Monday, January 19, 2009

I Shall Not Abandon You

For months now, I've been posting daily (except Sundays or when sick). Why? Because I'm addicted to blogging. I'm addicted to the readership and feedback. And I think it's a great way to keep at my craft, even if in such small doses.

Sometimes I struggle with content, or just feel plain unenthused. But despite that, I've felt a pressure - no one's fault but my own - to keep at it.

Until now.

I've decided to cut back on posts; I'm thinkin' to every other day (ish). This means less blog-related stress and (I hope) more time and creative energy spent on my WIP and other projects. You know?

I guess I felt like I needed a formal announcement because I have such faithful, encouraging readers. I owe it to ya. But whether it makes you sad (dream a little dream, why don't I?), or you rejoice because it's fewer paragraphs to skim, this is my decision for now.

See you Wednesday (ish)?

36 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

That's how I do it too, every other day. I'm also addicted to blogging but am not organized enough to have some sort of M,W,F format, so I do it this way. I like it a lot.
Good for you! :-) I'll be back Wednesday!

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

I agree with you! I was thinking the same thing! My blog project, which I enjoy, has become almost a full time project! I love reading everyone's blog and comments back and forth, but the committment to continue does take me away from WIP. So now that you've led the way, I too, will not do weekends but every other day during the week, unless the spirit moves me and there's something that needs to "get out there" right away!

Look forward to your next visit!

Anonymous said...

No worries. You've got to do what's best for you. We'll still be here.

Terri Tiffany said...

I write when I have something to say and if I don't, I don't. Don't let it be pressure to you. I think blogging is for marketing but even marketing has to be balanced. Find what makes you comfortable and go with it, The most important thing is you are writing and feel supported!

Rafael said...

Blogging is an outlet. A way to express yourself. You dictate the terms. We will wait.

:-)

Linda Hoye said...

It shouldn't be another source of pressure and stress. I'll step by when you're back! Blessings!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

*sob*

Spy Scribbler said...

Aww, I know what you mean! I cut back, too. Honestly, I wanted more time to visit other people's blogs!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Aww, you're on my early morning blog tour, but I'll just have to see ya every other day now. Glad the extra time's going into the WIP!

Joanne said...

I hear you Janna. I post about every two days, and usually make a basic schedule in advance so that I can move smoothly through the weeks. The schedule really helps manage the thinking/time output. Posting every day would definitely take valuable time away from the more important writing.

Kathryn Magendie said...

First I'm laughing because you have "dream a little dream" and that's part of my post title today!

But, the other thing is - do what you need to do to write! Everyone will adjust. On my msn blog, I didn't post daily. I've been posting daily on the tender graces blog -but I know there will be days I can't post -esp when it gets closer to time for the book to come out (and when its out).

We'll still come round with our love!

Unknown said...

We will survive (I guess). Its good that you will have more time to work on your WIP! :)

Janna Leadbetter said...

Jessica - Nice! I'm glad to see it works for you. I shouldn't have any trouble, then. :)

Donna - We'll find our way together!

Cel - Thanks, dude.

Terri - You all definitely make me feel supported. And I can't thank you enough!

Rafael - Yes, sir! LOL

Linda - Thanks so much!

Melanie - *passes lump of tissues*

Spy - I know what you mean! :D

Angie - Doh! ;)

Joanne - It's taken me awhile to realize it, but I think it's true. Not that blogging isn't important in its own ways, but I need to focus more on some of the other stuff for awhile.

Great minds, Kat, great minds. ;)

Stina - Thank you, you're sweet. :)

Melissa Amateis said...

I used to blog every day, then cut back to every other day, then went back to every day. I feel pressure sometimes to come up with a blog post, but most of the time, something usually pops up.

I say do what works for you. If you think you're spending too much time on blogging, and cutting back is the solution, I say that is A-OK. :-)

Barb Davis said...

Blogging has become stressful for me, too. I think it's the pressure of coming up, daily, with something new that people want to read. And maybe we expect to much from ourselves. I thought of cutting back and may do that from time to time, but I've decided that the challenge is good discipline. So I'll keep at it as long as I can, but I'll still give myself permission to rest from it when the inspiration just isn't there.
I think you're right in following your heart. Rest, read, play, eat some comfort food, visit with friends, love your family and come back renewed and inspired. Blessings.

Jen said...

I totally understand, Janna. *hugs*

That's why my own blogging schedule is so erratic...sometimes every day for a week, and then twice a week or something.

You gotta prioritize, and I totally understand wanting to put other creative stuff first.

colbymarshall said...

I totally get this- it's how I felt this whole past year. I wanted so badly to do a consecutive year, but now that I've done it, I am excited to cut back some and only post when I really have something fun to say. I feel ya, sister!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Melissa - There's a very real possibility I'll miss blogging everyday, but I thought I should try it this way for awhile. :)

Barbara - You're right! There's definitely something to said for the lesson in discipline.

Jen - I just hope I can focus and really work on the other stuff.

Colby - *high five* Nice, ain't?

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your blog days off!! (hugs!)

JOY said...

I just found you . . . I'm a newbie and the addiction to blogging does want to take over. I'm taking all the commenters advice and yours! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I do a few every week and it works for me. Enjoy the time!!!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Turkey - Thanks! For the hugs more than anything. :)

JOY - I'm really glad you've come by! Good luck with your own blogging, and I hope to see you again!

Kimmi - It's hard to know what will work best for me in the long run, but I'm on my way to figuring it out. :)

Stonefox said...

You go girl! There is no way I could post daily, I already spend way too much time on here. But now I am cutting back even more. Don't know if my reader's will stick around, but I've noticed they come and go no matter what anyway! Don't worry, we will be here on Wed-ish!

WendyCinNYC said...

I'll still come by, Janna! Being an erratic blogger myself, I couldn't hold it against anyone.

Anonymous said...

Hey, take all the time you need! Your WIP is first priority in your work day. We'll be here waiting to read whenever you post.

-FringeGirl

jem said...

http://jem-thoughts.blogspot.com, this is my new blog i am trying to start up. Come and check it out. I want reactions to my writings as well as hearing other people's writings. Thanks a lot.

Heather said...

Oh I know. I'm addicted too. It doesn't stress me though. In fact for me it is a good escape. Maybe too good since I usually put off things I should do to blog instead.

Happy Week!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Heidi - I'm so glad! :)

Wendy - I should say!

FringeGirl - You're right, my WIP should come first. I'm making progress!

Jem - Good luck to you.

Little Red - That's the trouble I was running into... Focusing my thoughts on blogging as a way of procrastinating from the WIP. *sigh* Will I ever learn?

Joshua said...

looking forward to wed.!

ChristaCarol Jones said...

Janna, I totally understand. When I first started blogging I was expecting maybe once a week out of myself then realized how much I really loved it. But, I've yet to put a weekly limit on myself simply because I know myself and limits. If I verbally give them to myself, I will always fail lol. So I simply go with the flow. Plus, your WIP!! Definitely should be a priority. I know mine has slid to the back burner because of baby-itis, but I hope it jumps back and bites me in the arse a few weeks from now so I can feverishly type away. Good luck dear, and I'll continue reading your blogs whenever you DO post them :)

BiPolar Wife said...

Hope you are feeling better, hon...your headaches sound just nighmarish.

Anyways, I agree with your plan. I have never been able to be a scheduled writer. I get these writing attacks where stuff just comes flying off the keyboard onto the screen where it may sit untouched for another few days, weeks or months until I get hit by the bug again!

Kelly said...

See you Wednesday!

Travis Erwin said...

It can get overwhelming at times and I cut back from time to time but it seems to go in cycles.

Anonymous said...

Totally understand! It does take alot of time away from things we are "supposed" to be doing. :)

I'll keep checking ya! I'd love to be that disciplined but then I'm scared I'll miss something. LOL.

Janet said...

I so know the feeling. Every so often we have to stop and reevaluate our priorities, don't we?

Janna Leadbetter said...

Josh - Me, too! I'm excited about Wed's post. ;)

ChristaCarol - You'll totally get back into the groove. In the meantime, that baby's gonna be well taken care of! :D

MichaƩle - Thank you, thank you! I've been feeling really good all week.

Kelly - Yes, ma'am!

Travis - And who says there should be a set schedule, anyway? :)

Sharla - Oh, I'll still be around! ;) I don't want to miss anything, either.

Janet - Great minds think alike, I do believe. :)