If I had to sum up 2017 in one sentence, ‘a change is as good as a rest’ would be it. I’ve changed more this year than I remember doing in the previous. Both personally (moving out and meeting someone) and professionally (getting a new job), the change I’ve gone through has been nothing short of restorative. The only element of my life it’s impacted negatively is my desire to write.
When I started this blog, I didn’t have much going on and I didn’t know who I was. I only knew I loved to read and I preferred not to really see people. Now, I’ve found a balance between hiding away and experiencing the outside world, and it’s only been a benefit. Where writing filled a void it had suddenly become a chore. And, if I am honest, the more brilliant fiction I’ve read over the years the harder it is to be impressed.
Where does that leave blogging? I’ve hardly blogged this year, I’ve not really wanted to, I’ve just wanted to read. However, I don’t want to stop writing at all. To that end, I’m changing the of Books format to write one good review a month, rather than 1-2 fluff posts a week. A more in-depth review of a book that I might write for somewhere like Shiny New Books. Valuable content, rather than ‘oh god, I should write something’ content. It also means I won’t feel pressured to write about every book I read, and thus, I should read more.
I’ve also changed the of Books layout, because why not.
I know how you feel. It’s hard to balance just wanting to read something with the pressure of having to review it afterwards. I look forward to you reviews so good to hear that you are still going to blog.
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With what I’ve been reading at the moment I just don’t finish them with the need to share anything on them, if that makes sense. I enjoy them, but they often don’t move me to want to discuss them. It’s always reassuring to know I’m not the only one who goes through this. I’m looking forward to getting back into reading reviews again, as I enjoy your reviews as well. 🙂
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I am so pleased to hear that there have been many changes in your life. Even though it has had an impact on your writing, it may just mean you approach it differently, like the format you mentioned. The main thing is that you are happy and doing what is important to you. ?
I hope your 2018 will be filled with lots of positives.
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Me too 🙂 and I completely agree with you
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I’ve been really blocked on blogging lately — I’ve been reading a ton, but I’ve just been struggling to get my thoughts in good order to write about them. I’m hoping in the New Year things straighten themselves out. We’ll see. Either case, it’s lovely to see you around these parts, friend! I miss you when you’re gone!
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I miss you when I’m gone as well! Glad you’ve not had a reading block, I find them worse than a blogging one. But a blogging block isn’t fun. New year, new start as they say. I think 2018 will sort everything out.
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It is always good when life gets in the way of blogging and we find ourselves lacking the time to stare at the computer screen. I’m sure we are all here happy to see fewer reviews if that means you are enjoying your new life, Alice. Here’s to changes and a happy 2018!!!
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That’s so true! Very well put. Hope you’re having a very happy 2018 as well!
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I’m so happy that you will consider continuing to write the occasional review for Shiny New Books Alice, your contributions are much valued by Harriet and I. Glad your life is good though! Happy New Year.
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It’s one of my favourite things to do, I’m so happy to be able to be able to review books for Shiny 🙂 Happy New Year! 🙂
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I found balancing reading versus reviewing books on my blog to be difficult this year, but towards the end, I just reviewed a lot of the books I read on Goodreads instead of going through the hassle of also posting them on my blog. I totally understand what you mean by the “oh gosh, I need to post something” feeling, though; I did have a lot of those.
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It’s such an exhausting feeling, it sucks the fun out of reading feeling you have to do it for the sake of it rather than the fun. I can see why you decided not to review in two places all the time, you’ve got to be able to enjoy what you’re doing 🙂
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I have too changed, but for the better. Everything needs to change in order to grow and I am happy for you!
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I completely agree! Glad you’ve had changes for the better as well 🙂
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