Friday, June 29, 2012

This and That






After reading an average of one book a week for four years, it's time to change things up a bit around here. This year, I've read 26 books so far.

I love books. I read constantly, but I want to read for fun. I need to read for fun.



The pressure of coming up with a review or interview every week is cutting into my writing and family time. Some non-fiction books are also calling my name...books that require quiet reflection.



After reviewing my activities, I've decided to make some changes. I'll still do book recommendations, author interviews, and bring you the best links from my Web travels.



As of July 2, 2012, I'll be combining those facets of Christian Writer/Reader Connection into my Friday time slot. While you'll see an occasional Wednesday post if I have something to say, my new schedule will be:

Monday and Friday.


Bloggers: How often do you post on your blog, and what steps have you taken to keep it from consuming all your time and energy?

14 comments:

JD said...

Susan:

Good for you for striking a new balance between blogging and your daily schedule.

As for how often I post on my blog, I post three times a month on the 10th, 20th and 30th. (February shakes that up a bit, obviously!) That schedule fits into my life at this moment, and keeps blogging productive and fun for me.

As for not letting my blog consume an inordinate amount of my time and energy, I've shortened my word count considerably. That has actually helped my writing by forcing me to come up with snappier, tighter sentences.

I'm looking forward to dropping by Mondays and Fridays! Enjoy the rest of your week.

Karen Lange said...

I post Monday and Thursday, but have been thinking now that I may go down to one post a week. It's been a great adventure, but a juggling act too, and I need to devote more time to my other writing projects.

Looking forward to your Monday and Friday posts. :)
Blessings,
Karen

Rhonda Schrock said...

Good for you, Susan. I understand the need for fun. Actually, it's more than fun for me. It's how I unwind, rest my brain, unplug, and stay healthy and balanced.

Way to go!

Nancy said...

I think you will have more fun when your schedule lightens up a bit. I do mostly one blog a week. That is all I can do and still be creative, have fun, and have time for other things in my life. My blogger friends are still very special. I enjoy blogging more now.

Unknown said...

So glad I stopped by and saw your new posting schedule, Susan! I can totally relate - it's extremely difficult to find time to blog, read other friend's blogs, leave comments, work on your WIP, develop a web presence, and work on marketing plans and book proposals. Really praying for wisdom and clear direction for each of the tasks God calls me to has helped alleviate much stress for me. In addition, I've also committed to getting up an hour earlier each day, and scheduling my time (within reason!). I'll be praying for you! God bless~

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janette - The stress has already decreased, and I'm enjoying my blog more. It's great that you've found a posting schedule that works for you.

Hi Karen - Yes, I don't want to fall into the trap of blogging so much that I never write.

Hi Rhonda - I'm reading 4 books right now, two of them non-fiction. I'm going through each one at my own pace instead of racing to finish.

Hi Nancy - I think as long as we're consistent in our posting people will still come to our blogs.

Hi Maria - You put your finger on the dilemma I faced. There aren't enough hours in the day to do that much.

Thanks, Ladies! You've given me an idea for another post.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Chatty Crone said...

Susan - I hope you are feeling better and have a great weekend. Love, sandie

Jean Fischer said...

Good for you, Susan! Blogging and reading should be fun, not stressful. I have two blogs, and I try to post once a week. When I'm working on a deadline, I'll let blogging slide for a bit.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sandie - I'm feeling more relaxed. When blogging stops being fun and gets to be a pressure cooker, it's time to make changes.

Hi Jean - I'd rather read 1 quality post a week than 5 fluff pieces. When I go to your blog, I always know I'll find something worthwhile.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Good choice Susan, we have to do this for our own protection I think. I try to post twice a week, and on the days I post I read other blogs. But sometimes even twice is too much with my working schedule. I used to feel bad for not reading and posting as much, but now I am used to it and it helps to relax... really!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan .. I post when I'm ready and I know my posts are long(ish) .. but as long as everyone is interested and appears now and again I'm happy.

I am aware I need to keep readers - and try and keep them amused, as well as satisfying my blog creative skills.

Cheers and enjoy a little more freedom .. Hilary

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja - I've been posting three times per week for four years. When I started, I wasn't working. Our life situations change, and we all need to make adjustments to maintain our sanity.

Hi Hilary - I enjoy your posts, but I do focus on the items that catch my fancy. You're right about appealing to your audience and making the whole blogging thing work for you.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Diane Estrella said...

A lot of great book covers to read. Hope you enjoy each one. :O)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

I've read them all!

Blessings,
Susan :)