BBAW Day 3: Community Part 2

Today's topic is a continuation on Monday's theme of community.  This time, the focus is on tips for finding community, as well as questions if you haven't found your niche as of yet. 

The world of book blogging has grown enormously and sometimes it can be hard to find a place. Share your tips for finding and keeping community in book blogging despite the hectic demands made on your time and the overwhelming number of blogs out there. If you’re struggling with finding a community, share your concerns and explain what you’re looking for–this is the week to connect!

I've only been in the book blogging game for 7 months now, but it has been enough time to notice some things.  First off, don't let the pressure to increase your follower number get the best of you.  I've learned that it's not about the number, it's about the quality.  You can have a really high number, but it doesn't mean much if you don't have a connection with your readers.  Take the time to cultivate those relationships, be they casual blog readers or other bloggers.  It will make the experience more fun and fulfilling.  If you put too much pressure on yourself, you will eventually become overwhelmed, as I have learned the hard way.  Take it easy, have fun, and learn about who you are as a reader and blogger.

Second, don't bite off more than you can chew.  If you overload yourself with review requests, you'll stress yourself out and it will take all of the fun out of blogging.  Believe me, I'm still dealing with the fall-out of that particular situation and am now in the process of bouncing back.

My third piece of advice is this: network, network, network!  Don't be shy.  If you like something a blogger has to say, tell them so.  Get into discussions about the books you read; chat on Twitter with your favorite bloggers and authors; invite others to guest post on your blog.  The sky is the limit.  There are all kinds of fun things out there that you can do. 



In short, the main thing is to have fun.  There are a lot of great people to connect with in the book blogging community.  You'll be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming group of people.  Book blogging is what you make of it.  Why not make it a blast?