Hello friends, how are you in this lovely Wednesday? I hope you had a great time the past weeks. Obviously since I’m crazy you probably didn’t notice I was kind of gone, but I’m glad to be finally writing blog posts again, I missed it so much. Today I’m back with another blogging discussion post…
As book bloggers, and any kind of blogger, really, we are not the only one trying to find our place, to make a little corner of the internet ours, personalized, loved, and maybe, successful. But what does success really mean?
If we’re getting technical about all of this, success can be measured in a lot of ways. Note this: MEASURED. Yes, because we often mesure success with numbers, in blogging or in other businesses. You can be considered, and see yourself as a successful blogger as long as you’re actually making money by writing these blog posts, being affiliate to some websites, or providing services such as beta reading, designing or else. Making a lot of money by blogging can make you feel successful, well I certainly see the appeal, even if that’s not the case for me.
Money isn’t the main definition of a successful blogger, when we come to think about it. Whenever I get the image of a great big blogger, I don’t think about him, her or the little alien behind the computer bathing in money. I think about numbers, the ones behind the blog. Numbers such as followers (hundreds, thousands), daily views and viewers (probably thousands as well), and comments flowing everywhere. And often, I get blinded by these numbers. And I get down by my own statistics thinking about how much some “successful” bloggers might get. Note the quotation marks here. They are important.
I’m not blogging for money, though I’d love to be able to do nothing but blog all day. I don’t have the privilege to blog all day long because the real and kind of annoying life awaits. I don’t have these thousands of followers you can expect, nor the billions of comments to go with it. But, and I don’t say this often because I am not the kind of person to brag about anything in my life, but I am proud of myself for this, and I consider myself as a successful blogger. And you know what? SO SHOULD YOU.
Why, you ask, and what’s success, then, if not measured by numbers, blinded by the spotlight and talked about in magazines? Success comes from a place deep inside of yourself. Success is work. Success is coming right from your heart, where you know you’re loving what you’re doing. Success is that smile on your face whenever you’re blogging, or thinking about it, or getting a new idea. It’s whenever you’re making new friends, whenever you’re pouring your heart out on a blog post maybe one, two or hundred of people will read. What matters is that you write it, and put it out there. What matters is that you’re doing it with a smile on your face.
Oh, and I’ve learned that, what really makes me successful, is that, even if I’m not paid to do this, even if I’m freaked out because I’m way over my blogging schedule, and even if I can celebrate huge milestones of followers in the matter of months, or years… I have this. This place that I love, that I shaped in the matter of almost two years into what I am, what I love and how I have changed. I made incredible friends, I discovered myself again, I poured my heart out, and this, all of this, if you ask me…this may not be the numbered success everyone’s always expecting, but it’s better. It’s success coming from your heart.
How do you see success, in blogging? Do you immediately think about money, numbers, or something else? ?
How do you feel about your own blogging success? Do you feel like you’ve come a long way since you started blogging? What’s your best accomplishment as a blogger? ?
Be proud, you are successful (and kind of awesome, let’s admit it) ?
beckmank says
I totally agree. I started my book blog about a year and a half ago in part to help my heart heal after my dad died. I may not be “successful” in terms of numbers, but I am successful in terms of myself and healing. Great post!
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so, so much, I’m glad you liked this 🙂 I’m so sorry for your loss, and I’m happy to hear you found happiness and success in blogging <3 <3 I think what's most important, is that you love what you're doing and it makes you feel great 🙂
Donna says
I did notice you were gone and I missed you!!! <3
You are so right, you are a successful blogger my Sweechie! And by that I mean you enjoy what you do, and it shines through your posts and discussions. I can feel your passion fill the pages of your blog and that is how I measure success!
Okay, to be totally honest, I do check my stats and wonder about popular bloggers' numbers, but it comes and goes, it is not my focus. I'm just very curious, haha. Also, it's always nice to see your numbers grow little by little. I get so happy when I reach a new number of pages per day xD I never considered combining blogging with money. It would look too much like a job.
I consider myself successful because in 9 months, even though it was sometimes difficult, I never imagined abandoning my baby blog. I see it as my little bubble, where I can unwind, let my words fill up pages and just be myself. I am successful because I enjoy what I do. As simple as this 🙂
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahhh my Sweechie I missed you too, you are the sunshine of my days. I’m sooo cheesy ahah. <3 You are way too sweet, thank you for all of your lovely words and enthusiasm and love <3
I agree, I can't lie and tell you I don't watch, I watch and wonder about my own stats, followers and other bloggers' follower count and everything, but I try to forget about it. I want to feel proud of what I write and what I want to share, not proud just because of numbers 🙂 And I am SO proud of you!! Your blog is fabulous and you can really see and FEEL your passion, really, I can hear you screaming about a book you loved in your review, and I love it <3
Donna says
Cheesy is gooooooood <3 You are so adorable 😀
Stats were invented to tempt humans, it's only right to check them! But no one can accuse you of blogging for numbers! Your blog shows your love! We are gonna melt from all those compliments we send each other ? That is so sweet! I still feel like such a baby that your words go straight to my poor little heart <3
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Well…once in a while let’s say it feels good to have and give compliments ? <3 <3 <3
Reg @ She Latitude says
I love this. I struggle a lot with the word ‘success’ – more in real life than with my blog, because my blog is my “personal space” and just having it for this long, for me, is already kind of successful since I’ve never really been the type to stick with things… ANYWAY.
This is a very thoughtful post, Marie! I’d personally also consider you a successful blogger in every sense of the word – your content is always interesting to me, you’re interactive, and you’ve come up with LOTS of really creative ideas. Your blog inspires me all the time, and I’m always delighted to see you on my feed. ?
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww that’s so sweet Reg, thank you so much <3 It's because some people -me included, at times-, think of blogging as a job, that we think about success, stats, money and followers count, and everything that goes with it. I really wanted to remind everyone, including myself, that success comes from loving what you're doing, really, and sticking with blogging for a long time for instance, you're like you are doing (and you're doing it wonderfully. You lighten up my feed every single time <3) 🙂
Reg @ She Latitude says
I understand! I mean, stats are definitely important to me as well, but I’m trying to not let it get to my head so much – life’s already stressful without that. ?
And thank you, Marie! You’re super sweet.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Haha oh yes, no need to add more stress to life with blogging ? ? You’re welcome <3
Ali (@thebandarblog) says
Ugh, blogging success is certainly slowly won, isn’t it? I haven’t been doing this very long, but to me success means numbers (I guess once you have the numbers money may come next?). Who knows what those mysterious numbers are though, because I am sure we’re never happy with our numbers (: I am an almost 6-month noob, so I certainly don’t believe I’m successful at this point. If I’m still doing this in another couple of years, I’ll hope that I have a bit more success on board (:
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
I understand your feelings, and I find it so hard as well to determine what kind of numbers and stats you’re supposed to have to be defined as a famous, or very, very successful blogger. BUT, whether you have 10, 100, 1000 or whatever the number of followers, and views per day, I really think that if you’re enjoying what you are doing, sharing things with other book bloggers, and just loving it, well, you should be proud of yourself <3 And you really should be, your blog is absolutely GORGEOUS both in terms of content and design 🙂 Thank you so much for your comment <3
lindseyhabets says
Amazing post, Marie! <3
It's true, sometimes it's easy to get carried away by numbers. Some days, it can be a bit disheartening when the stats are not where I want them to be, or the number of followers is not growing as fast as I want it to. It can be a bit of a downer when I realise there are people who can do what I love to do for a living and I'm not one of them.
BUT it's not about that at all. You are completely correct! There are so many things I have gained since becoming a book blogger that I am super proud of and that make me smile and that is what matters. 🙂
After years of thinking about it, I finally started a book blog, which is an accomplishment all of itself! Despite having a full-time job, I manage to post regularly. I can talk about the things I love. I can meet and talk to so many great and super nice people that always make me feel welcome. I am learning little new things everyday (a bit of graphic design, a bit of wordpress, a bit of seo, a bit of social media,…) and I am loving it! So you're totally right, the real success comes from the heart!
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so, so much for your lovely comment, you’re so sweet! <3 I'm one of these people getting a bit overwhelmed by stats at times, but it's great to remind ourselves of what we've accomplished as bloggers, and to be proud of that: the blog post we write, the time we take doing it, the smile while we do so, it's all very very important 🙂 It's so great you manage to post regularly while having a full time job, I hope I will be able to just as well 🙂 Thank you!! <3
Mystery Date with a Book says
I love this post! I don’t make any $ out of blogging either, but I do consider myself a successful blogger just based on the fact that I love doing it and people seem to respond well to what I put out there (No trolls so far! Yay!).
I appreciate every one of my followers and cherish every comment left on my blog. When I started my blog about 4 months ago I didn’t even dream about having such a personal connection to my blogging friends (yourself included 😀 ), even though I’ve never actually met any of you in person… Haha!
So yeah, in my humble opinion, anyone who enjoys what they do is in fact successful 😀
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww, well it’s SO great, and you should be proud, it’s just SO awesome to have so much fun doing what you love. 🙂 Thank you so much, so happy you liked it 🙂
Bloggin' & Writing says
This is so true, and even if I would also love to blog full-time, and right now that is not possible, the happiness that blogging brings every day makes it worth it.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so, so much for your lovely comment, I’m glad you could relate to this. What’s most important is that it makes us happy 🙂
Bloggin' & Writing says
For sure, and since I started mine, I wanted to do this for other people. But realized early on that I love blogging, regardless of the likes.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Really, this is the best feeling to have, then. Loving it, and keep on loving it! 🙂
Kat Impossible says
CAN I JUST GIVE THIS POST A THOUSAND HEARTS? <3 <3 <3
Blogger jealousy when we see other people's number of comments, likes, followers, what have you, is not the most uncommon thing, but you are right in saying that that's not what makes us successful. It's the feeling of accomplishment, of having found a purpose and activity we enjoy doing. Making friends and getting followers is an added bonus along the line.
(Also, I don't even know how people do the money thing hahaha I don't get taxes and business behind it)
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
AWww Kat you are too sweet, thank you so much! <3 <3 I agree, we always need to think about that accomplishment we can feel while writing a blog post, talking to other book bloggers or just enjoying ourselves while doing so 🙂 (and…I don't get anything about taxes and all of the adulting money things either…)
Kat Impossible says
You’re very welcome! I loved this post, because it’s such a great reminder of what’s really important 😀
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Exactly, and well… I guess I really needed a reminder haha 🙂
mreadsbooks says
Great post! Well, I do think of follower count / stats when I think of “success” in regards to blogging. But at the same time… I only started blogging recently, so I’m still getting into this and learning a lot. I’m happy with what I’ve achieved so far even if that might be nothing for some. And what really matters most to me at this point in terms of “success” is the STICKING WITH IT. The not giving up. The managing to post regularly. Getting the work done that comes with blogging – that’s what success is for me right now.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so, so much! 🙂 I completely understand the feeling, and whenever you’re just starting or been at it for years, success really IS the amount of time you’ve stuck with it, wrote something you enjoyed, posted regularly and put some work into making your blog something you enjoy, your little happy place 🙂 As long as it makes you happy, well, you are successful, and you should be proud everyday of the work you put into it <3
daleydowning says
Success is all relative. And personally, I don’t care if I never have thousands of subscribers, if the people who do follow me get a lot out of my blog. And since I’m not the only one reading it, apparently that is true!
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
You’re SO right about this, success is relative, and as long as you’re enjoying what you’re doing, and feeling happy because of what you write, or/and the great exchanges you can have between bloggers, well, that’s definitely success! 🙂 Thank you 🙂
tanazmasaba says
My idea of a “successful” blogger is a blogger who has active discussions on his/her posts. The number of comments don’t matter and I could care less about stats unless its to request ARCs, but I call a blogger successful when he/she is having a discussion about her post with the peole who have read their posts. It’s one of the things that got me into book blogging–the way bookish people are so open to talk about anything and share each other’s opinions in a respectful and friendly manner.
As for me, well Idk about being successful but I do feel proud of my blog because it is an extension of myself and I love the way I can express myself in this tiny niche of the internet. That’s what I am proud of, that here in this blog I am being myself and sharing things that matter to me.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
I really love your definition of a successful blogger! I agree, and it’s what I love so much about being in the community: how you can have thoughtful discussions with bloggers, interact and really feel understood, fangirl and have all the emotions of a crazy bookworm together. It’s really so incredible.
I’m so happy to hear you’re proud of your blog, and you should be! It’s so great to find yourself in a little corner of the internet, being able to express your opinion and feeling happy for doing so. 🙂 Thank you so, so much for your lovely comment <3
Michelle says
Aaaw this spoke to me so much ? Everything you’ve said is so true! I’ve worked hard on my little corner of the internet and I should feel successful. Thank you for this xx
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww this makes me so happy you enjoyed it, thank you! I’m glad you feel successful, as you should, your blog’s awesome and so are you <3 <3
foxtaylor says
You had me at the Burns and Smithers money fight. I started blogging 3 years ago after moving out of the city and into my own home on a rural island, so for me the blog was a way to document successes, failures, and general progress. I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process, and blogging has definitely changed the way I do some things. For example if I’m out shopping and about to buy something I often think “would I blog this?” And if not, then “do I really need it?” This of course is different for other blogging depending on their target audience, but for me personally it’s been a neat journey and a fun way to reflect on the choices I make and what I feel is important. I’m trying to be a better “social” blogger; reading and commenting on other people’s posts etc… so thanks for this post!
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ohh this is so, so great to see how blogging affects your life! It’s crazy to think how it can do that, before I started blogging, I wouldn’t have thought that it might change anything, but it changed the way I’m reading, thinking about books, and also the way I’m planning out things in real life and everything. I think the social part of blogging is the best part. It surely takes time to comment and read other people’s posts, but it’s so great to have conversations with them, make friends, this is incredible 🙂 Thank YOU so much, I’m so glad you liked it, and thank you for sharing your experience! <3
Amanda @Cover2CoverMom says
Wonderful post! I am guilty in getting caught up in measuring success by all the numbers, however blogging truly makes me happy and has connected me to some awesome people, these reasons are enough to be considered successful ?
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you Amanda, I’m happy you liked it 🙂 YES, we all need to remember once in a while to be happy while we’re blogging, and that if we are, well…we are pretty awesome 🙂
Alex @ Young At Heart Books says
This is a great post, Marie. I recently started following your blog and I really love it! Congrats on two successful years of blogging 🙂 I also can’t wait to participate in SFATW! I saw another bloggers post about it and it looks like a great idea.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ohh thank you so so much Alex for your sweet comment! I’m really excited to read your blog post about your city / country and everything, and if you have any question about it, feel free to ask 🙂 Thanks again <3
jessicasblog45 says
Even though I’m an affiliate, I haven’t made any sales. I have gained followers, though.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
I’m far from being an expert on affiliations and stuff, since I’m not doing it myself, but I heard it’s kind of difficult to make sales, or it really depends on months or something. Wishing you the best of luck with this!! 😀
flowlessbooks says
Oh I love love love that post ! You are a successful blogger in my opinion : we can clearly see it through your writing style : it’s you ! a happy you, might I add !
I have to say I check A LOT my stats but… I am happy with how my blog is, how often I post etc !
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Awww thank you so, so much, your comment made me so happy, I’m glad you can feel my enthusiasm and craziness through my writing haha.
I’m guilty of checking my stats a bit too often as well, but even if it’s a low day, I’m always reminding myself that I am happy with what I am doing of my blog. THAT is important 😀
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
I noticed you were gone Marie and of course I missed you, it isn’t the same without seeing your posts every so often! <3
This is a great post as well, I think there are a lot of ways to measure blogging success, obviously it's not all about money and like you I can't imagine ever having thousands of followers or even making money off this blog but for me success is my stats and followers, it's talking to the people I meet on her and knowing they enjoy reading my posts. As long as I get at least one person who reads each of my posts and enjoys it I'm happy. That's pretty much the reason I started this blog so it's nice when it feels like the reason I started it is actually being fulfilled! 😀
Plus I just enjoy talking to everyone on here, I guess that could the way I measure success, how many friends I make through WordPress! <3
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
You’re always so sweet Beth, I am so grateful to have met you, and your comments always make my day a bit brighter <3
I completely understand, and even if numbers aren't everything, well it's always so great to have comments and meet people you can share your bookish feelings with, talk every day and just, people understanding us and our crazy minds, at times, haha. Thank you so, so much! <3 <3
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
I’m so glad I met you as well! Your one of the people on here who have made blogging such a wonderful experience for me! ❤️
Yeah you get bogged down with the numbers and stats at times but I always try and remember why I started my blog in the first place, to meet like minded people, and know I’ve more than achieved that! ❤️ 😀
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Awww you’re so sweet Beth, thank you <3 It's so lovely to meet people and have bookish and sometimes even non bookish conversations. I never expected to meet so many bloggers and talk to them so much! 🙂
rantandraveaboutbooks says
I always love your blog advice, Marie! You really are the Blogging Queen! I completely agree with you. To me, success isn’t about money or even numbers. I also consider my blog to be successful given what I’ve achieved in a short time, and it might not be the crazy page views and followers big bloggers get, but I get out of it what I was looking for and that’s people who like to talk to me about books. I never had as much fun reading until I became a blogger. It really is one of the best decisions I ever made. Great post, as always! I wanted to ask you when I can write a SFATW post about Philly. I’m moving to Florida in two weeks and thought I should write about Philly before I leave. 🙂
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you so, so much, this means a lot to me, especially coming from you, YOU certainly are the blogging queen! I completely agree, and I find you so successful, because I feel like you really built an incredible blog in such a short time, and managed to find friends and have thoughtful bookish conversations as well as close friends, and it’s just so, so great 🙂 Ohh, about SFATW, you can write on this month’s theme until October 9th, so you still have a bit of time to put a post together! Ohh, you’re moving to Florida definitely? Wow, that will be different… and I want pictures, make me jealous of all the palm trees and ocean 😛
rantandraveaboutbooks says
Thank you! 🙂 It still amazes me how much has happened over the last six months. And all the great people I’ve met are hands-down the best part. Oh, okay that’s great. That gives me some time. 🙂 Florida is way different. The palm trees and sun will be nice. I’ll update Instagram with all of them. 🙂 It will also give me better scenery to work with for Bookstagram pics. 🙂
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ohh well I’m really eager to see all of these gorgeous pictures 🙂
Mariana | Book Is Glee says
Awww this is such an inspirational post! I wholeheartedly love it. And you are 10000% definitely always a “successful” (& absolutely wonderful) blogger to me, Marie! ?
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you so, so much Mariana, I’m glad you liked this post. You are always so lovely, and your blog is gorgeous, and so are you, thank you! ???
cw @ readthinkponder says
I love this post, Marie. So thoughtful and wonderfully-written, as always!
I’ve never pursued blogging as a monetary pursuit, and I don’t think I will in the future. I started blogging about books because I love to books, and, later, love to make friends and interact with the blogging community, esp on Twitter.
However, I have been getting caught up in follower numbers, views, comments, etc. and it is frustrating. A part of me knows I shouldn’t let it affect my happiness with blogging, but those numbers ARE a measure of success. So it is very frustrating – and upsetting sometimes.
To answer your questions though: I don’t really consider myself successful as a book blogger. I have a lot of support and love, but I don’t feel *there* yet, you know? I hope to, one day, and am telling myself that I just have to be patient.
BUT, I just want to say that I consider you to be a successful blogger, Marie! You have such a positive ball of energy in the community, and you have so many wonderful ideas and reviews. Well done, you! <3
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh thank you so much, you’re so sweet, as always, I don’t know if I deserve all of your lovely comments all the time, you’re too awesome ?
I completely understand the feeling, and really, no matter what numbers or other people might say, success and feeling successful is kind of relative. Even if I wrote blog posts I loved a year ago, I remember waiting for the followers to come and being disappointed and not feeling successful, or even content with whatever I wrote. This happens still at times, I was so unhappy with my first SFATW blog post I couldn’t feel less than successful at this feature. I guess it changes with time and everything, and I really wanted to remnd myself and everyone, that no matter where you stand at blogging, or if you feel successful or not yet, it’s important to be proud of what we are doing. Because it’s work, it’s a lot of work, and also a lot of passion, and we should remember that <3
Jamie Wu says
This is such a great post! Success does have a different meaning for different people. I would love to be able to blog for a living, but right now, I still feel satisfied whenever I get a comment or even just a like. I was really into stats during the first few weeks I was blogging in earnest, but now, I find myself just looking at it and not really worrying about it (which might be a bad thing because it is falling). I’ve never considered myself a success, but I think you’re right, blogging has become a way for me to talk about the things I love and I’m surprised that I’ve done it for so long. So in away, the fact that there’s still a blog and I’m still maintaining it is a success 🙂
PS: This is the second time I’m posting this comment. Sorry if there are duplicates.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you Jamie, so happy you enjoyed this 🙂 I’m so glad to hear you’re finding success as well in your blog, and you should! It feels great to know you’re able to maintain a blog that long, keep on writing and finding ideas, and passion in what you’re doing. I just love that feeling 🙂 Thank you so much, and I didn’t get your first comment, so no worries 😀
TeacherofYA says
I see success in the amount of people that say something on my blog. It makes me happy that people like my blog…because I LOVE theirs. I may get busy with school now, but I read EVERYONE’S posts…if you read mine, I’m gonna read yours, no matter how much time it takes.
I find success in the friendships I make. The people who love to talk books with me. I love blogging and I don’t think I could ever leave it behind…I don’t even care about numbers (though it’s nice)…I care about content and exchange!
Love the post! Excellent topic!
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
I just love how dedicated you are, and I can definitely feel it. It’s the best to meet people like that, and to find the ones actually interested enough to interact with something you write. That’s really the best thing about blogging, the friendships and exchanges we can have, I completely agree with you! Thank you so, so much! 🙂
Becca @ Becca and Books says
YOU GO GIRL!! You are one freakin’ successful blogger!
For me I generally do measure my blogging worth by stats. But honestly, I don’t recommend that. Because half the time, I despise my blogging worth. That 1% of time, yes, I’m ecstatic! But the other 99% leaves you completely unmotivated.
So I’m trying to get into this mindset: I’m successful when I want to blog. When I want to hear that *click clack* rumbling underneath fingers and I LOVE it, that’s when I’ve succeeded.
The rest is irrelevant.
You really inspired me with this post!! I’m more grateful than you’ll ever know ☺️
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww Becca you’re so sweet THANK YOU <3 I agree with you, and sometimes when you don't want to blog, or don't feel it, or are just in a bad day, well it's hard to think you're successful, or doing a good job at it. BUT yes, that's what you need to remind yourself, how FABULOUS you are everytime you write a blog post <3 <3 Thank you, this makes me so happy <3
theorangutanlibrarian says
Great post! Love your positivity!! Honestly I don’t think about the numbers too much- I consider it a success just to improve as a blogger! And I’m certainly not in it for the money- I find it hard to believe you could go into something like this with a view to make money- I mean, sure, you technically could, but where would be the fun if you were always worrying about “bottom lines” or some other businessy thing? (Clearly I’m showing how little knowledge I have of such things!)
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so, so much! I’m not a hugely positive person but I feel like blogging brings that part of my personality again, and I like it haha. You’re SO right, and I think the exact same way. If it would be a dream to make money out of doing something we love every single day, it’s just really complicated I guess, and right now I’m just enjoying worrying about what I WANT to write next, and not what will make people visit my blog next 🙂
theorangutanlibrarian says
You’re welcome!! Ahh that’s great!! Ahh yes exactly! It would be an absolute privilege, but just getting to write what we want is reward enough!! Haha too true!! 🙂
Simone says
This is such a sweet and encouraging post! I’m blogging for about 4 months now and it’s hard not to look at those comments and numbers but as you said, success is much more than those. I started writing my blog because I needed to improve my english as it isn’t my mother tongue and I can say that I did improve. It’s easier for me to express myself through writing and it motivated me to start writing my novel in english, so I think I can say that I’m successful blogger. 🙂 Thank you for this lovely blog post. 🙂
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you so much for your sweet words Simone, so glad you liked this post <3 I completely understand, and it's hard, but it's so great that you can write and feel more comfortable as to write a novel in English, that's incredible! That would be my goal, really. (English isn't my mother language either) You definitely are successful 😀 <3
aubreysbooknook says
This is a beautiful post and I really enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing and in my eyes you are a successful blogger. Blogging is more about quality than quantity.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you so much, so glad you liked it! Definitely, it’s all about quality, and enjoying yourself 🙂
Lauren @ Wonderless Reviews says
I absolutely love this post, Marie! Thank you for sharing it! I would have loved to have read something like this when I first started out blogging. I love how you talk about how being successful is relative and doesn’t mean you need to have insane stats or making lots of money (that’d be nice though ?). I definitely have blog envy sometimes, but overall I’m so happy and content with my blog and will keep working towards achieving my own goals. I feel like I’m definitely on the way to having a successful blog!!
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
aww thank you Lauren, and … you’re not on your way, you’re there already, with your FANTASTIC blog, you are so successful already! <3 It's really important to focus on our own goals and try and not get too much blog envy either. it's hard somedays, but it's important 🙂 Thank you SO much <3
shar says
This is so encouraging! I don’t consider myself really really successful, but I’m really glad I have the privilege to blog. Recently, I’ve been so busy with annoying real life, as you called it, that I haven’t been able to write as many or as good blog posts as I’d like. But thank you <3 this makes me worry about it less.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you, I’m so happy this could be of any help. And you’re really successful, I feel like you’re always writing your blog posts with all of your heart and I love reading them every single time <3 Don't worry about it too much, everything will fall into place, or so I want to believe and your blog will be just awesome, as always <3
Transhaan says
THIS IS SUCH A SWEETT BLOG POST 😀 AND I TOTALLY AGREE 🙂 Numbers dont mean much when you have a great community to share your love of books with hihi 🙂 – Trang
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you SO much Trang, I’m SO happy you love this <3 And yes, sharing our love with the community is the BEST thing <3
jan says
Just now came to wordpress. But I have been blogging for the past 6 months. I’m agreeing with you of course, the numbers are somewhat important. Of course, I’m not quite successful but to me, it’s how I improved my knowledge since the first post.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Welcome! 🙂 That’s exactly it, and what we should remember before anything, how we improved our blog posts, evolved and love more and more what we do 🙂
hiraethforthepages says
Aww, this is just such a great post! I love it so so much! I agree, sometimes I feel horrible because of the massive blogging slumps I have or my being behind schedule but at the end of the day, regardless of all that, I feel such a deep sense of happiness and success because I’ve created a space where I’ve been able to write to my hearts delight, talk about what I love and be with people who’re just from the most loving and best community! This post made me smile 🙂 Such a lovely post! <3
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Awww thank you! I’m so happy you feel this way about your blog, and you should, it’s fantastic and I just LOVE how I can feel your love and enthusiasm in every single one of your blog posts <3
hiraethforthepages says
Aww thank you so so much! That’s so lovely of you to say, thank you my forever crazy! <3
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
I’m only saying the truth <3 <3
Resh Susan @ The Book Satchel says
That ws a very inspirational post. I dont know if I am successful or not. But I sure enjoy what I am doing. SO I guess in a way I am. 🙂 And yes! You are a successful blogger and super friendly too
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you, so much, I’m so happy you liked it. and YES, if you’re enjoying it, then I think that you can consider yourself successful <3 Your blog looks beautiful and so professional, I love it 🙂
Elisabeth says
Success is really about helping and connecting with people. Isn’t that why we started blogging in the first place?
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
EXACTLY 😀 Glad we agree on that! 🙂
noorie1401 says
Reblogged this on noorie1401.
Candid Cover says
You make a very interesting point! I have definitely tried to make money through affiliate links, but it doesn’t really pan out to be more than a few dollars per year. I think that enjoyment of reading and interacting with others that enjoy books keeps me at it. It is really the best part anyways! 🙂
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you so, so much, I’m glad you enjoyed this post 🙂 And yes, the best part of this really is sharing our love with other bloggers 🙂
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence says
This is such a beautiful post Marie! I think you’ve nailed it in what I see as a successful blogger – building up somewhere where you are happy with and that is your home at the end of the day, no matter how busy you get! I think that in itself speaks volumes <3
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Awww thank you so, so much Jeann, I am so happy you liked this <3 Exactly, a blog is kind of like a home, and a reflection of ourselves as well, it's not all about stats <3
Rachel McKee says
I love this post. I sometimes focus too much on my stats and get discouraged, but then I remember all of the blog buddies I have made and I realize how “successful” I am as a blogger.
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you so much Rachel, I’m glad you agree! I focus on my stats a lot as well, at times, and then I get mad at myself for doing so. It’s just great to remind ourselves of all the friends we made and love we share just by blogging 🙂 Thank you!
Rachel McKee says
I agree!?
amortalreader1 says
An amazing post Marie, when I first started blogging I was so hung up about the ‘success’ of blogging, i’d compare my writing, the books I read and overall blogs with other peoples and put myself down. I have learnt along the way that success is writing something that makes me happy, sharing the love of books and the comment that comes after it that says ‘wow i’ve added this to my TBR’. Just spreading the love for reading has made me feel successful, whilst my anxiety does make me want to compare myself and my blog all the time I kick that voice down! I feel very proud of myself for having my blog for over a year and reaching 171 followers, its very surreal for me!
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you so, so much! <3 I'm a very anxious person as well and I'm definitely comparing myself too much to others, but you're right, we need to kick ourselves a little bit and not think about this, but instead focus on what's most important: writing something we love and talking with so many great people <3 And you are doing AWESOME with your blog, I love it <3 <3
amortalreader1 says
Aw you’re so kind to say so thank you! You are also doing amazing, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of fellow lovely bloggers like you! This community is definitely a success point because it has really opened its arms and been kind!
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
I agree, it’s definitely the same for me, I wouldn’t be where I am and happy with blogging if I hadn’t met all of these lovely people just like you <3 <3
Read Diverse Books says
There’s so much love going around in this post. Thanks so much for writing it and reminding me that book bloggers can be kind and positive.
I don’t think many book bloggers make money off their blogs. It’s the fashion and travel bloggers who can more easily monetize their blogs. We get perks too, though! Like free books sometimes! My blog ads aren’t making me much money, tbh, lol but it’s nice to get anything I can. I do consider myself a successful blogger in my own way. I’m still happy to be doing it every week and my stats are OK so I have nothing to complain about. 🙂
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww, thank YOU so much for such a lovely comment <3 Exactly, and well even if it doesn't happen that often since I'm in France, it's such a great and incredible perk to get free books 🙂 You're doing so, so well, and I always admire your work on your blog, and through twitter by promoting all of the diverse books. <3
Geraldine @ Corralling Books says
I cannot believe I missed out on this blog!
I have no idea how you would be sad about your stats, tbh – you seem like a big blogger to me!
But yeah, I loved this post so much! Even though I might not be successful in the sense of high stats, etc. – I am happy with where my blog is at, and my place in the community! 😀
Wonderful, wonderful, post!! 😀
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aww thank you, you are way too sweet Geraldine <3 Haha you really think so, I'm not that famous or anything haha, thank you <3 I think it's important once in a while to remind ourselves of why we love this, and for me, it's not because of the followers, but because of YOU and all the other incredible people I met <3
BooksatDawn says
This is such an important post! I totally agree with everything you’ve said. I used to think achieving numbers was the most important thing when I first started. I will say that I worked really hard to get where I am now. But I have come to realize like you’ve said that the most important thing is my happiness and what blogging does for it. I am happy with my blog and will continue to do this not for money (because I don’t make any), but for my enjoyment and the enjoyment of others! 😀
Marie @ drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so, so much, I am so happy you enjoyed this post <3 You're so right, I'm glad you are feeling this way as well. When I first started, all I could think about was numbers. And even if I'm feeling lucky in that area as well, I'm always reminding myself that, on days where my stats are at the lowest and everything, numbers isn't why I started this. I started it to meet incredible people and talk about books 😀 Thank you so much! <3
chubaoyolu says
Loved this… thanks for sharing. Are you a full time blogger now?
Marie says
Thank you 🙂 NO I’m not a full time blogger at all, doing this as a hobby 🙂
pockettreasures says
Love this post, it’s absolutely spot on! I think success is being your most aunthentic self and not being distracted by money and what everyone else is doing. Being true to your inner voice and articulating is pretty awesome and rewarding to look back on.
Marie says
oh thank you so, so much, I am so happy you enjoyed it 🙂 it is rewarding, definitely more than money can buy 🙂
hereandaware says
Great post! Reassuring for the newbies like myself. ? cheers to putting yourself out there and being happy and content with oneself.
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much! I’m glad you liked this. I really hope you’ll love blogging, and welcome!! 😀
abauer518 says
This post spoke deep to me. I just relaunched my blog for the sixth time. Each time I eventually gave up because I was so focused on numbers. I got so defeated every time. My latest focus is to highlight what I’ve learned in my day job. I am a self taught IT Engineer and I want to be able to look back at everything I’ve learned. For me success now means, “what did I learn today?”
Thanks for sharing!
Marie says
You’re welcome, thank YOU, I’m so happy this post was helpful to you 🙂
Willia Kristine says
I am extremely new to blogging. A neophyte. Obviously, I have such a vast stretch of land to cross before I can say that I’m successful (in terms of money AND numbers). But I can say that it feels good to know whenever people appreciate my writing, and that is a success in itself 🙂
Marie says
It is good and in my opinion, one of the greatest things about blogging, knowing that people appreciate your writing 🙂
effi_lind says
Too me my blogging is successful when I manage to write 3 entries every week. It teaches me a lot about consistency and the fact that you have to work regularly in order to build something.
Marie says
Yes! I love this and so agree: blogging taught me to work and work at something in order to be able to build it and see it grow 🙂
Looking Out The Window says
I so enjoyed your post. I have been a steady blogger with a growing audience and several things happened and I was lost and not blogging. I miss it and and am making my way back to it.
Marie says
Oh thank you so much! I hope that you’ll find your blogging rhythm and love for it again 🙂
Amal Suresh says
Such a great post regarding success. Loved it.
Marie says
Aww thank you so much! <3
Amal Suresh says
M kinda new to it. So if yu could help me through it ill b glad??
Marie says
Well, I wrote a blog post about growing your blog, maybe that would help you? 🙂 : https://drizzleandhurricanebooks.com/2017/06/07/how-to-grow-your-blog/
Amal Suresh says
Thank you
gabrielcollage says
Such a lovely post. I really enjoyed reading it. I like the idea that success is when you do something you love and smile.
Marie says
Oh thank you so so much! <3