Do you feel from time to time that blogging and social media can be draining? I do – more with social media than with blogging. Some days it tires me out or frustrates me, or I have absolutely no desire to log on. That’s when I know I need to take a break for a day or two (or more). It also explains why one of my least favorite bits of “writer platform” advice is that we should be on as many social media sites as possible (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, etc etc etc.) and constantly participating. How can someone have enough time and energy to do that without cutting into their writing time or (in this case) burning themselves out?
Earlier this week, I discovered this article at Cate Russell-Cole’s blog Octopus Ink. Not only did I relate to and agree with her points, but I also liked the tips she offered on how to deal with social media burn-out and maintaining a healthy online presence without overextending yourself. Some of the comments after the article are wonderfully insightful, too. I hope you’ll enjoy this – and maybe cheer about its message – as much as I did.
Sara Letourneau 
You’re right… It’s a constant battle to keep all the plates spinning – and I haven’t yet published the books, yet! It was really encouraging to read other people’s approach. I’m afraid I only spend time on WordPress and Twitter and a bit haphazardly on Facebook – and even then I don’t always keep up with what I want to. I think the advice is not only timely and welcome – it’s wise… Thank you for reblogging it!
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You’re welcome, Sarah. š I can only keep up with what I have right now, too. Though to be honest, I’m not a big fan of Facebook right now and haven’t been spending much time on it even for my personal account. So I might consider something new in its place… But I’m not ready to commit to that just yet.
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Thanks so much for the feedback. (I hope I am not cutting in here, inappropriately.) If you do WordPress and Twitter well, that is enough! Never fall into the trap of trying to do everything. I have found Twitter works best for me, so I focus on that. With Facebook, I just pour money down the drain. š¦
The very best of luck.
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I don’t think you’re cutting in at all, Cate. š
I’ve never actually put any money into promoting my page on Facebook, mostly because I don’t think it’s worth it. But the policies that site has instituted in favor of people who do pay for promotion and views are negatively impacting those who don’t. I hope Twitter never adopts the same methods. š¦
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I hope Twitter stays the same, too. I invested in Facebook before they changed the system, so where I was getting 800 views to a post, they suddenly went down to 50 max. I pulled out of that deal straight away.
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I can so relate to this! As you probably already know. š I have had to limit Twitter time, and I only hop in once in a while at the other social media sites. Instead I’m spending time writing, editing, and figuring out different writing techniques through activities like the #BlogBattle, and focusing on my blog and close friends (like you). Those are things that draw in readers (hopefully š ).
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š That’s the theory I have now, too. And judging from the people who keep coming back to the blog, I know they’re other bloggers whose sites I’ve commented on, and we keep the “giving and receiving” pattern going. That’s more important to me than flailing my energies all over the place and not seeing much in the way of results.
I do think that social media has helped to a degree. I’ve met a number of writers and other people via Twitter. That’s definitely been the most useful of them all in the past year. Right now I’m “on the outs” with Facebook. I don’t want to give up on it completely, but I feel less and less of a desire to spend time there.
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I agree, I’ve met some great people and writers through Twitter, so if I have to choose a social media to lean towards it would be that. š
I love how you worded that: “flailing my energies all over the place”–that’s exactly how it can feel sometimes!
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*lol* Doesn’t it? š
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Sara, thanks so much for the reblog. From reading the comments above, you have a lot of wisdom to share, yourself. Best of luck and if you ever need a friendly ear, don’t hesitate to come my way.
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Awwww, thank you, Cate. š And you’re welcome!
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Great post Sara! I definitely am in that boat of trying to keep a balance between writing for my blog and keeping up with other aspects of life (and other writing ventures)! š
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Thanks, Shelah! Again, I give all the credit to Cate for writing it. I only wanted to spread the word in case anyone who needed to hear her message hadn’t read it yet. š But I completely agree with her call for balance, and I’m glad to hear you do as well!
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