Comments on Musings of a Bookish Kitty: Confession of a Blogger: Do You Really Need to Kno...

Lisa - I wish picking up an old favorite would wor...

2009-12-09T21:57:23.664-08:00

Lisa - I wish picking up an old favorite would work for me. I usually end up feeling too guilty that I'm not reading one of my unread books. Go figure! Often taking a break from books works the best for me.

Ahhhh, slumps. I know that feeling - when you jus...

2009-12-07T13:44:54.069-08:00

Ahhhh, slumps. I know that feeling - when you just can't seem to settle into a book, or when you just can't make yourself finish. Often I find that picking up an old favorite will get me back in the mood for reading.

Michelle - Those indefinite breaks are often what ...

2009-11-26T11:24:35.761-08:00

Michelle - Those indefinite breaks are often what help me. They rarely last more than a week, fortunately. :-)

I hate it when I get into a reading slump, more so...

2009-11-18T21:36:45.635-08:00

I hate it when I get into a reading slump, more so than a blogging slump. Usually a ya title or an easy read does the trick. If not, I just give myself permission to take an indefinite break. Then when I feel the relief from that, I usually more than make up for it!

My advice is -- just always do what is best for you!

Lisa - It's the perfectionist in me coming out--go...

2009-11-15T21:10:02.939-08:00

Lisa - It's the perfectionist in me coming out--gotta always be on top of everything. :-) I'm better than I used to be, but still have a ways to go.

I don't envy you all that traveling--and I'm one who likes to travel. I hope you are at least finding time to read. I can understand your not feeling like writing a review or blog post while on the road. That would be difficult. As you said, we just have to do what we can.

All I can say is don't beat yourself up over thing...

2009-11-15T20:09:45.487-08:00

All I can say is don't beat yourself up over things. Blogging is supposed to be fun! Yeah, there's a lot of work involved, but you should still enjoy it. There will be times when you do more reading and have more to say than other times; nothing wrong with that.

I am in a stretch where I am doing a lot of traveling - 2 to 3 weeks a month - and that makes it hard to keep up. Sitting in a strange hotel room, stuck in an airport, it's not always the best time to think about a review or work on a blog post. I just do what I can, when I can, and hope for the best.

Melissa - It can be difficult at times, especially...

2009-11-15T17:23:05.229-08:00

Melissa - It can be difficult at times, especially when you just can't work up the energy or the words to write. On the plus side, you are reading. That's a good thing. :-)

Anna - That is good advice, Anna. Thank you.

Aarti - A two year slump is a very long time. As you said though, sometimes other things have to take priority.

Heidenkind - It happens to all of us, doesn't it?

Ingrid - Thank you for your concern and thoughtful comment.

I did just as you said this past week and gave in and went with it. I can't say I'll be posting every day (or close to it) in the coming weeks, but I'm okay with that. :-)

Jen - I know the feeling! Fortunately the review I'm posting tomorrow is one I'd written already. I have a couple of reviews though I do need to write--I am struggling with how to start. I'm slowly getting back into my reading again, which I'm glad for.

Iliana - From what I've been reading, it does seem to be something that's going around, doesn't it? It must be that time of year. I hope things will settle down for you again soon too!

Christine - Thank you, Christine. And thank you to Dixie too. :-) I think we should follow Dixie's example and not let our inability to blog get to us.

Terri - Oh, I know what you mean! I think that's where the guilt comes in of not being able to get online. I really like being able to stay in touch and feel badly when I am unable to.

You too, huh? I hate not being able to settle into a book. It's just as you described, I try to settle in with one and I suddenly feel like I need to be up and doing something else.

Jeane - Thank you so much for the award. :-) You made my day.

I find it so hard to concentrate on my reading when I'm sick. It sounds like there are a few of us who are like that. It's good to know I'm not alone.

Andi - My husband re-installed Sims3 on my compute...

2009-11-15T17:16:47.757-08:00

Andi - My husband re-installed Sims3 on my computer in case I needed to de-stress that way. I haven't played too much though. I think he gets tired of me sitting there playing Bejeweled over and over again. :-)

Amy (Candlelight) - I think you're right. Burn out happens to all of us now and then. And sometimes a break is in order.

Nan - Thank you, Nan. Sometimes it is a real juggling game, between work and blogging and add to that having a life outside of either. I don't know how parents do it, especially those with small children.

I usually read one book at a time (although this week I'm upping the stakes a little since I'm going to be reading a chunkster nonfiction book-I figure a good fiction novel on the side is in order).

SuziQ - Fortunately it's just a matter of life getting in the way of my fun and not a tragedy. I'm definitely grateful for that.

The time sure does seem to slip by us--never enough time to do all we want, is there?

Thank you for your kind words, Suzi.

Clea - Yes! That's it exactly. So much has been going on lately without a break. It's been hard to find the time to settle in a really read or write. I was complaining to my husband last night about how every book I'm reading these days seems to get off to such a slow start. He reminded me that it's not like I've had a chance to really sit down and just read, to immerse myself in the story. I realized the other day that I haven't done any creative writing in months now. I really need to get back into that. Like you said, set time aside each day to just write whether it be a blog post or whatever. Sometimes we have to force ourselves to do it at first, to get back into the habit. I love your exercise analogy. Very fitting.

I hope you are writing again regularly soon too. :-) You and your mom continue to be in my prayers.

Kristie - I'm slowly starting to find my footing again. Keeping the tv off isn't so hard, but the computer is another matter altogether. :-)

MycKyee - I think it's a good idea to keep that in mind--the positive perspective, that we'll come back fresher--rather than the negative. Thanks for that reminder.

Melody - I hope your slump has passed, Melody, and that your life settles down some.

Sari - Haha! I'm glad because you are normal. Juggling school work with blogging and reading can be quite a challenge, I imagine.

Poppy Q - Thanks, Poppy. Hopefully things will slow down soon and I'll be able to do more of that.

Karen - Thank you. Coming up with blog topics can...

2009-11-15T16:29:54.515-08:00

Karen - Thank you. Coming up with blog topics can definitely be a challenge. And I imagine that when you've struggled with your novel all day, writing a blog post isn't the first thing you want to do.

And you're right. This will pass.

Lisa - Slumps are definitely a universal experience.

Stacy - Thank you. I do tend to feel like something's wrong if I am not able to read for long periods of time--or if nothing seems to interest me.

The memes are good in a pinch, I agree.

Susan - That would be the worst, waiting to hear what may be wrong health wise. When I am sick, I often don't feel like reading. All I can manage is watching television or movies.

You are right, sometimes we do have to let go. The blogosphere isn't going anywhere.

And my cats and dog never mind the extra attention. :-)

Deb - I am glad you were able to pull yourself out of your slump!

Jill (Softdrink) - I wasn't gone all that long, Jill, so I am sure most people didn't notice. I probably noticed more than anyone else. :-) Those little breaks are definitely good for helping keep the Google Reader down, aren't they?

Staci - Thank you, Staci.

Kathy - I like update posts too. It's nice to know that someone is okay when she's been absent.

Alice - Thank you. Sounds like you were going through something similar. I hope you are feeling more like your old self now.

Jenclair - So true. I definitely think I'm going through one of those phases where I'm unable to settle in. And sometimes it's worse than others. I think things are starting to fall into place again. :-)

Lezlie - Thanks, Lezlie. It does seem like there ...

2009-11-15T16:03:19.237-08:00

Lezlie - Thanks, Lezlie. It does seem like there are a few of us who decided to take a little break--or at least post less--recently.

Megan - LOL I know exactly what you mean about sometimes feeling like you slump almost weekly. Like you said though, it's probably more a result of our being so busy. I have one of those draining jobs too, so I can relate.

I am not always quick to notice when someone hasn't been posting either. I follow so many blogs that it's hard to keep track. I do notice when my regular commenters aren't coming around so often though.

I am hoping the slump is over. I have a few new ideas I'm batting around--so that's a start!

Kathleen - Thank you for your kind words. I have slowly been easing back into reading and hope to do the same with blogging.

Kay - I like to know why a blogger hasn't been around too, and, like you said, it doesn't have to be personal or even detailed. I just like to know the person is okay.

Magazines are a good substitute when books aren't appealing to me, I've found too. Goodness knows how many of those I have to read since I tend to let them pile up when I'm really into my books.

Carrie - Thanks. Hopefully I will be around more. I've missed visiting your blog.

Gautami - Very true. Sometimes we do need to rejuvenate and if that means staying off the computer, than so be it.

I hope you are able to get out of your reading slump and catch up on those reviews. Take your time on the reviews--don't let the pressure consume you.

Sandy - You are so sweet to say that, Sandy. Thank you. I've really missed you and the blogging community. You've all become such a part of my life.

Linda - Thank you, Linda. Congratulations on your weight loss! That is so awesome. I can't even imagine juggling multiple blogs, so my hat's off to you for being able to do so.

Lexi - Thank you, Lexi. It's impossible to stay away too long--even in a slump. :-)

It's nice to know you're just in a slump, and not ...

2009-11-13T08:48:37.738-08:00

It's nice to know you're just in a slump, and not disappearing! I've had those kind of reading frustrations before. I always feel like being ill will give me opportunity to read- stuck in bed, after all- but just cannot keep my eyes on the page. Hope you're well again and blogging soon! Here's something- I have given you a blog award.

Oh, I do commiserate with you. I don't have any su...

2009-11-12T14:24:42.966-08:00

Oh, I do commiserate with you. I don't have any suggestions for you though! I find myself in the same position and wonder some days if I will have any blogger friends left after my repeated disappearing acts. "Online" activities, whether they be for work or pleasure, seem to have taken over my life and I feel like the proverbial hamster on a wheel. So, yeah, sometimes I just disappear. There are times I long for the days without computers; but then, yes, I would be missing something (book blogging) that does bring me pleasure. I am so bifurcated!

Your description of trying to read sounds familiar too -- I feel so ADHD about reading in the last few months. Maybe a cat comparison would be better ... I find myself suddenly needing to be somewhere else doing something else every time I sit down to read. Either that or I fall asleep.

I do have you in my reader, so whenever you post I'll be sure to know and stop by! You are one of my favorite online stops :o)

Wendy, Even as a new blogger I am in a slump (read...

2009-11-12T13:40:19.368-08:00

Wendy,
Even as a new blogger I am in a slump (reading and blogging). And the dog is slumping on her dog blog...that is serious stuff. Dixie wants you to know that she doesn't feel any responsibility to blog when she's not feeling it, but she (and I) are always glad to see your messages.

Aw, Wendy, I think it must be something in the air...

2009-11-12T09:28:43.686-08:00

Aw, Wendy, I think it must be something in the air! :)

I've been going through a bit of a reading & blogging slump myself. Not so much that I don't want to, it's more that I have just felt a bit overwhelmed with some other things. But things will calm down and the books and blog will always be there. I hope you are doing well and also your hubby and don't worry about us. We'll be here ready to read your posts when you come back!

I'm going through the same slump (even with the TV...

2009-11-12T08:38:21.743-08:00

I'm going through the same slump (even with the TV thing. I'm behind on every show!). Honestly I'm beginning to believe I've forgotten how to write a review! Not to mention trying to concentrate enough to get through more than a chapter of a book...

I'm glad you posted this update - I had been wonde...

2009-11-12T07:35:52.085-08:00

I'm glad you posted this update - I had been wondering what happened to you. And I do appreciate updates like this on blogs that are usually very consistent about posting, because when the blogger doesn't post, I worry about them!

That being said, you need to do whatever feels right to you to take care of yourself, and if that means no blogging for a while, then that's what you need to do (although I hope your blogging slump passes soon, your site is one of my favorite blogs to visit and even if I don't always comment, I do read all your posts!).

Sometimes, the best way to deal with this kind of restlessness/slump/unease is to just give in and go with it. Best wishes go out to you!

So that's where you've been! ;) Whenever someone ...

2009-11-10T21:51:18.860-08:00

So that's where you've been! ;) Whenever someone disappears from the blagosphere I just figure something IRL is overwhelming. Hey it happens--it's happened to me before, too. You'll be back in the swing of things eventually, though, I think. :)

I went through a reading (and thus blogging) slump...

2009-11-10T21:13:08.832-08:00

I went through a reading (and thus blogging) slump for a long time. It lasted two years. That's why I had more blog posts in October of this year than in all of either 2007 or 2008! Really, I think sometimes other things take priority. And I completely understand the guilt feelings and the obligation overwhelming you. But honestly- it's just a hobby, and if you don't get pleasure from it at the time you're doing it, then I don't think you should have to do it :-) So, if you're being easily distracted- then go do something else! Be a rebel ;-)

Blogging is supposed to be fun, and if you're not ...

2009-11-10T19:13:02.620-08:00

Blogging is supposed to be fun, and if you're not in the mood, don't feel guilty about it. I've been taking a few days off here and there lately because "real life" has been so overwhelming and I don't want to feel overwhelmed by my hobbies. I think we wonder where you are when you haven't been around because we care about you, but you always should take time for yourself and your family and worry about the online stuff last.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

I've been in a blogging slump too...for about 6 mo...

2009-11-10T10:57:34.414-08:00

I've been in a blogging slump too...for about 6 months now. I just haven't felt inclined to write much even though I am still reading at about the same pace.

I like the update posts. Since most of us know each other through books, these posts add a slightly more personal touch to the blog.

Apologies are not necessary, we all go through pat...

2009-11-10T02:03:59.626-08:00

Apologies are not necessary, we all go through patches of having little to say, or wanting to read. Just relax and have some fun.

You all make me feel normal. I too have been in a ...

2009-11-09T20:55:20.518-08:00

You all make me feel normal. I too have been in a slump. I am having a hard time reading,blogging and doing school work.My mind is all over the place or seems to be stuck on blank mode.
When a loved blogger is gone for awhile I do wonder what is going on in his or her life, but since I slack on my blogging now and again I do understand the absence.

I can relate, Wendy! I've been in a slump lately a...

2009-11-09T18:04:12.969-08:00

I can relate, Wendy! I've been in a slump lately and I think it's partly have to do with the year end, work, and blah blah blah... Anyway, I just want to say don't worry about it, we all need some of those blogging breaks once in a while, and that we'll be here whenever you return. :)

I do read the 'why I haven't been blogging lately'...

2009-11-09T16:49:51.295-08:00

I do read the 'why I haven't been blogging lately' posts because I can totally relate! I feel guilty too, but then I think, no, if I take a break, I'll come back fresher. I don't think you should worry about it at all - who doesn't go through slumps??

Wendy... don't feel bad about that! I've been goin...

2009-11-09T16:33:40.052-08:00

Wendy... don't feel bad about that! I've been going through something like that as well, and can't quite figure out why. I've found keeping the tv and computer off helps with the reading, but that's about it. I'll be here whenever you return!