Okay, I know the title of this post may sound pretty drastic, but if you hear me out, you’ll possibly agree that it’s the best way to put what I am going through.
It’s something that has been on my mind for quite some time, but I have never found the right words to express it. In-fact, I am not sure I will be able to communicate it well even now, but I’ll try. So be prepared for this post to be more of a stream-of-consciousness kind of ramble (very unlike me, but hey this is a special circumstance, hence the exception).
Now, at the bottom of my dilemma is this feeling of unease that grips me whenever I try to think of the big picture for my little blog.
If you have read my Blog ‘Birth Story’ post, you know that when I initially considered blogging, I wanted to start a food blog. For me it was the perfect blend, it indulged my love for food, while providing value to the readers in form of recipes/tips etc.
As far as Shanaya Tales was concerned, it was only meant to be a “practice blog” for the “real show”. But as life would have it, this blog picked up, and became my gateway to the wonderful virtual world of bloggers, and blog readers, and I made several friends whom I truly treasure and am immensely grateful for.
It’s actually one of those things you don’t think much about before you start a blog, but the people that you get to know through your blog are truly that best thing about this whole experience. Anyway, I digress.
So like I was saying, as time passed, the need for the food blog, did not seem that urgent, as Shanaya Tales fulfilled my need for a creative outlet, and for a long time I was content with just posting whatever struck my fancy.
It’s only recently when I got back into active pursuit of the food blog, and I had to make some time-management choices, that I began to wonder about this supposed practice blog, and its purpose.
It’s not what you are possibly thinking, I am not considering shutting down Shanaya Tales, this blog means too much to me to give it up. But at the same time it’s been giving me some anxiety.
For one, if you are a blogger you know how much time and energy a blog takes. It might not seem like a whole lot of work to many, but it can take significant portions of our ‘free time’ if not all of it.
And in my case, it is also a constant thing in my subconscious mind. I find it hard to shut down, and I am always thinking about it, even when I am not actively doing any blogging related activity.
So when I plan on adding another blog to this equation, the time-crunch becomes real. Or I guess it was always real, only now has it begun to truly overwhelm me. Especially because I also have a family to take care of, a full time job, and a house that seems to need constant cleaning, over and above all my blogging ambitions.
Which makes me question the purpose of Shanaya Tales. It still gives me a lot of joy, but I clearly don’t need the practice anymore. Also, I am not sure if any of what I write is useful or relevant to anyone. And no, I am not fishing for compliments here, it’s a serious question.
This question especially arises because I don’t have what you call a niche blog. And I know that in terms of value they are considered the best for the reader experience.
Moreover, I also wonder about the fact that when I know that I will be able to achieve both my goals with the food blog – my personal creative release, as well as value to readers, am I doing the right thing by putting so much time and energy into this blog, which only serves me?
The thing is, I don’t know what the thing is. I am conflicted, and I don’t even know if this is normal. If you are a blogger, have you felt this way about any of your blogs at any point in time? What did you do that helped you overcome either the feeling or the situation? Do share.
And if you are just a blog-reader, sorry if this post was kinda all over the place. It was essentially me thinking aloud, which I am sure must have given you a sneak-peek into behind-the-scenes blogger life. It’s not always pretty, but on the plus side, there is never a dull moment. 🙂
But more importantly, if you have read this blog for any length of time, please do let me know what are the kinds of posts you like to read the most. It will help me out a lot to know that, so I don’t have to deal with this dilemma all the time.
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The #ChattyBlogs Linky: A monthly linky which goes up on the first Sunday of every month, and is open for 2 weeks.
Here’s how it works:
- Write a chatty/rambly post – it could be a deep, thought-provoking one or even a random ramble. No judgement here.
- At the bottom of your post – add the #ChattyBlogs badge, and link to this post (which hosts the linky) to encourage other bloggers to join in.
- Add your link to the #ChattyBlogs linky.
- Visit and comment on the fellow bloggers’ post in the linky.
- Enjoy!
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Note: I have also created a twitter handle for ChattyBlogs & registered the actual hashtag #ChattyBlogs. So, when you do write and link up your posts, please do use the hashtag & I will be sure to RT & share it.
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Eli
I have been where you are… my approach was to go more towards what I really wanted to write about… deep inside.. where does the words come from… and about what… it relieves stress and build up your joy of writing – at least it did so to me… lovely post!
Eli recently posted…Arizona – my top 5
Shanaya Tales
Thank you, Eli. I will definitely keep that in mind.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…How To Help Your Child ‘Read’ 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Ruchi Singh
You are absolutely correct and I can feel your dilemma. Its lots of work and some heavy thinking to maintain a blog. I’m sure you’ll solve the challenge to your satisfaction. Take care!
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Ruchi. For the constant & unconditional support. I appreciate it more than I can say.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…How To Help Your Child ‘Read’ 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Shilpa Gupte
Shantala, I may not visit Shanaya Tales each time you publish a post here, but i must say it’s not just entertaining reading about the several books you read, but enlightening as well. There are times I sneak in at your blog to check the books you suggest before my visit to the bookshop. So that saves me from picking up crap.
I feel you should cotinue with this blog and publish posts as and when you can. And if you are so interested in starting a food blog, then you should go ahead with that, too! I am sure you will be able to manage it. Some time management is all that you will need. I am sure your readers will enjoy that as well!
Whatever you decide, sweetie, my best wishes are with you!
And you can go right ahead and ramble all you want till the time you come to a conclusion or clear your mind of all the cobwebs. We all do that! 🙂
♡♡♡
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Shilpa. Thank you. <3 I am glad that you do find the reviews useful. But mostly thank you for being a constant source of support & encouragement. I might not always say it, but I truly cherish your friendship.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…How To Help Your Child ‘Read’ 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Dash
I only have a simple blog which itself is inconsistent. This is a question that I’ve asked myself several times- is all the time and effort spent for the blog worth it? Especially when I feel the posts are of little help to the readers I wonder why I keep going. I’m definitely in no position to give advice or motivation to a blogger like you, but all I can say is that I never forced myself into blogging. I’ve done it at my own enjoyable pace, sometimes with breaks in between. That’s the thing about blogs – it’s our choice how to handle it. We have all the freedom. Keep going, and all the best with your blogging ventures, Shantala 🙂
Shanaya Tales
That’s very true, Darshana. And I appreciate your input. Sometimes we all get tangled into the web of whys and what-ifs, but at the end of the day, I guess we need to revisit the reason we started the blog, and continue to do it. In my case, it is because it gives me joy. And I know that it’s reason enough to continue, but sometimes I lose sight of that.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…How To Help Your Child ‘Read’ 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Sreesha
I know where you’re coming from! So, first of all, hi-five!
Here’s the thing. Personally speaking, I’m not anti-niche, but I’m definitely pro-non-niche. It’s my love for blogging and writing that makes me that way, and in this world of highly business-oriented, niche blogs, it is so refreshing to read a blog like yours, where I can connect with the writer, ie, with the writer as a person rather than the writer who’s trying to sell me something. The difference is vast, and as a reader, I want to read *real* posts.
If you want to do the food blog, I would definitely encourage you. But not at the cost of this one. Let this be where you share your thoughts on books, and life, and everything in between. As for the time crunch, maybe try a weekly or biweekly schedule . When you have an audience, you know your readers will return whenever it is that you choose to post.
Sreesha recently posted…The Tribute
Shanaya Tales
Thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts, Sreesha. And yes, that is exactly the reason why I too love to read more personal blogs over niche sites. Of-course niche sites do play an important role, especially when I am looking for something specific, but personal blogs let me connect with different people, and these bonds and connections have been the best part about blogging.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Inderpreet
I always felt this was a book blog and enjoy your reviews and books related posts. This is a blog about you so it can’t be a niche blog but it’s a good one. Keep writing even if it’s one post a fortnight.
Inderpreet recently posted…#AuthorsAnswers Pursue Your Passion @DrDurgadoss #TheIndusChallenge
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Indy. And yes, I agree. Since this blog is essentially an extension of my personality, it will never be a niche blog, and I just have to be okay with that, and love it for what it is, which I actually do. I just lose sight of that sometimes. Thank you for all your support & encouragement. Hugs.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Jenny @ Reading the End
I’m sure this won’t help, but I definitely know how it feels to wonder if the blogging is worth the time. It has helped me in the past to just take a hiatus? Give myself space to miss blogging. I know a lot of book bloggers who’ve done this, and some of them have found, at the end of the hiatus, that they don’t miss it. When I’ve done it in the past, I’ve missed it, and that’s been my answer.
Jenny @ Reading the End recently posted…Review: Thick as Thieves, Megan Whalen Turner
Shanaya Tales
Yeah it makes complete sense. Especially because I have taken a hiatus in the past, only to realize I miss blogging way too much to give it up. I guess I just lost sight of that.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Mahati Ramya adivishnu
This title really got me confusing until i read your post completely. I have faced this dilemma 100 times. But my blog is also an extension of my life and my identity. So, yeah eventhough i know a few posts are not relavant or useful to my readers, i continue. Even mine is not a niche blog. I write book reviews, travelogues, random thoughts etc., one way, its beneficial to have a blog with a diverse topics. When i feel down, l write random positive thoughts, gratitude lists and when i have patience and intetest, i write detailed reviews, when iam lazy, i do round up posts etc.,?
Shanaya Tales
Hehe, I know exactly what you mean. That is precisely what Shanaya Tales is to me. It’s random, but it is an extension of my random personality, and that is why I love it so much. And so I will continue to keep it the way it is, and satisfy my niche cravings through the food blog.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Shailaja Vishwanath
A) I love this blog of yours. I enjoy the in-depth book reviews, the fitness updates, the chatty blogs, all of it. It’s because you put heart and soul into everything you write. So that won’t change even if you start another blog. And no, do NOT stop this blog. Please
B) Start another blog only if you are sure you can invest time in it. I am glad I separated my fiction blog from the parenting one because it’s two very different niches. And I am finally comfy with my current posting schedule. But it takes a lot of effort even then to maintain them both, especially with a full time job. I try not to stress about it but some days are harder than others.
I will read you anyway, no matter what you decide but do NOT give up this blog.
Shailaja Vishwanath recently posted…How & When to have the Puberty Talk with your Daughter
Shanaya Tales
Not shutting down this blog. And thank you – for EVERYTHING . I love you. <3
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Sanchie @ Living my Imperfect Life
I’ll be honest, most of my favourite blogs are personal blogs. I do enjoy getting a peek into people’s lives and getting to ‘know’ them. It saddens me when people give up personal blogs for more niche blogs because apart from writing blogs, I don’t really follow any other niche blogs. Of course, at the end of the day, you need to ask yourself why you blog. I have two blogs and only chose to have the writing one as it was a way to start to build a platform if I do eventually write the damn books I plan. But it is hard managing both and there are days I wonder if I should just combine the two, use the writing blog name and delete a lot of my personal posts. But I’m not sure as yet. Either way, whatever you choose, your readers will follow. 🙂
Sanchie @ Living my Imperfect Life recently posted…Take pride in June
Shanaya Tales
Yeah, I believe this is a dilemma most of us face, in different forms. But I believe you should definitely keep the writing blog separate, because the books will come, and when they do, you will thank yourself for the platform you created. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Kala Ravi
Oh gee Shantala, this sounded so much like my own rant! You know my blog baby Relax-N-Rave? Yep, it’s still a confused lil one. I’ve been asking myself the same questions you are. But after much soul-searching I have come to the conclusion that one should and will write only if one wants to. No one can force you to write out of your comfort zone. If your finances are not riding on your blogging, then I say, blog for the love of words and the companionship of like-minded souls. The moment, writing on your blog seems like just another chore, step back from it and allow yourself a breather. Don’t worry about losing touch, if you’ve been bitten by the blogging bug, it is here to stay. Now stop brooding girl and cheer up! Love and hugs!
Kala Ravi recently posted…Many Hats, One Master
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much for your words of support & encouragement, Kala. They mean a lot. And yes, I don’t think I can ever quit blogging. The bug has bitten me well and good. Will take a break as and when needed. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Rajlakshmi
I am always in this state. I got two other niche blogs but somehow I am extremely partial to my original blog which is a mish mash of everything. At one point I even thought of turning it into a niche site, but it’s a wild child, my heart didn’t let me control it’s awkward and randomness. So I let it be. It’s very difficult in terms of time management, but I divide my time between them. I would say don’t shut this one down. You will feel yourself coming back to it as this blog will give you opportunities to write on stuffs that your food blog won’t.
Shanaya Tales
Oh yeah, I would definitely not shut down Shanaya Tales. Because even though it wasn’t my original plan, it is now my online sanctuary, and I wouldn’t want to give that up. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Raj, it helped me clear my head a little, and you know what, just like you, I too can see myself coming back to this blog, whenever I just want to be my random self.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Uma
As someone who has been going through this dilemma for quite some time now, I completely get what you say. I discovered your blog only recently and I love your book reviews as well as personal posts like these that speak to me. I’m not the best person to advise you here but perhaps this blog also has a niche (book reviews and chatty, rambly posts). Why not continue with both and see how it goes? I know one blog itself can be draining on time but maybe you can divide your time between the two initially and see how you want to take them ahead.
As for me, I’m plodding along because I do not want to give up blogging altogether. I like the creative outlet that my blog provides me although there’s no definitive niche. I ramble about a lot of things, so perhaps random should be a category too 😉
Uma recently posted…Bhutan: A peek into the Bhutanese life, cuisine and hospitality
Shanaya Tales
Hahaha..random should totally be a category. Then my blog feel at home in there. 🙂
And thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here, Uma. It means a lot. I have been going over the comments on this post several times, and not only has it given me some clarity, but also cheered me up immensely. And for that, I am ever grateful. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Shalini
I totally understand. Kohl Eyed Me became a mess when I started writing poems and anecdotes from my life. I then created a food blog. I will not lie when I say, managing two blogs is stressful, especially when one is a travel or food blog. It is tedious, with all the photography and editing. But doable if you think you can manage time. I love your honest book reviews here, Shantala. I hope you continue doing that here. Why don’t you create a separate category for another topic here, in the same blog?
Shalini recently posted…Finding the Angel #BookReview
Shanaya Tales
I am glad you like the book reviews. That is the category I was the most conflicted over. And also, thank you for our chat the other day. It completely turned around that day for me. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Lata Sunil
Shantala, I have been feeling the same lately and there is a slump in my blog too. With the 100s of things we need to do, I am running out of fresh ideas and motivation. But, personally, I have decided to write what I want to write. After all, that was the objective of creating my blog. I have no niche as well. As for your posts, I like the reviews, the weight loss goals, some POVs. Write what you want to, when you want to. If you are not enjoying it, take a break. If you can satisfy yourself, that is all that matters.
Lata Sunil recently posted…Thursday Tree Love #ThursdayTreeLove
Shanaya Tales
Yeah, Lata. I think we are all plagued by such doubts every now and then. I guess the important thing is to never lose sight of the reason why we started our blogs in the first place. It’s something I have been revisiting over the past few weeks, and it has helped me get over the funk I was in.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
Mithila Menezes @fabulus1710
Oh yes. The blogger existential crisis. It’s a real thing. Thanks to the countless number of blogs that continue to be created everyday, it does make us feel like our words aren’t of any use to anyone. This happens to me when I write book reviews. For me, the recurring thought is: No one is going to approach MY blog for an opinion about what to read next. They’re going to trust GoodReads. So, why should I review a book?
But trust me on this: no one’s words on the internet go wasted. Specially when these words come from an experienced blogger + book reviewer + foodie like you, Shantala! I’m pretty sure that your readers will vouch for this: you have affected many purchasing decisions via your blog. I have added books to my TBR thanks to your suggestions. And this initiative #ChattyBlogs ! 🙂
Hugs, love and all the support I can give as an online cheerleader. ❤
Mithila Menezes @fabulus1710 recently posted…Let’s save the environment!
Shanaya Tales
Yes, that is exactly how I felt. The whole exercise felt pointless. So thank you so much for your words of encouragement and support. It means more than I can ever express.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Anything But Books Tag
upasna1987
Hey Shantala, its totally normal to feel like that while maintaining multi-niche blogs. Do not let blogging make you feel stressed. Though I am also panning to start a niche blog for the love of Minimalism and Crafts along with this as this gives me peace when I write whatever crosses my mind. I do not want to bound myself within a niche. Rachna is right- You write good reviews and this chatty linkup is good. I ave also started a linkup #quotedstories . Hope you can visit and link up if possible.
upasna1987 recently posted…A heartfelt poem by a daughter
Shanaya Tales
Thank you, Upasna, and I look forward to your blog on minimalism. It is something I have actively pursued for a long time, so would enjoy reading more about it.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Blogger Version of Existential Crisis #ChattyBlogs – June Linky
Corinne Rodrigues
Oh I get exactly what you mean, Shantala. I had the same problem with Write Tribe which is evident from the long breaks in between. A food blog takes so much more work and I admire those of you who manage to sustain one. I’ve learned that the best thing to do is pace yourself according to your life and don’t compare!
Shanaya Tales
Yes, I completely agree, Corinne. Comparison is not only useless, it is also detrimental to our growth. But that has never been an issue with me. My real challenge is pacing myself. I want to do everything all at once, and am too hard on myself at times. I am definitely going to work on that, without giving up my goals.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Blogger Version of Existential Crisis #ChattyBlogs – June Linky
Rachna
Hi Shantala, I completely understand what you are feeling. I would ask you to revisit why you blog. Please write that down. That ought to help you with your answer. As someone who has 3 blogs, I know what you mean about time constraint. As far as Shanaya Tales is concerned, it has created its niche in book reviews. I hope you can continue reviewing books here. Clearly that’s a passion and something that you do quite well which also resonates with your audience. Lastly I wish you good luck for the food blog. But it does take more time to keep it running with all pics etc. Hope you all account for that before you get into it head on. When you do, maintain a blog calendar. 2 posts per month for each blog should be doable or something less considering what you can manage in the time you have. Please don’t let blogging become stressful. Do what you can handle. It’s okay. We are here for support and to cheer you along. Good luck.
Rachna recently posted…Review of Littleapp Website
Shanaya Tales
Yes, I do realize the amount of work the food blog takes, which is why I am kinda intimidated, but it is also something that I have always wanted to do, so it is hard to give it up.
But I took your advice and wrote it all down on paper, and it already seems more manageable than it did in my head. Thank you so much!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Blogger Version of Existential Crisis #ChattyBlogs – June Linky
Nabanita Dhar
I know what you mean, Shantala. I started a food blog last year to write about my love for food and eating. But then with everything else going on and the amount of attention random thoughts naba takes, I just don’t find time for the other blog anymore. I know I cannot slack off with the one I started with so the food blog now took a back seat. So< i completely understand the type of dilemmas and questions we go through as bloggers from time to time.
Nabanita Dhar recently posted…#MommyTalks | Results & Marks
Shanaya Tales
I know. It’s such a hard call to take at times, but I guess all we need is a hard & honest look at our priorities, though that is easier said than done.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Blogger Version of Existential Crisis #ChattyBlogs – June Linky