The other night I was trying to figure out a blog post for the next day. I started browsing my favorite blogs, Pinterest, and Facebook hoping for something to spark a post idea. I found this yellow office picture and I fell in love.
I quickly saved the image, copied the source, and started writing a post. Originally this post was just the photo and a small paragraph about where I found it. I published the post and moved on to the the next item on my to do list.
Later that night I read this post by Marta, Getting Personal With Blogging and Overcoming Stage Fright. It totally struck home. I think I might have some Blogger stage fright. I get a little on edge when I write posts with personal feelings and opinions [like this one]. It can be scary sharing your heart! And maybe it is because I don’t feel like I am a talented writer and I don’t always know how to type what I am thinking. Or maybe I am just unsure about which personal things to share. Either way Marta’s post motivated me to try adding more “personal” to my blog posts.
So I proceed to edit the Yellow Office Post, and add a little detail on why I like the sunny office color and design. The post may not have been perfect, but it was the same post with a little more of me.
And that is the hard part for me. Figuring out how much personal is okay and what kind of details I should share. I don’t want to expose my family or little girl to any unwanted attention, it is still our personal life. There has to be a perfect mixture right?
I am not talking about turning this blog into a travel log of everything we do and when we do it. I am talking about finding that delicate balance of adding in personal detail with the business/craft/tutorial posts. The kind of details that help you get to know a person.
And maybe you aren’t here to get to know me. Maybe you are here for the tutorials and printables. [That’s totally okay too!]
But in my head I want this blog to be a place for learning, inspiration, teaching, sharing and community. So we gotta be a little personal right?
What do you think? How much personal detail do you share on your blog/facebook/twitter? What is the right amount? How do you mix it in with you business/design/craft posts? Do you struggle with it like me?
Just discovered your blog! Love it! This is the first post of yours that I read but I wanted to say that I feel the same way. I blog about teaching elementary school art and I consider it more of a service blog; art lesson tutorials, that sort of thing.
At first, I was hesitant to share any personal stories (never about my students and absolutely never about my family) but recently I’ve been sharing my bad art days as well as the good. My readers respond most when I let reality shine!
I still don’t talk about my family except in general terms. Probably won’t ever budge there.
Now, back to reading more of your posts….
Glad you found my blog Patty! What a fun job to teach elementary art! Thanks for leaving a comment and insight about your blog and being personal! … Now I am off to check out your blog!
One of the beautiful things about blogging, in my opinion, is that I get to decide these things. I make the call on how personal I want to get and what parts I don’t want to share.
However, there is something to be said for being able to connect with the writer because she shares snippets of her real life and some insight into WHY she feels the way she does. I think as long as you are truly comfortable and happy with what you are writing about then you are sharing exactly what and how much you are supposed to! :)
Thanks Skye for sharing! That is so true. It is “my/your” blog so we should do it exactly how we want to! :)
I have a hard time with this, too. I enjoy reading about other’s lives and opinions, but I always think why would anyone want to know more about me and my life. :) I wish there was a magic formula for blogging – this much tutorials, this much personal, etc.
lol! I guess we all feel like we are un interesting when in reality people are totally interested! If there was a blogging formula I would want it! But not quiet as bad as I would want a magic formula for parenting. Those are two formulas and manuals someone needs to write! lol! I love your spring wreath by the way! I saw it a couple days ago :)
I love reading and feeling the personal touch when it comes to blogs. I do the same thing. I write my heart out on the few posts that I’ve written (I’m fairly new to all this).
Alas, I only have two followers and one is my hubby and I’m pretty sure he really doesn’t read what I write. :(.. Sometimes I feel as if I am writing to no one but I feel that SOMEDAY, that blog article may speak to someone, or offer some advice that they need perhaps at a more appropriate time in their life. So I will still write for that person.
Or maybe my content isn’t what people would be interested in…I thought someone would be interested in my point of view..I work in a pedi ER..I’ve been a nurse for 20yrs. I was in the Operating Room for 16yrs..doesn’t anybody have any questions about these topics ?? I dunno, but I still carry on because I believe in what I do and I thing your blog is fabulous and I do learn so much from your tutorials! Keep it up. Your experience is worth more than you think!
:)
Erica
I feel the same way… I am still trying to find my way with blogging and I’m terrified to get the least bit personal. It’s hard enough to figure out if your post are good enough and if your writing is up to par then throw in the personal stuff or opinions… Well, it can get overwhelming!
When I came across your blog a few months ago, I felt an immediate connection and a place for inspiration. Having you share small pieces of personal life and/or your opinions only makes your blog even better and allows your readers to enjoy who you are and share small snippets of your life. I say go-for-it! AJ@queenofmynest
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I really appreciated it! I know life can be busy so I appreciate the time you took to leave me a comment! A blog wouldn’t be a blog without readers like you! :)