Maybe My Goal Is To Quit Blogging

/ Stuart Danker

What business do I have writing advice articles?

That’s what I’ve been asking myself the past few months. Hell, I don’t even know how I landed in this niche.

It all started with writing tips, and the next thing I knew, I’m telling people to keep journals and wake up early as if I were the next Ali Abdaal.

And when I look back, I realise that every post I’ve put out since 2020 has been nothing short of performative.

I look back at posts pre-2020 and reminisce the times when I knew nobody would read my work. Oh, how I enjoyed writing just for the sake of it. No need for clickbaity titles or attractive images. Just me expressing myself without a care in the world.

More and more, I find myself seeking someplace I can write without having to present my work through a series of judgements. And it’s a fact I’m growing increasingly aware of now that I’m back in the publishing industry.

I used to just write and go. Ironically, that’s what got me my first writing gig. Today, I second-guess myself with questions nobody else would care for. Except for me.

Would I be wasting anyone’s time? Is the topic offensive? Will they find out how mediocre I really am for someone who’s supposedly written professionally for over a decade?

So therein lies the problem: I’ve grown too attached to a certain way of blogging and I’m too afraid to lose what I’ve built.

I look at writers I respect like Mark Manson, Allie Brosh, and Tim Urban. I see how they’ve faded off into the blogging sunset (mostly due to a book deal). And I wonder if I’m destined for the same path—without the accompanying success.

But maybe that’s my goal. To someday quit blogging. Or more specifically, to evolve into other mediums or ways of life.

Maybe this means channelling my inner Seth Godin and shipping shorter posts every day. Maybe, like Pete, it means focusing less on the blog and more on writing novels. Maybe I’ll finally get started on building writing masterminds and seminars. I don’t know.

All I know is that I’ll be leaning into change. To not fear switching things up. And most of all, to build something that’s not bound by numbers, opinions, or what I think I ‘should’ do in the name of literary success.

And perhaps this is where I remind you to find a craft where you’re not beholden to anyone else. Not an editor, not your audience, not even your pet goat.

You deserve a place where you can honestly express yourself while discovering who you really are through that process. And if people come along for the ride, then cool.

Maybe this post marks the beginning of an end. Maybe I’m self-sabotaging. But if I don’t start writing for my own sake on the blog, then I don’t know where else I’ll be able to.

Here’s what happens if you click the button below: you give me an e-mail I can reach you at, and I send you exclusive content like this every fortnight. Maybe I send you a freebie, maybe not. That’s all it is.

Click the mysterious button

102 thoughts on “Maybe My Goal Is To Quit Blogging”

  1. I enjoyed this post Stuart, and the abundance of helpful comments that follow. Like you, I’ve also thought about ‘ending it all’ with my personal blog, and in fact I’ve had two 1-year breaks since 2018. One of the things that I miss when I don’t blog is that sense of camaraderie that comes with blogging, although one can always reserve the blogging space for liking and commenting on other people’s blogs, but somehow it’s just not the same. Maybe we should try what many of your readers have suggested here, which is to ‘dance like no one is watching’, or in this case to blog like no one is reading! Maybe a good starting point for personal blogging is to know that we are here to nurture our own truth and self-expression, and that any readers and followers come as an unintended and happy consequence.

    Like

    Reply

    • It’s interesting where our minds go when it comes to our creative pursuits, doesn’t it? I guess what really makes us are the decisions we make during these times, especially for things that aren’t ‘essential’.

      Yeah, I think it’s important to find our own voice and garner an audience that way, rather than pandering and being a fake. So here’s to finding our creative paths. Thanks so much for your lovely thoughts!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  2. So I clicked the mystery button and signed up because even though in every way I want less email and less things to deal with, I actually really really like reading what you have to say. So hurray to that! I am feeling everything you are laying down. It’s such a conundrum between commercial art and fine art. Those phrases are imperfect, especially for writing, everything is on a continuum and not a binary, but I use them for myself to designate art (creativity) made as part of an adventure into the unknown and art (creativity) made for public consumption and in terms of my job (documentary editor) made for payment! I like both. I love making high quality commercial art (or trying to!) but it’s the fine art that feeds the commercial art. I have to have that private practice for my most basic self-esteem. I have no doubt you are going to succeed in any endeavor and that wonderful flowers will bloom.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Oh wow, I love the way you put it. I too separate my writing from my creative side and the commercial side. I adopt a very mercenary approach to the commercial side—whatever the client wants, as long as the work gets done. Whereas I experiment with whatever I’m feeling for my personal work. I feel that we as creatives need to have this separation, lest we end up being too mechanical!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. You? Quitting blogging? Stuart, my friend, you’re the last person I would ever think of tapping out when it comes to this.

    I mean — you have better engagement and more decent followers, plus you don’t have to worry about spammers and bad actors trying to latch on your blog. Putting my earlier remarks aside, you can step on the brakes for a while and focus on stuff you need to focus on.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Hi Stuart, Blogging is where you get to journal your thoughts and it is a bonus when you get feedback. As I try to read a book a week, it is good to put my thoughts somewhere so I can revisit. There are occasional reads that I do not blog about primarily because they may be prolific writing but I cannot relate that much to it. Instead of writing about what I just read, I should be working on the writing I want to do…. I can totally relate to what you are saying here. I tend to end up doing something that I have gotten comfortable doing but it is far from my writing goals. So the question is should I blog less or write a shorter post? I feel that whatever we write is embedded in time and personally I cannot reproduce whatever I wrote before either because my point of view has changed or perhaps the need to write that has passed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Yeah, I like your observation on how we can never write the same thing anymore. It’s the exact reason why I cringe when reading old posts, and try to avoid that completely.

      Maybe there is a certain advantage of being us. That we’re able to capture our thoughts at the moment and let it be just that—a snapshot of that moment. Maybe if I approached my work this way, I wouldn’t be so pressured to put out the perfect post. Hmm, thanks for this food for thought, LH!

      Like

      Reply

  5. Keep writing your blog until you don’t want to anymore. If the desire and passion is gone then move on. Otherwise keep writing. I don’t get paid anymore to write but I still maintain my personal blog for the love of it. It is a place I can write and share my own thoughts whether I get large followers or not.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I have to be pretty careful about basing my pursuits off desire though. Because there’s very few things I desire in life, lol. I’d probably end up doing nothing at all.

      Which begs the question: which comes first, passion or the hard work?

      Like

      Reply

      • Passion comes first because if you don’t have the heart/love for something it will be hard to sustain when the times get hard. I find that what I love is not hard work as much as the things I don’t or kind of like.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. I’m with Brenda. I’m not here for the tips. (They’re good too) It’s your personality that shines through Stuart. Well that and the pet goats.😂 If I was writing my blog for an audience I’d never write again.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ignore the “Lime” comment!! Typo haha.

      What I wanted to say was…. Like so many of your posts, this is another outstanding post. Also like so many of your posts, it’s uncanny how much they resonate with me in such a timely manner too. Excellent work 👍

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • Love that I get to resonate with you, even by being on the other end of the world! Your comment gives me the energy I need to keep going, and when I’m questioning my writing path, I might very well come back to comments like yours for a quick pick-me-up :P

        Like

      • Haha yeah that’s what it’s all about, making those kind of connections with others who are thinking along the same lines. It helps to alleviate the feeling of writing and sending your words off into an abyss! 😂😂

        Like

  8. Incredible blog post Stuart. This topic is a thought provoking one for a Blogger like yourself and for any blogger to question their Why? Why meaning, the reason for continuing to blog and that question needs a reassurance and satisfaction of the reason why one blogs. I get it, some bloggers will indefinitely quit blogging or better yet shut down their blog for a more exciting project such as book writing(as you mentioned here), career endeavor, family goals, fitness and training goals, health goals and more.

    At the end of the day, it all depends on the blogger and whether they should quit writing content and leave the publishing industry and join something else.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  9. I think you are over thinking but I get why you are questioning. I think if you like writing then you do it. Advise or advice, let your reader decide that. Keep on or not, decide. I like what you do but it doesn’t always work for me but I enjoy reading it. I hope that is what others find in me. I did say hope.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  11. Thanks for being so honest. It’s so easy to get caught up in something once we’ve been doing it for a while. If blogging isn’t bringing you joy or this type of blogging doesn’t inspire you, you should instead do whatever does. Of course, we would all miss you if you left WordPress! You write with the perfect blend of humor and sincerity that draws people in. I think you should write in whatever way makes you happy. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • So great to have your supportive words! I have a lot of soul-searching to do, to be honest. My main goal in life is still to grow my fiction, so any writing time that detracts from that does slow me down. But at the same time, I’m trying to be aware of the moments I should push through. Anyway, love your comment, Sarah!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. Always a great post and love this honest piece Stuart.
    But wait, we would miss you and what?

    “I look at writers I respect like Mark Manson, Allie Brosh, and Tim Urban.”

    I thought I was your favorite.. 🤷‍♀️ 🤣
    Please don’t let your writing go to the goats..

    All the best!

    Like

    Reply

      • 🤣💗 I work hard for the laughs.. you know.. Otherwise, I might cry and that’s no fun. It comes naturally to you which is what I love about your writing that never fails to inform and enterrtain! 💞

        Like

  15. The Universe has a way with timing…got this in my email days ago, now reading on my Reader page of my WordPress… exactly what I’ve been mulling over…and having thoughts about other creative avenues, other endeavors that allow me to express my creative self…yikes and a big thanks for the reminder ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Interesting timing indeed. I can totally relate that what you’re going through, so I hope you find the best path for you soon! I myself am trying not to overthink things, because it’s not getting me anywhere, lol. I guess I’ll just stumble through with action. Keep on keeping on!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. That’s me now :
    “Just me expressing myself without a care in the world.”
    But somehow I care for the World, hmmm I guess that’s the reason I kept going after 9 years…
    The definition of my goal of “blogging” is not based on circumstances, it is based on my inner reflection.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      • It comes to personal conviction my friend. You always draw a line between the world out there and the world within you. Regardless of the craziness OF the world, you stay calm because of your devotion and the inner world is stronger than outworld. You keep blogging, keep reflecting, and keep stilling … in the world of materialism.
        I hope that makes sense.
        .

        Like

  17. I can understand what you mean, Stuart. There is a kind of gratification that comes from reading comments and getting comments on WP that is less about great writing and more about mutual support and connecting with other bloggers. If you’re really ambitious, it makes sense to try a venue where people are more competitive and apt to offer constructive criticism (or even, if you wish for it, criticism “à l’état pur”), and determined to progress as artists. Have enjoyed your writing and wish you luck! Your blogger friends are cheering you on!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Am definitely not going to go the way of seeking criticism for my creative work. Just want to enjoy the process of creating, which seems to be the missing ingredient in my writing pursuit these days.

      So nice to know that you enjoy reading, though. It definitely spurs me on to keep on going, so I appreciate you taking the time to share this!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • It is a double-edged sword indeed. Or perhaps doing what you like for a living is. I’m lucky to be self-aware on how I feel about writing though. It gives me the transparency to rethink my next steps. I love your comment, so thanks for taking the time!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  19. I’d really like to say, yeah you can quit blogging if that’s what your heart desires, but my selfish heart wants you to keep writing, because every time I read your blog it makes me smile and I take away something positive from it. :)
    I admire your honesty and my favourite thing about your blog is that you make every post personal. They don’t seem pedantic or like they might be written by Chatgpt to get those SEO hits. You write from your own lived experiences and that is really special. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Lol, I probably won’t quit blogging, at least not so soon. But there might be changes in the way I do things. Just don’t know what they are yet.

      Your comment fills me with joy, and having your support means a lot to me. Thanks so much for taking the time to write such kind words!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. You have just spoken from my heart, articulated what I have been feeling for a while: I want to write for me. I want to blog what I feel, the words that come to me. Thank you for reminding me of that. And the best of luck for your path- wherever that may lead you!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • My gripe about writing is that I tend to default to performing all the time. I journal almost every day, and I feel the difference between truly writing for myself, and writing while thinking ‘what would the reader feel?’.

      Here’s to us finding the perfect balance!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  21. Blogging is a slippery thing, especially if you get to the stage of publishing for views and/or money. I think many start out blogging to write, but end up trying to write like a blogger and something gets lost in the transition.

    I’ve just taken a break from blogging for that reason, and turned down an opportunity that should have felt great but my gut told me to swerve. It’s slowed my growth and stats are down, but what does that stuff even mean if it leaves me feeling unsettled and with an itch of dissatisfaction?

    Like

    Reply

    • I like that part about being lost in transition. Or another way to say it would be: they all end up sounding the same.

      Following your gut instinct is never a wrong thing to do, and I wish I’d have followed mine a couple of times in my life. I respect you for doing what you need to do, regardless of the stats. Here’s to finding our true balance between creativity and performing!

      Like

      Reply

  22. It’s cool to think this way Stuart, you know, almost everyone are just full of shit chasing something they don’t really (actually) want to chase.

    And because of this I always asked myself, “Why am I doing this for Christ sake?” And when the answer wasn’t me getting the best answer for the right outcome for myself, then (definitely) I’ll find a way to ditch it.

    So Stuart, thanks for being honest here. I do (really) appreciate it. It’s a blessing having you onboard 💯💪👌😎

    Much love 💕💕💕😘😘😘

    Like

    Reply

    • Having a why is so important. I always fail to answer the ‘why’ of most my pursuits. I might need to relook all the things I do on the daily and see if I can find better purpose for them—or simplify and remove them out of my life. Thanks for your lovely thoughts!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  23. Even though I blog far less in 2023 than I’ve done in the last few years, I always make time to read your posts. Don’t sell yourself short with your insights. Nothing wrong with expressing your opinions and sharing what works for you. The beauty of writing is we can follow where the spirit moves us. I know you (like me) are a guy that likes a balance of structure and freedom. I trust you to figure out the best path moving forward.

    Like

    Reply

    • Have always appreciated that since your dialling back on blogging, Pete! I guess there’s this fear of losing something you’ve worked hard for, just like when you eat a piece of bread after a long stint of no-carb dieting, or when you drink a margarita after being alcohol-free for a while. Just need to remind myself that nothing’s set in stone, and that I should always be open to pivot. And with supportive comments like yours, that’s even easier to do now. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • I think I have that feeling more with exercise because I know all the hard work that went into my weight loss program. While I changed my diet and now eat like an adult most of the time, I know that my real success in getting back into shape was the rigorous exercise. The discouraging part of that is now that I’m 64, I have arthritis in my back. I do stretches that seem to help, but I have a certain degree of pain daily. My endurance doesn’t allow me to exercise 6 days a week like I was. Most weeks, it’s 3-4 days because I listen to my body.

        Like

  24. I enjoyed reading your honest post.
    You said it, Stuart. “Oh, how I enjoyed writing just for the sake of it. Just me expressing myself without a care in the world.” Now all you have to do is precisely that.
    It seems to me that you have found your answer, “But if I don’t start writing for my own sake on the blog, then I don’t know where else I’ll be able to.”
    I firmly believe that my blog is a place where I enjoy writing whatever comes from my heart and if people like what I write, fine. If not, I know I am true to myself.
    All the very best to you.

    Like

    Reply

  25. I’m blog buddies with Mark from Mark My Words. He just writes about his life. Little tidbits about his job or weekend or a move to a new house. It’s amazing how the mundane can be so fun to read. In his most recent post I discovered he just adopted two cats. My point is, write what you want to write about (as many of the other commenters said). Some readers will go, some will stick around, and others will come. But none of that matters as long as you’re happy.

    Like

    Reply

  26. Stuart, I am not a good source of advice but here it goes. Do what you want to do. If you are tired, then you don’t want to do it anymore – problem solved. I see no issue with you expanding your blog to include stories, Flash Fiction, maybe current events. Don’t worry about people. There is always someone unhappy. You simply cannot please all the people all the time. As long as you are not trying to be mean – fuck ’em. They are trolls and you probably don’t want them as readers anyway. Just be yourself.

    Like

    Reply

    • Great words. On the flip side of stopping when I’m tired, maybe my tolerance for pain is too low, and I need to improve that through constant exposure. There’s never a solid boundary, is there? Am definitely working on finding my balance. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Danny!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  27. Write about topics you like to write about. Write for yourself with your readers in mind – that’s what I do. I don’t want to quit blogging because I enjoy writing. Only quit writing if it’s no longer enjoyable for you. Don’t worry about what niche or niche you’re not in. There are humans who resonate with your words and your style of writing.

    I once had a blogger who told me I was the “most hypocritical blogger ever.” She proceeded to say some very nasty things to me and I almost took what she said to heart. Good thing I didn’t. But did that stop me from blogging? Absolutely not.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Writing’s a pretty interesting pursuit for me, since doing it for work isn’t exactly the funnest. And doing it for self is divided into two: TRULY for myself, and for an audience. I guess I still need to explore where my middle ground is.

      Thanks for your lovely thoughts, Hilary!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  28. Where I grew up, there was this restaurant close by, and the chef had repeatedly received Michelin stars for his menu. Everytime he did, it wouldn’t take long and he would close up shop, only to open a different named restaurant with a different menu in the same space. It happened I think three times. He once explained in an interview that with the star came expectations, eyes watching, people expecting something out of the ordinary, but also not too experimental. He hated every bit of that daily judgment blur. I ate in his restaurant just after it had reopened after the latest Michelin shutdown. It was fantastic. I think it illustrates well how people feel the moment something becomes real. You start to lose the passion. You work for others, you no longer do it for you…

    Although I always appreciate your posts, I don’t necessarily care for the advice. I’d just as happily read (maybe even prefer?) just reading what is on your mind, because you’re an interesting personality with interesting views and you know how to express them well.

    Like

    Reply

    • Whoa, that’s such an amazing story, and I can totally relate, so you couldn’t have picked a better example to share! And to have it happen right where you are too. You really expanded my perspective today, Robin. Thanks for this! It’s also given me another perspective: that if I work on my craft enough, I’ll still be appreciated for it even if I were to ‘reopen’, whatever that means for the blogging equivalent.

      Thanks so much for your lovely comment. I appreciate you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  29. Stuart, follow your heart brother.

    My wife and I are rare among nearly 8 billion humans because we answer to no one from a life perspective. I do not mean that arrogantly, or, in nasty, combative fashion. I mean we blog and travel and live based on our intuition without thinking much about pleasing others, fitting in to their requirements, aligning with their judgments, etc, etc, etc….

    It’s the only way I know how to live now.

    I blog because it is an organic extension of how we live: no rules, no boxes to fit in to, no people pleasing…..freedom.

    Make freedom of expression your #1 intent and your intuition will guide you there through the most appropriate means for you.

    Ryan

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • That’s a great way to live for sure. I’ll need to learn to be more truthful to self. That’s awesome that you share your life with a partner that has similar values. Definitely something to aspire to. And tuning in to my intuition is definitely a good goal I’ll need to head towards. Thanks for the thoughts!

      Like

      Reply

  31. Your writing tips are helpful. I went through a similar questioning a few years ago. My blog began with parenting tips, then I found myself writing for a newsite giving parenting advice to an audience of 5 million plus a month. Then I woke up one day and thought “Who am I to tell other parents how to parent?”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  32. Interesting post Stuart. It sounds like you’re doing some soul-searching. I’m with Brenda and Victoria on this (and likely loads of others). I enjoy reading your blog whatever the topic may be. Your personality shines through, you’re interesting and you’re a great writer. Go where your heart leads you but always remember you have lots of fans here who will stick by you.

    Myself, I have a separate blog for my ‘other’ writing. When I feel the urge to write poetry, tell a story that has nothing to do with our niche, or just rant I go there. I must admit that RazzWorks doesn’t leave me much time though. Thankfully I’m fulfilled enough and I know I could find the time if I really wanted to.
    I hope you can sort things out and get back to doing what you really love. You deserve it!
    Your loyal fan Roze

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I tried having a separate blog, but like you, I just don’t have the time to maintain both, lol. But it’s freeing to write under a pseudonym, I have to admit.

      I really appreciate your words of support. Can’t have shared a better comment there. It’s comments like yours that make me feel brave enough to try new things (if it comes to that)!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  33. I rarely look at my stats (which is probably just as well!)
    I don’t actually ‘know’ any of the things I write about (at least, I didn’t when I started out). I look it up to inform our writing group, and writing a blog post means I post it once instead of on myriad emailed replies.
    And I learn a lot in the process.

    Like

    Reply

    • Yeah, I’ve realised that writing blog posts sometimes helps me find answers to my own questions, and that’s a very interesting process of being a writer. Anyhoo, it’s great to write and be free from the Stats page!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  34. Excellent blog post! Thank you for calling attention to the pain of writing click-baity titles and the stifling feeling of forcing your writing down a certain path as opposed to writing for the joy of it.

    Like

    Reply

    • Yup, bringing it up is one thing. I hope I’ll have an answer to it soon too. That’s so much for stopping by, Scott. Here’s to wishing that you get creative freedom for as long as you pursue your craft!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  35. I do both. I write for myself. I also blog but it’s more for myself. I’m actually surprised people want to follow me. Since you’re in the field, blogging will keep your fingers and yourself out there. I wouldn’t disappear if I had your career. But, I agree that there should be adventures that are purely your own.

    Like

    Reply

    • More and more, I’m starting to see the importance of creative freedom. But at the same time, we need to juggle freedom and actually writing something that people want to read. In some ways I wish I had a non-writing career, lol. Anyhoo, I appreciate your comment!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  36. Nobody reads my blog and I like it that way. I like the way you wrote this post. Writers are not performers. They’re more like grave diggers. I like that, too.
    Go back to your first love, and you’ll at least have one follower. And I’ll actually read what you write. 💪🏼

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  37. It would be a sad day if you quit blogging. Writing whatever I like is the reason why my blog is all over the place, but honestly, I like it that way. I’m not willing to go down and focus on one niche, because I’ll get board, and quit the thing in a month or so.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Yeah, I think you picked a good path. Calling your own shots when it comes to your creative work is always a good thing. I’ve always seen the difference between getting people to pay for your work, and working to get paid. It’s just that sometimes I tend to stay in ‘performance’ mode and keep writing to perform instead of to express.

      Anyhoo, I appreciate your kind words, Tanish!

      Like

      Reply

  38. Like others have written, I appreciate your honesty. I wonder if you’re not being too hard on yourself. I find that I often offer advice and guidance in my blog that I myself need to learn the most. Yes, you need to find your honesty spot where you’re writing freely and discussing topics that move you. But some of the questions you raise — attractive images, good headlines — aren’t they just good audience questions that any writer should consider? In the end, you’re the only one who can answer the questions you raise? Are you worrying too much about hits and views? And how do you find your way back to topics and blogs that move you and get you passionate about writing? I’m confident with your talent and skills, you’ll find the answer. Hang in there Stuart.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • That’s what I’ve been feeling too! In a way, whenever I write ‘tips’ posts, it’s always something I wish to address myself, and the writing is just me solidifying my learnings. But then again, I’ve begun wanting to do away with the extraneous things about writing and just write, since that interests me more than formatting.

      Maybe I can experiment with text placements if it’s going to be imageless. We’ll see. Anyway, I appreciate your support, Brian!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  40. I would say write what is truly meaningful to you and what you’d really like to write about. Your audience will remain because I would venture to guess that most enjoy reading about your thoughts on any subject. Also, taking breaks is good if you’re feeling a little burnt out!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • That’s really a kind thing for you to say! I’d also like to make sure I don’t take my audience’s attention for granted, which is why I’ve been super reluctant to change up the format, but never try never know, eh? Thanks for the support!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  41. Hey Stu, thanks for your honesty and introspection here. No matter what you decide, you have a firm fan right here! For me, my blog is my place of writing for its own sake. At least for now. So this post of yours is a timely reminder for me to do what I can to preserve it as such. Until of course, things change. Writers must stay nimble I guess so if I too must one day say adios to my blog, may it only be because I have another place to go where I can remain authentic in my writing. For its own sake, and not to pander to all and sundry. Onward my fellow writer! And if indeed this is the beginning of an end to a great run, I only ask that you leave behind some footprints so ardent fans like me can still find your b’ful prose wherever it next resides. God bless Stu!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • I guess one thing’s for sure, that I’ve had tremendous support from people like you to be grateful about. We must stay nimble indeed, from adopting SEO to changing the way we write for digital, to who knows what in the future with ChatGPT possibly changing our workflow.

      Anyhoo, I totally appreciate your kind words. Thanks so much for being a positive presence always!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  42. I encourage you to embrace the duality of your own creative pursuits. Write books that ignite the imagination and resonate with the deepest yearnings of the human spirit, but never relinquish the unique connection you have forged with your audience through your blog. For it is in nurturing both of these sacred spaces that we truly find our voice, and in turn, inspire others to discover the beauty that lies within their own. :)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • You always know what to say. I think it’s just a matter of focusing my writing energy into the proper places. Sometimes I have to pick and choose when time is limited, and that’s when I get cranky, lol. Thanks for stopping by as always!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  43. Stuart I like the way you write, the personality that comes across in your posts. Yes, I like your tips and you give me things to consider, but that’s not what keeps me here. I follow your blog for you. I’d say follow your dreams … explore, wherever that takes you. Being authentic is what will keep people with you.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

    • Hi, Stuart…and Brenda…I feel much of what Brenda posted in her comment. Follow your dreams…yes, indeed…wherever that goes, Stuart and your thought, “All I know is that I’ll be leaning into change” is more than a “good enough” goal or destination. We’ll cheer you on, no matter. 🥰😎🥰

      Liked by 4 people

      Reply

I'd love to hear your thoughts!