I’m having a little bit of a mopey Sunday and thinking about how I’m already starting to fail my book blogging goals for the year. I started writing my feelings down in my journal in order to help process my thoughts and look for a solution to improve my mood. I figured I might not be the only blogger having these insecurities so sharing might help us to vent and heal a little bit. These are some of my (slightly negative) feelings on my book blogging journey and place in the wider community.

I can read large portions of books if I want to but it diminishes the quality of my reading. I’ve noticed this a few times over the years and it came up again with my recent reading of Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. I sped through the book in just a few days in order to avoid being spoiled by social media and also by my bestie who had been listening to the audiobook while at work (very jealous, honestly). Rushing it definitely hindered my enjoyment of the book, I feel like I didn’t give myself enough time to really get to know young Haymitch. Even a week after finishing it I’ve forgotten quite a few chunks of the story. Before reviewing it I’m probably going to reread it again. I don’t want to put out a crappy review because I can’t remember important details.

Because of this happens when I rush books, I opt to read my books much slower than the average book blogger and it shows in my monthly TBRs and wrap ups. I just can’t get through more than 2 to 3 novels a month. For the regular hobby reader 2 to 3 books a month is pretty good going but sometimes I feel like I’m failing as a blogger as I’m not putting out review after review like the rest of the community.

My writing isn’t great

My written English was never that great at school and I struggled sometimes with written assignments. At Uni my professors told us not to stress about grammar or fancy writing, they just wanted us to show we understood the science in our assignments. At the time I was thankful for this but now I wish they’d put a little emphasis on it and forced me to get better. I started blogging in hopes it would improve my writing by giving me opportunity to practice. It’s definitely improved over the last few years but I worry my reviews could be a lot more elegant in execution. I still struggle to get the thoughts from my brain and onto the page.

Lack of consistency

Life, er, gets in the way? At the beginning of the year I planned to post at least once a week (a goal I’ve had since starting this blog 7 years ago) but I’ve already failed that. Between work and Uni and not reading enough I either haven’t got the time to write blog posts or when I do my mental energy is completely zapped. I want to stay engaged with the blogging community properly, so I need to be a little better with my organisational going forward.

I’m not friendly enough

I’ve made a few friends over the years through blogging (which I am very thankful for) but I worry I don’t come across as approachable enough here. I started blogging to meet and make new bookish friends, both online and off. I go to book events but am too shy to talk to new people, online I’m awful at responding to comments or being online enough to foster new friendships.

If you’ve got any tips on these please let me know. I really want to make 2025 my best blogging year so far and give back to the community I’ve loved for so long.

~ Alice 🖤