I’ve mentioned several times over the last few weeks that I’ve been in a HUGE reading slump…I’ve only read 1 book in 3 1/2 weeks!!😱 I don’t even recognize that as my reading life:( I’m sure you all know how frustrating it feels to pick up book after book and nothing grabs you. Needless to say, my blogging and social media has hit the same slump and after giving it much thought I think it’s best if I take a step away and spend time reading for pleasure without thinking about sitting down to write a review. I’m really hoping by doing so I’ll come up with a new blogging strategy moving forward, whether it’s a shorter ,more concise review format? Less posting days? I’m not sure.
I want to thank everyone for stopping by and taking the time to read my posts and reviews… even if you don’t comment, I hope when you stop by you may have found a good book rec here and there:) I plan on keeping up with my Goodreads challenge, so you can see what I’m reading on there at itsbooktalk@gmail.com. I’ll still be popping around the blogosphere and Twitter and Instagram here and there to read reviews and comment but less frequently for now. Thanks everyone and hope to get back in the swing of things soon!!
P.S I may put together a few Throwback Thursday posts…I love that meme and hate to miss it!
It sucks so hard when nothing grabs you. I hope your next book blows you away and drags you out of that slump and that this strategy works for you! Hope to see you back again soon! xx
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Thanks Eva! I seem to be working my way out of the slump…slowly…and I hope to jump back in soon
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It’s always a hassle when you notice that you’re getting into a slump. I hope taking time off will help you get out of it!
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Thanks so much Kathy, me to!
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Reading slumps are awful! Taking a break is a great idea…enjoy the time away and reading what you want!
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They’re the WORST!! My poor husband has had to listen to my frustrations over not finding a great book for 3 weeks:) I feel good about the break and think it will help. Thanks Brandie!!
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Oh no! Now you too! I feel like some many of my favorite book bloggers end up burning out like this. I have definitely reassessed along the way – bullet point style reviews, posting less, etc and am in the process of how I’ll reassess yet again in 2018. I hope you’ll be back and will you continue to post your reading on Goodreads?
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I’m bummed myself Sarah, I have no mojo for review writing at all so I will definitely consider a new style like bullet pointing them upon return! Also posting less. I love the way you combine reviews so that’s an idea for me also…I just need to read some books to get there:) Yes, I’ll be over on Goodreads and for sure keeping my reading updated there!!
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Hope you come back soon, and get your mojo back, I love ur Wednesday post 🙂 good luck
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Thanks Kat!
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We’ll miss you Renee but completely understand!! Take care and I’ll see you over on Goodreads!
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Thanks Chelsea and yes, I’ll definitely be seeing and chatting with you on Goodreads!!
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Take care lovely! So rubbish when the slump hits, leaves you feeling so defeated xx
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You’re so right Kate, it’s so frustrating to hit such an extended slump and not have reviews for the blog! Thanks for your well wishes!
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Enjoy your break, there’s no need to pressure yourself with the blog if you don’t feel it ❤ I'm gonna miss you!
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Thank you Meggy! I hope to return soon 🙂
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You will be missed Renee. Take care and I hope that the slump goes away soon x
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Thanks Diana and me to! I’ll still be popping around for your reviews:) BTW, your copy of Beartown finally shipped and it’s on the way to Annie…there was an initial delay but it’s coming!!
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Yay, super excited to hear that Beartown is on the way. I still can’t believe how well that worked out and that book will be traveling across three continents, how cool is that 🙂 Thanks a lot Renee.
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What a journey that little book will take…I hope you love it!
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I will miss your reviews Renee but glad you’re focusing on what makes sense for you right now .
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Thanks Kathy!! I hope to be back soon:)
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Oh, Renee! I’m so sorry that you’re in such a slump, but think you’re smart to know yourself well enough to take a break. This is not a job and taking time to read without the pressure of producing reviews may be just what you need to feel normal again. I changed up my reviews last summer to try to make them simpler to write, but still I wish they came quicker. Just be good to yourself and do what feels right. Let’s keep in touch via DM or text!
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Thanks Susie and wise advice! I love your new review format and incorporating the way you and Sarah review is foremost in my mind when I return. I have to figure out a way to write faster reviews and have fun with it. We’ll definitely be keeping in touch:)
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Reading slumps are the pits….hope your break helps and you’re back soon x
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Thanks Cathy!
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There is nothing more frustrating than a reading slump! I hope your break treats you well and you end up reading some fantastic books!
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Me too Kristin, and you’re right, it’s so frustrating when I had been smooth sailing with so many good reads. Thanks for your well wishes!
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Enjoy the break, Renee!
We’ll miss you! 😊
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Thanks so much Zoe!
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I totally get what you are saying. I do enjoy reading your reviews, still don’t come back until you are ready.
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I appreciate that Martie and I hope to get my blogging mojo back soon:)
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Have a good break and hope you enjoy reading a good book soon!
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I think the break will do me good, thanks Katherine!
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We will miss you but this sounds like a good idea! Everyone needs to hit the reset button at one time or another. In the meantime we can still enjoy your Thursday posts when you choose to do them. xx 🙂
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Thank you Tina, I hope to get back to regular TBT soon!
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I’ll miss you, Renee but totally understand that sometimes you need to recharge your batteries. As Susie mentioned, this is not a job. When it starts to feel like one, that’s a bit of a problem. Take good care and we’ll see you on GR in the mean time!
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I so appreciate your support and yes, I’ll see you on Goodreads for now:)
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Will miss you but sometimes a total break is the best way to get the old enthusiasm back. Enjoy your reading meantime! 😀
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Thank you, I can’t wait to get back in my reading groove!
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Hope you get your reading groove back soon Renee ❤️
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Thanks Janel!
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It’s good that you’re doing what you need to do for you. I will miss you but I totally understand. I hope your slump breaks and you have a lot of great reads. Sending hugs and good vibes 🤗❤️🤗
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Thanks so much Dee, I always appreciate your support!
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It’s the time of the year for breaks. That’s why I love blogging. You can do whatever you like because it’s your blog and there are no rules. Reading slumps are the worst! I am not in a slump but I need to finish this King chunkster before I move on to others. I usually read 2-3 at a time but for some reason it’s not working this time with this book.
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Thanks TI, I know you’ve been blogging many years and have probably experienced the dreaded slump. I hope to find a fantastic read soon and get back track. I just couldn’t get into that King book…I’ll be interested in hearing your thoughts:)
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Enjoy your break, Renee – I’ll miss our little bookish chats, but sometimes you do need to step away from blogging. Hope to see you back here soon x
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Thanks Jo, I enjoy chatting and I’ll continue to keep my eye out for your reviews…hope to return soon!
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Have been where you are a few times myself. I find stepping back works, giving me space to not worry about that next post or what I have read vs. What I want to read. Enjoy your time off and see you again soon I’m sure!
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Thanks Emma and I think reading with no pressure or expectations will be just what I need for the time being
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I am just in awe of all bloggers and the blog posts I read – so much thought and emotion all conveyed in such a great way – day after day – Renee you are a star – just remember that – no pressure everything you manage to put together is a bonus. xxx
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Thank you so much Celia, your kind words have made my day! I appreciate you taking the time to comment and I hope to return to the blog soon:)
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Hi Renee, hope to see you back soon and will miss your reviews but COMPLETELY understand where you’re coming from. I’m on a blog hiatus myself for health reasons but sometimes we just need to take that step back and remember why we love doing it in the first place. I’m already getting “itchy fingers” to write a review and think I am almost ready to come back but am not putting any pressure on myself to deliver. Have a lovely break and see you when you return xxx
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Thanks Beth and you’re so right about why I feel I need this blog break…I want to read and be excited for review writing again! I’m sending positive thoughts your way that your health is improving…take care of yourself and I’ll look forward to your return as well!
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Hoping the break will recharge ypur blogging juices and bring you back soon 💜 but in the meantime just enjoy it. We all need them. Be well my friend.
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Thank you Danielle💗
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I totally understand where you’re coming from Renee. Just enjoy your reading and come back when you’re ready. x
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I hope it’s soon, thanks Karen!
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Sometimes a blogging break is the perfect way to refresh and recharge the engines. I think reading for pleasure without having to worry about reviews is a great idea! I hope it works well for you and wish you a quick return! 🙂
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Thanks Bentley, I appreciate your well wishes!!
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Even though I’m sad, you know I think that you should definitely do this for as long as you need and don’t worry about anything else. Reading for pleasure might get your mojo back… and we’ll be here when you decide to come back! And of course I will keep messaging you because you can’t quit me! hahaha
🙂 You’ve made me read so many good books thanks to your blog!!
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Thanks Annie, our friendship has been such a bright gift of my entering the blogging world so no, you won’t get rid of me…our DM’s will continue and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m sure after a total revamp of my reading and blogging I’ll be back!!
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Have a great “break” Renee!
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I feel like I am in a similar place – have so many things that are taking up brain space-little time to read and can’t really concentrate…so I am just blogging when inspired, not routinely. Hope you work out a direction that suits you.
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Thank you! It seems a lot of bloggers are feeling this way
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I hope a break works for you
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[…] about setting realistic goals (including blog goals), Renee at It’s Book Talk is taking a blog hiatus to come back to blogging refreshed, and Drizzle And Hurricane Books had some good advice on how not […]
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Enjoy your break and I hope the time off will help getting over your slump!! xx
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Thanks so much Yvo!!
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