Hi! So, after a lot of thinking, some talking and a few tears of frustration, I'm going to be making some changes. Over the next few months, I'm going to be working hard to get all my review books knocked out, and will be taking a big step back beginning in October. I'm still going to be reviewing, but am going to be taking only the books I really, really want. I'm going to restructure, with fewer posts, and no Sundays! My kids were gone to their BiBi's (grandma) for a month this summer, and when I went to get them, I realized that I'm spending too much time worrying about getting books read. I love to read, but don't want the constant pressure. So, wish me luck on keeping my resolve, and if you have any tips on blogging more casually, let me know in the comments!
For Review
As you can see, I took one book. Hooray! I accepted this last week, and was excited to get it in the mail. I do love this series!
For Review Consideration
When We Met has a really cool concept: four authors writing novellas about four girls who live in one house. I've put this on my to-read-at-my-earliest-convenience list. Same with House of the Four Winds. It looks cool. I don't know anything about Only Enchanting; have any of you read the series?
Purchases
I love the Kindle Match program! It allows you to buy audios of previously purchased ebooks, at a reduced price. I got Here Without You and Crazy Little Thing for $1.99 and The Return of Rafe McKade for $3.47. If you've seen audio prices, you know that's a steal. The rest of the books I got for only $0.99 each, and am excited about all.
Lots of good looking freebies this week!
Thanks to
- Sourcebooks
- Penguin Group
- Tor Books
Must be 13+ years of age to enter; open to US only.
Yay for audiobooks!
ReplyDeleteLook at you Andrea, one book! *clapping*
Blogging can be stressful, which is why I always take at least one week off when it starts to feel like more than a hobby. Unless I have tours scheduled, I just ignore anything and everything and stay away from the computer as much as I can. You should try it, it feels great. Then you end up missing blogging and are excited about it when you come back to it.
I try not to worry too much about review books (unless they are for tours). That probably makes me a bad blogger but oh well. I have a life and I don't get paid for this. This is my hobby. I try to pass along the books I won't be able to read. And a lot of times, I read old books from my TBR later on (or listen to the audio).
Hope you find the fun in blogging again!
And whoa, the JA Huss books are on audio? I'll have to look for them! I have the Tammara Webber series on my audio TBR. Enjoy your books!
I know the feeling. I'm trying to take the pressure off myself as well, and so far this summer has been a much needed break.
ReplyDeleteThe House of the Four Winds is one that I would LOVE to read (but got denied for -sobs-).
Best of luck in finding the fun again and happy reading!
I need to do the same thing Andrea. Between working outside the home full-time again and family, I'm finding it harder and harder to find the time I need to devote to blogging. I think I will join you in your strategy. Great idea!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you! I can't wait for you to read some of the books I've loved too. I didn't know Consumed was finally ready to buy! Yay thanks for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteStick to your plan, it sounds good. I would hate to read books I don't want to just for review. The House of the Four Winds is on my TBR and I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteThe house of four winds and ruining mr perfect both look great! I managed to stay away from the amazon freebies and deals this week. This past month I went a little crazy with the one click.
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading!
My Weekly Wrap up Post
Michelle @ Book Briefs
When We Met looks like it will be a great read. Hope you love it and have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWell, you know that I really struggled with this same problem and besides a few panic lapses, I'm doing great with the more laid back schedule.
ReplyDeleteMy first tip is just do it. Like ripping off a band-aid. Not gonna lie - you'll feel like you're going through withdrawals wondering if everyone will forget you, if anyone is bothering with your blog anymore but then you'll see that that just doesn't happen. Everyone is busy and they get it.
Personally I have found MORE interaction since I modified my schedule. Yes, there are less daily *hits* but I find I don't care and it hasn't effected my ability to get arc's or review copies.
As for those arc's and review copies…I find I don't really are about those so much either. I accept two at a time (not counting the BEA books) and request more as I read and review. That keeps me from feeling overwhelmed.
I would much rather see a blogger I love cut back than lost them all together like so my many of my favorites. It makes me so sad to not be able to hear their opinion on things anymore just because they felt overwhelmed but guilty for cutting back.
Any-hoo - sorry that was rambly lol but basically I hope you can find balance because I would hate to lose you!!!
YAY! Good for you Andrea! :D Even though I have no kids, and can't compare to how much you would miss them, I can compare to the busy schedule and blogging issue. Honestly, I love blogging and sharing my thoughts and opinions with all the friends I have made in the community, but it does get tiring, and when a hobby seems like a chore, what's the point in doing it, right?
ReplyDeleteI have a crazy school schedule, and its very hard to keep up with that on top of blogging and reviewing books. I find though that if you take time off according to what you think is right, after awhile you'll on your own start to miss the blogging interactions and activities.
I don't know if this makes me a horrible blogger (LOL) but if I post a review or tour or even comment on other blogs, I do it when I FEEL like doing it. That way I am more excited when I do it, and I don't get tired of the same old rinse and repeat process of blogging.
No doubt blogging is a huge part of my life, and obviously yours, but I think less is more sometimes. Know what I mean?
I sincerely hope you find a perfect balance that best suits you, and I know your dedicated followers (ME! ;p) will most definitely understand. :D
Sorry for the therapy session. LMFAO. ;p My point was to just relax and don't worry. Take your time. Other than that, fabulous haul and HAPPY READING! <3
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
I love and support the changes you're making. I don't do much book tours anymore unless the book is already on my TBR as well as release day blitzes and cover reveals. What a world of relief those made! It gave me time to read what I WANT to read and no pressure on getting posts done at a certain time and day so I'm all for slowing down.
ReplyDeleteHugs to your little ones!
Good luck with cutting back. It is so much more enjoyable and not as time consuming since I did. I can't wait to read Fixing Mr. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteI am really excited about the House of Four Winds and you picked a good book, congrats on self-control!
ReplyDeleteI do love the Kindle Match program, too, Andrea. I get a lot of audio books that way and switch back and forth from reading to the audio. It's a great deal. I got Reckless for free, too, and I've heard great things about it. I hope we both like it. Happy reading, and hope you've had a fun weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh Ruining Mr Perfect looks good though so that seems like a good one to accept! We all get stressed with blogging and when that happens I just stop accepting review books all together and it helps me to catch up. Also I try to limits the amount of reviews I do in a week and that helps so much! By keeping it down to two (three if I REALLY want the book) reviews a week its helps me to move at a slower pace when it comes to review books.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading!
I think cutting back on review books is a good idea. I try not to accept too many either. I still get sent random things, and I do try and read what I can of those, but in general, I want to focus more on the books I REALLY want to read like things I buy or see at the library. I'm always reading great reviews, but i don't have time to read the books...so I'm slowly starting to change that.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
Look at you! So proud. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteReckless is good - I enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean about cutting back. You want reading to be fun. And there are other things in life that take precedence. I hope you find a good balance! :)
I'm going through the same thing Andrea. A big good luck to you! I have definitely lightened up this summer and while I feel horribly guilty about not getting review books read on time, I realized I can only do what I can. Blogging is supposed to be fun and a hobby and right now I feel like it's neither and that tells me I need to step away. With the exception of some tours I've already agreed to, I'm going to just let it ride from here.
ReplyDeleteYa gotta do that somtimes.I did that about a year ago and changed how I did the blog. I still try to post every day but I give myself some freedom to do what I want. I totally eliminated doing tours with tour companies which lightened my load and stress SO much. I cut way back on reviews I accept as well. I still take them but started mainly working with publishers instead of individual author requests and that really seems to work better for me. Hope you figure out the magical set up for yours that makes it more fun less work!
ReplyDelete