3 REASONS WHY I'LL NEVER BE A BLOGGING QUEEN

I'm no blogging queen - I don't have the drive, I'm not prolific, and I'm not a trend setter. But that's perfectly okay with me.  Image: https://wallpaperaccess.com/beautiful-queen

BEING THE NEXT BEST THING IN BLOGGING

Every new blogger thinks they're going to be the next big thing that sets the blogging world on fire. We all leap in and start hammering away on our keyboards, sharing our thoughts, our ideas, our hearts, and our souls. But as time goes on I've seen so many bloggers come and go - the ones who burn out the quickest are the ones who came with the biggest aspirations. There are 7 MILLION blog posts published EVERY day, so I'm wondering if starting small and being content with being a small fish in a very big pond can sometimes be a better game plan than trying to set the world on fire and failing to live up to your own expectations?
 
I started my blog with absolutely no idea of what I was doing - I just wanted somewhere to write and to get some of the thoughts that were buzzing around inside my head out of there and into something a little more cohesive. I'd have loved to have set the world on fire, but as time went on I saw that being the new Wunderkind of blogging was not all it was cracked up to be. Those who came with all the bells and whistles seemed to struggle when they found they were just one in a sea of other writers - and those who burned brightest also risked burning out or being cut down by those who feel the need to troll or hurt those they see as successful.

WHY I WON'T BE QUEEN OF THE BLOGGERS:

1. I DON'T HAVE THE DRIVE

A while back I read a comment from my blogging buddy Sue who said:
During the week I was in a meeting of ‘trainers’ and it was mentioned that to compete in this Virtual world of fitness our good is now only average, our best maybe good and to actually be successful our best has to be better than best – super best!

I shuddered when I read that, and thought - I don't want to carry the pressure of trying to be "super best" - I don't have the drive or the ambition to put that much of myself into competing to outdo everyone else to be successful. I love having my little corner of the internet where I connect with other like minded Midlifers, but I don't want to be second guessing myself and trying to be "super best" so that I can aim for the big leagues. I feel exhausted just thinking about it and how you'd sustain that level of intensity week after week! 

2. I'M NOT PROLIFIC ENOUGH

One of the keys to having lots of views of your blog is to write every day (or at least every second day). In the early stages this is easy - there is SO much to write about and it's all such a novelty. I remember when I used to post three times a week and never seemed to run out of stuff to blog about. I was so engaged with the whole Midlife journey and self-discovery and sharing what I was learning, but eventually that dwindled down to twice a week and now I'm quite content with my once a week or so schedule.

Writing one blog post a week is enough for me these days - why I'll never be a blogging queen.

I remember the days of joining in with the AtoZ Challenge - where you write a post every week day for April - 26 posts in 30 days. It's a great way to meet other bloggers from outside your niche, but MAN it's full on! Not only are you writing every day, you're reading other blogs and commenting on them, and it takes over your life for that period of time. A great way to jump start your writing, but I just couldn't sustain that level of output and have no idea how others do it every year and also how some people do it every month! I just don't have the time or motivation to be that prolific.

3. I'M NOT CONTROVERSIAL OR CUTTING EDGE

So many popular blogs stay that way by being up to the minute on all the new trends. They write about how to make your blog a success by knowing all the latest algorithm changes, or how to dress in this season's fashions, or what the latest food fad is, or they're happy to tackle political topics, or they're even prepared to leap into "hot" topics and voice their opinions on them. I don't do any of that.

I like to keep my head down and write about things that resonate in my own world. I lead a small and content life and I'm not out to change the world. I don't want to engage in controversy or to have people trolling me in the comments. I didn't even have the comments turned on for the first six months of blogging because I was worried about the stuff I'd heard others had to deal with. What I found was that by being true to myself and not buying into those hot topics and not setting myself up as an authority on all things new or trending, I created a little pool of peace where I could meet and connect with wonderful people who became my "tribe" and for me that was more than enough.

Finding my blogging tribe makes not being a queen of blogging all okay

I'M NOT SETTING THE WORLD ON FIRE

I may not be a Power Blogger, or a trend setter, or be quoted by the greats, but I'm just so happy that I discovered the world of blogging. There might be 4.4 million blog posts published daily, but that doesn't mean there's not room for one more, and when I hit the Publish button it always gives me a smile. 

As soon as it becomes a chore to write a post, or to engage with others who put their hearts into their blogs, then it will be time to find a new hobby. The great thing about not being the next best thing is that I can write once a week, or take a break, or even walk away and the world will keep spinning, life will go on, and there is no pressure to keep churning out product - just the joy of having found something fun that opened my world and gave me so many new friends who were part of my journey into this second half of life.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Are you hoping to find the magic formula that takes your blogging to the next level? Are you already there and enjoying fame and making blogging your success story? Or are you happy in your little corner of the interwebs just sharing your story and enjoying the connections?

RELATED POSTS


I'm no blogging queen - I don't have the drive, I'm not prolific, and I'm not a trend setter. But that's perfectly okay with me.

I'm no blogging queen - I don't have the drive, I'm not prolific, and I'm not a trend setter. But that's perfectly okay with me.
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Cresting the Hill - a blog for Midlife (Middle Aged / 50+) women who want to thrive

66 comments

  1. These are good things to think about, Leanne. We do spend a good amount of time writing and reading blogs. We should understand why we do it. I was just talking to Hubby tonight. I am not sure what my future in blogging will look like. I may be ready for a blogging break. I enjoy interacting with everyone (from all over the world!) but sometimes I just can't force myself to write a post. I will never be the queen of blogging either, and that's OK with me. I feel about blogging pretty much the same way as you. I don't want to set the world on fire. I just want to have some meaningful conversations with interesting people (like you!)

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    1. Hi Laurie - it's definitely about sharing our thoughts and our hearts with other like minded people isn't it? My url is up for renewal and I gave it quite a bit of thought as to whether I'd still be doing this in 2 years time, but for the small (and only) cost for this blog, it lets me keep going for a while longer. One post is a week is all I can manage these days though...

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  2. I can relate to all of these Leanne. When I had my dieting blog (Diet Schmiet was absorbed into Debbish in 2014 or so) I wrote very honest posts about life and body image etc. My stats weren't huge but what I really liked was every so often someone commenting that I'd written EXACTLY about how they were feeling and it was helpful to know someone else felt the same. I think that's what kept me going for a long time. Knowing just one person might get someone out of a blog post, even if it just entertains them for 5 minutes....

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    1. I love it when I get a comment (or email) from someone who is walking the same path as me too Deb. Especially when I was going through recovering from that soul sucking job - to know that there were others out there who understood the process - or were helped by what I shared - made a huge difference for me. It's definitely stuff like that which keeps me going.

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  3. I will never be the queen of blogging either Leanne. I have had some wonderful moments though! There was the interview I did with Tracey Spicer. There's been several exciting trips away, awards night, being a finalist and Bupa blog aware aluminae, and so much more! However, the Australian blogosphere is changing and it's making me sad and it's making me question what I do from here. There are less Aussie bloggers blogging now, less linking up, less linkies to link up with, less people reading and commenting, less brands wanting to work with bloggers, less blogging conferences and meet ups, the list goes on. I've been in the blogging scene since 2012 and boy has it changed. I no longer look upon my blog as providing me with any form of magical success - be it monetary or otherwise. Though I always hope that something I share might help others, the core of it all is that it is a form of therapy for me. It's helped me learn and understand things about myself. It's helped me work my way through hard times and problems and of course it has provided me with opportunities I would otherwise not have experienced and I have met so many lovely people across Australia and the world. The drop in enthusiasm in the Aussie Blog scene though has affected my enthusiasm and mojo. There's lots of questions rolling around in my head and I've slowed to no more than 1 post per week (if that). Ultimately though - my blog is such a big part of me that I cannot see myself letting it go. I just need time to rethink what it is and to reset, if that makes sense. I know Podcasts are all the rage now and I do listen to a few but I will never start a Podcast. I'm in the slower paced phase of my life now and I no longer want 'busy' as part of my life. I'm also more into the written word than 'talking'. I too plan to write a post on blogging and the changing Aussie blogosphere soon. Have a great week Leanne!

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    1. Min, so much of what you said describes my feelings exactly. Blogging has definitely been a kind of therapy for me too - somewhere to put my thoughts down and sort them through into some sort of coherency. I love the people I've met and the opportunities I've had - and that it's been so positive. But, like you, I'm down to one post a week, a bit disappointed with the lack of interaction with other bloggers - the sense of community has definitely dwindled over time. Sometimes I wish I'd started 10 years earlier when the blogosphere was new and exciting, but I'm still glad I jumped in when I did because I don't think I'd have survived long in the blogging landscape we're in now.
      I'm not really a podcast person either - I prefer to read or to watch. I admire those who've branched out in that direction and who want to have live conversations, but it's not my area of strength or interest so I won't be going down that path either - I guess we'll just keep on doing our bit in our little corner of the interwebs until we get tired of it or they close blogging down. I'm certainly glad you haven' quit xx

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  4. As I am reading your candid, thoughtful words, Leanne, I am reflecting on my own blogging journey. Blogging is not at all what I expected, and initially I did not really have any expectations. More of a creative outlet and helping keep my synapses functioning, learning something new. I recall reading all of the “rules” of blogging in the beginning. I immediately new the rules were not for me. I believe I am also going through another metamorphosis. I have numerous creative interests and projects and blogging is only one part of my life. Living Life is also a priority.

    I still believe you are a kindred spirit, Leanne, and you often write and say well how I feel. I appreciate your candor, honesty and your words resonate with me. Thank you.xx

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    1. Hi Erica - I genuinely believe that it's best to have started without expectations - those who read the rules, put in all the time and money to create their Big Bang of blogging seem to have imploded and left very quickly. Those of us who amble along and who use it to keep their brains firing and to engage with others seem to be holding on til the end. I'm also finding that I'm looking at other outlets for creativity - I'm about to learn a bit about calligraphy - something new for the right side of my brain!

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  5. Oh wow, I have gone through this entire thought process. I once wrote a blog that was getting in the hundreds, as far as daily hits. I considered taking it to the "next level" and even joined a group to support this. I hated it! I felt like a sell-out, and to this day, I don't enjoy blogs that are trying to monetize.

    Now, I write weekly when life allows, and sometimes I hit a home run with a post and make sure to make the rounds afterwards (hint, hint...). And getting back in touch with everyone is as much fun as writing and seeing the stats. I think I will happily remain a blogging peasant. ;-)

    Bethany @ Happily Loco
    http://happilyloco.wordpress.com (hint, hint)

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    1. Yes, I like being a blogging peasant too Bethany - and I also do the blogging rounds regularly to see what others are up to. I try to pop in and check your posts out regularly because it's interesting seeing how you've been coping with the reality of covid etc.
      For those of us who enjoy glimpses into the worlds of others, there will always be a place for blogs x

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  6. Not setting the world on fire. I think the important question is if you are setting your world on fire? If blogging is bringing you joy, then you find your community, even if it's not where the big bucks are. And that is more than ok in my opinion.

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    1. Perfectly said Lydia - I'm not sure it sets my world on fire anymore either, but it does stoke my embers and add some fuel to the fire that simmers along from a variety of sources. I know I'll keep blogging while it's easy and fun - as soon as I'm scrambling to think of something to write, or it's a chore, it'll be bye bye blogging.

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  7. Three Reasons Why Leanne LeCrass is a Blogging Queen in my books.
    1) She is completely honest, means what she says and says what she means.
    2) Her blog content is highly relatable.
    3) She is a great blogging community team player engaging in a wide variety of other blogs and leaving meaningful comments.
    And that's the truth!

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    1. Ohhhhhh Donna - what a LOVELY thing to read in the comments. Sometimes I think we all wonder why we do this, and then we remember the absolute privilege it's been to meet and become friends with such awesome women. Thank you for bring a ray of sunshine into my morning xxxx

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    2. My pleasure. It's the truth. I GREATLY MISS chatting with you and look forward chatting again soon.

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  8. Interesting thoughts on blogging Leanne!I never wanted to be the Queen of Blogging and had no expectations of what direction I would take. Maybe I was naive and, like you said, I knew nothing when I started, except that I enjoyed writing, sharing, learning new things, growing into being a midlife blogger, meeting new people and joining in with challenges. I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey and continue to do so. Things have changed along the way but that's life, we grow, or we just don't continue with it anymore. I like Lydia's comment - are you setting your life on fire? I admire your honesty and always enjoy reading your thoughts. As Donna says, you are a Queen!!

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    1. Hi Deb - for me it comes down to somewhere to get my thought processes sorted and then the added (HUGE) bonus of connecting with smart, engaged, active, awesome Midlife women who are all different but all rocking life in their own way. Nobody is sitting around miserably navel gazing - they're all doing life in ways that make them bright and interesting and worth knowing. I never expected that, and I'm thankful for it every time I read blogs and also the comments on my own xx

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  9. Hi Leanne, I can certainly relate to your description of blogging as a hobby that opened up your world and allowed you to meet new friends. That's exactly how I feel. Your writing reflects a caring heart that is compassionate and relatable. I'd rather read one weekly post from you than dozens of others who post daily.

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    1. What a lovely compliment Suzanne - I feel the same way about your blog. It's interesting that some blog posts really connect with us and others (no matter how often they add content) just don't catch our interest. I'm hoping that the Midlife bloggers who I love to read will keep going - many have disappeared, but there are those of us still carrying the torch and I'm so grateful for my community of bloggers x

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  10. Leanne,
    I so agree with you...I am not out to make money on my blog, I stick to my own style of decorating which is not considered to be in style and I use my blog as my own personal journal so to speak....I blog mainly for me and for the friendships that I have made along the way!!! Great post!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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    1. Hi Debbie - I always enjoy seeing what you've done to your home decor - you have so many different themes throughout the year - something we don't really do here in Australia. I think Christmas is the only time we decorate! I think monetizing your blog would take away from your originality and you'd end up just following the trends - and that would be a little bit sad wouldn't it?

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  11. This sounds so much like me. It’s good to know others are on the same blogging journey. I also started out writing three times a week and loved it but now I struggle to write once a week. It’s not for a lack of ideas. There are simply too many other things going on and my life has changed since I started blogging three years ago. I have no intention of stopping but also won’t feel pressured to do more than I’m comfortable doing. Thanks for validating my blogging life.

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    1. Hi Linda - I feel the same way. I don't want to be scrabbling around looking for things to write about - I just want to write when inspiration strikes. I've also noticed that there not much happening as far as people guest blogging goes these days, so that's another area that's slowing down. I'm so grateful that I'm not trying to generate a living income from my blog - or trying to keep up with the latest trends - I like my little spot in the blogging sunshine - and the people who join me here each week x

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  12. Such wise words, Leanne and I couldn’t agree more. I’ve set myself a target to start small and publish one blog a month. However, when I published my book the publisher created an author’s blog for me and strongly recommend I submit one blog a week. That’s a enough for me! Cuisine came to mind as as I read your blog. We need normal regular ordinary food to sustain us and now and then we splash out and have something rich and/or exotic. However, you wouldn’t want to eat that every day. So continue with what you do as it makes for lovely every day reading!

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Angelique - I think that cuisine becomes less appealing when you need to produce it every day. I'd rather do something special when inspired, rather than churning out stuff just for the sake of numbers. I love that people come to visit, that they read and relate to what I write - I never expected that and it's been an absolute joy. Thanks for being a part of it and I hope the book's going well. x

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  13. Wow, so much good advice and interesting opinions. When I started blogging, and I am definitely a newbie in the group, I thought I would do two posts a week. But my posts are admittedly long, I don't know how to have short conversations either, not with my closest friends and so I have settled in to "write and publish when I can." Sometimes it is once a week or every week or so, depending on what is happening in life and with other commitments. (Not fully retired yet, maybe next year?) I have not given up hope of publishing a book of stories that I need to get down to editing, but all of it, the book and blogging come from a desire to tell stories and share them. The amazing people connection is like the icing on the cake to me. I feel that I have made some genuine friends, if only for this time of connecting. I am just grateful for it all. Grateful to you as one of several who welcomed me into this world of midlife blogging, when I was almost out of my 60's. Thanks for sharing your heart here and blessings, Michele

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    1. Hi Michele - I think a lot of us have stories to tell - some have books full, some have blogs full (I'm the latter). I think the generous spirits and the support I've received over the years has made blogging such a joy - I'll never be quoted on Oprah, but what I have is even better.

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  14. I can resonate so much with this topic Leanne. I have absolutely no interest in being the next big thing in blogging’. My little blog began as a place to record my fitness adventures and has now evolved to being about my life in general. To me, the best thing is that I get to connect with other bloggers. Sometimes I see what others are doing and just for a moment think I should do more.Unril I realise what that means. I really don’t have the energy for all the fuss and professionalism. My ordinary blog is about ordinary me and that makes me happy. The quote about super best makes me shudder too. I just couldn’t do it! #lifethisweek

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    1. Hi Jennifer - I'm so glad you get where I'm coming from. I am happy for those who want it all to have it all, but I just don't have that drive in me to be one of them. It takes a lot of work and a lot of investment (time and money) to take blogging to the next level - and I'm happy staying at the level I'm at right now. Surrounded by a supportive and encouraging community of Midlife bloggers and sharing the love - you can't ask for more than that.

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  15. I think it sounds like you're doing the right thing, with what suits you, and I think blogs like yours, with relatable content, are the best. I won't be any blogging queen either, nor would I want to be one. I don't want to be controversial or go viral because it attracts so much negativity, and I want blogging to be a positive experience. I write because I enjoy sharing my thoughts about what I'm interested in or even passionate about, and because of the social part of blogging. I've done everything wrong - changing topics, changing the what and how many times - the last time was this week! But I believe the changes have at least taught me what I want and how I like it best.

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  16. Hi Susanne - I've chopped and changed many things on my blog over the years. I think I've finally found my happy place (at least for now) and I like sharing a variety of things in my posts too - getting stuck in one small area makes me feel a bit stale after a while - so I tend to jump around and write about whatever is on my mind at any given time - it feels more real and authentic to me that way.

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  17. Leanne, you tell it as it is. Your blog is your space and you use it so well. Not afraid to speak up either. I love that I have a blog and can come to this space to meet and share with others. It's been over 10 years now and I have no real stats. I looked at your 1 million plus numbers & go woah! But your blog has been read and shared widely and I attribute that to your connectivity and desire to say what you think.Thanks so much for linking up for Life This Week, reading the post on Knowing by my husband Bernard and for your kind words. He tells me, despite earlier thoughts, that he would like another go at this blog thing sometime this year. Looking forward to seeing your post for Share Your Snaps (optional of course!) next Monday, 17 May 2021. Denyse

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    1. Hi Denyse - I'd love to read another one of Bernard's posts. Ross has written for me a couple of times, but really doesn't enjoy it - he puts too much thought into the process (I just hammer out whatever's in my head!) Thanks for your kind words about my blog - that's what I love is how we all encourage each other. I actually leave that stats counter on my page to remind me that it's not just me who reads my blog! x

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  18. When I decided to (finally) start my blog, I read everything there was about how to set it up and start but everything I read was about monetizing it as quickly as possible. That was not my reason to start and keep on blogging and I remember searching for "blogging for free". That is when your blog and post (5 reasons to blog for free) popped up. I read your blog ever since. I absolutely, totally relate to this.

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    1. Oh Stella - that's so lovely! I'm glad you found me (it's hard to get found on Google with all the professional SEO users jumping to the head of the queue). I've just found your blog so will be popping over to say Hi and check it out x

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  19. I can definitely relate, Leanne. I started my blog as a way to keep writing...a creative outlet...and a way to connect with others. It has definitely filled that purpose, and I imagine I will keep blogging as long as it does. I confess, I originally had secret dreams that my blog would take off and I'd have hundreds of followers...not a queen exactly, but maybe a princess or a duchess. That didn't happen, but I do enjoy my community, and it's much easier to truly connect and take an interest in their blogs with the numbers I have. As others have commented, once in a while when someone says, "Your blog was just what I needed to read today"...well, that just makes may day.

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    1. Hi Christie - Yes to everything you just wrote! I love it when I feel like I've helped someone through my blog, I love the friendships I've made, I love that it gives me somewhere to sort through my posts, and I'll keep tonking along until it doesn't tick those boxes for me any more. You're right about how different it would be with millions of views - much harder to create a community - and SO much more pressure!

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  20. I blog because I want to get some of my thoughts out. Unlike writing for a publication, here I can be informal, and write what I want.

    Blogging is also a good writing exercise for me. Because each time I write, I am exercising my brain.

    Blogging also helps me connect with people in far away places who have very interesting perspectives from which I tend to learn a lot.

    I am not really looking at becoming some celebrity blogger or something on those lines. Nor I have any target in terms of readership.

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    1. Hi Pradeep - I think your blog has a very diverse readership - probably through the connections you made during your AtoZ Challenge participation. I love the international connections too - people who we'd never have met or known have become part of our community - it's an amazing thing when you think about it - and so rewarding.

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  21. Read this, left with but one question in regards to blogging that I didn't see... Do YOU enjoy it? In the end, that's what it boils down to. If you enjoy it... that is, if it brings you joy, then who cares about the rest, right. I hope you have a blessed week. ~ Shalom, Bear

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    1. Yes it's definitely about whether it brings joy or not. As soon as it becomes a chore, or if I don't "feel like it" anymore, then I'll know it's time to change. Taking the pressure off and not trying to compete makes a huge difference IMHO.

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  22. Writing is my way of expressing myself. I have had similar thoughts about blogging. It does take a LOT of time and energy to build a huge following and then you have to check in on other blogs all the time. I have done A-Z twice and decided I did not want to be so consumed by it. I do like a smaller writing community as well.

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    1. Hi Deborah - I did the A to Z two or three times and enjoyed it, but man it was hard work! I haven't done it for years because it's just too much these days. I like the size of my blog and my community - it's a "just right" fit for me, and the idea of trying to manage something much bigger makes me a little bit tired just thinking about it :)

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  23. I have been blogging for nearly 5 years and its been slow and steady. I was so excited when I got 100 followers lol....then 500 etc etc...I will never be one who gets paid for their writing but thats ok. If one person reads my posts then thats fine. Im happy....

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    1. Hi Bree, I feel the same way. I remember back at the beginning when I saw that my post had been viewed 50 times and I was gobsmacked. Things escalated from there and then settled down to a steady flow that feels good. I like that I'm not under any pressure to produce content or to keep up with too many others. I'm happy just tootling along at my own happy pace too.

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  24. The reason I'll never be a blogging queens is because I don't have the focus required and ramble all about the place. My blog is my voice & I don't ever want to compromise that by being someone else.

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    1. Exactly Jo! It's impossible to maintain that authenticity if you become gigantic. People start employing others to be their voice and I just can't imagine that.

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  25. Hi Leanne, I'd enjoy sitting and chatting this through. I too did not want to blog as a means of engaging the whole world with my thoughts. I understand what you saying and I'm in a similar space. I've wanted to write creatively for almost as long as I can recall, but never found my way to REAL publishing and still wonder about that world and if I'd fit, etc. etc. What I did find is: 1) I mostly like to write to entertain, surprise and best of all make people laugh. 2) Building an audience in any format takes work and time and blogging is no different. I'd love to have hundreds of views each day, but my ability to produce deserving content and the potential audience I have access to simply don't add up to such numbers. 3) Blogging to earn each readers time is good for me. It makes me pay attention to my grammar, spelling, techniques and delivery. I find myself crafting stories that use certain devices because I love to read writers who use such devices.

    So, I like to think of myself and my blogging as different from others. I don't use my blog as a diary because I'm not that interesting but prefer to think of myself as creating and curating a collection of stories that have a wide appeal (if not yet, an audience). This made me format my blog to be something like a literary museum where folks could follow to hear about new additions or visit randomly and wander the menu isles checking out stories that might appeal.

    It's different, I know and my readership is growing slowly but best of all, I know I'm a better writer for trying to deserve each reader and view.

    Thanks for a fun topic to digest.
    I hope you and your family are healthy and loving life.

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    1. Hi Gary - I love how blogging is different for all of us, and that we've figured out ways to make it work for the long haul. I read statistics a long time ago on how many blogs start and then dwindle rapidly away - it was a huge number. So, those of us who are still going and who enjoy what we do are obviously getting it right somewhere. I also think that when you start changing things to try to attract a larger audience you can lose your uniqueness and your voice - a bit like the IG "influences" who all start to look and sound the same.
      I'm holding strong on writing my way (as you obviously are too) and engaging with people who enjoy thinking about similar things - and that's enough for me.

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  26. Hi Leanne, I'm glad you're doing what works for you and enjoy the blogging journey and connections along the way. I blog for leisure fun. My blog is not for earning an income or fame. It's ad-free and award-free. No plan to join AtoZ challenge. I write a post once a week and appreciate the blogging connections. Thank you for linking with #WeekendCoffeeShare.

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    1. Hi Natalie - I've found that once a week is enough for me too. Your link party would have added an extra dimension I'm sure (I know MLSTL definitely introduced me to a lot of new friends along the way). I doubt I'd ever do the AtoZ again - SO much work!

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  27. Hi Leanne, For me, blogging was never about being a blogging queen. I mostly write to express my ideas. I certainly appreciate a small group of readers and love that I have made friends with people around the world. Lately I am feeling like I've run out of things to say, so I am blogging a bit less and trying to decide if I will continue. I've read that blog reading is down, which makes me sad. Blogging got me through many transitions in y life and helped me sort through where I wanted to go with my life next. For that I will always be grateful!

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    1. Hi Michele - I could have written your words! And I'm in a very similar place to you atm. Blogging was a godsend for me during difficult times, and I love the connections too, but I feel like it's less than what it used to be and I'm not sure how much longer we'll all be doing it for.
      I'm also feeling a desire to connect into my "real" life more and be online less - face to face interactions are something I need to cultivate more of in the days ahead - not allowing myself to become a stay at home recluse (which can be very tempting!)

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  28. This was so good Leanne. I feel the same way...I'm just a happy hobby blogger...since I VA for a few bloggers I kind of see what they have to do to be successful and make money and I'm like "sheesh" maybe if I had tried that route years ago, but not now. I've been enjoying doing what I'm doing, finding new blogs to read and things to participate in If I get followers great, if I don't, well, it's okay, it's my online journal of sorts. I always enjoy what you write.

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    1. Hi Kirstin - I think bloggers who use VA's have definitely figured out how to make blogging work for them as more than a hobby, but I just can't imagine it (or handing over part of my blog to someone else - or having so much social media interaction!) I'm feeling a real draw towards making blogging less important in my life - it's slowly reduced down and I think it will reduce more in the days ahead - so that I can invest more energy in real life (something I've been a bit slack about since covid gave me an excuse to stay home!)

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  29. Nope, not at all! Any time I think of even making money with my blog or trying to make my space bigger and better I realize I start taking all the fun right out of it. I enjoy blogging for the community and having a creative outlet but I don't want to make my hobby become my job.

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    1. I keep coming back to the fact that blogging is my hobby too Joanne. I want it to be one of many things I enjoy doing, and not something that takes up too much headspace or causes me stress. I like the freedom of writing what's on my mind and letting it just flow as I write - blogging queens don't get that privilege because they have to keep producing a product - very stressful indeed!

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  30. You have voiced what so many bloggers are thinking. Your post makes bloggers feel comfortable with how they really feel. We will feature your post to help other bloggers, in the next Blogger's Pit Stop.
    Kathleen

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    1. That's lovely Kathleen - thank you, and it was exactly how I intended my post to be read and received x

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  31. You are on point for what most bloggers are thinking. Hopefully you are seeing that you do matter and are making a place for yourself in Blog Land! Love it!
    Missy @midlifemargartias

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    1. Hi Missy - thanks for your kind compliment. I think that we all carve out our little niche if we perservere long enough - but the idea of carving out a big notch and the cost that comes with it has certainly lost its appeal over the years!

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  32. I am so with you on that. You have a wonderful blog. As for me, my blog is the one way I am creative in life with no restrictions. I make no money from blog and don't expect to. I enjoy the people I have met through blogging and I really don't want to the next big thing. I like being the small hidden fish in the pond.

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    1. Hi Patrick - there's a lot to be said for being a small hidden fish - we all seem to have drifted into a lovely area of the pond - where we're happy, writing, sharing, and supporting each other, you can't really beat that can you? Thanks for your very kind words and your ongoing visits :)

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  33. I enjoyed reading this, Leanne. I have been happily blogging for about 10 years now and like you, I've seen so many bloggers disappear. It makes me sad to go back to some of my early posts and read the comments, because so many aren't around any more. I don't think I ever had ideas to be a blogging queen, so I haven't been disappointed. haha! I've really enjoyed it and continue to, as it stretches me, and I meet so many nice people. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.

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    1. Hi Pam - yes I've seen so many bloggers come and go too - and I miss some of them. It feels like you lose a friend when someone fades aways from the blogosphere. I'm not sure what the future of blogging holds, but I hope there will still be some of us around to share in it :)

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