I just read this wonderfully honest post by Crystin Goodwin and it really hit me, I spend more time working on my blog than I do on my WIP. Hm…
There’s a good possibility that the reason I’m not working on my book is not that my blog takes up my time. I could find more time for my WIP but I’m procrastinating because it’s editing and to quote a friend, my first draft is ‘eye searing’ bad. Reading it is actually painful.
But Crystin’s post brings up a great question, how do you balance writing on your book vs. writing on your blog? Should we post every day? Should we only post when we have high-quality posts? Should we write first and then blog?
I’d love to hear what works for you.
Taylor Grace 
It’s a good question. I suppose part of the answer lies in why you blog? Is it because writing is a lonely process and it’s a way of connecting, or is it to create a platform? Partly the two together? Or to practice writing? Something different altogether? Then with that answer you may find your other answer. We all need to make sure we find time for the actual writing but balance is something many of us need to figure out.
Such an excellent comment! So wise! Thank you so much, Rebecca!
I try to post every day except Tuesday and Thursday. It’s not as overwhelming as every day. I added Thursday during October for my Halloween shorts, but those are pre written. I’ll drop Thursday again in November.
That’s so smart! Thank you so much for that tip!
Tues and Thurs seemed to be low traffic days for me. My Halloween stunt has increased traffic on Thursdays, but I’m returning to my schedule in November.
Will keep an eye on that and your posts! 🙂
For me, blogging definitely has to come second. I try to do one post a week, two if I include a Wordless Wednesday post. I need to focus on writing novels. I don’t consider myself to be a blogger as such, but an author who has a blog as part of her author platform. Connecting with other bloggers is great fun and has certainly netted me some book sales, but writing books must be my primary aim.
I need to think about your answer more because maybe that’s exactly what I’m missing, a focus point. Hm…Thank you so much for that answer, Margarita! So wise!
Since I started my blog my writing has dipped to almost zero. Since I started the blog to support my writing it would seem things have gotten out of balance.
Trent, I can so relate! It’s crazy but this is sucking up a lot of time! Thank you so much for your honesty!
I struggle with the balance. I’m considering taking a leaf out of Mishka’s book and scheduling my blogging time. It’s hard because I run three or four so I need discipline…either that or a clone or two 😉
Three or four blogs? OMG!! And you still write books and are a mother? I need to know how you do it!
On another note, if you find a good clone-maker, please let me know 🙂
It’s an endless search, but I’m a determined sort! If I do find a mad scientist who is willing to throw caution to the wind, I’ll let you know 😉
I’m not sure how I manage to juggle things. I don’t like to think about it, in case it all comes crashing down around my ears. So far I’ve got through on a wing and a prayer! I need a new system I think. The pressure is getting to me a little 🙂
Oh…no! Melissa, you’re such a kind and wonderful person (even from what little I know of you), please take care so you don’t burn out! Think of your little girl who needs you around for many more trips like the one you have planned!
Aww! Thanks for the shout out, Taylor! I’m glad that I’m not the only one who is losing novel time to my blog… That said, I always love reading your posts! 🙂
Thanks so much!! I couldn’t help it because your post touched me and I could relate so strongly to what you said! Thank you for that!
Making reasonable goals might help. I found a critique partner and it’s made all the difference in both of our WIPs. Someone who can ask, “When are your sending your next chapter?” It helps. I admire people who are consistent with blogging. It’s perseverance. Just need a bit of that quality geared toward your WIP 🙂
Thanks, Meghan. That’s actually great advice and thoughtful tips. Thank you for them!
I’m trying to balance life with writing. Who cares about social media, sheeesh…
Anywho, editing is just writing. We love writing 😉 Get to editing 😛
Thanks, Winter! You’re awesome!!
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I try to write two blog posts a week and then spend any other free time on writing projects that I have on the go at the moment. I think that finding a balance between writing blog posts and other writing projects is hard, oh for another 12 hours in each day! 🙂
You know, I struggle with that myself. I have been posting everyday but not writing…and that’s not good. I have to find balance. Easier said than done, though.
Well, when you figure it out let me know your secret ok? 🙂
Absolutely! And if you figure it out, let me know!
That’s a promise! 🙂