Often as bloggers, we have a lot of social media accounts. Between these and our blog stats, we are always looking at numbers. How many people viewed this post? How many people commented or shared it? Are my numbers up or down? Numbers can be depressing at times as we compare with others we see around us.
I’m always writing, but I’m not always submitting my work. Sometimes I don’t have the emotional energy to figure out where one article will fit best, or I don’t need more rejections and stress in my life. But I want to be published beyond my blog. So eventually I have to step out of my comfort zone and start submitting again.
I’ve been going through a spell of not doing much in the way of submitting and have been doing less writing as the kids are out of school and it’s harder to squeeze in that time, and it’s just a more stressful time for me. (Thank goodness for having a well stocked folder of scheduled pieces!)
As I have pondered this time of less writing and submitting, of slow growth, I have felt jealousy at times for not having as big of following as some of my writing friends. I have wondered if this is really what I want to do (and it is!). I’ve tortured and guilted myself for not being good enough. Not trying hard enough. (Have I mentioned that most writer’s are always fighting impostor syndrome?)
What I have found during this introspection, is that it’s not the numbers, growth of my blog or social media presence. It’s not the acceptance of publication of articles. It’s the writing and connections that really matter to me.
Writing what I have found to be true or helpful, which may help others, sharing information I have, building a community and finding those that are struggling and letting them know they are not alone. That is what matters to me with this thing I call writing and blogging. I may never see a Washington Post or New York Times byline. I may never publish those books that I have tumbling about in my brain. I may never write a post that goes viral- which frankly is part good writing and telling a story, and part sheer luck.
But none of this is going to keep me from writing, sharing and reaching out. Because in doing this, I found the real me. And it’s taken me 40 years to find that “me”. I’m not letting her go.
It is great that you found your real self. I look forward to seeing what parts you share with us.
Thank you.
This definitely resonates with me. It’s tough, especially starting out. I’ve had ups and downs surrounding this whole blogging thing, but like you say, at the end of the day, it’s about having a voice, putting something out there that’s creative and hopefully helpful to others and the rest doesn’t matter so much.
Amen! Thanks for stopping by.
I too look at my numbers and feel let down. I try not to and just focus on God and what His will is for my writing life. If you put Him first, He will deliver your message to those that need it the most. I know we all want those big numbers and that is okay too. Just rest in faith that God will work in your writing life if you are diligent to put Him first. Thanks so much for joining us on the #LMMLinkup this week.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for your words of wisdom.
I would love to write a book but simply don’t have time and all my ideas will disappear! I love writing my blog as I feel it has given me a chance to be me and find my voice. Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging
All my ideas get written down on my WordPress app on my phone so I don’t forget them. Then when I have time I can come back to them. Thanks for stopping by and reading!
I think the main key is to keep writing for you and make sure you still enjoy it. If you lose interest, it will be obvious in the writing and then its just a chore. It doesnt matter how often posts are published, just as long as they’re true to the writer!
Thanks for sharing this with us at #TriumphantTales, look forward to seeing you back next week!
Popping back from #twinklytuesday
Thanks for stopping by and reading. I really appreciate it.
Obsessing over numbers can be an easy trap to fall into and can really lead to a falling off in motivation. I try to remind myself that the number of people that come across and read any particular post is sometimes a bit arbitrary and not a reflection of the work itself. Some of the posts I’m most proud of very few people read and I had some that surprised me with the number of people that saw them. Its important to keep a clear head and remember why we started in the first place. #happynow
SO true. I wrote a simple one about our service dog. Nothing earth shattering and it got a ton of traffic.
Oh wow, I’m not alone… sometimes this is what we need to know. I’m not alone when I feel like I must be doing something wrong. Why don’t I have as many followers as that girl or why don’t I have people stopping by every day instead of once in a blue moon! Sometimes it gets really depressing because a person works so hard at it & then some fly by night swings by & takes it all away from you. I would like to pass the word that there are two hackers out there, and so far they got two of my social cites. There names are Michael & Brandon. Yes, I found out who they are & they stole my Instagram & You Tube & I’m working diligently to get them back & keep them and all my other cites. CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS & make it hard for them & use small case & capital & different signs such as *$#@! etc… use them instead of letters like for a small L use the number one for a zero the letter O. They think it’s a game, but we’ve worked to hard & too long for some kid to swipe up our info & hard work. The very best to you & I shall be back & put you on my to do list. I’ve been at it 10 yrs. & I won’t let that go to waste! GOOD LUCK my new friend! Stick at it cuz you got company!!! hugs… hugs r the best medicine in town!
Wow! I’m SO sorry you’ve had to experience that. That’s truly awful! I have another writer friend who had to shut down all social media and her blog due to a stalker. Some people are truly horrible.
Wishing you the best as you rebuild.
Man, I so feel you on this one! Am I making a difference, does what I write matter to anyone? Am I reaching others for Christ? I look at the numbers and worry that maybe I am just not cut out for this, not good enough. But when I write, I find… Honestly, I can not even describe it. Joy maybe? I love writing, and I love blogging! And will continue until I am very sure that this is not where God wants me.
Thanks for sharing and for linking up @LiveLifeWell!
Blessings,
Amy
Those are my feelings as well.
Calleen – So very true – Writers … write! Don’t lose sight of that or the gift God has placed in you! Comparison is so hard, but don’t allow it to steal your joy, it will keep trying. It is so hard to stay focused on our own lanes at times and not look around. I know this all too well. Blessings to you my writing friend. Remember the season you are in too. You have kids, they are home for the summer and this season will pass and you will write more again and who knows, what doors of opportunity God will and can open to you as you walk in obedience down the road you are on right now. Blessings and thank you for linking up with #TuneInThursday this past week.
Thank you so much for your kind supporting words!
I loved your post! A refreshing read. Writing and building connections and being part of a community is great isn’t it?
Don’t let rejection get you down! Have you looked into self publishing your books that are tumbling out? (When I’ve got time I may)
#MixitUp
I have a little bit. Right now I’m working on my query letter to try the traditional route first for one I am in the process of polishing. If I don’t find anyone to take it I may try self publishing but I wanted to try the traditional route first and gain experience.
Thanks for stopping by and reading!
Ah yes, sometimes it’s best to forget the followers and Social Media and just write for yourself. It’s much more satisfying than selling your soul for exposure.
#mixitup
Agreed!
So important to find yourself and know what you want from blogging Thank you for linking to #Thatfridaylinky please come back next week
Thanks for reading and stopping by!
I shut down one of my blogs because I just needed to step away and re-evaluate everything. I felt like I couldn’ get away from writing to tell instead of to share. When I worried about numbers (which were miniscule anyway), I told words. I didn’t want that anymore. So, I have started fresh and hope to connect with other sharing bloggers. We need to stick together to keep blogging about people. Thanks for this post!
Thanks for stopping by and reading. I’m trying to balance the desire to reach more people with my words and writing what really matters. And at the end of the day what really matters is why I’m writing. Good for you, taking a step back and reevaluating.
I started obsessing over numbers and I found it to numb who I was and my voice. If you know what I mean. I started criticising every aspect of my writing (as most writers do!) and not going ahead with ideas as I thought it wouldn’t actually be any good, or good enough to go viral. Comparing yourself to others can be the death of your blog or your writing career. You’ve got to write for you, above all. #thatfridaylinky
Agreed. And like I said, going viral is part good writing and part sheer luck. For some of us luck takes a while to strike.
I don’t even have those numbers but I know whomever needs to read my blog does, I’m happy if it is 10 or 50, I’d be ecstatic with more, I don’t sell anything, just freely share His love.
Yes, just stay away from the numbers. (I say as I am going to click on my stats next.) I really need to take it off my phone but I use it to write down 3/4 of my posts. I would be far less efficient. So I’m stuck with the temptation to view my stats.
I started looking at numbers too, but found it to be a totally counterproductive exercise.
Thus, I asked myself the following question;
Do I want numbers or do I want to reach an audience who finds my writing & experience inspiring & encouraging in their own lives.
I came to the second conclusion. I love to write & that is what I will continue to do for an interactive audience…no more looking at numbers! Because that’s all numbers are…. numbers!
Jennifer
All it takes is touching one person, and sometimes the writing isn’t even for anyone else but just for us.
I honestly find what you say to be insightful, helpful, funny, amazing, and sometimes maddening. Because of you; I get the joy of knowing that “I’m all right; the world is all wrong”. When scenarios in my life get downright crazy; when I just want to break down; sit in my blanket fort and cry. I have learned that I am not alone. I am thankful that you have some incredible insights to simple issues (you give some serious helpful advice that I wouldn’t have thought of) and yet; you manage to keep an open mind to new ideas/suggestions yourself. Don’t stop what you are doing. Because you finding you…is helping me…find me. Thank you 🙂
What beautiful words. Thank you Shannon! ❤️❤️❤️
This resonates with me so much right now! I recently set up Google Analytics and started to think about monetizing my site. I tend to get lost in the bigger picture before taking the steps to build my writing career one piece at a time but I need to slow down and just enjoy the writing- which is what my passion truly is! Great post!
Thanks! It’s a constant struggle to keep your eyes on the real reason we’re writing.