The biggest thing that stopped me from becoming a part of the book community for so long was book blogging anxiety. I was anxious that no one would read my posts, of what those in my real life would say and anxious that I might write something controversial and have lots of online hate sent my way. Deciding to start my blog was such a big decision for me – but guess what? Now I have a space to vent, a space to talk about the books that I really love, and a place to interact with those who love the same things as me!
So for anybody who is struggling with ‘blogging anxiety’ I thought I might write a few tips as to how to overcome it. Of course this is all based on my own experience – feel free to add your own advice in the comments.
Blog About That Which you Genuinely Love
When you blog about what you love (books, in my case) it is a ten times easier to work through any anxiety that blogging might produce. Lose yourself in your hobbies, if you will.
What’s more, rather than just blogging about books, blog about your favourite genres. For me, this means a lot of historical fiction and non-fiction. I was a little scared at first to review these types of books because the majority of the book community seems to be made up of YA lovers. But the more I became a part of the community the more I realised that regardless of genre everyone is genuinely kind and willing to engage with you.
Use Social Media Wisely
WordPress itself can be a pretty distant community in that it’s difficult to talk to anyone other than as a comment on their posts. Therefore, Twitter and Instagram can be a fantastic way to make friends! These are also great places to talk about books if you’re not all that into blogging and/or writing.
On the other hand, social media can sometimes spell disaster for your mental health. In my experience, most especially Instagram.
Bookstagram is often a wonderful and beautifully designed place, but if you don’t enjoy taking aesthetically pleasing then don’t. I know for me at least, writing a post of up to 1000 words in one evening is relatively easy, but taking an aesthetic photo of 1 book? It zaps my energy for the rest of the day (although, I have been getting better at posting over there!). If you’re the opposite, you might benefit from focusing more so on your bookstagram, rather than your blog.
Give Yourself a Break
Have an online schedule that you have to keep to but real life keeps getting in the way? Break the schedule. I promise, unless you’re a really well-known blogger or instagrammer, literally no one will notice. Even better yet, no one will really care. In my experience, people value quality writing over a higher quantity of posts.
Also, request less ARCs. Yes, they’re an amazing way to find new authors and to get in touch with Publishing houses, but anxiety and pressure mounts as your feedback ratio decreases. Not to mention Edelweiss seems like a terrifying place for anyone with rejection issues.
And Finally – Those ‘Real-Life’ People That You’re Worried Will Judge You? They’re Worried You’re Judging Them
It’s the biggest lesson I’ve learnt over the years – people are always more concerned with themselves than you. So, unless they’re a purposefully mean person, they most likely don’t care that you have a blog. In fact, they’ll probably be supportive of you.
The majority of reactions I’ve had have ranged from: ‘You run a blog? That’s cool, what about?!’ to ‘You run a blog? Weird, but okay.’ If anyone does judge you negatively, they’re simply not worth your time.
Honestly, that is so me! Thank you for the tips 😊
Sadly the fact that no one looks at them is true for me, but ah, growing pains I guess.
Glad to have helped, thank you for your comment! 🥰
Bookstagram was something I really had to work my way through, because I love taking photos but I had to find a eay of doing it that I was able to keep up with. I’ve recently found that literally just dunping my books on my bed sheets and arranging them different ways is really fun, I xan take a bunch of photos in half an hour and it’s not emptionally stressful. It’s taken SO LONG to finally get to that point and it’s so easy to see the biggest Bookstagrammers and feel inadequate.
I’m glad you’ve found a way to enjoy taking photos! I think we can overthink every angle and filter on instagram and that’s what makes it so stressful 🙁 But once you find your favourite way to take bookish pics you’re good to go!
Thank you so much for your comment x
Also I’m sorry about all the spelling errors, oof 😭
no worries haha!
I agree with all points you mentioned. One major step is just post what you want without giving it another thought. Great post!
I agree, that’s also a great idea!! Thank you for your comment 🥰
I love this post! Says everything I want to say and more! I also agree, break the schedule and post when you need to, it’s been one of the best things to join the book blogging community 😊
Glad you enjoyed it! Having a break from blogging can be so freeing 🙂
Its always easy to write on something which you love.
And utilizing social media to your benefit is kind of post processing without which you could not succeed.
I agree! Thanks for commenting 🙂
I once had an idea of running a booktube but it fizzled out 🙂
people interacting with me in a video format? yikes 😂
Why? Looks fun! 😀
it just seems so much more anxiety inducing that book blogging haha!
I really needed this, so thank you! I’ve been on and off blogging since 2018, but have only in the past couple of weeks gained the courage to want to do it more regularly. I only read around 20-25 books each year, so I was worried that I’d be looked down upon for that. But a couple of months ago I made a bookstagram and everyone is so genuinely lovely I can’t believe I was once worried!
I’m so glad you’re in the community! I only read about 25 books as well, but it does seem like everyone reads hundreds of books which can be super intimidating! Thank you so much for reading 🙂 xx
I really love this post! When I originally started blogging a few years ago, I wasn’t happy with what I was writing about and I was always nervous and worried people wouldn’t like my posts or see me as just the same as every other blogger. But with blogging now, I love writing about books and although I do still worry what others will think (I’m working on change this mindset.), it’s not as bad as it was before. Being able to write about what I love and I’m passionate about is what keeps me going and makes me happy with blogging.
I do need to try and take a few more breaks and not put as much pressure on myself though. That’s something I’m currently working on.
Thank you for creating this post! It’s reminded me that I’m not the only one who has felt/who feels like this 🙂
I’m glad you enjoy blogging even more now! Taking breaks is so important to keeping a healthy mindset, especially when you’re staring at a screen all day haha! Thanks for reading 😊
unfortunately, i feel like most of my anxiety comes from feeling like i’m not present enough in social media, and therefore, am not as relevant. i know it’s a great way of networking & talking to people, but it can also be a really toxic space. i constantly have to remind myself that even if not being in social media means that my blogger’s growth will go in a slower pace, i still need to prioritize my mental health and well being.
I completely agree! I had 6 months off from the bookish community last year and my mental health got so much better. Since I’ve returned I’ve noticed I’ve been getting a lot more stressed!
I think even if you’re not ever-present on social media you can still contribute fantastic things to the community. I’ve been learning that quality is so much important than quantity. Everyone’s growth goes at their own pace as well.
Thank you for your comment and be kind to yourself 🙂 xx
Good story. I was like you too when I first started blogging. I was always scared that people will laugh at my ideas, opinions and imaginations. But once I started joining communities, it helps me reduce my anxiety. Being able to share my ideas, opinions, and imaginations with others is awesome.
I’m glad you enjoy your time in the blogging community! 🙂
I just launched my book blog last week and the anxiety is still very high! I’m super excited to share my passion for books with other book lovers but I’m also nervous that no one will like my content. This post reminds me I’m not alone, thanks so much for this post!
Welcome! You’ll always find that the book community is a kind and friendly place – I’m looking forward to reading your posts! 🙂 xx
These are amazing tips! I’ve been blogging for five years now, but books have only become part of my blog in the past few months, and I want to begin making them a huge aspect of the website, so it’s good to read this kind of encouragement. Also just followed your bookstagram from my own!
Hi Stephanie! Welcome to the bookish community, I look forward to reading your posts! 😀 x
Thank you so much! Look forward to reading yours as well! 💜💚💙
I think this is such a great post! I defo had a lot of anxiety about starting my blog and sharing it, probably more so with people i knew in real life rather than online! Joining an online community made so much difference!
Thank you so much for reading! I also had that anxiety about people in real life but I haven’t had any negativity so far (at least not to my face haha!), I’m glad you’re enjoying your time in your community 🙂 xx
This is wonderful! I can relate to the thoughts you had; it took me a lot of courage to start blogging! I guess I have to pay attention to my use of social media. I’ve been missing sleep these past few days trying to promote my newly-launched blog. Thank you for these reminders!
Welcome to blogging! I agree, my sleeping pattern goes crazy if I spend too much time on my blog – I guess it’s the blue light haha! Thank you for your comment 🙂 x
I’m not a book blogger, but definitely feel the same types of anxiety and agree with so many of your tips. I find things are easier and less stressful when I’m writing about things I love and am passionate about. One thing I had to remind myself when starting out on our blog was that my voice and my opinion deserve to be heard. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is okay to put my two cents out there. 🙂
Ooh yes, most these tips are kinda universal! I love your outlook though – as long as it’s not hateful, everyone’s opinions deserve to be heard! xx
100% to all this! I feel like if you’re on more than one platform you are a hero! It’s such a lot of work but also so rewarding being a Book Blogger. I feel I have found my people!
It also helps Book people are smart, funny and incredibly insightful so I always end up with more food for thought with the discussions as well as actual book recommendations.
Ooh yes, I agree – no matter how stressful it can be being a book blogger, I’m so grateful to be in the community that we’re in! There’s just always something new to discuss and there’s never a dull day! If only book bloggers were appreciated as much by Publishers/brands as Booktubers and Bookstagrammers are 😛
I enjoy reading but I don’t think I could be full fledged book blogger! But as someone who does read some book blogs, I’d say a lot of the anxiety could also come from this invisible race to read ALL OF THE BOOKS! I mean, I’ve seen some book reading challenges which have totally blown my mind. When I look at some of the book blogs/bookstagram accounts, it feels as if reading is a competitive hobby now! 🤷♀️
Anyway… I think the key with a book blog, or any blog really, is to do it on your terms. That’s the only way to be able to do this for a long time! 🙂
I completely agree! It’s one of my pet peeves with the Book community and I’m rubbish at competitions 🙁 You’re right though, since taking a step back from reading books so often I’ve started to enjoy book blogging a lot more 🙂 x
I LOVE this! I’ve been book blogging for years and I still struggle to feel that I’m part of any sort of community. Like you, my tastes can be quite out there and YA isn’t often on my list – or if it is, it’s fantasy, which again doesn’t have quite the same buzz around it. I’ve stressed over instagram and gone through stages of why do I bother but it comes back to loving squealing about books. I relate to this so much – great post!
Thank you so much! I’m glad this has been of help to you 🙂 x