Photo Credit: markb/Creative Commons
Welcome back! I’m so glad you joined me today! Pull up a chair, have some coffee, and let’s chat. (Don’t let the photo fool you. Yes, I am going to talk about blogging today, but I wanted to offer you some deelish cyber treats first.)
Last week was spring break at our house and I’ve been on a blogging hiatus. Beginning this week, I’m going to a new posting schedule. I’ll now be posting on Wednesday and Friday to allow for more writing time, and I couldn’t be happier.
As you may remember, I talked about this in addition to some other changes. Here’s in part what I said about blogging:
“I started blogging in 2011. Initially, I blogged every day, and then went to a three-day-a-week format. That’s worked well for the past year and a half, and I’ve enjoyed it, but it’s time to do things differently—thus my new Wednesday/Friday blog format. Blogging is a fun way to connect with our friends and fellow writers and it’s also an important part of a writer’s platform, but as many folks know, writing our novels should be first and foremost on our plates. I’m not Superwoman, and as you may have guessed—I don’t keep up with the Popular Pollys who are. If you read my recent post about balance, you know why it’s important to keep life in a healthy perspective.”
Before deciding on a new blog schedule, I prayed about my decision. Here are some of the things I laid at God’s feet:
- I’m a tough cookie. I could still churn out three posts per week, but I want to put out “quality.” Can I continue to do that if I’m physically spent?
- Some of my writing projects are suffering. I enjoy blogging, but blogging won’t finish novels. I need to strike that happy medium and feel good about it.
- Will going to a two-day-a-week posting schedule be a help or hindrance? In other words, with a little more time on my hands will I accomplish what I hope or will I only get bogged down by other demands?
And last, but not least…
- Will people forget about me?
Once I took my concerns before God, I’d like to say I had a big epiphany of some sort, but that didn’t happen.
So I prayed again.
For sometime.
A long time.
Finally…
I didn’t receive a lightning bolt answer, but rather, quiet, God-ordained affirmations:
- A loved one is facing a critical surgery in the coming weeks. I’ll need more flexibility within my schedule.
- I have some new writing projects I’m tackling. My primary focus should be those.
- I’m an encourager. It’s my gift. Three days or two, God will continue to direct my blog path. Corny-sounding, but if you’re a pray-er, you understand what I’m saying.
AND as God so often does when we honor His heeding, He spoke further affirmation. The week after I decided to change my blog schedule, I read two excellent posts about—what else?—blogging. I would highly recommend you read both:
The Changing Nature of Blogging for Fiction Writers by Jody Hedlund
Something Even More Important Than Blogging Frequency for Building Traffic (and a short video) by Michael Hyatt
I have to say, I feel as though a weight’s been lifted. I’ve garnered more God time (so important!!) family time, writing time, and even a little “me” time during my recent break and it’s been incredible. In fact, I plan to take a few more extended breaks in the future. And will I ever return to a three-post-per-week blog format? The short answer: I don’t know. I’ll look to God for direction on that.
Now, I’d also like to say there’s nothing more discouraging than discovering new cyber friends only to find their social media presence practically nonexistent. Writers, especially, need to connect with folks—whether it’s via a blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc., something. We should think of it in terms of relationship-building versus a “Here I am! Look at me!” scenario. When we enjoy making friends, it shows. When we’re all about “platform,” it shows, too. (And sorry. Not in a good way.)
While I don’t think blogging is going the way of the dinosaur, I do believe we’re seeing a new trend.
Sometimes, less really is more.
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What are your thoughts on blogging?
What are your favorite kinds of blog posts?
What types of posts interest you the least?
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TWEETABLES
We’re seeing a new trend in blogging. Is it a good thing? (Click to Tweet)
Books and blogs. How do writers juggle both? (Click to Tweet)
A shout-out to a new community I know you’re going to love: Married…with Fiction (“An Online Community Where Family Values and Heart-Changing Fiction Come Together”) Pop on over–they’ll make sure you feel right at home!
Photo Credit: markb/Creative Commons
Blessings Always,
Comments 12
I don’t blame you for reducing your schedule, and I agree–quality over quantity! Enjoy!!
Author
Thanks, Jill! Happy writing!
Oh yeah, quality over quantity for sure. I don’t think blogging is going away entirely. I think for writers, the real value in blogging is in making other writer friends–many of whom are going to become the biggest cheerleaders for our books and projects. Facebook/Twitter seems to be perhaps a better way to reach actual readers. But yeah, it’s been interesting to see all the posts here and there about blogging…my favorite thing about the discussion about whether to blog or not is that it’s happening ON blogs. Hehehe… 🙂
I can relate to a term Michael Hyatt used: social media fatigue. While I used to love reading blog posts, lately I find myself clicking through most of those in my reader. It’s getting harder and harder to find something fresh, something interesting, something I’m willing to spend my limited time reading.
Like many bloggers, I’ve cut back on the number of posts I publish. I’ve never had a big following, so I’m not too concerned about losing visitors. I connect with far more people on Facebook, so that’s where I prefer to spend my time.
I hope all goes well with your relative’s surgery, Cindy.
I love the interacting part, but I completely agree that is done in many other venues not. I’ve reduced my schedule too. I do love having the blog as a landing place for people to get to know me. I appreciate being able to do the same for others through following their work.
Author
Lisa: I treasure you! I’m so glad we’ve become cyber friends and it’s exciting to see how God is working in your writing ministry.
Keli: You echo some of what I’ve sensed, too. (Of course, you know, you’ll always be special in my “book.” ) Please add my loved one to your prayer list. Thank you so much!
Melissa: Good points. I don’t think blogging will totally go away either. I think what we may see is the tendency to become “more intentional” about our posts and the frequency of them. I so enjoy people–I could just hang out with folks (especially my writing pals) all day. But alas…for me, it’s about finding the optimum balance.
There’s a season for all things. We’ll happily read your posts whenever you’re prompted… 🙂
Author
Lori, thank you! I’m so blessed that the Lord introduced us! I hope one day to meet you in person.
This is a wonderful post, Cindy. I always listen to God’s gentle nudges too. We must do what is best for us, our family, and our writing.
I recently took a blog break, and I only blog once a week. Social media was becoming an obstacle for me, and I was experiencing some burnout. I like to be social and would spend far too much time online. My writing was suffering some – I was not getting enough done because I was spending extra time online. I now have organized limits, and stick to them. On top of everything else, real life comes into play – for me, a close family member has been diagnosed with a lung tumor that has grown outside of the lung…probably cancer…biopsy this coming week. And my son has been having problems with his thyroid – it’s been hard because he is away at school, 2000 miles away. Worry Worry…
I do love to blog and connect with writers and readers. It’s a true joy! I am so thrilled when someone comments on my blog. I appreciate and love every comment. But even writers go through difficult seasons. We must take God’s direction when we ask for it, even if it means taking a step back. Hugs to you!
Author
Loree, I find (intentional) time limits work best for me, and I feel at peace with my decision to scale back on blogging a bit–at least at this season in my life. Since I enjoy making friends and interacting with folks, I have the tendency to put myself and my needs on the backburner at times. Your comment summed it up beautifully.
I want you to know that I appreciate you, your support, and your beautiful spirit. I’m already praying for the loved ones in your life that need our Master’s touch. (And thank you for that hug, friend!)
I love blogging and the community of friends made through it. Favorite type of blog posts: informative, but not too wordy, and those not afraid to expose the “real” person behind the blog. Off to see what Michael Hyatt has to say, thanks for the link. My package arrived yesterday. 😀 Thank you. Will be sharing with my readers next week, and will let you know when. (Unless that grandbaby decides to arrive and throws a wrench in the works.)Prayers for your family.
Author
Patti, thank you for continuing to inspire us through the lovely photos and thoughts you share on your blog. God has given you such a sweet, tender heart and I’m grateful to have met you.