As a blogger, do you constantly feel like you are on a rollercoaster? Love it one minute, dislike it the next? Jessica Soothill, from mummy of boy girl twins wants to find out.
One minute I just LOVE blogging; I feel empowered by sitting down to write words that people read and comment upon, and message me about. What a superb feeling it is when actual, real, (mostly) parents say, “Yes I feel like that too” or “I can relate”.
And I am so proud of myself, for starting blogging; for embarking upon writing again, after I had such a passion for it during English lessons many years ago. Despite not pursuing a career in journalism (I opted for Human Resources Management instead!) this is my little chance to feel like a bit of a writer.
However, then I get a bit grumpy with it. The font doesn’t look right, or I can’t find the right photo. Or no one commented on a post that I wrote! “I can’t be bothered with this anymore”, I tell my Hubby, (who tells me not to be so ridiculous, and to keep at it, because he likes it at least!).
Because although it is a hobby, and a very cathartic one at that, it is also often quite challenging to find the time to write posts and fiddle about with layout. And even though it is something I do in my spare time, for me, I can’t help but want it to be a teeny bit of a success. And by success, I mean, just for a few people to quite like it and want to read it…rather than just my Husband and my Mum.
Blogging as therapy?
As a Mum of two-year-old-twins, I often find myself ‘needing to share stuff’. And via my writing, I can share my feelings/get things off my chest/rant a bit. It is very therapeutic.
And I love reading other people’s blogs too. It’s one of the greatest things about being in the blogging community – stumbling across a blog and finding some great material. Not is it useful only for getting blog ideas and creativeness tips – but also for advice, encouragement…and to have a good laugh too! There are some fantastic, talented writers out there, and some truly remarkable photographers.
And although I do feel like quitting sometimes and giving it up, it always, always draws me back. Somehow. It’s very addictive. Compulsive.
4 months in now and blogging is becoming my secret pleasure and slight obsession. ‘Meeting’ similar women on-line has been inspiring, enjoyable and supportive. It’s a world that I never knew existed 4 months ago, but now it is one that I can’t (and don’t) want to leave!
I’m Jess, a former HR Manager turned stay at home Mum to two-year-old boy and girl twins Harry and Lottie. Who took a lot of hard work and many rounds of IVF to get into the world. Married to Dave, I’m from the north west but now living in rural north Wales, in the countryside. And enjoying country living. I love my home, running and fashion. When time allows! Follow my blog on www.mummyofboygirltwins.com and follow me on twitter @soot1978
About
BritMums is the UK’s original collective of lifestyle bloggers and digital influencers, fueling the country’s most influential social content. We lead the online conversation with members who are parent social influencers creating content on topics ranging from food, parenting, travel, politics, style and more.
Nicola
Wednesday 24th of September 2014
Hi there - I just love this post. I'm about to launch my own blog (yourshoestyle) nothing to do with kids but with I just have these flashes or can't contain myself and get it going and then moments of content block - exciting but scary and great to know others feel like this. Thank you for sharing. I have a 4 and 1 yr old too so your posts are great. Will follow you too on social media!!
Wave to Mummy
Saturday 20th of September 2014
I can definitely relate. I've written my parenting blog for just a month, but I used to write another blog for donkeys before this current one, and you definitely go through highs and lows. Perhaps it is also connected to your personal life - sometimes you are just far too busy and distracted by other things to be able to concentrate on your blog, and sometimes you have nothing much else going on.
And it is a massively addictive hobby, I agree whole-heartedly!
Rachael (MushroomsMum)
Tuesday 16th of September 2014
Hi Jessica,
I can relate to this too... I have two blogs and work as a freelance writer and coach... I used to also work part-time in an office writing employee communications material three days a week so blogging was often very stressful for me! I love it but sometimes it's hard to fit it in. I try to write more when inspired and schedule posts like Tom, but it's often timely so end up writing loads one month and nothing the next! I've just returned after a long blogging break now though so looking forward to it again. I think the trick is to be easy on ourselves and not worry to much about it all.
Tom @Ideas4Dads (and Mums Too!)
Monday 15th of September 2014
I can def relate to this. One minute I cant stop and the next minute I have a barren patch. The key for me has been not to splurge and then not post for ages. Delayed publish means when I in a rich vein of creaticity I can write material and them publish it over the next month taking the pressure off me.