I’ve read some comments on WordPress, and heard from a few blogger friends that things in the Blog World tend to slow down for the Summer.
My question to you, Modern Philosophers is: “Why?”
Who needs a Summer Blog-cation? This is a great time to get some serious (or seriously hilarious) writing done.
I had “one of those days” at work, and if I weren’t on a health kick, I would’ve driven straight to the grocery store on the way home for some comfort food. This would’ve been a chicken wings and Snapple, or a giant ice cream sundae kind of night.
However, as part of my Positivity Plus Plan (which came under some extreme duress today!), I calmed myself by thinking of a much healthier and relaxing way to spend my night. I couldn’t wait to get back to The House on the Hill to write out on the porch and then watch the Yankees game.
This is my view at the moment. Legs up on the porch rail, checking out the overcast sky, and letting the Deep Thoughts flow through my fingers and onto the page.
I have no desire to take a vacation from blogging. Writing is my escape. When the laptop is open and the words are dancing across the screen, I am totally in my element.
Whatever happened today to increase my stress levels has to take a backseat now to clear space for the stories I need to tell.
Writing is the ultimate form of therapy. I can vent, run away, stay and fight, visit exciting new lands, go on amazing adventures, or just rock lazily in a hammock by the ocean.
That’s why is just keep writing and scoff at the idea of a Summer Blog-cation.
If we all stop blogging, who is going to spread the Blog Love?
I’m happy to do it on my own, but it’s a lot more fun when others join in the fun.
Whenever today bordered on becoming a little too stressful, I’d get up from my desk, refill my water bottle, and let a few story ideas dance around in my head.
When you’re a writer, you’re never truly alone. There’s always a motley collection of characters hanging out in your head, fighting to get your attention, and trying to convince you to include them in your next tale.
It’s decidedly simpler to stay positive when my ultimate goal for the day is to get home to write. When I’m in writer mode, I can ensure that my story has a happy ending.
So what are your Deep Thoughts on this, Modern Philosophers? Are you going to take a Blog-cation and cut back on your posts for the Summer? Or do you intend to slap on some sunscreen, find a peaceful place, and help me spread the Blog Love?
A wise man once said “There ain’t no cure for the Summertime blues.”
I’d like to correct that (and his grammar). Writing is the cure. Keep writing!
The Return of the Modern Philosopher 
I intended to write more this summer but ended up writing less than usual. Between the day job sucking the life out of me and the second job being super overwhelming (thanks to a crazy pants student) I’m just spent at the end of the day. On the bright side, I have a job interview tomorrow…:)
Good luck on the interview! 🙂
Thank you!
That’s been my philosophy for the whole month of July. Keep on keeping on, I say. Now how do we get others to follow our lead? Hmmm?
I hope they read my post, share it, and spread the word. 🙂
And, of course, follow my blog, too. Between the two of us, we can change the blogosphere! 😉
Amen.
I’m writing more than ever, Austin. No blog-cation for me, dude.
Yes, I have noticed this from my reader. So many well written posts and lots of photos! 🙂
Thank you, sir. Not too bad for a Mets fan, huh?
I haven’t been able to blog as much as I wanted lately. Daily grind has grinded me a little more than usual but I agree with you that writing, escaping is a wonderful cure. Keep writing Austin and we’ll keep reading.
You’re also working on your books, which I’m sure keeps you busy…
It does but it’s a good busy.
Summer unfortunately has nothing to do with the reason I haven’t been blogging lately. In fact, I likely would have increased were it not for other events.
That makes sense…
If anything, I post more. I don’t have a choice, really – bloody Edinburgh Fringe, its shows, and the crux of my blog involving seeing shows and talking about them. It’s like fate or something (it’s nothing like fate). I’ve only taken a break because I was smart and left what I needed for second day posts back home, which is great given I’m on holiday. Siiigh 🙂
Enjoy your holiday! And keep writing. 🙂
Yeah, I’ve definitely noticed a downturn on the amount of my regular people’s blogging and reading of blogs. There’s nothing much you can do for some. It’s just reality that they will stop for vacations or go outside and do stuff and not have time for it. But not me. I’m going on my regular 3-4 posts a week whether people like it or not!
Good work, Ben. As long as some of us are out there, Blog World will survive. 🙂
Thank goodness for us.
Amen, brother!
I absolutely intend to write more! First I need to manage my time a little better, so I am able to write more. Yes, that is the first step indeed. Seems time has just been slipping by me lately, I need to focus!
Be the ball, Danny…
Not writing but despite my busy schedule trying to read my fav bloggers & share . And of course you are on that list . Keep writing Austin , you do it well .
Thanks, Pamela!
My theory is, people are just too happy because it is summer. You need to be a little to a lot miserable in order to blog. May sound pessimistic, but ultimately a lot of blogging gets done. I don’t remember there being a summer lag in reading and writing this time last year, as I was pleased as punch just to post. But, I have been noticing a decrease, both in writing and reading this time. Especially on Fridays, I don’t know why. I am writing more than ever. Not all of it makes the final cut, but like you, I am happy just to be writing. Nothing feels better.
I disagree with your comment that you need to be be miserable to blog.
I’m with you; pound those keys as a jogger pounds that pavement (sidewalk?) It’s better to let the paranoia out onto the page than keep it inside after all. Keep up the motivational blogs! We need them.
You got it. Already pounded the pavement this morning. Will pound the keyboard tonight when I return to The House on the Hill!
I don’t want to get personal but be careful not to drip onto the old keyboard!
I’m not writing more, but I am reading more! Does that count? lol
Sure. Just keep spreading the Blog Love! 🙂
Yes it counts! Stephen King as I recall in a piece I was reading on another site, “If you want to write you got to read”.
I see bloggers taking part in challenges, competitions, camps,and things of that ilk. All good things. Just wondering Mr. Yankee fan, have you noticed that Baseball has an off season?
Write when you want and you’ll stay fresher. Give yourself a break at times. Especially so if you are one that dives in to many of those challenges and competitions.
With the nature of what I do, there are times I have to wrote like it or not. Even that has an off season. I think some people call it vacation.
I just like to write every day. It keeps me grounded. 🙂
To each their own my man.
i love to write/blog in any season, and just post when i can, not worrying if i miss a day or more here or there when times are busy or i’m tired. i like to keep it as a joy in my life and not ‘something i have to do.’ it seems to work itself out quite easily.
You are awesome. 🙂
I try to keep stuff in the vault and scheduled for every other day. For me what I put up is multi genre so if I get stuck in one place I can shift to another.
That’s cool. Whatever works for you. 🙂
Sometimes the stuff happens quickly and sometimes not. Try to keep myself in a position where I don’t feel pressured. Granted it is self induced. LOL
As this is my first season and hack at blogging – I think summer is the perfect time to blog! This modern philosopher is glad THE Modern Philosopher feels the same – keep us thinking and laughing!
Thanks, Chris! Keep writing!
I’ve also heard that “blogging slows down over the holidays,” which is basically the entire fall and some of the winter. That’s six months out of the way, now, how to get out of writing posts the other half of the year…
I guess you could just stop writing at any time, but you’d miss it…