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Friday, August 28, 2009

Review Burnout-Please Help!!!




I was going to post a review for today, but as I sit here reading and commenting on blogs, I find myself with nothing to say!!! It isn't for lack of good books that I've read recently. And my husband and son can attest to the fact that me not talking is very rare. So what is the problem? I can't exactly pinpoint it, but right now I feel pretty unoriginal. I'm at a loss as how to put into words what each one of these books made me feel and to make it something that anyone would care to read. How many of you have had this happen? What did you do to re-energize your thoughts and creativity? I don't want to quit posting or take time off from my blog because I love doing it. I've just hit a road-block and need help getting around it. Any suggestions? Please share your stories with me and help give me a lift out of this funk!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

20 comments:

  1. I think we all go through this from time to time. For me, I just step away from the computer for a day and do something different. Maybe I'll pick up a different book even though I'm in the middle of another. Usually I find that when I'm completely cut off from the computer and have had time to relax and clear my head, the words come back.

    My problem right now is reading ADD. Usually I read one book at a time, maybe two. But right now I'm reading 4 or 5. That's so unlike me.

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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  2. Hmmmmmmmmmmm....I have always enjoyed reading your reviews! And it seems like U have added some flair to it lately with the card rating and the Sat. post....maybe U are not liking that its in the same structure every week??? Could it be mixed up and then it might be better for U???? I am gonna get that book this weekend....and I'll let U know when I have it done! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

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  3. I love your reviews Staci, I'd hate to see your enthusiasm not come thru in a review because that's what I've come to know and love about your reviews whether it's a book you've loved or hated.

    My advice would be to just wait, the words will come back. Keep reading and blog visiting and doing all your other great posts and even though you'll get a backlog of reviews, who cares. It's no point forcing the words.

    This happens to me often, like at least once a month LOL. It's why I get behind in reviews I guess. One tip that works for me is jotting down a feeling or a thought or a quote from a book as I'm reading. When I finish the book, I find I have a whole page of random thoughts and sometimes I can tie them all together into a half way coherent review in no time at all instead of labouring over a review for half a day LMAO no kidding

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  4. I always like to change my surroundings when I feel stumped. Go somewhere, do something new, get away from the computer, etc. Hope you find something relaxing this weekend. I saw you just had a bunch of relatives visiting.

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  5. Staci, I can understand the burnout feeling as I have gone through it as well. I love the honesty you share in your reviews and they are so heartfelt that is what I love about reading them. Maybe you do need a break. I have found that is what helps me and not to feel that I have to post something everyday. A blogging break can help clear the mind and re-energize you. It does sound like you have mixed things up a bit with your reviews and maybe it is finding what works for you, what you are most comfortable with and then the rest will follow. This is just my two cents, I'll be interested in what others suggest and what you decide helps you.

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  6. Staci...It happens to all of us. I have several reviews to write, and I find myself doing anything but! It too shall pass.

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  7. Take a well-deserved break. The world won't stop spinning - I promise! Recharge your batteries by doing something else that you love and write those reviews when you feel ready. You can't force creativity!

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  8. You do write great reviews, but I know what you mean. Some days I wonder how many different ways can I say I loved a book or it was just okay? Don't stress over it and it will all work out.

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  9. Happens to me all the time. How about doing mini-reviews of some books. That way you get them out of the way and move on to new books. Hopefully by then you'll be over the funk.

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  10. Staci you write wonderful reviews! I wish I could write them as well as you! The only thing I do is write the review as soon as I finish the book. That way I don't get behind and everything is fresh in my mind. I hope you find your review mojo back!

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  11. Me too totally. I honestly feel somedays like it's more like an obligation or job (without pay!) and less fun now, and that sort of saps your creativity.

    Maybe with a diminution of pressure It will come back. A break is critical, in my opinion! But in the meantime, post some recipes, or cut and paste in different award lists every day (like there are some here: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklistsbook.cfm ) or if you've saved any favorite book quotes, so you don't feel pressure to write reviews while you're in a funk!

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  12. I'm amazed at the amount of reviews people have put out. I don't know how you do it. I've been working on this reading challenge since June and I'm ready for a bookcation. As soon as I meet this last challenge, oh and read my new book that I ordered . . .and the one for book club. . .

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  13. I second Anna's advice - a day away can do wonders! I love your posts, Staci, and I hope you feel reenergized soon.

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  14. Hi Staci - You are so fabulous I have an award for you! Burnout? I think it happens to everyone. I think the advice to mix it up a little is good. Hmm I may need to do that myself. Anyway, stop by and pick up your award.

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  15. I see people are recommending that you take a little time away from the computer and I think that's a good idea. But not too much time. I had a blogger I loved say she was taking a blog vacation for a few weeks and she never came back :( And keep in mind that not every review will be stunningly wonderful. One or two decent ones might get you through the hump (it seems to work for some of my favorite authors! LOL)

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  16. It happens to all of us. Take a break for a bit and relax. You'll come back refreshed!

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  17. Sorry to hear you're in a funk! I agree with most of the above...take some time off. I took a few WEEKS off during our move and came back to blogging re-energized and loving it again.

    Another thing I'd suggest is try a new review format. Maybe post the books you've read recently and get folks to ask you questions about them. Or try a self-interview. Mixing it up some might help!

    Hope you get out of the "rut" soon!

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  18. I think we go through a temporary reading/writing block from time to time. It could be stress or the brain just simply shouts down and needs a detox holiday. I try to be on top my review by writing up and brainstorming ideas along reading. So I have something handy by the time I finish the book. It's okay Staci, you will be up and running in no time. :) A quiet and isolated environment might help inspire ideas, thoughts, and words. :)

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  19. I think we all have feelings like this sometimes. I agree with the advice to step back from the computer for a little while, or try to change things a bit. Time and a fresh perspective often work wonders.

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  20. Coming in on this a little late. I get the blahs occasionally but it passes after taking a day or two off. I will look at the pile of books I've read and say eek - I'm reading too fast and can't remember what some are about. That's when I have to slow down a bit. I really don't have any answers - just commiserating.

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