For a while, I told myself that I’d get back on track. That I’d get at least two posts out a week, if not the three I’d been diligently writing. But time passed and I didn’t get back to my routine. More time passed and I didn’t feel too bad about missing posts. Still more time passed and I realized I’d had a change of heart about blogging, a change of heart that was as purposeful as my one-time schedule had been: I would post on the blog when I needed to post.
Which might not seem like a big deal if you’re the kind of blogger who follows that as-needed path. But if you’re the kind of blogger who’s a teensy-tiny bit compulsive—who makes a schedule and gosh darn it, sticks to it—then perhaps you’ll understand how difficult it is to change to some kind of willy-nilly posting. It wasn’t a change of heart that came easily. But what helped me goes back to purpose.
Simply put, the purpose for blogging had changed for me.
I no longer needed the regular writing practice that my blog provided; I have plenty of work to keep me busy! My platform is established; though new readers visit and/or follow the blog, my numbers remain fairly constant. But mostly, my writing career has taken a new and exciting turn; my focus is on my author work more than freelance work.
Now, my blog is a way to share both professional and personal news with those readers who’ve stayed with me along the journey. Some months, I have lots of news; other months, not so much, and so I’m fine with my lack of a blogging schedule. (Though I haven’t gone completely rogue; I’ll always have a couple posts during a month.)
So what about you? Have you thought about your blog lately, or why you’re blogging? If it’s worth the time and effort you’re investing, then great! But if you’ve begun to feel a tug on your blogging heart, perhaps the moment has come to step back and consider the purpose of your blog.
Paths can change—and that can be a very good thing!
~Cathy C. Hall
12 comments:
Actually, I did notice your blog posts dwindling in number. I'm glad you're not cutting it out altogether, though. I left a rather lengthy response on your blog, so I won't repeat it here, just to say that I agree with you completely. As we grow, our blogging needs and expectations must naturally morph with us.
I think it's a very exciting thing if your blog posts are fewer in number and your submissions are greater. I changed my approach to my blog a while ago, too, and decided I wouldn't write until I had something to say. I still try to keep it to once or twice a month, but don't want to force something that's not there. I do love my blogging/writing friends and checking in with what they're up to - blogging definitely has a purpose and I'm glad you're still posting. Yours is one of my favorites!
I agree, every blog should have a purpose and so should the blogger. I think many of us who started blogging early in the game (and NINE years is early!!) started without a clear purpose. I think it was more like, hey, let's try this new blogging thing. At least that's what I did...and I abandoned a couple blogs because I felt like they didn't have a real goal. It's okay to cut down or stop. I remember struggling with the decision to go from monthly issues to quarterly and I thought we'd lose all our followers or something terrible would happen, but it didn't.
Congratulations on focusing on your author work, Cathy! That is very exciting. :)
Lisa, I did see your comment and you know what? I hadn't realized you'd cut back to one post a week. That's how good you are, I guess. :-)
Debra, thank you. I love your blog, too, and trust me when I say that you ALWAYS have something lovely to say on it!
Yep, Ang, change--even when we know it's the right thing--can be very stressful! But when all is said and done (or NOT done, as the case may be :-) it's ever so much better!
Great points, Cathy. I've stopped blogging on my personal blog completely but I have a new idea, a new blog purpose, so we'll see how it goes. :)
Cathy--Blogs--like the cell phone--are for YOU and your growth/pleasure (or convenience, in the case of the cell phone). Blogs are NOT for your followers.
Do whatever you need to do.
Wow. That sounds female-doggy. I didn't mean it that way. I just meant, do what gives you joy. Do what you need to do for your writing and your life.
And no need for an apology or excuses or remorse.
Yes, I knew what you meant, Sioux. :-)
And maybe not so much an apology as a call to other writer/bloggers: do what you need to do puts it perfectly!
Great insight! My personal blog is lacking as well! Need to think about its purpose. Thanks!
I used to focus more on writing, but the past year my blog has become a personal diary of sorts with posts of one special little boy who has stolen my heart and time.
I loved this post! As I get older and life takes its unexpected turns, I've often thought about my blog and how long I will keep writing. Sometimes circumstances make the decision for you. I like that you were son encouraging. "Paths can change." Thanks for sharing. @sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
Hi Cathy,
Like you, I don't blog as much as I used to, but I've met a lot of wonderful writers (like you) through my blog.
Good luck with your writing. I'll pop in your blog from time to time to see if you post. If not, I'll catch you on The Muffin.
Donna (aka Donna's Book Pub)
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