Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Carol Clouse on June 6, 2011 at 8:24am

Ahhh.  It's good to know that SW's affords a place to safely spill guts, as well as all of the joyful sharing.  Sounds like you took the first step - getting real and finding your truest truths :)   Personally I don't know how anyone has the time or energy to blog.  I am emersed in the final stages of my book (working on it just over a year now) and that takes enough time and focus of it's own. 

 

Sounds like you could use a shift - in perspective and in process.  I actually find that doing something else creative, in a totally different medium (music, art, crafts, cooking, etc) directly impacts all other creativity - including your writing!  Give it a go!  Find something totally different and fun!  Happy Adventures!

Permalink Reply by Lauren Salkin on June 6, 2011 at 10:04am

Thanks Carol.

Great suggestions!

I think I'll try something other than cooking, as that always gets me into trouble. I burn stuff.

Good luck with your book! What are you writing, novel, memoir, etc.?

Please keep us posted.

Permalink Reply by Carol Clouse on June 6, 2011 at 1:19pm

haha... not cooking then.  But it sounds like you are due for a change-up, and time to ask yourself once again (as Amber said) why you are blogging... what is your motivation? 

My book is memoir - of Architecture, Nature and Human Spirit.  Right now I have my book project on kickstarter!  

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/948518643/memoir-of-architecture-nature-and-human-spirit?ref=category

One of many fun ways to go about this writing "business".  There are endless options out there, so don't let any feelings of what you "should" be doing, hold you back!

Permalink Reply by Lauren Salkin on June 6, 2011 at 3:02pm

My motivation was to have fun writing humor and also to use the blog as a platform. I'd love to have a humor column. But I also love to write dark short stories. I had a short story published in a magazine called Shroud. I've also had humorous essays published. I wrote a novel that I revised several times before I realized I hated the protagonist. So, I put it down - didn't euthanize it.

 

Just visited your the site. Love the concept of your book. Take your time choosing a book editor. Make sure he/she follows your vision and not the vision he/she has for the book unless there's a problem with the flow.

Permalink Reply by Amber Medina West on June 6, 2011 at 9:11am

How often do you try to blog?  If it is often, maybe just cut back (one post a week or every other week) so you can focus on your short stories and essays.

 

What do you blog for?  Your own enjoyment, or to build a following?  If it's become work only and not something you enjoy, take a break.  If you have readers that will be looking for you, be sure to let them know you are going on a hiatus and how long.  And have a way of letting them know you are back.

 

Step away and do things that inspire you and blog when you feel you have something to say, but not because you feel you have to for a little while.

 

You'll get your blog mojo back.  You just may need to step back and refresh.

Permalink Reply by Lauren Salkin on June 6, 2011 at 10:10am

Thanks Amber,

 

At one point, I was blogging three times a week. I've since reduced it down to once or twice a week but then I get guilty.

 

I blog because I love to write and I also have a readership, so I feel I've let them down. I suppose I could post older articles but then I start revising them. I've been torn about saying that I'm on hiatus. Maybe something about a reduced summer schedule would work.

 

I've also been involved in a local cell tower fight in a neighborhood near mine. That takes up time, too. I've been doing loads of research.

 

I need to clear my head. Wish I could plug into a virtual spa.

Permalink Reply by Amber Medina West on June 6, 2011 at 10:13am

I hope you find something that works for you!

Permalink Reply by June O'Hara on June 6, 2011 at 10:00am

Blogging and social media stuff is like having a full time job. I barely have time to write either. And I have ADD. I find balance to be excruciatingly elusive, in all areas of my life. I'm always wondering how other people manage it. I don't have a crystal ball, but I'm sure you'll get through this and come out with a clearer sense of direction. Your instinct and talent will nudge you toward the right path.

Permalink Reply by Lauren Salkin on June 6, 2011 at 10:11am

Thanks June!!!

 

It is excruciatingly elusive to find the balance, especially for someone with poor time management skills, like me.

Permalink Reply by Jen Kirchner on June 7, 2011 at 11:53am

I understand. After 6 years of blogging, I've come to think of blogging like friends. Depending on where you are in your life, you are closer to some than others. As life changes, close friends can meander out to the periphery while others come in close. Friendships ebb and flow. I think blogging does, too. Does that make sense? It's kind of what Carol was referring to (first comment response). As you change as a person and grow as a writer, your blogging changes. I've even changed blogs entirely. I know that's a big no-no in blogging, but I've done it. After all, blogging is for YOU. Your friends will understand and come along.

 

If it were me, I'd take some time off and start perusing different blogs - ones that are almost "guilty pleasures". When you're ready, write something like that. This new phase is probably due to some change or growth to the writer in you.

 

And, of course, keep us posted on what you decide! :)

 

Jen Kirchner

Permalink Reply by Lauren Salkin on June 7, 2011 at 2:26pm

Thanks Jen. Will keep you posted, as it were. :  )