I have been blogging here at Falling For YA for the last four years. Rain or shine, finals or not, I have stuck to a regular updating schedule. But this last week my computer was running unbearably slow, work was busy, and I just didn't feel like posting. I took an unheard of week off!
Every summer, I don't know why, but I end up in a reading slump. This year is no exception, I've been in a reading slump since May. I only have two reviews to write in my queue (which usually has 5-7 reviews in it) and I'm finding it hard to get motivated to talk about my favorite books when I haven't stumbled across a 5 star read since the end of February.
This summer my slump has been so bad I've debated taking a blogging break. I'm worried about breaks though. Many of my favorite bloggers have taken a brief hiatus and never returned. The bookish community has lost a ton of great bloggers after these little breaks. While, I'm not worried that I'll become one of these lost-to-hiatus bloggers, I am worried about being out of the loop and getting out of the habit of blogging.
Blogging has become such a big part of my life over the last four years that I can't imagine what I would even do with my extra time during an extended break. I'd probably get painfully bored and start blogging again right away.
So, this isn't one of those blogging hiatus announcements. I just bought a new computer yesterday so I'm more excited than ever to start blogging regularly again. It's more a post because I want to know your opinions!
Tell me your thoughts
- What do you think of blogs that take breaks?
- How do you get out of a reading slump?
I think if you need to take a break, you should. You don't want to burn yourself out! As for those people who leave and never come back, yes it might be scary, but what they did means that they found something they love more than blogging. The fact that they're loving what they left for is ultimately a positive thing for them. :)
ReplyDeletePeople change and grow all the time. It's natural to want to stick to what you know, but you could also be holding yourself back from doing something you enjoy even more!
I don't believe in blogging breaks, for myself. I haven't ever taken a break and I don't plan to. I don't understand blogs that take a break every summer, what is that? If you go on vacation and don't have internet that makes sense I guess. I have just scheduled posts and spread out my posts whenever I have taken a vaca. I am afraid I would get out of the blogging habit. For ME, a break doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteI try to read another genre or buy myself a book when I get in a reading slump. I change genres frequently. Especially after a good book hangover, and that helps keep slumps away.
I hope you do whatever makes YOU happy. That is the most important thing. I am always so excited when I upgrade my computer. It feels like a fresh start. I hope you have fun whatever you choose to do.
I see nothing wrong with taking a break if you feel you need one and that it will help refresh your drive to blog. Just as everyone needs a break from work we need breaks from the blog as well. Some times when I take a break I just schedule a few things ahead so it's not completely blank but I don't feel the need to have to be on and just let everyone know you won't be around to comment.
ReplyDeleteIf you need a break then take a break. I took one without even meaning too from about April till July - I was finishing my thesis, job hunting, and helping my sister plan her wedding. It stunk, but now that I'm back into the reading I feel much more fulfilled and I am enjoying what I am reading again.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, your concern about being out of touch with the blogging world is legitimate. I came back and felt like a brand new blogger again. I had missed out on who knows how many new/upcoming books and felt like some of my blogger connections were lost. I am working my way back in though and just kind of doing my thing until a slip back in.
Emily @ Follow the Yellow Book Road
Sometimes when I need a break I will blog ahead several days, weeks, or even months so that I can step away and not think about it for a while. It usually helps until I'm ready to jump back into the fray.
ReplyDeleteDena @ Batch of Books
I'm on an on-and-off break, my interest in reading has waned somewhat, so rather than force myself to read at my old pace and risk hating books, I am just reading, reviewing, and blogging a lot less. I do feel way out of the loop, but I'm trying to let that worry go, and just blog when I feel like it :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you get out of your slump soon, but try not to let it worry you too much!
Mands @ The Bookish Manicurist