Greetings, readers!
Have I got a treat for you today. Joining us for this installment of the "Blog Break-up Series" is noted author, ghostwriter and blogger, Kelly James Enger (now known as Kelly K. James).
Many of you may be familiar with her from her hugely popular book, "Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks." Or perhaps you followed her weekly blog at "Dollars and Deadlines" (me too).
Even if you're not an old fan, I'm betting you'll become a new one.
Please extend a warm welcome to Kelly in the comments section at the conclusion of today's post.
We look forward to your feedback and questions.
Now, for your edification and enjoyment...
THE BLOG BREAK-UP SERIES
(PART 2)
Have you ever thought of giving your blog "the boot"?
Does your "relationship" with your readers sometimes leave you a little uncertain? Feeling overwhelmed and undervalued?
Have you "lost that lovin' feelin'?"
It happens to the best of us. Some days it's a blessing; other times it's a burden.
This blogging thing can cause more internal conflict than the characters we read about in romance novels. And there's no disputing it's a "labor of love" that we devote endless hours of time, energy and attention. Which sometimes causes us to question whether it's worth all the sweat equity.
It's also the reason why countless bloggers have decided to "divorce" their blogs for other more profitable pursuits.
Perhaps you're one of them.
Disenchantment doesn't necessarily have to signal doom. It all depends on how you handle it. Whether you've been considering a blog break or a complete break-up, other writers will share their experiences here to give you greater perspective, clarity and wisdom.
FEATURED BLOGGER
KELLY JAMES-ENGER (KELLY K. JAMES)
LAST BLOG POST JUNE, 2017
DOLLARS & DEADLINES
http://dollarsanddeadlines.blogspot.com/
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STOP BLOGGING OR TAKE AN EXTENDED BREAK?
A couple of reasons. First and foremost, I was changing the nature of my “platform.” I wanted to transition from being a freelancing expert to a ghostwriter of health/wellness/fitness books and I felt like my blog wasn’t helping me do that. Second, feeding the beast (i.e., blogging at least once a week) was feeling more and more like something I dreaded having to do, instead of something I get to do…and I was burned out on doing so.
HOW HAS THIS DECISION IMPACTED YOUR TIME OR CREATIVE CAREER?
It’s been good for me overall. First, my ghosting business has taken off and I’m busier than I ever have been (which is good). I haven’t missed blogging—although I do miss connecting with readers in that way—and it’s a relief to not have to think about getting a post up every Monday.
But I do have some sense of that engagement on Facebook (though with a slightly different group of followers/readers).
I have had more time to put into writing what I want to do (I sold three essays last year, after years of not writing any), which is also gratifying.
DID YOUR BLOG FORMERLY GENERATE A REGULAR MONTHLY INCOME?
A very small one, based on click-through ads and book sales.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT W.I.P. (WORK IN PROGRESS)?
I just finished a book for a ghostwriting client and edits on another…I have a couple of book proposals in the works and eight articles for regular clients. I’m busy, which is good. :)
DO YOU FEEL BLOGGING IS STILL RELEVANT TODAY?
Yes, but I think it’s harder to maintain an engaged audience.
WHAT IS THE MAIN REASON YOU FEEL THAT MANY SUCCESSFUL BLOGGERS OPT TO ABANDON THEIR BLOGS AFTER ALL THE SWEAT EQUITY INVOLVED?
Burnout…and lack of visible returns. I did make a small amount of money from my blog and enjoyed connecting with readers, but on balance it wasn’t a great use of my time. That was my experience, anyway.
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER TO HELP OTHERS WHO ARE UNCERTAIN AS TO WHETHER OR NOT TO CONTINUE ON THEIR BLOGGING JOURNEY?
I’m a big fan of making pros and cons lists and weighing your individual advantages/disadvantages. That helped me make the decision to let the blog go idle.
Thanks, Kelly. It's been a pleasure connecting with you and getting your valuable perspective on blogging in 2018.
BIO
Kelly K. James (formerly Kelly James-Enger) is a long-time freelancer, ghostwriter, and author. She’s the author of books including Six-Figure Freelancing and Goodbye, Byline, Hello Big Bucks. She specializes in health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition subjects and lives outside Chicago with her family.
www.becomebodywise.com.
Your thoughts, readers?
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