You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been really slacking in the comment department lately, both in replying & returning them. To my dismay, real life has decided to beat up my blogging mojo with a baseball bat which blows, but c’est la vie! I’m trying not to get too down on myself because I haven’t hit a wall like this since May of 2012 when I took a three week vacay, and brought on an associate reviewer. Now, you’re probably thinking, but you have four co-bloggers! This is true, however Jessica is in a similar place, Melanie & Lorna write for two sites, so they are always super busy, and Stacie… Who the heck is that!? j/k She hasn’t posted since November because, NEW BABY!!
This week’s discussion topic is more me asking YOU for advice than it is me sharing my thoughts on the subject, although I will elaborate on a couple of things that have worked for me in the past. The first one being: ask for help. This option has served me well thus far, but sometimes when it rains it pours, and all of my associate reviewers are busy bees at the moment. Also, I’m the founder of this rodeo, soooo suck it up buttercup! Where ARE my big girl panties at??
I’m lucky in that I’m only suffering from a blogging slump, not a reading one. *knocks on wood* I’m currently trying to focus on the more enjoyable aspects of my hobby by tackling my someday pile, indulging in a little retail therapy (i.e. I’ve been pretty good at keeping the Kindle Deals page updated because it’s kinda self-serving. LOL), and silently stalking blogs instead of racking my brain to come up with meaningful comments. In addition, I’m not forcing blog posts, and have enough of a cushion that I can coast for a bit. After having taken the past two weeks at a slower pace, the spark is faint, but back and growing; however I still don’t want to push myself, so please bear with me a while longer. Hopefully your tips will help. 🙂
Have a bookish question you’d like Rabid Reads to weigh-in on? E-mail me, and be sure you include your blog URL (if you have one), so we can give you credit!
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
If you have a cushion, I say keep coasting for a while. That’s usually what I do. I’ll go through a period of not wanting to write reviews, my cushion will drop off, then when I feel like writing again, I build up my cushion. It’s a cycle, and so far it’s served me well. I let everything else go because it’s not worth the pressure I put on myself.
Amanda recently posted…Get Hidden Illusions with an Elusive Memories Review
I had a huge blogging slump a year or so ago, and I just didn’t want to touch my blog or do anything with it. I read a couple of books but that was it. I think it went on for over a month. The way I fixed it was obviously to go on a break and not force myself back. I ended up completely changing my blog design and updating a ton of stuff after I realized I did want to go back to it, talking to people helped. I also scheduled less reviews so I wasn’t stressed out and I stopped trying to make it so my blog impressed others, it was more for me after that. I always schedule 1-2 months in advance now just in case I just need a break from it all. 🙂
Kelsey recently posted…Review: Dead Sky Morning by Karina Halle
I have a bit of the same problem. Marta is carrying most of the weight as she reads so fast and is very faithful about writing reviews (by the way, thanks for pointing me in her direction).
I’ve been binge reading two series and while I want to write the reviews, I haven’t because no variety if I’m only reading 2 series. I tried to take your advice and not let my review writing get behind but yeah, it’s behind. So, I’m in a slump!!
I keep telling myself it will get better so now I’m telling you….it will get better. LOL
Hang in there!!
how fitting because I’m in one this week! I’ve been reading and basically ignoring my blog. I’ll be doing another round of Quick Hits tomorrow to sum up my reading week. Too lazy to create and write up a post for each book.
My advice? Ride it out and just do what you feel like doing. Slumps are like viruses, can’t do much about it except wait for it to pass.
Braine recently posted…Gush & Gripe: I’m a Horrible Fangirl!
You’re always welcome to lurk on my blog (though I do miss your comments). 😉
I completely understand what you mean about RL having a negative impact on book blogging. As of the first of this year, I had to accept that my blogging schedule would have to change to accommodate my writing schedule (and, of course, I *must* make time to read!). This led to my current schedule of Monday Paranormal Road Trip guest posts and Thursday author Q+As and/or giveaways. I’ve found that accepting my new schedule works for me. Now when I manage to post more frequently, it’s a bonus that I can feel good about. So perhaps the way to win and conquer the blogging slump is to find a post schedule that you can live with, accept the new blogging you, and feel good about blogging again?
I think I speak for many when I say that I’d rather see you post less often than to have you burn out on blogging and lose your blog entirely. I *need* my (daily/weekly/monthly <–that's up to you!) dose of Rabid Reads. 🙂
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Q+A with Jessica Minyard + Stones and Finger Bones Giveaway
I am going to say that maybe you just needed a blogging break and go on enjoying that someday pile and relax and read. Your mojo will be back before you know it. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Audiobook review of Invaded
I haven’t hit a big blogging slump so far, some minor hiccups, but those probably won’t be noticed. I always try to be a few months ahead with Lola’s Ramblings and Lola’s Kitchen posts and that really helps, if I don’t have insiration for new content for a few weeks I know I don’t have to worry and usually my blogging mojo returns and then I write 3 posts in a week for Lola’s Ramblings and am ahead again. So scheduling posts in advance is something I really would recommend.
Sometimes I sign-up for some tours to avoid too many empty spots when I am not reading too much. I usually write and schedule my review as soon as I finish a book, so I often have a week of reviews scheduled in advance nowadays. Beside that maybe starting a new feature or doing some posts about a new topic can help. Starting my Lola’s Kitchen feature really worked for me when I wasn’t feeling interest for my normal topics. I hope you get out from your blogging slump soon!
Lola recently posted…Lola’s Ramblings: I don’t Watch TV
I take a break! A real no posts published (that way I won’t feel like I’m being irresponsible and not replying to comments), no visiting, no anything blog related… Well except reading and writing the reviews because that’s more me than blog. I took one right after COYER for about a week and when you’re a blogger that loves blogging (which I do and even though you’re in a slump, you must to have a blog that’s been going so long) you miss it – at least I did. I spent two days doing nothing and then I found myself starting to miss waking up im the morning and not having comments to read or posts to comment on. Next thing I knew I was planning my return. What’s that saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder”? Worked for me!
Berls recently posted…What Would Your Patronus Be? |Harry Potter MOTW
I hear you Carmel! Work has been kicking my butt lately, which when you’re a small business owner is a GOOD problem to have, but it definitely takes its toll. This blog, while a hobby, is really important to me, and it’s hard when I feel like I’m not able to do it justice. I tend to take short amounts of time off – a few days or a week – and that usually helps. If I take a longer amount of time I know I’ll get used to not having the blog in my daily routine and it will be that much harder to get back into the swing of things. Time off is always a good thing though!
I used to beat myself about it but realized there’s no point in doing that. Sometimes real life does happen and you need to step away for a bit. I just wrote my first review in months! LOL I’ve thought about a co-blogger but haven’t actively pursued that yet. I don’t feel the pressure to keep up with other blogs like I used to so I just take it day by day. I’d rather post a good review or guest post every once in a while than post every day, just to post something. I’ll take a blogging slump over a reading slump any day Carmel! 🙂
Lori recently posted…{Blog Tour} Review: SILK by Chris Karlsen + Giveaway
If I’m on one, I just don’t blog, but I know I’m not very good b/c I don’t keep a schedule and I don’t blog everyday. But this is a hobby and if it’s not fun I won’t do it any more. I do take a lot breaks, and that’s another reason I don’t enjoy requesting books b/c I feel the obligation to review right away and starts to make me feel stressed out if I don’t.
I have infinite admiration for those who do and manage to read/listen and review with consistence. I can only imagine the efforts behind it, I only post 3 times tops and I feel sometimes the blog takes all my free time 🙁
Lupdilup recently posted…The Shadows Audiobook by J. R. Ward – A Jim Frangione Giveaway #Audiobooks #Giveaway
My best strategy against blogging slumps is to try and prevent them all together, which means I just make sure I never slack! Sure, a break here or there does wonders, but I find that if I leave off something for a long while, there’s a real danger that I will fall into that dreaded slump so that’s what I try to avoid. Hey, I guess that’s the same for reading for me too 🙂
Mogsy recently posted…Tough Traveling: Beloved Mounts
Man I wish I knew what to tell you. Mine just go away, because for whatever reason I get re-energized.
Paul (Audiobook Reviewer) recently posted…Antarktos Rising (The Last Hunter Book 3.5) by Jeremy Robinson
Having a cushion of pre-scheduled posts definitely helps so you can take the time off if you need it. I decided weekend posts weren’t for me and that has helped a lot. I still comment on blogs but I try not to post anything myself on the weekends so I can concentrate on my family instead. I do have an occasional post here and there but so far it has helped stave off the blogging blues.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Venom by Jennifer Estep
I try to stay on top of my blogging so I have a few posts that are drafts that I can fall back on if I decide I need to take either some time off blogging or if i’m just too busy to blog. I don’t typically blog on weekends either so that leaves me time to read and write reviews and not have to worry about commenting or anything. This is a discussion topic Carmel since we’ve all been there.
Lily recently posted…Insurgent: Movie Review *SPOILER FREE*
Sounds like you’re already doing the best things. A change of pace, a temporary change of focus, plotting something new even if its for the distant future…but just riding it out.
Sophia Rose recently posted…G.B. Gordon Visits to Discuss “The Other Side of Winter”
I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything as of late, and I’m still trying to keep up on comments and post as best as I can, but I’m trying not to add more pressure on myself… I’ll probably be putting the blog on hiatus once I get my apartment keys and start working on it and moving…
So yeah, no much advice from me… just take it easy and not pressure yourself Carmel!!
Pili recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday #87!!
I already posted this on your Booklikes post, but I figured it wouldn’t be too bad if I left it here as well 😉
It definitely isn’t fun being in a slump! What I’ve done in the past when that happened was that I just wrote a post to say I needed a little break, and that’s it… Just reading, without thinking about writing a review afterwards really helped, because sometimes it almost feels like a job not like a hobby I do for fun.
Also, it’s really hard to come up with interesting content, so needing a break every now and then is normal.
Just take it easy, Carmel 🙂 I’m sure it will come back! *hugs*
Lexxie recently posted…Thirsty Thursday and Hungry Hearts #9
Life is kicking my butt now too and it’s getting harder to post every day. I use to stress about keeping up with it every day but I have realized that’s it’s just not possible for one person with a life like mine to be 100% on it all the time. So, like today, I didn’t post anything. I have been taking one day off from blogging a week when I really need it. That has been helping me out a lot.
Jennifer Bielman recently posted…Review: Ash to Embers by C.V. Larkin
I get times when I don’t want to write reviews or more, feel like I am always saying the same things, because the same things matter to me in books. I find reading books I really want to read, or conversely reading some junk fluff, helps me out. And just reading things which I am not reviewing sometimes.
I’m horrible about commenting back to those who post comments on my post tho.
Aw, poor Carmel 🙁 I’m not the best person to give advice in this matter, since my blog is young and I haven’t hit a wall yet. But, generally speaking, I fight fire with fire. For instance, when I’ve got days when my writing squeaks like a wheel in bad need of oiling, I start a couple of related new projects. I’ll write a back story for a secondary character (which never makes it into the book itself), or random pieces of dialogue between characters that don’t get to interact on the pages. It usually does the trick and the squeak fades away. Maybe it can work for you too? Come up with some new memes, design a new banner, start a new and revolutionary series of posts? Big hug 🙂
Ramona recently posted…2015 Trends In YA Fiction
I have 2 months worth of blog posts pre-written and ready to post. Sometimes if I have something that I want to post right away I will move some posts around. So I also have a bit of a cushion. I have suffered with depression for years and back when I first started blogging I would leave for weeks at a time and not post anything. Now I try not to do that but sometimes I can’t come up with a meaningful comment to post on others blog posts. I don’t want to come off bad with jut a few words in a comment so sometimes I post nothing. But sometimes I will just start rambling which might be worse. lol
Mary Kirkland recently posted…New Treat For My Rats
I just take time. I try to let my readers/ lovely regular commenters know whats what. It is worse when paired with reading slump I totally agree, so keep reading and be guilt free
My first reaction to a slump is what most people have probably already recommended, which is taking a break. But sometimes you need a creative spark, not just rest. What sometimes helps me is writing about a subject I don’t normally write about, such as a TV show or something in my daily life. In the end I might not even post it, but simply thinking outside of the box can be very refreshing ^^ Good luck, Carmel!
Celine recently posted…When Everything You’re Reading is Meh
I ended up just cutting down on my posts. I only do 3 a week now but since it’s only a hobby and not a job I figure that is good enough.
Kristina D recently posted…Some Thursday Randomness
Do not ask me, I am a bit OCD and have to get it down. I read, I write
blodeuedd recently posted…Voyage of the Basilisk – Marie Brennan
We all been through those. My “formula” is to take a break, couple of days, maybe a week or as much as I need. When I’m done with my break I feel with energy to continue.
The problem is that if you force yourself to do something you don’t want to do, you are going to end up hating it. So take the time you need, we’ll be here waiting for you. 😉
BookaholicCat recently posted…CATS-ilicious Thursdays
I’m a total rebel. If I had a super set schedule I’d feel stifled. I don’t know how so many bloggers can be so prolific and orderly without feeling squashed creatively but that’s what makes the community awesome. Everyone has their different styles and voices. When I get to feeling really blah I either take a week off from anything that I don’t owe to someone (ie. tour stops) on a specific day or I do a week of reading non-fiction to shake off the funk.
I love seeing your comments Carmel! But I suck at coming up with meaningful comments sometimes myself so I have started to do something else… if I can’t think of a comment that makes sense or adds to a conversation I make sure I share it to social media. Even if I just share or retweet I figure the other blogger will know someone was paying attention. Because honestly, not every single review or tour stop is comment worthy even if it’s worth reading (and I mean that globally). lol
Rhianna recently posted…Review: A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas
I’m currently in a blogging slump due to just starting a new job, so usually whenever I get time off, I try to get back to blogging duties as soon as I can.
Ronyell (a.k.a Rabbitearsblog) recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday #13: Top 10 Books On My Spring TBR List
I’ve been really bad about commenting and even visiting blogs right now. It isn’t because I’m in a funk, it is because I’ve been so swamped at work. I can barely keep up with replying to comments on my posts. I hope that my very large project will go live next week and my schedule will lighten up. I’m not even getting the reading (and more importantly listening) in like normal. I hope that things will get back to normal very soon.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Superheroes Anonymous by Lexie Dunne
I went through the same thing and like you I got some help. Between my reviewers I could easily take a few weeks off if I wanted to.
One thing that I’ve been trying it writing shorter reviews like with my Read It, Track It reviews. This way I’m tracking my reads/listens that I bought or got form the library and giving my two cents worth about them and moving on. I’ve not done that for ARCs or review audios because I feel like I should say more about them since I requested them.
Another thing I’m trying to do more of this year (but haven’t yet) is read/listen to more of my bought books. So digging back into “older” series that I need to catch up on or start. Currently I’m working on my audio backlog. I’m trying not to request more books/audios until I get caught up. (Well unless it’s a new release in a series I’m already caught up on.)
Jennifer recently posted…Grrr, Cliffhanger! Pierced by Sydney Landon
Oh and on the commenting. There are so many of my favorite blogs (like this one) that is banned at work so I don’t get to comment during my lunch break like I did before so I’ve been down to just commenting on blogs that have left ones on my posts. I try to at least do that. If they can visit me I should visit them.
I use to get around more but I’ve been backing off of online time at night and the weekends when I’m at home to read, watch TV or do stuff with the family instead.
Anonymous recently posted…The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter
I’ve said that before, but alas I allowed the queue to get out of control.
Paul (Audiobook Reviewer) recently posted…Antarktos Rising (The Last Hunter Book 3.5) by Jeremy Robinson
I forgot to mention earlier that the thing that got me out of my latest slump was bringing on 12 reviewers. And getting involved with you other book blogger that for some reason I always viewed as competition rather than a bunch of book lovers.
Paul (Audiobook Reviewer) recently posted…Antarktos Rising (The Last Hunter Book 3.5) by Jeremy Robinson
Sometimes the only thing you can do is take a step back for a little while and just not stress about it. Honestly, I’ve been struggling with this lately too. I’ve been editing a lot more, and I often feel a bit burned out on the computer by the time I’m done with that, so blogging and commenting are suffering some. But I just can’t do everything and decided to give myself a break. It’s okay – we know you’re still here and we still love you! 🙂
Nicole recently posted…Max by C.J. Duggan – Review
I have been struggling with a blogging slump majorly. I just haven’t felt like committing time to my blog this whole year. I have continued to read. I’m just always behind on blogging, but hopefully this summer I will have time and want to commit time to blogging.
Rachael recently posted…Sunday Post #7: Spring Break Ends
This is me at the moment Carmel, I have no motivation to read, blog or comment! It’s terrible. I am just relieved I have a number of scheduled posts already planned so I’m not feeling as guilty when I ignore the blog. I just take a break until I get my mojo back (which will hopefully be soon) 😉
Sharon – Obsession with Books recently posted…Review: The Replaced (The Taking #2) by Kimberly Derting
Oh I’m sorry you are going through a slump. Ugh, I hate those. I am actually glad that I had some blog posts scheduled for this week. If I didn’t, I probably wouldn’t have posted anything. Or I would have posted a half ass post. That is one tip I have: have a few blog posts drafted and ready to go. At times when you feel a slump, just schedule those. That makes things a bit easier. As for the comments, I try not to beat myself up too much about not getting back to them right away. This week, I went two or three days without responding to comments or commenting on blogs and I just gave myself a break about it. Sometimes you just need a break. This week, since I had some blog posts scheduled I was able to take a break for a couple of days and that did help.
Cynthia recently posted…BOOK REVIEW: Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury
You are missed, Carmel but I’m glad you’re taking time for yourself. I’m glad you posted about this because I’m hitting a slump myself and your readers offer up some good advice. 🙂 i say continue with taking this time for you and your mojo will return. I’m pretty sure we all blog for fun and it sinks when the fun is missing. I’m also considering reducing the number of posts i do weekly but i haven’t decided anything yet. Having a cushion is a nice thing (this is the first time I’ve ever had one) and im glad it’s given you the ability to coast. Hang in there, my dear. Obviously, we (your readers) aren’t going anywhere. 🙂
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Blog Tour, Excerpt, & Giveaway ~ Darkness Calling ~ Laurie Olerich
I just read and not worry about reviews. I might do them later or do small reviews but I want to enjoy this reading hobbby and that helps so I don’t have slumps. I also have made it a point to not worry about blogging and enjoy life. Yeah so life gets in the way…this is hobby not my life. I also am busy with kids, job, and soon school.
julie recently posted…mini reviews of some books
Bummer 🙁 I tend to go through slumps quite often, sometimes reading slumps too. Especially in the last 2ish years, due to my schedule getting either insanely busy or being suddenly confusingly free for a week, lol, totally giving me whiplash.
I just don’t stress about it anymore. I used to at some point, but now I don’t. I do my best, as always, and I just have to hope it’s gonna be enough. Inviting contributors has helped me too, the more and more active the merrier xD I take each week as it comes and deal with it however best I can, and let the chips fall where they may, you know?
I think it also helps to know slump or no slump, you’re woved xD So don’t force or push yourself, just enjoy what you enjoy, and don’t stress about it.
P.S.: My secret weapon is watching stand-up comedy 😀 Whenever I lose my mojo, I take a whole weekend of watching stand-up comedy as remedy. Or re-watching all House MD seasons, lol. Possibly catching up on TV shows I’ve been ignoring lately. I don’t read. So what happens is I spend Friday night and Saturday not reading, having in mind the fact I can’t read this weekend. By Sunday I’m reading :))) And after I’ve read something, I OCD about writing the review, and voila! Slump solved.
If it’s a more stubborn one, I do the stand-up/TV Shows and no reading rule for two weekends in a row, even three if it lasts that long. But so far, it hasn’t taken me more than two to snap out of it. I’m not sure if it helps, lol, but I hope it might? 😀
Livia recently posted…The Diamond Conspiracy by Pip Ballantine, Tee Morris
I don’t think there’s any of us who can’t relate to this problem. I wish I could say that I always have a cushion in place to deal with mine, but unfortunately, I don’t. I try to, but my cushion sometimes gets eaten up not by a slump but by just being too darn busy! Then if I get into a slump, there’s nothing left to cover it.
When I am in a reading slump, I often go back and re-read old favorites. But when I’m in a reviewing/blogging slump, it’s really hard to know what to do. Lately I’ve been feeling like all my reviews are the same, and I don’t have anything new to say. I’m trying to write a review as soon as I finish the book, which I hope will help. I’m also trying to figure out new ways to approach reviewing. And I’m cutting back on how many books I agree to review, to take some of the pressure off.
Lark recently posted…Sunday Post – 3/29/15
I think I’m in a bit of a blogging slump myself. I’ve been pretty bad at visiting other blogs and I’m falling behind on reviews. Blah. I force myself to do as much as I have to and then take a break.
I was just in a reading slump so perhaps the two go hand in hand for me!
I hope your slump ends soon! Maybe it’s weather related! :p