tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post6478575274540085876..comments2024-03-28T23:49:23.325-06:00Comments on Author Elana Johnson: What Comes First?Elana Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-41804931453292235062010-03-29T21:02:15.435-06:002010-03-29T21:02:15.435-06:00Ironically, I'm reading this a week late becau...Ironically, I'm reading this a week late because life had to come first. I think I need to cut some blogs from my reader because it's getting to be too much.Melanie Hooyengahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08781235493983907234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-32262230924410821222010-03-24T22:01:37.408-06:002010-03-24T22:01:37.408-06:00For me, I had to burn through a haze of blog readi...For me, I had to burn through a haze of blog reading addiction (yes, that, or near addiction). Then, after a self-imposed weaning process, I'm back visiting blogs, but more like 1-2 times a week instead of daily or near daily. <br /><br />It's a good place to be.*https://www.blogger.com/profile/06484208765656281917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-46440919251888242912010-03-23T18:08:06.056-06:002010-03-23T18:08:06.056-06:00I write and schedule all my blog posts on Sundays....I write and schedule all my blog posts on Sundays. Sundays are my hang around the house on the computer days most of the time. <br /><br />As for reading them, Google reader keeps track of the blogs I follow and I can go there and see what blog posts I haven't read yet. If I don't read them all in one day, no big deal I can catch up the next day or whenever I have some spare time. I don't actually read the posts on Google Reader just because I like the experience of actually going to the blog, seeing the background, and it's easier for me to comment if I'm already there.Rachaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11918987890132222901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-11606473292425234562010-03-23T15:13:54.342-06:002010-03-23T15:13:54.342-06:00I pretty much have to live before blogging. Most ...I pretty much have to live before blogging. Most of my living comes with a schedule, whereas I can blog when I have the time, so I live first, blog second.Kelsey (Dominique) Ridgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10646757546422013401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-44902344737710697232010-03-23T15:10:47.290-06:002010-03-23T15:10:47.290-06:00Good thoughts.
When I first started blogging it c...Good thoughts.<br /><br />When I first started blogging it consumed all my spare time, and a heck of a lot of my time that wasn't spare.<br /><br />I still spend too much time at it, I'm sure. I could live more than I do. It's a constant struggle for balance. But in line with your next post (which I've read and am lazily commenting on here), my blogging time is devoted to blogs that have a positive impact on my life. And generally I only KEEP reading a blog if I feel connected to the author of it in some way. The authors of the blogs I read become friends in time...or they don't. And if not I generally move on.<br /><br />I'm stay at home mom in a small hick town and apparently blogging is my social life. It's also my access to sanity during insane days. A way to be uplifted, inspired, and sometimes educated. But yes, you can't blog in a good way unless you have a life to blog about and living has to come first.Kimberly Vanderhorsthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01653757517652257445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-63788120690454816932010-03-23T12:22:51.827-06:002010-03-23T12:22:51.827-06:00I learned from my friend and fellow blogger, Falen...I learned from my friend and fellow blogger, Falen to write all my posts ahead of time, on one day. Of course, if I get the inspiration for something and the time before that, I'll hammer something out real quick but it's mostly scheduled now. <br /><br />I definitely put blogging further down on my priorities especially when it comes to life. How else will I find things to blog about? If I do nothing, I will have nothing to blog about.<br /><br />When I have free time, writing is near the top but family, friends and the Man come before that. And unfortunately, my day job takes up all the other time.Hannahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16915603693944523761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-950483862072314882010-03-23T10:40:54.230-06:002010-03-23T10:40:54.230-06:00I find I blog when I'm emotional about somethi...I find I blog when I'm emotional about something. If I'm angry or happy or excited or just feel something I want to share, I jump on and blog right then. If I'm at work or in the middle of something I just remember the title of my would-be blog so when I have time I can call back all the emotions and write it again. I don't have a set schedule but I would probably average a blog a day. As long as I'm feeling it things come out faster and better and I can fit it between the cracks. <br /> <br />I'm a single mom and I'm working on my second novel, and I have a part time job and I clean my house and home school. I hang out with friends and watch Lost and make dinner and watch over an old lady twice a week, but I've found I'm just fine as long as I grab my computer and blog when I'm feeling something, then I don't have to mull over it later or have something bug me, I just blog it! :PJuliegoosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08513424162975964384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-10596554193078011222010-03-23T09:20:55.429-06:002010-03-23T09:20:55.429-06:00I'm glad you made this post, Elana. For me, b...I'm glad you made this post, Elana. For me, blogging comes close to last, and I hate to say that, because it sounds like I don't care. I really do love blogging! But I have a family, plus a job, plus writing, and then anything else life demands (we're house hunting now, for instance) so by the end of the day, if I have time to post or read or comment, then yay! If not, I put it off 'til tomorrow.Shelley Slyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07981620646634240160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-36310524671243805222010-03-23T04:57:50.816-06:002010-03-23T04:57:50.816-06:00Absolutely! It's amazing how you can feel guil...Absolutely! It's amazing how you can feel guilty about not blogging isn't it? Kids, hubby, my own writing must come first!Christina Farleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03459203755170266842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-38585136060087326002010-03-23T01:47:35.939-06:002010-03-23T01:47:35.939-06:00I so know how you feel. I find myself feeling the ...I so know how you feel. I find myself feeling the same guilt and asking the same questions. Thank you for posting this. Reading this, from you, males me feel empowered. :)J.R. Johanssonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02671109654769467131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-46241935963822283522010-03-22T21:50:19.213-06:002010-03-22T21:50:19.213-06:00I guess blogging is so important -- hence the guil...I guess blogging is so important -- hence the guilt when you can't get to every blog in your 1000+ Reader list -- because it is SO DANG COOL to have a writing community out there. And we do it through blogs and twitter, mostly. And it's awesome. And I want those bloggers to support me too and leave like 20 comments. So for me it's about building the community, brand, and dialog. <br /><br />I've learned A LOT about writing through blogging. Reading and writing blogs helps me stay plugged in during the day with what I love passionately: writing stories.Sierra Godfreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00552916038080341870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-63327440256337502632010-03-22T20:37:30.407-06:002010-03-22T20:37:30.407-06:00Blogging is important to me, but I've learned ...Blogging is important to me, but I've learned that it is definitely not more important than living and writing and even reading published books.<br /><br />Blogging takes a lot of time and the rewards are great, but I'd definitely feel more guilty if I don't take care of my fam first! :)Tiffany Nealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13843374938222817346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-70953359997670837652010-03-22T20:29:43.000-06:002010-03-22T20:29:43.000-06:00So how did you know what was going on in my head? ...So how did you know what was going on in my head? Yeah, I do fight feeling guilty, not just about blogging but other things too. I confess to be a fabulous work in progress. When I get it all figured out, want me to give you a shout? Good discussion. :)Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-63333433092838238012010-03-22T20:28:24.592-06:002010-03-22T20:28:24.592-06:00Yes I feel guilty when I don't get to every bl...Yes I feel guilty when I don't get to every blog. But I realized at some point that I was spending too much time online and not enough time doing the actual writing. So I cut way back and I've been a lot happier because--surprise!--I've had more time to work on my book(s). And even more surprising, the blog has continued to grow. For that, I've been extremely grateful to the people interested enough to read what I have to say :)<br /><br />(And I hope you noticed that I'm commenting even though 99 other people got here first -- I've been paying attention to what you're saying!)Sherrie Petersenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11670339498152684137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-1805547260978073452010-03-22T20:17:51.147-06:002010-03-22T20:17:51.147-06:00reminds me of the time I first started to try to r...reminds me of the time I first started to try to read The Globe and Mail newspaper (being all smart and stuff) and read it from cover to cover - I looked smart, but had no time for anything else! I feel like that when I roll down my list of blogs to read...so some days I jump - I do the superficial, what title grabs me today? Or who've I not visited in a while? Sigh...we have to have lives too!<br />SB<br /><a href="http://www.nottooseriousihope.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow"><br /><br />not too serious i hope</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00776958716300701782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-31502214260444040842010-03-22T19:51:15.028-06:002010-03-22T19:51:15.028-06:00Why do we feel guilty? I tend to think it's th...Why do we feel guilty? I tend to think it's the Catholic in me. For me, family comes first (most of the time), then cleaning, then friends, then writing and then blogs. The last two switch back and forth, even though writing should always come first. Like right now, Lisa just sent me her chapter, but instead I'm reading blogs. It is SO hard to find the balance. And I can't see it getting any easier!lisa and laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18144863275895761642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-52296322570240029982010-03-22T18:35:42.289-06:002010-03-22T18:35:42.289-06:00Excellent points from all of you! I've respond...Excellent points from all of you! I've responded to many, and been inspired to look at blogging in a new way.<br /><br />As a hobby.<br />As something more fun, not a job.<br />As something I "get" to do, not something I "have" to do.<br /><br />And now I get to go watch Dancing With the Stars with my DH (darling husband - Jennie). <br /><br />Thanks to all! Your validation of my insecurities are appreciated!Elana Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-62844175726039219792010-03-22T18:03:59.980-06:002010-03-22T18:03:59.980-06:00I always feel guilty if I miss even one post of my...I always feel guilty if I miss even one post of my blog buddies. Silly because I follow well over 100 blogs - but it's hard to escape guilt.<br /><br />However, blogging comes when I'm done with real life.<br /><br />Kids, hubby, other family, food, day job, cleaning (sometimes!), & writing come first :)Jemi Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02214408467456320167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-2530427761097394432010-03-22T17:38:21.773-06:002010-03-22T17:38:21.773-06:00Guilty! Even worse, I'm one of the people you...Guilty! Even worse, I'm one of the people you blogged about the other day who read blogs in Google reader and rarely comment.Kimberly Jobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11968684955824178271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-65577828268835759272010-03-22T17:09:38.310-06:002010-03-22T17:09:38.310-06:00Elana, you hit upon a great question. Surely we do...Elana, you hit upon a great question. Surely we don't need to make time to eat and clean our clothes, do we? I like your post because I spend half my life trying to figure out how to juggle all the things in my life. Blogging and following blogs is awesome, but since starting this journey I have sorely neglected my writing hat! And when, while I am obliviously absorbed in blog-reading I hear my one year-old gurgle on a discarded lump of something he's found on the floor, made by his sisters<br />from who knows what toxic foamy-clay substance, I realize I must quickly tear off the blog hat and snatch up the mom one again. Good point!Faith Prayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09711135740295281493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-77185642431741125182010-03-22T16:33:48.319-06:002010-03-22T16:33:48.319-06:00Sometimes I feel guilty for blogging at lunch inst...Sometimes I feel guilty for blogging at lunch instead of eating, and for commenting on blogs while ignoring my husband every night.<br /><br />Um, what's a social life?Leigh Hutchens Burchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13974935740527936303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-22756339167193163822010-03-22T16:17:48.489-06:002010-03-22T16:17:48.489-06:00I only feel guilty when I don't get to a few o...I only feel guilty when I don't get to a few of the blogs I read regularly...because i consider those people closer friends, and I want to support them as often as possible. I don't feel guilty when I can't get to blogs of acquaintances (or people I don't really feel like I "know")...I can only do what I can do. <br /><br />As for priorities - the dayjob has to come first, unfortunately, but I read/comment at work when I have time. If I don't, I skip it, and just read those few friend blogs in the evening. <br /><br />Writing posts either fits into a slow workday (always a day ahead), or recently, I've instituted a "rule" that blogging must be done by 9pm. When I'm writing blogs at night, I'm also watching favorite shows with DH, so it's not like I'm "giving up" something else to blog - I'm just fitting it in. I don't have kids, which makes it easier. <br /><br />Writing is late at night, and my "before 9pm" rule ensures that blogging is out of the way before workout time, before chores, and before my writing time. I can't write earlier with good TV, so it works for me. :-)Jamie D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-73701320535801858692010-03-22T16:15:30.751-06:002010-03-22T16:15:30.751-06:00I used to get up in the wee hours and attack the b...I used to get up in the wee hours and attack the blogs but now I fit it in whenever I can. I must live. I choose life, lol!Tanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10518718614911804428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-7836223703422141252010-03-22T16:08:49.933-06:002010-03-22T16:08:49.933-06:00Yes, I feel guilty! And then I'll look at othe...Yes, I feel guilty! And then I'll look at other bloggers and their ever-expanding list of followers and I feel even worse - if I don't put my all into it, I won't gain followers and my comments will go way down.<br /><br />Some days it does consume way too much time...<br /><br />I want to live as well.L. Diane Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058478111996476699.post-86061728229700027722010-03-22T15:25:17.878-06:002010-03-22T15:25:17.878-06:00I blog rarely and I don't feel the least bit g...I blog rarely and I don't feel the least bit guilty about it. Blogging is so far down on my list of things to do, I can't see it on a foggy day. I'm not sure how it works, but writing my blog always works better after my Friday evening beer. Perhaps it helps me gloss over the submission's imperfections prior to stabbing my cursor at the "post blog" button.<br />Writing on the other hand is second to nothing but family and health. Which means I also have to go to work everyday.Munkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04921320770712443773noreply@blogger.com