (You know this is a big deal because writing, in general, has always been something I struggle with. If you have any tips, please help a sista out!)
I have also decided to remove a couple of features, for reasons I will probably list another time. Publishing quality content is important to me, and I don't want to force myself to write just to "keep the blog going."
If you've stuck around during my break — thank you. I can't wait to share my ideas with you all :)
If you're a blogger, do you worry about not blogging enough?
Are you afraid of taking a break and being away?
I think it's great that you've come back from your break feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to start blogging again! Sometimes, just stepping away from things - whether a blog or other things - helps provide a shift in perspective. You can reevaluate what you're doing, what you want to be doing and what you will do - and it sounds like you're raring to go! Glad you're back :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a timely post for me, because I have been thinking about taking a short break, just to recharge. I'm glad to know your break worked out so well for you! I'm eager to know what ideas you've come up with! And maybe I'll take a break then too - I am a little afraid to actually, just cause I don't want to lose my rhythm, but from your post, I think it will only help me be a better blogger. Glad to see you're back too!
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a new feature with fairy tales too! I love them <3
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're back and feeling good about things!
It's so wonderful that you've come back feeling so refreshed and relaxed - I think just stepping away from a project that we've worked so hard and so long on can do wonders for our morale. Lovely post and advice! x
ReplyDeleteOh, I COMPLETELY worry about not blogging enough. I work full time too, and my hours are long and physically demanding, so usually all my blog posts get written at the weekend. Unfortunately, I don't always want to write at the weekend, but then I feel pressured to. I mean, the more creative, well-written posts you can collate, the better chance your readership will go up, right?
ReplyDeleteSometimes I want to take a break, but the last time I did I ended up shutting down my blog and completely starting again. At the time that was right for me, but now I LOVE my blog (kind of... there's always room for improvement!) and I don't want that to happen again... sigh.
I'm glad your blogging break worked for you, though!
Beth x
www.thequietpeople.com
This is great! I'm glad you feel refreshed and that you feel better about what you're blogging about and what you're reading! I've been thinking of taking a bit of a break sometime in June since that's my birthday month and it might be nice to relax for my birthday!
ReplyDelete~Sara