Hey everyone, I haven’t been around much lately and it’s because I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the direction I want to go with my blog and I think I’ve finally decided on what I want to do for now anyway. No worries though – I’m not giving up blogging – just changing some things.
First off I’m going to be doing reviews differently. I’ve decided on separating my reviews into three sections: In a Nutshell will be a brief overview of what the book is about, Reflections will cover my thoughts and feelings on the book (hopefully brief as well), and Did I Fancy It or Not which is self explanatory.
My reasons for these changes come from a few things. I’ve got some things going on in my personal life with my mother that quite often leave me exhausted and not in the best frame of mind and my concentration for having to always have a book read and then getting a review up has waned quite a bit. I also lost my walking pal Aage in the last month and it’s hit me hard. He did have health issues but it was still here one day and gone the next and the sunshine went with him. He was a bright shining star in my days and I miss him a lot. I’ve also been having issues with my vision and reading an actual book and even my Kindle is becoming harder. Consequently I’ve been leaning towards mostly audiobooks.
So what does this mean? Well I’ll still be writing reviews but I’ll be transitioning the blog to mostly audiobooks over the next few months. There will still be certain books I’ll read – like my favorite historical fiction authors or just my favorite authors and if I can go the audio way there I will as well. You’ll still be getting lots of book reviews – just shorter ones and I’ll still post giveaway posts so that won’t change at all.
So that’s it. Nothing really major I guess. Just a different way of doing things for a while. Less pressure and for now I need that. I hope you’ll all continue to visit and read my audiobook reviews and enter giveaways and sometimes just listen to me ramble.
Aww I am so sorry about loosing your friend! I like what you wrote though, very nice. I am sure he would have liked that 🙂
And I am sure that your blog and reviews will be just as wonderful no matter what you do. I always love reading your reviews!
Good luck babe, my sister – I love you! Miss you.
So sorry life has been tough lately… hugs.
Hope the blog changes take away some of the stress.
Wish I was closer. I’d come walk with you. And read to you — wouldn’t that be a gas! We could do joint reviews and be sillier than a gaggle with nail polish and an unending supply of Ben and Jerry’s. Seriously, though… hugs, babe. I’m not around much — damn need for an income! — but I’m lurking. And wanting only the best for you.
But joint reviews would totally be fun.
Oh Dar, I’m sorry you’re having to go through all of that at one time. I hope things improve for you soon.
Oh, Dar, my heart breaks for you. It’s so hard to lose a friend, it just leaves a big gaping hole in your life.
The new direction for your blog sounds great. Brief reviews are the best! There aren’t enough hours in the day to do all the reading we need to do. Frankly, I just would be happy with a yes I liked the book or no, I didn’t and why.
When you go visit your cousin? in NJ, remember DE is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Sending big hugs your way.
So sorry about your friend and hope things get better with your mother.
I think your new way of doing reviews is great. I’ve been thinking about doing something similar.
I had wondered about you a bit. And I’m so sorry about the sadness in your life. It’s tough sometimes, isn’t it? I’m glad that you are tweaking your blog as you need to. Good wishes and hugs go out to you about your Mom’s health and your own. My eyes are not what they used to be either and I’ve been gradually transitioning to more audio and bigger fonts on my Kindle (and reading more from my Kindle). Sigh. Well, at least we have the audio. Great ideas about the reviews – sounds perfect. I’ve recently decided to scale back a bit too. I need to spend more time working on my own health and less sitting at the computer. Plus that gives more reading or listening time. You take care and I’ll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!
What’s going on with your eyes? Mine never recovered from that hair brush incident. It’s better, but not close to what it was before.
So sorry about losing your friend! These types of things hit us hard and it takes a long, long time to come out of it. Really makes us value and pay attention to what’s important as well. I haven’t had any time to write at all. My work has been a real challenge lately and I have very little time. I then became a small group leader at my church and although I had little time to give and doing it sometimes leaves me mentally exhausted, I find that I enjoy it immensely. So whatever free time I have is being pouring into that.
I am glad you will be sticking around though. We’ve lost so many bloggers this past year.
So sorry about Aage, I know how difficult that is, especially that first minute you return home and there’s no happy greeting. Regarding your eyes, have you tried large print books from the library? I have better luck with those than the Kindle, even though on Kindle you can adjust size and colors. I hope there’s a chance of improvement.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, Darlene. Even when someone is in poor health, the sudden absence of a friend is difficult. And I am also sorry for all you are going through with your mom and your own health. I’m sending big hugs your way. I wish I could give you one in person. Please take care of yourself. I am glad you will continue blogging. Definitely do what you need to in order to make it easier on yourself. Short reviews, long reviews, no reviews and just the occasional update. Whatever works best for you is fine by me.
Sounds as though life is a bit tough at the moment. It’s devastating to lose a beloved friend, whether human or furry. It’s also tough to deal with eye problems. I am getting over a brief bout with pinkeye that set me back just a few days, and it drove me nuts! Having ongoing issues would be really frustrating.
I like the audiobook idea. I recently started getting into them, and one of my favorites was Boston Girl by Anita Diamont. Linda Lavin does the narration, and I’m SO glad I “read” it in this format. Lavin is perfect on so many levels. I think audiobook reviews can be really interesting.
My dear, I hope things improve with your mother soon, and with your health as well. So sorry to hear about your friend. A dear sweet friend of mine passed on Monday, so I understand your loss. Take care of yourself and only do what you feel up to doing. I’ll be checking back often, so if there’s a new post I’ll read it, if not, I may just reread an older one. Hugs.
I will welcome audiobook reviews. I delight in people that treat them like “real” books. There is a wonderful mix of vocal talent and good writing. Many books that I had trouble reading have come to life with a talented narrator. I hope you find comfort and learn to love audiobooks the way I do. I look forward to your posts.
Sending positive vibes.
Darlene, I am so sorry about the loss of your dear friend. I hope that you will find time to relax, especially when your schedule is most demanding as a caregiver.
I understand the need to cut back on the reading/blogging. This summer, I posted much less than usual, due to my hectic schedule. And sometimes, you just want to read for pleasure, without feeling obliged to post a review.
((Dar)). Wish I could come and walk with you. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend and for the things going on with your mom.
I love the ideas for your reviews – you know I’m a brief reviewer 🙂 At any rate, your blog is in my reader so I’ll make a point of visiting.
I’m wishing you the best and looking forward to continuing to read your blog in any way that you present it.
I’m very sorry to hear that you lost a friend. They are a Godsend & there are few really good ones. They should be cherished & I’m sure yours was. It’s not easy caring for anyone, but of course if we truly didn’t enjoy it, deep inside, we would never do it. This is what family is for, caring, nurturing & loving. I hope & pray for your eye site. Your plans sound like a great one! You should know that your followers will be here as always. And taking time for your life is important. Take care! Give Sammy a scratch under the chin 🙂
Your changes make a lot of sense for you but I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with so much right now!