For a few months now, I've been plotting something dramatic.
No, I'm not shaving my head and joining a cult that worships bacon-wrapped water chestnuts (though if you know of such a cult, I would happily join it).
I've been blogging here every day, Monday through Friday, for two years, two months, one week, and two days. I began a month before my agent landed me a three-book deal for my romantic comedies, and have blogged faithfully through hangovers and perky mornings, through day-job stress and day-job euphoria, through divorce and new romance, through fears of losing my house and the comedy of acquiring two male roommates to pay the mortgage.
I've blogged through writing highs and writing lows, and through the release of two romantic comedies and one active-fiction romantic caper.
This blog has been an incredible outlet for my creative energy, and a chance for me to connect with some of the most amazing readers on the planet. We've supported each other through a lot of crazy stuff, and I'm eternally grateful for all of it.
But I've been teetering on the brink of too many near-missed book deadlines, and I'm slowly beginning to accept that something's got to give if I want to keep my head above water as an author.
Unfortunately, "something" will likely be this blog.
I don't plan to go away entirely, but I do need to cut back. That's where I'd like your input.
I'd prefer to stick with a set schedule, both for my own sanity and for a little predictability for readers. Do you have any preferences?
I'm tentatively kicking around the thought of a twice-weekly, Tuesday & Thursday posting schedule, but I'm open to other ideas. If you want to make a case for Mondays and Wednesdays, or argue that I can't possibly do anything less than three posts a week without losing half my readership, I'm all ears.
I'm also not ruling out the possibility of eventually returning to a daily blogging schedule. That's certainly possible once I feel like I've gained back a little ground on the writing front.
So how about it, guys? Got any input on the schedule? Please share!
And in the spirit of sharing, here's the best bacon-wrapped water chestnut recipe you will ever hope to find. Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(
Atom
)
20 comments :
I'm sticking around no matter what schedule or frequency you decide on. :)
Take it easy and don't burn yourself out.
Don't overexert yourself!
Twice weekly sounds more than reasonable.
Personally, I'd say a Wednesday/Saturday schedule - spreads out the time a little further, but if you're not one for writing on weekends, ignore me.
Do what you've got to do! I'll be here. :) Twice weekly would be awesome--I'm just so impressed that you've kept up the 5-day-a-week schedule. I'm lucky if I can remember to post once a week!
Tawna, I've been wondering when you'd have to cut back! Twice a week is great, and I vote for Tues/Thurs. I've never managed to follow a very regular schedule with my blog, but I can tell you that readership is always low on Sat, nonexistent on Sun, and mostly steady throughout the week as long as I post early enough in the day, which you always do.
Congratulations on being too busy making a living as a writer to keep blogging every day!
Blog whenever you want, I will still be checking in no matter when you blog. Just as long as you keep your amazing books comming (yes,I said comming) do what you need to do.
When I cut back last year, I found Monday-Wednesday to be the best schedule for me. Big Monday rush, laid back Wednesday, and then free time during the rest of the week through the weekend.
No worries about cutting back since I'll read whatever you post whenever you post.
I vote for Monday - Thursday. It spreads it out and leaves your weekends free, and we won't miss out on any weekend crazyness since it will still be fresh in your mind on Monday!!
Well, a writer of your fiber should have no trouble staying regular, right?
Ahem. Anyhow. Five-days-a-week "Don't pet me, I'm writing" was what convinced me to switch to the same schedule last year, and I'm amazed you've done it this long! It's harder than you make it look.
I don't think you have to worry about losing readers. We'll still be here twice a week, or however often you end up posting.
Nice and regular.
If Tuesday-Thursday works best for you, then go with Tuesday-Thursday. Two days a week is plenty and it decreases my reading during the week, thank you.
We'll be here, reading when you write.
You've always amazed me with your ability to work, write, blog and still have a life, but you're right, something's got to give and the blog is definitely the place to start. You're not quitting, you're just being judicious about your time. I think a twice a week Tuesday/Thursday schedule is just right.
Even once a week (Wednesday) would work for me! I've appreciated your staying power -- but I've also thought it somewhat superhuman.
I agree with everybody who said I'll read you whenever you write.
Tues/Thurs seems good. I do Tues/Fri and there are fewer readers on Friday. I think there are fewer readers on the weekend period.
I've always been so impressed by how often you post, and I don't know how you've managed for this long, with everything else. Twice a week sounds great -- and much more sanity-preserving. I'll read whenever you post.
I have no earthly idea how you've kept this up. I'm a fan no matter when you blog. Tues./Thurs. sounds great to me. <3
I haven't been as regimented as you for the last 2 yrs of my blog schedule, but for me, I noticed Thursdays have less traffic and Mondays & Wednesdays seem to get more. *shrug* Could be just the blogs i follow, but my list on Google reader is more full earlier in the week, too. :)
Oddly enough, I recently had to do research on social media schedules for a post on a client's site. And it turns out the best time to post a blog is Monday morning. So I vote for you to post Monday & Wednesday, because I want you to keep your readership because YOU'RE AWESOME.
And if you want to read the post (it's short), here's the link: http://www.globalwrites.com/web/best-times-to-post-to-social-media/
You do whatever you need to do, sweetie. If a Tuesday-Thursday schedule is what blows your skirt up, then you go right ahead. Personally, I'd like to see Friday posts, but I suppose I can always just wait a day to check back...
This is how all relationships start. First, you do it every day. Sometimes a couple of times. Then maybe twice a week, plus holidays, unless you drink too much, which is all holidays. Then it's just special occasions or when the mood hits you or you feel guilty.
Just sayin'
Also, ;)
Whatever is best for you of course! Ever considered week-ends? I'm not sure, but I think I see a new trend in my part of the word: the no-blog-on-week-ends-habits are changing. And certainly when I blog on sundays, as I sometimes do, I'd get a lot of readers. But again – as long as you write, I'm happy!
Post a Comment