As you all know, whoever reads this, there was a large chunk of time when I didn’t post here at all. All my posts went to another website because I had devoted time to that project. When that project went downhill, and I left that group, I now had the unenviable chore of building this blog back up again.
Many writers have times in their lives when their blog, their social media, or their writing escape them. Getting back into it feels like an exercise in futility. Where I used to have many likes and shares and retweets and comments, I now have the occasional “like” from friends who read my stuff anyway. It’s frustrating. I’m sure many of you have fallen into the same trap before when life handed you an entire bucket of lemons. We all do.
So how do you fix it?
Well, the answer is not going to be easy, and it’s one I’m still struggling with. It is, however, very true: you just keep at it. Keep writing those blog posts like you did in the beginning when your entire audience was your cat. Keep tweeting and following and retweeting like you did when you knew only your aunt, your cousin, and that weird friend on Twitter. Keep putting pen to paper and putting out books even if it feels like nobody’s listening.
The real problem here isn’t the lack of people listening, it’s the change. It’s like climbing up the stairs and then falling back down them. When you look at the stairs again they appear so much longer because you’re now on your butt at the bottom step. Again.
You climbed this mountain once, and you can do it a second time. Don’t lament what you’ve lost in terms of activity – that won’t help you regain it. Instead, focus on creating quality content, tweets, or whatever it is you’re doing. That will pull people back to you, and soon you’ll be on top of those stairs again. You can then continue upward through employing the same methods.
Ultimately, what has taken a hit is my self-esteem. How did I end up being so dumb that I set aside all my personal development for another project? Well… there are a lot of answers to that, but what matters moving forward. I learned my lessons, and I’m continuing onward. I now know not to let myself become bogged down the way I have been.
You can do this, too. Everyone can. Just decide you’re going to start over. In some ways, it’s better because it gives you a clean slate to work from. You can do this. I can do this. We can do this.
Happy holidays, everyone.
Thirteen Cents Short 
Ye gads, Beth, it’s as though you are writing about ME personally! There were a couple of reasons I stopped writing my blog – ok, really only one, but I’m a little embarrassed to admit it. I was coasting along, learning that it was the keywords that garnered followers and simply writing whatever floated my boat at the time. One of my few followers is quite brilliant and called into question one of my more “esoteric” posts that was riddled with thoughtless errors. The nerve of that guy! He was right; I was wrong, but I MUST be perfect. If I’m not PERFECT, I’d rather not do it at all – so I completely quit ALL writing (except for this). So, I fell off the horse. Will I ever get back on? Who knows. All I know is that it is wonderful to read your writing again. I’m so glad you’re back on your steed and are riding at full gallop.
The only way to reach toward perfection is to keep doing it. I have always loved reading your comments and interacting with you, so don’t be discouraged by one voice in the wild. That one voice is the part we all wrestle with (Lord knows I have them), but I think you shouldn’t put it to rest just because one person called into question some of what you said.
Part of writing (blogging or otherwise) is about growth. I go back and read some of my early posts and cringe a little, too. It’s just part of the process, and we endure those growing pains. What I can do is look back at the beginning and say, “Wow – I’ve come a long way.” I’m sure you can do the same!
If you ever want to talk or discuss writing or blogging, I’m here anytime, Helen. Please don’t give up!
Thank you, EP. I suddenly had a vision of myself as one of those daredevil body parachutists zooming through the crazy cracks and crevices of the Andes while freefalling at practically Mach 1 – and YOU were the protective covering, perfectly constructed, that guided me through all the dangers to land gently on my feet. Maybe I will write again; I’m getting closer.
I am just glad to be able to walk with you on your journey. If I have been able to help you navigate this a little, then I am glad to hear it. I know you have it in you. You can do it.
thank you!