I couldn't find copyright info for this picture. Please don't arrest me.
I’ve had some pretty wicked writer’s block the past few days. I can’t seem to type a complete thought out on the keyboard. And when I do, I think it sucks and delete the entire thing. Why? Well, I realized I’m afraid not to live up to expectations.
When I started this blog in January, it got noticed by some pretty prominent bloggers. My writing was poignant and pure and my voice was strong. Now, I’m afraid to let these people down. To let you down. To write something sub-par and superficial.
And then you will never come back.
I have no agenda except to unclutter my mind a bit each week. Blogging is a great outlet for that. But it’s also overwhelming. I’m beginning to think that the blogging market is oversaturated. There are so many bloggers out there that write about the same things and it’s easy to get lost in the noise. I mean, how many posts can someone read about not fitting in, struggling with being a mom, finding that perfect work-life balance, picking out recipes for the week, body image issues, and cute things their kids do?
We all want to be heard, to be impactful, but how do we find our voice and stand out from the legions of women who write about being moms, wives, workers and human beings?
Okay… clearly, I am NO expert b/c I just started my blog like a month ago. And I admit I’ve been struggling for some the same reasons you list above (daily). But… I think you’ve answered your own question — ppl will read your blog b/c of your voice. Even if you’re telling a similar story to someone else… ppl like your writing, your delivery, so they’ll come back to see what else you have to say. It’s great that you’ve been noticed. I say keep doing what you’re doing, something must be working. Also… I just read this a couple of days ago on thetamom.com: http://www.thetamom.com/2011/04/finding-and-establishing-your-voice/. Good luck! 🙂
Hi Sara,
Thank you for the link – that was just what I needed. Please keep coming by to comment! I now have your blog in my reader 😉
I have been where you are, thought those same thoughts. I want you to know that your stories are important to our community, because they come from your point of view. They are written in your unique voice.
Try not to be discouraged by worrying about expectations; truth is, we all have hits and misses. Just keep writing.
Hi Jenny – thanks for the encouragement. Living up to expectations is something I’ve struggled with all my life. Maybe writing will help me break the cycle.
Just write what you feel.
Thanks Jessica – I’ll try!
I got caught up in the same problem! But I don’t have much of a problem with it now and once I let go of censoring myself then I was able to let everything flow & write some awesome posts.
You can get there! I thought this post in and of itself was awesome!
Thanks Kate! I’ve offended people in the past with my uncensored rants so I’m more cautious now. I guess I just need to remember to be respectful. Thanks for the comment!
I think everybody thinks about this once in a while. I just started my blog in January this year and I realised the amount of comments I’m getting depends a lot on the topic I’m writing about. But I’m writing about what matters to me at this point in time and not what people want to read. I think if someone loves your today’s post the same person is leaving your tomorrow’s post very soon if it’s not in her/his liking. At the same time I definitely agree that it’s your voice that keeps people coming back.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad to meet so many others who started their blogs in January like I did. You bring up a good point about writing what matters to me. I may just stick with that for a while and see how it goes.