Blogging isn't for the fainthearted
Posted on by Debbie

Blogging is not for the fainthearted!

A blogging story…..

P.R.E.P.

The pressure to post

Of keeping it real

Maintaining the enthusiasm and enjoyment

Affected his positivity in the end.

Blogging isn't for the fainthearted
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

This is the story of a blogger, no-one you know…or maybe you do know him/her!

He started out blogging for fun, a creative outlet and as a form of therapy.

But the PRESSURE to POST got to him.

The need to keep it REAL and RELEVANT was hard work.

The ENTHUSIASM and ENJOYMENT slowly drained away leaving him stressed and feeling EMASCULATED.

But it was the PEOPLE who responded, who urged him on with their POSITIVE messages, showed him that it was worth continuing with his POSTING schedule. It showed him that people did read his writings and so his PURPOSE was reestablished.

Blogging is not for the fainthearted

It’s a minefield out there.  It’s like riding a roller coaster at times. There’s all the social media to keep up with, the writing, reading and engaging with other bloggers, the learning of new skills and keeping it all together.

The writer’s blocks, the wondering if it’s all worthwhile, the overthinking, the well meaning blogging advice and the promoting of oneself…..

But then there’s the friendly comments, the inspiring posts, the funny stories, the vicarious travelling, the brilliant photos and the sharing….

Why do we do it?

Why do you do it?

Can you relate to this story? Tell me about it in a comment, I’m really interested in what you think.

PREP – but not as you know it!

You have your own blog? Your life must be all kinds of fascinating.
You have your own blog?

Lorna’s Ginspired Writing Prompt 

This week’s writing prompt from Lorna, has the prompt of PREP – but I’ve used it in a whole different way than what she was expecting! I’m really enjoying stretching my brain and doing something different on a regular basis.  Feel free to join in each week 🙂

You can see my week by week attempts here:

Week #6 Crossed Wires

Week #5  Puzzling through – Life 10 things that puzzle me

Week #4 – People watching and celeb spotting

Week #3 resulted in one of my all time favourite posts –  Far away from home as she knew it  

Week #1 was the first writing and photo challenge, A sepia toned fall memory and I wrote a short creative piece –  A New World Order as Autumn takes over

Please let me know what you think of my response to this prompt.  I always enjoy hearing from you and appreciate you joining the conversation.

Deb xx

Feel free to pin this post:

Blogging is not for the fainthearted - read more at www.Debs-World.com

You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.

Click here to contact me 

77 Replies to “Blogging is not for the fainthearted!”

  1. I blog because I have an insatiable drive to share and encourage. Sometimes it goes well – sometimes not. I could not stop writing – just like I could not stop breathing!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Lovely to hear from you Christine and I like your reasons for blogging. I think encouraging others is a big one and I applaud you for that. I enjoy writing but at times it’s hard to do the other stuff that goes with it.

      Like

      Reply

  2. I so get this message Deb! I’ve been reconsidering the whole blogging thing recently. The ideas and the writing are the easy part, except the things I want to write about are not necessarily the things which Google in particular thinks are worthwhile. It’s the marketing and promoting that takes so long, and takes away from the creative spirit and output. So hard, so much time.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I hear you Jo, but would encourage you to continue on. We don’t want to all leave the blogosphere on mass! I enjoy your post but understand the effort that goes into it all. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on the subject, I appreciate it.

      Like

      Reply

  3. Every time I think about not blogging, I realize I blog for me. That urge, no, itch to write, to share. It won’t go away until scratched. But I do feel the frustration of wondering why I bother when so few comment. At times, I get more comments on the post in Facebook when the blog is shared. Looking back, my first couple of years I had a lot more commenters. I still get traffic, but even when I ask a question at the end…nada. But still I blog…

    #MLSTL visitor (shared on SM)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad to hear from you Donna. You sound like me, that urge to share and create something. Comments are getting sparser and I wish I knew the answer to make it better for us bloggers but I don’t! I enjoy commenting and hearing from others so I’ll continue on for a while longer! Thanks for your shares too 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  4. I’ve never found blogging difficult. I always have something I want to share or write about. What I find difficult is promoting my blog. Having to take the time to share a post and get it out there.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I know what you mean Amy! Self promotion is hard work and goes against my grain. I don’t find blogging too difficult either, I just enjoy myself as much as possible. Thanks for joining in!

      Like

      Reply

  5. You hit the nail on the head, Deb. I’m not exactly sure what I thought blogging would be like when I first started, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t this. It’s more rewarding and much more difficult than I expected. I’m constantly reevaluating whether what I am doing is of value–to myself and others. As everyone has acknowledged, it takes a real investment of time, emotional energy, and effort. So far, the connections I’ve made and the encouragement I’ve received are worth that investment. I also like to think someone somewhere has benefited in some small way from something I’ve shared. It’s hard to say. #MLSTL

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Christie, I really appreciate you sharing your experience here. Your posts always have benefit to others! And I must tell you I received my gift in the mail last week, thanks so much! Keep blogging on!

      Like

      Reply

  6. Well! Judging from all the comments, this certainly hit the right note – and I’m actually relieved to read that so many are feeling this way. It’s something that’s really been on my mind lately (and I’m writing about it in a couple of weeks). I think I’m hitting the wall with blogging – not enough to crash and burn, but enough to bounce off the brickwork and reconsider what blogging means to me and why I’m doing it. I think my enthusiasm is waning a bit and I want to get off the internet more. There’s just so much involved in keeping the cogs turning and I know how your imaginary blogger in the post feels! Great post Deb and thanks for sharing it on MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes Leanne, it does appear that I have hit the right note with this post! It’s a hard slog at times as we all know and it doesn’t hurt to stop and reevaluate what we’re doing and why sometimes. I know what you mean about getting off the internet and I have made myself do just that since being home from my big trip. There is a huge amount involved in keeping things going and although I enjoy it all still, I find myself wondering if I really need to be doing it. I love the connections and will probably keep going for a while longer but like you, I’m constantly thinking about it. I hope you do continue on, you have such wisdom and great advice to offer. I don’t actually give any advice or help anyone, so I often wonder what I’m actually doing!! Thanks so much for your comment and for sharing my post. I really appreciate all you and Sue do in the group for us and would miss you heaps if you stopped blogging 😦

      Like

      Reply

  7. Hi Debbie – Thank you so much for your posts and sharing at SeniorSalon and your continued support.
    Blogging, fun, entertaining, reading of other bloggers stories and then also meeting up, which I have had the honor to do, and some more soon, of fellow bloggers in person. WOW, I never knew this would be possible, but I just love this blogging and interaction with cyberfriends. Tweeted your post

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Esme, I get what you mean and love blogging too but at times it can become a bit overwhelming! I have met some fab bloggers around the world and consider them my friends. I’m so glad to have your comment and thanks very much for sharing my post 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  8. Hey Debbie, There are many times in the past 2 years when I’ve wondered if I’ll continue blogging. When the topics run dry and the time spent reading and commenting seems to take over life living. Then I remember the supportive people I’ve met virtually and the inspiration I’ve received. And I come back. I ease off sometimes in commenting, miss a week or 2 of posting. And try not to beat myself up with what anyone thinks I “should” do.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m with you Pat, it’s the people you meet and connect with along the way that makes it something to continue going on with. I think we all have moments when we want to chuck it away but a break can be useful to recharge our batteries. I agree with you, I often have a week or so off reading blogs, or not commenting and it feels OK to do so. Thanks for joining in with the conversation, it’s been really good hearing from so many other bloggers!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. Your PREP is spot on! The pressure we put on ourselves! Blogging is SO time consuming! We keep doing it though because it gets under our skin and we love it! I ease off now and then when I know I need a break and then come back even more inspired and full of ideas. I have had to reduce how often I post though … and guess what … the world didn’t stop and the wheels didn’t fall off my blogging life. It was ok! 🙂 xo

    Like

    Reply

    1. I know exactly what you mean! we think the world will fall apart if we miss a week or two but it doesn’t at all! I need to take breaks as well, when I get a bit overwhelmed by it all, but other times I’m so enthusiastic with ideas galore and just go for it! Thanks so much for your comments. We’re a weird bunch 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  10. Hi Debbie – I’m learning from your wisdom. I took a simple approach to blogging, i.e it’s for fun and it’s one of the many leisure activities that I enjoy. It seems to work for me so far. #MLSTL

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks very much Natalie! I’m not used to dishing out the wisdom 🙂 but I’ll take it. Blogging should be simple and we need to bring the fun back into it 🙂 . Thanks for visiting from #mlstl

      Like

      Reply

  12. Looks like you struck a good chord here with your fellow bloggers, Debby! I was clueless when I first started blogging, but then the more I researched, the more crazy I became. It wasn’t sustainable…even went so far as to self-host, but went back to WP dot com for a variety of reasons. I know blogging is all about the community and the relationships forged. I blog once a week for the Sunday Stills challenge and love it just like this!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Terri, it does seem that I have struck a chord doesn’t it? It’s an interesting topic that has a lot of people thinking about why they blog and how to make it work for them. I’m glad we can have these conversations. I enjoy my schedule and try not to over think things anymore or push myself too hard. I enjoy what I do now, just like you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. I think most bloggers can relate to this, Debbie. Been there, done it, and got the teeShirt, so to speak. When the enjoyment and fun goes out of blogging, it’s time to sit back and think about why we came to blogging in the first place. It’s why I believe that comments are far more important than the number of hits our blogs get. Without the comments, my blog could still get thousands of hits, but how many of those ‘hits’ were readers who actually stopped and read my posts? Without the comments, we truly do not know.
    As for a posting schedule, I think we have to go with what suits us best. And we need never have to apologise for not publishing posts.
    Great subject.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I know you’ve been through all this before Hugh and I seem to have been there at least once during my blogging journey! I agree that comments are far more important than any other numbers. I learnt from you not to apologise for not publishing posts. Thanks so much for reading and more importantly, your comment. I really appreciate your input and sensible approach which has helped me throughout the years.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. Great post and so relatable!
    Yes, there is the pressure of getting a post out, for me, I try to publish each week. It’s easy to get into the “why am I doing this” mode, but then you receive such positive comments and this keeps you going…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. Deb about 18 months ago I was in the thick of these feelings. I knew I had to make some changes or I would pack it in. So I went to posting once a week, don’t do all the writing myself and although I’d like to don’t visit as many blogs as frequently as I used to. It’s made a world of difference for me. Oh yes and only once a week on Instagram. That helped a lot too. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You are always a great role model to me Sue and I love reading your posts. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the subject and how you too have been through this. I’m feeling fine and enjoying the amount of blogging I manage to do these days. It’s at my pace and that’s just how I like it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. Sorry im so new im not sure what PREP stands for.. but as a very new blogger, i am finding myself frequently checking my stats, getting excited by a like or comment or a new follower. Then im getting upset about the quantity of visitors and likes.. questionning myself, can i really do this? do people really like what im reading? then as you say the pressure to post. ive been posting daily as school holidays, when back at work I am going to try but dont want my blog to become boring. My blog is based around my kids and they dont annoy me everyday.. well not enough for an interesting relatable blog entry.. so yes i agree with what you have said. I also lack alot of confidence and i started my blog to help this. the Likes and nice comments really help my confidence.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much for reading my post and for your comment. I agree it’s hard, not just in the beginning either! Confidence is something that comes and goes with me although I’m feeling pretty good at the moment. I can’t post daily, and usually only manage once or twice a week. It’s a matter of finding what suits you best. I try not to obsess over the stats and just write for myself now and hopefully others will find it enjoyable, but if not I’m fine with that. It’s amazing what does go well, usually it’s something you don’t think will and I’m always surprised! All the best for your blogging journey, it is fun as long as we don’t burn ourselves out.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. That’s great to hear! I agree about the confidence, I’m also more likely to experiment with my blogging these days as I feel more supported than in the early days. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

      Like

      Reply

  22. You are a very supportive blogger to know Deb, and we are lucky to have quite a few blogging friends in common that are all supportive in their own way. Now I need to go and get some sleep after 2 days of travel!! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. Nice response to the prompt Debbie, my bad that I missed this one. But going back to your post, yes I agree with you completely, as there are ample opportunities and situations for every blogger to get out of steam sometimes, and that’s because blogging is not easy, it’s back breaking work. And it takes all the encouragement you need to give to yourself to come out of it and get going. That’s where we all are the same more or less 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  24. It’s true that just a kind word here and there and engagement with others even though they / we are strangers, keeps it fun and worthwhile…I think. 🤔 My problem is too many ideas and not enough time to get it all down.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. A very creative take on this prompt Deb, you certainly are stretching yourself. As for me, as much as I love my blogging, life and family is taking the front seat at the moment as I deal with other issues. But I love that my blog is always there in the background, along with all the other amazing bloggers, and friends, like yourself in our community. I don’t ever want to see it as hard work and pressure and am trying to just enjoy it when I can. xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Miriam. I can understand your situation and as you say your blog is always there in the background when you can get back to it. You have an amazing community behind you and I always love reading your posts. Take care x

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  26. I can relate, Deb! I have been examining my goals recently, and working on improving my writing with a writing coach. Suddenly in the midst of this, I realize how much pressure I’ve put on myself to produce a post every week. I am in the throes of evaluating this practice as I work harder with my coach to produce higher quality work. It feels wonderful to give myself permission to not publish every single week no matter what.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  27. Debbie this is all so true!! But don’t forget the quizzical faces of people when you say you’re are a blogger 😂 and their contorted faces as you try to explain what a blogger is 😂 I’ve gone from being frustrated by this to actually thinking it’s fun! Great post!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Oh yes, those looks!! It is a fun time trying to explain to some people what it is we actually do 😂 thanks for your comment, it means a lot to me to have great blogging friends all over the world.

      Like

      Reply

  28. What a very timely post! After some hiccups on the home front, I had a break for a few weeks and it’s been very hard to get back into it and what I’ve found is that it’s ok to post just a couple of times a week. I was doing it every day of the week and taking so long doing it because I always wanted it to be perfect. It was quite honestly taking up too much time. I think, I Hope, that I’ve found a better place now, a happy medium perhaps whereby there’s a little more balance. 🤞 Katie x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed my post Katie. It’s hard to get the balance right sometimes and you just have to do what suits you best at the time. I can’t blog everyday and I take my hat off to those who can. I hope you’ve found a happy medium too. Thanks for your comment 😊

      Like

      Reply

  29. Oh Deb you have captured blogging perfectly. I don’t know what it is about the self-imposed pressure we place on ourselves and we all seem to do it. I ‘ve just returned from a three week blogging and social media hiatus and it was so liberating. I’ve come back enthusiastic with ideas but with a different attitude. The love and support from my blogging friends who welcomed me home has reinforced the main reason I blog – to connect with beautiful people like you! Thank you for your friendship and support of my blog which is truly appreciated. xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks Sue, we all seem to have the same problems don’t we?? Pressure we put on ourselves can dampen any enthusiasm we may have. I’m glad you enjoyed your break and came back with some insights on how to stay feeling relaxed and not get overwhelmed with it all. I too love the friends I have made and it keeps me going at times. xx

      Like

      Reply

        1. Thanks Sue, life is good. I’m so glad my post has had so much impact! We all seem to be struggling with similar things. Good for you, no pressure from anyone, even ourselves! x

          Like

    1. Oh Donna, you are always so supportive and I love getting your positive and encouraging comments. I think many of us feel this way from time to time but we rarely seem to say it out loud!! It just seemed to be where my mind wanted to take me, as I was contemplating the prompt. You know that feeling?? Thank you so much for your blogging friendship which I truly value 💕

      Like

      Reply

Let's keep the conversation going...

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Blog at WordPress.com.