Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Community Part II


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Today’s Book Blogger Appreciation Week prompt is

“The world of book blogging has grown enormously and sometimes it can be hard to find a place. Share your tips for finding and keeping community in book blogging despite the hectic demands made on your time and the overwhelming number of blogs out there. If you’re struggling with finding a community, share your concerns and explain what you’re looking for–this is the week to connect!”

I have found that the book blogging community is fairly easy to connect to–if you have the time. Comment on blogs and people will come visit your blog. Take part in events, challenges, and memes. Join the conversations on Twitter and Facebook. There are a countless number of bloggers, readers, authors, publishers, publicists, and booksellers out there who are more than happy to interact with other bibliophiles.

I have been struggling with my time over the past year, ever since I started my current job. At my old job, I had time to read during my downtime (my boss knew about it and frequently asked me for recommendations). I worked long hours, but I got a lot of reading done, so on my four days off, I could have my “real life” time and my “book life” time and they didn’t really conflict.

Things changed when I went to the 8-5 M-F. I have struggled to find my balance. Even a year later, I am torn between reading, reviewing, the online interaction, and the truly important stuff–the real life stuff. I don’t have as much time to interact with the book blogging community, and I do honestly miss it. But I’m also okay with that. My personal relationships take priority, as they should for all of us.

Still, when I pop in on Twitter, someone is generally happy to talk with me. When I find time to comment, I will almost always get a comment in return. That’s the beauty of the online world: someone is always there and willing to listen. So if, like me, you’re struggling to find your balance, evaluate what is truly important to you. Fit in what you can where you can. Don’t stress out about it, and most importantly have fun!

I have an affiliate relationship with Malaprop’s, my local independent bookstore located in downtown Asheville, NC; and Better World Books. I will receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase books through links on my site.

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7 Comments

  1. Time is definitely the bane of a book blogger's existence. Our hobby is very demanding; we need time to read books, think about them, post about them, read others' posts about them, etc. etc. etc. Too bad we didn't have a simpler hobby. 🙂

  2. My situation is a bit different-I left the working world-which I never really liked-a few years ago and devote a lot of time to my blogging and reading

    Hi, I am stopping by from the Philippines to visit your blog via the list of posts for Day Three

    Please Stop by My Blog if you Like To See My Ideas on Community Building

  3. It is a constant struggle trying to balance it all, isn't it? It did take me almost two years to get to the point of relaxing and just having fun with the whole blogging experience. One can only do what they can do.

  4. I am in the same place right now–I started working more last March & have had a hard time balancing everything. 🙁

  5. With a busy family my blogging comes 2nd.
    The one I stress a little about is keeping up with Twitter. I keep telling myself it is a 'right now' media.

    I can't help feeling I am missing the party when I am not on twitter. 🙂 🙁

    carol

  6. So true. Even if you only have a little time to contribute, there will be someone ready to reach out to you in return. Even when I'm super busy or just need to take a break, it's wonderful to dip briefly back into the blogging community. It's alive and strong and healthy, and not going anywhere any time soon, which is so good to know!

  7. I agree about you input about blogging world. They keep us going!

    Community has kept me going in a MASSIVE reading slump. Or I would have fallen apart!

    Here is my post:

    BBAW: Community thingy II

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