Book Blogger Appreciation Week - Day Five

2/19/2016

This week of book blogger fun is hosted by the Estella Society.

Today's topic is how to avoid burnout in blogging and in reading. I have to start by confessing that I haven't experienced either yet. I've been blogging for almost three years, and although some weeks are harder than others, I haven't felt like I wanted to quit yet. And I've (knock on wood) never had a reading slump. I don't have any secrets to share about avoiding burnout; just a few thoughts about what I do.

I don't accept review copies. I've certainly been tempted to enter that whole aspect of book blogging. But I know myself, and I know that it would create more stress for me than it was worth.
I read what I want to read. I read more newly published books now than I did before book blogging, but I don't force myself to stay up to date with all of the new releases out there. If it looks good, I'll add it to my TBR list. I'll probably read it eventually, but it might be a year or two down the road. And it'll be just as good then as when it was brand new.
I blog about what I want to blog about. I try not to worry about what people want to see or don't want to see on my blog. I blog about what I find interesting. I'm so glad there are people out there who find it interesting too!

So I guess I could sum up my blogging and reading philosophy as "I do what works for me." Low pressure. Keep it fun. So far it has worked, and I can only hope that continues to be true!

22 Comments

Girl with her Head in a Book link

2/19/2016 07:54:17 am

That's an interesting point about review copies - I guess they can add an extra level of stress. Still, I get so excited when I receive any that it makes it worthwhile. It's great whenever I've been able to get a book from an author I love without having to wait for the paperback. But yes, the battle to read what you want to read is a key one with blogging. And doing what works for you is the most important battle of all!

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/21/2016 02:09:43 pm

There are certainly some books I would love to get early as a review copy, but I'm scared to start committing myself. It would be hard to stop! Finding the balance does seem to be the key! :)

Emma link

2/19/2016 08:24:59 am

Yep, reading what you want I believe is the secret recipe here.
I do accept some review copies, but being very picky and giving myself a lot of time, and announcing it to the sender.
I only accept to be part of book tours when I really want to read a book and again, it's schedule far ahead, so that I have no pressure. Review copies is important for me, because I don't have a lot of dough, and books are expensive. I use a lot my library, but that's not always easy with new release (unless, lie for my favorite authors, I know when the book is going to be released, so I keep an eye on my library catalog months ahead and request it as soon as it says they are ordering it - but that's pressure to organize.
I also read a lot of books in translation that are coming from smaller presses. If I get them thru interlibrary loan, usually I can't renew the loan, and they may be fat books! So review copies save me

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/21/2016 02:07:47 pm

There are definitely benefits to review copies. And it sounds like you've found the way to make it work for you - get what you want to read with plenty of time to read it. That's what matters! :)

Jenny @ Reading the End link

2/19/2016 09:21:04 am

Congrats on avoiding burnout so far!! That's awesome that you've found a way of blogging that works so well for you! I'm with you -- I read more new releases than I did before blogging, but I don't feel compelled to keep up with or read everything.

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/21/2016 02:06:26 pm

I really enjoy reading some new releases, which I never used to pay any attention to. I just know I can't read everything, so I don't even try to! :)

Jade @ Reading With Jade link

2/19/2016 10:08:43 am

You're going strong then! It seems as if you have a laid back approach to reading and blogging - which is definitely the best approach!

I don't accept review books either. I did during previous blogs, but not in my new one. I think adds an element of pressure all in itself.

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/21/2016 02:05:02 pm

I love the idea of getting review copies before they hit the shelves. But I don't like the strings that come with that. Laid back is much more fun for me! :)

Katie @ Words for Worms link

2/19/2016 10:45:15 am

It's awesome that you've avoided burnout so far! That's really all it boils down to- finding something that works for you and sticking with it. Way to stick to your guns and manage to avoid the rat race.

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/21/2016 02:03:43 pm

I can only hope that the lack of burnout continues! :)

Priscilla link

2/19/2016 11:06:56 am

I got caught in the ARC wheel a few years ago. Never again! It works well for some people, but I like to follow my feelings when it comes to picking my next book, rather than reading from a list.

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/21/2016 02:03:19 pm

I agree - I prefer to read whatever sounds good next, rather than be stuck to deadlines. :)

Shantala link

2/19/2016 01:05:42 pm

You are right. Reading what we want to, when we want to, ensures that we don't take away the joy from reading. I too, read more new releases now than ever before, but there is no way I can catch up with all of them, and I am quite okay with that. :)

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/21/2016 02:02:41 pm

Sometimes you just have to let it go and enjoy reading whatever you want. :)

Literary Feline link

2/19/2016 01:25:39 pm

Doing what works for you is awesome advice. What works for one person may not for another, and I think that's important for all of us to keep in mind as well.

Although I haven't taken part every day this week, I have enjoyed taking part in BBAW. And I'm so glad you did too! I have enjoyed meeting new-to-me bloggers and reconnecting with old friends.

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/21/2016 02:02:15 pm

That's true - everyone has something a little different that works for them. The secret is to find what works and stick with it.

I'm so glad you visited me this week! BBAW is fun!

Kay link

2/19/2016 03:18:01 pm

I could add a thing. Perfect!

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/21/2016 02:01:22 pm

Thanks, Kay! :)

Shelley link

2/19/2016 06:04:37 pm

Low pressure is the way to go! I love how your quotes change at the top. I am in awe :)

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/21/2016 02:01:04 pm

Aw, thanks! It's definitely more enjoyable when you take the pressure out of it. :)

Joann Downie link

2/21/2016 07:27:25 pm

I agree with alot of what you wrote, I enjoy more books through ARC's and only take on so many at a time, which works for me. Everyone is different and should also do what works for them as well.

Julie @ Smiling Shelves link

2/23/2016 07:42:20 pm

Very true. The secret seems to be exactly that - finding whatever works for you and sticking with it! :)

Book Blogger Appreciation Week - Day Five

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