15 Comments

  1. Oh girl, don’t I hear you. I’ve stepped back some from social media and platform building. Oops, Yup, I admitted that. I had a friend ask me why I hadn’t posted anything on my FB page in a while. My response…I had nothing to say.

    The publishing industry has changed dramatically in the past 2 years. Platform building is taking on a whole new meaning–whatever was read last year is irrelevant today. I decided that I didn’t want to live my life chasing that imaginary carrot of a platform that meant what? My SEO was high? My posts got views? It doesn’t translate into anything.

    You know my thing…you want to publish, do it. Just do it. Stop waiting for the Big 5 to determine if you’re marketable. Unless God has told you to wait…go for it.

    Aside from all of that, do what you love. You love to write. You’re gifted at it. Social media is a time sucker, a relationship weakener, and a provides a false sense of connection. In the time I’ve stepped back…a little…I find that I actually get work done, am nicer to my son, am nicer in general, not so stressed out, and on a whole, actually enjoying life more.

    So keep it up!

    1. It’s funny, because in 2009, one major publisher gave me a “number of subscribers” that he wanted to see prior to them publishing me. I’ve been shooting for that number ever since. Just a few months ago, I read a current platform building e-book that indicated the preferred number is now ten times the number I was given in 2009. It’s a moving target. I understand, for a publisher the number of subscribers or followers translates to book sales. I get it. But I have tried, and realize I just don’t have it in me to keep trying to build up those numbers. If I wasn’t also trying to raise kids, maybe. Besides, the industry continues to change so quickly, I’m confident if I just keep producing good content and stay focused on honoring God in my message and my purpose, God will lead me to the right opportunities at the right time.

      The irony is that 10 years ago, I never would have believed that I could reach over a million people all over the world (literally) from my computer. So, this may be exactly what God meant when He placed that desire to “publish my writing” into my heart as a small child.

      I, too, am nicer when I’m off line. Good for you for taking a step back.

  2. AWESOME blog! AWESOME message! It sounds like…wait…wait for it…BALANCE!! Yep, we gotta keep our priorities straight and perspective in check. While I’m the first to encourage “marketing” and utilizing every means available to get our message out, I appreciate that you realized that the message was being muddled and overtaken by the marketing. Love your pure heart and transparency Sandy!

    1. I think for many bloggers, the marketing part is not nearly as overwhelming and stressful as it is for me. And I also know many of them don’t do it themselves. After years of beating my head against the wall, I do feel a new sense of release from it. At least for now. Thanks for your constant encouragement.

  3. I will not even post my blog address here because it’s quite dusty. I can see myself in everything you said. I’m feeling the push to write again, and my first thought was “Would anybody even care.” Not sure yet what I’m going to do, but I know that if God is doing the pushing, at some point it will happen. Thank you for your insight and honesty. My phone has turned into a body part and I’m pretty sure adjustments need to be made.

  4. Wow, Sandy! I am dealing with some anxiety right now and about to walk away from the situation I think is creating it. At the same time, it is what I do. It is my talent, my gift and I am not at peace with leaving. I needed to read this today.
    Lori

  5. Sandy,
    It is good to hear from you and it is good to know the unhooking has been positive for you. I agree with all of your points. I think it is a good question you ask; for whom am I doing what I am doing. I think if God wants your platform to be big then He will take care of it.

    That video is scary in the sense it too real. When I run in the mornings I don’t see anyone else out and about. Maybe it is too early but even when I run later in the day I seldom see people outside doing much. For a parent I think cell phones can be a real curse. If your child is not home and does not answer their phone or reply to a text then anxiety sky rockets until the parent finally hears from their child. It can be a never ending cycle of worry.

    I’ll be here when you post.

    1. Mark,

      Thanks for sticking around through the ups and downs. I think you actually showed up the first time when I was on a LONG break.

      Funny, you said that about anxiety when a child doesn’t respond. I was thinking of that yesterday, but with adults, too. It used to be you called someone, left a message and waited for their call back. Maybe two or three days! Even with email, you would send it and wait. Now, people email and immediately follow up with a text, “I just emailed you.” And if you don’t text right back, they call every number for you they have.

      BTW, I’m in the Bulk phase of Body Beast. I love it! Thanks for the recommendation.

      1. Awesome… I am glad you liked it. I really enjoyed Body Beast. I continue to do those workouts every few days. I plan a second round sometimes this year.

  6. I’m so glad you’re back!! Of COURSE I will read in 2015. You described everything so perfectly….I am trying to cut back on computer time by giving myself specific times of the day to sit and do JUST THAT instead of checking my phone or tablet every few minutes. It’s so easy to always look at a device just because it is there.

    (BTW, I heard a text nearly 1/2/ hour ago and haven’t even been anxious about responding quickly, progress….right??)

    I can’t wait to read all the wonderful words you will write this year. Happy New Year, friend! And thanks for sharing your heart with us 🙂

    1. Happy New Year, Mindy! Thank you for being such a faithful reader and friend. I always look forward to your comments. And congrats on cutting back on phone/tablet time.

  7. I’m on a social media vacation right now… I’ve done it before and each time it’s easier to do. My daughter sarcastically described that I’m on a “Facebook Strike”. That got me to thinking… striking has to do with the economy of labor markets: people in a given labor market are willing to “work” for a certain “price”.

    Most people don’t think on what their “work” on social media (data/information/exposure) … and often don’t realize the “price” (opportunity cost of decreased relationships/work/sleep/mental effectiveness)

    1. I like that you called it a social media”vacation.” A word that connotes rest, relaxation, beauty, fun…

      Great point about the “price” of social media. I feel like we are part of an enormous social experiment, and decades from now, people will look back on this time and wonder how we were so gullible.

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