Things are getting personal again today. I keep this blog not only as a memoir of our travels, but also as a place for personal reflection and an outlet for the jumbled thoughts in my brain. I feel like I used to write a lot of deeply personal posts back when nobody read, and I see no reason to stop now. :)
A while back, a certain someone close to me* told me that I’m not a good writer and that no one will care about what I have to say.
I started this blog anyway, thinking that at the very least, I’d have a digital scrapbook of my and D’s travels. I was prepared for it being a lot of work, but I never imagined how emotionally draining it could be.
As much as I tried to wash them away, those words stuck with me. Even as I built a small readership over the past year (and I cannot express how grateful I am for everyone who comes here to read and comment), I never could dare to believe that I could be a real blogger/writer. There was so much that I was simply just not good at. And each of my own perceived failures planted a horrible seed of self doubt that continues to flourish, despite my best efforts to bury them deep within the muddy recesses of my mind.
… Others are making money from their blogs and I haven’t made one cent, because I’m not smart.
… Others have had their blogs for shorter but have more page views, followers, likes, etc., because I’m not as likeable of a blogger.
… I can’t think of interesting post ideas, because I’m not creative.
… My stats have dropped for the past couple of months, because no one cares anymore about what I have to say.
… I’ve been staring at a blank screen for hours and I can’t think of one single word to write, because it’s true – I’m a horrible writer.
As you would have it, over time, these little tiny seeds of doubt have matured into fully grown trees. And lately, writing has become more heartache than fun. There are days I just want to bury my head under the covers all day, afraid to face the inevitable frustration when I turn on the laptop. And when I eventually force myself to do so, that blank screen just sits there, mocking me. My head is cloudy and I struggle to form coherent sentences. I type and delete and type and delete and an hour later, still have nothing to show for the time.
When D asks me what’s wrong, I’d tearfully cry into his chest, “I can’t write. The words aren’t coming anymore. I don’t think I want to blog anymore.”
He doesn’t exactly understand why this makes me so sad, but he tells me not to give up.
I started this blog in hopes of making some loose change to help out on our travels. But more than that, I wanted to entertain and transport people to different worlds. I wanted to be relatable, be personable, and be honest. I wanted to become a good writer.
And I wanted to find a new purpose through writing.
When I was getting ready to go from a full-time engineer to full-time traveler, I was actually afraid that my life would lose purpose. I’ve never not had a job before and I was worried that I’d be bored and/or feel useless without doing something. So when I did quit my job, I channeled all my energy into writing for this blog. I thought “Yes! Writing/blogging is now my new purpose!” But as the months passed, with so many (perceived) failures, the bright light that harbored this new dream grew dimmer and dimmer.
Over the months, D’s encouraged me to submit my writing, to sign up for classes, to share my blog. I’ve always conveniently happened to be too busy to do so. But if I’m being honest, it all goes back to one thing: that voice in my head telling me that I’m not good enough. That I can’t produce anything that’s worthy enough to be published on someone else’s site.
Then I realized: I’ve been self sabotaging myself all along. I had listened to those hateful words on repeat and allowed them to become my truth.
So this year, I have only two resolutions:
- The first is that I need to be kinder to myself. Stop comparing. Listen to the positive voices around me and start to cut down that horrible tree of negativity.
- The second is that I’m not going to give up. Not only that, but I want to really work on my writing. That said, I am thinking about taking an online writing course (I’m looking at MatadorU’s, even though I don’t particularly like their articles….you know how I feel about lists… so I dunno), so let me know if you have any recommendations for courses or books.
I didn’t write this to garner sympathy or compliments. I simply want to keep an honest reflection of my journey, including my struggles. But here’s what I’d love from you: let me know how you get through writing struggles or moments of doubt. How do you find motivation when it’s low?
And please, stick around. Once I clear up a bit of the fog up in here, it’ll be back to regularly scheduled travel reporting :).
* D would like to clarify that that certain someone is NOT him.
So refreshing to read such an honest and open post. And such a comfort to know others out there feel the same despondency at times. I have trouble with the techy side of blogging – so far I’m ok writing but it feels like it’s dissapearing into the ether because I’m not sure how to publicise it. It can make you feel like giving up, but I try to just remember why I started, focus on any positive feedback and remind myself that as long as I try, I will have nothing to reproach myself for. That and take a break – sometimes when it’s not coming to you it’s just not going to happen so I find its better to step away and come back later when the pressure is off! Thanks for sharing this post – it is inspiring to see your determination and truthfulness!
Thanks so much for reading, Bonnie! I was sure that I can’t be the only one feeling this way sometimes. You have really great writing on your blog, and it really makes me sad to see that really quality blogs with quality writing don’t get a lot of love simply because we’re not good as marketing ourselves! :/.
I’m glad I “met” you recently. Honestly if it weren’t for all the people I meet blogging, it’ll be a lot less motivation for me to keep on doing it. So feel free to message me anytime you need to talk about something! xx
This is so surprising to me because I think you’re a great writer! I think you are really great at expressing your point of view and I can’t believe someone said you weren’t a good writer. As you know from all of us who follow your blog, there are much more people who think the opposite of whoever said that!
As for the doubt, I used to feel the same way. I was so scared to say I wanted to write or to share with other people. I would make my blog public and private again and again. I’m not sure what built my confidence exactly but I think just keeping with it and just connecting to the community on the blog really helped! And just embracing that it’s what I wanted — to be a writer/blogger. But it took time and honestly I still struggle with it (especially with this new blog project I have started… I feel so vulnerable again).
Your post, though, touches on something that really interests me and that’s the notion that our generation in general believes that we need to be GOOD at something to enjoy it. This is not to take away from your skills because you are good, but all those worries? They don’t matter if it’s something you enjoy. And I need to tell myself that because I get caught up in that too in a lot of other areas when maybe it’s not about that.
And also, this speaks to the “growth” mindset vs. the “fixed” mindset. People with the fixed mindset think we are either born with a certain talent level or not but the growth mindset is about how we can learn to be better and master things over time. And it sounds like you are getting ready to embrace that by delving in and learning more. And I think that should be applauded and celebrated because you know what? That’s how we learn, grow, and get even more awesome! :)
I hope you continue and I hope that this becomes more fun for you. Write for you, don’t worry so much about numbers or how we will perceive it — we just want you to be you! :)
Thank you SO much for all the support, Erika! I find it hard to believe that YOU ever had any doubt. Your blog is honestly one of my writing inspirations. But I agree with you, being part of the blog community definitely helps. Everyone is so supportive. And I would have lost the motivation a long time ago if I wasn’t part of it.
I also like what you said about realizing that we don’t need to be good to enjoy something. The main problem I have is that I’m just not good at all with social media, and I don’t really have the motivation to learn either :/. I definitely don’t enjoy that! And it makes me mad that SM is just as important (if not more so) than writing for a blogging career. Honestly, I do enjoy writing when I’m inspired, but it frustrates me so much when I can’t find the words to say about something!
And OMG! HOW in the hell did I miss the announcement of your new project/blog?!?! I did step back from blogland for a while when this fog was particularly bad. But I just checked it out, and I’m loving it! (And did you get rid of your Erika from America blog? I can’t find it. :( ) Best of luck on your new project!
Wow, thank you Anna! :)))
Yeah, the social media aspect of blogging can be daunting but maybe it’s something to worry about later? Like I guess what I think important for each individual blogger to determine are their own metrics for success. And maybe your metrics don’t include social media. Maybe instead you measure your blog’s success on how engaged people are in the comments or how good you feel while writing a post. You don’t have to be into social media or do blogging in a certain way just because everyone else is or all the blogging advice says so. But I totally understand the pressure because I put it on myself too. But all blogging rules are meant to be broken if they speak to authenticity of who we are. :)
And as for my blog — yeah, I was having some technical difficulties with it! I ended up not being able to transfer anything from it but it do have that new project! I haven’t launched it all LOUD or anything because I am still trying to find my groove with it! :)
Oh no! Sorry about the technical difficulties with the blog. I hope you fix it because I can only imagine how heartbreaking it is to loose so much hard work. (I admit I am quite scared of that possibility sometimes.)
I was actually just telling D the other day “you know, even though my stats have gone down and are not impressive at all, my readership is very engaged.” And I realized that fulfills me more than just having high stats! So I am so grateful to you and everyone who have been so supportive! You guys really are the ones who keep me going!
I think you’ve hit your first blogging wall!! Congratulations! It’s actually a milestone, and one we all go through. You are a fabulous writer, because you write from the heart. And your joy at these fabulous new experiences you are having are evident on the page, or screen. We all have our doubts, and self-demolish our own sense of skill.
I’m in the middle of dealing with a writer’s identity crisis of my own at the moment!! Same doubts and fears as yours, and a nagging stress over whether or not I can actually be a writer for a living… but I’ll never get better if I give up. Usually when I have these spells I take a break, do some motivational/inspirational reading, and maybe change my direction until it feels right again. I think it’s about making the small adjustments to stay on the right path, and it’s never a straight and narrow one.
Numbers are an easy game to get caught up in. I don’t have the biggest numbers, or the greatest following, and it tends to dip when I take a blogging break, but my personal progress over the time since I’ve started is a steady climb. It’s slow, but that’s okay. I just have to keep reminding myself to focus on the joy of the process and not put so much pressure on myself to be a “successful” blogger.
Keep at it – you’re doing great!!! :)
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through the same crisis! But you’re right – we can’t give up if we want to get better. I think I’m feeling so depressed is because I don’t feel any personal progress lately (or even going backwards, maybe). I’ve been struggling for a few months now to get words out, and while I have had writers block before, it’s never happened for this long before. I’ve been doing a lot of inspiration reading too lately. And I hope inspiration will kick in soon. :)
I still plan on emailing you about how exactly to start freelancing! I just figured I’d wait til this new year and for both us to get back into the swing of things first. :)
No worries!! Somehow it’s been a lot more difficult to get back into the swing of things this new year… can hardly believe next week brings us half way through January! Where does the time go… lol :)
I like your blog because its your story. I prefer following people’s journeys then reading someones tips and a million guests posts and what-not. I think you’re a fine writer. I do sometimes compare myself to other people’s blogs and think if I was smart I’d be making money… but oh well. I think there is something of value to creating your own travel legends. Good luck and keep writing
Exactly! I think if I were smarter, I could make this a career. But no matter if I make money or not, I like having an account of our journeys. I just wish I could document it better and it’s a little depressing when my writing skills can’t capture everything I want to, heh. But I will definitely keep on trying. And we both need to not compare ourselves to other anymore. :)
Thanks so much for all your support, Rebekah! I really appreciate it!
You? Not a good writer? How can anyone even come to that conclusion??
But I guess you are right when you said you are self sabotaging. If you are talking about those blogs with, say, 200k or 500k page views per month and consistently ranked in the top 50 or something, then you have no choice but to put yourself out there. I have a feeling most of those successful blogs spend more time promoting their blogs than actually writing.
I’m not telling you to go that path, in fact I love your blog as it is now. But if page views and Likes are what you seek, then I think you need to take a course on social media marketing. I think you write well enough.
No no, more likes is definitely not what I’m after (though I wouldn’t complain either, ;) ), and you already know I wouldn’t sacrifice content for more page views. It just frustrates me when I want to write about all the cool stuff I see/do, but no words are coming out. I do want to put myself out there a bit more this year though and try to see if I can make a writing career (ugh, that was so scary to say, or type). But don’t worry, content & writing style will absolutely stay the same!
And as always, thanks so much for all the support! :)
First of all – you ARE a talented writer, Anna! You have a very genuine voice, and you communicate your thoughts and experiences extremely well. I love having you in my blogging landscape and I shudder at the thought of you ever stopping!
As someone who studied writing at university, I’m just going to give my two cents’ worth and say that I think that most writing courses are overrated. In fact, studying writing totally killed my passion and I barely wrote anything for years after.
Honestly? I believe that the best way to get better at writing is to just write. No holds back, just write. Writing as a blogger is difficult, because our work is personal and public and the internet can be a very cruel and intimidating place. So I do get it that ‘just writing’ is very much easier said than done. I have a lot of trouble with it myself! But I think practice is truly the most important thing in honing a craft. Perhaps it’s more about having the bravery to put ourselves out there – acknowledging the fact that our work could always be better, but damn it we’re trying! And that is something very admirable indeed.
So yes. Write, write, write. And when you’re tired of writing, read. Read a lot. Find travel writers that you connect with and read the heck out of them. I find that travel writing is so incredibly broad – I actually can’t stand a lot of it, but when I find a piece of work from a writer that really clicks with me it’s kinda magical. If reading fiction is more your thing, that will still help you in extraordinary ways too!
I had a similar blogging identity crisis last year. I think the moment clicked for me when I actually stopped and just decided to take myself seriously as a writer. I stopped calling myself a ‘blogger’ and starting calling myself a ‘writer’. I literally went into all of my social media profiles and changed that! And for some reason that provided a real mindset shift for me. Heck, my numbers are still woefully abysmal and I need to do some SERIOUS work on my writing discipline. But I’ll keep writing and I have faith that in a year’s time, two years’ time, five years’ time… I’ll be a better writer for it.
Yikes. That was long and ranty! ^_^;
Thanks so much for such a supportive comment!! I really appreciate it! I like the idea of relabeling yourself as a “writer”. Putting myself out there as a writer instead of as a “hobby blogger” sounds soooo scary, because then my writing could be subjected to a lot more scrutiny! The blogging community has been very kind to me so far, and I am so grateful for that. I’m not afraid to put my heart out to the public, but it feels scarier to say “I’m a writer”! But I guess to first step is to believe in ourselves. :)
I feel the same way as you. I actually don’t like a lot of what is considered as travel writing. I don’t particularly want to be a travel writer (I’ve actually dreamed of being a novelist!, though I really wish I had the skills to adequately write about the beautiful, heartbreaking, or uninspiring places I visit. That’s why I’m thinking about a travel writing class. But I’m so glad you told me your opinion on writing courses. I think I’ll put it off for now and just keep on practicing on my own. If in a few months, I still don’t feel improved, then I’ll think about a course again.
If I may speak frankly, your ‘friend’ sounds like a royal dick. Haha.
I had the same sort of feeling a while ago re: blogging, but then I realized it was only blogging. Sure I make some money off it and use it as a portfolio for my freelance work, but nobody’s going to riot if it doesn’t get updated. As long as I keep that mindset – coupled with the fact that a blog, at its base, is a record for MYSELF and no one else – I usually feel pretty OK.
Good luck keeping positive!
Thanks Polly! :) The reason the words hit me hard is because they’re not from just a random troll on the internet, but rather from someone who should support me. Sigh. I always tell myself that this blog is for myself, but I also know that’s only half of it. Because I did wish (and I still do I suppose, though I’m not really sure anymore) I could start a new writing/blogging career. I think for now, I’m OK with it being just a hobby and I mainly just want to get my writing back to a level that I’m happy with. :)
Absolutely do NOT give up writing your blog!
Don’t worry, I won’t! I’ll keep going even if it’s never more than just a hobby. :)
I love your blog. Your writing is great, and I’d much rather read stories of your travels and actual experiences than how to’s, lists, or tips (I know I’ve already commented to this effect here before, but seriously). I prefer the STORIES! I want to know what actual life on the road is like after quitting your [good] job.
You are so relatable to me because I want to do the same thing. I too feel like I might lose purpose without a job (not using those advanced degrees and all) and just slowly traveling from day to day, so I blog for that reason too. I love knowing what your day to day is like and how you cope with the ups and downs (which you do gracefully by the way, at least from this side of the computer). I’ve already gone through so many of your archived posts because I enjoy it so much. Please keep it up.
I also find that the more a travel blog tries to earn money, the less readable it often becomes, with all the reviews and sponsored posts and giveaways. I think traveling full time (which you may only do once in your life for this long) and blogging too is hard enough without hustling to earn cash. Obviously, it would be a plus, but you’ve got a good thing going. My advice is to keep writing as long as you enjoy it and just hit publish. If it gets to be a burden (which is my future worry as well) just enjoy yourself, your travels, and all the new countries and food! Tell the internet about it when you feel like it.
Thank you so much Rachel! I’m so glad to have “met” you too! I’m glad you understand the part about being afraid to lose purpose. Sometimes, I really do feel like that I just drift through the days, losing track of what day it is, and getting dumber and dumber because I no longer have to do all that technical critical thinking. But I need to remember that even if I haven’t managed to turn this blog into a business, I’m still exercising my brain by writing. I guess if anything, I need to keep on writing for that reason alone. So I never become idle. :)
One thing I know though is that no matter what, I am not going to sacrifice my content or change my writing in any way, even if money making opportunities come in the future. I agree with you that the blogs that make money or get free stuff tend to get SO boring with a bunch of hotel reviews and stuff. Your blog is personal and fun to read and I hope it never becomes a burden to you too!
Don’t stop writing :-) You are a blogger of conscience and I always enjoy reading your posts, whether they are once a day, week, month…. after all, it is YOUR blog. I don’t give a monkey’s about the 10 best things to see in Istanbul, or why I should red 20 reasons to travel before I’m 20, but I DO give a monkey’s about your monkey post – that was an amusing (although painful for you, I understand ;-) ) and insightful post, and a warning to other travellers! Plus more than anything, your blog is a memory of your travels. Anyone else tells you that you can’t write? They are probably jealous because they wish they had your creativity. x
Haha! As always, thanks so much for all the support Rachel! I do have to always tell myself that first and foremost, this is a memoir of our travels, and all the other stuff shouldn’t matter when I’m writing for myself. I admit I do forget that sometimes when I get to comparing too much or looking at stats/numbers. And then I have to remind myself that those things aren’t what I’m here for!
I’m not sure if it happens to every blogger, but surely having a writing block and lack of motivation happened to me too. It’s not easy to get back on track, because no matter what the reason behind is, the important thing is to believe in yourself, don’t be too hard on yourself and find the right inspiration. Be confident Anna and don’t stop writing! ;)
It’s sounding like that almost everyone goes through a “crises” or lack of motivation period, so I’m taking it to mean that it’s completely normal. :) I feel like I had to really force myself to put out new posts during the past few months, but hopefully now I can get back on track. I hope you have gotten back on track as well! I agree that the key is to not be so hard on ourselves, and then everything should become more fun again.
Everyone hits a wall, so don’t give up. Take a break if you need to and recharge. Focus on photos for a bit instead of writing. Or put it all aside for a little bit. It will work out <3
And that person who you are close to that said that, well he or she sucks- because I love your writing & absolutely care what you have to say, and the last time I checked, I counted as somebody ;)
xo
Oh god. I don’t know why, but uploading and sorting and editing photos is actually my MOST dreaded blog-related task. I love *taking* photos, but then I don’t want to sort through them when I’m done, lol.
And yes, you are most certainly a somebody – a somebody with an awesome blog and who’s been amazingly supportive. :)
LOL ok skip the photos. Maybe just take a break and focus on…delicious food! ;)
What a mean and un-constructive thing to say, and worst of all – it isn’t true. Anna, you are a fantastic writer because you have a voice. What you write comes from your soul and you can tell. I love reading your blog, especially the personal posts. Please keep it up, I know it can get depressing when you are getting lower numbers than other blogs/your numbers drop off etc (I also get upset about that with my own blog and have a lot of self doubt moments) but honestly you are great and believe me, I don’t give praise when it isn’t due and as my fiancé says, I am too honest :)
Thank you so much Katie! You are so sweet! Isn’t it so sad how in this blogging industry, we get so caught up in status and numbers? I wish our own confidence didn’t have to depend on that. I wish you never had any self-doubt too because I know you focus on high-quality writing on your blog. We’ve both just got to keep it up! :)
I think the quantity and quality of the comments on this post says it all. Sure there are blogs out there that have super high numbers but many of them don’t have the interaction because the numbers don’t represent real people that are actually reading what they write. You obviously have some loyal followers that love what you have to say and that is far more valuable than stats. Having said that I do go through the same doubts and anxiety that you’ve mentioned but I keep at it because most of the time I love what I do and I am in it for the long term and know that building any business takes time. Of course there will be ups and downs but as long as the ups outweigh the downs you’re winning!
I admit I do get depressed over numbers and comparison, but one thing I know: my readers are the most important to me and I would MUCH rather make real connections than have a more “popular” blog with no interaction! :) I feel SO grateful that my readers are so supportive, and without them, I probably wouldn’t be half as motivated! You’re right that building a business takes time. I guess I”m just too impatient, hehe, even though I know I can’t even dream of succeeding with that attitude. Thanks so much for stopping by, Sarah and taking the time to comment!
Anna, I could empathise with so much of this – I feel like the words come but it’s as if I struggle with everything else. I’m always in the terrible habit of comparing myself to every other blogger and feeling like mine will never match up and I too have to remind myself that my motivation to start writing and start the blog was never about stats, followers etc! It was purely for the love of writing, the digital journal as you say etc and I just remind myself of that when I get preoccupied over elements that aren’t truly important to me at heart. It’s so strange though to hear you say this because yours is one of the ones I always aspire to be like!! You write beautifully, have a really engaged following and no matter how many times you’ll feel the words missing, I know they’ll always come back to you Anna and that’s why you always see me back here :)
Well, I guess this means that we are inspired by each others’ blogs. :) Because I really do love your style and your writing, and I find myself wishing that I can write about my travels as beautifully as you. You make even the smallest activities seem like fun, whereas I just don’t write about them at all because I can’t find anything interesting to say. I’m so surprised that you struggle with the words too. But then I guess you don’t see my struggles either from your side of the screen. We both just need to keep on writing because we love it, and not get so caught up in comparisons! xx
it doesn’t matter how good you are, someone will always think you are bad. Its just the way life works, but so mean that they felt the need to tell you in suck an unconstructive way! Sometimes its so hard to write but don’t give up, as so many people have told you in the comments your writing is fab!
Thank you Laura! The person wanted me to be realistic about a writing/blogging career and said that I’m not a good writer to make people care to read if I had one. I know that there are way too many blogs out there and obviously it will be hard to actually make it, but it still doesn’t mean that we can’t blog and write! I know that I don’t want to give up now. :)
Anna, hopefully the positive feedback here will fuel you for a while. I just started following your blog but I would say that from what I have seen so far, you don’t have anything to worry about! Another writing course that I was considering was on Writers.com from Amanda Castleman. I’ve heard it is very good.
Thanks Tamara! I will look into Writers.com. I’m not particularly sold on MatadorU’s because I’m not sure if I really want to be a travel writer. Right now, I just want to improve my writing in general. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
I can absolutely relate. Thank you for being honest and sharing, because I’m often plagued by the same doubts. It can be a hard world out there in the blogosphere! Whenever I’m feeling like an underachieving writer/photographer/blogger/overall creative individual, I try and remember the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. So simple, but so significant.
And for what it’s worth, I think you’re an awesome writer :)
That quote is SO true. Even something that used to be fun becomes un-fun if we compare too much to the others who are also doing it. That’s one of the things I think I really have to work on if want to continue doing this happily.
And thank you so much, Courtney! :)
I’ve said it before, but I love the way you write. I wish I could write like you. You have such a great way with words and storytelling that I wish I had. Definitely keep going. I really enjoy reading what you’re up to from my very boring 9-5. I’m with you on your #1 resolution. I’m always doubting myself and comparing myself to others and I’m trying really really hard not to anymore. I haven’t heard that great feedback about the MatadorU class. Perhaps look into writing classes that aren’t specific to travel writing?
Thank you so much for your kind words, Adelina! It means a lot to me. Comparison is really such a ugly beast and will turn even something enjoyable into something dreaded. :( I’m trying hard not to compare and just go at my own pace too, but it still happens. I think you’re doing GREAT though and you have built up a good reputation as a valuable travel blogger!! Keep it up!
Thanks for the feedback on the MatardorU class! I’m not too terribly sold on it either. I’m not sure if I want to be a travel writer, so I probably will look for just a general writing class if I feel like I still have trouble after a couple of months!
Anna, who told you you were a bad writer??? I’ll refrain from being too harsh on them but seriously…they’re wrong! You’re a great writer and plenty of people want to see what you’ve got to say!
Every blogger worth their salt goes through this, so this means you’re truly a good blogger! Don’t worry, I have only made literally a couple of dollars with mine. It can really take ages to learn all the ins and outs of blogging and there are some bloggers who really aren’t very good writers but who are still making a living because they mastered the promotional side. It’s ok – this is a marathon, not a sprint. Which is kind of good because it basically ensures you’re doing this for the right reasons, not for the money.
Remember, comparison is the thief of joy. Also, I’d definitely encourage doing any kind of writing course, not because you need it but because you’ll learn something even if the course sucks and you’ll have the high of accomplishing something.
Thanks so much for your support, Karyn! Blogging is a really complicated beast and most of the time, I think I’ll never “get it”. But I do just need to go at my own speed and not compare so much to how quickly others are growing. I know I’m mostly blogging for our own memories, but it still gets so frustrating when I can’t come up with the words to describe our experience. I wish I could be the kind of blogger who puts out good posts almost daily. I am definitely considering a writing course because I want to learn how to write more efficiently and faster.
And congrats on making the couple of dollars, hehe. We need to celebrate all the little victories! :DDD
I think most, if not all of us have those voices in our head that undermine our confidence. I hate to think of anyone though having people around them that reinforce that negative voice. Keep your spirits up, you are a good writer and practice will make you even better so keep going. Look how many people came here to read this article and left comments and we all know that commenters are the minority now.
Thank you so much for visiting Toni and taking the time to leave a comment! I really appreciate it! You’re right, most people don’t bother these days, but building real connections with like-minded people from around the world is the best part about blogging! I feel so grateful that I’ve found such a supportive community. :)
I think you’re a beautiful writer, and haters are going to hate because they are jealous that you are strong enough to live a dream and they aren’t. Simples.
Thank you so much for reading, Emma! You’re right, most of the people offering criticism just can’t imagine ever doing it themselves and would rather play it safe. :) It’s easier to not care now that I’m on the road, but I’m still slowly trying to erase the negative thoughts in my head!