The title probably says it all. As I approach my one year blogging anniversary I have the opportunity to reflect on how I’ve found my first foray into the world of travel writing. It’s not all bad, but I’d never have estimated how hard parts of it would be. But, I’ve made it this far. I’ve managed to muddle my way from completely ignorant to slightly less ignorant of all things bloggy in the past year and my experience has been mixed.
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Setting up a blog came as something of a surprise to me. I’d spent months reading other people’s travel blogs before it even occurred to me to start my own. It was only after reading Nomadic Matt’s site and downloading his e-book that I begun to entertain the notion of setting up my very own plot of virtual space. Consequently I took a little leap of uncertainty and purchased my own hosting and domain space. The easy bit over with, I struggled through the quagmire that is wordpress and designed myself a website which I was rather chuffed with. Quickly, I was able to upload all of my previous travel blogs (kept in the form of emails) and some photos and it started to feel like a real website.
Now what?
What would I write about? I had 12-18 months before I was going to get to go away again. How can you blog about that? How will I be able to write consistently well enough and about something interesting enough that people would be likely to read? How will I measure my success and what am I trying to achieve with this anyway?
What started as a fun and enjoyable way to keep track of my travel experiences and the planning that led up to them had turned into something I was actively avoiding. I found myself reluctant to log on, to even read any other blogs because I suddenly felt pressured to be the ‘perfect blogger’ (not that I have any idea what that means). With so many exceedingly talented writers, photographers and SEO masterminds out there it became a little overwhelming to even try to count myself among their ranks. I found the concept of making friends online a difficult obstacle to overcome. I’ve never quite mastered the art of casual writing and I’m sincerely jealous of those who are excellent at it. On the other hand, I was uncomfortable to follow the advice to carry out what feels like false and needless commenting on other blogs merely to attract readers. In and amongst this, I’d lost the sense of enjoyment and excitement at tackling a new challenge. Possessing a strong perfectionist streak, I felt I was never going to live up to my own expectations.
Time has also been a major factor in my discontent. I’m simply finding it nearly impossible to put aside the time necessary to spend writing and posting. But more than that, it’s the time needed to trawl through other blogs which I am lacking. There is only so much sneaky reading which can be done at work. I’ve set myself challenges which are becoming hard to meet, setting me back further in my quest for blogging glory. If this all sounds like bitterness, it is. It’s me venting my frustration that I haven’t quite achieved what I set out to, even though I’m not sure what that was in the first place.
I suppose in an ideal blogging world, we’d all instantly have a flock (or some other collective noun) of dedicated readers checking their RSS feed in frenzied anticipation of our next post and posed with insightful, interesting and relevant comments on our writing. We’d not have to deal with spammers and their incessant commenting and false linking. Search engines would rank us number one for 50 different search phrases and Lonely Planet would be knocking on the door asking for a contribution to their next guide. Writers block wouldn’t exist and you’d always be able to find the perfect photo to complete your wonderfully crafted words. Next would come the prizes – Top Travel Blogs, the Blog Choice awards and eventually even a Pulitzer. You’d never have to pay for another holiday again and could live in any location around the world. There would be an endless wifi signal as you lay in a hammock looking out over the perfect blue of the pacific and the offers for work in cool and exciting newly launched companies and charities would just roll in with the surf.
On the more positive side, I have discovered the joy I can get from writing; the excitement from posting something I’m proud of and waiting to see how it’s received. There’s also an immense pride in creating something from nothing using only the skills which you can teach yourself and the endless resources of generous and skilled individuals. I’ve been exposed to such a range of talented individuals and travel enthusiasts and learnt a lot in a short space of time. I’ve finally found a community that I feel as though I fit into, with whom I have shared values and interests. I have a record of all of my writing and I am succeeding in a weekly photo post documenting my life in London as I save for my travels. I’m gradually creating my own ’50 steps around the world’ guide, which does exactly what is says on the tin.
Writer's block Credit: icanhascheezburger.com
Mostly though, I’d like to extend my admiration to those bloggers who have tirelessly worked to gain readership, post interesting and insightful articles and keep me inspired in my own quest for the unconventional life. Although there are too many to mention, I have been particularly inspired by the dedication of Nomadic Chick, Andi at MyBeautiful Adventures, Matt at 1 Year Sabbatical, Where is Jenny?, Adventurous Kate and Keith the Traveling Savage .
I have big hopes for my next year in blogging. Not least because I shall actually be travelling as I write about travels. Although, that will of course bring with it a whole bunch more difficulties of its own. I hope to complete my ‘50 steps around the world’ feature and to continue documenting my life in London through a Friday Photo. I would like to take the leap to get some advertising on my blog and maybe even get brave enough to splurge a little money on a custom design by another of my idols – Hop and Jaunt. One year in and there is still plenty for me to learn. By the time I reach my second anniversary I should be somewhere in Southern Argentina and hopefully, somewhat closer to working out what I want from this blogging business.
How do you balance the challenges of working full time and developing a blog? Do you ever become disheartened and tempted to throw it all in? How have you overcome the blogging blues?
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The key thing, as I see it, is that you have to enjoy what you do. So setting yourself standards that are impossible to meet, while being very much within your character, do put too much pressure on you and can lead to dissatisfaction.
Maybe you need to try to take a step back and work out what you like doing and what you don’t. Then, hopefully, you will continue to write this blog as a really useful information resource for others that want to make the leap into round the world travel:)
Thanks so much for the mention, girl!
I will say one thing — the longer you refrain from blogging, the easier it is to say, “To hell with it.” So for me personally, when I’m not feeling so hot about it, I push myself through anyway. And it passes.
Additionally, you’ll go through many evolutions before you find a voice that works for you. I’m still trying to put my finger on what makes my site tick — and since arriving in Thailand, I feel like I’m not a “solo female travel blog” after all, but more like a character who does crazy stuff.
Don’t get discouraged…keep at it and you’ll get closer to what you’re looking for!
Thanks for the advice Kate. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head, the important thing is to find my voice – the one I’m most comfortable writing in – and to stick with it event through the tough days!
Awww what a gorgeous shout out, thank you, I’m humbled! Please keep it up, I love your blog!!! There will always be good and bad days with every endeavor. It’s time to stop when you’re no longer having fun and it’s a chore. You’re gonna LOVE Argie!!!
Thanks Andi! I really admire your tenacity in getting your blog out there and keeping us all up to date on your adventures. Thanks for reading, it’s so nice to know there are people out there!
Hi Sarah, firstly great post. Although being *new* to the blogging world, we certainly have been thrown some challenges. But I think we are finding our *own* and settling in. We are trying as you put “to find what can bring us joy and excitement”.
We can’t imagine having a FT jobs and doing this, we find alone it is a FT job…
Good luck reaching Southern Argentina! What a great place to spend blog anniversary #2, one of fave places so far.
Thanks for the comment Peter. It’s definitely a tough balance to find, but hopefully we’ll get it figured out! Good luck with the new(ish) site!
I’m always amazed at how bloggers can start out so early, and write quality content. I myself started the blog a year ago, but thats because I was 2 months out from my first solo rtw trip. But the deadline kept getting extended due to work and other commitments. A year later, and I have the tickets and other vague details sorted, and ready to take-off in 9 days time. Yet, I still don’t have the content. Besides writing about nerves/excitement and preparing for the trip, I don’t have the seasoned travel-tales to share (yet).
I thought your site looked a bit too pro for someone rtwsoon
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Will check back in and have a read soon!
Ian [EagerExistence]\’s last post…6 Tips on Driving While Overseas
Hi Ian, Thanks for your comment. I’m continually amazed at what people seem to accomplish in very short timescales with blogging. I think a lot of people come to this world with little travel experience, but a lot of blogging experience and that helps them to expedite the process of building a successful blog. I, on the other hand, had quite a bit of travel behind me and absolutely no blogging experience. All of this, *waves hands around my virtual home*, I have had to build from the ground up – learning every tiny thing as I go. And boy did I make some mistakes along the way. Always very happy to have another reader and I look forward to reading your soon-to-be-seasoned traveller tales.
Congratulations on your first year blogging anniversary! I think you should be really proud of what you’ve accomplished because many bloggers don’t make it to the first year.
Keep at it because I think you really have something here. And can’t wait until you set off!
Thanks so much, that really means a lot coming from such accomplished bloggers that I really admire. I’m definitely going to try and stick with it. Here comes the challenge of travel blogging while actually travelling!