Dilemmas
It’s been just over two years since I started this blog and sometimes I start to feel a little claustrophobic about how it’s turned out. (Not going private, never fear. I would rather eat my own finger).
At first, I planned to write only book reviews and that was all well and good for around five whole posts after which I gave that notion up so I could write other pointless things like how I really loved Texas (have I mentioned that I really love Texas? Oh good).
And then, slowly, the book reviews fell by the wayside because they were easily my least popular posts and also, well, that would mean admitting that, yes, 90% of my reading is young adult and children’s books.
Eventually, I decided I didn’t actually care that all I read was aimed at people five to fifteen years younger than me, and I revived the reviews; their popularity has grown, at least slightly. I now manage to get at least a few comments on most of them (if you don’t read them, no worries. Bart doesn’t either (of course, he has the excuse that I make him listen to a page by page explanation WHILE I’m reading it)).
I write less and less about my day-to-day goings on because I fear they’ll be boring (“today I went to the grocery store. I was happy that eggs were $1.19 a dozen, since last week they were $1.26. Milk still costs the same”).
Whenever I write about The Way Things Were – how my parents dealt with Santa Claus or ear piercing or first kisses, I get a flood of response, some saying “awesome” and others being like “you are clearly destined for a sad soul-less life as a non-Santa believer.”
I don’t want to write just about books, and my childhood was not weird enough to generate post after post. And so I continue to silently freak out about what to talk about, and I write paragraphs about this party we went to over the weekend and how we stayed late trying to pick up plastic cups on the floor with our teeth while balancing on one leg and how I never ever would have been the kind of person to do those potentially-humiliating things as a teenager and now, married to a person far more social than I am, I find myself enjoying these kinds of things and being surprised that the mental narration has turned off and I can go about doing crazy things without feeling stupid. And then I declare it too boring, delete it all, and tear my hair out.
What in the world am I trying to write about here anyway? What fits and what doesn’t? What does anyone even want to read?
In the interest of full-disclosure, this identity crisis is brought on by the fact that I bought a new swimsuit this week and I feel dumb posting a picture of it (and then rambling on about how it was 80% off).
Everyday Reading: Creating a crisis (and a lengthy post) out of absolutely everything.
I like the variety in your blog. I almost never pick up a book anymore, except children’s lit with my kids, but I love hearing about what’s out there, and wishing my library wait list was shorter. And you seem to have a pretty big-sized constant audience for all sorts of your posts because I never feel like commenting after you have already have 15-25 comments on there. So just keep doing what you are doing.
I have the exact same problem! And half the time, I open my blog and cannot think of one single thing to say. I usually just throw out whatever I happen to have on my mind (not always very much) and see what people say about it.
everyday life is interesting enough! 🙂 just the way you would write about grocery shopping would be interesting enough to keep people glued.
want to try your hand at politics? 🙂 you’ve got the opinions – just be gutsy enough to offend people (and then maybe you can take some of my anonymous commenters away from me)
i kind of feel a secret satisfaction that we share the same swimsuit. except yours is probably a size 0.
When I'm stuck, I look back at my 100 Things page and see if any of them strike up a memory or something that would be post-worthy. People seem to like Q&A, too, if you want to do that.
Knowing that everyone goes through the blog drought doesn't make it easier, does it? Overall, I'm a big proponent of writing when you have something to say. So if you don't, it's okay not to say anything.
I read blogs because I love the different perspectives and living vicariously through those in different life situations than my own (and hearing about those in the same situations.) I love reading everything that you post. I started reading your blog because you were funny, witty, wrote great book reviews (though I never commented on them) posted great recipes, and got great deals on cute shoes. Don’t worry about what we want to read, just write about what is on your mind.
I feel the same. Never knowing what to write. Even though my blog is a personal one, I still like to appeal to the people who read it and hope to generate comments out it, if I can. I think that the everyday life is intriguing. Everyone is different and there are different experiences and knowledge to be had and shared. I say, “Blog about EVERYTHING!”
Post more recipes. Like many others, I enjoy reading the reviews but rarely comment on those posts because I haven’t read the books you review. I’ve gone back through your reviews many a time, though, to look for reading list suggestions.
I’ve also gone through periods when it seems I have nothing to write. And then there are others times when I have tons of ideas. I think one of the great things about writing frequently on a blog is that it causes you to be more observant of those funny, poignant, insightful everyday moments and events that you can share with others.
You’re a natural at this writing bit. You make the most mundane things sound exciting – seriously you could write whatever pops into your head.
Secretly, I prefer your editorials on Santa and bandwagons! Okay not secretly, I really love them.
you notice if eggs go down by 7 cents? I can only vaguely tell you how much a gallon of milk costs…$2-something, right?
Do you have an Excel chip in your head? Seriously, I am in awe. (Note: post could be created out of the price of eggs. ;o))
xox
Did you post about what you had for breakfast once? I liked that if it was you. I’m a sucker for posts about food though.
I love your posts! I know your dilemma though- I share it too! I rarely get comments on my blog (maybe I should write more thought provoking posts) Hailyn always gets the most comments! AHH! Anyhow, keep it up- love your material (you santa-hating monger!hehe j/k!)
I like the random. I struggle with this as well.. what is interesting and what makes people want to click the next blog? I may not always comment, but for the record: I am always commenting, and always enjoying!
I actually like the reviews the best. I rarely go out to find the books and then read them because I am already reading 3-4 books per week of my own selection, but I like hearing about other books a lot. Then, when I’m browsing, I might recognize a title and think, “hmmm…I think I heard good (or bad) things about that” even though I don’t remember where.
To be honest, though, I wouldn’t worry about what people want to read on your blog. It’s YOUR blog, so write whatever makes you happy when you’re writing.
Janssen, I read everything you write, mostly because I share many similar beliefs, so I resonate with what you say. Also because I love your writing style, it’s most entertaining. You should definitely write a book someday. I don’t comment very often because you have no idea who I am and my blog is VERY boring and all about my toddler, and I wouldn’t want you to feel obligated to watch my blog.
Anyway, keep writing about anything and everything, there are enough of us who really enjoy it, but mostly you should write to please yourself!
I think you need to post more pictures of you and Bart singing and dancing.
Hey, I’m just saying!
I struggle with blog identity crisis on a regular basis. It is good to know that I’m not alone. I’m not sure there really is an answer other than to just write what makes you happy and about topics that you would want to read. Chances are if they interest you then they will interest others.