In our continuing celebration of book bloggers the organizers of Book Blogger Appreciation Week (BBAW) are asking, what does book blogging mean to you?
In all honesty, this is a question that I’ve been pondering for quite a while. I think you’ll find that the answers to this question are as individual as the bloggers themselves. When I started Teresa’s Reading Corner in February 2010, I had been reviewing books on Goodreads for a while. I’d also recently discovered book blogs while searching for some book suggestions. I thought to myself “I can do that” and the idea was born. I sat on it for a while debating on whether or not I wanted to devote the time to it. Little did I know exactly how much time it was going to require.
The easy answer to what book blogging means to me is that it serves as an outlet for me. It’s a way to discuss my passion with other like minded individuals. It’s an outlet for a bit of creativity that I didn’t even know I needed when I started. It is also a gateway into this vast community of people who will freely admit their nerdiness.
On the other hand, it is sometimes its easy to forget that and succumb to the pressures of Book Blogging. Are my stats high enough? Why did so and so get that book, but I didn’t. Why is their blog more popular than mine? What am I doing wrong? I think that every one of us have felt burned out at least once. I also think that this can be a good thing. It requires you to take a step back and evaluate what you really want to accomplish with your blog.
This is where I’m at right now. I want to do more with Teresa’s Reading Corner. Now to just figure out what, and how.?
- First and foremost I want to say that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Some of my favorite blogs are the ones that are doing it their own way. Sometimes I just need a gentle reminder.
- Get those reviews flowing. I’ve got an embarrassing number of reviews half finished in my drafts folder.
- Get personal. I’ve been hesitant to share too much on the blog for a number of reasons. Figure out a way to open things up a bit.
There are a few of my goals for the next couple of months and a bit about what book blogging means to me. What are some of your favorite elements of a book blog? What does it mean to you?
© 2012, Teresa. All rights reserved.
I have been so incredibly busy with school that I did not even realize this week was Book Blogger Appreciation Week!
I agree with you that when I started – I had no idea of the time required for blogging AND interacting with my readers and other bloggers. I have made some wonderful friendships, read incredible and not so incredible books and for the most part love my blog. Then I see those really big blogs that are advertising and promoting and, and, and I do get a bit of green envy….then I go back to what I love – reading books and talking about them.
Love your post today!
Thank you so much!
Book blogging has been an outlet for me as well. I enjoy talking about books–writing about them–and I enjoy sharing my thoughts with others. I love the community aspect of book blogging.
I know what you mean about getting caught up in the comparisons and the stats. I used to do that. I had to let it go and am so glad I did. It’s taken so much of the pressure off. I may not be the most consistent blogger, but that’s okay.
I think your goals are wonderful and I wish you luck with them. Sometimes I think I over share in the personal department. LOL
I agree with you! I think a blog doesn’t necessarily have to be “popular” it just has to be you. I try to keep my blog professional, but yet, make it so the writing fits me.
My new goal is to be your favorite book blog