Today's topic is one I've given some thought to: avoiding blogger burnout. For me, the answer is easy: I keep reading. I get those blogger blues, when I wonder why I am spending so much time writing about books - time that I could be spending reading books - when the whole thing starts to seem a little pointless at best (and egotistical at worst). But then I read something that reminds me of why I started my blog in the first place, to share that "I just read this really great book!" feeling. I refer to this as "book evangelism," though I wouldn't disagree with "book pusher" either.
And it's not just reading books, but reading blogs as well, since that's where I find so many irresistible recommendations. I just ordered a copy of Crossriggs, by Jane and Mary Findlater, after Heavenali wrote about it. As I mentioned yesterday, the conversation in the comments on blogs is inspiring too - and sometimes leads to even more book recommendations.
For myself, I also find it's important not to commit to too much. I rarely join reading events these days, because I've found that I can't read to a schedule, and they can start to feel like work - both the reading and the blogging.
That said, though, I'm so glad to have joined in this Appreciation Week. Thank you to the moderators for reviving and organizing it!
Yay! I don't typically do a lot of events either -- because I'm prone to rebellion halfway through -- but I've really, really enjoyed organizing BBAW and seeing all the participating posts for it. Thanks for playing along!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, me too - and then I quietly fade out. This has been great fun, though writing the posts in the morning has made me late for work - but I couldn't stand to wait til I got home at night.
DeleteI think the trick to avoiding burnout is to remember that the blog is ultimately for you...and you don't have to review everything you read, just what you feel like writing about.
ReplyDeleteYes, my reading world expanded exponentially once I started reading other's book blogs.
I think that's key, Jane. I used to feel like I did have to review everything, but I've gotten much more relaxed about it in the last couple of years. If I feel more like reading, I read - but sooner or later I hit one of those books that I just have to tell someone about!
DeleteI love that term, "book evangelism." I hadn't thought of it much before, you are right. When I start feeling a blogging slump coming on it does help to keep reading--and to keep reading other blogs. It reminds me why I enjoy doing it.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you took part in BBAW. I haven't been able to get around as much as I had hoped to visit everyone, but I have enjoyed what I was able to do. Have a great weekend!
I haven't gotten around much either this week, though I've just been over to visit your blog. I love the name, and the pictures, and I see we have some book tastes in common :)
DeleteIt's funny how quickly I can come out of a blogging slump, when I read something energizing - a book or another blogger.
Sounds like you have your 'blogging head' on straight. Good job! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks :) It's been a learning process for me, especially not to put pressure on myself to do certain things with the blog.
DeleteYou're so right about the comment section often bringing up recommendations. I need to start writing down where I first learn about books, though, because they rest of my shelves for a while and I forget where they started...
ReplyDeleteI was keeping a list for while, but I think I've lost it. I know I owe Miss Hargraves to you - now I just need to read it! and more recently, The Eye of Love, after Jane's Margery Sharp birthday party.
DeleteI agree with you about not over-committing yourself. I find it hard to read to a schedule, too, so I'm very careful about any reading challenges I sign up for. And even when I've signed up I give myself permission to drop out at any time. Reading should be fun; not a job. :)
ReplyDeleteI keep telling myself that. I have enough stress at work - reading is supposed to de-stress me, not add more stress! I do better with the more open challenges, like RIP, or like Reading England - though I passed on that one.
DeleteI always want to just read one book after another and not worry about reviewing, but then I forget so much and they all just blend into one. I've gotten to where if feel like if a book is worth reading, then it's worth the time to think and write about it for a day or two. Which is what keeps me coming back :) I agree on not committing to too much!
ReplyDeleteI used to be a binge reader, especially with series (mysteries and fantasy among others). Partly because I was reading so fast, the books kind of blurred together, and it was hard to keep them straight. I've never kept a reading journal, but blogging has definitely made me a more thoughtful reader, and a more analytical one I think - though I still just read for fun (and occasionally binge a bit).
DeleteLovely post, and I couldn't agree more with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hayley! I was thinking, it's lucky that I don't fall into reading slumps too often (knock wood).
DeleteCrossriggs was a major part of my master thesis. I loved it. While I can't argue that it's a lost masterpiece, I did find a lot of stuff in it to enjoy and to admire. It's a great minor masterpiece that deserves a wider audience than it has had over the years. I hope you enjoy it, too.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I've never heard of the book, or its authors! I'm really looking forward to reading it - hopefully it won't be too much temptation to break the Dare :)
Delete