My Unplanned Hiatus and the Battle for the Future
11:27 PM
I know what you're thinking. "She's alive? She hasn't been on here in ages!"
I know, I know. I was wondering where I went to. Well, I'm here to shed a little light on that subject.
Here's the deal: I went to college. I'd been planning it in my mind for ages. I knew I'd be leaving home and facing a lot of new things. School, friends, social life, being independent, being on my own, etc. The list goes on. I didn't know what my blogging would become, but as I feared, it became nonexistent.
It wasn't that I didn't want to blog. It wasn't even that I had no time. I was busy, yes, but I've always found a way to make time, and going to college wasn't going to change that for me.
It's that I was creatively drained and, to be honest, I didn't know what to say. Every time I thought about writing a blog post, my mind went blank. Suddenly, I had nothing to write about anymore. I was empty.
And then, last weekend, I went to the ACFW conference in Nashville.
This conference changed my life. It majorly impacted the way I perceived a lot of things in the writing world. It changed the way I thought about social media. It gave me peace and foundation in my plan to wait for pursuing publication. But the biggest thing I brought back from this conference (aside from the fantastic friendships I made while there) was the information I gleaned about building a platform.
A lot of people have been saying blogging is dying. I don't think that's entirely true. At least, I'd like to believe it's not. And while it's not "where it's at" compared to Instagram and Twitter, it still holds a special place in my heart.
I realized several things at the conference, and one of them was why blogging mattered to me, personally. Other forms of social media/platform are great, but the blogging community (at least, the one I've found myself part of) mainly consists of artists. More specifically, writers. There are all sorts of people on Instagram (which is FABULOUS!) but with blogging, I have a chance to reach out to people who really get me. People who know, first hand, the blessings and challenges of doing what you love. People like those at the conference.
Being surrounded by writers reminded me of who I am and, more importantly, who I want to be. I want to spend my life writing books and telling stories and reaching out to people through vivid characters and vast storyworlds. That's what I love. And that's why I'm here, typing up this blog post in my college dorm room in the deep hours of the night. I'm here because I love writing, and I want to share that love with anyone who comes along, and offer advice from things I've discovered to my fellow writers.
I'm probably not going to post every week, and that's okay. The point is I'm going to post when I can. And that's the best I can do.
So. I now have a stronger mission for this little blog than ever. I'm going to become a better writer every day that I'm alive, and this blog is going to be my way of holding to that. I want each and every week of my life to pass with a lesson learned. It doesn't have to be big or earth shattering. It just has to be change.
And that change starts now.
Do you blog? Have you ever found yourself in a season where you no longer know what to say? Talk to me in the comments. I've missed you all!
<3
15 comments
I'm kinda at that point with blogging myself. Posting when you can sounds like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Skye! When you think it about it, doing what we can is all we really can do, so if we accept that, we can have peace with however much or little we accomplish. Do what you can! <3
DeleteI feel this Hannah! I've always struggled with posting consistently, and realized that my mission with my blog isn't to stick to a schedule. Being in college really does make a difference with blogging, and sometimes you're gonna be drained, but sometimes, you'll probably be super randomly inspired and that'll be great :) You're doing great, buddy <3 I'm super proud of you.
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks Caroline. You're amazing. And you've got a great point! I'm hoping to write multiple posts at a time in spells of inspiration, so that when the slump hits, I'll have something to work with. But I know keeping a consistent schedule won't happen all the time, but it is something for me to shoot for. I love how you blog! Your style is awesome and when I see a post in my inbox it brightens my day!
Delete*all the hugs* I'm so happy the conference was fantastic, and that you're back to blogging! <3 I know what a crazy time this has been for you, and I'm super proud that you're coming back here and doing what you can. Whenever I'm feeling dry (which is often) I usually have a collection of tags on hand that I can whip up a post for. xD
ReplyDeleteYes, tags are a great way to get through the dry season! Thanks for welcoming me back :) Your posts are always so great and thought provoking!
DeleteOh, I love this post so much. I've been struggling with the same thing, trying to get back on my feet in the blogging world. I don't care how many people say that blogging is dying, I'll forever love it. It's such a special platform. It was so encouraging to hear that I'm not the only one in the struggle, and I'm so glad to see you back, Hannah. :)
ReplyDeleteAhhh yes. As long as we still love it, it'll still be alive, right? Maybe people like us will keep it going. I believe in you!
DeleteI'm so glad to hear from you again on here! I love your content, but of course you come first. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Gray! That's so sweet and considerate. I really appreciate it <3
DeleteWow, Hannah! Great post! I was wondering where you'd gone to and I completely understand the angle you're coming from. Stay healthy, stay happy, and keep on writing.
ReplyDeleteKeep on sharing your happy thoughts!
ReplyDeleteYou still shared your best blog ever. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteAmazing blog! Keep on posting.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! I appreciate your effort, it is great.
ReplyDeleteComments bring us happiness and warm fuzzies, so please share your thoughts! Stan and I want everyone to be welcome, so we ask that you be kind and courteous and use nice language.