This has been oddest reading year for me. I often have ups and downs in my feelings about blogging and have stepped back from it over and over since I began. But reading? Not sure what is going on with me, but I do know that I am having the slowest reading year I've had in a really, really long time. I seem to be in another funk and all my usual tricks to regain my momentum are not working.
I'm beginning to wonder if it is somewhat a seasonal issue (fall and winding down), but I don't think that's all of it. I do know that I am having trouble settling on a book and have begun to dread writing my thoughts about any book I might finish. Usually, fatigue with writing blog posts is what causes me to step away or even state my intention to discontinue this blog. Yes, I am a wishy and washy blogger.
I do love reading other blogs and commenting on them. I know sometimes my comments run very long, but they are kind of conversations for me. I refuse to add more social media to my list of "must do" items, so I'm not on Twitter or Facebook. It's that old easily addicted thing for me. Have a slight problem with that and try to keep my life easy and simple with few "must do"s.
I actually wrote another post about this and accidentally published it overnight. I deleted it because it didn't say exactly what I wanted, so I'm trying again to get my feelings down about this. I guess what I really want to convey is that I may not have many reviews here for a while. It's such a struggle for me right now. I do enjoy highlighting a new book to be published on Wednesdays and I do enjoy sharing a photo or two on Saturdays. I may start writing a weekly summary of what I've been up to on Sundays or perhaps even another day. I could mention a book I've finished (if I ever finish one again) or just update what's been going on for me.
What happens to a book blog when the blogger feels it morphing into not so much of a book blog? Guess we'll see. You guys will stick around and read my sporadic posts or you won't. Me, I'm going to try to be done with worrying about it. I love commenting and will continue to share in that regard. And I'll write a post here when I feel like it. Hopefully, that will be more than occasionally.
I call it being blah. Sometimes I get in these totally blah moods and can't decide what I want to read. I wasted time the past couple of weeks just trying to figure out what to try next and abandoned a few books. I can usually snap out of it with some new books by longtime faves. This time I took a picture and made my sisters pick my next read. It worked, a bit. The worst thing is that I find when I'm in these moods, I don't enjoy the books as much.
ReplyDeleteYou write about what you want to write about, Kay. It's your show! I'll hang around and read whatever you want to post during the slump.
I read your first post as well and I don't think there is anything wrong with a book blog morphing into more of a life + reading blog. Especially since we've gotten to know you a bit. This will only allow us a chance to know you better. Right? As soon as blogging or heaven forbid, READING becomes a chore or a source of stress, something needs to change.
ReplyDeleteDon't pressure yourself. If you feel like posting something, do so...if not, don't. Sometimes even a snapshot of something your doing is enough. I like to see photos of what bloggers are doing when they are no blogging.
I think it's a good idea to try to be done worrying about it. I decided to do that this summer - I was over-run with picking produce from the garden and my daughter not well come August, still isn't. So I just try to do what I can. I felt obliged to post RIP reads but as soon as that's done I'll be back not posting about every book. A weekly run-down is an excellent idea and one I might find myself doing too.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like long comments and I also like to reply to my comments at length. Sometimes it seems like I ramble on but, like you, Kay, I treat it like a conversation and I love it.
You take care and do what's best for you. We'll still be here as and when you feel like posting.
There's nothing wrong with blogs changing over time. It's your blog, and you should write about what you want to write about. I think we all go through reading and blogging slumps from time to time. I know I had such a problem getting back into my reading groove after my vacation in July, and it put a damper on my blogging because I had nothing to blog about! Don't worry about losing readers; I plan to stick around!
ReplyDeleteBlogs change and that's okay. I think it's nice to know more about the person behind the book review. I started Sundays with Gage because I knew I wouldn't have enough posts just about books anymore and now that and my Tuesday quizzes are my two most popular posts every week, not book reviews!
ReplyDeleteDo what works for you and most of us will be right here, reading along with you.
I think comments are like conversations too. It's what makes blogging fun :)
I agree with everyone else! (commenting slump - LOL)
ReplyDeleteI'd say it turns from a 'book' blog to a 'life' blog. Show your house and yard. Tell about Texas, a subject endlessly fascinating to most of the world! Show us a scorpion. The family pics and weather like you've just done are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't call it a reading slump so much as a 'not wanna report on every book' slump. It's a drag to read a book if you have to wonder what you'll write about it afterward.
Whatever you write, about I'll read it. You are one of the most intelligent, interesting people I know.
As for me, what is the opposite of reading slump? I want to be reading 100 books RIGHT NOW. I cannot wait to begin all the books I own. What I must, must do is read more during the daytime. Well, I do read, but often my reading is blogs rather than books. But they lift my heart and strengthen my mind so how can I not read them?
Does this kind of thing happen to you what happened to me this morning? I listened to Amitav Ghosh on NPR, and couldn't wait to be reading the first in his trilogy, Sea of Poppies. I ordered it from B&N, and it will probably get here in a few days. But can I begin it as soon as I open the package? Nope. I'm reading two 'real' books and one kindle book already, and I love them, and don't want to quit them. Oh, I despair. :<)
Your blog should be what you want it to be. Reading and life and food and feelings and whatever you want to write about...
ReplyDeleteNo formula no pattern no meme no Mr. Linky!!!
Just write and be happy!!!
Becky, I know exactly what you mean about not enjoying the books as much. Well, I've landed on a Deborah Crombie book, so we'll see if it will work out. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTi, I thought I had pulled that first post, but I guess it's never quick enough once it's out there. You get it. If reading is a chore, then what will we do?? Thanks!
Cath, thanks so much and I think that your approach is a valid one. I'll take you as my model. LOL
Anna, thank you as well. I remember your mentioning your slump in the summer. Guess we all go through these.
Stacy, isn't that funny that we stress about the book reviews, but the other things get more visitors. I know that's been true when I've posted an opinion or question post. Thanks!
And, Jill, I appreciate it and think you are totally valid in saying "ditto"! LOL
Nan, as always, you sort me out and give me such good advice. Blessings on you my friend. You sure you want to see a scorpion? It will be dead, by the way, if I show one. :-)
Patty, thank you as well. I love what you said about "write and be happy" - hey wasn't that a song? No, it was "don't worry, be happy". LOL
i think blogging can be a bit cyclical--i tend to post, review, and comment more during certain times of year. i never want this to feel like a chore, so if i don't have anything to say, i don't post. i've been pretty picky with review copies, too. i've gotten a few unsolicited ones and don't feel too much pressure to read them right away. just do what makes you happy! sometimes my posts about my life or family get more comments or traffic than my bookish stuff. i try to keep it 70/30 books to my personal life. this week is an exception because i'm traveling and using my blog to keep my family and friends in the loop--like you, i don't have facebook.
ReplyDeleteNothing much to add but do what you want to do Kay whenever you want to do it!
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteI am Kay Guest and since we are two of the Kays on Nan's blog, I just wanted to comment here.
I love your blog and I just want to say that I find the hardest thing in the world is to write about a book. I simply want to say, "Look, this is a great book, READ IT!" But of course, people want more than that. So far, I've not mentioned hardly any books on my blog and I've read so many. But, I'm not reading that much these days, and hardly ever any fiction. I just started my blog in August, and I'm a bit rubbish at it, but I hope to improve.
Once again, you write beautifully.
Kay Guest (Love the painting you
use for your blog,
it's lovely.)
I understand how you are feeling. I've been battling with my reading and blogging over the past year. I can trace my slump to taking care of my mother while she was dying of cancer. During that time nothing else seemed to matter. After she passed away I still couldn't get interested in a book. Finally when I started reading again I couldn't commit to recording it on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI felt like I needed to do a well-written review and the words just weren't available to me to express how I felt about a book. I've kept a list of the books I've read for over 10 years now and I enjoy going back and reading a quote or thought about the book. I want to continue doing that.
Perhaps the trouble with doing it in a blog is that others read it and so I feel like it needs to be a fuller, richer review than if I was doing it just for myself. I'm trying to convince myself to write as if I was keeping a private record.
I've also found that blogging adds a certain amount of tension to read all the other books people are talking about. I feel that same tension when I look at quilt magazines - I want to make more than I have time for. I want to read more than I can in this lifetime, too. My husband wishes the same thing would happen when I look at cooking magazines - it doesn't!
I'm going to try to keep stumbling along and I'm sure you will too. We'll just see what happens. I suspect we will both ebb and tide and that will be okay, won't it?
Kay, I can relate to being in a bit of a slump. I have been reading, but feel like what I have read hasn't interested me much. Some of the books have been highly reviewed, and I just feel blah toward them. Maybe it's because I am busy with work and kids. Who knows. There have been a few times in my life, like when my oldest daughter had cancer, that I just really couldn't focus on reading. Eventually that desire returned.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I'm concerned, you can write about whatever you want, and I'll still read your blog. I feel like I know you now through your blog, which doesn't just have to be about books.
Geesh...I can so relate to what you are experiencing. I find myself at a crossroads with my reading and reviewing too. But after a lot of thinking I'm stepping away from accepting review books next year except for an occasional few. I'm tired of being on a schedule. I want to explore my library again and my own bookshelves. I want to shorten my reviews even more. I still want to blog but I don't want all the pressure that sometimes I feel comes with it. I love reading anything you write about. Most of the blogs that I continue to visit on a daily basis are people that I'm drawn to not just because they read but I also find them interesting.
ReplyDeleteDo what makes you happy, Kay!
Thanks for stopping by Natalie! I know you guys are on a trip right now and I hope things are going well.
ReplyDeleteNise', thanks. I aspire to your succinct yet informative reviews. LOL
Kay, I'm glad you commented. I think that saying, this is a great book, READ IT! would be fine for me. I would get my attention. I'll stop by your blog soon.
Booklogged, I'm so glad to hear from you again and see some posts on your blog! I'm sorry about your mom and I do know how hard it is to get back in swing of things. I think your comment about reading about all the new books others have read adding tension is very valid. Feels a little like pressure, doesn't it?
Tina, I love your blog and your reviews! You are so prolific, but I'm sorry that the books don't seem to be having the same impact as you might like. I can relate. Thanks for your kind words!
Staci, I think you and I have talked about a lot of these things before, haven't we? And struggled with them. I think that reading from your own stacks and the library is a worthy goal. All the reviewing from publishers is great, but it sure can feel like a big, big job at times. Thanks!
I go through this ALL THE TIME. There are weeks were I just don't feel it (and it shows) and then other times I feel inspired to write all the time.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big believer that bloggers should do what makes them happy. It should be FUN and not feel like work. If you want to quit blogging or just blog occasionally, that is what you should do. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Or change your blog and write abou what you want to write about. I combine both books and personal stuff on my blog and figure people can read or not read what they want.
If it isn't fun, don't do it!
I'm not sure I have anything to add to all the lovely comments you received other than to say, "Me, too!" This has been my "worst" year ever, if we're referring to the number of books read. But I've ridden more miles on my bike than ever before, so I suppose it all balances out. You've had such a busy year with building a new home, as well as the loss of both parents in recent years. I know when I have had a lot of emotional strain in my life, my reading suffers. But I'm not sure what to say about the lack of motivation to write reviews since I'm struggling, too. It's beginning to feel like I don't have anything fresh to say. Maybe shorter blurbs is enough. That and more personal posts with photos. I know you'll figure it out and no matter what, I plan to stick around to see what you have to say. I can't promise I'll look at pictures of scorpions, though!
ReplyDeleteWaves to Booklogged!! I've missed you! Off to read your blog!
I think we all have highs and lows based on a lot of different things. Blogs are very personal and are constantly evolving. You should do what feels right for you
ReplyDeleteI am not having a reading slum, but a review slump. I must have 30 unreviewed books...
ReplyDeleteWhen I started my first blog, I got so behind on reviews that I had to try really hard to catch up. It seemed more like a job and I didn't enjoy it very much. Then, I lost that blog due to malware. All that time and hard work I put into the blog was gone. Luckily I was able to save some reviews because I had backed my blog up a few months before. I decided to take a break, and then a few months ago I started another blog. This time I'm going to be more selective about what books I agree to review, and review them as soon as I finish them even if I have to schedule when it goes live. I'm also posting about other things besides books. I post about fitness, recipes, photos, family and whatever else I feel like posting about. I know some bloggers like book blogs to just be about books, but I like a little glimpse into the life of the blogger.
ReplyDeleteSo now I post what I want when I want, except for the occasional tour or guest post, and don't worry about what others think. If they truly like your blog, they'll be back no matter what, where, when, why you post.
It's your blog, not ours. Whenever asked for blogging advice, I've always said, "If it stops being fun, stop blogging." (Although I would prefer you didn't!) If you'd feel better by changing your blog's focus, fine. If you'd feel better by taking a complete break, fine.
ReplyDeleteBottom line is, we're your friends, and we want you to be happy. We can stay in touch without using your blog as a go-between! *HUGS*
Jenners, thanks for the support. I do appreciate. I love your mix of family, books, and other stuff.
ReplyDeleteLes, I think you are right about the shorter reviews. I don't seem to struggle over what to say when I do those Wednesday highlights. I just talk about what I like about the author, series, or what draws me to the book. And, I'm so glad you are spending more time bike riding. I know you are enjoying it a lot. Hugs to you, girlfriend!
Kathy, yes, I think all the blogs I've been reading for a long time have evolved somewhat, some more than others. Thanks so much!
Caite, but you write such beautiful reviews and you post such wonderful pictures of your vacations and your food posts....yummy!!! You could just erase those unwritten reviews from your "to do" list and start afresh. Just saying. LOL
Vicki, I'm so sorry that you lost most of that previous blog. However, I love your new one and especially when you post about how your fitness quest is going. Thanks so much for the support!!
Cathy, thanks and I feel that same about all of you. Friends, indeed? I mean, who else will I call to go on a quest to the Poisoned Pen when I'm next in Phoenix??? LOL
I have never seemed to be able to multi-task all of my interests very well. One interest always seems to work its way to the top, and when it does, it means another interest gets less time and effort.
ReplyDeleteAlthough my book blog has stayed pretty much a review blog, my quilting blog morphed into life, craft, family, books, and anything else I can think of including. Eventually, I started A Garden Carried in the Pocket for most of my book stuff, but I still write about anything and everything on Bayou Quilts.
There are times, however, when I don't have much to say on either one!
Do it your way, Kay. We'll be here.
I understand too and am in much the same place. I'm reading but sometimes it's a struggle to write about a book - and that's why I started my blog. Maybe I'll do the same and just blog about a book as the fancy takes me, rather than rigidly writing about each one.
ReplyDeleteWhat was right for me in 2007 (when I started the blog) just isn't right now.
Adding a "me, too" to so many of these comments. I've gone through a couple of blogging slumps this year and have finally given myself permission to not write about every book I read. If I want to post more lake photos, or recipes, or pictures of the dog, then fine... my blog will reflect my life.
ReplyDeleteMost important is that the blog not be a source of stress or worry, but a means of connecting with friends. I'll read whatever you choose to write about, Kay.
I could have written part of this post. I love reading and I love reviewing, but sometimes I get frustrated with the deadlines and tour dates. I think I'd like some books better if I could read them on my own time and not because I've committed myself to a specific date.
ReplyDeleteI keep my personal blog private, but I know that I do enjoy getting to know other bloggers when they post life experiences on their blogs. I think a blog that is a combination life/book blog is terrific. It just rounds you out as a blogger.
je2kids(at)gmail(dot)com
2 Kids and Tired Books
I think blogs evolve just like people do so there is nothing wrong with your blog moving in another direction. Your readers come here for your voice and the slice of your life you offer in posts and that won't change even if the blog topics do change.
ReplyDeleteThe nice thing about blogs is they can be about anything you want them to be! I've had a weird reading year, too. Life has been strange in general so I can totally sympathize. And I am not always having much fun writing about the books I am reading--it feels too often like work, so I really do need to rethink things as well. I think this is happening to a lot of people, so don't feel bad! Blog when you like and about what you like! I need to give myself permission to do just the same!
ReplyDeleteJenclair, thank so much! You have so many interests and I love to hear about what you've been creating lately or what you've been reading. Or whatever.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, thanks! I agree with you completely and think blogs, like the rest of life, must change with time. I mean, everything else does. Why not our blogs?
JoAnn, thanks. Yes, I've now given myself the go ahead to blog as I like, without worrying about sticking to some kind of self imposed rule about each and every book.
Holly, thanks so much for commenting. I do appreciate. Seems like these feelings are shared by many, looking at all the support I've received. No one seems surprised at all. LOL
Colleen, yes, I think that as we all get to know each other better, the personal stuff becomes easier to share and more interesting to a lot of us. Thanks!
Danielle, yes, this particular topic seems to be shared by many. Thanks so much for your kindness!
Thanks for visiting my blog, Kay. I think your idea of writing a weekly summing up is a lovely one - although I mostly write about books on mine, I really enjoy visiting blogs where people talk about other things as well. I also really like what you say about commenting being conversations. I had to laugh, too, at the addiction problem, because I'm exactly the same, and I'm sooo bad at remembering to keep things simple.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm always the last person to comment (no excuses), but every time I come by there are many GREAT comments. I think that's a huge testiment that we all care. You made an interesting comment to me the other day--about how even though books have brought bloggers together things tend to change when we let our personal run into our blogging. Because books have taken a huge backseat for me, I'm not all that interested in reading about books anymore. This is hard because I love blogging and commenting (when I can), but don't always have something to say. I find myself seeking out the personal posts because those are the ones that I connect to the most. I hope that you do continue to blog the personal or just whatever you want. It's hard not to stress or worry about it too much--I'm the queen of that--but know that we all care about you and will be here. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteSuch wisdom shared here Kay and within the comments! I can relate to your feelings right now as I have lost my focus on my blog and have similar feelings as you. I have lost some of the joy in reading as I feel such pressure to write a review and knowing that it will be read by others as well as family and friends. I limit what I share about my family as they don't want me to post their pictures and info. I have found stress to be an issue for me and that has strayed my focus from my blog. I have to figure it out and a way to find balance and maybe even change the focus of my blog as I don't want to give it up. I appreciate that you've stuck with me and comment on my blog:) I haven't been able to keep up with commenting and visiting but hope to change that. Thanks for your honesty Kay!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I have been truly overwhelmed by the comments and support showed here. I've laughed and nodded my head. Seems that many of us are feeling the same. I think that blogging is changing a bit, at least for many of us. And that is not necessarily a bad thing at all.
ReplyDeleteGeraniumCat, thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I do know your name, but I'm not going to click over for it right now and my mind has gone blank. LOL
Trish, thanks so much for what you've said. You know, you have kind of been a bit of inspiration for me about this whole stepping back and including more personal things quest. We are all still readers, but we've all become good friends too. And friends are about more than sharing hobbies. They are about sharing life. Yes?
Bonnie, of course I would stay with you and continue to comment. I totally understand. As I've said here, I think many of us are in the same place or close to it. Don't ever feel bad about not commenting or taking time for life. And I thank you for hanging in here. :-)